Somewhere within Utopia there was an out of the way grotto. Among the secrets that it held was a cozy little dwelling, with miniature versions of a certain grandma's estate. On this morning we look at the kitchen as light stains the floors and a lark guides a wayward soul to this building.
Affixed to the sequestered chalet, stood a gallery filled with bits and bobs. Hard wood floors, stained by wear, and stained again with varnish played host to several open air stations. A table that sat six was off center, near a pair of sliding glass doors that opened up onto a small garden. Stone and electric ovens stared at each other from opposite ends of the room, space between them filled with hanging racks, pans, pyrex, and a boomerang. An oval stone island graced the electric ovens as a hot table and easy prep station. Past the adjoining door lay the spice racks, filled with novel and staple items from a lifetime of developing seasonings. Wrapping around the wall were several cupboards filled with cutlery and ceramic plates. Throughout the room, were lower cabinets hiding mixing bowls, trays, and that naughty little garden gnome. There were two floor to ceiling pantries, one full of curing meats, another with dry and powdered goods. Just before the walk in freezer was a collection of hydroponic towers, sitting in droopy sunlight, slowly rotating. Turning the corner to meet the stone oven there was a collection of wooden peels. Amongst all of the space there were hidden jars and bits of near magic. This was not a kitchen. This was a place of fantasy, where storybook treasures could be made. Hidden within the wonder lurked the means to create truly evil concoctions. The woman who owned it was rather fond of the spice some of the more deadly ingredients brought… or she had just misplaced her nightshade while looking for leftover gin.
A small side story currently staring Izzie and Adi'va, though more may intrude now or later
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2024 11:39 pm
"It is not the roaring thunder that smites, but the silent lightning."
’I suppose it would be smart to keep this part a secret. Baking for myself is one thing. To create something for another? Gwen is sure to hate that idea. Especially if it isn’t her I’m making it for…’ Thoughts plagued Isabelle as she moved through the grounds of Utopia. The paper in her hand guided her to her destination, but it didn’t help with the nerves racing up and down her spine. Nothing would, or so she told herself as she looked around anxiously. She was anticipating getting caught. Of her princess just popping out of thin air to call her out and rain down the punishment that was sure to follow being caught. It had her second guessing herself, hesitation slowing her steps as she grew closer and closer to where she was headed.
”No. I won’t be bullied from this. It’s only baked goods. What could making a cake for someone really hurt?” Even saying the words out loud didn’t persuade her. Sighing, she ran a hand through her scarlet curls and pushed on. It didn’t take her much longer to reach the grotto, surprise momentarily overtaking her turbulent emotions as she looked it over. It had everything. Literally everything. Fascinated, Iz set the paper on the island to trail her fingertips over the electric oven. As if gracing the form of a lover, she traced every line of the machine and sighing wistfully at it. How could something made of metal be so pretty?
From there, she moved to examine the rest of what hid within the kitchen. Ingredients she recognized, some she didn’t, and every possible utensil she’d need to create her confections. Excitement sparked within her chest at the multitude of options, her fingers itching to play with everything as her mind raced. The one thing she was missing, however, was the woman that had invited her to such an astonishing location. Izzie had expected Adi’va to be there, what with it being a part of the elder woman’s place in the academy. Circling back, she made her way towards the pantries in hopes that the woman would pop up.
”Hello? Anyone home?”
Location: The best kitchen in the world! Company: No one. Thoughts: ‘Did I get the day wrong...'
Location: Outside > Inside Company: Isabelle OoC/OST: Sorry for the long wait~! Vivi's theme~
Adi'vaVima
Lingering in the warm sun, a small spotted gecko perched safely on the brick wall that made up part of an oven. Below it there was a small patio and a relief of an ancient calendar plastered on the wall. Adorning the patio stood several chairs, a few chaise lounges, one of which held a wrinkled old bat, snoring as several scrolls beside her were now sealed and signed. It was a hassle attending to her family affairs and Adi'va was taking a nap until her next wayward shitter arrived. The girl seemed to... well Adi'va didn't rightly know but could use a few nudges to do something with herself. There was real potential here at this farce of a school for the woman to forge meaningful connections, and that was at least fostering through whimsy. The light doze was interrupted by some one clumping through her kitchen. Slightly rousing, a slow process that took considerable effort, legs swinging over the edge and fetching the cane that had gone for a walk to the next chaise over.
”Hello? Anyone home?”
Adi'va would get there, slowly. She made no effort to rush or call while walking around the bend in her little vineyard of a garden. Cane and foot, eventually reached the sliding door that was ajar, where the rumblings would be enough to announce her entrance. To her bemusement the child seemed starstruck. Most of this was old, tools that Adi'va liked to use or have others do. The grandmother would give a little wave in greeting as she stepped through the threshold and turned to close the sliding door. Pausing Adi'va thought, pursing her lips to shift her posture back to regard the Astoria child. Maybe it would be best to leave the door open. Waving a dismissive hand at the sliding door as if it was not worth her time, Adi'va hobbled over to the island motioning for the child to follow.
"Don't bother with pleasantries, lets get right into it." Adi'va said while stopping here and there to check a cupboard or a skillet having over head with her cane. It would only be a few measures before Adi'va had wrought the room out of it's musical inclination and into a new blank score. Tones from pans set a key while Adi'vas movement created a tempo. The notes however would be written by Isabelle. Happy with the sift, the grandmother leaned up against the island, hanging her cane off of it and slapping the top of the counter a few times like a drum. Nice and solid.
"Before we begin, I want to lay down a few ground rules while you are here. If you can't agree to all of them, I will send you out of my kitchen without a second thought." Adi'va warned. There were things in this kitchen, dangerous items that could be used in terrible ways. Adi'va had acquired a taste for many of them over her life, feeling challenged in how to use conventional poisons in cooking. With a grim nod to herself, Adi'va turned to face her guest, her face as serious as she could muster and a leer in her eye as she judged the young woman.
"First: If you call anything you make in here a failure, trash, garbage, disaster, etc. You will be asked to leave. I will not tolerate self depreciation in my kitchen.
"Second: There are many wonderful tools within these walls. Many of them are dangerous and fragile, you will make no attempt to save one if it risks hurting yourself. A tool can be mended or replaced, it is harder to do that for a person.
"Third: If I tell you to do something, you do it. In line with dangerous tools, there are dangerous substances I have a fondness for. Some of which can be lethal in many hands other than my own. If I ask you to vomit, scream, jump into the pond outside, you do it without hesitation.
"Fourth: No recipes. You may pull from memory, use measuring cups if you like but nothing written. I have no idea how experienced you are but I want you to challenge yourself today. You will make something wonderful, but only after you have toiled.
"Fifth: While you are in my kitchen you will not ask for permission to do or use anything. I can guide you to where things are but pleasantries and polite hobnob gets in the way of making something. I would rather you get in the zone and forget yourself than have you occupied with station or other such trifles.
"Finally: You will strive, Isabelle Atoria, to become your ideal while in my kitchen. In every way possible. I do not ask you to try your best, to make an effort or even to have fun. Those are the nice words of someone who can fix your problems and make you feel better about how you did. You are responsible for your own feelings here. Cry, laugh, do whatever you want but become the best version of you that lives in your head."
Adi'va spoke sternly at first over her demands but a wiry smile broke her character as she eased into the counter more. She started using her cane to gesture to bits and bobs through her small spiel. At the tail end she was an ambivalent mix of sarcasm and stern stoicism. The warm smile Adi'va showed on the girl was genuine, and knowing. Adi'va had tacked on a near impossible task at the very end and would push this girl to see it regardless if she wanted to or not. Then like a child excited to unwrap presents the grandmother tapped her hands together.
"Now, forget about all of that nonsense. What did you come here to make today? Who is it for? What do you want to get out of today? No-wait, ignore that last one. It's better I don't know that."
[quote="Ristar Black"
Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2025 6:34 pm
While she waited for a response, her fingers trailed absently over the countertops around her. This place was bigger than she had anticipated. And it smelled…dangerous. The thought had a thrill racing through her. She had never made anything that was lethal. Sweet, savory, delicious, yes. But never anything that could harm another. It wasn’t until she had come to the academy that she had even considered such a thing. Every talent was a weapon, or so her father had always told her.
At the sound of footsteps, her body shifted and she focused on the approaching woman. Instinct had her wanting to offer her assistance, but the cane in Granny's hand kept her at bay. She’d been whacked a time or two by other elder’s at her home and it had given her a bit of a hesitation as a result. She now knew better than to offer help when none had been asked. Instead, Izzie smiled politely and waited to be acknowledged. What she was given, well, she had definitely not been expecting.
A nod of her head was the only answer she gave before the elder woman began her list of rules. She made a mental note of them all, her teeth catching her bottom lip a bit as she listened. This was going to be harder than she had assumed. While she was confident in her skills, Adi’va was asking more of her than she’d ever asked of herself. Rules two, three, and four would be easy. Rules one and five, well, she was going to have to fight against years of teaching and trauma to ensure she followed. With a soft sigh, she once more nodded her understanding at what was being asked of her.
"Now, forget about all of that nonsense. What did you come here to make today? Who is it for? What do you want to get out of today? No-wait, ignore that last one. It's better I don't know that."
A soft laugh escaped at the sudden shift in her companion. She had a feeling this was going to be more than just an interesting lesson in cooking. Brushing her hands on the sides of her skirt, she stepped up to the counter across from the elder woman and did her best not to fidget.
”I’ve come here to try my hand at making, for lack of a better term, defensive cakes. Something I can have on hand that will give me an edge on an opponent. I’ve never worked with anything more than the usual things when it comes to baking, and I know that won’t save me should my powers be taken or no use. After the attack…” She paused for a moment as the horrific memories returned, the fear she had back then dancing in his eyes before she had a chance to shake her head. She wasn’t there any more and she refused to be that way again.
”I want to be prepared for anything. Whether it be against a living opponent or an undead one. Is that something you can show me?”
Location: The best kitchen in the world! Company: Adi’va Thoughts: ‘She’s definitely not what I was expecting…’
Location: Inside Company: Isabelle OoC/OST: Let the baking commence! Talkin about mystery
Adi'vaVima
Crone that she was, the grandma eyed the girl up and down. There were tiny things here and there. Placement of accessories. Posture and eye movement. The way her lips framed her mouth and teeth. Unpolished, vibrant, full of luster that only youth could get away with. Amidst it all was a shadow that loomed over the poor lass. Adi'va somewhat glib expression softened. What secrets were locked behind the emerald eyes that shone with wonder and worry. What hardships had wracked them before the had a chance to experience the world at large? Royal duties? The trappings of aristocracy? A hazing ritual stemming from decades of oppression? The unsought love that tried to invade her space? A lost friend, lingering in the darkness? Adi'va mulled over the many possibilities while the lass talked.
”I’ve come here to try my hand at making, for lack of a better term, defensive cakes.[/colro].
If Adi'va had been drinking anything she would have had trouble keeping it down. Coughing a bit eyes wide the grandma took a second look at Isabelle. She scanned her face and posture for signs of abuse or injury. Was she all right, was she hiding anything? Though, the lass continued her explanation.
Something I can have on hand that will give me an edge on an opponent. I’ve never worked with anything more than the usual things when it comes to baking, and I know that won’t save me should my powers be taken or no use. After the attack…”
Well that settled course of action one. Where was that stool, ah. With a bit of a wobble Adi'va flipped her cane upside down and used it to lift up a small stepping stool on the floor. Holdig the stool in one hand, and her cane in the other, she wobled around the counter to stand next to Isabelle. She let the cane lower the stool back down to the ground near the student. There were several baking implements above them that Adi'va could have been going for. She slowly stepped up onto the stool and stood just a little shorter than Isabelle now.
”I want to be prepared for anything. Whether it be against a living opponent or an undead one. Is that something you can show me?”
As the lass finished, she was embraced by an awkward hug as Adi'va leaned into her threatening to fall off the stool and send the pair careening into the floor, yet it did not happen for Adi'va did not will it so. Rocking back onto the stool, Adi'va wrapped her firmly around the girl, slowly talking.
"There is nothing I can teach you that will save your mind from yourself. You have to do that on your own."
With a pat on Isabelle's back and a light tap on her cheek, Adi'va stepped back off the stool and onto the ground before continuing.
"Now.. ah. For 'defensive cakes' I uh... hehehe.. I have a few ideas." The woman half cackled as she shuffled over toward the ovens. Pointing with her cane at the cupboards. "Up there should be a few muffin trays we can use. Muffins are portable, easy to throw, and most importantly deceptive. Everyone trusts a muffin, even if they don't like them. Muffins are universally accepted to be eaten or present at all times of day, and at almost any event seen to be a normal food."
Adi'va would continue her shuffle past knowing her slow pace would be caught up to eventually by the lithe Isabelle. She slowly made her way to the right of the ovens, coming to some the spice racks. She picked out a pair of poisons from them and brought them over to the counter top. One of was shellfish extract, the other was mercury. There was also the make a brick approach but well... there were a few things the grandmother had to get sorted first.
"Now, are you looking for something discrete or for a weapon. Anyone can make a brick, just a matter of if it's eatable or not. Talk to me lassie, what ideas do you have."
[quote="Ristar Black"
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 6:40 pm
Exposing her weakness was one of the hardest things she’d done in a while. It had been taught to her to keep such things to herself. Or face the wrath of punishment. Even now, mostly knowing the elderly woman wouldn’t hurt her, she found herself curling her fingers into her palms. Nerves were threatening to engulf her. Knots were twisting in her stomach. Was she sweating? Was it obvious? Would Adi’va deny teaching her if she had a freak out right there in the kitchen? The war within her raged while she stood there silently, waiting for the answer to her question.
What she got, however, nearly took her out at the knees. The fascinating woman pulled up a stool, stepped up to her, and hugged her! For a moment, her body stiffened and her eyes reeled around the room for traps. This had to be some kind of test. Something that would get back to her princess. No one but her family hugged her for no reason.
"There is nothing I can teach you that will save your mind from yourself. You have to do that on your own."
Tears burned in her throat at the words, threatening to ruin her completely. What in the hell was this? Why was she being kind to her? Her mind argued with what her heart wanted to feel, causing her to slump a bit in the older woman’s arms. All she could do was nod in understanding, her ability to speak in the moment gone. She really didn’t want to start crying in front of someone she’d just met. Instead, Iz cleared her throat as best she could and gave her companion a slight smile in return.
"Now.. ah. For 'defensive cakes' I uh... hehehe.. I have a few ideas. Up there should be a few muffin trays we can use. Muffins are portable, easy to throw, and most importantly deceptive. Everyone trusts a muffin, even if they don't like them. Muffins are universally accepted to be eaten or present at all times of day, and at almost any event seen to be a normal food."
At the direction she was given, the redhead moved to where she was needed and gathered the muffin trays. Her eyes caught on the spice rack as Adi’va grabbed a few from the shelf. Some she recognized, others had her blinking a bit in surprise. She had heard the whispers of the kitchen she had stepped into, but she hadn’t expected them to be true! Both scared and excited, she tapped her fingers absently on the muffin tins before setting them on the counter she had been standing at.
"Now, are you looking for something discrete or for a weapon. Anyone can make a brick, just a matter of if it's eatable or not. Talk to me lassie, what ideas do you have."
When the topic was turned back to her for an answer, she chewed on her bottom lip anxiously and looked at the counter. She just didn’t want to be without a backup. Whether it was against something her powers couldn’t take out, or someone she didn’t have the time to turn her powers again. Izzie traced the circles on the pans before her for a few more moments then took a deep breath. She had come here for help, so she’d have to give up her intentions.
”Both. I want something that will eat away at someone’s inside. That will be too good to see the darkness within before it is too late. I don’t want a brick.” She paused then, finally looking up at Adi’va. Determination danced within her eyes as she set her shoulders, straightening her spine so that she could feel more confident than she truly did.
”I want to prove that even the sweetest of things can kill you. And I want it to be slow. That way, when they leave this world, I’m the last thing they see.”
Location: The best kitchen in the world! Company: Adi’va Thoughts: ‘I’m done being a wallflower…’
Location: Inside Company: Isabelle OoC/OST: Sorry for the long wait~! Vivi's theme~
Adi'vaVima
Slowly but surly the kitten found her fangs. There was a twinkle in the old woman's eyes as she listened to direction that her task was to be taken in. This could be difficult to finagle but there should be something here they could make use of besides straight up acid to eat through some one. Musing to herself, Adi'va turned away from the counter and started to scan the kitchen, looking for visual clues or hints as to what might be useful. The shellfish extract would do the trick in a pinch but how could it be made better. Before she could point out a pair of mixing bowls she liked, the posture of her soon to be criminal shifted. Met with a raised eyebrow, Adi'va shuffled back to face Isabelle.
”I want to prove that even the sweetest of things can kill you. And I want it to be slow. That way, when they leave this world, I’m the last thing they see.”
She does know that it would be just as easy to use a knife at that point right? Flick, step, riposte, grab, stab. Easy.
Adi'va's eyes darted up wards towards the ghost that floated unseen through the kitchen. Vima stared back incredulously, making a few stabbing motions at the young girl, showing off near a centuries worth of effort and form hailing with Martian fighting styles. Adi'va dismissed her besties notion without saying anything. There was elegance in delicious death, but she did have a point about fast acting means. They would have to redefine what it meant to be a muffin. Returning her attention to the bright eyes, soon to be pupil in the arts of basic assassination, Adi'va weighed the morality of teaching this individual how to lethally poison some one.
On one hand, assassinations were common enough and poisons were readily available for purchase. Corthyr had their intrinsic abilities and extracts they sold for a premium but they weren't the only authority on getting away with murder. Assassination via treat was a classic way to deal with some one but should Adi'va be introducing it first?
On the other hand, muffins were pretty fantastic treats, and what she wanted was likely not to be consumed in a combat situation. Some one swinging a sword or wielding their prowess was unlikely to stop for tea and crumpets. She would need to prove her social engineering ability or find a way to force her hand all but into some ones mouth. By the look of her... well what did Adi'va know of this minx's handiwork. Maybe she had it. Maybe it was youth.
"The art of a pocked muffin is difficult to fullfill. Up over to the left are two mixing bowls, they are coated in a toxic glaze, the bright orange ones. Try using those to make your first batch of muffins. In the second batch, use one of the salt substitutes from the spice rack. That should make it bitter enough for you to get the idea of what a poison tastes and feels like. Yes we will be trying both."
Adi'va said as she found herself a stool and placed herself at the island counter top. She quietly hummed to herself, changing her key and setting up some internal shifts to prepare for whatever concoctions that the girl would make. This was going to be an interesting day. How long had it been since she tried training a little assassin. Much less one that had her unique background.
"If you have any questions where things are or my method I am happy to answer them."
[quote="Ristar Black"
Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2025 10:49 pm
While she waited for the elderly woman’s response, panic began to stir in her stomach. Had that been too much? Was she going to be asked to leave? Gods, why had she gone there?! There was no way Adi’va was going to teach her now! The desire to pull at the ends of her curls washed over her, her hands tightening on the muffin pans to keep them in place. No, she wasn’t going to back down. She was going to demand that the old woman made an exception. This was what she wanted. This was where she needed to be. Determination settled over her features as she did her best not to hold her breath. She’d be no good if she just blacked out from asphyxiation.
When her answer was finally given to her, she felt her knees wanting to buckle under her. She was…staying. Relieved, Izzie smiled brightly and nodded her head. It didn’t click at first what she was being tasked with. She was just too excited to be staying! It wasn’t until the mention of actually ’tasting’ the muffins hit her that she clued in. Wait, rewind! They were going to eat them?! Confused, and mildly horrified, she turned to look at her companion with her hands hovering over the bright oranges mixing bowls.
”W-we are going to try them? Wouldn’t that be, I don’t know, dangerous?” She did her damnedest not to stutter too much as she asked, not at all comfortable with disagreeing with someone. Especially someone with the skills and wisdom as Adi’va. In the back of her mind, Iz knew she wasn’t going to die here. She might not have been royalty, but she was still important. Someone would notice that she was missing. Right? Gwen, definitely. Her best friend would wonder where she’d wandered off to and search for her.
Ellis would probably realize she was gone after a few days. Granted, he probably wouldn’t be bothered as much by her disappearance as Gwen. But they were friends, right? Acquaintances with similar paths in mind for the future. At the very least, they were somewhat business partners. Their engagement was meant to make things better for his family. To give them the leg up they needed. Or so she had been told, anyway. The thought tightened something in her that hurt, pulling a grimace over her face before she shook it off. Yes, he was sure to notice her absence. She left it at that, her fingers still inches from the orange bowls she’d been asked to retrieve.
”Is it safe for me to be touching these? Should I be wearing gloves of some kind if they are coated in something….toxic, did you say?” Yeah, she wasn’t going to touch them until she was sure she wasn’t going to be outright poisoned.
Location: The best kitchen in the world! Company: Adi’va Thoughts: ‘Is this woman mad?!’
Location: Inside Company: Isabelle OoC/OST: Sorry for the long wait~! Mabuta no Hikari
Adi'vaVima
It was not the old woman's intent to tease her cooking companion, but the genuine horror and shock that donned Isabella's face ticked Adi'va. Instead of responding with comforting words or assurances the old woman did a poor job hiding a mirthful simple and avoided eye contact as if she was guilty of some heinous crime. When she could no longer contain herself, the grandmother finally broke and giggled like a little old witch that had just one upped the hero of the story. Not quite a cackle, but 70% a conniving little old lady. It took her a solid few seconds to collect herself enough to start formulating how to assuage Isabella's fears on what they were doing. By then the little ball of mired worries had made her way over to the brightly glazed dishes.
”Is it safe for me to be touching these? Should I be wearing gloves of some kind if they are coated in something….toxic, did you say?”
Well then, the girl could at least listen and wasn't blindly obedient. How close she was though was a little concerning to Adi'va. There was the option of messing with the poor lass a little, making her sweat, make her fear. No. This was a place of trust and the woman before her needed autonomy and a little crazy lady to be kind. And maybe a little unhinged. The maestro considered manipulating things externally for a single beat, letting the world shift a little more to her favor. Again Adi'va denied her internal monologue. Words alone would have to work here.
"Lass, I will be helping you taste test everything. I still have many years to live and a slew of great grandchildren to indoctrinate. Hopefully some great great grandchildren one day. I will explain a small portion of my process."
As the grandmother spoke, she used her cane to tap a skillet that hung above her. It was like a dull cymbal, the percussion cut short by the thickness of its material. The sound however did not travel, it bounced and focused by Adi'vas will into a a small focal point, disobeying the known laws of physics. Isabella would see Adi'va tap the pan but not hear the sound, and not a second latter the bright orange glazed dishes were loosed from their holdings dropping toward her hands. Having faith that the dishes would survive the fall if the bunny missed catching them, Adi'va reset her cane to hang off there island.
"I cannot teach you how different poisons taste. A person has to experience that first hand. I have solutions to keep us both alive and if it gets dangerous I will purge the toxins from your body by force. Ideally it won't come to that. I also have a small solution I can employ in an emergency. If I have to use that we will need to go on a small field trip to replace it. Most importantly however, you need to know how it feels to consume what you are making. I don't wish to let you leave here a potential assassin without truly knowing what you might inflict. It's the same as training knife skills on a pig or running your talent through water to train it."
Adi'va said as she stared down the girl. The woman had every intention of being intense in this moment but she also wore a soft expression. There wasn't judgment on her face, more a bemused look at the girl as she came to terms with the likely scenarios that were going to unfold in this kitchen. Adi'va briefly thought about what she was going to use to clean up the vomit and decided that Anika had been a little out of it lately. Marcello was a gem but she relied on his good will to much and a cleaning task would be a good excuse as any to spend some quality time with the girl who isolated herself from the world.
Right now though, her charge was the red maned ball of zest. Adi'va pointed wordlessly to the walk in pantry for flowered goods and sugar that she would need for the muffins. This was going to be a good morning. If Adi'va was lucky, she would end today with another aspiring noble with a better appreciation for life.
Ristar Black
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 12:11 am
The amusement that her reaction caused in the older woman had her face turning a soft shade of scarlet. Damn it, she was being teased. How someone of Adi’va’s age could do such a thing to someone she barely knew was beyond Izzie’s knowledge. Was that one of the reasons she’d been allowed to come? To be the victim of an elderly woman’s pranks? She considered the possibility for a moment before shoving it aside. No, that couldn’t be it. She’d heard a lot of things about the granny, but none of them included tormenting people in her kitchen.
When she was finally given her answer, her body relaxed and relief washed over her. Iz had hoped she would make it through the lesson without burning herself or ruining food. She hadn’t anticipated that her life would be on the line as well. They were in a school, for crying out loud! Weren’t they supposed to be safe? The question echoed in her head and stirred the memories of the zombies back to life. It sent a chill down her spine and adrenaline racing through her blood. No, she wasn’t safe. Not on campus, and most certainly not here. But, she’d made the choice. And she was going to follow through with it.
Movement from Adi’va pulled her from her thoughts and had her focusing on the other woman’s antics. The tap against the skillet had her blinking a bit in surprise. Wait, wasn’t that supposed to…The thought was cut short as the bowls she’d been reaching for jumped at her. A soft squeak of surprise escaped her lips as she scrambled to grab the kitchenware, pulling them in close to her chest as heat rose to her face for the umpteenth time. Damn it, she was going to pass out if she kept playing hot and cold with the amount of blood she sent rushing to her face.
”Wait, hang on. Purge by force?! Do you mean you will, what, stick your finger down my throat or something?” Her stomach churned at the thought, twisting into knots around the poor excuse of a breakfast that still lingered within her. She really didn’t want to throw up all over the place. Especially in front of someone she barely knew. ”Do you really think it’s going to get to the point? I mean…Wait.” A word echoed in her head, spoken by the older woman beside her. Her fingers curled into the bowls she still held, knuckles turning white over the grip she had on the metal.
”Did you…call me a potential….assassin?!” She whispered the last word, wide eyes looking around as if she were going to be punished for uttering such a thing. ”I don’t want to be an assassin…I just want to protect myself when my powers fail… Her voice trembled a bit, knowing how such a title could create hysteria among those she considered her peers. One wrong step, one wrong move, and she’d be on the receiving end of someone’s blade. And that was a place she really didn’t want to be.
Location: The best kitchen in the world! Company: Adi’va Thoughts: ‘A-assassin? Me? No way…’
Location: Inside Company: Isabelle OoC/OST: With great power... Shino
Adi'vaVima
There was more to unpack here than a simple batter beating and vengeful stuffing of toxins could suffice. Adi'va donned a gentle smile, her eyes understanding and dimples full of whimsy. The old lady slowly stood up as she watched Isabelle have her miniature crisis of faith. It was not the grandmothers intention to elaborate how her power worked. The nuances would be more harmful to a mind unmired by decay and destruction. Perhaps this the first thing to do, was not to cook at all. Yes. A talk on philosophy and what powers were. Slowly standing, Adi'va used her cane to open up a nearby cupboard and retrieve two large mugs. Muffins baked in mugs were sometimes nice, but right now it was meant for tea.
”I don’t want to be an assassin…I just want to protect myself when my powers fail…
Failure. It was a powerful word and one Adi'va disliked using in her vocabulary. With practiced movements, the old woman shuffled around the island, the two mugs in one hand and her cane in the other. One mug clinked in rhythem as she walked, unintetionally setting a psuedo rhythem to the scene. With a small pat on the lass's hand, Adi'va motioned for her to grab a nearby tea kettle as she started to make her way outside.
"Yes, assassin. If you've not been the target of one, you are quite the lucky girl. Come my soon to be confused protégé. Let us talk about life, I have some nick knacks of wisdom rattling around this noggin."
Adi'va said as she shuffled outside, motioning for Isabelle to follow. The deck itself wrapped around the building, but instead of returning to her lounges, the grandmother took up residence on the steps leading out into her small rock garden. As she got herself settled, Adi'va pointed out three things for Isabella to bring over. First was a large cistern, where she could collect water for the kettle. Second was a small wood stove tucked into the corner of the porch. Finally there was a pile of wood that was small enough to fit in the wood stove. Adi'va looked out over her garden, quietly keeping a rhythm going with her foot. It was not a significant boost to anything Isabelle could do, but it should be enough that she found the tasks easy to complete. The wood stove was lighter, the wood just the right sizes, and the water clean and clear.
"Light the fire please and bring the water to a boil."
Adi'va said as she removed a small box from inside one of her railing pillars. It was a clever compartment that Marcello had designed some years prior to hide things from his sister, or so Adi'va presumed. He was a crafty creature, always coming up with new ways to not be involved, yet still get his way. If only his sister took after him in the cleverness department. Shame about her headstrong will, Adi'va hadn't gotten enough time with her. Pushing the thoughts out of her mind, the woman removed a pair of strainers and a box of loose tea leaves and what looked like small set of sharp grape scissors.
"Darling, please come join me." Adi'va would say as she made room on the step.
"As I said, you are the master of your emotions in this kitchen and I will not yield to your tears to teach you what you want to know. At the same time, I will address your worries. What is it that plagues your mind girl? I do have guesses but I would like to hear straight from the horses mouth. My deadly muffins of ill repute only work on the tangible. They cannot defend a broken heart or support a shaken will. Thats where words come in."
Ristar Black
Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2025 11:40 pm
When the elderly woman began to pull out cups, her confusion grew. Were they giving up on the muffins? Or was she meant to make them in mugs now? She’d heard of mug muffins, but weren’t they meant to be eaten in the mugs? How was she supposed to weaponize a muffin and a mug? Izzie knew a mug was capable of being a weapon on its own, but this would hold the muffin, too. Would it still work? Well, anything, if thrown hard enough, was sure to work. But she wasn’t sure if that was what Adi’va was doing. Or, at the very least, she hoped it wasn’t.
The pat on her hand helped pull her from her inner spiraling, her blue eyes blinking a bit as she came back from it. She nodded her head at the silent request she’d been given, moving to grab the kettle that was nearby. Iz hurried to catch up as her companion spoke, though it did nothing to ease her confusion. They were going to talk about…life? What did that have to do with poisoned muffins? Wouldn’t death be a better topic in regards to what she was here to make? Not sure such a question was wise, she remained silent and simply did the tasks Adi’va motioned for her to do as the older woman settled on the stairs.
The ease in which she found her little job surprised her. Nothing hindered her, nothing forced her to take extra steps. It was as if everything was fated to be just…simple. Perfect, even. It stirred her curiosity and had her brows furrowing a bit as she watched the water boil. This place had to have something else up its sleeve. Or, rather, her teacher did. Of course, that was just another thought she kept to herself. She wasn’t about to ruin her chances to learn. Not when she had already successfully derailed them by putting her stupid foot in her big mouth.
At the summons, Izzie took the boiling kettle from the stove and moved to join the other woman on the stairs. She rearranged her dress to keep her comfortable and set the hot water aside. The urge to fidget, to wring her hands, raced through her head and was fought mercilessly. No, she wasn’t going to be that person. She wasn’t a mouse. She was a noblewoman. She could speak her mind when she needed to. When it was asked of her as it was right now. So, with a deep breath, she looked out over the garden and tried to put her feelings into words.
”I just…I want to be stronger. To use my skills to make up for what my abilities can’t do. I don’t want to go around just killing people…” She whispered the word, her features paling for a moment at the thought of turning into someone so dark. Someone that actually wanted such a thing. No, she wanted to protect. To keep herself, and those she held close, safe. ”I don’t ever want to feel weak again. And my hope is that this place,” She paused, looking around a bit before shifting her focus back to the elderly woman at her side. ”That you can help me with that. Please, believe me. I just want to learn, to turn my hobby into something that will give me the edge I need to stay safe. To stay alive.”
Location: The best kitchen in the world! Company: Adi’va Thoughts: ‘Gods, I hope she doesn’t tell me to leave!’
Location: Inside Company: Isabelle OoC/OST: With great power... Shino
Adi'vaVima
Weakness. The once backbone to a country and grandmothers grandmother despised the concept. To feel weak was a failing not of the body or mind, but of society. The irony of the thought coming from a little old lady that was in the process of toppling a nation did not escape her, though no smile or warmth did. Adi'va furrowed her brow as she listened to the young noble. She traced Isabelle's hand movements, watching for tremors, but finding none. Composed, collected, whether it was forced or natural would leave it open to if the act was good or bad for her. Slowly Adi'va moved to grab the kettle that had been brought over, opening the top and dropping a handful of tea leaves from her small container into the water. They would unfurl and turn the water tepid shade of chartreuse. Nodding along a small flask was removed from Adi'va robes, and the liquor added to the kettle in a few small dollops. Enough to enhance the flavor and loosen tongues, but not so much as to impose difficulties on the rest of the day. That did bank on the worry wart having some tolerance. Well it could just serve as a lesson that not even the grandmother had perfect judgement if it came to that.
”That you can help me with that. Please, believe me. I just want to learn, to turn my hobby into something that will give me the edge I need to stay safe. To stay alive.”
The old lady sympathized with her outlook. In a way, Adi'va felt like she was looking back in time, at her stupid brother and his headlong determination to be strong. Different motivations and ideals but the same feelings tugged at her heart. While the tea brewed and cooled slowly in the kettle, Adi'va set it on the stoop below their feet, with every intention for it to be spilled as a distraction if needed. The old woman paused a moment to regard Isabelle, before clasping the young ladies hand in both of hers.
"I have a wide range of things I could say, or do, or twist and manipulate you into doing right now. Most of them are selfish opinions formed from decades of raising new generations, wanting them to be the best that they can be, to give the best chance those that I care about will have a happy life. With you, child of energy, I believe there are two ways for me to help you."
Adi'va spoke slowly and softly at first, trying to be gentle and guide the young woman to a state where she would not feel imposed upon. Patting her hand, Adi'va turned to look over her small garden, using the moment to collect her own thoughts into something coherent. The woman could ramble on about nothing forever if given leeway.
"The first is to share my viewpoint on the weak, on the helpless, and the pitied. To show you how they are social constructs, and that despite your best efforts to feel bad, that you are neither strong nor weak, but a woman whom empowers others before herself."
Adi'va finished with a sly grin. Was half of it her playing with words and using liberal definitions? Sure, but it was also true. Adi'va thought highly of any person seeking to improve themselves. Self reflection, introspection, and dignity were a curse upon a bright mind. These traits are needed to grow, but some times, they get a bit of an ego themselves and need a good lashing. Giving Isabelle's hand a light squeeze, Adi'va continued.
"Next I can take your hobby and pervert it. Changing how you look at it forever but hopefully giving you what you think you want. Poisons and drugs, lethal or not, are a powerful took in everyone's ability to host a dinner party, navigate difficult social situations, improve bedroom activates, make cooking a more dynamic activity. It would be my honor to share some of my recipes with you once you make your first batch. Though..."
As the old lady trailed off she found a cup and used the now brewed kettle mix to give herself something to sip on. Slow and deliberate in her motions, Adi'va battled with her final suggestion. Power. Adi'va could show this young lass a view into her future, what her power would look like if she continued to develop it for years and years. The thought alone was enough to make the relaxing tea taste bitter in her mouth. Nothing good came of combat. Fighting was a barbaric practice, one that only lead to suffering. Yet these backwards countries seemed to pride themselves on individual might and laying waste to lives. Adi'va had read the reports Anika had submitted, it had been a day of celebration and misery. Lost in thought, the old lady continued to think on melancholy ideas.
