"Alright, we need..." a voice responded looking around the kitchen.
"Don't forget the sweet glaze" responded another.
This was a usual morning routine now that Nutella was preparing for her baking cart in a few days. An aspiring baking artist she always strived at being the best, eventually having a stable business. Her accomplice and a sole employee named himself Kinder eager to help when ready. Currently, he was gathering ingredients with his muzzle calling out what he collected.
"Fruit, flour, eggs..." he murmured placing everything on a makeshift table out of thick flattened tree logs.
"Sweet glaze.... we should see another fruit to try this sale. Berries perhaps?" Nutella noted turning to look around her kitchen.
"Berries sounds amazing, especially if we could find something colorful, maybe". Nutella's mind pictured delicious treats with fascinating colors, "We better get out and forage before other nouls get the same idea".
Running over to Nutella Kinder placed a basket by her hooves. He also grabbed a smaller one easier to grip in his teeth, "One step ahead of you" he grinned with pointy white teeth poking from his gums.
As they stepped into Homewood both inhaled the fresh morning air respectively. It was always a visual treat to simply enjoy the world you were born within when it was a sanctuary to all. Nutella felt rather blessed she could bring her creations to others. As they moved along the river Kinder would run over pluck a few things dropping them in the basket. Nutella took things in stride though she did flinch when something raced by her possibly in a form of a small noul, she wasn't sure. Kinder was a little more on the defensive side but, he still just relaxed around Nutella. Teeth flashing instantly returned along with his growl toward the speeding creature.
Nutella took a deep breath then headed down toward the berries she was seeking. Some red, black, blue, even greens were plucked and placed in separate piles creating a canvas beneath her. Before they reached the berry patches and bushes she paused placing down her basket. Flicking an ear as her neck craned to the water, she sighed happily drinking inward a delicate splash that moistened her parched throat. While saving this amazing creation for later was something nouls preferred, Nutella loved drinking it straight from the source. Just the sheer essence of water as it trickled down your throat was a fascinating feeling. Letting out an appreciative sound she turned back to Kinder, "Alright then.... to the Berries?"
Kinder chuckled watching her in admiration. He was remembering her story of how she offered to be his caretaker. Proud he was her companion he was delighted when she let him taste-test her creations. Like Brightheart's reaction, he too couldn't help but "yip" at such a flavorful surprise. Kinder new to the world was extremely grateful he was a bakery assistant and taste tester. His pallet loved sweets and fresh-baked bread almost as much as her customers. "On to the berries," he responded with a smile.
As they both reached the berries each of them frowned as it seemed they were a little late getting there. Nutella frowned looking over the bushes as she and Kinder walked through. Nothing was left.
"Just me or are the berries being eaten more than usual?" Kinder frowned with a whimper.
"Appears so" Nutella agreed regretfully.
Suddenly, something tore past them once more giving Nutella a start she nearly dropped her ingredients, "What is doing that?"
Kinder sniffed the air growling, "I'm not sure but it may be to blame for the lack of berries.
"I suppose we'll have to work with what we have then?" she spoke a little downhearted.
Turning to head back to her kitchen she heard Kinder's voice who had taken a stroll further up into the area. It seemed he was calling her about something though she hadn't a clue, what.
Shaking her head her mane bounced backward as she trotted clear down into the larger of the bushes. Kinder had a great sense of smell so she didn't want to second guess what his find was. As she headed over the hill her eyes widened, "Where..."
"Found this bush and a few others further in. I kind of... I ate one" he looked downward.
"Nutella's eyes widened, "Are you sick? Is it poison? Kinder why?!!
Kinder looked up at her with a sheepish look, "Because we needed a new berry. So, I made sure this was something we could use".
Nutella frowned, "Shouldn't be so rash Kinder. We don't know if everything in Homewood isn't poison. But, how do they taste?"
Kinder chuckled, his eyes becoming fox-like, "Try one for yourself".
Nutella shook her head looking at the golden berry. Reaching out her neck she gently picked one with her teeth then paused, "Not right now" she replied dropping it in the basket. "Let's gather a few and take them back. I have an idea what to use them with".
Kinder grinned sticking out his tongue, "Suit yourself" he responded as he picked more berries to add to his basket.
Have you had any second thoughts on opening an actual bakery? Kinder asked rejoining her side.
"Perhaps" Nutella nodded, "Perhaps".
"Well if you do I'll be your assistant. You can count on me" Kinder chuckled then looked back the way they came before heading back. It was hard to say just what ran through the area past them. Noul, Dire Rat? It certainly was a mystery. Shaking his head he walked alongside his companion feeling quite proud of himself finding those golden berries. Perhaps he shouldn't have been so rash to eat one but what's done was done. Flicking an ear with a sway of his tales he moved in a rather playful step. It was always interesting on foraging agendas. You never know what will cross your path seeking something that's brand new. Nutella was sure to inquire about the berries before she used them Kinder assured himself. But, they will make some amazing treats with their coloring.
Nutella looked into her basket as she headed to the bakery glancing at the berries pondering all the desserts she could make. This had an amazing experience finding those bushes. Homewood definitely was holding surprises, it just wasn't apparent when one would appear.
Nutella WC: 1057
