They would be standing and moving about all night, and then if selected for private duties, would likely get no sleep.They would be standing and moving about all night, and then if selected for private duties, would likely get no sleep. Elna would be excused to rest her sore fingers after the meal was over, they would clear the table and report to the various suites, chambers and tents. During the first course, among the fried curds and chicken patties with almonds, was circulated an elongated divided platter stocked with what appeared to be large brown peas with dark spots on the sides and a curiously fermented odor. The other side held long segmented strips and smaller round bits of meat. Toggle Fingerbiter smiled favorably and hungrily eyed the platter as it was started at the head of the table, as were all the dishes. The Dark Lord, noticing, and not wishing to offend, took a healthy spoonful of the dark spheroids and an ample helping of the meats. Balkar followed suit, but most of the other men passed it by or took only a modest helping from it. Toggle spooned a triple portion of both foods onto his plate and ate with relish. When the tray finally reached Sir Edward, the Dark Lord intentionally slipped a large spoonful of the spheres into his own mouth and smiled encouragingly as he chewed, while discreetly swallowing them without letting his teeth touch them. The young knight took a careful, but large helping from the girl who smiled down at him, never meeting his gaze. |