Feast

She tasted the contents of the ladle and smiled. Yes, there it was; the rosemary balancing out the strength of the venison, the sharpness of the cider vinegar and the sweetness of the apples and honey. The potatoes were done as well as the bread and the red cabbage salad already waited on the sideboard.

It was only the work of moments to transfer the stew to a serving dish and set it in the hands of the server. Once the various dishes for this remove had been carried out to the Hall, she cast her eye round the kitchen, directing her assistants in the plating of the next course.

Some cooks crept up to the Hall to see what the reaction to their creations was. She didn't bother. So long as the serving dish came back empty she knew that her offerings had been enjoyed.

"Mistress Gaele? His Majesty wants to know if you have any of the venison stew left."

She smiled as she took the empty bowl from Jorel and filled it anew. Then again, sometimes words were sweeter than actions.