A man in a dark hooded cloak sits alone in the corner of the pub, watching the little girl prance about in unrestrained glee. His heart aches with a keen regret for the children he's left behind. His selfish stupidity is the cause of his being here, and now he's lost everything else he held dear. Perhaps forever.
He is still much overwhelmed by this world he's somehow come to inhabit. So much to take in, and understand. He is cautious, reluctant to reveal himself just yet. Not just to these people, but to anyone. Certain things he's seen... Were he not living this adventure himself, he would not believe his own tale.
And he knows himself to be a very good teller of stories, indeed.
The request presented earlier that had the little girl dancing intrigues him. The paper he has sat before him beckons. With the odd pen--so much better than quills!!--he begins to scratch out a favourite of his own mother's, though his wife refused to ever prepare it for him. Perhaps he could persuade someone in this congenial place to cook it. Just thinking about the possibility makes his mouth water. Which, of course, reminds him he'd not yet eaten since his arrival, a day, perhaps more, ago.
Pigs feet and apples Serves 4
4 Pigs feet each quartered Water 4 cups lamb or beef stock Quarter of a cup of Vinegar 1 cup of white wine Half a teaspoon of Salt Eighth of a teaspoon of freshly ground Pepper 1 Tablespoon of butter 2 large Apples, peeled, cored and sliced 2 tablespoons of currants 4 slices of toast Garnish: Sprigs of Parsley and Apple slices 1) In a large pot cover the pigs feet with water and bring to the boil over high flames. 2) Pull to the side of the until a simmer is reached, and do so for ten minutes, no more 3) Drain the pigs feet and dunk them under cold water, preferably unused 4) In the same pot combine the remaining ingredients except the toast. Now bring to the boil again 5) Add the pigs feet. Reduce the boil by moving to a spot to simmer, then cover the pot and now simmer for 2 - 3 hours or until the meat is tender. Skim off the fat about every 30 minutes. 6) Spoon the mixture over toast
Garnish with Sprigs of parsley and apple slices.
This is all he can remember. He rubs his forehead, still aching from whatever has happened to him. He's gone over and over it so many times...one moment he was with the Queen, and she was showing him something...something she called a rift...