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 Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 6:55 pm
 
This is a PRP Between Van (Kurama no Koishi) and Lestari (Tasinei).
Setting:
Two lady Legionnaires run into each other amidst Lunaria's bustling markets. One is putting together a recipe: the other? Sent out on chores.
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Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 3:56 am
It was a sunny day in Lunaria, deceptively perfect in spite of the recent upheaval deep within the heart of the Imperial City. The food markets were as busy as ever—in fact, they were even more crowded than usual, if this was possible. Van counted the items in her grocery bags one by one, making sure they were all accounted for. A cousin of hers was hosting a family reunion the next day, and Van had been asked to bring something to the gathering. True to her nature, she had opted to cook something for the event.
Nestled in the fighter’s canvas bags were all the ingredients necessary to make a very rich hazelnut chocolate cake, except for one important thing: the hazelnut liqueur. Furrowing her perfectly groomed brows slightly, Van scanned each cart as she passed it—this had to be at least the third time she’d gone through the liquor section of the market, but the elusive ingredient was nowhere to be seen.
At this point, to any experienced cook, now was the time to begin to look for substitution ingredients, or even to alter the recipe entirely. Cooking was not Van’s forte, however (even though she believes she is excellent), let alone baking, something that the woman had little experience in. This, coupled with the fact that Van was a very stubborn sort, meant that she was stuck forever roaming the market for her crucial hazelnut flavor, at least until she got another brilliant idea.
Half an hour passed with unfruitful results, and the woman was beginning to get tired of being jostled left and right by unrepentant Lunarians. Just up ahead, however, a dessert cart was looking to be restocked with several crates filled with bottles. “Perhaps they will have it there?” she murmured aloud to herself. She had, after all, yet to check the more specialized carts.
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Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 8:55 am
There never was a way of getting out of chores, Sinta dutifully made a list of them each night, and left the list somewhere you were sure to find it. Most of the time, servants got the bulk of the work, though Lestari was often times working along side them for punishment.
Today was no different, last night she’d disagreed with her mother in front of house guest, the whole argument had ended up with shouting. Sinta had quited down the whole affair, but it was hard to missing the daggers that were flying at Lestari from her mothers eyes. Indeed, the next morning she had found a note that told Lestari she was going to be taking care of tonight's dinner to repent for her actions the night before. In some cases such as these, Lestari didn’t mind doing the chore. It got her out of the house away from her mother, and would allow her to serve whatever she wanted to eat. This was one of the few chores she welcomed with open arms, so out she went that morning with a smile on her face.
With a large list of ingredients, Lestari set off in the wee hours of the morning when the market produce were fresh and began her search. She had about ten dishes to prepare for the evening, thankfully she’d get help from the cooks when it came time to start preparing everything. The servants had been left instructions to come and pick up the food once she’d passed through the stalls, there was now way she was carting everything by herself, or walking around with the servants following behind her. Unlike her mother, she disagreed about needing servants for every little thing. Though Lestari didn’t have the same mind frame as a noble, or so her mother had told her, it was part of the reason her mother was always angry with her.
As the day went on, more people started filling the streets, Lestari kept an eye on the cart while she weaved through the people. She was almost done, she only had her desserts to get ingredients for and she’d spotted a cart that seemed to have about everything that she would need. As Lestari made her way over tot he cart, she spotted someone that looked familiar. Though, she couldn’t remember where she’d seen the girl, she was pretty there was no denying it. Les frowned lightly, she was certain she’d seen her somewhere. Turning her eyes away from the girl to look at the merchant. “I need some hazelnut liqueur, do you have any?”
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Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 1:30 am
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m looking for,” Van said to the cart owner as the older woman offered up a bottle of rich brown liquid. The fighter took the hazelnut liqueur in hand, staring at it somewhat dubiously all the same. This was the final ingredient, the thing she’d spent all morning looking for. She hoped that it’d be worth it, though she couldn’t figure out what else she’d ever use the liqueur for. It definitely wasn’t something she’d be drinking straight. Perhaps there would simply be many hazelnut cakes in her baking future.
Van placed a few coins into the woman’s outstretched hand, smiling as she was thanked for the purchase. She nodded politely in acknowledgment, before carefully placing the bottle upright into the fabric shopping bag dangling on her shoulder. With this, her shopping trip was finished, and the fighter could head home to wrestle with the recipe.
As she was leaving the cart, her eyes passed over a blue-haired girl, who was similarly dressed in blues and grays. She was simply another face in the crowd to Van, at least until her mouth opened and she asked the cart owner for the very same hazelnut liqueur that Van had just purchased. The fighter’s curiosity was piqued—surely the liqueur wasn’t an everyday ingredient? Wondering what the girl was making with it, she decided to wait around to ask. A few minutes of her time wouldn’t be too sorely missed, especially if it resulted in another delicious recipe.
The Legionnaire stood off to the side as she waited for the girl to finish her purchase, a few feet away from all the Lunarians crowding around the nearby stalls and carts. When she emerged from the cluster of Lunarians, Van was quick to step toward her, waving her hand in a small gesture to get her attention. “Excuse me,” she said, sounding somewhat apologetic for the inquiry, “I couldn’t help but notice that you bought the hazelnut liqueur. I was wondering what you were making with it—I have some, as well, and I am at a loss as to how I am going to use all of it.” This was a long string of words for the otherwise quiet fighter, but she always had something to say when it came to her cooking passions.
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Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:50 pm
The purple clad woman before her also bought a bottle of the hazelnut liqueur; Lestari was quick to get in right after her to also get a bottle. She also grabbed a few of the other ingredients she needed for her desserts, the liqueur was part of a two part desert and she still needed the other parts. With all Les needed in hand, she gave everything to those at the cart; they’d make sure the food got to her home in time. With that done, Les paid what was owed to the woman and turned to leave. There wouldn’t be any time to walk around for a bit, not if she wanted to get food out in time for diner.
Sighing, she turned in the direction to go home. It was then the woman from before caught her attention. Lestari paused, and turned towards her. She found her inquiry slightly odd, but Les wasn’t one to hold onto some recipes secretly. “Sure, I’m making some meringues with the liqueur that are going to be on a cake.” Lestari preferred the meringue only, but she couldn’t only serve that. The cake itself would be vanilla with a touch of the liqueur in its batter; otherwise Les thought the cake was pretty boring. She’d make sure to bake some extra and smuggle some into her room when no one was watching. “I you want the recipe, I can give it to you at my home. I don’t live far and I have a huge meal to prepare, I really can’t be late.”
Surely, the girl could follow her a few minutes if she really wanted the recipe. Plus, Lestari was curious as to what the girl was making as well. Maybe she’d even get a better cake recipe from her. It would certainly impress her mother if she made something that wasn’t usual. After all Sinta was the one who had pushed Lestari to learn to cook and bake by making her help the servants. Why in the world her mother would do so she had no idea, especially considering she wanted to marry her off with some noble. Lestari couldn’t complain in the end, any time spent away from her mother was time well spent.
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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:36 pm
Van was quiet for a moment as the girl in front of her seemed to be processing what she’d asked, though she was grateful that she hadn’t just continued walking. People never tended to do that to Van, though in the rare instance that it happened, the woman never took it well. “Ah, meringue as well? I’m baking a cake this afternoon, myself.” She was curious as to the recipe, but she would have been perfectly happy hunting it down herself until it was offered to her.
It was hardly a difficult decision to make. Van offered the girl a friendly smile before nodding, “I would love that. I’ll... do my best not to interfere with your schedule, then.” She had her own schedule of events to attend to, as well. For many Lunarians, simply accepting an invitation to enter a stranger’s house was an unsavory thought, particularly in light of the tragic events that had been shaking the city. Van couldn’t see any danger in the girl, though, and if she felt any security in being a fighter, she certainly felt it now. It was wonderful to be able to sleep at night, knowing that she wasn’t completely defenseless and her skills were enough to protect herself.
She made a small gesture now, indicating for the girl to lead the way. Hefting her bag of groceries onto her shoulder, she followed the blue-haired girl at her flank, so that they’d be able to chat idly and minimize any awkwardness between the two perfect strangers. A piece of paper in her bag crinkled as she walked, and something occurred to Van. Fishing the recipe out from between the bags of sugar and flower, she realized that it would only be polite if she offered her recipe in return.
The chocolate hazelnut cake was supposed to be rich and decadent, according to the cousin she’d received the recipe from, though today would be the first time Van attempted the cake. “If you’d like, I can also write down my recipe for the chocolate cake I’m making.”
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 3:36 pm
It was always nice to meet someone who also enjoyed baking, and interesting that she was also making a cake today. “Yup, meringue is the sweets part of the cake.” Lestari saw no reason to tell the girl that she was only making some mostly, if not all for herself. “What kind of cake are you making?” maybe she could even try out the girl’s own cake recipe tonight which would certainly spruce up things. Sinta always enjoyed knowing her daughter was out making efforts to diversify her baking, Les wasn’t making any efforts, but when she pretended it always made things go smooth.
“Alright follow me.” They could talk while walking; if she didn’t start her stuff soon she really was going to be late. Judging by the time of day, her mother would probably be out; invite the girl wouldn’t be a problem. Though her younger brother was probably out and about prowling for trouble, they’d have to go in by the kitchen. Lestari felt weird smuggling some random person she’d just met off the street, maybe she ought to ask the purple clad Lunarian her name before inviting her. Lestari felt like she was being slightly rude, and offered her name. “I’m Lestari by the way, completely forgot to introduce myself before inviting you over.” At least the girl hadn’t thought of her weird, with recent events you never knew who you were inviting into your home. Though, she didn’t look dangerous, but Lesatri took comfort in her brothers being home, looks could deceive.
When the girl offered her own recipe, Lestari could not contain her excitement. “I’d love that! I’m always looking to try some new things.” They had almost reached her home now leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city for the more wealthy homes. Lestari finally stopped in front of her home, glancing at the side of the home for the cart to pass. “Here we are.” It was then that Les turned to the girl, while she didn’t look like she was from a lower statue, it made her wonder. In any case, Lestari didn’t linger in front of her home long; she headed down the little alley way beside her home around to the back where the kitchens were. Once out back, she climbed the two steps to the door and went into the kitchen, only popping her head out once to say “Come on in!”
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Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 1:40 am
“A hazelnut chocolate cake,” Van repeated quickly as she fell in step with the younger girl, sounding quite sure of herself for not actually having used the recipe before. It sounded simple enough out loud, but as Van glanced at the recipe in her hand, she could pick out a handful of ingredients that were unusual for such a dessert—inclusive of the liqueur they’d both fought to find. “Though,” she said suddenly, sounding a bit sheepish, “It is a friend’s recipe, and I’ve not tried it yet... I was promised that it was quite good, though!” The fighter had to admit this in case the recipe she was about to trade turned out badly, just so the blame wouldn’t all be on her.
What she had yet to find out was that there was nothing wrong with the recipe—it was more that Van’s skills in baking were still quite lacking. “Lestari,” she said slowly, trying the name out on her tongue, “I should have done the same. My name is Van.” The introduction was delivered with a smile of appreciation. After all, there were few Lunarians these days who’d so freely invite a stranger home, even under the innocent pretense of trading recipes. She did not plan on overstaying her welcome, of course, and so she was surprised when the girl invited her in.
Violet eyes widening in the slightest, it was all she could do to smile politely and nod as she followed Les into their grand home. This girl, no doubt, belonged to a Noble family. While some of the more renowned families of the Legion could boast similar wealth, they were in a Noble neighborhood, and Van wouldn’t doubt her intuition. These thoughts were undetectable on her face as she continued into the large kitchen after Les, looking around admiringly at its sheer size. Thu Nguyet had never enjoyed cooking to make it as much of a hobby as this blue-haired girl clearly did.
“It must be such a pleasure working in here,” Van commented, gesturing to her surroundings, “Shall I write down my recipe for you?”
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Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 6:12 pm
As long as the girl remembered the whole recipe, Lestari didn`t mind from where it had come from or if it had been tested before. "Im sure its still good, as long as you remember all the ingredients I think it should be fine." This was definitely something that Les would be trying in the future, maybe she`d even save some of the liquor to try out another day, it would certainly make for an interesting side project. "You won't have to worry about mine, as long as you follow the instructions they shouldn't turn out bad." The only problem she foresaw was if the blobs were left too long in the oven and they burned, otherwise, theyw ere easy and safe to make.
"Nice to meet you Van." Nope, Lestari didnt recognize the name, but considering the girl hadn't offered her last name, she wouldn't pry, then again Les hadnt offered her own. The blue haired Lunarian hide her smile when she noticed Vans impression of the kitchen, while it wasnt top of the line modern it had been when her mother had been using it, before Lestari was born. Since then, Sinta had left the kitchen, putting all her efforts into finding her daughter a good family to marry much to her daughters extreme displeasure. Thankfully, the kitchen hadnt gone to waste. Lestari had picked up the hobby from her mother, and used it whenever her mother wasnt pushing her into it. Her mother didn't bother her when she was in the kitchen, so it was a ncie place to hide away.
Chuckling, Lestari picked up some of the bags that were starting to come in placing them on the counter. "It is." No more was offered, Les was already working on the recipes in her head as she unpacked. "Oh sure, let me just get you some parchment and ink." Lestari was out of sights a few moments later, wandering through the empty halls of her home towards her father's study. It was oddly quiet, someone should have been home, les shrugged it off and entered the office. The parchment and ink were quick to find, and she was back in the kitchen just as quickly as she`d left. "I'll write down my recipe after yours, I only found one ink and quill. It'll give me some time to unpack as well." With that Les left the items on the counter by Van and quickly went back to work.
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 8:13 pm
The slight apprehension in the pit of Van’s stomach lessened marginally as Les assured her the recipe would be fine and that her own was practically idiot-proof. It wasn’t that the fighter was exactly an idiot in those terms; she just lacked much of the common sense in the kitchen that others had naturally, and thus every step was something of a learning experience. The Legionnaire probably wasn’t going to try both recipes today—that was probably a bit too much exertion in the kitchen for her for the day—but she would be sure to keep the girl’s recipe stowed in a safe place for use some other time.
She would have hazelnut liqueur for ages, after all. “Likewise, Lestari,” she agreed easily, allowing a small but friendly smile to grace her face again at the girl’s words. Noble or not, there’d been no cause for hostility. On the contrary, they were two Lunarians cordially exchanging recipes, the faction card long discarded from consideration. This was the way it should be, and Van found herself thankful not only for the small favor but for the lack of drama at present. The fighter was fairly certain now of the fact that she was standing in a Noble household, if the servants filing in through the doors were any indication of that.
There was no shame felt in peering around quickly once more about the kitchen. The ger she lived in would never accommodate anything more than the simple stove and oven setup that was in place at present, and it was all she really needed, but this did not stunt the admiration behind her eyes. Returning quickly to her senses when Les reentered the room, Van accepted the parchment and quill graciously, copying her recipe from the paper in her hand as directed.
When she finally raised her eyes from the neat script of her handwriting, she found that Les had not stood by idly, but had started work already. Not a wasted moment. “Here you are,” Van offered, sliding the sheet and quill forward gently. “I hope I wasn’t too much of a bother—Don’t want to keep you from your work,” she added then, beginning to excuse herself as she waited for the younger woman to scribble down her part of their trade. “Thanks again, too. If I see you again I’ll let you know how it turned out!”
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