#earthrunes

"August...you need to know that you and she are all right. I understand she needs some space...but not for too much longer."

He watches her careful. "Or... what?"

"Or..." A narrow look. "...I may pester you again."

"Pester me. Fine." He says, just as careful.

The smell of absolutely delicious food wafts by.

"After that...I don't know. So I hope she speaks with you soon. I'd hate to have to upset her."

"I would hate that too, Coradel."

Meat ,juicy meat.. roast something?

"Ohhh..." That's a tempting smell, indeed. Coradel looks to see where it's coming from.

The kitchen, mmm

She tugs his hand. "Come, love...let's get some food in you after a long day of academic battles."

He notes this. "Are you hungry?"

He chuckles at this and rises with her. "Okay."

"I could eat..." she smiles and leads him to the kitchen.

Delores has set up a table in the corner, a candle, lights dim beyond the kitchen's regular glow, room for two. She's working "Hello, milady"

"And good sir" She smiles.

"Hello Delores." He gives her a warm grin of shared understanding. "It looks very nice."

"Doesn't it? have a seat, the both of you if you would. As I started as a maid, I must say cooking was not originally my strong point. Fortunately the others have been teaching me .. pheasant, lightly spiced and glazed after a slow cook. you're just in time"

"For us?" Pleasantly surprised, and a glance at Coradel.

"Oh, Delores, this is wonderful. Thank you." Coradel takes a seat.

August gets her chair for her, and then seats himself.

"Of course it's for you both," She smiles "I need to make sure passes muster so you let me know what you think when you try it. " She asks "White wine or a blush?"

"Oh, blush for me."

Blush is poured "And you, Sir August?"

"Ahhh... water?"

"Yes, pardon I do forget." She says. And gets him some water.

Slice of the precious meat are laid out on the plates, succulent with a fine rub and glaze

Coradel looks very pleased with the service. "It smells delicious, and looks lovely."

"It really is wonderful, Delores, thank you."

"Yes well,.. there are greens too.." nice green salad,with a creamy pesto dressing, before the fettuccine along with a nice fresh Ciabatta and a fine quality olive oil and black pepper for dipping "I can get a different dressing"

"I'm sure, ah, I'm sure this is, ah, fine...."

"This is perfect. My goodness, Delores."

"excellent" She smiles and taps on the door. Three knocks a pause, and a fourth. And music begins to play on the other side.

August blinks.

A blink, and a suspicious look at Delores.

"All I want for Christmas" A Mariah Carey cover comes through the door, looks like Stevi is over her cold, and Gideon joins her.

"Dessert won't appear if the main meal is neglected" Delores tells them both

"Whatever inspired all this?" She does take a taste of dinner and savors it. "Mmmmmmmm...."

"Ahhh... end of the semester? Finals and all?"

"Do I need a reason?" the boggan says

"You most certainly do not. I'd like to encourage this sort of experience on a frequent basis." Dinner definitely seems to appeal.

He grins at Coradel, then at Delores, and begins his dinner.

"Now, the last thing," She lays a christmas bell, with a little ribbon on the handle "Ring for service, but in the mean time, you have privacy again." A cursty

"Very sweet. Thank you, Delores. You're wonderful."

"Thank you, Delores." Heartfelt.

"Well, wonderful people deserve wonderful meals now and then, and I have already eatten, so your turn" A wink, "You're both very welcome." And she slips further away

The music plays from the halls, but they truly have the meal and space to themselves.

"I do like being appreciated," she smiles to August and takes another bite, closing her eyes in pleasure at the taste.

He forgets to eat, watching her, fork hovering.

She opens her eyes again, meeting his...and smiles warmly as she reaches for her wine. She puts the glass to her lips and takes a careful sip, her eyes slipping closed once more.