Best served hot, be it passion or pie.

[songbird_slayer]

Sender: Madhuri
To: Everyone
Subject: A sweet little Valentione surprise!


Darling dreamers, it has been a while! My Starlight spirit rests for now, but like the bud bursts into bloom, my other passion unfurls and becomes a thorn in my detractors' sides: Valentione's season is upon us, an early stretch before we have ourselves a little springtime again!

The tradition is simple: Think fondly of or spend time with your loved ones, and exchange sweet treats. I think in the wake of so many dreadful nightmares and the missing moon, I'd like to double up on my efforts. So I offer my expertise to all of you: I'd be happy to make shaped chocolates in a bevvy of flavors or bake some of your loved ones' favorite cookies for you! I would also adore the opportunity to teach you how to make such things. I can take orders here in the journals, or you can give my shoulder a tap in town and sing to me your desire.

Then think of the possibilities, of inviting someone over and you open the door to the smell of warm chocolate and sugar in the air! Perhaps they'll want a bite out of the lovely baker after having a few bites of confections~

I'd like to offer such services as a way to oh-so-subtly advertise my up and coming little bistro and bakery, The Lady of Bliss. I'd like to feed you and get to know you! I'd like to know what kinds of things you eat or what you've always wanted to try. I'll be offering said cooking lessons over the next few days, but I do have my own plans in about a week, so I'm afraid I'll have to leave you to your own devices then.

[A pause.]

Ultimately, I'd like to show that I am personally unafraid of the thing that stole the moon. Should it hand the moon back peacefully, I will serve it a piping hot pie with no questions asked. Of course, the alternative is my axe and ample indignation, should it persist in being stubborn.

Comments

[allegedprisoner]

[ Luca had to check his notes from the realm of stories for a moment before responding. ]

As someone who has personally dealt with the Story Eater before, I'm sad to say that fellow won't give up the moon so easily. His goal seems to be total annihilation and he'll do it through corruption and force.

That being said, I don't think it'll be too hard to beat him once most of us have mastered dreamotion energy. After all, we did manage to drive him out of the Realm of Stories.

[songbird_slayer]

[Ah. Sounds terribly familiar.]

I've heard of folk who have duked it out with this thing before! Can you recall any particulars? I wouldn't mind arming myself much further than I already have at present.

[allegedprisoner]

Not too clearly, I'm afraid. The last time I saw him, he was disguised as a flying elf boy who was meant to be a protagonist. Before that, the last direct attack involved making the water work against us in odd ways. I think he was attempting to attack the big library where all the stories were?

This all may sound insane, but I assure you this actually happened.

[songbird_slayer]

I've been through my fair share of fantastical things. I wonder now if there's anything like a big library here.

Or something, at least, that the Eater would be interested in.

Sender: Eizen

[tailsneverfails]

You know, I can't help but admire your passion. It feel like it's almost dripping right off the page of your journal. Not only that but you're fighting back in your own way. It actually makes me want to help out your cause. I don't really have any "sweethearts" of my own, but if there's something you need help with, heavy lifting or other, I'll help.

[songbird_slayer]

Such flattery will get you everywhere~

I could always use more taste testers for the menu for starters. But if you're looking to do a little manual labor, I'll need a hand with a bit of assembly: The display cases and putting up the outdoor signs.

That is, after I've given the former some shape and the latter some paint, of course.

[tailsneverfails]

As long as you don't mind a little bad luck to strike I'll do whichever you need more help with.

[songbird_slayer]

Oh my, how curious. I take it that you may mean a little more than "I'm a tad clumsy".

[crystalized_hope]

[If it wasn't apparent by now, G'raha was not the best at keeping up with upcoming holidays. Mayhap had he had a reason to celebrate them, he would be better about it. But things were different now. He did have a reason and someone dear to him to share them with. This seemed to be something he'd have to actually look into now.

Instead of focusing on the subject of Valentione's season, he chose to focus on the other topic at hand here.]

An up-and-coming bistro and bakery, huh? I knew it was only a matter of time. Naturally, if you need any assistance, I would be happy to help out wherever you need it.

[But the mention of having her own plans was enough to give him butterflies.]

[songbird_slayer]

Guilty as charged.

You're generous, sweetheart, but I wouldn't dare take you away from your big project with mine. Which reminds me: I need to send over my notes from toying with the crystal you gave me a little more. I've made some progress!

[crystalized_hope]

It's no trouble. [He does appreciate it, though.] Ah, so you had some progress. I'd be glad to see them.

[When he gave her it, he didn't think she could get anything from it, but any progress was good.]

Where were you planning on setting up shop?

[songbird_slayer]

Perfect! I'll drop them off later. Took me a few bouts of aether sickness, but it's nothing almost my entire stock of fresh ginger didn't fix. Oogh.

[She drew up a very rough map of one part of Reverein, and circled a corner building.]

This one. I thought I'd need to fight a little to get the space, but most seem to want for bigger venues. This one suits me just fine, and I'm a stone's throw from where I can get flour, milk and eggs. The markets for the meat are a bit of a hike, but I had a mind to hunt up my own stock anyway.

[fatedmahou]

Valentione's season? I'm not really sure what that is. It sounds wonderful, though.

I'd love to learn how to cook if that's possible. I never really had the chance to learn before coming here.

[What little she knew was from peace long past.]

[songbird_slayer]

That won't do at all! I'll get you fixed up with a lesson or two, as well as an "ungodly" amount of cookies to come away with.

[fatedmahou]

I'm always okay with cookies. What time works best for you?

[songbird_slayer]

Are you free tomorrow, perhaps noon? I wouldn't wish to pull you away from today's plans by rushing you.

Sender: Alastor

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor is laughing. And not in a mocking way.]

Sweetheart, there is plenty to admire about your attitude! While I've no interest in wooing via baking, I wouldn't say no to taking a peek at your recipes while engaging an entertaining person in conversation!

[songbird_slayer]

Why thank you~

[A peek at the sender name and:]

Oh! Oh, what luck! You're the Alastor I've heard about from Ser Rokurou the other day, aren't you? I've been meaning to meet you!

[lonelysmiles]

Unless someone else has just arrived with that name or there's an imposter running about, I do believe I am! However, the journals aren't exactly conducive to proper introductions.

You said you were going to open a bakery? Perhaps I could meet you at the building or somewhere close by?

[tantailizing]

I wouldn't mind coming to learn! Though, two questions! What's Valentione's and will any of these recipes have peaches in them?

Also, congratulations on opening a restaurant! I'll have to make sure to come by.

[songbird_slayer]

Valentione's is an exchange of chocolate to those you care about, typically handmade. I don't have anything peach-related in mind, though. Not a fan?

Oh, thank you! I'll be sure to let everybody know when it's ready.

[tantailizing]

Nothing like that. I mean, you've already seen her. She likes peaches so if there's something that can have chocolate and peaches together, I'd like to learn.

Awesome!

sender: Alphen

[refire]

I'm willing to give it a try! Besides, cooking is always fun.

There's actually someone I really like and I thought it might be nice to prepare a gift for them. What would you recommend?

[ This guy's already got someone he's trying to impress with all this. ]

[songbird_slayer]

Now that's the enthusiasm I'm looking for!

For a gift, I would think about the things I've seen them eat or maybe have told you they like. With baking there are so many options for all sorts of different tastes, and we want to use our food language to the best of our ability.

If they like fruit, we go for fruit. If they like savory, there's plenty of options there, for instance.

[refire]

Oh! You have a great idea.

I know she likes food that makes her feel full. So maybe a heavier meal would be a good fit.

Do you have any recipes for that?