Emma nodded as Kayne explained the menu for the day and what needed to be done to prepare for it all. Fish soup sounded delectable, especially when paired with wine, cheese and bread. She suspected that she’d be staying for dinner before heading back to the Horseman’s Inn to meet up with Krem for their date. Smiling, she nodded at Kayne’s request for her to help his mother with the vegetables while he handled the fish. Emma was more than willing to help gut and clean the fish if needed, but it seemed that Kayne was willing to handle the ‘dirty’ jobs.
“Of course, Mr. Nightroad. I’ll happily assist in any way that I can.” Emma looked to his mother, who seemed pleased with her enthusiasm and the fact that she would have some extra help in the kitchen. Sipping her tea, Emma let out a happy little sigh before taking her cup and saucer in hand. Coming around the side of the bar, she stepped behind it and followed Mrs. Nightroad into the back where the kitchen and store rooms were located.
After washing her tea cup and saucer, Emma rolled up her dress sleeves, literally, and got to work. With the amount of vegetables they’d need for the soup, Emma knew it would take her a while to clean and chop them all, but she didn’t mind. Getting started, Emma took care to clean each one, making sure the dirt and grime were scrubbed off before placing them in a separate basket. Once all the vegetables were washed, she placed the baskets next to the counters where she and Mrs. Nightroad could peel and chop each individual one. It was basic kitchen prep work, but Emma loved it. They all chatted idly while they worked and soon the hours began to slip by.
Once the meal was done, with the dishes washed and his sleeves rolled up, the work necessary for the fish soup had begun. With Emma working on the vegetables, he was focusing on the fish, having the scales scraped away and the insides extracted and cleaned with the trusty knives. The waste had to be dumped away into the trash bin before the fish was washed further with water, as an extra precaution before all ingredients would be ready to be put into the pot. There was the casual conversation here and there to pass the time, all the keep the mood light while being busy with the kitchen. That was another philosophy of the Nightroads, to make work time as fun as possible.
The fire was then tended to keep the pot hot before the water for the soup was poured and the ingredients were added one by one. Emma was asked to fetch him the seasonings for the soup while he kept a close eye on the food, to make sure that each and every component was having the correct level of tenderness as the soup was simmered, the seasonings put in via the sprinkling method. It did take some time considering that some of the ingredients take longer for them to be softened, but patience was key. With lunch time coming around, the customers were now coming in for the lunch special. Kayne then gave a small bowl of soup to Emma as a way to taste test, to see if there was anything missing before the final touches.
"Here's the little sample before customers will be served," he smiled, before grabbing a small bowl for himself as well. Though the fish soup was mostly mild, it had to taste good, hence the testing before the meal would be served.
❥ ❜ PROFILEtabx ❥ ❜ MOODtabenergized ❥ ❜ LOCATIONtabJolly Tavern and Inn ❥ ❜ COMPANYtabeveryone in the area, but talking to Emma ❥ ❜ OOCtab
After gathering the appropriate seasoning requested by Kayne, Emma watched as he sprinkled them into the soup and stirred it all together. It smelled amazing and made her mouth water in hunger. Breakfast was wearing a little thin, that was for sure. So when Kayne offered her a small bowl to sample the taste, she was more than happy to oblige. Taking the small bowl in hand, she blew upon a spoonful of the soup before tasting it. Humming lightly, she smiled and gave Kayne a nod.
“It’s lovely. Creamy, light, simple. It’s delicious, Mr. Nightroad.” It was always so satisfying when the efforts of everyone produced such delicious results. Emma knew that the customers would thoroughly enjoy the meal and likely come back for more in the future, which was the idea, this was a tavern after all. Finishing her small bowl, she took it to the washing bin where the rest of the dishes were waiting to be done.
“I’ll take care of these dishes. After that, was there anything else you’d like me to help with, Mr. Nightroad?” Emma asked as she began to rinse and wash her bowl and spoon before getting started on the others that were waiting to be done. In all honesty, she was getting a bit tired, but she did know that this was her chance to show Kayne that she really wanted this job...
Kayne was also tasting the soup, having to take in a morsel at a time that was within the bowl. The flavor profile was delectable, though having the slight complexity thanks to the seasonings that were put in without having to mask the fresh flavor of the fish since it was supposed to be the main star of the dish. He hummed, agreeing to what Emma insinuated about the taste, though he had to put the spoon down at the question about her next chore once the lunch would be done for the day. "While waiting for the night to fall, you can help my mom in washing the dishes. We do have some sheets and pillow covers that are freshly laundered thanks to my mom and it's best that we help in putting them to the mattresses and pillows. We all get the feeling that the rowdy patrons can get a bit too out of hand with having fun indoors." That, of course, included the make-out sessions but it would be best not to say it out loud.
With the taste session done, lunch was served and everyone working in the tavern participated in serving the patrons. There were some kids coming along with their families, playing with food, though the parents had to admonish them gently to behave. All in all, lunch time was lively for everyone who was inside, and tips were given in coins as thanks for the service. Once lunch was done, with the dishes, pots and all the cooking apparatuses washed and clean, Kayne carried the clean sheets and pillow cases to the rooms that were divested out of the dirty fabric, still allowing her to follow him. Definitely heavy, but then again, it was also part of the job.
"It was a good thing that my mom also knows the proper way of cleaning the rooms. You may ask her for tips later," he rambled on before gently opening the door, making sure to keep a firm grip on the stack before entering one of the rooms. Thanks to Mrs. Nightroad's expertise, the room smelled fresh, free from any trace of the dirty smell from last night.
❥ ❜ PROFILEtabx ❥ ❜ MOODtabenergized ❥ ❜ LOCATIONtabJolly Tavern and Inn ❥ ❜ COMPANYtabeveryone in the area, but talking to Emma ❥ ❜ OOCtab
Emma happily helped serve the patrons who came in to have lumch at the Jolly tavern and Inn. It was nice meeting and talking with the families and getting to know the regulars who came by for various meals through the week. With lunch served and then cleaned up, Emma helped Mrs. Nightroad with the dishes that needed to be done from both the meal prep and the lunch rush. It took a while, but once everything was clean, Emma followed Kayne up to the second floor where the rooms were located.
Following him inside one of the rooms, she noted how fresh it smelled and how clean everything was. Despite the age of the place, it was well maintained, and Emma could tell that a lot of care and hard work when into keeping the tavern looking so nice. Mrs. Nighroad was definitely someone she could learn a thing or two from. Taking part of the stack from Kayne, Emma set about remaking the bed with the fresh sheets and making sure everything looked well and presentable for the next guest that would be occupying the room.
“Yes, your mother is very talented. I’m sure I can learn a lot from her.” Emma said with a little smile as she followed Kayne to the next room. They went from room to room, making sure all was well before the stack was diminished. Hands on her hips, Emma let out a little sigh. She was getting tired, but she didn’t want to quit just yet. However, she had to wonder how much longer this could go on. Surely, she wouldn’t be expected to work all the way into the night? Not after yesterday…
Heading back to the main floor, the dining area had a few patrons, but it wasn’t busy like it had been during lunch. Looking to Kayne, she waited for his instructions or some indication that he liked the effort she’d put in already.
Indeed, it was hard work, having to guide Emma along through the rooms that needed the change, and by the time they were both done, he was taking a deep breath of relief. Nothing but some good exercise to get the work done, and also helping a bit with his raiment since it required endurance and stamina. Upon checking back at the tavern section downstairs, it was not that bustling, though the parents were busy and his father brought along the goods that he bought from the market, the wheels of cheese as well as the freshly baked bread. The scent of the baked goods wafted his nose, an indication that the condition was a good one. As time passed by, the preparations for the dinner special were on the way, considering that the roasted meat would take some time, especially with marination with the seasoning mix to impart some more flavor.
The pieces of meat was slathered with the mix and was left to marinate for a few hours before they were being roasted in the oven, with him having to check to make sure that they were cooked all the way through. Occasionally, he would check on Emma and his mom to see how they sliced the bread and cheese since they would be served alongside the cooked meat, alongside the slight taste test for quality control. Paired up with wine, it would be the good treat for those who could afford it. For now, though, the wait for the meat to be completely cooked would be a long one.
❥ ❜ PROFILEtabx ❥ ❜ MOODtabenergized ❥ ❜ LOCATIONtabJolly Tavern and Inn ❥ ❜ COMPANYtabeveryone in the area, but talking to Emma ❥ ❜ OOCtab
By the time the dinner rush came around, Emma had already sent a note to Krem, apologizing but explaining that Kayne had asked her to work and was keeping her through the dinner rush. She hoped that they could reschedule, but she knew that after her shift here at the tavern, she’d need to go back to her rented room and sleep. While she was grateful to Kayne for the opportunity, Emma had to wonder when she and Kayne were going to talk business and the possibility of her having the position fully. As of right now, Kayne was capitalizing on her free labor, and while she understood a trial period for new employees, he hadn’t exactly promised her anything yet and she didn’t want to feel like she was being hustled.
Clearing a couple of tables, Emma brought the dirty dishes to the back and settled them in the various washing bins before she got to work cleaning them. By now, the sun had already set, and Emma was feeling the fatigue from a long day as well as the added fatigue from the night before. Washing the dishes slowly, she sighed, feeling a bit worn out. Once the dinner rush was over, she’d request to call it a day – Kayne hadn’t told her how long she’d be working, nor had he mentioned anything about her potential as an employee, so at this point she was a little frustrated with the situation.
Drying the dishes, Emma decided that if Kayne didn’t at least mention it to her before she left, she’d look for other options in the city. The Nightroads were good people, and Emma knew she’d love to work for them, but she couldn’t keep working for free if she wanted to keep a roof over her head. Drying her hands, Emma sliced a loaf of bread and part of a wheel of cheese, arranging the pieces on a platter before taking it out to the bar for the patrons to dine on. Soon, she’d be heading home.
Sarai spent a lot of her time trying to help her captain Reynard and Yukira to search for Otsanda. The drill sergeant may not be with them, it was good for her to be in a different place than keep them all in one location. Of course, it turned out to be a disappointing effort so far with no results. Everyone she has tried obtaining information from was of little to no help. It frustrated Sarai that she has not been able to gain further leads into this investigation. She knows that Reynard misses this woman and to not be of any help to him other than eliminating possible locations is maddening to her. However, she will not quit until the captain finds the answer that he is looking for. It may not be the answer that he desires, but to have a resolution is better than to never find out what happened. Perhaps her next destination will prove to be more fruitful than other places she visited. The Jolly Inn and Tavern often attract a variety of folks from all walks of life, and when she enters it, she will know that today is no different. It is teeming with patrons and workers. There has to be someone who knows about Otsanda and where she might have gone. Rather than walk around and interrupt those who are busy enjoying themselves, she waited by the entrance for those who were leaving as well as new patrons who were entering to ask them briefly for any information regarding Otsanda. Sarai could not acquire anything new after asking the first few groups who would hear her out, and now she is feeling famished. A day of searching without rest has left the woman with a big appetite. Maybe she should grab something to eat and drink while she is here. She made her way to the first empty table she can find, sat down and begun her relaxation as she thought about what to eat.
""
❀ ✿ι αм:[Sarai Kuuma] ❀ ✿мσηєу:[Carryinh some coin] ❀ ✿ωнαт αм ι ∂σιηg:[In need of a drink and food] ❀ ✿ωнєяє αм ι:[Tavern] ❀ ✿ωнαт αм ι ωєαяιηg:[Semi-Covered] ❀ ✿мαякιиgѕ:[First Mark & Second Mark] ❀ ✿ςσи∂ιтισи:[Healthy] ❀ ✿αςςєит:[Kinda feisty right?] ❀ ✿OOC: [Sarai enters the tavern]
With the night falling down, the dinner special was on the way, and the tavern was packed with more patrons. Kayne knew that Emma would be a great addition to his crew aside from Pepper, so definitely, he should deliver the good news. But before that, there was a female guard dropping by, obviously in the mood for food considering that the guards' work took most of their time. Whatever the mission they were having, it must be super important, and energy was of utmost importance, thus he wasted no time in preparing the plate of food for that figure, asking the mom to serve it to her. With that being resolved, it was time for Kayne to say the news. This time, he would say it in such a jovial fashion; the chef ended up having to clang the spoon against the cup, making sure to keep the force moderate, catching everyone's attention.
"Okay, everyone, this lovely lady right here has been my recruit for a while, but I believe that she is a welcoming addition to this tavern. Cheers to Emma, the new worker for the Jolly Tavern and Inn!" with that, he raised his cup, and everyone chorused as they raised theirs as well. Once again, the place was laden with laughter alongside the applause. The night would still go on, as long as there was still more wine and food coming along for the patrons to enjoy.
After that declaration, Kayne was now sitting down near one of the stools, feeling obviously tired and a bit too woozy because of the wine in his system. He would have a hangover the next morning but at least he would let Emma decide on what she would do once the dinner special hours were over.
❥ ❜ PROFILEtabx ❥ ❜ MOODtabenergized ❥ ❜ LOCATIONtabJolly Tavern and Inn ❥ ❜ COMPANYtabeveryone in the area, but talking to Emma ❥ ❜ OOCtab
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Yami Miyagawa
The_littlest_dragonfly
Quote:
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 6:58 am
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Standing at the bar, helping various patrons, Emma was surprised to hear the tapping of a spoon against a glass, as if for a toast. Turning her attention toward Kayne, she was surprised to see a light blush to his cheeks – Emma knew full well what the flushed skin meant. Kayne had been sipping wine all night and it seemed to have caught up with him. Never the less, Emma turned her attention to him only to watch as he spoke and turned the attention onto her.
Blushing, a bit self-conscious, she smiled and looked out at the crowd as they looked back at her with curiosity. Turning to look back at Kayne, her eyes went a bit wide when he announced that she was the newest addition to the Jolly Tavern & Inn’s Staff. She was pleased with the news, for sure, but they hadn’t discussed hours, wages, any of that yet…never the less, it seemed like she had the job regardless.
Everyone cheered and drank to her, which was flattering. Smiling a bit, she sipped some warm cider and nibbled on some bread and cheese. Watching Kayne, she suspected that he had enough wine in his system to have a hangover tomorrow, which begged the question; Would he remember giving her the job? Emma knew that there were plenty of witnesses to vouch for her, but there was no way she was going to let him retract the offer. No, tomorrow she’d sit him down and they’d talk numbers. Right now, Kayne was too far gone to properly negotiate. Oh, she could have taken advantage and gotten him to agree to anything, things he wouldn’t remember, but she wasn’t that kind of person and Kayne was a good man, so she wouldn’t hustle him.
Looking out over the crowded bar, many of the patrons congratulated her and offered to by her drinks, to which she politely took ‘rainchecks’ for, seeing as how she was working and she needed to head home soon. As Emma surveyed the space, she caught sight of a fiery red head enjoying her meal. The woman seemed rather exotic and intriguing to her, but seeing as how she had her meal and her drink, Emma had no real reason to approach her…for now.
Sarai found it impressive to see the people who operate the tavern quickly prepare her a meal without her asking. It was not long after she sat down at a random table that was once empty that a woman brought her something to eat. Seeing what was presented in front of her looked similar to what others were having. It is a soup of sorts, but her eyes alone could not tell what kind of soup it is entirely. That is where the senses of smell and taste come in. First, she dipped her head slightly toward the soup. Then she sniffed it lightly and immediately smelled fish. With fish, it can either be a bad pungent smell or something aromatic. The veggies in the soup certainly tackled that unappetizing fish smell, leaving only something that excited Sarai about what she is about to eat. The true test, taste, was only a spoonful away. With her spoon in hand, she scooped a hearty spoonful of soup. She can see the bits of fish and veggies all swimming in creamy broth and it excited her. After taking her first bite, there was no doubt that she liked it. It was surprisingly light yet packed with flavor. Whoever cooked this soup knows what he is doing. As she was eating this soup, someone clanged his cup to garner the attention of the other patrons. When all eyes turned to this one man, his announcement was met with a warm reception. He drew attention to a single woman named Emma. This woman is going to be a new employee at the tavern. Sarai only just arrived so she has no idea who this woman is, although must admit that she is quite the sight for sore eyes. Regardless, she raised her glass like most everyone else did in celebration and drank merrily afterward. Now she ought to be careful. The last thing this tavern need is a drunken guard amidst possible drunken patrons. So far, only one incident happened close to her that was innocent enough. Someone who drank more than he can handle tripped over his two feet and was able to hit his head on the table nearest to him. She quickly reacted by grabbing his shirt and helping him sit down on the seat. He laughed merrily before resting his head on the table, allowing Sarai to sit back at her table and finish the rest of her fish soup. The last thing she would like to eat is some bread to finish this meal. Who was available to help her out. Her eyes looked around for someone available to help her out, and she found none other than Emma. Looking at that woman with a smile, she waved at her to grab her attention and hopefully that will signal her to come to her table.
""
❀ ✿ι αм:[Sarai Kuuma] ❀ ✿мσηєу:[Carrying some coin] ❀ ✿ωнαт αм ι ∂σιηg:[Needing a bit more food.] ❀ ✿ωнєяє αм ι:[Tavern] ❀ ✿ωнαт αм ι ωєαяιηg:[Semi-Covered] ❀ ✿мαякιиgѕ:[First Mark & Second Mark] ❀ ✿ςσи∂ιтισи:[Healthy] ❀ ✿αςςєит:[Kinda feisty right?] ❀ ✿OOC: [Sarai enters the tavern]
The_littlest_dragonfly
Kurisuchin Saiyuki
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 6:19 pm
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Emma was surprised when the red head she’d been observing, looked up and caught her gaze. She smiled to herself, a bit embarrassed at being caught staring. Blushing a little, she saw the woman’s smile and her wave, calling her over. Knowing that the patron would likely desire some of the bread and cheese, Emma grabbed the tray and headed around the side of the bar, over to where the red-head was sitting. There were rowdy customers all around, but Emma easily avoided them as she made her way over to the woman’s side.
“Good Evening…Care for some fresh bread and cheese?” She asked with a friendly smile, holding the tray out for the patron to look over. “Or can I get you a refill?” It was Emma’s job to anticipate the needs of the customers and as such, she liked to cover all the bases when approaching a new patron. This woman seemed tough, not in a bad way, more in the way that life had been harsh towards her and she’d come out stronger for it. Emma had to admire that, as women, they were dealt a hard hand in life, but this woman seemed to know how to handle herself.
There was still the banter coming along, though not as loud as before, and Kayne was drinking more of the wine. That was all he could handle for today; he couldn't risk throwing up in front of those patrons, though the hangover would be inevitable. His crimson eyes were then set on Emma looking at the female guard, attending to her. He let out a chuckle that was playful, resting his cheek against his hand, elbow propped up against the wooden surface of the counter. "You two surely are feeling comfortable with each other, huh? Almost feels like a date.~" his speech was now a bit too slurred because of the wine, blurting things out that he shouldn't have. Boy, he may ended up regretting the tease that he initiated if he would come to after being cured of the hangover, but at least it wasn't something offensive.
And the fact that his cheeks were warm because of the beverage was a questionable sight, indeed. His small laughter chorused alongside the others who joined with him, though Kayne's mom shook her head after a giggle, commenting that he was such a silly kid.
❥ ❜ PROFILEtabx ❥ ❜ MOODtabdrunk as hell ❥ ❜ LOCATIONtabJolly Tavern and Inn ❥ ❜ COMPANYtabeveryone in the area ❥ ❜ OOCtabDelayed a bit because I had an episode of the Bad Mood. Apologies.
Quote:
Quote:
Yami Miyagawa
The_littlest_dragonfly
Quote:
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Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2018 6:02 pm
Sarai's attempt to grab Emma's attention worked flawlessly. The barmaid moved toward her without running into the other patrons. Her experience in moving around a tavern is clear to Sarai. Emma carried with her bread and cheese, two pieces of food that never looked tastier in Sarai's eyes. When Emma stopped at her table, a perfect genuine smile still on her face, she asked Sarai if she wanted to have bread and cheese along with a refill. It was if she can read her mind, but it does not take a mind reader to understand when a person wants to have more food and drink. Even though Emma is standing there with bread and cheese ready to be served, Sarai's eyes never moved toward them. They remained on Emma, mostly her face with only a quick look at other parts of her body. Fair skin, long brunette hair, and slimmer physique are only three things that differentiate Emma from Sarai. That is the kind of woman a man would pick more often than a woman with dark skin, short bright messy red hair and strong physique. However, there is more to Emma than what can only be seen from the outside and Sarai is curious to know more about who she is. As she was going to speak up, the man who spoke to all the patrons before about Emma becoming a permanent barmaid for the tavern came to their table and blurted out a drunken statement about how the two of them look as if they were dating because they are already on good speaking terms. Sarai has yet to speak up so she can't say if that is the case, but she sure is willing to try. She will have to keep an eye on Kayne to make sure that he does not harm himself or others due to his drunkenness, but she should be getting what she is about to ask from Emma.
"Yes. All those things you said, but I would like to add something else to that order. Eating by myself is becoming boring and lonesome. If you'll let me be so bold, will you join me for the rest of my evening meal? I promise to share what I am eating."
❀ ✿ι αм:[Sarai Kuuma] ❀ ✿мσηєу:[Carrying some coin] ❀ ✿ωнαт αм ι ∂σιηg:[Needing a bit more food and company.] ❀ ✿ωнєяє αм ι:[Tavern] ❀ ✿ωнαт αм ι ωєαяιηg:[Semi-Covered] ❀ ✿мαякιиgѕ:[First Mark & Second Mark] ❀ ✿ςσи∂ιтισи:[Healthy] ❀ ✿αςςєит:[Kinda feisty right?] ❀ ✿OOC: []
Emma couldn’t believe Kayne’s words as he called out to them. They looked like they were on a date? He got all of that from her offering a patron some bread and cheese with a smile? Emma had to wonder what her new boss would think once she really turned the charm on. Shaking her head a little, she dismissed his words as drunken nonsense and turned her attention back to the red-head in front of her.
To her surprise, the woman not only accepted her offer, but also asked that Emma join her for the remainder of the meal. Smiling wide, Emma took a moment to contemplate the offer. She didn’t know how Kayne would feel about her sitting down to flirt with a patron, but considering he himself had pointed out that it looked like they were on a date, why not make it one? Her shift was nearly over anyway.
Setting the tray down on the table, Emma smiled a bit mischievously. “How about a negotiation…” Reaching for the woman’s empty mead cup, Emma took it in hand. “I’ll share your meal and give you my time, if you give me some of your time and walk me home after we’re finished.” She said with a smile only to turn to move toward the bar. “Think about it while I go refill your drink and get one for myself.” Emma said with a wink before turning to head back to the bar, hips swaying as she went, the action attracting more than one eye.
She made sure to refill the cup with mead, while hers was filled with hot apple cider, of the non-alcoholic variety. While she did enjoy cider on occasion, she didn’t want to have any alcohol tonight. Cups in hand, Emma weaved her way through the crowd and approached the red-head’s table once more. Placing the cup of mead back where she’d first grabbed it, Emma held her cup in one hand and placed her other hand on the empty chair next to the woman. “So, what will it be? Do we have a deal?” She asked with a smile, suspecting that the woman would take her offer, happily.
