Part 28 - Christmas(Dinner Prep)

theyLast Monday at 9:01 PM

The deacon is seated in their church, though one wouldn't think it is one given the arrangement; there are a series of metal pedestals placed around, with small flames no bigger than a candle's sitting on top. The deacon is walking along, holding elegantly designed metal disks and setting them atop the pedestals; as they do so, the flames grow in intensity, the tongues of the flame just barely licking past the edge of the metal plates.

Virgil: -Muttering; to themselves.- That is set for the bourignon. . .the smoked porgies. . .the rendering of dates into date syrup. . .

The deacon pauses, setting the last metal disk onto the last pedestal.

Virgil: -Quetly.- . . .and a light, flatbread. . .hm.

The deacon pauses, before moving to the priest's stand at the back; they rip a small corner of paper out of the Bible. . .

Virgil: . . .that ought to be fine. Merely a reproduction. . .

The deacon heads to the nearest pedestal, before moving their hand closer to the pedestal; as it nears a meter, the paper bursts into flame, curling up into ash. The deacon beats ash off of their hand, heading to the organ in the back.

Virgil: . . .hm. Let's lower that.

The boyLast Monday at 9:06 PM

Able did not want to leave Agatha alone in his home. At least not with his pets at home. He'd been making sure that she had food and blankets but she made even more of a fuss than the bandaged man. It was a bit of a pain, but she was generally good to talk with. He walked into the church, holding the door for her, along with several bags of ingredients. He had to make a loop around to Thomas's home before heading to the church. Thomas seemed more amused than usual, but he figured it was just a good mood.

Able: Hopefully I remembered everything.. I do not want to have to go back

theyLast Monday at 9:48 PM

Agatha follows along behind Able, walking inside behind them.

Agatha: Is fine! We can figure out by eye! . .is that how you say? Oh!

Agatha walks ahead, heading towards Virgil in the back and heading between the pedestals.

Agatha: Oy! Leetle Virgee!

As she walks forward, her hat bursts into flames; the paisley pattern sparks into various flames, the fabric melting as she walks along. The air begins to smell of burning meat; Agatha's right cheek is melting, starting to droop and blacken as the fat underneath sizzles.

Virgil: -Sitting at the organ.- Hm? . .ah. Agatha. Evening. Ah, and evening to you, Able.

Agatha talks loudly, speaking over the sizzling over her melting face.

Agatha: How you been? Is nice church you have! Why is so bright? Why is so glossy and of metal? Virgil: -Playing a few keys on the organ.- It's your typical infernal design. Agatha: -Adjusting her burning hat; jabbing a finger into Virgil's back.- Ah! Is hot! And compensating! Are you the embarrassed about a thing? Virgil: No. It's merely brass.

The boyLast Monday at 9:52 PM

Able looks horrified, then confused. She didn't... look very concerned. Though he was still fairly concerned.

Able: Ah! Are you alright?! You're very much on fire ma'am!

Able stays just at the entrance to the church, quickly removing a single layer off before actually heading inside, but not getting too close.

theyLast Monday at 10:02 PM

Agatha turns around towards Able, scratching at her raw skin. As she does so, the skin on her cheek slowly grows back, as if it was like lichen growing across the trunk of a tree.

Agatha: Eh? Is that a way to say I am beautiful? Like flame?

The deacon plays a few keys on the organ; as he does so, the heat in the church drops a few levels (still hot, but not scalding).

Virgil: -Playing the keys still.- Able, you've taken lessons with the bandaged man, yes? Do you recall the lesson on the Elder Continent?

The boyLast Monday at 10:04 PM

Able: Er... I remember him... talking about plants a lot..? I think?

Able walks a bit closer, but still keeping his distance. He seems to be thinking.

theyLast Monday at 10:13 PM

Virgil: The Elder Continent is famed for its vitality. It creates life from almost nothing; plants can burst from solid iron, animals can grow many times larger with many limbs. . .

Agatha's cheek has fully healed; her face looks a bit odd, with one side looking younger than the other, but otherwise she seems exactly the same (minus the hat).

Agatha: And gives good life! Body is big and strong! Virgil: -Turning around in her seat.- And that. Yes. She can survive most anything. Agatha: -Hurried.- Ah, is not so good. Had many, many birds. They dead, now, course, but I keep!

Agatha hurries over to Able, showing him a necklace around her neck; a series of bird skulls are arranged on the string, threaded through the bare eye holes and preserved in a glob of amber.

Agatha: -Pointing them out.- Is little Zhi, and little Bhu, and Fa. . .

The boyLast Monday at 10:14 PM

Able: Ma'am don't.... birds live around 80 to 90 years..?

Able tilts his head, still a little confused.

theyLast Monday at 10:16 PM

Agatha: Ah, yes! Is very long pet!

The deacon hops off of their seat, gesturing towards Able.

Virgil: Ah, well. . .very pretty animals, but I'm not partial to them. Able, did you bring enough of the preliminary stuff? We can't cook all of it, but we can do prep-work beforehand.

The boyLast Monday at 10:20 PM

Able makes a face and seems to count on his hands, before blinking.

Able: -quietly- Ah.. you must be.... ah.. much older than I thought

Able looks over at Virgil, still a little distracted, but nods.

Able: Oh... hm I believe so. We can start with peeling and cutting some vegetables, and deal with the sauces. I want to get the roots prepped too, since they take the longest to get soft.

theyLast Monday at 10:28 PM

Virgil: -Gesturing.- Excellent. The dishes are self-cleaning, for the most part; that pedestal's for baking, that one's for broiling, that one's for searing. . .beyond that, we'll be doing this by hand. Agatha: -Agitated; swatting Able's shoulder..- Oy, is rude to make lady feel old!

The deacon heads over to a large brass table that's at the back; along the table, there are an assortment of knives, pots, and dishes. Everything one would need to supply a duke with an entire chef team, and then some.

Virgil: -Rolling up their sleeves; taking off their glasses.- I'd hope that I could start on the date syrup first, so that I can reduce it and have it prepared for the dinner..

The boyLast Monday at 10:32 PM

Able winces, but nods apologetically.

Able: Ah, sorry sorry.

Able quickly moves over to the deacon, setting down the bags of food near them. He sighs, rubbing his newly pained shoulder.

Able: Well I'm playing delivery boy for Thomas, so there should be some fruits and such in there for you. Ah, he says to tell you the goat will take another day, it's a matter of getting it through the docks unnoticed.

theyLast Monday at 10:47 PM

Virgil: Ah, good.

The deacon inspects the foodstuffs inside, before pulling aside several dried dates, dried figs, and the like.

Virgil: The taxation on meat is quite high, but I hope he sneaks the goat through in a non-violent manner. There's ways to go around the tax without battering a servant of the Masters. Virgil: -Pausing.- . . .you didn't hear from me that I asserted that circumventing the tax is permissible.

Agatha follows behind Able, looking at the food that was set aside. She peruses it for a moment, before swatting Able.

Agatha: Oy, where is meat ball? Where you put it!?

The boyLast Monday at 10:52 PM

Able snickers, looking up at Virgil.

Able: Ah, of course.

Able jumps a bit, confused before turning around.

Able: Ah! Why do you always hit the same spot??

Able hisses, moving away from Agatha.

Able: It ran away! Somehow managed to slip past me on my way out the other day and I've no idea where it went!

theyLast Monday at 11:46 PM

Agatha: Why you not grab it!? Just grab two leg, and pull!

The deacon grabs his rosary, covering their mouth with a laugh.

Agatha: Oy, why you laugh like little lady? Virgil: Oh, come now. . .the image of a ball of legs fleeing is very funny. Moreso imagining Able trying to hold onto it.

The boyLast Monday at 11:48 PM

Able: It was very slippery. Why was it slick?

Able seems to be having a bit of a far away look thinking back to the beast that escaped his home. He wondered where it must be. He hated that thought.

theyLast Monday at 11:59 PM

The deacon starts laying the dates out in pieces, grabbing a paring knife.

Agatha: Is preserve juices! You can't just carry meat in box without preservatives! Is to make sure meat is good! Virgil: Well, enough of that. It's time to work on making the syrup. Help me with dividing the date, Able. After dividing it, we can have the natural sugars mixed with water and reduced to turn the juice into a syrup.

March 10, 2020

The boyLast Tuesday at 12:05 AM

Able nods, grabbing another small knife and a bowl, setting it between them.

Able: Aye, aye. Hopefully it's not too sweet. What do you want the syrup for anyhow? I'm not sure what it'd pair well with.

Able starts cutting the dates, scraping out the seeds with the knife before placing them into the bowl.

theyLast Tuesday at 12:23 PM

The deacon divides the dates, scraping out the pits and placing the fruit halves into the same bowl.

Virgil: Traditionally, date syrup was used to replace honey or sugars in desserts or in a rudimentary ambrosias of fruits and cream. While we won't have many desserts beyond sweetened pastes, I hope that some kind of meat glaze can be made from it. Agatha: Bah! Is too much work for sweet meat! Why not use honey, Virgee?

Agatha is nudging Able's side, wearing a crooked grin as she does so.

Virgil: I don't have any on me. Agatha: -Scandalous.- Oh? Deed you give away? Virgil: -Scraping another date.- Yes; I didn't have a need for it then.

The boyLast Tuesday at 12:33 PM

Able looks at Agatha a bit angrily. He then looks back at his bowl, now flush, cutting the dates again.

Able: Well either way I am not so sure about meats with sweets.

Able sighs.

theyLast Tuesday at 2:13 PM

Virgil: You shouldn't be so quick to avoid it; a honey glaze over a large cut of meat can hide many sins, from bad preparation to even the most dubious origins.

The deacon has finished chopping the dates on their side, placing it over on the side. They grab a pot from the table, before heading to the back of the church where the ladder heads upstairs.

Virgil: I'm going to head upstairs and get some water from my entrance to Parabola. Finish the rest of the dates, and we can start the reducing.

The deacon climbs up the ladder slowly; as he's halfway up, Agatha elbows Able.

Agatha: -Not bothering to quiet herself.- Why you no tell him!?

The boyLast Tuesday at 2:18 PM

Able nods, continuing to scrape out seeds and cut up the dates. He whines when Agatha elbows him, hissing. He cut his finger. He quickly moves to a one handed approach to cutting.

Able: Ah. Tell him what?

theyLast Tuesday at 2:27 PM

Virgil continues climbing the ladder, disappearing for a moment and apparently unaware of the conversation.

Agatha: Why you no say "I love a bee"? Why you fear?! Agatha: Is not like is not clear! You are cooking! Cooking! Like smitten maid with duchess!

Agatha starts walking towards the ladder.

Agatha: -Looking up.- Do you needs me to do the yelling for you? Oy!

The boyLast Tuesday at 2:30 PM

Able: I have no intention of doing this right now.

Able turns around, dropping the knife onto the table, chasing after Agatha.

Able: Oy oy! I do not need them to be aware of that!

Able moves to the front of Agatha, holding his hands up.

Able: We have prep to do anyway. I don't want to be distracting.

theyLast Tuesday at 2:36 PM

Agatha huffs, pushing aside Able without much effort; however, she stays in place, looking at Able with furrowed eyebrows.

Agatha: Ah yes, prepwork. Is fine! You can do the confess after the meat preparation, dah?

The boyLast Tuesday at 2:41 PM

Able crosses his arms, sighing.

Able: Fine, fine. As long as it's not while we're doing prep, I'd like to minimize my injuries.

[

2:41 PM

]

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theyLast Tuesday at 2:56 PM

Virgil and Able have spent most of the time preparing the date syrup, which took several attempts; it wasn't due to reducing the dates down, so much as it was due to Agatha messing about. Every time Virgil went upstairs to fetch water or any other extra things, Agatha would elbow Able and screech for him to voice his desire (before being quickly shut up by Able speaking through gritted teeth). After the preparation of the syrup, Virgil insisted on setting the table, despite the fact that the dinner wasn't for a few days. After playing a few keys on the organ, the pedestals shifted to the side and a brass slab raised itself from the floor, the whole thing arranged with the pedestals in a circle in the center of the table. Virgil had set the plates down first, with Able following behind and laying down the cutlery. However, Virgil had finished first and was following behind Able, watching them lay the forks, knives, and spoons down a little too closely. Agatha is at the opposite side of the table, giving a thumbs up to Able and winking very obviously; she's apparently reading the closeness as a sign of affection from Virgil.

.

The boyLast Tuesday at 3:03 PM

As Able sets the cutlery down, he occasionally looks behind him. A little concerned, but he figured the deacon was just making sure things were orderly. He looks back another time to see Agatha. He squints. What did she think this is, some sort of date?

Able: I thought the cutlery looked fine, was it that off?

Able speaks quietly to Virgil.

theyLast Tuesday at 3:10 PM

Virgil: -Quiet.- The cutlery is off. . .it's not important, but, whether preparing for a formal or casual dinner, the forks are on the left-hand side, with the knife and spoon, in that order, on the right.

The deacon readjusts the cutlery, swapping around the obviously disordered utensils but adjusting even those that are in the same place by rotating them a small bit.

Virgil: . . .the arrangement of cutlery was a common practice in the Brass Embassy to prepare devils for their participation in society. They were very strict about it. Virgil: -Smiling curtly.- Gerald failed it several times. Found it pointless to have multiple utensils in different sizes.

The boyLast Tuesday at 3:19 PM

Able snickers. Trying to make sure he followed the deacon's instruction, though clearly not as neatly as he'd like. He places down the utensils quietly as he moves along the table.

Able: Seems more of an old devil teaching. I remember from one of the history lessons that you all threw away that old aristocracy. Old habits and all that, I suppose.

Able looks back at Virgil, smiling.

Able: Does make things easier though doesn't it, being polite to gain an advantage. You seem to be more relaxed, though. Perhaps I prefer it. Perhaps I merely prefer you to other devils.

Able figures this is good enough to sate Agatha's need for some sort of confession, turning back to the task at hand.

theyLast Tuesday at 3:31 PM

Virgil follows behind Able, tidying up even the slightly crooked utensils as they do so.

Virgil: Well, the Brass Embassy is very strict about orderliness. Order and structure isn't necessarily related to the aristocracy, and it's a boon to be well organized in polite society.

The deacon pauses, adjusting a knife.

Virgil: . . .I suppose it doesn't matter to me as much as it does to my contemporaries, but I also don't have much to obtain from someone slipping up, beyond a moment of being exceptionally miffed. They, however, have the joy of ripping apart their guest. Virgil: -Adjusting a plate.- I do enjoy precision and exactness, however.

The boyLast Tuesday at 3:34 PM

Able: Ah, so it is more of a personal preference then. I will keep doing my best, then.

Able sighs, knowing it probably wasn't direct enough.

Able: At least so I may have you enjoy yourself without too much worry. I can't be the only one to enjoy themselves, mh.

theyLast Tuesday at 3:48 PM

Virgil adjusts the plates, centering them in a regular pattern.

Virgil: Ah, well, I appreciate the help you've provided so far. . .though, I suspect it'll be weary with the bandaged man coming around near the end of the month. . .he'll be drunk, presumably. Agatha: Ah! Is ok, I will be good guest! Virgil: -Weary.- You're lying. Agatha: Is ok, I say to make you feel better right now!

The boyLast Tuesday at 3:52 PM

Able: A-Ah.

Able seemed to get defeated at this. He figured the deacon was merely brushing it aside to save face, and went back to his current task. He gets that odd far-away look, though seems to be a bit more focused on setting the cutlery down.

theyLast Tuesday at 4:11 PM

Agatha stares at Able, her eyebrows furrowing as she does so.

Virgil: Well, he's sure to be less drunk this year. What with you taking an interest in his study, even if it bears no fruit, it's made him a little more focused on studying, which he can't do while tipsy.

The deacon tidies the cutlery, before pausing.

Virgil: -Quiet.- . . .perhaps I should set out a smaller side bowl. Able, I'm going to set out some soup bowls, in case anyone wishes to have the bourguignon as a broth as opposed to over grains. A moment, please.

The deacon heads to the back, climbing up the ladder. Agatha heads towards Able, nudging him while he's in the middle of laying cutlery down.

Agatha: Oy, why you go quiet suddenly? And what was that, dah?

The boyLast Tuesday at 4:15 PM

Able turns his head away, miffed now. He'd dropped some of the cutlery, and started to pick it up.

Able: He's not interested. I don't want to make him uncomfortable with pushing the subject. You heard, he was avoiding it all together.

Able huffs, standing.

theyLast Tuesday at 4:21 PM

Agatha groans, rubbing her temples.

Agatha: Boshamov, you are like touchy baby! 'Eee is devil! Is supple, and soft worded so they don't do a frighten! Are you looking for big dramatic? "Oh, my love, I wish to kees you!" He is bee! He is supple!.

The boyLast Tuesday at 4:26 PM

Able: S..soft? I don't think that... hm.. I suppose but, what am I supposed to say then? I can't be too direct.

Able turns to Agatha, sighing.

Able: Though having any idea on how he actually felt beyond just.. friends would be nice. I doubt it's much more than that.

theyLast Tuesday at 4:30 PM

Agatha: Ah, then I ask for you!

Agatha starts heading for the ladder, yelling.

Agatha: Oy, Virgee! Come down here!

The boyLast Tuesday at 4:31 PM

Able groans.

Able: Not while I'm here! Do it later!

Able sighs, returning to his task.

[

4:31 PM

]

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***

theyLast Tuesday at 4:43 PM

The deacon and Able had spent some time working on long-term preparation; some of the made sense, such as the curing of some fish and the drying of some fruits, but the idea to cook meat slowly over a long period of time was a bit concerning (though the deacon insisted that the nature of time in the church meant that it wouldn't spoil by the time the dinner happened). The deacon had set aside a circular, wooden tray of various sliced meats laid on a thick layer of Zee-salt. Besides it, there is a small tray of whole fruits laid in a divot of ground brown sugar. Placing them upon the nearest pedestal, he steps back, watching over it.

Virgil: . . .hm. It ought to dry in time for the dinner.

Agatha is at the brass table in the back, picking at some of the cuttings (ranging from fruit cores to gristles and bones) and stuffing it into her mouth.

Agatha: -Through a full mouth.- Bah, why you wast'h good food? Virgil: -To Able.- Well, that went well. That's all of my preparations finished; is there anything you need to do as well?

The boyLast Tuesday at 4:47 PM

Able shakes his head stretching his arms.

Able: Most of the food I'm prepping will be a bit more fresh. Roots wont take more than an hour to boil and set so I'm willing to get up early to start those.

Able tries to help put away dirtied dishes or bowls and knives.

Able: Hopefully my assistance was helpful? I think I cut myself a bit more than usual, but it will heal.

theyLast Tuesday at 4:54 PM

Virgil: You were helpful, quite honestly. And I don't fault you for being injured, especially since, if my hearing serves me well, that Agatha had nudged you into doing as such. Agatha: -With a mouth full of food cuttings.- Oy, is not my fault he no have rigid posture and form. Virgil: -To Agatha.- You shouldn't be bumping into people who are handling a sharp knife.

The boyLast Tuesday at 4:56 PM

Able: Ah, you heard that then. Apologies.

Able finishes cleaning and starts to head towards the door.

Able: Ah well, I will let you be for now, I have to make sure the weasels don't find the jar of fish...

theyLast Tuesday at 5:01 PM

Virgil: Ah. If you intend to leave, then, do know that you're welcome to re-enter if you need to prepare something.

Agatha moves away from the back table, her cheeks full of food cuttings.

Agatha: Oy, yer jus'h gonna be leaving without me'h?! For shame'h, Able!

The boyLast Tuesday at 5:05 PM

Able waves politely, feeling a bit flush. He didn't want to deal with this, but he would probably later. He heads outside, sighing.

Able: I will certainly see you before the dinner, yes. I have a lot of potatoes to peel.

Able hurries out.

theyLast Tuesday at 5:35 PM

The deacon waves politely as Able hurries out. Meanwhile, Agatha follows behind Able, raising her fist. . .

Agatha: Oy, why you flee like scared animal! I will swat you and be very rude lady!

. . .before pausing as soon as Able leaves. She turns towards the deacon, her voice low and conspiratorial.

Agatha: -Whisper-yelling.- I think he is skittish! I have scared 'eem! Virgil: -Flatly.- Yes. Very scary. Agatha: -Holding a hand to their cheek; waving off.- Ah, you are flattering me!

The deacon heads to the back of the room, tidying up the unused pots and setting aside the cutlery in neat stacks of the same type.

Virgil: Shouldn't you be heading out to Able's place? Agatha: Ah, I will, but I be heading back soon! I wish to ask, though! I ask on behalf of big man! Strong lad, very big. . . Virgil: I. . .see. Agatha: He wishes to show! That he is very interested! But do you kno- Virgil: -Setting a knife down.- Agatha, I know that Able has an interest in me.

Agatha sputters, spitting out some pieces of bones and fruit peels.

Agatha: -Spluttering.- What!? Why you no bring it up then!?

The deacon pauses, before continuing their sorting of things.

Virgil: I understand that they have an interest in me, and I suspect that it's primarily lustful. Forgive me if I'm not interested in working with another relationship that's like Thomas. Virgil: -Setting aside plates.- I recognize that he has an interest in me. Perhaps it appeals to me. However, I'd like to keep the friendship that I have.

The deacon pauses, reminiscing quietly.

Virgil: . . .it reminds me a lot of the first time we were out and about, actually. Agatha: -Slyly.- Oh? When I kicked leetle devil in shin and told him to be out of the rear? Virgil: -Chuckling quietly.- Ah, well. . .moreso that. . .it's a familiar mischievousness. As it turns out, I enjoy small pranks. . .more so with someone there as well. . .

Agatha settles as the deacon starts reminiscing. . .

[

5:35 PM

]

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The boyLast Tuesday at 5:40 PM

Able is feeding his weasels, trying not to think about what just happened. He figured the deacon was avoiding his interests, but that was not something he blamed him for. At least he still seemed open to hanging around even with that. Able sighed, and started setting up the spare room with more cushions and blankets, a good opportunity while Agatha seemed to not be following him. He finished that up, and then started making a proper dinner, as being around food all day had made him particularly hungry. Simple mushroom stew, a commodity.

theyLast Tuesday at 5:48 PM

Agatha kicks at the door, breaking the lock mechanism. She stumbles in, holding her head.

Agatha: Blessed sex, Able! I have the news for ye!

The boyLast Tuesday at 5:53 PM

Able turns around sharply, hissing. He settles the pot, nearly spilling it onto the floor before heading to the front door.

Able: What in the.. Hell on earth... What is it?

theyLast Tuesday at 5:55 PM

Agatha: Have big news. . .verrry big news. . .

Agatha pulls Able close, whispering into his ear.

Agatha: He sees you as. . .very good friend. Very good! I know, cause he compare you to me, an' we have long history! Now, you just gotta do a talk!

The boyLast Tuesday at 5:57 PM

Able: Oh. That's very nice, though. I'm fine like that.

Able turns around, moving to sit on his couch.

Able: That's just fine.

theyLast Tuesday at 6:00 PM

Agatha: No, no no, you no understand; you are like very good friend! Very like me! You are like two cities of friends! Like. . .like many dead birds lifetimes!

The boyLast Tuesday at 6:03 PM

Able sighs, leaning back.

Able: That is good. I can get over it, though. He seems to get uncomfortable whenever I bring up anything further, however. So perhaps its not something he wants.

Able covers his face, groaning.

Able: It didn't work the first time, or the second time, why would it work with him?

theyLast Tuesday at 6:08 PM

Agatha: Is cause you talk like scared baby! You talk like "I love you", but, between gut and mouth, it turn into "You look okay!" How do you even say like that!? How do it change between gut and your mouth so much?!

The boyLast Tuesday at 6:09 PM

Able: If he's uncomfortable with that, what makes you think he'd like it scaled up so much?

theyLast Tuesday at 6:14 PM

Agatha paces round room, pounding a fist in the palm of her hand.

Agatha: I tell you, you are not looking right! You see his waving it off as discomfort, but 'ee is deacon! He is very required to be not be indulging in the romance! But if you are to beat past that you must be very direct! Very direct!

Agatha huffs sitting in the chair.

Agatha: Now, where are leetle weasels? I wish to toss them!

The boyLast Tuesday at 6:15 PM

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