[002]

[raisedroyal]

[It's a war zone.]

[Yes, it is quite honestly a war zone in here.]

[Natalia has managed to borrow a kitchen, and there are pots, pans, mixing bowls and dishes strewn about the place - some stacked five or six high and rocking precariously to and fro. Honestly, how could she not? After all, the end of the year is upon this place as well, isn't it? And with so many familiar faces around, Natalia could hardly sit by doing nothing. So she's decided to hone her cooking skills in order to prepare a winter meal for her companions...and her not!companions and... And those other people who are rather difficult to speak with, but who are acquaintances nevertheless.]

[There are a few problems, though. The least of which being the "soup" that - rather than just boiling - is beginning to smoke. Or the chicken in the oven which is well on its way to becoming "extra crispy". In the midst of it all is an aproned Natalia, concentrating intently on a recipe card lest she make a mess of things.]

There must be a mistake. How can I possibly be expected to let a pudding "stand"?

Comments

[tellmeiamreal]

Maybe you should put it upside down?

[It's the clueless leading the clueless here.]

missing word, gj self...

[raisedroyal]

[Natalia looks up from the card, a smile gracing her face. She's not sure which Luke this is yet, but she supposes it doesn't really matter. Luke is Luke, and regardless of circumstances, she's happy to see him.]

I suppose it might help, however, I'm not sure that's the same thing as standing the pudding.

[She taps her chin, eyes darting around the kitchen until she spots a tall pitcher. That's 'standing', is it not?] But perhaps if I poured it into another container...

[tellmeiamreal]

Oh, right.

[He follows her gaze.] Let me help-

[Luke's elbow hits a stack of pots to his side and they go tumbling down in a huge crash.]

[raisedroyal]

[She visibly tenses as the pots clatter to the floor and walks over to Luke in order to survey the damage.]

Luke! Do be more careful, won't you? [She sighs.] I suppose it's a very good thing that I decided to practice with those before attempting the layer cake. [Yes, those cake pans stacked on the other end of the table? That's the "layer cake".]

[Natalia then looks up at him.] Are you all right?

[tellmeiamreal]

Sorry...

[He straightens up.] I'm fine. Should we...[He looks over his shoulder at the mess on the floor] should we call a servant to clean that up?

[raisedroyal]

[Well, she can't very well get angry. It seems she's made just as much (and more) of a mess in this kitchen as Luke has.]

Yes, perhaps so. But does this establishment hire out servants? None offered to help while I was preparing the kitchen.

[tellmeiamreal]

This place has servants?

Maybe it's a hotel. [He looks around sheepishly.] Maybe we shouldn't even be here?