Cooks Cook. [Cheshire]

[Aiza]

15th of the Day, Fall of 511 A.V.

Aiza smiled, dropping her bags at the door. She lifted the cloak's hood off her head and looked up, her deep forest green eyes scanning her new home. It was bigger than her parent's cottage. It was warmer too. The Kelvic had traveled a long way to reach Avanthal and was ecstatic that she found a job so quickly. And as a cook! What better way to spend her time but making awesome food.

Aiza looked around the empty entrance hall. "Hello?" Her voice echoed off the walls. Jeez, I hope I'm not late. She thought to herself. It would be horrible if she was late or if she showed up at a bad time when everyone was working.

[Cheshire]

Nenvar had been watching over the progression of his hold's work to make lunch for the city. While not all of the Vantha ate at the Luminary Commons, a good amount did. There was business elsewhere that he was to attend to though. Someone was waiting back at the hold asking for a job. At Winterflame hold Aiza was met by a kind looking Vantha who ushered her inside urged her to sit and wait for the hold's leader. She was offered a warm drink and of course, a generous plate of food. What would a Winterflame be if they did not feed the masses? It was not too long before the esteemed leader had made his way back to the hold. When he arrived home, he was directed to meet with the newcomer. His eyes set on her, giving her a once over. "Hello, I'm Nenvar, leader of Winterflame. What can I do for you?" His voice was calm and stoic. There was nothing more he wanted to do than to return to his kitchen. He could only imagine what was going on there without him.

[Aiza]

Finally, someone came to her. She smiled and greeted the Vanthra who immediately after took her into a different area where she could wait for the leader of Winterflame. She got herself some warm milk and a nice plate of food. Oh boy the food here was great. It almost made her purr. She settled down in her seat, warmed by the glass of milk, and the atmosphere the Winterflame gave.

Aiza's bliss was short lived, however, she stood up as soon as Nenvar entered the room. She shyly stumbled over her words, but bit her lip and said what needed to be said. "I came here to be a cook, Sir." She was a little socially awkward to say the least. "And housing here too, I heard that the cooks live here... Am I correct?" She tried to sound as formal as she could, but it sounded weird coming from such a small and timid voice.

[Cheshire]

"You came to cook?" He looked over the girl curiously before motioning for her to follow. He was not sure how skilled the girl would be. She looked young, although Nenvar could be the first to say that the young could surprise you. He would give her a chance even if he was skeptical. "Come, let us test that. After I see your skill we will discuss lodging." For a moment Nenvar considered bringing the girl to the Commons. Morwen knew the cooks needed the help. It would surely be a show as to how she worked under pressure. He decided on keeping it slow though. No need to scare the newcomer. Nenvar led the girl to a kitchen and sat down on a seat at the edge. "Cook me a meal." There was no hint of jest in his eyes and little show that he would let on anymore than his short request. "You show me you can feed a Vantha and you can get the job. If the food is good and you are skilled enough you might even be able to live amongst us in the Hold." He watched her silent for a moment before waving for her to get to work. "I'm read when you are…" He waved his hand as a gesture for her to give up her name. He was not a very patient man. It was clear to see. The fact he was giving her a chance and taking time away from his job was a great show of faith though.

[Aiza]

It took Aiza a moment, but she got the hint, turning towards the kitchen, it was big, and there was a lot in it. Taking a deep breath she started to nose around, getting a feel of where everything was. Digging here and there she pulled out a pan, some dried onions and garlic and then started looking for the meat.

It took her about 10 minutes just to find what she needed so far! She didn't know this kitchen worth a lick! Looking around she tried not to panic, trying to find where the meat was kept, she looked over at Nenvar, her nerves racked, she had to impress him, if she didn't she'd be without a job and a home!

[Cheshire]

Nenvar followed the girl into the kitchen. It was clear that she was nervous but she would have to work under pressure if she wanted to be a good cook. It was how he has learned from his father. Why should anyone else be taught differently? Cooking seemed so simple to those who did not live it but not everyone could do it and do it well. Nenvar wanted to prove this. Watching the girl the man finally opened his mouth. "The vegetables, fruits, meats, and other things that must be kept cool are kept in here." He walked over to a case, prying it open to show food kept inside the box which seemed to be lined with ice. Running his hand over the icy surface, the ice seemed to harden and thicken under his touch. "We keep the ice from melting with Morwen's gift." Nenvar pulled a sleeve up to show his mark from Morwen sitting proudly in blue on his right arm. "The utensils are in these drawers." He pulled a couple open, showing their contents. "The spices and other seasonings are kept in these cabinets above, as well as the bowls, plates, cups, and measuring tools." Once again, the man went to the doors and opened them up to show their contents. After showing the rudiments of the kitchen, the man stepped back and allowed the girl free roam of the kitchen. "If you need help finding anything else feel free to ask."

[Aiza]

Aiza followed him around the kitchen and took in what he showed her. She started to get an idea of what she wanted to make. Finally she knew. "Thank you." She finally said at the end of the tour and then she was off to work. She remembered a simple recipe her mother used all the time for ginger cookies. The kelvic gathered her ingredients; ginger, sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, molasses, and an egg. Placing them together on the counter she also got two mixing bowls, a spoon, and a cooking pan. She preheated the oven and turned to the ingredients to start mixing them together. First she mixed the flour, salt and baking soda in one bowl, then she mixed the butter, sugar, and ginger in the other. Grabbing the molasses and egg she added the two into the butter mix, making sure they mixed well. Once done with that Aiza mixed in the flour mix, she did spill flour on the counter however. She glanced sideways toward the spectator but quickly went back to work. Aiza mixed everything until it was a nice thick dough. She rolled the dough into little balls around an inch apart and rolled the balls in the left over sugar before putting them on the pan. Once the pan was full she placed it in the oven and closed the door.

[Cheshire]

There was not much to say to the girl. She was doing well, although Nenvar did not vocalize this. He was one who was more apt to watch and give a pat on the back once the whole event was over. A small smile cracked at the side of his lips when he saw the girl was making some sort of pastry. Most girls liked to make pastries. They were beautiful when they were finished and of course, made a wonderful show. Once the dough was cooking, Nenvar spoke up. "Okay, now that things are cooking, tell me more about you." It would be important to know who he was going to be employing. The girl seemed civil enough but one could never be too sure. The quiet ones seemed to have problems sometimes.

[Aiza]

Aiza stood back with her hands on her hips with a smile. Finally that was over! Nenvar's sudden question made her suddenly nervous. No one ever asked her about herself. She just assumed no one cared to know. Glancing off to the side she took a moment before spinning around to answer him. "[b]Well, my parents raised me on a farm outside of the city. This is my first time away from the farm. They both died recently and I don't know how to do any of the farming stuff so I chose to move into Avanthal." She spoke quietly, playing with her hands as she spoke.

Looking at him for a moment she went on. "[b]My mom taught me to cook, but that was it. My father taught me to read, and so I collect books, when I can afford them." She looked around the kitchen. She didn't like talking about herself. She wasn't that interesting, she always thought. Being only a few years old, she didn't think she had that many stories to tell.

[Cheshire]

The man nodded as Aiza spoke. She seemed so nervous, at least more than she should have been. She was doing fine. Perhaps Nennvar just needed to say it. It was a bit out of character but the girl seemed as though she would be a good addition to the hold if her food held up. "We have farms here at Winterflame as well. If you like, someone can show you around them, even give you lessons if you like." With a small sigh, Nennvar forced a small smile. "Don't worry too much. So far, you are doing well. Besides, I could not leave you out in the cold knowing that there is no where else you could go. I am not heartless." His smile seemed to simmer out shortly after he spoke. "This does not mean you should lessen up on your cooking though."