Come get y'all Goose.

[cyclopticsadist]

Who: Niles, Entrapta, and anybody else!
When: Oct 1-12
Where: Refugee district/outside the city
What: Killing Cooking and Serving Geese
Warnings: None as of yet.


Hunting

i) Open

[Niles was not normally an early riser, but several mornings a week this month he can be found up and about in the hour or so before dawn. Bow in hand, quiver fully stocked, and pulling a small cart behind him he heads outside the city walls to hunt. With a bounty set on goose feathers, and a whole mess of new residents to feed in the refugee sector, Niles saw an excellent opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, or rather, solve two problems with one dead bird. Care to try and tag along?]

ii) Open

[Hunting is a calming, almost meditative activity for him, especially when aided by his new feline senses. Tracking game has never felt so intuitive, so natural, although he finds himself unconsciously sneaking much closer than he needs to get a clear shot. One of these times he might forget about his bow entirely and wind up pouncing claws and teeth first onto an unsuspecting bird. As such, sneaking up on him or startling him is ill advised. Better announce your presence first if you want to approach him mid-hunt.]

iii) Open

[By midmorning he's finished, some days with a full cart, others with less impressive hauls. Either way he's stopped at the entrance to the city proper and has to wait for city officials to thoroughly inspect each and every bird he's shot for signs of infection. Logically, Niles knows this is reasonable. The Cwyld is serious business and with quarantine procedures too much is better than too little. Emotionally however, he's grumpy, tired, and doesn't like standing around impotently while others pour over his work and discard some of his hard earned catches. So he passes this time by plucking any of the approved birds until the inspectors are satisfied. Feel like giving him a hand?]

Head Chef

i) Closed to Entrapta

[Niles grew up in the slums, and while the refugee section of town wasn't quite as derelict, it was far from comfortable lodgings. He's not skilled with a hammer, has no experience with building, and all of his skills in companionship and entertaining are far from kid friendly. His expertise at thievery, subterfuge, stalking, and assassination were also not very helpful for the work that needed doing. But the monsters rescued from Dorcharcht still needed their help, and Niles had more sympathy for them than just about anyone else he'd ever met. The sudden and overwhelmingly positive upheaval of their lives was familiar to him. Being yanked from desolate circumstances into relative luxury was its own kind of challenge and came with a unique set of growing pains and he'd be damned if he was going to let them face that alone. The least he could do was make sure they faced each day with a full belly, just as Leo had done for him.

So just outside of the bustle of construction and renovation Niles has set up several long tables. He's got a large stew pot on one, a few partially butchered goose carcasses next to it, an assortment of knives and pans and other donated equipment scattered about in a haphazard sprawl. This is where he brings Entrapta now, gesturing at the space he's claimed for his kitchen.]

An oven would be great, but mostly I need stoves. Stew is always the best choice for serving large crowds, but that takes time, and until then I'll want to be at least searing some meat and serving it along with bread and whatever other donated goods we can get our hands on.

[He looks to her expectantly, waiting for direction, his eye darting over the mound of parts and pieces she'd brought with her.]

ii) Open

[Pop-up kitchen now fully functional and stew pot simmering away behind him, Niles spends the remainder of the day chopping, peeling, frying, salting, slicing, seasoning, and serving whatever donated food he can get his hands on to hungry refugees and workers. Niles isn't exactly a culinary genius, but he's practiced at taking humble ingredients and making the most of them. His food is filling, flavorful, and satisfying, but don't take more than your fair share. His supplies are tight, and he's keeping a watchful eye over portion sizes, trying to make sure there's enough to go around.]

((OOC: Head Chef ii) is more exposition than anything else, feel free to tag in requesting a specific order, returning empty dishes, complimenting or critiquing his food, volunteering to help, whatever floats your boat.))

Comments

hunting ii

[plasticasshole]

[Connor very occasionally leaves the city to explore. Only a little, but he’s naturally curious. Today he happened to come across Niles as he killed a goose, and he watches for a moment before speaking.]

Nice shot.

[He has no idea who Niles is or what he’s done to the SQUIP, so he isn’t wary yet. That will probably change as soon as the SQUIP catches who he’s talking to.]

[cyclopticsadist]

I'd thank you but it wasn't exactly a trick shot. There's not even a breeze complicating it.

[Niles eyes Connor over. He's suspicious by nature and wary of strangers, but the scales on his hands mean this man isn't a witch, so one point in his favor already. He turns his back on Connor then and walks over to his fallen prey, tail swaying with contented energy as he goes. The unfortunate bastard is still alive, flapping feebly in protest as Niles picks it up. This time he doesn't resist the urge. He bites down hard just at the base of the skull, and the goose's final movements stop short. He turns back to Connor, licking the blood from his mouth as he returns to put the carcass on his cart.]

[plasticasshole]

[Well, that's one way to kill it... Connor can't help but think he could have just snapped its neck, but it's done now.

He opens his mouth to speak, but an odd jolt in the pit of his stomach makes him pause. He's suddenly wary. He's sure that it's not because of the vicious way Niles took down that bird. Odd though that was, it wasn't going to be enough to make Connor actually somewhat nervous. His LED flickers yellow, then back to blue.]

Maybe. I take it you're very experienced with that bow?

[cyclopticsadist]

[The colored light catches his eye and Niles tilts his head to one side curiously. He's not sure what kind of monster trait that is, but maybe it's some kind of ward or charm? Glowing things were usually magic in his experience, perhaps a leftover precaution from Dorcharcht. Interesting. He hadn't seen this man among the resistance he'd met but there'd been quite a lot going on.

He pulls an arrow from his quiver, spins it around his fingers in a smooth and highly practiced motion and knocks it. The weapon itself held at is rest, the arrow's point aimed towards the ground. He's just showing off a bit, not making any kind of threat.]

I could string a bow and fletch an arrow before I could read or write.

[In his world that didn't mean much. Lots of people never became literate, but here it seemed everyone could from a bafflingly young age. He figures it makes a good point of comparison.]

[plasticasshole]

[Connor can see that Niles isn't being threatening, at least. He just doesn't get why he feels that sense of impending danger. Pulling his coin out of his pocket, he starts to walk it over his knuckles. In this instance, it's a way to almost soothe himself.]

What would make for a more impressive shot, in your opinion?

[Is there really anything around here worth shooting besides birds?]

[cyclopticsadist]

[A sharp smile curves up the edge of his mouth and he locks his gaze on Connor's face. The man almost seems...nervous. His tail flicks back and forth behind him. It's a series of short, staccato motions, interest, curiosity, and eagerness in equal measure.]

Well that depends on how foolish you are I suppose. How about you take a few paces back, hold up that coin, and I'll shoot it out of your pretty little fingers?

Head Chef II

[hearthebell]

[L doesn't really want to be here. The gaunt young man looks slightly queasy at the sight and smell of the kettle, but he has his instructions, as much as he hates and finds them wholly unnecessary.

Well, maybe not wholly. There's a reason he is doing this at all.

Anyone would be forgiven for mistaking him for a vampire; he's too thin, too pale, and his request actually suggests something suspiciously along those lines.]

Something with iron? A lot of it?

[Getting a glimpse of the chef's face, L squints. He's seen this person before... in a dream, or...?

Just a moment...]

[cyclopticsadist]

Hmm, I think I know what you need.

[And Niles knows just the thing. He goes to a large refrigerator, (what a wonderful invention), and sorts through some discarded bits and hunks of goose, looking for something in particular. He slaps a hunk of liver down on the cutting board and begins slicing into it, briefly pausing to set a pan over a burner and start heating it up.]

How much of this meat do you think you can handle?

[hearthebell]

[L watches with no small amount of trepidation as Niles approaches the refrigerator, the whole time trying to place the chimera's appearance. That stinger, especially, gets no shortage of attention, so much so that L doesn't see the liver into it's being sliced.

He turns, very slightly, a couple shades greener.]

I don't really go in for meat.

[Honest, even if it's sort of in direct opposition to his stated goal. He seems as though he'd really like to jump up and bolt, but... no, that face. He's seen it; until the mystery is solved, he really must stay.]

[cyclopticsadist]

[Niles raises an eyebrow and his expression gains a sour tint. So the walking corpse was going to reject his cooking without even tasting it? Apparently no one had ever told him that beggars couldn't afford to be choosers. He continues working as if L hadn't said anything, moving on to placing the sliced liver in the pan with a healthy amount of butter. Over the pleasant sizzle and enticing smell he finally responds.]

Maybe that's why you look like a stiff breeze could knock you over.

[He chops some garlic and adds it to the pan.]

[hearthebell]

[It's been suggested to L that beggars can't be choosers, of course. Not that it's ever really stuck; the man would absolutely die on some stubborn and very finicky hill when it comes to what he'll put in his body, even when survival and necessity should be overriding that tendency.

In contrast, it's actually a little shocking to have his appearance remarked on so bluntly. It's rare; most people find it awkward, fraught, easier to look away. Especially strangers... and they are strangers, though L is sending threads of recollection through his memories and his Bond, looking for where he has seen this person before.]

Dark chocolate and strawberries both contain iron, and I would find them acceptable offerings.

[cyclopticsadist]

[Niles lets out a long breath through his nose and his ears flatten a bit.]

This is a cobbled together, volunteer staffed kitchen stocked entirely with donated food, not a confectionery. [His voice levels out, his clear annoyance and exasperation abating as he shakes the pan, keeping its contents from sticking.] That being said, if liver isn't up to your standards I do have one other meal high in iron I can offer you. [Then with in a sudden fluid motion his free hand draws a dagger from a sheath hidden under his cape. He slams the blade point down into the table just in front of L where he leaves it sticking straight up.]

Suck on that.

Head Chef ii

[firewalled]

[Rich doesn't really spend a lot of time in the kitchen area, usually, more preoccupied helping with building, moving furniture, and maybe running after the kids that were brought over from Dorchacht. Still, he usually can smell what is being cooked, and even if he can't stop long for lunch, he tries to pop in when he can.

This time around, he's early enough that no one is really there, and food isn't yet ready. Whatever is cooking smells amazing enough for him to stop and sit at a table close to the stove, so he can see the chef running around.]

Hey, what's for lunch? It smells incredible!

[cyclopticsadist]

[Niles has seen Rich around and mentally noted him down as 'probably decent folk'. A hard worker, good with kids, easy on the eyes, Rich has a lot of points in his favor already in Niles' book, which means he gets to skip any prodding, teasing, or hazing until further notice.]

Thank you. I decided to roast one of the birds whole. Not the most time efficient, but once it's picked clean I can use the bones to make stock.

[He cracks the oven open and peers in, tilting his head to one side then the other pensively.]

Needs another....ten minutes or so. [He returns to his position in front of a lit burner and sizzling pan, jostling its contents a bit.] The potatoes and onions are just about done though. Bring a plate up.

[firewalled]

[Rich certainly has been working hard, which means it's nice to relax for a bit and not have to deal with any uncomfortable hazing. Whoever this cook is, he's falling quickly into the category of "people Rich might like," since he's putting so much effort into taking care of the refugees.]

Damn. I wish I knew how to do something like that. I haven't had a decent meal like this in fucking years.

[He doesn't need to be told twice to come get his portion, snagging a plate from a freshly washed stack and hurrying over with it.]

I get to be taste tester? I have to show up early more often, then.

Head Chief ii.)

[ishisstrength]

Do you need some help?

[Justine doesn't look like she's dressed to help cook but it is the reason why she is here. She wants to help and she isn't able to do much in the way of work without using magic and her magic isn't greatly focused on these sorts of tasks. Cooking, however, is something that she knows how to do.]

I promise not to get in the way.

[She pulls her dark silky hair back and into a messy bun before standing there waiting for instructions.]

[cyclopticsadist]

[Niles looks away from butchering a goose to give her a clearly skeptical once over. But then he just nods. He's seen stranger fashions here, and he's not foolish enough to turn away another pair of hands.]

Very well. Check the stew for me will you? Then wash and dice some of these vegetables.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's mouth shapes into a warm smile at the directions.]

I would be happy too. [She steps over to the stew and inhales the thick heady scent of the broth. It doesn't appear to be thick enough so she dips the large spoon in it and carefully stirs.] It looks like it needs a few more minutes to thicken. Unless you haven't added a thickening agent yet.

[Justine doesn't know where in the cooking process he is but after giving her opinion she steps over to the sink to wash her hands. With a flick of her wrist she summons the vegetables to her side using the domestic magic she's perfected while living in an entirely magical house hold. She then sets to washing and artfully cutting the vegetables. It isn't difficult but she feels good now that she's helping.]

Have you been cooking for long?

[She asks in a conversational tone.]

[cyclopticsadist]

[The show of magic sees Niles ears flick back for just a moment, although his face remains impassive. He knows there are good witches. he'd worked closely with resistance members in Dorcharcht, and the turnout of people helping the newly rescued refugees was a good mix of monster and witch alike. Still, given the kinds of magics he's seen and experienced here, he's wary of anyone with access to that kind of power, however good their intentions.]

When I started we didn't have much. [Honestly it works as a response to both questions, but at the moment he's talking about the present state of the stew.] There's a box of newly donated ingredients I haven't yet sorted through, perhaps there's corn starch there. [He gestures over towards the end of the table, where an unopened box sits off to the side. There's a long pause before he continues. Maybe he's just focusing on his current task, maybe it's an unintentionally difficult question for him to answer.]

Only a few years really.

[He decides not to count the years he spent grilling rats over back alley trash fires. She probably was more interested in his experiences inside a real kitchen.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's home is located within in the cottage district of Haven and while the city has a Victorian era feel to it, the cottages are evidently the homes of witches. Modern conveniences have been reduced to common spells and enchantments in the wood. Not only to have the home working properly but to release some of a witches pent up magical energy. At first, Justine had been uncertain and rarely used her magic but now she knows she must and doing tasks like these is far preferable than fighting.

She has identified herself as a witch but if Niles knew how long she'd been in the city; it'd be obvious anyway.]

I can look or see if I can conjure something. I admit, my conjuring skills aren't as good as they could be. [It isn't a discipline she's put a lot of study into. The only thing she can technically conjure is water and the way she does it is closer to evocation, pulling it from the air.]

There is something calming about cooking.

[She looks up at him with a warm smile.]

Don't you think?

[Justine looks back down and gracefully slices the next vegetable before sliding the cut pieces onto a plate for Niles to use.] My name is Justine by the way.

[prayerwheel]

[ So at some point during her babysitting adventures, Azura heads in to get some dinner for the kids. When she walks in, she's holding a tiny naga girl who can't be any older than three or four, with a couple of faun kids trailing behind her. She's got her hair up, but kids are kids and the naga is absolutely tugging on her hair. She makes some pacifying chatter with them, but stops cold when she sees who's behind the counter.

No way. ]

...Niles?

[ She didn't see him arrive with the others. She was on the lookout this time, that's how she found Corrin, and she knows she didn't see him. Has he been here this whole time...?

....................................the tension of this moment is then completely ruined when the naga yells something incomprehensible that sounds vaguely like the name she just heard Azura say. Night? Night night. But it's not bedtime yet 8( ]

[cyclopticsadist]

Azura?

[He's equally dumbfounded for a moment, confusion mixing with suspicion on his face. It's not seeing someone here familiar, Corrin had broken that seal for him, it's not even someone he thought of an enemy approaching him with little to no animosity, it's seeing Azura, fabled kidnapped Nohrian Princess, tending to homeless monster children. The rumors he'd heard of her, and the little he'd seen of her on and off the battlefield painted a picture of a rigid and icy person, not someone who'd dirty her hands with....toddlers.

But here she was, at his kitchen, herding the refugees he'd helped liberate. Maybe Corrin wasn't delusional when she said that there was a world where they were on the same side. He begins pouring a few bowls of stew, and slices some fresh rolls that Justine helped him whip up.]

I've heard of you, but I'm surprised you know my name. I've never been on familiar terms with a Hoshidan before. You must be from the same world as that girl Corrin then?

[prayerwheel]

[ You can practically hear the record scratch happen. There's so much wrong with everything he just said that she doesn't know where to start. ]

...I beg your pardon?

[ what???? they talked like an hour before she got taken here??? granted that was almost 3 months ago to her now but. know his name? hoshidans? same world? Corrin???

maybe it's because she's incredibly tired from taking care of a gaggle of hyperactive monster children? but the "from a different world" doesn't occur to her yet. ]

Is this a part of some joke I haven't heard...?

[cyclopticsadist]

[Luckily Niles already went through this confusion with Corrin, so he can pick up some of the slack of unpacking that overstuffed suitcase. He gives a short frustrated sigh and with a frown starts to explain.]

All of us here are from different universes. I'm from one apparently very similar, but not exactly, like yours.

[His frown deepens, eyes going cold and wary.]

In my world Corrin joined his Hoshidan siblings and then cut a bloody swath across Nohr.

[Then in a much lighter tone, as an afterthought.]

Also the Corrin I know is a Prince.

[prayerwheel]

[ ....right. Right, okay. This is like the conversation she had with Oda. Different universes. The Dragon's Gate. It's just. Hm.

Give her a minute to process this. She tells the faun kids to go sit down and runs a hand through her hair. ]

But she wouldn't...she didn't side with either kingdom. She and I went to--

[ and then. hold on. ]

...a prince?