'Bastian Devareaux

Lucien dabbed the corners of his mouth with fine linen weave before continuing, "Sir, with all due respect, the crimes reportedly committed are heinous at the smallest regard. Granted, rumours do have their way and the Accused has gained certain reputation. Nevertheless, the court cannot take to heart what is blathered in small circles. You are well aware, as I am, how quickly one can be turned out of proper circles due to one individual's opinions and influence." He paused, irritation gleaning young features as cuff ruff was tugged at, "This is not a circumstance of crime and punishment, it is a petty vendetta twisted to look so." The man sitting across intimate table, shifted in obvious discomfort to what was being discussed; eyes moving away to laden surface in near company. Issues of this magnitude were never something that he invited willingly and in most cases subtle evasions served him well...Not so this time. Young Barrister was far from one who would drop the subject and allow its' falling to the wayside at carefully crafted words. Modyford was well aware of Lordling's pit bull tendencies and even further aware of the parties who had unleashed him. The Governor shifted again under the intense scrutiny of the Other's gaze and made half-hearted attempt to gain the Square, "Lucien, what ever lies afoot is beyond my powers of control..." "Truly." The reply did not hide the contempt felt. "Now Lucien, one must take a step back and look at the situation without being overly influenced by those that have no understanding of..." Lucien's fist struck table surface with greatened force, cutting the Governor's verbose primly short and unsettling the lid of near covered dish, "I WILL HAVE NONE OF THIS!!!!" Deep breath was taken and composure reset as obvious unsettling gave impact over the companion's person. Another deep breath was indulged as Lucien softened expression, but for the fire that remained blazing in visual pools. "With God's own grace, we are Englishmen and placed in position to judge what is right...and what is wrong. We have been assigned the duty to protect the innocent; to lead by example and disperse the chaos. It is our DUTY, Sir, to uphold justice and not backslide into the influences of those who abuse our stature for their own good. I stand before you humbly and entreat your better character to gain clarity. You are a good God fearing man and know well that this is not as it should be." Lucien rose from his seating, laying linen square carefully over unfinished meal, "The man is a monster, and I have no care as to whom it is that plays Master to his violent ways. It is his disreputable word that has stirred this falsehood and I refuse to stand aside and allow the persecution of an innocent man. Perhaps you are able to rest easy at night with such goings on....But, I cannot." Servant was requested to call for carriage and Barrister waited in silence. As coat and hat were given over, young Lordling re-centered attention upon Governor's proxy. His words were kept in hushed tones, though their delivery held all the impact of a scream. "It would prove far better if this were handled as should be. A hornet's nest, once stirred, is not so easily calmed." The door closed quietly as company was split, Governor left in the silence to wrestle his conscience and possible impacts of detrimental proportions that might ensue. In the corridors of his mind played an old rhyme that chilled his soul… One for Sorrow, Two for Joy; Three for a Girl, and Four a Boy; Five for Silver, Six for Gold.... One line haunting his being, its' shadowy meanings calling forth light perspiration to his brow. And seven a Secret, never to be told.....

Dauphine watched the dance of flame in hearth confine as if mesmerized as Childermass spoke in graveled tones. The silences, when they came, were punctuated by crackle and shift of wood's baptism; yellowed glow playing tag with darkness in unlit chamber. Pungent wine sat near neglected in fluted container but for the unconscious stroke of index finger around rim edge; Sabastian deep in contemplation to what played his hearing. Seth paused oratation briefly, shifting wraith-like frame and sampling deeply his own crystal cage. Their eyes met fleetingly, younger retreating hold first then issuing heavy sigh. Large pop screamed the silence as ember threw itself from former hole, landing violently on flagstone border and loosing life-light. Consideration of mango slice was an afterthought as Beggar Prince turned full focus on companion, brows drawing together to pinch smooth brow. "You know this to be true?" Sage nod was given as answer, and no more. Dauphin's eyes traced the play of shadow across comrade's scarred features; index finger ceasing circumnavigation. "Very well....."

Flattery will get you everywhere, you know Brigand

Your are to kind, Mademoiselle... South of the Border

caliente' mucho

trois (three)

I aquired these on Thanksgiving Day while home in Minnesota. It had snowed the day before, but was melting of. You might say, these are my Aunt and Uncle's neighbors....Very polite and quiet ones.

I recently finished Ireland , by Frank Delaney and am awaiting my copy of Tipperary from Amazon.com. Thoroughly enjoyed the first book and am champing at the bit to have the other one in my greedy little clutches. In the mean time, I am indulging in Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and have found it truly wonderful, thus far.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertanined angels unawares. ~ Epistle to Hebrews

Germany

In regard to flavor, one might class it as a rather bold and dark flavor. But, here is were the chicory comes in, it eliminates the bitter taste which plagues most dark roasts. It cannot be compared to most that one might be used to, rather unique in its' qualities...Not like a Columbian or a French Roast, it is Creole and a magic all unto itself. In truth, I find the French Market brand a smallish milder in flavor, which is not what I would call a bad thing. As for the notorious Cafe au Lait...The can you receive should tell you how to conjure it in the confines of you own humble Galley. ( If not, I shall be happy to pass along the how to...) Bon Appetit, non?

In regard to a chicory blend, might I suggest Cafe' Du Monde or another called French Market, both from New Orleans with long standing histories.

Innuendo

Latte...or a true Cappuccino. (Not that swill that is called by same said name readily had at most gas stations....tsk tsk) They call me a Coffee Snob at the Job; I retort that my tastes are refined.

banter

The merest twitch at mouth's edge almost dignified sly smile as hand was scrutinized, three discarded and three recovered. The cards were placed in no particular order amongst the ranks, no file or form given; for the wise player knew better than tripping indication to those in company regarding what was possessed. Young Lordling directly across fawned disinterest, while trying to gain some logic to what might be transpiring in other's manner and poise. Inexpertly, a sigh was hinted to escape in disapproval of fortune's turn; smallish crease developing in the balance between brow's borders. Devon yawned, making no effort to conceal such action, and glanced to Sean Roberts in near distance before refocusing upon garish peacock. Ante was given with an air of nonchalance, though poise spoke of something else and Burke was quite sure that reaping lay very near. Muffled knock came from somewhere behind, accompanied by creak of hinge and smallish breeze stirring oil kindled flame. Hushed words were spoken briefly, then fire's antagonist banished. Cards where adjusted and antes raised, once more before final blow was laid. Message relay was held in limbo until round's fini , Roberts approach noted in peripheral as coins were drawn close; a coup de grace which drew down a notch of Lordling's haughtiness. With winnings secured, Devon offered a good natured grin as he and Sean made for departure of chamber confines. As door was opened, Cork's Native Son paused to center attention upon the defeated. Grin widening all the more, wink was proffered with parting words that danced with the music of lilt and brogue... "See ye in Confession, boyo..." Door was re-secured and the sound of whimsical laughter could be heard rollicking down corridor's length; playfully caressing wooden surrounds.

You are most welcome, though I must amend....Add one can of Rotel to that above mentioned list. Pst....And it becomes more flavorful the second time around, much like most things of this nature.

Well, that is a rather tricky query to answer, my dear. I can tell you what I put in...but, not the proportions. I fly without a net in that regard...for that matter, I generally just start slinging spices in a manner of whatever might be appeasing. Nevertheless, this is what was in the roux, per se. Onion A garlic and herb blend A garlic and pepper blend....yes, more garlic, always A chipotle and mango blend Chili Powder Virgin Olive oil....count to five Three pounds of ham, diced You will note that I add no salt. I rarly add salt, in this case, the ham has enough on its' own. If you can create the proper balance of the foods you are preparing and spice selection, one needs salt not. As for the Beans, I purchase them dried and already combined and labled as 16 Bean Soup. (You can generally find them where the Pinto Beans are.) Now here is where the Voodoo I do all comes into play... Soak the beans for at least twelve hours in water. I recomend doing it in the evening on thru the following night. Rinse them well...Into the crock they go with all the spices, etc, put the lid on and place into the fridge....again over night. The following morning, place the crock in the crockpot and set on low....I recomend letting it cook for no less then ten hours, but prefer letting it go for twelve....voila!! For this, only sweet corn bread will do....1/4 cup of sugar per box of mix, (Jiffy will do nicely). Allow it to sit in the pan for a bit before placing in the oven. Bon Appetit!

I am a Warranty Co-ordinator for a family owned company that sells and services equipment for the Deli and Bakery Industry. I deal with one hundred and fifty vendors across the United States, as well as Quebec. (I dream of teaching History on the University level...)

16 Bean soup and Sweet Corn Bread...The beans and ham soaked in spices since last evening and were placed in the crock pot around six this morn. ( slow cooking on low for about twelve hours and change, now.)

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's vexation is heavier than them both. ~ Solomon

Yum, sounds delicious. Save some for me. There is not a bit left for the taking, I fear....Good Cajun / Creole cooking never seems to last...Not even the drippings. I shall have to reserve you a bit on the next round.

Thank you, Chere...You are too kind. I dare say I have been in the habit of wandering amongst monuments since I was a child. I have an uncle who's back fence-lines divides his property from a very grand old cemetary back home. Here are two of my personal favorites from a cemetary in Wisconsin...Enjoy!

Dirty Rice...A grand Cajun traditional

Vanity Fair ~ William Thackeray