#elsewhere

Chaos abounds in the rented victorian - three women in the kitchen, with very different temperaments; the Uncles, Aaron, Jacob and Earl left to fend for themselves in the downstairs living room. There is currently a wicked rummy showdown occurring.

Earl says with the uncles "Zara maybe quite ah.. happy. She rarely gets to play hostess"

Jacob is introduced to fish-heads... one of the less popular holiday traditions for most, but Zara loves them. "Better to be the head than the tail!" goes the wisdom.

Jacob looks overjoyed "it's like it's looking into my soul... and it's terrified"

"Aye... now, the cheek - that is the most tender bit..." Finally, a relative with a refined palate!

"Well. She doesn't like crowds." Hirim mutters, glaring at his cards and his partner alternately.

How well Hannah and Miriam share a kitchen... well...

It is EXCEEDINGLY polite. Hannah's the guest. Miriam's.... the nocker.

Jacob may have a new favorite dish...for a month.

Earl nods and looks at his own cards.

And Zara dances court on both of them. Apple-glazed chicken in the oven, sweet gherkins and pickled carrot and radish and crudites set out for early noshing... the sluagh is cubing turnips that she will not eat.

Hannah's Famous-Year-Old-Apple-Cake is in a tupperware saver, set in a high place of honor for later consumption. Zara and Jacob's meal had been prepped a few weeks previous.

Earl lays down three sixes "Not sure that's a good omen or not"

As he wins the hand, he puts on the most innocent face he can at their fussing.

AlterNocker grumblechatter.

Zara floats out with a tray of nosh (and coffee), sparing a kiss on the cheek for Aaron, and one each on the top of Uncles' heads. Earl gets a brief caress of the cheek, and Jacob's hair is rumpled.

"Really glad you guys taught me this game. I'm learning a lot"

"Hmmph."

Whether the uncles are playing for any stakes or not is up to them be it money or chores... or just friendly.

"Friendly."

A decree from one of the ladies of the house is as good as an oath and the fellows will behave themselves.

Earl is right about one thing - Zara is apparently happy as a clam, despite the crowd.

Jacob will get underfoot after his fishheads are done.

Gaveriel aka Gabby helps with the kitchen, and is mannerly... by nockerstandards

Which means devolving into futzing with Miriam's cupboard system while Zara fusses over the turnip pudding.

Gabby has not been a stranger to the house the last few days anyway.. hammering has been heard upstairs in Zara and Earl's room. The fact someone ELSE Tinkered with putting in embedded book spaces and extra storage space might catch the uncles' notice

The pocket doors for the dining room are tucked neatly into the walls, and the upstairs tables has been carried down to join it... leaves set in both, to accommodate the crowd. A least ten are planned... an extra place is set, in case Vashti brings a guest....

Hirim asks about..... chair.

The beanbag is well-loved!

And present?

....at Earth Runes...

Hmmph.

Given to couple that needed fine furniture

Did Zara find the massage function?

-Given-???

Earl looks confused..and winces.

Earl says "A couple that loved and adored it, and who we owed for...well, helping end a threat to family. Perhaps 'give' isn't the right word. Their assistance against a ceratin individual proved they were worthy of that fine craftsmanship"

"Tis Vashti."

"And without her and Shalimar's interference, we would have had a much harder time defeating someone and rescuing a dear friend. "

Hirim huffs but does not detonate.

"She will be here for dinner. I'm sure she'll let you know how much she likes it."

"Or loathes, I suppose. Pooka."

"Told you we should put an metal plate anchor in it...."

Vashti shows up with gifts.

And Zara avoids conflict by shuttling food!

Are you supposed to bring gifts to this holiday? didn't stop Vashti, she presents one to everyone "Joyous hole filled day"

"Cool" Jacob says when he opens his "Oh.. well, it's not wasps, but still cool"

Zara wears hers - yes, even though it's yellow. Vashti gets a hug!

Vashti hugs her back, "Fear not...a holiday for grapes is no doubt due"