♕002 ; video - dec22 evening

[fonicprincess]

[The video opens to a view of the kitchen, except you'd never know it since it's pretty much stained in black splotches and pieces of miscellaneous food (maybe - who knows if it was ever edible) laid about. Natalia comes stepping into sight a second later, oven mitts over her hands and between them a giant pot of do-you-even-want-to-know? That

Comments

video;

[adamants]

It is difficult being in the group left here, isn't it?

[ Sakura understands -- two of her closest friends from home were able to go since they had stable partners while she stayed in the city.

She almost comments on the contents of the pot but... thinks better of it for the moment. ]

video;

[fonicprincess]

[Natalia frowns slightly and curls a hand beneath her chin in thought.] It is... worrying, mostly. I know I could help if they would just let me go.

[Then a sigh.] But without a partner I feel helpless. [The "stew" bubbles and pops, is it contributing to the conversation? Scary...]

video;

[adamants]

I understand the sentiment. It's hard going from a war at home to the one here, because the details of fighting in it are so different and, at times, limited. Especially if you're without a partner.

[ That 'pop' causes her to glance down at the pot, arching an eyebrow. ]

Cooking for Christmas?

video;

[fonicprincess]

Yes, "limited" is how it feels and that, in turn, becomes very frustrating.

[Her eyes fall to the pot and a smile tugs at her lips.]

I thought it would be a good idea. I'm still not sure what is supposed to be done, but if I can perfect some sort of dish I think it will make everybody happy. Does it look alright?

[video] 1/2

[scionoftheflame]

[Oh god, he has to find away to get away from this.]

[video]

[scionoftheflame]

Natalia... I have work to do tonight, unfortunately with the watch being shorthanded as it is...

I know it is hard waiting, but the best we can do right now is make sure to be ready to welcome them back and help them every way we can.

[video]

[fonicprincess]

[Her eyes narrow and she puts a hand on her hip.] Then you can take some with you so you are not hungry while working.

I know we should wait, but also knowing there is a way to help now is what makes it so difficult.

[video]

[scionoftheflame]

[Luke sighed, he really owed her a bit more kindness, after what he had put her through.] You're right, I will get some before work, and try a bite there to let you know how it tastes.

I just worry about you rushing in too fast, I made that mistake, thinking since I had faced monsters before this couldn't be too bad. I ended up hurt, supposedly almost lost the use of my arm; I just... I would hate to see you get hurt.

video

[fonicprincess]

I feel like I've run out of things to do, though. I don't know how much longer I can simply wait.

[It looks bad, but Natalia is actually very proud of this one (so far)! She even tips the pot toward the screen and the goo sploshes closer for a better view.]

Stew! I know it does not look exactly the same, but I put in the correct ingredients just as the recipe said. I'm sure it's just a mistake in the book.

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[fonicprincess]

[She gives the slop a thoughtful look, then a defeated sigh.] I suppose I could try again... Maybe I will experiment with adding new ingredients, that could help. [Her determination to make the perfect dinner dish is back!]

If I can make it correctly, would you like to try it?

[Not here]

[curtissy]

[Jade debates the merits of declining the stew now and letting Natalia know that he's actually around versus the merits of not responding at all and the possibility of an unwelcome surprise attack later.

He's about 94% confident of getting out of it either way, but that's not nearly enough when there's a living biological weapon on the loose. Were it not for the potential of a diplomatic fallout, he'd ask Natalia about her precise methods because it's still inconceivable to him that anyone can be that bad...or in the case of killing with care, that effective.]

[Video]

[curtissy]

[In the end, he decides that option A is by far the safer one.]

How thoughtful of you, Natalia. Why, it almost makes me feel ashamed that I have nothing planned at all. [Except directing this stew to everyone else, maybe.]

[Video]

[fonicprincess]

[Don't you worry, Jade. Natalia is currently pouring a bowl's amount into a small Tupperware container just for you.]

Nothing at all? I'm sure you still have time to think of something. Maybe a dish that can go with my stew? Then you will not be so empty handed.

[Video]

[curtissy]

[Silently, Jade thinks that the only two things that go with that stew are medicine or a will in the case of more delicate people.]

A generous offer, Natalia, but I couldn't possibly take advantage of your own labors in the kitchen. No, if I were to do something it would have to be borne from my own heart.

[Video]

[fonicprincess]

Is that all? I've been told it could taste better than how it appears. [And she certainly looks so, so proud of it.] You can try some, if you'd like.