#earthrunes

the kids cheer,clearly Coradel is a fan favorite. Then they bow

"Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the kitchen" Jawsica mutters

She gives them a curtsy in reply.

Then she moves to August's side and rests a hand on his shoulder. "I suggest -- Most Satisfying, Best Color, and Best Presentation?"

"If you'd like to judge in my place" Earl whispers quietly "I could..."

"Oh, I wouldn't DREAM of it, Sir Earl. Please, do your duty." It sounds like an order.

"If I, ah, might have a moment to confer with my fellow judge?" August asks.

Earl winces then puts on a good face for the kids "Gladly. So uhm.. good categories. Well done all, well done. " A look at August "i think the Baron out ranks me so he should go first "

Oh NOW DeBukes rely on the feudal system

"Sir, we should -confer-." August insists.

Coradel gives Earl a LOOK.

"Yes, and while you confer, I shall say hello to these fine chefs." She leaves them and goes to the childlings. "Hello, all."

"oh right.. "Earl moves to the side with August

Tomlok salutes trollishly to the Baroness! "Greetings, Baroness. I , Tomlok, salute you"

"Ok, Coradel's brilliant... if we can figure out who made what, we can give each one some award. Agreed?"

That in a low, soft voice.

Martina curtseys and says shier "Hello, Baroness. You're So pretty"

"Tomlok, it is a pleasure and an honor to meet you." She nods her head.

"Thank you, dear, that makes two of us." A gentle smile and a wink just for her.

Earl asks August queitly "But how do we do that? I guess Jawsica did the goldfish casorole? but other than that"

Martina blushes

"That was going to be my guess, unless the fish theme is a red herring?" August must be flustered.

Jawsica looks at Coradel appreciatively "It's nice to meet you too. I heard you killed more folks than the Baron. Is that true?"

"Oh, you know, it's not how many you kill, but how neatly you do it, correct?" A blink of sincerity.

"See ." Martina whispers to the pooka "I told you there was a reason we washed our hands"

Jawsica ponders this "Style counts" She nods

"Did you all enjoy making your creations for the challenge?"

Earl looks just as flustered "It's our only hope. Unless you want to will whispher the meals while they're busy, or omen?"

"It was a great honor to serve the Baron of the Books and the Knight of Corn!" Tomlok assures "They are heroes!'

"The Knight of the Corn? I hadn't heard that!" she smiles and looks back at Earl for a moment. "I do like Baron of the Books...I think that's a lovely title for my love."

"Isn't it? " Delores says "We should make a note of those titles"

"I liked it very much, Baroness. I like baking" Martina says

"No, no, not enough time... Ok, we're going for the goldfish for, ah, Jawsica. What about the others? Mac and Cheese and...whatever the hot dog thing was. Or... did one of them make the desserts?"

"And sweets, I suppose, Martina?" she says just loud enough for the judges to possibly hear. "Very nice."

Earl ponders "if I had to guess, hot dogs were probably the boy's... litle boys love hotdogs right?"

"And the rolls" Martina nods

but yes, she did the ice cream

"Oh, I didn't know there were rolls!" Coradel sounds regretful that she missed that.

Suddenly the guys are saved

Earl remembers they were a bit too buttery, but isn't about to say so

"I hope there are one or two leftover?" she says to Martina.

"Oh the gents cleaned their plates but I kept a few rolls'

"
Ok, so goldfish - Jawsica for... Best presentation? And the hotdogs for.... most satisfying and the ice cream for best color?"

"She did put a lot of work in the color with the sparkles" Earl nods softly "We're agreed"

"You must tell me where, later. Now, I think the judges are almost ready." She turns to smile at the gentlemen.

"That Tomlok and Martina, respectively." August hisses in a hush.

Indeed, August clears his throat as he turns to the group and mutters to Earl "You announce the catagory, I'll announce the winner."

'we're ready to make our judgements" Earl coughs

"YES!" Tomlok says

"Yay!" Martina claps