Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 43

After collecting a few more hazelnuts along the way, Vagatha and Anthony headed back to his house. The place was empty—Augusto was still out hunting, Molly had gone to the market, and their father was away. It was the perfect opportunity for Vagatha to teach Anthony how to prepare quail.

"So, what does your family typically do for Christmas?" Vagatha inquired, casting a sidelong glance at him as she began to boil a cauldron of water over the crackling fireplace.

"We don't really celebrate Christmas," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "My father doesn't believe in it. He sees it as nothing more than a waste of time and money."

Vagatha frowned. "Really? Not even a small celebration? No decorations, no gifts, no special meals?"

He shook his head, his gaze fixed on the table. "Nope. Not since my grandfather passed away. We try to sneak in a few Christmas traditions here and there—like when Molly makes all those sweets or when we manage to sneak into the Yuletide ball. But we don't put up a tree, exchange gifts, or sing carols. Nothing like that."

"But how can he just refuse to let you celebrate Christmas? Everyone should have the chance to celebrate it. Unless, of course, they're Jewish or pagan. Is that why he doesn't celebrate? Does he prefer Hanukkah or some other winter holiday?"

"No. He doesn't celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice—nothing at all. He always claims it's to avoid wasting money on something we don't need, but I'm not an idiot. I know for a fact he's just being a miser."

"Well, I believe that no one should miss out on Christmas. Alastor and I have been invited to celebrate with Charlotte's family this year. Why don't I ask her if you, Molly, and Augusto can join us as well? I'm sure she'll be happy to say yes." Vagatha said placing the first quail into the boiling water.

"There's no point in asking Augusto; he's too loyal to our father. But Molly and I would love to join you. We'll have to sneak away, but it's definitely a yes."

"Great! I'll talk to Charlotte and see what she thinks. It'll be fun!"

"Fun, except for the part where we have to spend time with that old witch and her bratty daughter."

"Charlotte told me that her stepfamily will behave as long as her father is around."

"That's true, and I suppose a Christmas with them is better than having no Christmas at all. But wait! We can't go over there to celebrate without any gifts to bring."

"Oh, come on! You know someone like Charlotte wouldn't care about gifts. She'd just be thrilled to have you there."

"I get that, but once she finds out that Molly and I are coming, she'll go out of her way to get us nice presents. If she gives us gifts and we have nothing for her in return, that would be pretty awkward."

"You make a valid point. But I'm sure we could create something for her. It doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive—just thoughtful and special."

After the quail had been thoroughly scalded, Vagatha carefully removed it from the pot and began the meticulous task of plucking its feathers. Anthony began to gather the herbs, spices, and other ingredients from the pantry. He decided to whip up a flavorful sauce to marinate the meat before roasting it.

He created a flavorful blend of salt, black pepper, vinegar, bay leaves, truffle oil, paprika, garlic, and melted butter. As he whisked the ingredients together, a rich aroma filled the air, making his stomach rumble with eager anticipation. Once the sauce was perfectly mixed, Anthony took an empty pot, added the plucked meat, and poured the aromatic sauce over it, allowing it to marinate and soak up all the delicious flavors.