Breaking in a Kitchen - 04/04/21

Note: Rex played by Blue

[Tretesta]

“…down the path from the dappled stalls, last house before the foot bridge. Don't mind the giant bird in the yard, if he's hanging around. Bring an apron and a bottle of your favorite white wine, please?”

This was part of the linkpearl message from Tret to Pheria one evening. Knowing Blue had planned on taking a trip to the island to visit people she had not seen in months, he decided it would be as good a time as any to both christen his new cookware and make good on a request from the mysterious maid. So… It was soup day!

Upon a counter, some onions had rolled out of a sack bearing more. Along with these were a few sealed jars, some bundled herbs, block of cheese, and a loaf of bread. He was certainly ready to begin, hopefully Pheria wouldn't forget the request…

Most of the inside of the newly established Kerberion Manor had been put into place. There was some cleanout and botany work needed downstairs, but the scant amount of furniture owned by the two had been set up. The occupants had already been making plans for additional items to add in to really make it feel like a home! But… The kitchen where action was taking place was looking good. Tret found himself overwhelmingly glad he didn't have to move the stove or cabinets from the now boarded up cabin in the woods…

[Pheria]

Not terribly long after the message, a somewhat terrible rumbling could be heard in the distance, even from within the home. The rumbling drew closer and closer until finally laughter could be heard—which abruptly came to a stop. Not long after, a rather firm knock sounded on the door, with the loud laughter resuming soon after.

[Tretesta]

Decked out in his pink ruffled apron, Tret raised his head at the light shaking of utensils. Then there was the laughter. Well, this was certainly…. Different. Must be some kids in the neighboo- nope. Something was at his door. Tret peeked around the partition at the door, then grabbed a towel and a knife. Latter placed in his apron he began wiping his hands off and approaching the portal that concealed possible horrors.

“<I do not know what I am hoping is on the other side more…>”

The door was cracked open to check on the visitor, and then drawn open fully for a greeting, either with a smile or a blade, whichever might be more apt for the situation. Possibly both.

[Pheria/Raziel]

On the other side of the door was Pheria, clad in a buttoned blouse that seemed ready to burst open and bright blue trousers with brown boots. She was still wearing glasses today, but perhaps what was more eye catching was little Raziel giggling while latched around her neck, wearing what appeared to be red overalls, a white long-sleeved undershirt, and floppy red hat.

[Tretesta]

The smile was certainly presented to his pair of guests, though the jury was still out on need for the knife. Tret opened the door and his arms wide for them nonetheless.

Welcome to the stately Kerberion Manor, Pheria, and I believe it was…. Raziel! Yes? The performance artist from Starlight! Please excuse the mess. We're still sort of moving in… But do come in, come in!“ He then stepped aside, taking a peek outside to make sure there weren't any neighbors coming by to visit as well with torches and pitchforks. Derrick seemed to have gone off for his own amusement at least…

[Raziel/Pheria]

Raziel swung around Pheria’s neck before doing a graceful flip that ended with her face wrapping her arms around Pheria’s leg to slide down like a fireman on a pole.

“Rejoice! I shall sample your fare and test it’s worth!”

She gave a full toothy smile and seemed exceedingly pleased with herself.

[Tretesta]

Tret wore a perfect customer service smile as he watched the tiny one flip about and present herself. With a single nod, he waved a hand towards the inside “I was not aware I was being tested today, but I am quite sure I will meet someone's marks. My own at the very least.”

[Raziel/Pheria]

She walked in without another word, with Pheria not far behind her. Pheria seemed intrigued with the interior while Raziel almost appeared to be on an invisible leash of sorts. Every time it looked like she might shoot off in some direction, she would mysteriously backtrack towards her sister. Pheria was the first to speak words again.

“So what do you need me to do oh teacher man?”

[Tretesta]

“I… Hm. Need you to drop all of that to begin with! Tret will be just fine. I also respond to 'hey!' and 'you over there!'. Did you bring the wine though?” He would then close the door behind the women and head around the wall into the kitchen, drawing the knife out of the apron. He checked the edge was to his liking and set it on one of two cutting boards, digging around for a second to work with

“Want an apron? We've got a fair bit of onion to chop.”

[Pheria]

“Diced or….?”

[Tretesta]

“oh no, that'll be far too small. Half them, then just slice across, half moons, neh? Making onion soup today, want to make sure we get plenty of onion goodness!”

With that, he gestures to a clean white apron draped over the oven handle, then sets about topping, peeling, cutting, then slicing the first of several onions “join in or hang out! I'll show the recipe one way or another!”

[Pheria]

She tilts her head and dons the apron, moving soon after to pick up an onion and rip it in half. To be fair, it was an extremely clean rip, and was mostly evenly torn into two halves. On the other, it was a goddamn onion, and one of the halves proceeded to more or less fall apart soon after.

[Tretesta]

Scraping some sliced bits aside, Tret turned at the sound of violence, quirking a brow at Pheria's method. <“Well… Suppose it's about what goes in. Not how it does…”> He gestures at the second cutting board and knife with his own short blade and then returns to his other half “Feel free to use those! I find I do not cry as much when using a sharp blade on onion. And we want these nice strips to cook down, neh? So please.” He'd pause and turn, revealing the work on his board so far, a pile of happy little slices.

[Raziel/Pheria]

Raziel perched on Pheria’s shoulders like some kind of koala, and Pheria picked up the blade. Perhaps surprisingly, she did not have trouble actually following instructions. She seemed to be mimicking Tret’s movements.

“So what is after this?”

Raziel leaned in closer and immediately recoiled, crinkling up her nose.

“This doesn’t smell sweet at all!”

[Tretesta]

Tret peers up at Raziel and gives her a wink at the outcry of disgust “Oh no, not a sweet dish today! Something savory! Though I know some good desserts…” He gestured at a large wide pot on the stove and continued with direction the Pheria “Once we get these onions done, we'll get a low heat under that pot, melt down a good amount of butter, and start ahhhh…. What's the word… Sweating them, yes. Sweat them down for a good while.”

He turned back to his board and worked quickly with the practised moves of a man who has cut up far too many onions. He mused to them both as he sliced “Your father was telling me he has been trying to let go of his desire for meat. This dish does not have any meat in it. My recipe, though, uses a very rich beef broth, unlike the normal Ishgardian style. Also wine. Did we bring that bottle I asked for?”

[Rex]

A rather huge red frog sat at the entrance to the kitchen, staring at the party taking place solemnly.

[Raziel/Pheria]

Raziel spoke up again.

“No meat!? How brazen to attempt a poisoning! That old man needs meat anyway”

Pheria on the other hand lifted Raziel by the collar, shaking her up and down until she seemed to get dizzy.

“Well she was supposed to be carrying it but she's so busy being rude I'm not sure if she remembered!”

[Tretesta]

Tret pauses his chopping to watch the pair with a small smile <Dear God, I have welcomed madness into my home.> “Well sure, meat is good. I enjoy it as much as the next person. But if someone wanted to reduce the amount they eat, getting a hearty meal with the deep flavor of beef will certainly be a pleasant substitute.”

As he had indicated earlier, he left his board to turn a burner on and set the stoneware pot over top of a low flame. To the pot was added a generous amount of butter, left to melt down entirely whilst the last of Tret's set of onion was finished. He would pause between pot and vegetable again to greet their watcher.

“Morning, Rex! Soup will be ready in…. Hour or so? Now… If we managed to lose the bottle, no harm. I suggested you bring one you like as it's always best to cook with ingredients you enjoy. I'm sure I have a bottle of white somewhere… We've got plenty of time to find it though.”

[Rex]

The frog stared at Tret and seemed satisfied with that answer (though it was quite hard to tell frog emotions), and hopped off to snooze until soup time.

[Pheria/Raziel]

“I don’t drink!”

Pheria held her smile but Raziel’s gaze was locked on the frog. She waved her hand in the air and a dark rift appeared from which she pulled a dull looking but obviously newly purchased bottle. Once the frog left, she seemed….strangely silent. Until of course she suddenly screamed.

“WHY ARE THE DOLLS MOVING!?”

Pheria took the bottle in one swift motion with one hand and began to shake her sister more roughly with the other.

[Tretesta]

Takes a break from his cutting long enough to retrieve the bottle, then set it on the counter for later use “The dolls? Ah, Rex. Ahhh… That's not a doll, but a friend Blue brought home from the East. I think we have some dolls upstairs unpacked if you're wanting a toy to play with. Though… You appear to make a perfectly fine rattle yourself, Raziel…”

With Pheria occupied, Tret collected the onions she had dealt with and his own and started to add them to the pot, stopping to add a sprinkle of salt periodically as he went.

[Pheria/Raziel]

“There is nothing spicy in the recipe?”

Pheria began to bearhugs Raziel, who’s screams were muffled in Pheria’s bosom.

[Tretesta]

“No, no added heat here. I know you have a fondness for spice though! This is certainly focused on savory over any other flavor. Warms the body and soul, while being palatable to most. There are some out there who do not have much or zero tolerance for spicy things. Alright, I'll bite.” He gestures broadly at Pheria's Raziel situation “Are we alright here? I feel like I'm missing something.”

[Pheria]

“I think if it’s for father though he would want to add something stronger! If you are trying to replace meat by making it taste like meat would meat not be faster? Shouldn’t there be something extra there to make it attractive rather than thinking ‘ah yes this is a replacement’ while you eat?”

She looks down at Raziel who has since stopped struggling.

“Hm? Are we missing a different vegetable?”

[Tretesta]

<Interesting…> Tret returns to the pot to watch over and adjust the heat as needed “The idea is alternatives. If someone wishes to reduce the meat they are eating, they would turn to foods without meat, or with a smaller portion of. This is the first one. And after trying your stew, something I wanted to share that I haven't made in a long time. Just a simple onion soup. No other vegetables. Just some herbs, broth, and a few flavoring along with several ponze of onion.”

[Pheria]

“I see! By the way, where is your partner? I have not seen them since Starlight I believe!”

[Tretesta]

“Blue is out making her rounds today. She's only recently come home from her training and wanted to go and let people know she's back. Man… Starlight seems so long ago now. Where does the time go…”

[Pheria]

“So you have a lot of friends?”

[Tretesta]

“I suppose you could say that. Hm… Weird. This feels familiar…” Tret pauses, turns only his upper body slowly from one side to the other, then shakes his head and resumes minding the pot of onion

[Pheria]

“Still I cannot say I’ve heard of this recipe. It must be old. Gridanians tend to lean more towards nuts and the like in their soups, so I was fairly certain you would be adding things like that as a special secret ingredient. Is it difficult getting good onions out here? Some people are particular about them.”

[Tretesta]

“You might know it as an Ishgardian dish. I feel their version lacks something. It feels very plain. Many of their dishes are like that to me though. But I have my own methods. The type of onion can matter, but moreso how you cook them… I'm going to get these nice and brown and tender.”

[Raziel/Pheria]

There was a small poof sound like a pillow getting smacked followed by silence. Raziel was gone.

“Have you ever had behemoth steak?”

[Tretesta]

Tret looks over his shoulder at the question, shrugs, then back to his pot. Then double takes. “Where is…. You know what? No. I cannot say I have. Have not seen it offered. Cannot imagine how much it would cost per ponze…”

[Pheria]

“My father used to get me some when we lived in the city.”

“That was before the calamity of course but…I imagine it’s still a treat somewhere today!”

[Tretesta]

“In the city… Gridania? Limsa? Possibly though. Anyone with that much of a death wish deserves to feast and every penny made from what they don't eat. Saw one from a distance, once. Figured if it was that big from far away, I could take a detour around it.”

[Pheria]

“I see. I was trying to think of something I can do as thanks for the recipe but my line of work requires a certain amount of stamina and discipline. I doubt learning of it will bring you joy.”

[Tretesta]

“Alright… Got some downtime while these cook down. Line of work you say?” Tret gave the pot a stir, then set about tidying up waste, cleaning as he went and inquiring further “Can't see how knowing what someone does for a living could upset me. Unless you were someone who just goes about murdering people in their own home while they cook you lunch. That might ruin my day a little. And would be wildly unrelated to the topic of Behemoths, I think!”

[Pheria]

Her smile widened a bit.

“Do you feel like I’m going to hurt you?”

[Tretesta]

Turning and leaning back against the counter, Tret replied to the smile with a generally blank look and a raised eyebrow ”…No. No I don't feel so. Should I? I mean… I'm not quite dressed for getting hurt, and I would really hate to burn the food. That might also ahhh… not bring joy, as you put it.“

[Pheria]

“You seem to be thinking a lot of things, but it does not seem to be anything warm.”

“I would not call it fear, but you feel so guarded. As if you consider every movement and action. My sisters may not notice it, but there is a certain….sensitivity I acquired while learning to live on my own. Would your evening not improve were you to relax? I believe I have more cause for caution than you, being a delicate young lady.”

She removes her glasses and pulls a cloth from her pocket before proceeding to wipe her lenses.

[Tretesta]

”…Call it a hard life lived, Pheria. I do consider movements and actions. Particularly of those around me. I feel like its warranted when young girls suddenly disappear in my home. Or when odd happenings start just before I invite delicate young ladies in for an afternoon of cooking.“

He spreads his arms and shrugs at the possibly overly calm woman, then smiles “But despite all of that? I stand here dressed for cooking, not for war. I am genuinely curious of your line of work, and make light of what could be a terrible thing. I wonder somewhat where you have smuggled Raziel, but assume she is in some manner of saftey. I have spent most of my life with people who I am certain could reduce me to a pile of ash if they were inclined to.” Tret pauses there and scratches his chin

”…I may be doing this guarded thing wrong, now that I'm saying it out loud…“

[Pheria]

“She simply went home. She has duties to attend to, small as she is. More than likely she needed to receive some prayers.”

“As for my work, I am a wandering maid. There are some small few of us dedicated to our duty.”

“But cleaning hearts is difficult. Hearts require such a special and specific hand—a key—for each. Handled poorly, a heart is likely to gather more grime in the cleaning attempt.”

“I can see why my father is so interested in you.”

[Tretesta]

“Cleaning… Hearts. Yeah… Yeah, I could imagine that requiring some training, just from the sound of it.” Tret dropped his arms with that as the conversation suddenly became much less tense, returning to the pot to keep the contents going. He looked over his shoulder at a clock on the wall, did some mental math, and nodded, continuing “What is it specifically that is being cleaned, Pheria? I'm guessing it's not the same as a doctor doing surgery on one's heart to repair an issue.”

[Pheria]

She puts her glasses back on her face and claps her hands together.

“Houses have a lot of things in them! It’s not always a house either! Stables, porches, taverns and ships—everything can use the proper cleaning hand!”

[Tretesta]

“Tell me more about hearts, please, Pheria.”

[Pheria] “What about them do you wish to hear?”

“Surely you know something about hearts!”

[Tretesta]

“What is it specifically that is being cleaned? I'm guessing it's not the same as a doctor doing surgery on one's heart to repair an issue.” <“Whoa. Deja vou… again.”>

[Pheria]

“Hearts can be broken through any number of things. But hearts also can accumulate a certain build up over time that can break them as well. We can think of it as filth that the heart cannot filter out on its own. There must needs be intervention from an outside source to fill the heart with the material necessary to wash away the grime.”

[Tretesta]

”…Are we speaking physically, as a doctor or surgeon, or in the ahhh… Literary? yes. Literary sense where the heart is emotion and soul?“

[Pheria]

“I wonder?”

She looks at the ceiling.

“How long until the soup is ready?”

[Tretesta]

“So do I, hence the question!” Tret looks up at the clock again, then turns to check on the onions. In the space of the lovely conversation had, the slices had broken down into a deep brown color at the bottom of the pot, greatly reduced from where they were before. He gave them one more stir then went for the bottle of wine. having opened it off screen some time ago, he poured a fair bit into the onions just to cover and turned the heat well up “another…. half hour-ish? give this time to reduce down and cook off the alcohol, add the broths and herbs, let those all get to know each other, and then we can serve up. Which reminds me, need to deal with the bread. Mind helping me cut some rounds?”

the next task was cutting into a load of bread and, with a soup mug to be used for serving soon, he would stamp out rounds from the slices and set the discs aside. “So? Which is it?”

[Pheria]

“Rounds?”

She followed his movements but did not seem to know what he was talking about.

“Is it for dipping?”

[Tretesta]

“Better! We're gonna toast one side per bread per per serving. then we ladel out the soup into these mugs” wiggle the mug at her “Put the toasted side down over it, cover with a bit of cheese, and then toast THAT side too. A cheesy crouton for some flavor and texture to the soup!” he left her to repeat whilst a moment was taken to turn the oven on, popping the bottom door open quickly to make sure the broiler was clear. After he returned, he added. “Let me take these. If you could please carefully pour those two jars into the pot, add that tied bundle of herbs, and give it a stir, that would be wonderful!”

[Pheria]

Pheria quietly followed instructions, maintaining her smile as she went about carrying out her assigned tasks.

“Cheese, bread, and onions, hm?”

“Seems like a meal that might be easy to reproduce elsewhere as well.”

[Tretesta]

“Even the most simple meal can be delicious and filling. This one is quite plain when you call it like that, but something everyone has in their kitchen, or can for very little.” Tret placed the rounds of bread, 4 in all in case Raziel came back from wherever she had gone, on a baking sheet and popped it under the broiler for a little bit. “How its cooked, what extra you add. That makes the differences. I make my own broths, so mine may taste different from yours just by the ingredients. Doesn't make either of them wrong or right, as long as they taste good.”

[Pheria]

“I was just thinking that a certain green woman might be interested in it. Especially if you are adding things like wine.”

[Tretesta]

“Veldi? She'd likely help me finish off the bottle at least. Take a taste though. That's why I turned up the heat and cooked it down to almost syrup. Keeps the flavor of the wine, but not the alchohol. That burns off. I'll add a splash of brandy at the end for a bit of flavor, but not enough to call it a boozy soup.” Stepping back to the oven for a moment, Tret pulled the bread back out, browned on one side, and set it on the counter. He then bustled about for his block of white cheese and a grater, making shreds on the counter top for use soon.

[Pheria]

“She has not cooked for you? She knows quite a few things her mother taught her. Although I suppose she is used to an open flame rather than a kitchen.”

[Tretesta]

“I believe I've spoken with Veldi… Twice? She tends to find herself around Blue far more than myself. I'd be quite happy to share a kitchen with her as well, though. Was not aware that she enjoyed cooking!”

[Pheria]

Pheria did not respond, instead pulling adjusting her glasses and looking around the kitchen again.

“How long have you lived here?”

[Tretesta]

Tret finishes his grating and taps remnants off, looking around the room as well “Ahhh… Hm. Suppose its been about two, three weeks? Where does the time go… Feels almost like yesterday…”

[Pheria]

“Oh? Did you live in the city before that?”

[Tretesta]

“Out in the woods, actually. Very deep into the shroud. Had a little cabin out there.”

[Pheria]

“Hm? Hmmm…I see! Houses are hard!”

[Tretesta]

“Houses are quite troublesome, yes. I've still got work to do on this one before I'm well happy with it.”

[Pheria]

“Well, are you planning on having any parties out here?”

“Not sure how well you know your neighbors…”

[Tretesta]

“Not terribly well yet. Only been here a short time, like I said. Think I made a bit of a show when i was moving things in….. But eh, there will likely be a party of some kind of sort thrown! once everything is fixed up, Blue will be certainly wanting everyone over!”

[Pheria]

“Well I hope you have fun! Father does not particularly like parties.”

[Tretesta]

“I'll have to make sure I invite him, then! We'd certainly have him, you, and your family back over, after the lovely evening offered over starlight. He may have come close to exploding me at one point or another, but like you said… He's interested in me! All the more reason to enjoy one another's company.”

[Pheria]

“Close to exploding you? That sounds like an interesting story.”

[Tretesta]

“Maybe not exploding. But…” He raised a hand and held up his index finger and thumb, making a small space between them “Might have been… this close to death or maiming. And then something changed his mind. Now, lets check this soup…” Tret grabed a pair of clean spoons, offering one to Pheria and dipping the other into the simmering mix. He blew gently, then tasted. ”…not quite right yet… Missing..“ he trailed off and turned for his cabinets, looking around.

[Pheria]

Pheria tasted the mixture, watching Tret move quietly.

“You know, he’s actually quite nice! I doubt he would kill you without any good reason for it! I think that what you thought was death might have been him expressing himself! Did he tell you that you were going to die?”

[Tretesta]

“You know? I don't think he did. Which was more concerning. The man screaming I'm going to kill you! isn't going to actually do it. But the quiet man who makes the room brace for impact? Yeah. That one will likely do it. Perhaps he realized what a mess I would make that he would have to deal with. Can't imagine I'm worth all that troub- Here we go!” Tret pulled down a glass jar and a bottle of dark liquid. He returned to the stove, gave a healthy sprinkle from the former, and a splash of the latter, then stirred for a bit before taking another taste ”…That's it. Now we're good I think.“

[Pheria]

“It’s the uh…opposite of what you’re thinking, I think.”

[Tretesta]

“Hmmm… No. I think this is just about right. have another taste”

[Pheria]

She brought a hand to her chin.

“Not that, I mean the killing.”

“I remember my father telling me about his teacher. She used to…well, more importantly, he likes fighting. If he were to just kill you there is no chance to enjoy the fight or resist.”

“It’s different if you are an enemy, but he does not let enemies into the house.”

[Tretesta]

“The line between ally and enemy can be blurred sometimes… But fair. I think if he was intent on fighting me that day, I still would have made a spectacular mess. Still not worth the trouble. Lets get this ready to serve up. Will Raziel be joining us again?”

[Pheria]

“Well I suppose you could try calling her but I’m not sure!”

[Tretesta]

”…That sounds absolutely insane. lets try it.“ Not immediately though. Tret found his ladle and began dishing out soup into a set of mugs, then added the bread rounds to the top, and a healthy/unhealthy amount of cheese over top of each. Mugs on the baking sheet, sheet under the broiler, then he cupped a hand around his mouth “Miss Raziel! Lunch is nearly ready! Come on back and get cleaned up to eat!”

[Pheria]

“Not like that!”

She twirls around and closes the distance before grabbing Tret’s hands and awkwardly clasping them together.

“Ready?”

[Tretesta]

Tret brightens up as he is handled “I have no idea! Lets go!”

[Pheria]

“Repeat after me!”

she closes one eye and focuses on Tret’s hands.

“Little miss, little miss, come out to play! We yearn to see the sun today!”

[Tretesta]

“Little miss, little miss, come out to play! We yearn to see the sun today!” Tret dutifully repeats as requested. Then he adds “And Rex! Cmmon out here too!”

[Pheria]

Nothing happened

Pheria quickly twirled away. Somewhere in the motion, she pulled a linkpearl from somewhere and brought it next to her face, maintaining her smile. Though her voice sounded the same as usual, there was a coat of venom to her words somehow.

“Foods ready~”

[Tretesta]

“Well… That was far more adorable than my way. shame neither way worked. oh!” He donned an oven mitt and quickly fetched the now bubbly and browned topped mugs, setting them on the counter to rest for a moment, and looking for another two spoons. Did ancient frog dieties use spoons? maybe. It would be offered in any case, just to be polite.

[Rex]

Rex did not require such a show, crawling out of the fireplace in the room opposite the kitchen. A little bit sooty. He reappeared at the entrance with a croak.

[Raziel]

Not long after, a rift opened above Pheria, and Raziel (now clad in what appeared to be ceremonial robes) popped out of the ether, dropping into Pheria’s arms.

“The clouds disperse, for I have arrived!”

[Tretesta]

“And not a moment too late! Must check on your summoning ritual, Raziel! Hope I didn't call you away from something important.” Yes. The man who has little girls both disappearing and reappearing in the middle of his kitchen is guarded. No idea why that might be warranted. perfectly normal thing. Tret brought the bowls over to the little table in the kitchen, set them out, and went to fetch a third chair from downstairs. Returning, he would spread his hands over the offering. “Please everyone. sit down, enjoy.”

[Pheria/Raziel]

Pheria carried her sister over to the table and sat her down before kneeling next to her and grabbing the bowl, blowing it off before grabbing the spoon.

“Thank him for his offering~”

Raziel sniffed at the bowl before turning to squint at Tret, puffing out her cheeks.

“This smells…..not sweet. But your effort is genuine. You have my praise!”

[Rex]

The frog hopped up on the third chair offered, black eyes staring at Tret blankly before scrambling onto the table itself and setting himself before his mug of soup. Rex's mouth opened and the toasty cheesy soup-laden bread was swiftly devoured.

[Tretesta]

Tret smiled as he was given something of a compliment. He gave a bow, and then sat down to help himself as well “Well thank you! If I had been told you were coming with Pheria today and liked sweets, I'd have taken time to make a dessert as well. I'll have to keep that in mind and send something to you next time I am baking.” He watched the Frog gorge for a bit, then Pheria and Raziel. Yes. Madness had fallen upon the Kerberion home. and… with the exception of Blue being absent? It actually felt like a home now. A small smile came over him and he went back to his own bowl.

[Pheria]

“Oh I forgot to ask.”

“We’re you going to feed the sulky one too?”

Pheria seemed preoccupied stuffing the spoon into Raziel’s mouth as she spoke, being careful to avoid the girl’s sharp teeth.

[Tretesta]

“The Sulky one…” He repeated back her words like a trained parrot, mused for a bit, then shook his head “I'm sorry, I have no idea who the sulky one is. But I have plenty if anyone came asking for a bowl.”

[Pheria]

Pheria points at the ceiling.

[Tretesta]

Tret slowly looks up to the ceiling, then back down ”….There is no one else in the house that I am aware of…“

[Pheria]

She gives him a blank stare before giving Raziel another spoonful of soup.

“Well nevermind then.”

“This has been quite the day hasnt it? I almost feel I should go for another run after this!”

[Tretesta]

Tret returns the look, the goes back to his bowl. There was certainly plenty left for anyone else who wanted more and wanted to make themselves known. “Been a nice day, indeed. Glad to share a lunch with you two.”

[Pheria]

Once she was done feeding Raziel, Pheria quickly directed herself towards her own bowl. Lifting it over her head, she placed the bread in her mouth before pouring the soup over it, quickly gulping down the broth and onions, chewing what stray onions were left and her cheesy croissant afterwards heartily. Perhaps the most amazing part of this feat however was how she managed to do so without spilling a drop of soup.

[Tretesta]

<“Delicate young lady, my ass…”> Tret watched with amusement at the impressive feat of culinary consumption nearby. Collecting the finished bowls from Raziel, Rex, and himself, he'd stand and hold a hand out to accept Pheria's as well. Once he had all four, he would take them to the sink and set about wiping one of them out along with its spoon. To this one, he poured in another helping of still warm soup and sprinkled the last of the cheese over it. Bowl was placed upon the counter with the spoon, and he returned to his guests “This has been an enlightening afternoon, Pheria, Raziel. I do hope you both enjoyed the meal, and I apologize for offending you earlier, Pheria. It certainly wasn't my intent, only my curiosity.”

[Raziel/Pheria]

Raziel burped while Pheria wiped her mouth.

“Your offering has been consumed! You will receive your blessings….eventually!”

[Tretesta]

“Allow six to eight weeks for delivery, just pay for shipping?”

[Raziel/Pheria]

She puffed out her cheeks but Pheria swiftly snatched her up.

“Suppose next time it will need to be a sleepover?”

[Tretesta]

“You know what? I bet Blue would enjoy that. You and your sisters even. Give me some time to finish fixing this place up… Maybe? I'll try and set up something through your dad. Surely he'll approve.” <“And perhaps question my sanity.”>

[Pheria/Raziel]

“Perhaps!”

She latched Raziel around her neck again and did a half wave, half saluting gesture before striding towards the door.

[Tretesta]

Tret stands again as the pair makes for the door, following after at a leisurely pace. “Heading out then? Do let me know sometime how yours turns out, if you try to make it as well, Pheria. Thank you both for coming, it was nice having company over. A nice break from repairs.”

[Pheria/Raziel]

She smiles in response, heading out of the door without another word. Raziel begins giggling again, and soon after a sound like a mighty gust could be heard on the other side of the door as the two departed.

[Tretesta]

As if not believing, Tret would open the door to reveal… nothing? He looks out across his yard to the footpath, then speaks aloud to no one “There is a bowl for you in the kitchen. I'm going to be working downstairs, help yourself. If you would like anything else, just come tell me.” With that, Tret sighed and shook his head, closing the door again and heading downstairs as indicated. So much work to be done still…

The home became quiet again, save the occasional banging and cursing from the basement. The bowl of soup in the kitchen would be taken by an unseen force at some point, and the rest would be cleaned up by Tret later that afternoon before Blue came home. The house became a home slowly, keeping a myriad of secrets and insanity within. In a box of cards in the kitchen, one in particular might be of interest. written in an unfamiliar script to the locals, it would read:
5 pound sweet onions
3 tablespoon butter
2 cup white wine
4 cup beef broth
2 cup chicken broth
Thyme, bay leaf and parsley tied together
Kosher salt, black pepper & brandy (opt) to taste
Loaf bread, shred cheese for garnish
Slice onions in half and then finely into half moons. Melt butter in large dish over low heat. Once melted, add onions in few layers, Salt between. do not stir until onions have sweated down 15-20 mins. after, stir occasionally, cook until dark brown and reduced greatly, 45-60 mins. some burning is ok.
Add wine to cover onions, turn heat high, reduce to syrupy. add broths and herbs. Lower heat again, simmer 15-20 min. Season with salt, pepper, splash brandy.
Cut bread into rounds using crock. toast one side. Ladle soup into crock, place bread toast side down. top with cheese, broil, serve.

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