[Open] The Mapo Tofu affair

[showsnopiety]

Who: Everyone! If you can smell it, you can find it!
When: 6/8-610
Where: Hall of Glory Parlour in Caissa
What: Caren found out she can make mapo tofu and is sharing with everyone. Heaven help us all.
Rating: So far none but will change when things happen.





THe Halls of Glory smell a little different today. Instead of the usual fare that the others might know from the weekly menu, there's a different scent. Something that may remind heroes of Airy, Ma Jiang dishes, or maybe, more simply, of home.

This was the result of Caren's cooking and some hunting on her part. And the results may be quite appealing. There are pots of rice, still steaming, and various bowls filled with the result known as mapo tofu. Some of them are spicer then others, and she hasn't seen fit to label which are very spicy, and which are quite mild. The only thing she has labelled, with a rim of green around the bowls, are the vegan variations, for those who can't, or do not, eat meat or meat by products.

Consider it a game of spice roulette. Because there are other bowls as well, with crushed cucumber-hot pepper salad, spicy tofu, and something that has spewed spinach and garlicy noodles within. But hey! You may be able to cool off with one of the pots of tea around the place-or with one of the rare tubs of ice cream of various flavors, kept chilled with an icy spell.

The cutlery and bowls are disposable, and there are trashbags to clean up after yourself. She's not going to do it for you!

But hey. Who can say no to free food?

Comments

[sealeted]

I... see. I have to admit, I am intrigued. Do you get a lot of business?

[She has a tenuous grip on her composure, and as soon as Vietnam is out of her line of sight she links her fingers to keep them from shaking and presses them over her eyes, taking deep, calming breaths. It's so much. Not just Vietnam, or her offer, or even the food.

Everything is so much. All the time.

In the Moon Cell, more often than not things were regulated. Even on the Far Side, there were rules, lines in the sand. There was always that ever present, rarely-spoken of specter of death, of otherness trailing after Hakuno. To be free of it—to be human—to be among people and places and events the Moon Cell knows nothing about, it's all—

It's so much. It's just so much.

...when Vietnam returns, Hakuno has regained control of herself, and is idly looking around the rest of the parlor with her normal, placid expression firmly back in place.]

That smells great.

[hoasen]

[She doesn't actually know, because as a country, despite the eternal loneliness that they will all end up having to endure, seeing humans come and go, they live like humans themselves. Amongst humans. It's not something that is completely regulated, because they are not computers.

But being an immortal who still knows she can never be completely human, she gets it. Hakuno, an NPC, is now being given a chance to live a life that's not chained down by some "Moon Cell".

She sets the tray down on the coffee table, and pours out the peppermint first.] This one, so it can ease your insides first. [She holds out the cup towards Hakuno.] Be careful, it's still a little hot.

[She smiles while she waits for Hakuno to take the cup.]

As for your previous question, we have a lot of business, because someone happens to be very charming. [She means Gilgamesh's Queen boons: his charm effect.] Not just heroes need are interested in finding someone, whether for love or friendship. It looks like the civilians here are too.

[sealeted]

Thank you.

[She takes it and gingerly blows across the surface a few times, before taking a tentative sip. Mint isn't her favorite flavor these days—thanks to the final dish in a certain hell feast—but this is much more mild, anti goes down easy enough.]

Mm, that seems to be another point of familiarity. Sometimes he can drive you insane, but when he has a mind to Gilgamesh has an unrivaled silver tongue.

[It's difficult to remember that when that absolute jerk called her a sassy tart barely a few hours before.]

It would be nice to make some new friends.

[And not be forced to fight to the death after making them.]

[hoasen]

[Not to worry, once she starts getting that into her to ease digestion, she can drink the green tea! And thankfully this one actually tastes good.] Better?

[She laughs awkwardly, part groan and sigh as well--] That as well. And he definitely knows it. [Awkwardness aside--] I think you two will be fine. He maybe different to the Gilgamesh you said served you, but Gilgamesh is Gilgamesh, no? [YOU TELL VIETNAM WHEN HE'S BEING A BUTT.

Fighting friends to the death...yikes :(]

You will have a chance here. We are all comrades, so we work together too. You'll meet many Heroes, and so friends.

[sealeted]

Much. Thanks.

[She keeps saying that, and it seems cheaper each time. Silently, she resolves to learn how to make something tasty very soon.]

I said something to that effect myself not long ago, so I have to agree.

[She just has to claw her way back up to her previous, hard-won pittance of acknowledgment, which is a little bittersweet, is all.]

...I'm looking forward to it. I really do like this place already.

[hoasen]

You're welcome. I am glad.

[It's fine because she's ill right now!! Vietnam doesn't need her to give her anything. Like she usually says, company alone is fine!

She makes a tiny first pump. Knowing that understanding Gilgamesh is one way of making him acknowledging him, she's sure Hakuno already has that advantage! Time isn't of the essence here.] I have a lot of faith in you. [And not just because, but also having heard how Hakuno endured much of the Holy Grail's BULLSHIT that Vietnam is sure she is a very strong person.]

Which room are you situated? We can visit each other here too. I am in the Queen's Hall, room 208. You can meet some friends there as well.

[sealeted]

...I don't fully understand why, but it's kind of you to say that.

[Something flutters shyly in her chest. She's carried other people's faiths and dreams and hopes on her shoulders but this—this is lighter. Softer. It's nice.

She's nice.]

I'm in King's Hall, room 101. In retrospect, it's actually pretty funny that I ended up in a room with only ones and zeroes. If you don't mind the intrusion, I'll definitely visit when it's convenient.

[hoasen]

I speak only the truth. And I think...hmmm, honesty and determination. That is what I see in you, which is why I have faith.

[That and hard work! But that one is a given. Then they can spend the rest of the time just relaxing, since here, just to get home (or even stay) there will be much work to do.]

Oh! I think I get it, binary numbers, no? [Her skills with technology aren't that impressive.] And I do not mind at all. I am sure my roommates will like you. If you ever meet a Setsuna F. Seiei or Jae-ha before you come by, those are their names.

[sealeted]

I'll do my best to live up to those expectations.

[She takes one hand off her cup and clenches it in a small fist of determination, smiling faintly. Hakuno's a stubborn one. She can be blunt, and she really does not know when to give up.]

Yes, exactly.

[Don't feel bad, Vietnam, it was a shitty joke.]

I'll keep an eye out. If they're your friends, they must be nice.

[Or, y'know. Gilgamesh.]

[hoasen]

[Cute!! Yes see, that helps! It even shines while Hakuno is resting. It's the kind of personality that will get her far here.]

They are nice, Setsuna might be a little...I suppose, cold, but he's warm inside. Jae-ha...[Actually...] Jae-ha is very charming, he'll take care of you. But sometimes, he's a little inappropriate.

[Yeah she doesn't even have a clue how Gilgamesh happened. Only she does.]

[sealeted]

Setsuna sounds like a dear friend of mine.

[Cold and warm... Her heart gives a painful lurch as that last glimpse of Julius skitters across her mind's eye. She takes a long sip of tea to compose herself.]

And, I've known some pretty wild characters in my time. I think I'll be able to handle myself.

[Again, consider Gilgamesh.]

[hoasen]

Oh? Then I think you'll like him a lot. He doesn't talk a lot, but actions can speak louder than words.

[Although sometimes socially, he's a little out of it. Like word choices. God.]

Ah, yes, with one being here. Jae-ha is a lot more humble than Gilgamesh. You'll definitely be fine.

[She laughs softly. WHAT A STANDARD.]

[sealeted]

It sounds like we'll get on just fine then.

[Sounds like a real space cadet.]

Ah, that much I can definitely handle, yeah.

[Yep. More expensive than gold and twice as shiny.]

[hoasen]

[Considering he thinks he's Gundam? Yes.]

Aha, so those are my roommates. You can spend as much time in our room as you like, no one seems to worry much about who goes where. Late night snacks seem to happen frequently.

[Oh my god what if someone is feeling cheap.

And! Now she pours out the second pot of tea, the nice green before holding it out.]

[sealeted]

Snacks?

[You have perked the interest of a proven glutton. This was your plan all along, wasn't it?]

What kind of snacks does this place have?

[She accepts the second cup with another murmured thanks, savoring the first sip and washing out the mint flavor.]

[hoasen]

[MAYBE...yes.]

Let's see...they have some of the more common ones. Potato chips, crackers, cookies, other delicious baked goods. But also variations of all your common snacks and confectionery that is a little more magical. I am unsure if you are used to it, because I certainly was not. Cupcakes with flowers that sparkle, for example!

[sealeted]

--!!

[Her eyes light up with obvious, glimmering interest.]

They sparkle? That's... so weird! I want to try! ...um, can you learn how to make foods that do things like that here, or are those trade secrets?

[hoasen]

[A FIRM NOD!]

You can! You just need to find the right ingredients. The flowers themselves already sparkle. But! You can also use alchemy to enhance your food as well. I need to look into it myself, but I heard it involves a bit of trial and error. You should find some bishops to help you, they're very good at alchemy. Kaito is one!

[sealeted]

Alchemy...

[So many things to learn... So much free time to learn it in. Is it possible to fall in love with a universe, in the non-Kiara way? Because Hakuno might be on the brink.]

I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't mind introducing me to someone like that! Oh, but if you'd rather I go through that matchmaking agency...

[hoasen]

Yes! There should be some books in the library about it too.

[You bet, and she knows that there's much to research. In fact, considering the type of trouble Kaito gets up to, it might be a good idea for him to have a friend to do it with.] Of course! I can contact him, or I can direct you to his carrier details. I think it's safer for me to just introduce you to the bishops I know.

N-not that I'm saying it's bad! I just don't want you paying for the matchmaking agency's services when you do not need it. [Who knows what the boss will say though.]

[sealeted]

Then, I'll trouble you for an introduction. Thank you very much, Vietnam.

[Because God only knows what might happen if she gives Gilgamesh that kind of power over her. Her mind literally refuses to come up with a scenario.]

Ah, that reminds me! My Carrier ID is 'Hakunon' for future reference.

[hoasen]

Of course! I will do it as soon as I can. I hope your adventures with alchemy and food will be exciting.

[And...yeah actually don't even think about it. DON'T EVEN THINK!!!]

Oh! Thank you, mine is "vietnam", so just my name.

[sealeted]

I'm sure they will definitely be eventful from the outset.

[Hakuno is a realist. Things might not go cataclysmic, but she knows better than to assume she'll be some natural.]

Easy to remember. I hope we can find another time to hang out some day soon.

[hoasen]

Aha, well, Kaito has had a few things burn down before, but I'm sure those are just his more extreme concoctions.

[AND THEY SURE WERE A TIME.]

Of course! I can show you around some of the cities here. Caissa, ah, let's see...Gresser and Gisela looks nice. I just acquired an inn there, I'm still setting it up.

[sealeted]

I... I see.

[...it might be a while before she feels confident enough to mix alchemy and cooking. But, there shouldn't be any problem learning two skills at once and keeping them separate, right?]

You have your own inn? Wow.