#ccsemberclub

They find a troll at their hold

IN the 'Hold??

Yup. the Mirror part of the club

Stodgepole enters without delay.

And there's Clem, "Hi. Brought some dross to you folks"

"Ah! Chief Clementine.... welcome. Thank you so much! It will not go to waste, I assure you." he offers a hand.

She hands over the small basket "Ain't much mind" She says putting it in his hand "Also gave me an excuse for , welll, news you probably knew was coming"

He looks quizzical for only a moment, taking the basket and then her hand in turn, to shake.... then his eye dims slightly. "I see. Agnes?"

"If not for help from a friend, she'd have faded long before this" A somber nod , "In a bit less than a week, she shall step into the bale and give up her life. Her choice and timing rather than banality's end. She's so powerfully close to being forever undone she forgets herself whenver she's more than 30 feet or so from the flame for over ten minutes"

His eye closes for a moment, then he nods and looks back at Clem "Is there anything we can do for you and your family at this time?" gently.

"I'm afraid from here, it's tradition, and ceremony. You, CC and Caesar have a right to attend it if you wish, but it is not required. Afraid you'll be further back in the crowd, but please don't take that personally. It's not a ceremony many non DeBukes understand, so we will realize if you wish to decline."

"Thank you for the invitation. I will defer to Callidora and Caesar's desire in this. You understand....."

"I quite understand" She nods "We'll keep you posted. "

"Thank you. Now." a slight change of gears, smoothly "May I offer you refreshment? We have some river-caught trout that is just amazing, in a brown butter almond sauce en croute, with a small side of glazed carrots...."

"Just a bite, really, but I could pair that with a crisp chardonnay and we do a little roast beef au jus sandwiches with house-made chips?"

A smile "Suppose it would be rude of me to refuse, but not too heavy mmm? Trying to watch my figure" She says, though like most troll ladies such a claim is like an oak trying for willowhood

He chuckles and ushers her out to the dining area and seats her. "Back in a jiff." he promises with a wink, and bustles off.

And she plops down, looking about

It's the middle of the day, middle of the week, at a place known as a nightclub; mostly dead. Minimal staffing; a few Fae, more mortals. Soft jazz instrumental music in the background. A few diners, business-types it looks like. One of the mortal staff brings her a water and an RC cola.

"Thank you kindly" she says

And notes she has been ushered out of the hold to the mortal side

Course this IS where the food is

As good as his word, he's back quickly and with more than he promised. Small plates, that's with the Club serves; nothing to compete with the entertainment, but to accentuate it. There are takes on the classic 60's Rat Pack Vegas, but updated and miniaturized so several dishes can be enjoyed in the same sitting. Yes, there's the trout and the sandwich au jus... also a pan-seared filet mignon medallion, a caesar salad on a single sheaf of romaine, a single 'lollipop' of frenched lamb chop with a dollop of mint jelly, a small saucer of glazed carrots, another of green beans almondine, a martini glass of loaded mashed potatoes, an espresso-sized cup of French onion soup, all balanced on a tray he carries himself. A waiter follows with a flight of wines to enjoy the meal with.

Each dish no more than a bite or two but... that's a LOT of bites.

"Oh goodness, Mister Stodgepoole, I say not too heavy and you bring me a feast." Still she can't be too mad, not when it smells so good

He chuckles "Each one bite-sized, as promised, and you must only eat what appeals to you."

"Easy for you to say when so much of it is appealing, Many thanks, sir" She closes her eyes, a moment of respect for the hunt and hospitality that lead to this, then opens them and tries that troutwich

No bread or breading here; just delicately flakey, buttery-crisp white flesh of trout. On the farm, they fish; she knows fresh quality when she tastes it. The suggested carrots add sweetness and the wine adds a tartness and she can vary and change the ratios with each mouthful.

She knows carrots and has learned to appreciate it, this is quality, and in fact she wonders if the source is her own farm for they do sell here, "Are these carrots from our farm ? Either way you've worked wonders with them" a sip of wine

"Oh, thank you." he's seated himself at her table "I believe those are from Karbaurer Farm, to the north of the city."

"Darn it. Would be even better if it was some of ours and it's great now." A wink and a mental note to up their carrot game . She tries the salad

That classic Vegas salad on a single leave of lettuce, is savory and tart and crisp.

"Dare I ask if ANYTHING here is from our farm?" She simply must know

"Heavens, yes! Asparagus...." and there is some on the filet mignon plate ".... spinach, peas, ramp.... some of the lettuces."

She savors "Thank goodness, for a moment I was worried I was doing a commercial for rivals" Gentle humor

"I cannot imagine any who would rival you and yours, good Chief." he soothes.

"Darn straight , and thank you" She tries the medallion next

Solidly rare, expertly charred, well-rested, a small pap of herb butter melting over the top of it.... just a morsel, but OH so good.

"Oh dear" She says "I wish buck were here to share this. "

"Perhaps I can bring the necessaries to the Farmhold at some point in the future?"

"Maybe" She says wit ha nod and eyes the remainder of the food "I really should stop now"

"Not a morsel more than you like." he insists.

She takes the lamb lollipop, "This the last" Firm control

"You might try a bit of that mashed potato cocktail there with the lamb. Let me know what you think."

She does, "you sure you don't have a pitchfork and horns?" But yes, she says "Good suggestion though"

"I cannot say I've never been seen sporting such." he says modestly "The potatoes are prepared with vodka; just a dash, for fun."

She tries it, then nods "Okay. that dash goes a long way. I really really must stop though"

"As you like." he assures her, leaving everything where it is "Callidora is at one of her classes; she will regret missing you. Can you stay a bit?"

"Oh, I truly wish I could, but I have more people to give the bad news to. In fact, I was thinking of heading over to Caesar and April after this"

He nods. "I admit I'm not sure of Caesar's schedule but April is generally home with the children."