Your group quickly escorts Tessara out of the restaurant and down to the Kitchen, where a pacing Chef Sali whips around to face you. Her look of tense anticipation turns quickly to one of horror as she sees the sobbing, red-faced Tessara.
"What happened?"
Dinte files back in with the others and looks up to Chef Sali.
"I think, that it's been a long day, and the stress and excitement may have proven a bit much. The presentation went smoothly, but we lost poor Tessara. From what I could see all the guests were pleased with their fare, and with continued hard work, everything will smooth out. Tessara? Are you feeling better?"
Tessara tries to stop crying long enough to answer Chef Sali and Dinte.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. There were so many people. They were all staring at me and I...I fainted. Our opening day and I went and made a fool of myself! I'M SO SORRY!"
She resumes blubbering.
"Chef Tessara," Mimi looks the elf right in the eyes. "Take some deep breaths now. In. Out. In. Out. Focus on the breath." If Tessara does as Mimi says, after a few minutes, she adds, "The event is come and gone. Let go of your distress with your exhalation and be gone as well."
Tessara tries as Mimi demands.
"Feel a little dizzy..."
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Chef Sali, upon hearing of Tessara's collapse, glances helplessly at Ashley, and then back at Tessara.
"What? You, too?"
She swears softly under her breath...
Chef Sali steps over to examine and support Tessara.
"Now more normal breaths. It should feel natural," Mimi advises. "Just focus on your breath."
She looks up at Sali. "Chef, are we expected to return to the dining room?"
Chef Sali looks a bit like a dear in headlights at Mimi's question.
"Uh..."
Phillip serves tea to Tess so she calms down. Is our day done for the time being? I assume that after presenting ourselves, we would then return here for an evaluation.
Chef Sali's examination shows that Tessara should be fine. Mostly just an anxiety attack. Following Mimi's instructions her breathing steadies and she wipes her eyes with her sleeve.
"Thank you. I'm...I'm sorry I let it get the better of me."
She smiles a little weakly.
"We...still did well, right?"
"If Lord Schmultzfeather is done with you, then you're not expected upstairs again tonight. Did he announce the best course?"
Chef Sali, No he hasn't announced the best course. I will volunteer to go back up to see if Lord Schmultzfeather, is in further need of us.
unless otherwise stated not too Bahram goes back upstairs
Stopping at the top of the stairs to listen to what is going on to make sure that Lord Schmultzfeather doesn't need any of the chef's
Walking out to the Lord's and Lady's table leaning in close
So sorry Lord to interrupt, but we wanted to make sure that your dishes where in perfect order first off, and then we also wanted to let you know that chef Tessara is making a full recovery. Is there anything else that I may do for you?
Chef Phillip, would it be possible to get some of that tea as well sir? It might be a good time to relax for a moment or two, before something else happens. grabbing a cup of tea and sipping it down
Wonderful, I really should have learned about tea making. I might have to learn a little from you sir.
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Just as Bahram steps toward the Kitchen's exit, Lord Schmultzfeather himself opens the door, looking concerned.
"What, what, now. Is the young lady alright?"
Chef Sali snaps to attention.
"Yes, Sir. Bit of an anxiety attack. She'll be fine."
Lord Schmultzfeather breathes a sigh of relief.
"Ah, good. Good good."
He looks over at Tessara.
"I know your people have a reputation for frailty, my dear, but I did not think that would apply to you. I'm glad you're alright."
He looks back at Chef Sali.
"You'll have to let me know if they can handle public appearances on upcoming nights. We can't have just some of them appearing. It should be all or none. And, we don't want anyone fainting again."
There is a hint of rebuke in his voice, as if this is somehow Chef Sali's fault.
Chef Sali nods firmly.
"Yes, Sir."
"It won't happen again, Lord Schmultzfeather, sir. I'm sorry to have made such a scene."
She frowns, a bit put out by his comment about frailty and how he seemed to be criticizing Chef Sali for something that wasn't her fault.
"Did the guests enjoy what we made for them?" she asks, trying to smile a bit weakly, clearly attempting to change the subject.
"Now, as for the meal..."
A grin breaks out on Lord Schmultzfeather's face as he turns to address the group of you.
"...it was delightful! Just the flair and flavor I was hoping for."
He shoots one more quick, pointed glance at Chef Sali before continuing to address your group.
"All of you did well, and you can be proud. It was an excellent Shelyn's Day feast. Very romantic indeed. Now, that being said, I wanted to let you know ..."
His eyes scan the lot of you, seeking out two individuals in particular.
"Chef Ashley and Chef Dinte, your final course took the cake, so to speak. You went above and beyond. Creative, innovative, artistic, romantic, and just plain delicious! You two can look forward to a nice bonus in your payment this week, presuming the remainder of the week's work is satisfactory. Nicely done."
He nods at Ashley and Dinte.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to let our guests know all is well and attempt to regain the romantic mood upstairs."
He looks at Tessara.
"But, don't you worry, my dear. Nothing like a little excitement to get the blood pumping. Cheerio!"
With that, Lord Schmultzfeather quickly heads out of the Kitchen.
As Lord Schmultzfeather leaves, Tessara turns to Chef Sali.
"I'm sorry he chastised you like that, ma'am. What happened wasn't your fault."
Chef Sali cringes slightly, but puts on an even expression, and replies...
"As your supervisor, I am held responsible for your actions. Overall, I am quite pleased with how this opening night has gone. Now, we just have to do this three more times for a successful first weekend. Then, a couple days off to relax, and on to the next challenge."
She looks at Tessara intently.
"Shall I suggest that Lord Schmultzfeather cut out the public-appearance-by-the-chefs bit from upcoming evenings?"
Tessara thinks for a moment, biting her lip. Then she straightens herself up and looks Chef Sali in the eye.
"You won't need to do that. I'll prepare myself better next time so it won't happen again. I promise."
Chef Sali nods slowly at Tessara, then lets her eyes sweep around the rest of you and rest on Ashley.
"What about the rest of you? Can everyone else manage public appearances without passing out?"
Ashley, having taken everything in careful silence this whole time - unable to get to Tessara (or lift her if he had), beaten to brewing her tea, and unable to come up with anything more than a conciliatory half-shrug at Chef Sali - he seems genuinely surprised at Lord Schmultzfeather's implied rebuke and follow-up compliments, even dropping his fan for a moment.
Ashley nods at Tessara's words, but turns to Chef Sali. "Indeed." he adds at last to her, and then, simmering with a bit of fury, "What happened was not, however, your fault." he agrees with Tessara.
He turns to her. "Nor was it yours." he adds. "I understand all too well the pressures of being able to 'be' on-command, and in front of so many. It is not easy in the slightest. As difficult as it was, I wish to encourage: if you practice, you will improve. It can be terrifying, but slow exposure can limit the terror somewhat. Careful mental discipline, perhaps fortified by ritual, can handle the rest. For the inexperienced, such things are not uncommon. If you would like, it would be my pleasure to help you with ritual and routine in the future." he says, gently. "From experience, I can assure you: it helps."
I believe I can handle more public appearances. Phillip finishes setting out the tea and sips his own, relieved that the first hurdle has been cleared.
Kehlysch nods and rubs a spot on his chest absently. He takes a breath, collects himself, and replies: "I am fine with more appearances, if it is required."
Mimi nods to Sali. "I will do as you command," Mimi says stiffly. "But I came here to make my food the spectacle, not myself."
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Dinte bows in acknowledgement of his craft to Chef Sali, and Chef Ashley.
"Public performances do disconcert me. From what I've seen on my travels has fortified my soul, as well as strengthening my skills. I look forward to continuing to hone my craft with more elaborate creations."
Turning from Chef Sali and Chef Ashley to Chef Tessara, Dinte offers "words of 'encouragement.'"
"Be at peace Chef Tessara, here you will not be whipped if your dish is cold, impaled if your dish is late, or killed out of hand if you by mischance offer something that offends. I too would be more than willing to help you center your soul prior to a similar presentation. After the first few, it does gets easier."
You aren't quite sure if his statements are as reassuring as he intended, but, it seemed like he was trying, with measured, calm phrasing.
Kehlysch listens to Dinte with a wary expression. He makes no comment, unsure if the man is being serious.
"Um, no. No impaling. Alright, we'll try again with the public appearance bit tomorrow, but let me know beforehand if anyone's feeling woozy or faint. Good job with the food tonight. Now, get some rest. I'll see you here in the Kitchen tomorrow."
Chef Sali quickly scans the Kitchen and nods with satisfaction, then heads out the Kitchen door.
Kehlysch nods in acknowledgement, then moves over to his workstation. He makes sure all of his implements have been cleaned and returned to their racks and drawers. He wipes down the counter top and sweeps the floor.
Satisfied that everything is properly reset, he makes his way back towards the living quarters, unbuttoning his chef's coat as he goes.
Once back to the room, he finishes undressing, grabs a towel, and heads to the bath room. He drapes the towel across his body, covering one side of his chest and his groin. He tries his best to move quickly, and not to expose himself to his fellow chefs.
Once in the bathroom, he begins filling one of the large copper tubs with water. As he works the water pump, he softly sings a sailor song Old Mag to him years ago: "The breakers roar on an unseen shore. In the teeth of a hurricane, oh we struggle in vain..."
Once the tub has been sufficiently filled, he climbs in and pulls his head and body under, resting the back of his head against the bottom. He gives a bubbling sigh as the water flows through the gill-slits in his neck. He continues to sing the song in his head: "All I know is that sometimes you have to be wary, of a miracle too good to be true. All I know is that sometimes the truth is contrary. Everything in life you thought you knew. All I know is that sometimes you have to be wary, for sometimes the target is you."
Everyone here is so talented, he thinks to himself. I need to keep up, or Lord Schmultzfeather will cut bait and send me back to the docks. What more can I do? How can I stretch my talents?
Vincent with give a shirt nod to the Lord as he doles out the compliments. When he hears that Chefs Ashley and Dinte were victorious so to speak, he thought to himself, I need to speak better, not be as gruff or short. Plus I need to prepare better, next time, as he gives the winners a quick nod of congrats.
He offers an arm to Tessara, an arm to accompany you to the rooms?
Gastone lets out a sigh of relief and returns to his workstation to clean up and then heads back down to his room for a break. He brews up a pot of coffee and relaxes on the couch as he contemplates the day's events.
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As others start offering advice and words of encouragement to Tessara, Mimi pulls away, not wanting her to feel overwhelmed.
She sniffs and purses her lips when she hears that Ashley and Dinte "won" the evening, so to speak. But she knows the theme was something out of her experience, and that indeed, it would be hard to beat the sweet course in a romantic dinner. She does not even consider her manner or presentation as part of the factor, for to her all that needs to happen is for her food to speak for itself, and that is where she must have failed.
Mimi does quietly approach Bahram, saying quiet words that come slowly, with great difficulty. "I apologize if my failures contributed to our lack of success. I will not do anything to cause you dishonor again."
She goes to clean up her workstation, with the usual meticulous attention to hygiene, and then goes to her room to first to check on her roommate and then to practice Chop Fu kata.
-----
Chef Ashley works to continue his previous success as much as he can.
At one point, he pulls Chef Sali aside, and discusses things with her in a low voice.
"Chef Sali, a word, if I may." he says, gently inviting her to the side with a tug on her sleeve.
Ashley also makes sure assist his fellow chefs with anything that he can as well.
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Tessara gives Dinte a quizzical look, unsure what to make of what he's just said.
"That's awful! Why would anyone do that?"
When they depart, she turns to Chef Sali and, in a moment of impulsiveness, gives her a big, smooshy hug before accepting Vincent's arm and returning to the living quarters.
"You think there are ways we could improve our course over the next few days? I don't like competition that much, but I want my bread to be the best bread it can be."
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Watching Chef Mimi start cleaning up her area Bahram nods and then starts cleaning his with out a word as well.
Shortly after the announcements, Dinte cleans up his station, and then heads to bed, know that he has had a gruelingly long day, and next few are only going to be just as long.
After a long soak, Kelysch climbs from the tub and waits a moment for his skin's natural oils to replenish.
He drapes the towel over his body and makes his way back to his room, doing his best to pass by unseen.
When he reaches the room, he finds Ashley is not present. He climbs into bed, and pulls the cover up to his chin. He speaks softly, although no one is apparently present.
"We have survived another day, my friend. Perhaps our dreams will become manifest."
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During the remaining few days of the first sitting Dinte works like one driven, spending more hours than may be healthy in the fine meticulous detail of his bowls, and the carving of his ice cream swans, and the precise timing to get them the right consistency of not quite melting.
You begin to wonder if he's getting enough sleep, as he's up before the dawn, pouring over thick books of etiquette and researching the sigils and crests of the impending guests.
During the day when flying up and down the stairs, he's cheerful, smiling, encouraging, and ready to lend a helping hand for those tasks that require everything at once.
When someone whips up something solid for everyone for a meal, Dinte is effusive in his thanks, and goes out of his way to offer assistance to anyone who does.
Yet, if offered aid in return, he politely but firmly refuses the assistance, in all but the simplest of tasks.
"Thank you, but I have calculated this down precisely, and I can not lose my momentum. I appreciate the offer though!"
Right before the end, on the last day, he's overheard saying the following.
"One more day, and then? Rest. Lots, of rest."
When Tessara comes back to the room, Mimi, mid-odd pose, asks "What happened?"
When Tessara comes back to the room, Mimi, mid-odd pose, asks "What happened?"
Tessara frowns, and sits on the bed, it creaking under her.
"I...I really get anxious with large groups of people. My childhood friends sometimes said I was the reason humans thought all elves are shy, and sometimes I wonder if they're right. Normally I try to stay away from the center of attention, or find a small group, like you guys, and hide among them. When I got up on that stage, with all those people staring at me, focusing on me, it was overwhelming. I...I just sort of shut down. I couldn't handle it. And then when I came to I was just so embarrassed that I fell apart completely."
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Mimi blinks uncomprehendingly. "Do you fear being trampled? Did you think the diners were armed?"
"No, nothing like that. I just...don't like being around so many people, especially people I don't know. I feel...I feel judged. Like I'm on trial for a crime I didn't commit. I don't like that feeling. I prefer when it's just me and the dough."
Tessara frowns again.
"That probably sounds really silly to you.
Mimi shrugs. "Unless you are telepathic and know what these people are thinking, it strikes me the only person doing the judging is yourself."
She tilts her head. "You came here to have your food judged. Let your food speak for itself. That is what I intend to do. And if you did not wish to seek judgment at all, not even of your food, I suggest you do some discernment on your vocation."
When Tessara catches her up in the big smoothly hug, Chef Sali is surprised and kind of awkwardly pats Tessara on the arms in return.
"Distributing your bonus into the others' wages without explanation would not make sense. They might expect that amount to be their normal pay in the future.
Accept the reward, Chef Ashley.
If you aren't competitive, then simply consider it an extra gift for a job well done, and, if you'd like, spend it on something nice for your fellow chefs, perhaps even anonymously."
As the long days of this first challenge pass, time blurs together.
Your group generally performs competently, with notable improvements from Bahram, who manages to pack even more flavor into his stuffed shells with the addition of another tasty cheese, and from Dinte, who works like a man possessed to improve both the artistry and the flavor of his creations.
At one point, however, Chef Sali calls Phillip aside...
"Chef Phillip, a word, if you please..."
"Chef Phillip, we've been receiving some complaints about your meat being too tough. Now, it was not so when I tested your dish the first day, but perhaps you have grown somewhat careless on these subsequent days. Please pay careful attention to the length of time your dishes are cooked, and test periodically for tenderness. We don't want any more complaints from our guests."