#debukefarmhold

"Matter of fact, Soothsay is known by more than a few of us" CLem says " Normally it give you insight into what is not so much what will be though you can learn to guide that. If you want lessons in that we can get you some, but it's a very serious art"

"I'm not always a very serious Art." He says, with a bit of a goofy grin. "But I can focus when it matters."

Gladiola says "This is most generous, Chieftain. We'll work on..." A curious look at something but she lets it slide "We'll let the baron and baroness know"

Clem actually smirks at that a bit "Cute. "

A snerk at Art's pun.

"Well, if you three are hungry, we can fix you some vittles" Clem offers "Not me mind you, I can barely boil water"

Art beams at Thistle's laughter, even begrudged, and nods. "I'd love a snack." A glance to Gwen, hopefully. "If we have time?"

"We do" Gwen nods

"Follow me then" Clem says and they are lead to the dining area of the main building. There in the eating hall is the balefire, big and bursting in a franklin stove kind of thing. It maybe the biggest fire they've seen for the fledges

And three long tables, troll sized with benches are there

"Corner spot here" She says to a smaller table "Might be more comfy for you"

"Everything is Gwen-sized..."

"Even the food, I hope! I'm starving." Art whispers over to Thistle, "Though it might have been rude to say so and then they might feel obliged to offer a meal." O, he has been listening to the etiquette lessons.

Gwen says "Seems right sized to me" A smile though

And old woman looks out the kitchen she seems frail, tall but stooped over like she is it's hard to be sure

(Perception plus kenning)

/roll 7

Art is sniffing the art, distracted by delicious scents...

Indeed, it does smell delicious

Thistle sees what looks to be an old mortal woman at first but then.. as the balefire light's glow reaches the old woman she sees that the woman is a troll, a blue now so pale as to be almost eggshell... her brow ridges seeminly sunken. It's like she could wink out if she leaves the light

"..the furk?"

"Is she broken?"

At that , the old woman straightens, seeming to have heard thistle (Nockers don't always whispers well) ands smooths her apron "I'm Hearth Agnes.. and you younguns don't worry about me. I'll be done soon enough , but you'll get your meal"

Clem turns "Great Aunt Agnes? I thought you were resting. You been cooking ? I thought others..."

"Aint no trouble, Chief" The Hearth says with a tone that once would have had more power behind it "Keeps my mind focused. These the ones from Rivervale?"

Clem moves to her "SIlverwolf, Hearth. THese are the ones from Silverwolf. That's Kennelmaster Gladiola, and fledge Thistle and Fledge Art"

A perplexed look crosses the old woman's features "Silverwolf?"

"Yes," Clem says "Remember, the dogs?"

"I remember a lot of dogs. How's sparky?" Hearth says "Haven't seen him in days"

"Sparky..." Clem's features are schooled, but she says gently "Sparkie done passed. This is about the Fae Mountain dog project"

"Oh... oh" Hearth Agnes eyes find focus "Yes, couorse. SIlverwolf. How could I forget. Well, they'll be treated right. I ain't goingg to make the same mistake twice. You three hold on" And the woman turns and goes back into the kitchen

Her plumed brows raise in concern.

"Can... can we help ?" Gwen rises from the seat

"Afraid no one can" Chieftain Clem sighs "Believe me, I wish were so. Getting close to her time. Banality's weight... she's older than she looks and she would be the first to say she don't look young. "

Art's lips press into an unhappy expression. "I'm sorry, Chieftain, though I am sure your... Hearth? Served your holding long and well."

"She has, with honorable distinction" Clem nods "Now, don't make a fuss about this too loudly. She wouldn't like that. "

He nods. And, if he at first steps towards the table, as though to sit and await being waited on, he recalls and steps back, offering, "May I help serve, or with the place settings? Or dishes afterwards? I have washed dishes." He sounds a bit proud of this fact!

Clem actually looks surprised "Well my word. You were raised right, Art. You can wash the dishes after" she assures

"And THANK you" She adds quite pleased

Gwen blinks. Did Art just score a diplomatic victory for them? ART?

Art grins, pleased that his offer was accepted!

"I'll get the plates myself" Clem says and does so. She returns promptly, lays them out with good expertise, and then behind her comes the food . Pork Tenderloin, sweet corn on the cob these are likely expected or at least not a shock, but what is this that is brownie shaped but clearly not? Obviously a dessert

"Scotcharoos" Clem says as if expecting confusion from non iowans "Enjoy your meal" She slips back to the kitchen ot help her aunt

Gwen starts to eat, then looks at Art "Art, that... your good manners impressed her. I could tell."

"Scotch...aroos?" Art is curious about these, and Gwen might need to repeat before he looks up. "Oh! Thank you. I hope I did Nadeen's training proper credit."

Another bite of the dessert - "Chocolate, to be certain, with peanut butter, and puffed rice... but there is another flavor I cannot place."

"I think" Gwen tastes "Butterscotch?"

She does not sound sure.