#fenixtj

In the kitchen of Fenix, a clatter and clash occurs

A small crowd gathers. Childlings are consulted in a blind taste test

Jessica returns to smell... food in the air

She consults her stomach.

Mmm lot of walking, time passed, she didn't eat at firnost. Yes, she might be hungry

If its an animal need, she will eat.

She goes to the kitchen and sees a troll girl cleaning the counters

One she knows?

At first she doesn'tt recognize her, then.. wait, she's a DeBuke

the girrl turns "Oh, Flamefree. Hello. I'm Kourtney DeBuke, acting as a cuillarry ronin. " Sheepish "I lost. So I'm cleaning up . Can I get you sometthing?"

"You're.... a culinary what?"

"A culinary ronin," She keeps cleaning while she talks "As a hearth in training I have under taken a quest to challenge superior chefs, so I learn from my defeat and grow as a chef myself. I lost"

"That.... doesn't sound like a bad idea." Jess admits. "Ok. And yes, can I get a plate?"

"Sure, we've got lots to pick from we cooked earlier. German style sausages, Shrimp Fried Rice, and Confit de Canard. "

"Any you preferr to try ? I thougght it would be a mexican fare but I think they figured they'd challenge my prreconceptions"

"A little of each, please."

"Right away, ma'am" And soon, 'a little of each' is ready "How are you today by the way? Chief would want me to send regards"

"Please give her my best when you see her." Jess says fondly before she digs in "I'm doing fine, thank you. On my day off."

"Oh my. Well, I won't get underfoot then. You want to be alone while you eat? I can finish cleaning laterr"

"No, I'm the interuption. You go ahead. I won't be long."

"Oh don't rush on my account. Savor each, tell me which you like best. Onne of them is mine. "

Jess does take her time to enjoy and evaluate each dish.

Of course, personal taste means a good favorrite dish can beat out a GREAT dish you're only so so about. Jessica is no food critic, but if one wree to grade, both Shrimp fried Rice, german sausages would be A pluses! She suspects Maria did the rice, Roseta the sausage. The Duck is an A! no plus. Unless onne favors it over others as a rule

Well, she eats it ALL.

"Delicious."

"Thank you Which did you like best? Be honest, won'tt hurt my feelings. I need input"

"The shrimp fried rice and German sausages -just- beat out the duck." She says honestly.

"I was that close? Oh my" She looks pleased "I knew they beat me, but I'm glad folks think I wasn't far behind. thank you, ma'am"

"I should warn you, tthey'll probably ask which of the Sausage or rice was better. Diplomacy maybe required"

"I'll do the best I can."

"Good luck" She smiles "Can't thank you enough for that blanket forrrr Hearth Agnes. Helps her so much"

"I'm glad to hear that. She deserves it."

"Well," A sad look crosses her "She's still fadig... but I have time to learn more." A rrealization "Oh, please don't tell Hearth Kerri I'm coming. I'm saving her for last"

"Your secret is safe with me." Jess promises her, and stands to clean up her place.

"Oh shucks, let me get that, ma'am. Right now Miss Maria and Miss Rosa arre probably napping"

"They deserve it. I can do it, Kourtney." And she does.

"Your place, Ma'am" She says respectffully "You sound a bit like Clem... pardon, Chief Clem. She always says 'I got hands too'"

"Well, she does."

Jess makes it quick work. "Thank you for the meal, Kourtney. Are you staying here long?"

"Well, Marria and Rosa said they'd take me in for 3 days, so thhey could teach me a bit. But only if it was okay witth you"

"Absolutely. Stay longer, if you like."

"Oh, I would if I could but I must not tarry too much. Culinary Ronin and all"

"Still not sure I understand 100% but ok. Be sure you leave here well supplied, please."

"thank you, M'am. You have a nice day off. I have a skillet to clean"

"Sure." Jess heads for her room.

Holger appears "Now, Countessa? I should guard your door now? I do need the practice"

She smiles and nods. "Perfect timing, Holger. Yes, please."

He opens her door like a gent, then steps to the side outside of it to start his watch

Honest to Dagda, it's adorable

In she goes; maul down, shoes off, a quiet book and maybe an ocean breeze from the window.