In which Kiran cooks dinner and Linda seduces an entire town

[5:03 PM] SwaDM: Oh, no. Kiran, what are you doing. This can only end in disaster. After briefly consulting with Linda, he was emboldened enough to embarass himself greatly. As previously stated by the Grandmadin, she has indeed spoken with Commander Tharail to allow Kiran the usage of one of the guard towers up on the command center. Presumably, Kiran would have gone there beforehand - one would not call it a particularly spacious area. The very top of it, however, would be enough to fit a table and the portable stove that he had made, should it be necessary. He would have had the freedom to adjust the circular space as it pleases him,  with only mild confused looks from others in guard duty.
[5:05 PM] SwaDM: Once he is finished with his preparations, however, all that must be done is wait for Linda and Allyah to swap shifts in the evening. At the very least, the lack of presence of the Void allows the night sky to actually be rather pleasing and clear, instead of strangely overcast, with an ominous glow to the horizon. Likely a plus.
[5:05 PM] SwaDM: That being said - what does Kiran do?
[5:06 PM] Kiran: "Oh god. What have I gotten myself into?"
[5:07 PM] Kiran: will ensure there is something comfortable on which people might sit, a flat surface on which food can be served, and begin attempting to cook.
[5:08 PM] SwaDM: ...Wait. Wait, wait, Kiran. Kriendyh sit differently. They're a bit too tall, and - oh god. Okay. Okay, he can find one of those raised stools he saw Allyah sitting upon. Good. Okay. Good. Table - check. Stove, check.
[5:08 PM] SwaDM: The question is - will Kiran take 10 on cooking, or will he risk it?
[5:08 PM] Kiran: Let me just
[5:08 PM] Kiran: check what his cooking modifier is
[5:09 PM] Kiran: Oh, I see. It's +0.
[5:09 PM] Kiran: Unless it counts as Crafting, in which case it's much less horrible.
[5:09 PM] SwaDM: Cooking does not remotely count as crafting, no.
[5:09 PM] SwaDM: However
[5:10 PM] SwaDM: He would at least get a +2 bonus from masterwork tools, as Linda would lend his set to him. It's not too late to reconsider her aid, Kiran. But that might be embarassing.
[5:10 PM] Kiran: I did also spend some time thinking about what he might cook.
[5:11 PM] SwaDM: And what would that be?
[5:11 PM] Kiran: Well, predatory birds tend to swoop down on things like rabbits. Given our situation, I imagine that rabbit is a fair staple of the kitchen, so there's no reason they shouldn't have it.
[5:11 PM] SwaDM: They would indeed. Poor little things.
[5:12 PM] Kiran: It tends to go well paired with some fairly basic fruits, such as apples and various currants, and plums - which we would also be quite likely to have, given we're in a temperate climate.
[5:13 PM] SwaDM: Kiran, while cooking, hides his several books regarding fauna and flora that he borrowed solely for cooking.
[5:13 PM] SwaDM: But - no, that makes sense. Apples ,from what a remember, are a bit of a staple in midwestern Vearpi - Lumberton and whatnot.
[5:14 PM] Kiran: There are a few super easy ways you can improve these ingredients. So, the plan is as follows.
[5:16 PM] Kiran: Hot pan, sear the rabbit off and leave cooking in the pan. Throw in some berries and sliced plum to build into a sauce, which will be left to cook when the rabbit's done. If he's able, try wrapping some of the rabbit in bacon to improve flavour before cooking.
In a separate pan, toast some seeds to go along with it to add crunch.
Serve with fresh fruit.
[5:16 PM] SwaDM: There is always bacon, yes.
[5:17 PM] Kiran: Nothing too complex, and I think totally achievable with a 12 on the result and a few hours in which to do it. For some reference, he would naturally be cautious enough to try cooking some small amount of each thing to trial it before committing
[5:17 PM] Kiran: Because trying to cook an entire rabbit and getting it wrong is much worse than trying to cook a portion and learning from it.
[5:18 PM] SwaDM: Well, for total base bonuses, Kiran would've had +2 or masterwork tools, +2 from Aid Another via Linda giving him small tips beforehand / his own research, and + 1 from the guidance spell - also courtesy of grandmadin
[5:18 PM] SwaDM: So we have a total bonus of +5, in truth
[5:19 PM] SwaDM: Taking 10 is absolutely possible, with a result of 15. Going along with the plan - as Kiran actually tries out what he's making, should result in something fairly nice - perhaps somewhat bland on the side, but most certainly a pleasant meal. He COULD try and experiment a little with his igredients to  liven the flavour of the meal, but that would obviously pose a risk (I.E - Rolling)
[5:20 PM] Kiran: I think he'd stick with being desperate to not fuck everything up, honestly.
[5:21 PM] SwaDM: Absolutely fair. Kiran decides to not experiment wtih - and potentially ruin - some of the igredients.
[5:21 PM] SwaDM: It's no Jugo meal, but...huh. He did make rabbit stew. Was Kiran inspired by that? Who knows.
[5:21 PM] Kiran: Thanks, Jugo
[5:22 PM] Kiran: Hm. Is there a source of light in the room?
[5:22 PM] SwaDM: There would be a couple torches for the guards, but Kiran should be able to replace them with magical lights should he desire.
[5:23 PM] Kiran: Hm. I'll go with torches, but keep magical lights on hand in case they burn low.
[5:24 PM] SwaDM: Makes sense.
[5:25 PM] Kiran: Otherwise, he'll make small talk with anyone who comes by, and keep an eye on the time. Shortly before her shift is due to end, Kiran will turn off any sources of heat, and cover all food to make sure it retains what heat is left but doesn't continue cooking.
[5:25 PM] SwaDM: Sure, not an issue.
[5:26 PM] Kiran: And then he will take several deep breaths, then descend from the guard tower to collect Allyah.
[5:26 PM] Kiran: Oh god, Linda's not going to be able to hold her shit together.
[5:26 PM] SwaDM: Kiran shall step towards the medical building.
[5:27 PM] SwaDM: He had pangs of fear when fighting the Void Dragon ,yes. It was only natural.
[5:28 PM] SwaDM: Which makes it all the more impressive how comparatively he may be terrified right now. He will be able to catch the both of them just as Linda and Allyah are briefly exchanging a goodbye with a shake of hands.
[5:29 PM] SwaDM: Allyah : "-no, they're fine. It should be more a case of staying in case someone else needs you."
[5:29 PM] SwaDM: Linda : "Wonderful! Well, you go on and have a good rest then, dear - you've earned it."
[5:30 PM] Kiran: It is time to attempt to mask his nerves.
[5:30 PM] Kiran: will approach.
[5:30 PM] Kiran: "Hi!"
[5:31 PM] SwaDM: Linda : "Oh, Kiran!"
[5:31 PM] SwaDM: Allyah : "Hm? Yes?"
[5:32 PM] Kiran: "Have you finished your shift, Allyah?"
[5:32 PM] SwaDM: "A few minutes ago, yes."
[5:33 PM] SwaDM: Linda, in the meanwhile, merely walks back towards the counter, with a grin spread across her face. She knows.
[5:34 PM] Kiran: "Oh, excellent."
[5:34 PM] Kiran: pauses for a second, forming the question in his head.
[5:34 PM] Kiran: "Can... can I interest you in dinner?"
[5:34 PM] SwaDM: She's looking at him, blankly. Oh god. Oh god.
[5:34 PM] SwaDM: "...Well, why wouldn't I be interested in dinner?"
[5:35 PM] SwaDM: "I still need to eat in this body."
[5:35 PM] SwaDM: "I was going to go out to eat something right now - do you want to come with?"
[5:35 PM] Kiran: looks briefly contemplative.
[5:36 PM] Kiran: "I- huh. Yes, definitely. I don't think I was clear, sorry. I have cooked dinner - would you like to join me?"
[5:36 PM] SwaDM: "Oh. Well, sure, Kiran."
[5:37 PM] SwaDM: Linda, in the background, manages to mantain her poker face. For a few moments, at least.
[5:37 PM] Kiran: Goddamnit Linda.
[5:37 PM] Kiran: looks slightly relieved.
[5:38 PM] Kiran: "Great. Uh - in which case, it's... this way. Shall we?"
[5:38 PM] Kiran: takes a step toward the door, looking back at her.
[5:38 PM] SwaDM: Allyah nods, stepping along with Kiran. Okay. Okay, that's - that's the first part done. It can't get any harder. Right...?
[5:38 PM] SwaDM: Just don't look at how Linda continues to grin, resting her hands upon her chin.
[5:39 PM] Kiran: Goddamnit Linda
[5:39 PM] SwaDM: PFHTFH.
[5:40 PM] SwaDM: One thing may shoot through Kiran's mind, as Allyah files on beside him. She is...actually quite tall. Significantly so.
[5:40 PM] Kiran: I thought that's what you might've been rolling.
[5:40 PM] SwaDM: Roughly at around a foot taller then Kiran.
[5:40 PM] Kiran: >She's 6'8
[5:40 PM] SwaDM: (Nearly rolled maximum height on a very tall race)
[5:40 PM] Kiran: Jesus Lord
[5:41 PM] SwaDM: "Did you make too much food for yourself?"
[5:42 PM] Kiran: "No, actually. I'd mentioned I'd come back to see you after the shift, but I'd thought that eating together might be-  nice."
[5:42 PM] Kiran: will lead her to the guard tower.
[5:42 PM] SwaDM: "Oh - socialization."
[5:42 PM] SwaDM: "Well, yes. It can be rather pleasant to spend time with others."
[5:43 PM] Kiran: "Agreed. How was the rest of your shift?"
[5:43 PM] Kiran: Okay Kiran, small talk, you can do this
[5:44 PM] SwaDM: "Unremarkable, if I am to be honest. As I was telling Frau Linda, we've no one truly needing any critical care - only cases of mild sickness. We're more standing by in case of an emergency."
[5:44 PM] SwaDM: "I elected to just continue studying the Common language."
[5:45 PM] Kiran: "You seem to be taking to it exceptionally well."
[5:45 PM] SwaDM: "It is a relatively simple language."
[5:46 PM] SwaDM: "If you are talking  about me speaking it - then that would not be the case. I don't...speak common. I speak all languages.
[5:46 PM] Kiran: looks blankly at her as they walk.
[5:46 PM] Kiran: "Wow."
[5:47 PM] SwaDM: A small sigh. "It's -  well, I don't speak all languages. It's part of Tara's power, I believe."
[5:47 PM] SwaDM: "Celestials and a few other outsiders have it too. It's called Truespeech."
[5:47 PM] SwaDM: "You can understand me no matter what language I speak."
[5:47 PM] SwaDM: "I have been learning about written Common."
[5:48 PM] Kiran: "I see. That sounds incredibly useful - being able to understand anyone."
[5:48 PM] Kiran: looks momentarily wistful.
[5:48 PM] SwaDM: "It is, yes."
[5:49 PM] Kiran: "How have you found the written language?"
[5:49 PM] SwaDM: "As I said - relatively simple. Certainly simpler then my native language."
[5:50 PM] Kiran: nods.
[5:50 PM] Kiran: "Kriendyh script seems complex."
[5:50 PM] Kiran: "I had to write really carefully when I was trying to send you that message."
[5:51 PM] SwaDM: "I don't blame you. The design is specifically made so that it can be used for runic purposes - which means a single letter can convey an entire concept. My studies indicated that it is somewhat similar to the Estierran concept of Kanji, I believe?"
[5:52 PM] Kiran: "Yes, it's very similar in that sense. It also seems to be a distant ancestor of my home, Valveria's, runic script."
[5:53 PM] SwaDM: "It likely descended from it in some way."
[5:53 PM] Kiran: How far from the tower are we?
[5:53 PM] SwaDM: Quite close - the buildings are undestandably very close together.
[5:54 PM] Kiran: Gotcha.
[5:54 PM] Kiran: "You said design, as though it was made latterly for enchantment - is it not the original Kriendyh written language?"
[5:54 PM] SwaDM: "It's...complicated to explain."
[5:55 PM] SwaDM: "It's not that it is "not the original language" - but rather evolved from older scripts, from our earlier days."
[5:56 PM] SwaDM: "I'm not much of an history expert, I'm afraid, but far back in the past, communication was made through symbols - pictograms."
[5:57 PM] SwaDM: "They evolved into what they became "now", essentially - the modern Kriendyh language."
[5:58 PM] Kiran: "Ah, right. I don't think common has used a pictographic alphabet in a long time. If it were ever as nuanced and variable as the Kriendyh or Estierran alphabets, that time has long past."
[5:58 PM] SwaDM: Entering and climbing the tower will not prove to be an issue - as it is relatively empty, and nobody halts Kiran or Allyah's entry.
[5:58 PM] SwaDM: "Mmm. Why are we going into the command structure? You've made food here?"
[5:59 PM] Kiran: >Nobody halts the 6'8 bird deity
[5:59 PM] Kiran: SHOCKING
[5:59 PM] SwaDM: SHE CHONK
[6:01 PM] Kiran: "I did. It's actually got a really lovely view of the surrounding area from the top. Which... I guess is not remotely surprising, given it's a guard tower. But it's aesthetically pleasing as well as tactically beneficial."
[6:02 PM] SwaDM: "...Okay."
[6:03 PM] SwaDM: Allyah tilts her head - slightly. "I suppose a pleasing area in which to consume a meal only makes sense. We've the same prospect, when we could. I think you saw how some of the Vaults had communal eating areas with preserved vegetation."
[6:03 PM] Kiran: mentally curses himself for having forgotten that detail.
[6:04 PM] Kiran: "Exactly."
[6:05 PM] Kiran: "I spent some of the afternoon at the top, cooking. I think you'll like it."
[6:06 PM] SwaDM: "Well, if you say so."
[6:06 PM] SwaDM: "Ah - one minor thing."
[6:07 PM] SwaDM: "You might've sumrised this, but due to our differences regarding our hands, which...well-"
[6:07 PM] SwaDM: She briefly raises one of them - four-fingered. And talons, instead of fingers.
[6:07 PM] SwaDM: "Our eating utensils are somewhat different."
[6:08 PM] SwaDM: Kiran is able to reach the top of the tower without hassle. Even if Allyah has to actually briefly duck under a doorframe previously.
[6:08 PM] Kiran: OOC, that had not occurred to me. However, given that Kiran literally drew up plans for a set of hand-tools for Allyah to use when she was in Tara form since she had DEATH CLAWS, I'd like to make a case that IC he would not have forgotten.
[6:09 PM] SwaDM: Duh - I remembemer that.
[6:09 PM] SwaDM: "Worry not, however, I always bring mine with me."
[6:10 PM] Kiran: will hold open the door, revealing a dining area with the appropriate cutlery already laid out, and the covered food atop the unlit stove, with some plates being kept warm by it.
[6:10 PM] SwaDM: "Hm. Well...it does look nice. Do you often prepare your dining area with such zeal?"
[6:12 PM] Kiran: "I honestly do not. I-" he frowns "You know, I don't think I've ever actually cooked a meal for someone else. Normally I live off of very basic food. And coffee."
[6:12 PM] SwaDM: Allyah steps forward , taking a seat upon the specific seating for herself, briefly reaching onto a small bag at her side, and retrieving a small set of attachments, which are placed upon two of her talons in one hand - small blades with an inward curve - knives? The others, being a pair of two-pronged folk-like attachments are set aside.
[6:12 PM] SwaDM: "Hm. Likely not good. Linda has told me that having a good meal is paramount for proper functionality."
[6:12 PM] Kiran: She has salad tongs for fingers.
[6:12 PM] SwaDM: She has salad tongs for fingers.
[6:13 PM] Kiran: "She has impressed that upon me as well."
[6:13 PM] SwaDM: Kiran may seriously be attempting to not chuckle.
[6:14 PM] SwaDM: The excessively tall bird person nods, once. "A rather wise woman, I must say."
[6:14 PM] Kiran: nods.
[6:15 PM] Kiran: "Apparently baking has had a lot of importance for the diplomatic history of her home."
[6:16 PM] Kiran: removes the coverings from the foods, and begins dishing things up.
[6:16 PM] SwaDM: "...Somewhat surprising, but fair enough.'
[6:16 PM] Kiran: "Please say when."
[6:17 PM] Kiran: "... which I have realised may not translate. Please let me know when you're happy with the amount of food on your plate."
[6:17 PM] SwaDM: She inclines her head again, briefly glancing over the meal. Again, it's...actually significantly difficult to judge what she may be thinking, as she does not have lips. Or eyebrows.
[6:17 PM] SwaDM: "Ah. That does look rather pleasant, too. And - thank you. That would be enough."
[6:18 PM] SwaDM: Well, she's not a big eater, it seems, as her plate is not particularly full. How was the Kriendyh diet? Questions to ask for later.
[6:19 PM] SwaDM: "Wait."
[6:19 PM] SwaDM: "What you said previously - cooking for someone? Why would you cook for me?"
[6:19 PM] SwaDM: "Is this thanks for the medical care? Because Gemini did most of the work, to be honest."
[6:20 PM] Kiran: looks uncomfortable following her first question, then actually laughs lightly at her last.
[6:20 PM] Kiran: "It-"
[6:20 PM] Kiran: sighs quietly.
[6:21 PM] Kiran: "Cooking for a person is... it's traditionally a sign of- aff... ec... tion?"
[6:21 PM] SwaDM: "...Hm?"
[6:21 PM] SwaDM: They tilt their head again - this time, at a steeper angle.
[6:21 PM] Kiran: looks down at his plate while he continues to put food onto it, face reddening slightly.
[6:22 PM] SwaDM: All the while, their finger-knives and salad tongs slice through a small piece of the rabit meat, placing it onto their beak in a smooth - near imperceptible motion with how fast it is. Her head is still tilted. Stupid birds.
[6:23 PM] Kiran: Okay, Kiran, she is evidently enjoying the food. Relax a little.
[6:25 PM] Kiran: "Yes." He eats a mouthful, "I don't know what's considered normal for Kriendyh. But this might be considered a- a date."
[6:25 PM] SwaDM: "Ahhh. A date."
[6:25 PM] SwaDM: "Yes, I have actually heard of this concept beforehand."
[6:25 PM] Kiran: immediately assumes Linda is responsible for this.
[6:25 PM] SwaDM: "A term for a manner of courting common in human societies."
[6:26 PM] SwaDM: She plops a few berries into her beak - swallowing, and then speaking again.
[6:26 PM] SwaDM: "Wait a moment. Would this imply that you are attempting to court me?"
[6:26 PM] Kiran: Oh my god. She's just as bad as Kiran is.
[6:26 PM] SwaDM: Kiran has met his match. That may be awful. Or incredible.
[6:28 PM] Kiran: "That was the intent. Testing the waters, maybe. Gauging your thoughts on the idea. I'm led to believe the first step is getting to know each-other better."
[6:28 PM] SwaDM: "I see."
[6:28 PM] SwaDM: "A moment. If making food for others is a sign of affection, and the begginings of courtship, would this mean that Frau Linda has been attempting to court the majority of Lumo?"
[6:28 PM] SwaDM: "How curious."
[6:29 PM] Kiran: chokes slightly on his food, swallows, then laughs again.
[6:30 PM] Kiran: "It is not necessarily the same sort of affection that is expressed. Linda values taking care of people, and ensuring that they're happy. Food is a way to help that happen."
[6:30 PM] Kiran: "Maternal might be the word."
[6:30 PM] SwaDM: Allyah stares blankly at Kiran for a few moments. And then...lets out a chuckle. Oh god. Oh, what-
[6:30 PM] SwaDM: "Very well - my apologies. I am aware, Kiran. I was but making something of a joke."
[6:31 PM] SwaDM: "You are visibly rather nervous. I know the difference to these things, come this point."
[6:31 PM] Kiran: "Oh."
[6:31 PM] SwaDM: "Matters of courtship were just always far more direct in my culture, that is all."
[6:31 PM] Kiran: smiles, laughing again - then looking blankly at her again.
[6:31 PM] Kiran: "Oh."
[6:32 PM] Kiran: "I've never been very good at direct."
[6:32 PM] Kiran: "Well. I used to be worse."
[6:32 PM] SwaDM: "Do not concern yourself with that."
[6:32 PM] SwaDM: "I am aware of the vast conceptual differences."
[6:32 PM] SwaDM: "However, I must express...surprise at said interest."
[6:32 PM] Kiran: looks confused.
[6:32 PM] Kiran: "Why?"
[6:32 PM] SwaDM: "I am not human."
[6:33 PM] SwaDM: "Interspecies relationships were not something ever handled in Kriendyh culture. It is difficult to fathom the concept still."
[6:34 PM] SwaDM: "Although I have been led to understand that such is not the case for humans."
[6:34 PM] Kiran: thinks about it.
[6:35 PM] Kiran: "It's honestly not something I'd stopped to think about very much. I suppose Blake is one eighth catfolk."
[6:36 PM] SwaDM: "And Sandra is at least part Wolf."
[6:36 PM] Kiran: nods.
[6:36 PM] Kiran: "But if the differences in our origins are a problem for you, I can't really argue that. All I can say is that it doesn't bother me in the slightest."
[6:37 PM] SwaDM: "I am indifferent about it."
[6:39 PM] SwaDM: "...I do enjoy the food, however."
[6:39 PM] Kiran: grins.
[6:39 PM] Kiran: "I'm glad to hear it. It turned out better than I expected."
[6:40 PM] Kiran: "So now that, uh, you know what my thoughts are, shall we try to get to know each-other better?"
[6:40 PM] SwaDM: Kiran finds themselves being stared at blankly, yet again. Oh, no.
[6:41 PM] SwaDM: "As awkward as said phrasing was, I would advise you to but relax and enjoy the moment."
[6:41 PM] SwaDM: "I certainly am, after all."
[6:42 PM] Kiran: exhales, reassured that it isn't going horribly.
[6:42 PM] Kiran: "Okay. I can do that."
[6:43 PM] SwaDM: "...Still. Tell me. After all this, what are your plans? Regarding this whole situation - not...relationship wise, that is."
[6:43 PM] SwaDM: Allyah makes a small motion towards the land.
[6:44 PM] Kiran: lets out a little puff of air, chuckling.
[6:45 PM] Kiran: "Well, I've been planning this next phase for a long while now. I'm hoping to oversee the beginning of the reconstruction efforts, bringing together the resources I've been gathering, as well as some of the allies we've made. First priority is safe transport and food security, then focus on the settlements."
[6:46 PM] SwaDM: "I see. That does make sense - infrastructure is paramount to recovery - yet setting up such things will surely take a while."
[6:46 PM] SwaDM: "Does this mean  you will be leaving the conflict with the...what was it's name - the Void?"
[6:46 PM] Kiran: casts his eyes down.
[6:47 PM] Kiran: "No."
[6:48 PM] Kiran: "I've been working for months to get back right here, so that I can help everyone get back on their feet, and recover. Prosper. But I'm needed elsewhere. I can make a difference against the Void, and I can't turn down that call."
[6:48 PM] Kiran: "If the Void isn't stopped, then even this peace will only be temporary."
[6:48 PM] SwaDM: Allyah makes a small nod.
[6:49 PM] SwaDM: "That makes sense. You understand, however, that I must stay here, yes?"
[6:49 PM] Kiran: "Yes. I know."
[6:49 PM] SwaDM: "Mmm. Without my guidance, the Abe-..."
[6:49 PM] SwaDM: She pauses again - for a few seconds.
[6:49 PM] SwaDM: And then shakes her head.
[6:50 PM] SwaDM: "The children would surely fall into dissaray."
[6:50 PM] SwaDM: "I cannot allow that."
[6:51 PM] Kiran: "I want nothing more than for everyone to be at peace together. Them included. I don't know yet what that future looks like, but I believe in it."
[6:51 PM] SwaDM: "Yes. That being the case, you know what you have to come back to, then."
[6:52 PM] SwaDM: "...And if you wish to spend more time together afore you must leave, then I will not say no. I appreciate the companionship."
[6:52 PM] Kiran: looks out at the surrounding landscape.
[6:53 PM] Kiran: "That future is a promise that I have made to myself and everyone else, and it was blessed by my god. I will do everything in my power to deliver it."
[6:54 PM] Kiran: turns back to her and smiles slightly.
[6:54 PM] Kiran: "I will come back, when it's all over."
[6:54 PM] SwaDM: "...Good. I'll be waiting, then."