#debukefarmhold

After the meal, Emerson gets to talk shop with Kourtney in the kitchen. The kitchen is old school, and yet glorious. Tools of antiquity mix with more modern culinary instruments

"Tell me, if you were to consider it, what wine would you pair with the meal you made?"

Kourtney says "Oh that's more Marsellies take than mine. He's the Hearth of Darkgate, you know? And we're not wine drinkers here normally. But I believe Marcilac would do well, if one likes the fruity flavor. I tried it once. I suppose Côtes du Roussillon might offset the richness in a good way, and be easier on the pocket book if I recall right. WHat would you suggest, sir?"

"I would recommend something emphatic. Cassoulet is, really, stewed beans; those are hearty and the duck is a strong gamey flavor. It needs something with a backbone to stand up to it. A red wine, certainly. The Languedoc region is a favorite for that kind of pairing."

Kourtney ponders, takes out a small notepad and writes that down "I'll see what we can do. The steward of Fenix, they're allies too, has a fantastic wine collection. His pride and joy as a collector."

"Another time, if you honor us with a creation as you have tonight, let me know beforehand and I'll bring a bottle or two that would pair well to sample.
"

"You're very kind, Mr. Stodgepole" She says, then adds, "I can't help but notice you're not always as social as Miss CC , at least with younger folks. If you ever need a haven from them, let me know. I can have you help me in the kitchen and keep them out a bit"

"You are a charming young lady, thank you."

"No problem , sir. I enjoy talking shop. And, as Hearth I'm supposed to see to Haven which , as you know, is more than access to a balefire"

"The Farmhold's hospitality is unmatched in my experience. A most warm and welcoming atmosphere."

She smiles "Well, I'm not going to lie and say we're not proud of it, sir. I know our Chief is fit to burst" Then she lowers her voice "Also, between you and me? I don't think Clem understands gossip, to a degree, is almost required for Hearth work now and then. Even Hearth Agnes" She says respectful "Kept tabs"

"Of course. And the right word in the right ear is a valuable tool for anyone who leads."

"And that's part of my role in assisting the chief" She nods "Don't have a boggan's natural gift for it. Frankly I don't khow how your kith manages... it's like you folks mastered networking long before the term net work was used, if you don't mind me saying? But it's helpful to know that the Baron of Ottumwa and his arcade freehold have a 'hands off policy' towards us... as well he might, his predescor, long before my time, died in a duel trying to claim this place. "

"Really?" some lazy interest as he dries dishes.

"Oh yes, in fact HE's under pressure from the Count DeLarrete..... Ailil lord... sorry to say it, but Iowa's got a long history of political manuverings least every four years and the dragons thrive on it, to be more 'assertive'" She snorts "What that dragon really wants is to throw the baron against us and test us all. Fortunately I think the baron sees that"

"I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the gentleman."

"If you mean the count? Neither are we, which is to our pleasure, but might be to our determent. We have a sluagh friend looking into him more. "

"Anyone I know?" almost playfully.

"Maybe, but while I'm young I'd like to live to be old so I don't talk too much about sluagh. I CAN tell you it's not the great corrupter. She's got other things on her plate" Amused

"-Really-??" true interest there.

"Oh, well, you know miss Zara, of course?" She says surprised "She's rather gregarious for a sluagh, though I don't say so as it would be rude to point it out. Well, she has a nick name, 'the corrupter' on account of how she encouraged Clem to trying out being unseelie for a time, and, of course, she snatched Earl away " A smile "Earl was always an odd duck around here, morbid art and all but we have learned to be proud of him. Too late to snag him back I suppose, though we're trying to think of a way to get them to settle at the farm when they finally go grump. All things in time. Frankly I don't think we'll be able to but there's hope. Anyway, she's one of those what got Clem to go showing off her mid riff"

"Yes, I have the honor of being acquainted with Miss Zara and Earl."

"Well, there you go... far as the elders are concerned, Earl's gal is an insidious corrupter who wormed her way into our hold, seduced our innocent artist, and lured half the wilders to dabbling their toes in the 'winter side'" Slyly "Course, they're still fond of her as are we all."

A chuckle. "Well. It can be quite an effort to change engrained ways of thinking."

"Well sir, I am happy to be a troll, but you are not far wrong particulary when it comes to us"

"We all play our parts."

Having talked in the kitchen, it's possible they're also doing some baking for later tonight

"Yes sir. Your part is interesting. Word is, the rivervale folk do not much trust you or miss CC" She says "I don't mean that unkindly, but there's history? I do hope you're not taking that here?"

"With malice for none and charity for all." he quotes smoothly, working the dough with his hands.

A nod "Just so you understand. And I am hoping you mean that sir. You seem a smart proper gent, and I confess I hope to steal some reciepes from you... all's fair in love and cooking"

He tuts. "You cannot steal that which is freely given."

"I suppose you're right sir," She admits "And I am grateful, but there is a certain sweetness to the apple tree next door"

He tilts his head, curious; perhaps he does not understand the agrarian reference?

"Sorry, it's an old poem kind of..."

She frowns "Can't remember much about it. Just that it talks about how stolen fruit is always sweeter... and so on. And one of the lines is 'Stolen stolen be your kisses' suppose it's not a very modern thing to say... but I remember hearing it once and thinking it was a pretty poem"

Another chuckle. "Ah yes, I see your point. Well. If it pleases you better I will make you work for your recipies." he tips her a wink; poor old fellow probably corrupted by living with a satyr all this time.

"Oh sir, now I don't have the heart. Wouldn't want to take advantage of such a nice fellow."

Seems to be how she sees it. Clearly the seductive satyress is the diabolical mastermind here.. albeit a nice one

"Nonesense." he sighs "My own Kith demands it of me, even as yours demands a certain adherence to your traditional ways." another wink; teasing?

A chuckle at that escapes the young wilder, "Well, then, I'll take advantage of you but only to defend you against yourself there. I WAS wondering..." Speculation rising...

"Mm?" an invitation.

"Well sir, you may not be aware of it, but we've had an influx of Ukrainian refugees in the last year or so... not here at the farm personally, though we got a few, but among the local area? Big to do fund raiser and the like going on... and I thought I might bring the families of those refugees some food... but I don't quite know much about Ukrainian cooking or Slavic in general. Now I hear you have this 'Teensy' lady who does some good slavic cooking. I don't want to borrow her, but I figured while you were here I might asked if you knew some or picked up a few from her?"

"I cannot say that I have -but- I would welcome you to visit the Club and speak with her? If you come prior to opening, during the day, our kitchen and our chef could be at your disposal a few days, offer to hel you learn?"

"Well, If it's no trouble then yes, I'd like that, thank you, sir. Those poor refugees are over run, shoved about, and fighting to hold on to what they got. As a fellow commoenr I'm sure you and I can relate"

"Certainly! Anytime, reallyl, just let us know and I'll be sure Teensy has the supplies she needs."

"I'll give fair warning" she says

and a knock at the door

He finishes drying; not his kitchen, not his place.

"Come in" The Hearth says

CC does "Hey, how goes?"