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When you check out your bedrooms, you discover placards with your names on the doors, as well as two identical keys hanging on small cloth loops on each door knob.
Inside the room, you find two single beds, each with a heavy, decorative tapestry blanket, on either side of the room. Between the two beds is a single small desk with a chair. Above the desk is a small glass window, with a small, heavy curtain that can be drawn over it. On the back of the door is a mirror. At the foot of each bed is a large, carved wooden chest, with a key sticking out of the lock.
On top of the chest, you find your name tag, as well as two crisp, white uniforms in your size (even Tessara's fit without much stretching), four white aprons with pockets, and one large, white chef's hat.
The heavy, decorative tapestry blankets on your beds also appear to be individualized:
The other features warm tones, with a group of smiling, pointed-eared persons sitting around a table of food together.
The other features a pair of dolphins leaping from the waves.
The other features a pair of dwarves clinking overflowing mugs together.
The other design consists of a variety of forms of artfully arranged chocolate.
.....
Phillip investigates his room and puts his armor and two daggers in the chest. He then begins to set up his small alchemist kit for future brewing.
Rather...odd day it has been, hopefully Chef Sali will be able to straighten out Humperdink.
He then turns and nods. I believe that I will become more acquainted with the supply room and kitchen more. Phillip will head down to the basement if able and begin memorizing the locations of the foods so he knows exactly what will be available if he needs to head down.[/b]
Mimi nods at Sali's final instructions to her and departs to her room. She raises an eyebrow at the colorful throws on the bed -- after a childhood in a monk's cell and a lot of sleeping outdoors, the place seems gaudy and overdone in her mind. There is much I shall have to get used to here. I must not let luxuries or softness distract me from my discipline.
She had taken the drawer key earlier and now her room and chest keys. Thinking back to the antics by Bahram earlier in the day, she unbuttons the top of her jacket and tucks the drawer key into the wrappings she uses to bind her chest (to enable free movement), and will do the same with her other keys after she is done. She will have to devise a more convenient way of securing her keys but for now that would have to do.
She examines the bed and chest intended for her. She first takes the two uniforms, unfolds them, examines them, and then refolds them with painstaking precision. She then takes out her own cooking tools, removing any particular spices or specialty utensils out and placing them, uniformly side-by-side, on her desk. She finds a bowl of water for cleaning on the desk and sets that evenly as well. She removes her toiletries kit and soap from her backpack and arranges its contents also neatly beside the bowl of water. She then repacks her backpack and cooking and mess kit so that it would otherwise be ready to travel, and puts the whole thing into her chest.
She also checks her bed and remakes it with hospital corners.
If Tessara arrives Mimi will nod to her in greeting (). When Mimi is done with her things, she says to Tessara, "I am going to go back to the kitchen. I have some things I gathered in the forest on the way here I would like to prepare before they dry up. If Chef Sali comes to look for me here, would you please tell her that is where I am?"
She turns to leave, then pauses, and turns back to Tessara. She is almost hesitant--unused to speaking with others. "Unless, of course, you would also like to go to the kitchen, or rest. Then I will leave her a note."
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Kehlysch takes one of the keys, then reaches into his shirt to retrieve the drawer key. He adds it to the thong and then hangs it around the neck.
He says something under his breath.
"You no longer have to hold it for me. Is this not better?'
He enters and surveys the arrangement; smiling as his eyes fall on the image of the dancing dolphins.
"This is such comfort as I have never known," he says. "My home in the docks was scarcely larger than this room."
He unfastens the bedroll from his pack and rests it, still rolled, in the corner. He places his own chef's uniform in the bottom of the chest. and places the uniforms provided on top of it.
"Less than two days until we serve out first guests. It appears I will need to return to the sea for my ingredients."
Ashley tenderly lowers himself onto his bed, clearly exhausted. He smiles, appreciatively at the blankets. "A most... excellent touch, Lord Schmulzfeather. Well thought-out."
He carefully places many of this things in the chest, and closes and locks it, noticing his roommate.
Turning to look at Kehlysch when he speaks, he asks, amiably, "My apologies, I did not hear you. If you feel comfortable sharing, I would ask: are you speaking to me, yourself, or someone else?"
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Kehlysch chuckles at the question.
"To whomever is listening, I suppose. Back on the docks, most folk found me a bit too peculiar for their comfort. I never really expect people around me to answer, so I have taken to talking to myself. As of late, it seems a part of me has started listening."
He turns to the man. "Thank you for taking an interest in me. From where do you hail, Mister Ashley?"
He's not lying, but he isn't telling you everything. He's holding back important details.
Ashley examines his roommate for a short time before shrugging slightly - head nodded slightly to the side, and eyes closed for a moment in resignation. He holds his fan, and uses it to cover his face.
Finally, he shifts and prepares to answer. "The answer to such a simple question is unfortunately complex, sir." Ashley says in a friendly manner. He thinks for a bit, and says, "It is an interesting thing. Trust is something that is difficult to extend, but a powerful bond, once created. I, of all, understand the nature of distrust and caution, due to my own history. Communication without trust represents a difficult barrier to breach." he muses. "Still, one must start somewhere, as you have." he says. "As I said, I am Ashley Kusuma Na-ti. The... easiest answer, and, one supposes, technically correct to its limited extent, is to the nearest large city to the East, Holmton. It is from there that I came here."
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"A young man I knew only by name and face signed on to a ship's crew several years ago, when I was still just a boy. This past summer, he returned. His hair streaked with gray, and his skin cracked and weathered, I barely recognized him. His manner and gait had changed, as well, and he scarcely acknowledged any of us, even those he once called friends. I heard one of his crew mates ask him if this was his home, and he replied that he was born here, but it was not his home. 'One can never go back home.' Decisions we make in life have consequences, it would seem. Sometimes choices can change the very nature of who we are."
"You might regret knowing the answers you seek. There is no turning back once you know the truth."
Ashley nods, impressed. "Indeed. Words of hard-earned wisdom-of-experience, though only true in certain contexts. 'Home' is only where you think it should be, want it to be. It is, in fact, where your heart is - thus you can often or always 'return' there, depending on your definition of 'return'."
He smiles, kindly.
"However, what is true, and absolutely so, what you cannot return to, which the accepted wisdom often conflates as, indeed, we are all prone, is the past." he shifts his head slightly to the side. "And the past, while often important, can be overemphasized in the face of the present, or the ever-coming future. It often takes a romanticized ideal, I think - something that we hold in higher esteem than we should."
He shrugs, elegantly, his mouth making a small, temporary frown of acknowledgement, before returning to his more usual smile, this one filled with empathy, and understanding. "It is in this way that the past becomes an anchor, a chain, a weight, and a stumbling block all at the same time, instead of what it should be: a guide post, a climbing rope," he smiles wryly, "an 'elevator'" he adds amused, then more seriously, but kindly "and a stepping stone. Instead of being a method of moving forward and guiding, too often we allow it to hold us back. It is a... difficult burden to bear, and a very difficult task transitioning from one - the burden - to the other - the enabler."
His head shifts to the other side, his eyes gazing deep into your own. "But true beauty is finding those who would help share those burdens. Who do not turn away simply because others would be offended for no reason. In fact, I think that finding that intimacy with a true friend, one who is willing to, however briefly, walk with you and assist you in transforming those burdens into tools is one of the higher ideals to master and strive for."
He looks down, smiling... but wistfully. "I, myself, could never have come here, otherwise. Without those who were there to support me, and help me build instead of be held back, I would be a shallow wreck of a youth, broken in soul as much as I am body."
He looks up, intently gazing at the amphibious man's eyes again. "But they did. And I learned the lesson very well. There are few things that shock me, but what does could be... educational." he adds.
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Kehlysch considers for a long moment, and sighs, as if considering a weighty matter. Dropping the previous pretense, he turns to Ashley and speaks directly.
"I understand, and I will consider your words. Trust is not easily given by one who has found so few worthy of the trust he has given before. I appreciate your gesture of friendship, and I do not reject it. It will, however, take time for me to accept it. If your intention is sincere, then your actions, moreso than your words, will provide the reassurance I require."
"That is both wise and fair." Ashley acknowledges.
Shifting, he adds, "For my own part, unless it actively endangers others, I will do all that is within my ability to avoid prying. I seek to give no insult and apply no pressure, but rather to offer as sincerely and simply as possible."
His head cocks sideways. "And, should you feel the interest, as my roommate, I will offer you a piece of information about me that I tell few. I have many - it will not be a full explanation - but it may encourage the opening steps toward the establishment of trust. But again, rest assured, I am not pressuring you to ask, nor will I thrust information upon you that is not desired. It is merely an offer of courtesy and friendship, sir, and nothing more."
More wryly, "... and if it helps, it is, in fact, an important part of my profession that I listen to, tend, and keep the secrets of others. Should you wish what is told, if anything, remain un-shared, it will, in fact, remain un-shared."
With that, he nods once - a slow, measured, and stately gesture - and then reclines.
"And now, my hopefully-future friend, I must rest. I am afraid that..." he begins to drift, before stirring himself, "erm, apologies, afraid that today has been... most taxing. Though, perhaps, tomorrow, I can coordinate dishes or ideas between you, myself, Dinte - whom I share a station with -, and Bahram - with whom I share some skills. Perhaps... perhaps... a... grand... presen-presentation..." and Ashley seems very, very fast asleep.
After Bahram has a chance to check out his room (and possibly speak more with Vincent), he returns to the main living room and finds Chef Sali waiting for him, as she said she would.
"Chef Bahram, please walk with me."
Chef Sali heads up the stairs with Bahram.
"Chef Bahram, I am confused. Your words upstairs in the Kitchen made it seem like you were trying to steal the drawer key. However, I had just invited you to take the drawer key, so that could hardly be considered stealing. Therefore, I fail to see the purpose of your actions. What good would obtaining an extra drawer key do? Unless it was intended as some kind of a strange joke."
She passes the third floor landing and continues upward, her lips pursed and brow furrowed.
"If that is the case, then I need to warn you that such forms of humor are unwelcome in this Kitchen. I work very hard to ensure that everything is in proper order, and I don't appreciate being told that something is out of place, unless I have, in fact, made a mistake."
Her expression reveals that she finds this potentiality unlikely.
"Additionally, your joke has put me in a difficult position, and yourself as well. At least half of your co-workers think I should be firing you now. When you return to work with them, I will likely hold a slightly-less authoritative position in their eyes, and some may very much resent your continued presence. I strongly recommend apologizing to those who were offended, even if you do not understand why it caused them offense. Having a peaceful working relationship with your coworkers will go a long way toward making everyone's lives more enjoyable, including your own."
Chef Sali heads into the restaurant, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"If, however, your actions were, in fact, meant to result in stealing something ..."
Surprisingly, her expression softens instead of hardens. She sweeps a hand around to demonstrate the luxury (and the view) surrounding you.
"Chef Bahram, look around you. You've made it. Perhaps you come from a life in which you've felt you had to steal just to get by. If that's the case, then I completely understand. I've been there. I know what it's like. But you can put all that behind you now. Lord Schmultzfeather intends to pay you a very generous wage for as long as you can work hard, create delicious food, and avoid causing trouble. So, at this point, it is seriously in your own best interest to work hard, create delicious food, and avoid causing trouble. Okay?"
She looks at you earnestly before breathing in and resuming some of her former air of authority.
"Chef Bahram, I would prefer an honest explanation of why you pretended the drawer key wasn't there. However, if that is too difficult, I will instead accept your assurance that no further theft, deception, or disruptive joking will be a part of your continued employment here. If you cannot provide me either of these, or if you make the promise and then break it, then I'm afraid your time of employment here will have been very short indeed."
Chef Sali looks at you seriously.
"So, what have you to say for yourself, Chef Bahram?"
When Vincent learns of his roommate, his brow raises as he looks at Bahram. God help me
Vincent looks around the room, I am but a humble man, these furnishings are very extravagant. Any chance my wife and granddaughter could visit such a place sometime in the future? Vincent looks at the plush couches and other furnishings.
Vincent looks at the chef's attire, a tear actually forms in his eye, but it is gone as quick as it formed. He takes a look out the window, and admires the view. The trunk is nicely sized. He opens it, and places his few possessions inside . The tapestry blanket makes him smile. I sure hope my granddaughter Elise is doing well.
Vincent than looks to Bahram, Seems your divine power has put us together. Perhaps we can learn something from one another? What do you say young man?, as he extends his hand.
Tessara gapes at the furnishings of their room.
"By the gods! These blankets are SO CUTE! How did they get these made in the short time since the interviews, they're amazing?!"
She waddles into the room and inspects her things.
"And new uniforms! That actually fit! It's SO hard to find good outfits in my size!"
Any apprehension she had appears to be gone as she hurriedly rummages through her bag and sets up her alchemy crafting kit in her corner of the room. She's nowhere near as disciplined and organized in her set-up, but it isn't what one would call messy.
"You...um...don't mind me concocting things in here, do you? I dabble in alchemy in my spare time. I'm working on a way to infuse breads with magic like a potion."
Chef Sali responds to Vincent's question before he checks out his room.
"If you'd like to bring a guest or two here to visit with you on your days off, that would be fine. Just make sure to keep an eye on them at all times, especially any children. You will be responsible for their behavior and safety."
"Also, if you would prefer to return to your home on your days off instead of staying here, that will be fine as well. Mondays and Tuesdays are your own to do with as you please, and the tower will be here for you as much or as little as you would like."
Mimi nods at Tessara. As long as you keep things clean. I would be curious to observe your practice, if you do not mind." She pauses. "Although out of convenience to you, you might ask Chef Sali if there are more appropriate laboratory facilities on the estate."
Mimi nods at Tessara. As long as you keep things clean. I would be curious to observe your practice, if you do not mind." She pauses. "Although out of convenience to you, you might ask Chef Sali if there are more appropriate laboratory facilities on the estate."
"Thank you! Don't worry, I try to keep things nice. Dirty dishes make for crummy bread. Crummy. Eheh, bread pun, I just realized that now. Sorry. Um...good point, I should have thought to ask that. I was just kind of worried I was annoying her with all the questions, especially after that kerfuffle earlier."
Tessara frowns at the memory of the confrontation in the kitchen.
"I think I'll have to go up to the kitchen with you, anyway. I'll have to test that sourdough starter to see how it'll affect my first breads here. Maybe we'll run into Chef Sali on the way and I can ask about my alchemy set and tell her where we're going."
-----------------------------
"Chef Bahram, I am confused. Your words upstairs in the Kitchen made it seem like you were trying to steal the drawer key. However, I had just invited you to take the drawer key, so that could hardly be considered stealing. Therefore, I fail to see the purpose of your actions. What good would obtaining an extra drawer key do? Unless it was intended as some kind of a strange joke."
Chef, first off we got off on the wrong foot, I have been put here by my good cooking and my great skills. I wouldn't even think of stealing from my brand new employer, heck I haven't even gotten my first payment yet. Nor, do I want to leave such a extravagant. I have never meant for anyone to think that I was stealing anything, because I had no want/need too. As a strange Joke, no there isn't. The Jokes that I like to tell are a little well, ya know only good after several mugs of dwarven ale.
If that is the case, then I need to warn you that such forms of humor are unwelcome in this Kitchen. I work very hard to ensure that everything is in proper order, and I don't appreciate being told that something is out of place, unless I have, in fact, made a mistake."
"Chef, if you were to make a mistake then it would fall on all our heads not just yours. I take my work just as seriously as you take yours. I may not have grown up as these others have but I have made my name just as they have. I expect to be treated the same"
"Additionally, your joke has put me in a difficult position, and yourself as well. At least half of your co-workers think I should be firing you now. When you return to work with them, I will likely hold a slightly-less authoritative position in their eyes, and some may very much resent your continued presence. I strongly recommend apologizing to those who were offended, even if you do not understand why it caused them offense. Having a peaceful working relationship with your coworkers will go a long way toward making everyone's lives more enjoyable, including your own."
"Peaceful places sometime make for the best of places to work, yet, I can tell you that the best places that I have ever cooked at I hated a lot of the other chef's there, and it made me go out of my way to make my dishes outshine theirs every day. So I am not saying that your way is wrong. I promise that I will try your way frist before I go and make enemies here. As I intend to keep this job.
"If, however, your actions were, in fact, meant to result in stealing something ..."Surprisingly, her expression softens instead of hardens. She sweeps a hand around to demonstrate the luxury (and the view) surrounding you.
"Chef Bahram, look around you. You've made it. Perhaps you come from a life in which you've felt you had to steal just to get by. If that's the case, then I completely understand. I've been there. I know what it's like. But you can put all that behind you now. Lord Schmultzfeather intends to pay you a very generous wage for as long as you can work hard, create delicious food, and avoid causing trouble. So, at this point, it is seriously in your own best interest to work hard, create delicious food, and avoid causing trouble. Okay?"
She looks at you earnestly before breathing in and resuming some of her former air of authority.
"Chef Bahram, I would prefer an honest explanation of why you pretended the drawer key wasn't there. However, if that is too difficult, I will instead accept your assurance that no further theft, deception, or disruptive joking will be a part of your continued employment here. If you cannot provide me either of these, or if you make the promise and then break it, then I'm afraid your time of employment here will have been very short indeed."
Chef Sali looks at you seriously.
"So, what have you to say for yourself, Chef Bahram?"
looking at chef sali and sighing,
Chef, this is my life and I have been taken aback. I've given my life as a cheese chef and my past is my past ma'am, and that is all I will say, I am the best of the best and this is a serious profession. I give my word as a chef and as an employee here that this will never happen again.-----------------------
When Vincent learns of his roommate, his brow raises as he looks at Bahram. God help me
Vincent looks around the room, I am but a humble man, these furnishings are very extravagant. Any chance my wife and granddaughter could visit such a place sometime in the future? Vincent looks at the plush couches and other furnishings.
Vincent looks at the chef's attire, a tear actually forms in his eye, but it is gone as quick as it formed. He takes a look out the window, and admires the view. The trunk is nicely sized. He opens it, and places his few possessions inside armor, small pouch of gold. The tapestry blanket makes him smile. I sure hope my granddaughter Elise is doing well.
Vincent than looks to Bahram, Seems your divine power has put us together. Perhaps we can learn something from one another? What do you say young man?, as he extends his hand.
Vincent, Sir, as long as we're roommates you will find that It will be the best of times. I am very easy going, Just if you decided to have your Family over please let me know so i am not too rowdy.
Shakes Vincent's hand and gives him a deep hardy handshake.
looking at the whole team of chef's here. Including Sali.
Excuse me, I have something to say here. We've been brought out here, because we are the best of the best and nothing more of it, We each grew up our own ways, and because of it we are now here. I suggest that we all start off on the right foot. I've grew up in a monastery and then I went to the cooking school in Abaslom. I learned from the best of the best. I am hoping that you all have learned from the best of the best of your required. I have ran a professional kitchen for 3 years so you all know. I know that you think that my "Little Prank" as it is be called was something that was not proper. As was told to me, we are to leave it as is and never to mention it again. This is a fresh chance for everyone here.
-------
After quickly checking out his room and speaking briefly with Vincent, Bahram returned to the living room, then went for a walk upstairs to talk with chef Sali.
After Bahram responds to her questions, Chef Sali replies,
"Thank you, Chef Bahram. Your assurances are what I needed to hear. Just live up to them, and you will have a fine, long career here. Let us return to the others."
Chef Sali and Bahram return to the second floor living room just as Phillip leaves his bedroom to head for the basement, and Mimi and Tessara step out of their room to head toward the Kitchen.
Bahram clears his throat and speaks up to those who happen to be gathered here.
Chef Sali nods and adds.
"A fresh start indeed. There will be no more pranks, and all of us will work together peacefully, in order to make this restaurant truly world-class."
She looks at Mimi.
"Chef Mimi, if you will, please walk with me for a moment."
"Um...ma'am? Can I come with please? Mimi and I were on our way to the kitchen to do some prep work and I had a question for you."
Chef Sali hesitates for a moment, then nods.
"Yes, of course, Chef Tessara. Follow me."
Chef Sali heads up to the third floor, presumably followed by Mimi and Tessara.
After spending some time down in the basement, Phillip heads up to the kitchen and familiarizes himself with his station and all of the equipment. When prep time comes, he will need to know how to get his Meis en Piece set-up swiftly and all the ovens properly heated.
He will then spend time sharpening his knives to a fine hone and then try on his uniform before settling in for the night. Tomorrow will be a busy day and he must get his rest.
When Chef Sali, Mimi, and Tessara arrive in the Kitchen, and find themselves temporarily alone, Chef Sali would address Mimi.
"Chef Mimi, I understand your concern about working with Chef Bahram. What he did was inappropriate for this Kitchen. Remember, however, that different cultures and different working environments have different expectations, and his little prank might have been considered amusing to others he worked with in the past. Therefore, I would ask that you forgive Chef Bahram his indiscretion, refrain from further insulting him, and allow him the opportunity to prove himself a worthy co-worker. He understands now the expectations for this Kitchen, and I have every hope that he will live up to them. As his work station partner, you can keep an eye on him to ensure that he does so. However, I would ask that you treat him in a respectful, professional manner in order to maintain a peaceful working environment. Will you be able to do this, Chef Mimi?"
After Mimi responds , Chef Sali would turn to Tessara.
"Chef Tessara, you had a question for me. What would you like to know?"
When Chef Sali, Mimi, and Tessara arrive in the Kitchen, and find themselves temporarily alone, Chef Sali would address Mimi.
"Chef Mimi, I understand your concern about working with Chef Bahram. What he did was inappropriate for this Kitchen. Remember, however, that different cultures and different working environments have different expectations, and his little prank might have been considered amusing to others he worked with in the past. Therefore, I would ask that you forgive Chef Bahram his indiscretion, refrain from further insulting him, and allow him the opportunity to prove himself a worthy co-worker. He understands now the expectations for this Kitchen, and I have every hope that he will live up to them. As his work station partner, you can keep an eye on him to ensure that he does so. However, I would ask that you treat him in a respectful, professional manner in order to maintain a peaceful working environment. Will you be able to do this, Chef Mimi?"
After Mimi responds , Chef Sali would turn to Tessara.
"Chef Tessara, you had a question for me. What would you like to know?"
Tessara clears her throat nervously.
"Erm...Yes, ma'am. Among my possessions is an alchemy kit. Cooking is merely applied chemistry after all. I like to tinker with ingredients and flavors in my spare time. My ongoing project is to find a way to infuse bread with magic the same way wizards do with liquid when they make potions. Mimi doesn't mind if I set the kit up in our room, but she suggested asking you if there's a more suitable place to set it up, first."
Standing in the Kitchen with Mimi and Tessara, Chef Sali's eyebrows shoot up at Tessara's words about making magical bread.
"Well, that would be quite a delicacy, indeed."
She purses her lips in thought about where would be best to set up the alchemy kit
"Your room would be fine, as long as you have enough space, and it doesn't make a mess. The large table in the living room would also be fine, but you might not want to leave it out there when you're not using it. Alternately, one of the side counters in the Kitchen is a possibility, especially if it's messy work. Although, if you use it in the Kitchen, you might want to lock it in your Kitchen storage drawer when it's not in use. One would hope that all the employees and servants of Lord Schmultzfeather could be trusted not to disturb it, but that isn't a certainty. If you want to leave it set up, your room would be the most secure place. Only the three of us ladies would have a key."
Chef Sali seems to consider her words.
"So, really, it's your choice. Your room would be the most secure but least spacious, and harder to clean. The living room table would be spacious, but less secure, and also harder to clean. A side Kitchen counter would be reasonably spacious and easy to clean, but less secure, unless you locked it in your drawer between uses."
"Hrmmmm...I think I'll use the dorm. Mimi said she'd be interested in seeing my process, and I'd prefer to be able to let stuff work overnight if need be. Plus I don't want things getting into the food in the kitchen if there's an accident. There shouldn't be, I'm not one of those loony scientist types who leaves things just lying around, but one has to be ready for the worst, right? Besides, despite my girth I don't require much space. Thank you, though. I'm going to go take a look at that sourdough starter."
She checks out where the starter is stored and inspects it for its health and quality.
Vincent gives Bahram a firm handshake and a nod, You'll do good boy, you are a lot like my son, and he turned out to be quite the man. I will be sure to inform you and the others of any company as well
Vincent locks his goods, and then heads to the kitchen to familiarize himself with his work station. He sees others down there with the same thinking, Hello Tessara, Mimi and Phillip. I see great minds think alike, Vincent says with a hearty laugh.
Vincent will get used to working in such close proximity to another individual. He ensures his cooking supplies (knives, cutting board, etc), are ready for tomorrow's first day of use. He wonders what kind of dishes will be on the menu. He then wonders if he has enough time to smoke some meat.
He than begins to ponder some potential soups and stews, as well as some different takes on classic dishes. He heads down to storage to do another walk through of level to get used to the layout. He sees the chicken, he thinks of a roasted chicken soup. He sees ham, and he remembers the ham and pea soup his mother used to make.
He heads back to the kitchen, and looks around to all there, I have some ideas about using your specialties to create some unique soups or stews in the future. I will wait until tomorrow, to get a better idea of the first menu before I get ahead of myself
-----------
After finishing in the kitchen, he locks his fine crafted tools, in his station drawer, then returns to the living quarters. He looks around to see who is there, Ives them each a nod, and goes to his bedroom. He takes the fine crafted quilt, folds it neat and precise then puts it away gently in his bedside trunk. Such fine work, shouldn't get dirty
He then takes out a piece of paper and an inkpen. He writes a handwritten letter to his wife Terrah. He writes about the tour and his experiences. How he has butterflies, just like when he was in the military and when she had said 'I do' all those years ago. He finishes the letter asking for ideas, insight and patience.
---------
He goes to find Chef Sali, Ma'am, is there a letter courier who could deliver a letter back home for me?
If so, he will pass the letter along.
Mimi nods at Tessara. As long as you keep things clean. I would be curious to observe your practice, if you do not mind." She pauses. "Although out of convenience to you, you might ask Chef Sali if there are more appropriate laboratory facilities on the estate.""Thank you! Don't worry, I try to keep things nice. Dirty dishes make for crummy bread. Crummy. Eheh, bread pun, I just realized that now. Sorry. Um...good point, I should have thought to ask that. I was just kind of worried I was annoying her with all the questions, especially after that kerfuffle earlier."
Tessara frowns at the memory of the confrontation in the kitchen.
"I think I'll have to go up to the kitchen with you, anyway. I'll have to test that sourdough starter to see how it'll affect my first breads here. Maybe we'll run into Chef Sali on the way and I can ask about my alchemy set and tell her where we're going."
"She has hired eight of us at once, she will have to be patient with us as we become acquainted in the area."
Mimi nods. "Indeed, she said she wanted to speak with me after she was finished with the cheese chef."
When Chef Sali, Mimi, and Tessara arrive in the Kitchen, and find themselves temporarily alone, Chef Sali would address Mimi.
"Chef Mimi, I understand your concern about working with Chef Bahram. What he did was inappropriate for this Kitchen. Remember, however, that different cultures and different working environments have different expectations, and his little prank might have been considered amusing to others he worked with in the past. Therefore, I would ask that you forgive Chef Bahram his indiscretion, refrain from further insulting him, and allow him the opportunity to prove himself a worthy co-worker. He understands now the expectations for this Kitchen, and I have every hope that he will live up to them. As his work station partner, you can keep an eye on him to ensure that he does so. However, I would ask that you treat him in a respectful, professional manner in order to maintain a peaceful working environment. Will you be able to do this, Chef Mimi?"
Mimi sniffs, and she considers her response before replying. "I understand that you have hired us all as equals with one another. As long as my colleagues prove to be my equal, I will treat them with the honor and respect that deserves. I will interact with all others collaboratively as the Way of the Kitchen demands. But I will not be held responsible for another's actions, and while I will honor your request to leave the past as past... if, in the future, one's actions dishonors the rest of us, I will respond... appropriately. Let us hope no one does that, yes?"
To Mimi, Chef Sali responds,
"Yes. We will move forward from here, and you will each be held responsible for your own actions."
A slightly odd expression crosses Chef Sali's face, but it is quickly gone.
Instead, she refocuses on Mimi with a slight smile.
"Chef Mimi, I wanted to mention ... I was most impressed and intrigued by your stuffed squash. The flavor was delicious, and unlike any I have tasted before. I consider myself a specialist in foods that refresh and foster a healthy body and mind. Some might even say I do so at the expense of flavor."
The barest hint of a scowl appears, but she moves past it quickly.
"At any rate, I wanted to commend you for creating such a hearty, healthy, and flavorful dish. You said it was your twist on a Shoanti recipe?"
"I am going to need to head back to the docks to do a little fishing, if I am going to prepare my specialities for service in the next day or so. I must go ask Chef Mimi for leave to return," Kehlysch says to Ashley. "If you will excuse me, I need to try and catch her before she is unavailable."
Kehlysch moves quickly out of the room and back up to the kitchen.
"Pardon me, M'am. I do not mean to interrupt, but I have a question. In order to prepare my specialities, I will need to return to the shore to do some diving and fishing. Obviously, this will require me to do so within the remains of today or sometime tomorrow. Is there a time that would be most practical for that purpose?"
Dinte follows Phillip into their shared room carrying the small case that he'd left outside his door near the beginning of the tour.
He blinks once as he views the room, and tapestries showing a relatively fair amount of surprise in the subtle motion.
He places the case down gently just inside the door, and runs his fingers over the fine weaving.
As Philip speaks up, he nods. "The day feels like it has gone for many hours, yet, at the same time, none at all... Yes, I agree, for his sake, and all of ours, I hope that moderation strikes and balances his soul. He at least should count his lucky stars, for it appears that things are much less final here. There are lands where I have cooked where that little stunt could have been his last... Unless you mind, I shall join you in exploring the supplies"
____
On hearing Humperdink ask for everyone’s attention, he pauses politely to hear the man out. At the conclusion of his apologetic speech, Dinte nods once in a polite acknowledgement, but his opinions on the matter appear sealed behind an impassive expression.
___
Dinte follows Philip out and down, leaving his case behind. He spends at least an hour going over each shelf in a methodical and meticulous fashion. He appears to be memorizing EVERYTHING, regardless if it's something that he intends to use or not. He spends a good deal of time reviewing the supplies of his craft, spices, fruits, creams, ices and other oddities, but does not neglect anything.
___
Perhaps some time after Philip and the other exploring chefs meander up, he finally finishes perusing the last shelf and barrel, and stopping briefly in his room, to place a small pouch from the case into the chest, amid layers of uniforms, locking the chest behind him. (50 gp) He carries the rest of the case up to the kitchen, and starts putting away specialized tools into his cabinet. Pliable and dull knives, dozens of odd shaped molds, whisks, and devices to manipulate frosting.
___
While not avoiding small talk, he does not go out of his way to initiate it, and retires to his shared room after at least another hour in the kitchen familiarizing himself with where all the equipment is.
Barring someone initiating a conversation, he retires early, rises early, bathes and dresses and is waiting in the kitchen at 8:30am, setting up a few standard bowls of various sizes in preparation for finding out the theme of the weekend.
When Kehlysch inquires about diving for ingredients, Chef Sali looks surprised.
"Well, you'll probably want to wait until after our planning meeting tomorrow morning in order to have an idea of what you'll want to acquire. And, if you want to spend the rest of tomorrow diving, you may, as long as that lets you be prepared for the restaurant opening Thursday evening. However, we have a fair supply of ingredients downstairs already, and what we don't have, you can order tomorrow morning and they should arrive by Thursday morning, if not before. Lord Schmultzfeather is willing to pay for the finest ingredients. The only things that might take longer to acquire would be highly exotic things like your favored dire shark, and I'd be seriously impressed if you could just go off and hunt down one of those monsters on your own tomorrow."
Chef Sali gives a slight smirk.
"So, although you may go if you choose to, it shouldn't be necessary."
After Chef Sali addresses all of your concerns and makes sure everyone is comfortable for the evening, she heads over to Lord Schmultzfeather's Villa, and the eight of you are on your own to explore, prepare, cook, relax, and rest.
When Ashley arrives in the restaurant upstairs shortly after dawn, he is met with the sight of a beautiful sunrise sky over the valley, and Chef Sali seated on a mat on the floor in the center of the room.
Her bare feet are together and pulled close to her body, her knees out to the sides and almost flat to the floor, her back straight, and her expression serene.
She smiles slightly when he approaches.
"Good morning, Chef Ashley. Welcome."
She gestures to an empty mat on the floor beside her.
When Kehlysch inquires about diving for ingredients, Chef Sali looks surprised.
"Well, you'll probably want to wait until after our planning meeting tomorrow morning in order to have an idea of what you'll want to acquire. And, if you want to spend the rest of tomorrow diving, you may, as long as that lets you be prepared for the restaurant opening Thursday evening. However, we have a fair supply of ingredients downstairs already, and what we don't have, you can order tomorrow morning and they should arrive by Thursday morning, if not before. Lord Schmultzfeather is willing to pay for the finest ingredients. The only things that might take longer to acquire would be highly exotic things like your favored dire shark, and I'd be seriously impressed if you could just go off and hunt down one of those monsters on your own tomorrow."
Chef Sali gives a slight smirk.
"So, although you may go if you choose to, it shouldn't be necessary."
"In that case, M'am, I will begin with reviewing My Lord's store of seafood before I make any plans to return to the shore. Thank you, M'am," Kehlysch says with a respectful bow.
Two hours prior to dawn, Ashley wakes. Careful in his new surroundings, he quietly sings a song of spark to light his candle, and uses the dim light to dress in his new uniform as quietly as he can, hoping not to wake his new bunk-mate.
A swift, hopefully quiet song and his new uniform, old clothes, and self are all clean.
He acquires his fan, and places his robes within the chest.
Ashley would give a nod-bow, step to the door, and exit as quietly as possible.
Ashley spends half an hour familiarizing himself with the basement, and - after a long walk up, and a solid rest in the common area - another hour exploring the kitchen, and making tea for two with some of the finer - though not the finest or rarest - ingredients.
As dawn nears, or even just passes, he begins the (for him) arduous climb up to the restaurant above, bearing his tray with two cups and a pitcher. He spends several minutes, just outside the door, recovering his breath and composure, and pouring tea into both cups before finally stepping through the door to see a glorious just-post-sunrise morning.
He notices Chef Sali meditating on a mat. He walks, carefully, over towards the other mat. At her greeting, he give a nod-bow himself. "Greetings, Chef Sali. You honor me."
He sits, knees forward, feet behind, as is proper.
"Please, I have prepared this." he states, offering.
Chef Sali smiles at Ashley's offer of tea and carefully takes the cup he has prepared for her.
"Thank you."
She nod-bows in return, which is no easy feat when holding a cup of tea and seated as she is, but the result is graceful.
"I trust you found your accommodations comfortable and are more rested now than you were yesterday?"
"Indeed. My unusually... weak constitution does cause issues on occasion, though mostly I recover from them with simple rest. I must confess, I've not feinted in such a manner in quite some time. My apologies." His fan partially covers his soft grin as he watches the sunrise.
He carefully sips his tea. "And I trust that you, too, are... recovered... from yesterday's strangeness?"
Chef Sali nods, gazing out at the view.
"I've recently taken to coming here each morning to meditate and stretch. I find it centers me."
She looks at Ashley.
"Your dramatic attempt at distraction yesterday was unnecessary. I was not going to attack or fire Chef Bahram."
She brings the teacup to her lips and takes a sip.
"Accepted, though there was no way I could have known such at the time - I'd never met you before the tour, after all. My 'dramatic attempt' however was never intended to be such. It was, in fact, a failure of my body to supply air due to excessive climbing of stairs, and an exhaustion-based collapse after intense near-hostilities. Besides - it wasn't just you, but everyone I was hoping to sway. Some others seem less... generous."
He shrugs. "Mostly, I simply desired that he cease whatever his trick was before he got hurt... and then I collapsed. Any distraction that it may have been was naught more than a fortunate by-product of my own physical failures."
He looks at her for the first time, "Though, again, normally, given enough time to ascend or descend and rest, you shouldn't worry about such things." he returns to looking at the sunset. "It was something I had to learn in the 'House - how to pace myself against collapse."
"And that, Chef Ashley, is one of the reasons I asked you to meet me here today."
Chef Sali takes another sip of the tea and comments...
"Most excellent. Thank you."
...before setting it back on the tray, for the time being.
"Have you ever studied the art of breath control? It's amazing how something as basic as breathing, something we do constantly that affects every aspect of our lives, is often given so little attention or thought. Learning how to control one's air supply, instead of letting it control you, can greatly improve quality of life, and even prevent collapses such as the one you suffered yesterday."
"I have not, and perhaps it would. I certainly would not be averse to such teachings. Be warned, however, that the 'House in which I was raised was highly accommodating to many different kinds training for me. None have fully worked. Though I am loathe to speak of it, the reasons for my frailty, while partially due to my body, are an affliction of a... different nature."
He sips his tea. "Nonetheless, I will work to learn what you teach. I simply request that no promise is extracted or guarantee given. My unique situation may well prevent any change."
Chef Sali nods and begins to teach Ashley the basics of breath control, proper inhalation and exhalation, and timing these so as best to accomplish a desired task, such as stair climbing.
He seems to get the basic idea.
After a while, she asks...
"If I may be so bold as to ask ... what do you believe is the source of your affliction, if not a physical infirmity?"
"You may, of course. The question is, however, do you truly wish to know?" a flush has taken his face, as a sheen of sweat builds. "I have found that giving others such a burden unasked is, in fact asking, but not for what it seems. That said, there is no danger."
"I am not opposed to knowledge of the truth."
Ashley shrugs (though it's clearly slightly laborious under the strain of the exercise), unable to get a read on her. "Fair enough. As our supervisor, I'll leave it to your judgement. Besides, it may be considered unfair for me to keep such."
He stops for a moment to catch his breath, and considers his words very carefully. "If we may, I would request a break for breath, tea, and a story." he asks.
"I do not wish to force your secrets from you. I am, however, interested in learning what you are willing to share. Perhaps, if I knew the source, I could better assist in finding, if not a remedy, at least an aid for you."
She resumes her seated starting position and picks her cup of tea back up off the tray.
"You have probably done enough for the first lesson. If you wish for more, you may meet me here any day, just after dawn."
She takes a sip of her tea.
"So ... a short story?"
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"Mm." he states simply to her question.
He clearly fights... something that attempts to draw all of his strength out of him, but seems to succeed this time. He sits, seemingly fine, though somewhat tired, even from basic breathing techniques.
Carefully, he sips his tea, and watches the day outside.
"There was once an infant discovered in a ditch. With him was what could only be the mother. One might imagine it was rain or snow for drama's sake, but the reality was worse, or so it is said: sleet and hail descending from the sky. The woman was dead by the time she was discovered - or by the time she was discovered by anyone who cared enough to do anything, at any rate. The child, miraculously, was not."
He carefully sips tea again. "Who she was is a mystery. It is believed that she was a Geisha, though what one of such an august station would be doing in a gutter having died after giving birth therein is anyone's guess." He breathes hard a moment, the air seeming to come hard, as if his chest was suddenly slammed by an outside force.
"Nonetheless, she did give birth, and arranged her body to protect her newborn as much as possible from the elements, even as she passed on. It seemed that none disturbed the grisly scene before the old woman passed by. A woman who was, as fate and the fortunes would have it, a witch."
He sips his tea, thinking for a moment. "The child was a mess, as might be expected. Broken bones. Nearly frozen to death. Left for some time in filth that I shan't sully a place such as this in the describing. Still, the old woman was a witch, and they are known as nothing if not stubborn." he sips, pondering the day.
"And so, she picked up the child, and brought him with her, away from that place and those people. And a second miracle arrived: the infant lived." Ashley takes a moment to look at her. "Can you imagine? A child of filth, disease, crushed and frozen, alone? Alive." he shakes his head at the thought. "A bizarre and difficult-to-fathom idea." he shrugs again, heavily, returning his gaze to the window, his lips paused just above his cup.
"Still, it couldn't have been easy. Miracles are never without their price. What sort of sacrifices might have been needed to accomplish these goals? What sort of trades or negotiations? With what or with whom? To what depths would one stoop - and what if all of one's power is based in the depths of darkness, yet you move for the sake of light? Is it good? Evil? Something else? It is impossible to judge the choices made when one isn't there - whatever that might be taken mean."
He sets his tea - not quite having sipped it - back down, a wry grin on his face, as he stares out into the morning. "Judging others is an obvious thing to do, natural. Fury is so... normal. It is peace and understanding that are hard to come by." Grin still on his lips, he takes his sip, and, after, continues, "A hard lesson to learn for some."
A deep breath, and, with the same wry expression, he moves on. "Whatever the sacrifices, trades, or bargains were necessary to make, seem to have been made: at least, to get the child half-way across the world alive. Through bitter frozen lands, mountains, valleys, under the depths of the earth, through caverns, across bandit-and-barbarian lands, the child was moved. The woman taught the youngling what she could. An infant does grow, it must be said, and those unused to such demands - or, perhaps, even those used to them - can be caught by surprise at the speed with which they occur."
His grin goes bigger, but then, his expression slowly turns wistful. "Regardless of her success, however, the old woman knew that such a life was impossible to keep. Hiding secret rituals and contacting dark powers while an infant isn't watching is one thing, but the curious toddlers, ah, well, they will sneak up on you, and listen, and absorb things like a sponge, whether they should or not."
A deep breath, a sip, and then continuing, "And so the woman made a decision. Or perhaps, it had been her intent all along. Holmton held within it a rather prestigious Geisha House, a place where refugees from a world far removed were taught, refined, and presented to the public for exotic delights and consumption. Whether she agreed with such a lifestyle or not, none can truly say. Certainly she felt that a child being raised by people like unto itself was important. In any event, the child was delivered, dire prophecies spoken over the little one - indicating that if any ill befell the child, the same would befall the 'House - and she vanished, out of the little one's life like she'd never been in it."
A wry grin appeared again. Sip. "And so, the child was raised and trained by the best in the 'House. Not that they believed the crazy old demon-woman, what with her talk of malevolent spirits or untold horrors. No. These were enlightened folk, who knew hooey when they heard such. None truly believed the superstitions of their homeland anymore, for instance, for they'd lived in this part of the world, where nothing like that existed, though it made for a good show. Still, better safe than sorry, yes? And besides - the child did seem almost preternaturally gifted, despite any infirmities that wouldn't exactly heal, no matter the treatments or training." his smile grew. "In fact, it almost seemed to get worse - the harder the push, the greater the push-back... almost as if it were a purposeful theft of vitality in exchange for the gifts displayed. Though they were determined to defeat it."
Ashley shrugs, gently, delicately, but with a smile. "In the end, it mattered little. The child, now grown, found that life there did not appeal as the only life, and continuing to burden those who were so kind and patient would be... unhelpful. And so, packing, searching for something both more and less, the young adult left, seeking a living elsewhere. And found it." Ashley concludes.
He carefully drinks the last of his tea. "Perhaps a dark tale, but one with much light in it as well. I thank you for hearing it. You may take out of it what you will. And, believe it or not... that is the short one."
He carefully cleans his cup with a song, whirlwind, and flare.