"Yeah, they had to commercialize Thanksgiving," Aishe added, cutting away as directed and arranging vegetables in a similar fashion to the ones already laid out. "Couldn't let Christmas have all the cash."
It didn't take long to fill up the platter and Aishe brought that out to the dining room table as well, snatching a carrot and dipping it shamelessly in tzatziki and then chewing happily. "Why aren't you a professional chef, Alexander?" She snapped her fingers. "Right. Because you're a kickass yoga instructor and own the coolest store in Nachton. But if you ever need another job, I think you have one."
She hopped onto a bar stool and rested her elbows on the counter, watching Alex move around the kitchen. He seemed fairly competent in spite of his own disclaimer.
Almost Like Family (Invite Only)
It had been a long productive day. Alexander had spent most of it cooking, or getting things ready to cook. According to most of his recipes, much of the action would take place about an hour before the turkey was ready.
Thanksgiving dinner was definitely a massive undertaking for one person. But Eiryk was asleep; he couldn't be expected to pull and all-day stint. Alex had done most of the prep work by himself and secretly he sort of thought that might have been for the best.
It was a good day so far; they were expecting Aishe and Kem over and Eiryk had invited two of his other friends as well. There was work being done (not today of course) on Alex's store and he'd be back in it, and his apartment, before Christmas. Things were looking up and he'd been in a very good mood all day in spite of a few small (and easily corrected setbacks).
Now, however, was time for the Waking of the Beast (and not that beast... they didn't have time). Eiryk had asked Alex to wake him earlier than usual. He almost never woke up when his alarm went off. Alex was pretty sure air raid sirens wouldn't wake Eiryk up.
He walked to the bedroom and went through the door; he'd finally learned after two weeks of being a live-in guest that it didn't actually matter how much noise he made during the day. When Eiryk slept, he was dead to the world. Much as he was now. Alex grinned a little as he looked down on Eiryk, who was sprawled all over his bed. Amazing. It was a king-sized bed yet Eiryk managed to somehow take up more than half of it.
Alexander sat on the side of the bed, then lay down next to Eiryk, slipped his arm under his head, and kissed his forehead. Then he rested his mouth next to Eiryk's ear.
"Eiryk. Time to wake up. Company's coming. Your hair is a mess. Someone scuffed up your shoes. Your shirt is completely wrinkled and your pants have pleats in all the wrong places. There's a bottle of really bad 2005 white wine in the ice bucket and Aishe just called and said she and Kem are bringing a case of Budweiser."
If that didn't startle Eiryk awake, Alex didn't know what would.
Aishe
14 years ago
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Okay. Whatever was on the bread was really good. And Kem almost inhaled it when Aishe delivered her line about corporate holiday corruption. Not what you expected to hear from her on a normal day. Aishe was usually pretty easygoing.
He couldn't disagree though. "At least they haven't started selling Thanksgiving presents or anything that overt."
He smiled at Aishe's interaction with Alexander. Aishe had told him something about what she saw in his aura, and he knew about her desire to see the prettier colors brought out in people. It didn't surprise him that she was so expressive with him. Subtlety worked on some people, and baseball bats worked on others. Kem happened to know he was a baseball bat kind of guy. Alexander, however, might be worthy of subtlety.
"It is pretty good," Kem said as he snatched another piece of bread and took a seat next to Aishe. "If somewhat mystifying. I just figured out how to turn my oven on, uh, three weeks ago. And I have since learned that I don't own a toaster."
He shot a grin at Eiryk, laughing at he idea of having band-aids. With him, it almost actually made sense. But he looked back at Alexander and said, "Speaking of band-aids, how's your arm? Did they de-stitch you yet?"
He couldn't disagree though. "At least they haven't started selling Thanksgiving presents or anything that overt."
He smiled at Aishe's interaction with Alexander. Aishe had told him something about what she saw in his aura, and he knew about her desire to see the prettier colors brought out in people. It didn't surprise him that she was so expressive with him. Subtlety worked on some people, and baseball bats worked on others. Kem happened to know he was a baseball bat kind of guy. Alexander, however, might be worthy of subtlety.
"It is pretty good," Kem said as he snatched another piece of bread and took a seat next to Aishe. "If somewhat mystifying. I just figured out how to turn my oven on, uh, three weeks ago. And I have since learned that I don't own a toaster."
He shot a grin at Eiryk, laughing at he idea of having band-aids. With him, it almost actually made sense. But he looked back at Alexander and said, "Speaking of band-aids, how's your arm? Did they de-stitch you yet?"
Pakpao
14 years ago
A holiday like this one was usually an excuse for things like server maintenance and things like that. With most of Meridian, and a good portion of the country, basically down for the count Pak and a small group of bribed employees usually took care of any number of chores that couldn't be done when people were working. But Eiryk had been pretty insistent she come for dinner. He didn't even protest when she asked if she could bring some one. So the folks she'd bribed got off earlier than they planned and she got to have dinner with a crazy Viking.
She'd given Artemis the run down on things, most important Eiryk's date, Alexander, and had explained was A) human, B) had no idea Eiryk (or any of them) were vampires, C) no clue about the clan, D) she'd been taking some yoga classes from him and E) was cooking. She'd attempted to explain Eiryk as well but that was harder. Something about Eiryk didn't lend itself to bullet points. Apparently the phrase 'emergency backup date' had done the trick though.
Before knocking on the door, she looked to Artemis and said,
"You know I think this is my first Thanksgiving dinner. Smells good though."Â?
She watched TV, she knew what traditionally went into these things, she'd just not engaged in the activities.
Pak knocked on the door and heard what had to be Eiryk somehow falling flat on the floor. She just shook her head. It was a good thing he was already dead. As usual Eiryk recovered fast enough and didn't miss a beat shooing them inside. He barley gave her time to take her shoes off.
Once inside they did the little introduction dance,
"Artemis this is Eiryk, you know Kem and Aishe and that is Alexander."Â?
She should have know, she really should have. Eiryk was staring. She was waiting for him to make return introductions and he was staring. Pak subtly kicked him in the shin and he did do the other side introducing Alexander.
This was going to be a long night.
She'd given Artemis the run down on things, most important Eiryk's date, Alexander, and had explained was A) human, B) had no idea Eiryk (or any of them) were vampires, C) no clue about the clan, D) she'd been taking some yoga classes from him and E) was cooking. She'd attempted to explain Eiryk as well but that was harder. Something about Eiryk didn't lend itself to bullet points. Apparently the phrase 'emergency backup date' had done the trick though.
Before knocking on the door, she looked to Artemis and said,
"You know I think this is my first Thanksgiving dinner. Smells good though."Â?
She watched TV, she knew what traditionally went into these things, she'd just not engaged in the activities.
Pak knocked on the door and heard what had to be Eiryk somehow falling flat on the floor. She just shook her head. It was a good thing he was already dead. As usual Eiryk recovered fast enough and didn't miss a beat shooing them inside. He barley gave her time to take her shoes off.
Once inside they did the little introduction dance,
"Artemis this is Eiryk, you know Kem and Aishe and that is Alexander."Â?
She should have know, she really should have. Eiryk was staring. She was waiting for him to make return introductions and he was staring. Pak subtly kicked him in the shin and he did do the other side introducing Alexander.
This was going to be a long night.
Eiryk
14 years ago
"That's because it isn't Thanksgiving, it is the first day of the Christmas shopping season."Â?
Eiryk quipped at Alex as he went to answer the door and wound up on the floor.
He was wearing loafers? How did you even trip over those? For the most part Eiryk had stopped wondering about the hows and whys of his trips, stumbles, tumbles, falls, crashes and other mishaps. Sometimes though, once in a great while he did wonder.
He opened the door and there was Pak as he'd expected and that... was... a guy... Eiryk knew most of her cohorts in IT at least by site and had expected one of them. Pak was not a flirt and as long as he'd known her he could count her dates on one hand. So this was something of a surprise. After being none too subtly reminded of his manners he did finish introducing Alex and Artemis. He offered his hand to Pak's apparent date and just... well it slipped out.
"So are you really her date or did you lose a bet?"Â?
He'd pay for that later. But, Eiryk couldn't help but realize, she was going to have to be on her best behavior with Alex about. For now it would be safe, well safer, to tease her than usual.
Before any one could be insulted by that comment, well except maybe Pak, he grinned and pointed out things,
"Food over there, if Kem and Aishe haven't finished off those little bread things, and we have drinks, and other than that make yourself at home."Â?
Eiryk quipped at Alex as he went to answer the door and wound up on the floor.
He was wearing loafers? How did you even trip over those? For the most part Eiryk had stopped wondering about the hows and whys of his trips, stumbles, tumbles, falls, crashes and other mishaps. Sometimes though, once in a great while he did wonder.
He opened the door and there was Pak as he'd expected and that... was... a guy... Eiryk knew most of her cohorts in IT at least by site and had expected one of them. Pak was not a flirt and as long as he'd known her he could count her dates on one hand. So this was something of a surprise. After being none too subtly reminded of his manners he did finish introducing Alex and Artemis. He offered his hand to Pak's apparent date and just... well it slipped out.
"So are you really her date or did you lose a bet?"Â?
He'd pay for that later. But, Eiryk couldn't help but realize, she was going to have to be on her best behavior with Alex about. For now it would be safe, well safer, to tease her than usual.
Before any one could be insulted by that comment, well except maybe Pak, he grinned and pointed out things,
"Food over there, if Kem and Aishe haven't finished off those little bread things, and we have drinks, and other than that make yourself at home."Â?
Artemis Bellezone
14 years ago
Thanksgiving really wasn't his thing. It was an American family holiday. One, he wasn't American, preferring to use a green card to work in the states instead. And second, it was a holiday for families and he generally didn't want to think about what might have been. So for those reason, in years past, he had always managed to be busy in his lab or somewhere else. But this year was different, Pak was the one who asked him to come. So here he was standing outside a stranger's door holding Pak's hand in one of his, and a bottle of wine in the other.
"I haven't done that many either. It does smell nice"
Artemis heard the crash on the other side of the door, and suppressed a grin. That sounded like it could be painful. Pak had told him a little about their hosts. Mostly, he was once again supposed to be on his best behavior and pretend to be human. So, in the interest of making Pak happy, he had three glasses of wine before they came.
It wasn't long, before the door opened and he found a pair of blue eyes staring at him. Literally staring. Leave it to Pak to take charge of the matter and make sure that proper introductions were made. Artemis chuckled at the scene as he shook the blond's hand.
"I am really her date. No, I didn't lose any bets, but she might have."
After greeting everyone present, he offered the bottle of wine to their host. One of the best things about owning a vineyard is that you always had a 'thank you for inviting me, happy whatever, oh shit I forgot to get you a present' present to bring on such occasions. It was a 1943 Sauvignon Blanc. It wasn't too extravagant, but still a good year.
"I thought it might go well with the meal if we were having the traditional turkey."
"I haven't done that many either. It does smell nice"
Artemis heard the crash on the other side of the door, and suppressed a grin. That sounded like it could be painful. Pak had told him a little about their hosts. Mostly, he was once again supposed to be on his best behavior and pretend to be human. So, in the interest of making Pak happy, he had three glasses of wine before they came.
It wasn't long, before the door opened and he found a pair of blue eyes staring at him. Literally staring. Leave it to Pak to take charge of the matter and make sure that proper introductions were made. Artemis chuckled at the scene as he shook the blond's hand.
"I am really her date. No, I didn't lose any bets, but she might have."
After greeting everyone present, he offered the bottle of wine to their host. One of the best things about owning a vineyard is that you always had a 'thank you for inviting me, happy whatever, oh shit I forgot to get you a present' present to bring on such occasions. It was a 1943 Sauvignon Blanc. It wasn't too extravagant, but still a good year.
"I thought it might go well with the meal if we were having the traditional turkey."
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alex didn't fall for Aishe's flattery... well, maybe just a little. He shot her an 'I don't buy it' sort of look but smiled nonetheless. It was a sweet thing to say.
"Give them time," he said to Kem, his own skepticism a match for Aishe's. "I'm sure that's coming soon.
He held his arm out when he was asked about it, displaying the still-present crooked row of stitches. "Not yet," he replied, "but this weekend if it's healing well." The cut in his arm had been deep enough that the doctor had opted to keep the stitches in place for a few more days. It didn't bother him anymore, it just itched a lot. "I'll be glad when they're gone."
There was a little bit of chaos as their other guests arrived and Eiryk attempted to open the door with his face, which didn't go so well for him. Alexander, his hands somewhat full in the kitchen, wasn't able to be as friendly as he wanted. He knew Pak, of course, and greeted her and her date, Artemis, with a smile over the bar-top from where he stood.
"Welcome," he said. "Happy Thanksgiving."
He glanced down at the oven. "And we are," he said, "or at least that's the current working plan. If something goes wrong we're going out. I don't have a backup plan."
Maybe he should have. He'd never actually tried making a stuffed turkey before. But he'd done smaller game birds and those had come out all right, so he was reasonably confident in his chance of success.
"Give them time," he said to Kem, his own skepticism a match for Aishe's. "I'm sure that's coming soon.
He held his arm out when he was asked about it, displaying the still-present crooked row of stitches. "Not yet," he replied, "but this weekend if it's healing well." The cut in his arm had been deep enough that the doctor had opted to keep the stitches in place for a few more days. It didn't bother him anymore, it just itched a lot. "I'll be glad when they're gone."
There was a little bit of chaos as their other guests arrived and Eiryk attempted to open the door with his face, which didn't go so well for him. Alexander, his hands somewhat full in the kitchen, wasn't able to be as friendly as he wanted. He knew Pak, of course, and greeted her and her date, Artemis, with a smile over the bar-top from where he stood.
"Welcome," he said. "Happy Thanksgiving."
He glanced down at the oven. "And we are," he said, "or at least that's the current working plan. If something goes wrong we're going out. I don't have a backup plan."
Maybe he should have. He'd never actually tried making a stuffed turkey before. But he'd done smaller game birds and those had come out all right, so he was reasonably confident in his chance of success.
Aishe
14 years ago
Aishe eyed Alexander's arm critically. It wasn't a very smooth cut; she imagined it would leave a scar, which was a shame. If it bothered Alexander though he didn't mention it. Nothing like a permanent reminder of personal tragedy to carry with you forever.
Pak and Artemis arrived and both she and Kem stood to greet them. Aishe hugged Pak and then after an almost imperceptible hesitation, reached over and hugged Artemis too, once Eiryk was finished staring - not that Aishe could blame him.
"Riganathi," she said, pointing at the 'bread things' and remembering the name Alexander had given them. "And we left you plenty."
((ooc: No permissions for hugging, I just got randomly grabby. I can always change!))
Pak and Artemis arrived and both she and Kem stood to greet them. Aishe hugged Pak and then after an almost imperceptible hesitation, reached over and hugged Artemis too, once Eiryk was finished staring - not that Aishe could blame him.
"Riganathi," she said, pointing at the 'bread things' and remembering the name Alexander had given them. "And we left you plenty."
((ooc: No permissions for hugging, I just got randomly grabby. I can always change!))
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
"I draw the line there," Kem said with a grin at Alexander, "but I don't doubt you." He had to laugh at Alex's skepticism; it seemed you didn't have to have several centuries under your belt to scoff at commercialism.
Kem nodded at Alexander. "I'll bet," he said, when Alex said he'd be happy to be rid of the stitches. Kem was used to healing quickly. He didn't mind poking, prodding, pushing, tugging, whatever needed to be done to patch himself up when it was necessary, but it had been nearly two weeks since Alex's mishap and the idea that he was still all stitched up reminded him how easily breakable humans were. It gave him yet another reason to be happy Aishe was as she was now.
Eiryk faceplanted as Pak and Artemis arrived but in typical Eiryk fashion he was back on his feet before anyone could lend him a hand. Kem hugged Pak tightly, happy to see her... and with a date no less, and then offered his hand to Artemis.
"Nice to see you," he said, and then, since some things warranted subtlety, he sent a silent, [Welcome home] as well.
"It's not outside the realm of possibility for you both to have lost bets," Kem pointed out. "I'm just glad I didn't lose one. Artemis isn't my type."
He shot Artemis a quick smile and then turned back to Alexander. "I don't think cooking requires back-up plans. As it is you're braver than any of us, obviously, so I think you're doing fine."
Kem nodded at Alexander. "I'll bet," he said, when Alex said he'd be happy to be rid of the stitches. Kem was used to healing quickly. He didn't mind poking, prodding, pushing, tugging, whatever needed to be done to patch himself up when it was necessary, but it had been nearly two weeks since Alex's mishap and the idea that he was still all stitched up reminded him how easily breakable humans were. It gave him yet another reason to be happy Aishe was as she was now.
Eiryk faceplanted as Pak and Artemis arrived but in typical Eiryk fashion he was back on his feet before anyone could lend him a hand. Kem hugged Pak tightly, happy to see her... and with a date no less, and then offered his hand to Artemis.
"Nice to see you," he said, and then, since some things warranted subtlety, he sent a silent, [Welcome home] as well.
"It's not outside the realm of possibility for you both to have lost bets," Kem pointed out. "I'm just glad I didn't lose one. Artemis isn't my type."
He shot Artemis a quick smile and then turned back to Alexander. "I don't think cooking requires back-up plans. As it is you're braver than any of us, obviously, so I think you're doing fine."
Pakpao
14 years ago
"I will beat you both to death. Don't tempt me."Â?
She called back to Artemis and Eiryk. Who apparently at least didn't hate each other on site.
It probably meant she was being far too social than was good for her, but Pak was getting used to the hugging thing. She even liked it. And happily greeted Aishe and Kem. Alex she was a little more reserved with and just waved.
"I'd come help but I'm a hazard in rooms like that."Â?
She nodded to the kitchen.
Cheerfully elbowing Kem in the kidneys, he could grow them back if he had to, she wandered off to try the food thing that Aishe had named and she had forgotten.
"You can be added to the list of those I've been beaten to death."Â?
Taking a bite she decided very quickly they were quite tasty and decided that there would be very few left. It had been a few weeks since she'd eaten and it wasn't like she gained weight.
"Then we safe that for dinner and I'm guessing that there is a bottle of something open now. Which one is it?"Â?
Eiryk was nothing if not predictable sometimes. He almost always opened with the same chess move too.
She called back to Artemis and Eiryk. Who apparently at least didn't hate each other on site.
It probably meant she was being far too social than was good for her, but Pak was getting used to the hugging thing. She even liked it. And happily greeted Aishe and Kem. Alex she was a little more reserved with and just waved.
"I'd come help but I'm a hazard in rooms like that."Â?
She nodded to the kitchen.
Cheerfully elbowing Kem in the kidneys, he could grow them back if he had to, she wandered off to try the food thing that Aishe had named and she had forgotten.
"You can be added to the list of those I've been beaten to death."Â?
Taking a bite she decided very quickly they were quite tasty and decided that there would be very few left. It had been a few weeks since she'd eaten and it wasn't like she gained weight.
"Then we safe that for dinner and I'm guessing that there is a bottle of something open now. Which one is it?"Â?
Eiryk was nothing if not predictable sometimes. He almost always opened with the same chess move too.
Eiryk
14 years ago
Eiryk rolled his eyes at Pak's grumbling.
"She is cute when is threatening, just keep telling yourself that and I can give you a list of her bad habits if you need."Â?
He eyed the bottle appreciatively and after accepting it immediately handed it off to Aishe. It was one thing to drop one of his own bottles or some random 2003 bottle he had but this was too good to meet a crashing end.
"No back up plans needed gorgeous. If Pak is eating we are safe. Besides, I have total faith you won't kill us."Â?
Oh! Drinks he had meant to do that and got distracted. After promising not to break anything or get in the way he ducked into the kitchen retrieved six small cordial glasses and poured every one a glass. And passed them along.
"Not near as fancy as the wine, this one is only last fall but I think I got a decent clove woven in the honey."Â?
"She is cute when is threatening, just keep telling yourself that and I can give you a list of her bad habits if you need."Â?
He eyed the bottle appreciatively and after accepting it immediately handed it off to Aishe. It was one thing to drop one of his own bottles or some random 2003 bottle he had but this was too good to meet a crashing end.
"No back up plans needed gorgeous. If Pak is eating we are safe. Besides, I have total faith you won't kill us."Â?
Oh! Drinks he had meant to do that and got distracted. After promising not to break anything or get in the way he ducked into the kitchen retrieved six small cordial glasses and poured every one a glass. And passed them along.
"Not near as fancy as the wine, this one is only last fall but I think I got a decent clove woven in the honey."Â?
Artemis Bellezone
14 years ago
Artemis leaned down and hugged Aishe, and then shook Kem's offered hand. It was good to see them both. And, he had to admit that a couple of familiar faces at this gathering wasn't unwelcome. To Kem, he said, "It is good to see you as well." In response to the other man's more discrete message, he replied [Thank you. We will talk later I am sure].
The cover story for his trip to Italy had been that he was doing some attache work with the clan's holdings in the region. Artemis didn't know how much Kem knew about his absence, but if he had reason to be in contact with any of the elders in Italy since taking on the responsibilities himself, he may have heard at least that much.
Laughing at Eiryk's response to Pak's threats, he shook his head.
"I would say we could compare notes, but I would like to survive to see tomorrow."
Artemis followed Pak to where the food was laid out. It all looked lovely. Spotting the tzatziki, he headed straight for it. This was closer to the dishes that he was accustomed to. After helping himself to the appetizer, he accepted the offered drink.
"I am sure it will be fantastic"
He wasn't an alcohol snob. Southern moonshine, here in the United States, had some of the best kick. Surveying the room for moment, he smiled. Any lingering apprehension he might have had about coming was slowly drifting away. In the few minutes since they had arrived, he had been hugged and threatened. That was pretty much normal for Artemis. He could handle this.
The cover story for his trip to Italy had been that he was doing some attache work with the clan's holdings in the region. Artemis didn't know how much Kem knew about his absence, but if he had reason to be in contact with any of the elders in Italy since taking on the responsibilities himself, he may have heard at least that much.
Laughing at Eiryk's response to Pak's threats, he shook his head.
"I would say we could compare notes, but I would like to survive to see tomorrow."
Artemis followed Pak to where the food was laid out. It all looked lovely. Spotting the tzatziki, he headed straight for it. This was closer to the dishes that he was accustomed to. After helping himself to the appetizer, he accepted the offered drink.
"I am sure it will be fantastic"
He wasn't an alcohol snob. Southern moonshine, here in the United States, had some of the best kick. Surveying the room for moment, he smiled. Any lingering apprehension he might have had about coming was slowly drifting away. In the few minutes since they had arrived, he had been hugged and threatened. That was pretty much normal for Artemis. He could handle this.
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
One of many things Eiryk had a knack for was picking out complimentary drinks. Cloves went nicely with just about everything Alexander was fixing but particularly with the appetizers. Alex kept his glass close at hand, taking a sip now and then as he moved around the kitchen. As it got closer to dinner time, he was getting busier and busier. Aishe was there however, and somehow managed to always move things wherever they needed to be moved at the right time.
He gave Eiryk a warm smile and shook his head. "No, I don't think it'll be bad enough to kill anyone. It's just... highly experimental."
He straightened his apron out and leaned over the stove, checking the states of various foods. He heard a clatter of dishes in the sink and whirled to find Aishe washing.
"You're not supposed to be working," he said, shaking his head. That was all he said on the topic however, not really thinking the 'nagging housewife' image was one he wanted to cultivate.
He listened to the banter between the guests while he cooked, not comfortable enough with all of them yet to really participate, glad he was sectioned off a little by his job in the kitchen. Alex wasn't unfriendly... just slow to warm up. Pak and Artemis seemed nice enough and it was obvious that they knew Kem, Aishe, and Eiryk fairly well.
He gave Eiryk a warm smile and shook his head. "No, I don't think it'll be bad enough to kill anyone. It's just... highly experimental."
He straightened his apron out and leaned over the stove, checking the states of various foods. He heard a clatter of dishes in the sink and whirled to find Aishe washing.
"You're not supposed to be working," he said, shaking his head. That was all he said on the topic however, not really thinking the 'nagging housewife' image was one he wanted to cultivate.
He listened to the banter between the guests while he cooked, not comfortable enough with all of them yet to really participate, glad he was sectioned off a little by his job in the kitchen. Alex wasn't unfriendly... just slow to warm up. Pak and Artemis seemed nice enough and it was obvious that they knew Kem, Aishe, and Eiryk fairly well.
Aishe
14 years ago
Aishe took the bottle from Eiryk and obediently trotted back to the kitchen with it, wondering if it was supposed to be chilled or not. She held it up to Eiryk with a question as he followed her in. considering they were close enough to either the fridge or the counter at this point, she handed it carefully back to him so he could store it appropriately.
"You're more than a hazard," she said to Pak. "You're should probably stay well away even from the entrance." It was said with a grin; Pak was hazardous in many ways, not the least of which was her propensity to mentally hurl frying pans.
The irony of the situation, and of Eiryk's next words, was not lost on Aishe. If only Alexander knew he was cooking a meal for five vampires. Maybe someday in the future they'd laugh about it. Either way, Aishe was looking forward to enjoying a whole Thanksgiving meal, vampire or not.
She beamed at Alex when he chastised her. "What are you going to do, come over here and make me stop?" He clearly had his hands full, and wisely didn't press the issue, but he was smiling so she didn't think she'd given any offense. Alex had grown very quiet since Pak and Artemis' arrival and Aishe was quiet comfortable playing go-between to smooth out introductions and first impressions. So for now she hung out in the kitchen being useful, keeping Alex company. It wasn't as if they weren't part of the rest of the small crowd, as open as it was in here.
"You're more than a hazard," she said to Pak. "You're should probably stay well away even from the entrance." It was said with a grin; Pak was hazardous in many ways, not the least of which was her propensity to mentally hurl frying pans.
The irony of the situation, and of Eiryk's next words, was not lost on Aishe. If only Alexander knew he was cooking a meal for five vampires. Maybe someday in the future they'd laugh about it. Either way, Aishe was looking forward to enjoying a whole Thanksgiving meal, vampire or not.
She beamed at Alex when he chastised her. "What are you going to do, come over here and make me stop?" He clearly had his hands full, and wisely didn't press the issue, but he was smiling so she didn't think she'd given any offense. Alex had grown very quiet since Pak and Artemis' arrival and Aishe was quiet comfortable playing go-between to smooth out introductions and first impressions. So for now she hung out in the kitchen being useful, keeping Alex company. It wasn't as if they weren't part of the rest of the small crowd, as open as it was in here.
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Kem smiled and nodded his head slightly at Artemis.
[It'll keep,] he sent, agreeing with his Clan-mate. [It's Thanksgiving.]
Whatever needed to be discussed could be discussed much later. Regardless of whether Kem observed this as a real holiday or not, it was clearly a day meant for enjoying family and friends so that was what they'd do.
Rubbing whatever Pak had just elbowed (who needed kidneys anyway?) Kem shot her a stern look. "You already beat up my car. That counts as death. Why kill me a second time? That's just wrong."
He turned to Alex, "And if you do value your cooking, listen to Aishe. She's wise beyond her years. Pak shouldn't even have a kitchen within throwing distance."
Gauging Pak's level of irritation he added, "Well. We might not have to worry about where she is in relation to the stove. If she glares at me any harder I'll just spontaneously combust."
Teasing Pak was second nature to him, and vice versa. He could tell she wasn't actually annoyed; they knew each other far too well for that. Kem turned to see Aishe, of course, washing dishes. He laughed but didn't join them; with three of them currently moving in and out it was too crowded to fit another... and Alex and Eiryk weren't exactly tiny guys. Adding Kem into the mix would be begging for someone (Eiryk) to trip, fall, and possibly lacerate themselves on broken crockery.
[It'll keep,] he sent, agreeing with his Clan-mate. [It's Thanksgiving.]
Whatever needed to be discussed could be discussed much later. Regardless of whether Kem observed this as a real holiday or not, it was clearly a day meant for enjoying family and friends so that was what they'd do.
Rubbing whatever Pak had just elbowed (who needed kidneys anyway?) Kem shot her a stern look. "You already beat up my car. That counts as death. Why kill me a second time? That's just wrong."
He turned to Alex, "And if you do value your cooking, listen to Aishe. She's wise beyond her years. Pak shouldn't even have a kitchen within throwing distance."
Gauging Pak's level of irritation he added, "Well. We might not have to worry about where she is in relation to the stove. If she glares at me any harder I'll just spontaneously combust."
Teasing Pak was second nature to him, and vice versa. He could tell she wasn't actually annoyed; they knew each other far too well for that. Kem turned to see Aishe, of course, washing dishes. He laughed but didn't join them; with three of them currently moving in and out it was too crowded to fit another... and Alex and Eiryk weren't exactly tiny guys. Adding Kem into the mix would be begging for someone (Eiryk) to trip, fall, and possibly lacerate themselves on broken crockery.
Pakpao
14 years ago
"If you had your way I'd be on a small unpopulated island in the west indies."Â?
Pak quipped at Aishe.
"Compared to some people in this room I'm a saint."Â?
In her opinion three of the four men were more dangerous than she was. She reserved judgment on Alexander.
Since Aishe had kitchen duty under control and it looked like the table had been set, odds were Alexander had done that. Most of the dishes were in tact after all. But playing up her 'irritation' she threw herself into one of the dinning room chairs looking hurt.
"That was an emergency -and- you broke my shoes. And I had to walk through the sewers barefoot. I think I'm entitled to drive the new car at least once. You can supervise if you don't trust me. Or you can get me a new pair of shoes."Â?
The cars were continues bone of contention between them. Pak was starting to think she shouldn't even let Kem ride in her car. She'd been considering getting a new car for at least a year just to protect the little '57 Thunderbird (one owner from new, fifth of the model year off the line... not that she was paying attention) that she drove.
"Eiryk makes his own mead."Â? Pak explained to Artemis. "And he is desperately trying to figure out if chilling your wine will offend you or not. Speaking of which,"Â? she got Eiryk's attention for a second, "you two might like to compare notes. Not that I know how fermenting honey compares to grapes... but you're big boys you can work that out."Â?
It was positively unfair for both of them to pick on her at once. Eiryk was rolling his eyes and Kem was threatening to spontaneously combust. She stuck her tongue out at the one and looked to throw something at the other. But not only were most of the dishes in use, Alexander probably wouldn't appreciate his kitchen turning against him.
"Cheater."Â?
She muttered at Kem.
"Eiryk this one is good. You put a bottle or two down to age didn't you?"Â?
His apartment did have a better flow than hers, it was hard not to notice as most of them were gathered comfortably in the dinning room/kitchen area. Maybe she would ask Eiryk to take a look at hers. Or maybe he'd just managed to create a warm comfortable family/relaxed atmosphere and she was jealous.
Pak quipped at Aishe.
"Compared to some people in this room I'm a saint."Â?
In her opinion three of the four men were more dangerous than she was. She reserved judgment on Alexander.
Since Aishe had kitchen duty under control and it looked like the table had been set, odds were Alexander had done that. Most of the dishes were in tact after all. But playing up her 'irritation' she threw herself into one of the dinning room chairs looking hurt.
"That was an emergency -and- you broke my shoes. And I had to walk through the sewers barefoot. I think I'm entitled to drive the new car at least once. You can supervise if you don't trust me. Or you can get me a new pair of shoes."Â?
The cars were continues bone of contention between them. Pak was starting to think she shouldn't even let Kem ride in her car. She'd been considering getting a new car for at least a year just to protect the little '57 Thunderbird (one owner from new, fifth of the model year off the line... not that she was paying attention) that she drove.
"Eiryk makes his own mead."Â? Pak explained to Artemis. "And he is desperately trying to figure out if chilling your wine will offend you or not. Speaking of which,"Â? she got Eiryk's attention for a second, "you two might like to compare notes. Not that I know how fermenting honey compares to grapes... but you're big boys you can work that out."Â?
It was positively unfair for both of them to pick on her at once. Eiryk was rolling his eyes and Kem was threatening to spontaneously combust. She stuck her tongue out at the one and looked to throw something at the other. But not only were most of the dishes in use, Alexander probably wouldn't appreciate his kitchen turning against him.
"Cheater."Â?
She muttered at Kem.
"Eiryk this one is good. You put a bottle or two down to age didn't you?"Â?
His apartment did have a better flow than hers, it was hard not to notice as most of them were gathered comfortably in the dinning room/kitchen area. Maybe she would ask Eiryk to take a look at hers. Or maybe he'd just managed to create a warm comfortable family/relaxed atmosphere and she was jealous.
Eiryk
14 years ago
"You might last longer than the last guy."Â?
Eiryk laughed at his own joke. Hell if this was there second date he'd already lasted longer than the previous guy.
It was a bit of a challenge to keep his hands off Alex. The apron thing was driving him mad. The man had single handedly put four vampires at ease, and he, Alex that was, was a link below them on the food chain. Who knew.
"They don't bite."Â? Total lie. "Well Pak does, but rarely and I'm not sure about her date but I promise to protect you."Â?
He snuck in a discreet nuzzle, chuckling to himself as Pak seemed to attract teasing like a lightening rod. Some day Eiryk was going to figure out why. Perhaps it was because she could be so vocal in her protests but you also knew she'd go to the ends of the earth for the few people she deemed worth the effort.
"Hmmm?"Â? He said to Pak and realizing what she was getting at turned his attention to Artemis. "Oh! Wine maker? Excellent. I've always been a bit leery of wine and I don't know why. It just seems so temperamental. I've tried beer once or twice but it hasn't really called to me."Â?
Kem was a good man to take a majority of the heat from the surly Siamese vampire.
"Yes, I did. Just three though so we don't get to try this one again for a few. Make notes now."Â?
Eiryk laughed at his own joke. Hell if this was there second date he'd already lasted longer than the previous guy.
It was a bit of a challenge to keep his hands off Alex. The apron thing was driving him mad. The man had single handedly put four vampires at ease, and he, Alex that was, was a link below them on the food chain. Who knew.
"They don't bite."Â? Total lie. "Well Pak does, but rarely and I'm not sure about her date but I promise to protect you."Â?
He snuck in a discreet nuzzle, chuckling to himself as Pak seemed to attract teasing like a lightening rod. Some day Eiryk was going to figure out why. Perhaps it was because she could be so vocal in her protests but you also knew she'd go to the ends of the earth for the few people she deemed worth the effort.
"Hmmm?"Â? He said to Pak and realizing what she was getting at turned his attention to Artemis. "Oh! Wine maker? Excellent. I've always been a bit leery of wine and I don't know why. It just seems so temperamental. I've tried beer once or twice but it hasn't really called to me."Â?
Kem was a good man to take a majority of the heat from the surly Siamese vampire.
"Yes, I did. Just three though so we don't get to try this one again for a few. Make notes now."Â?
Artemis Bellezone
14 years ago
"I resemble the remark"
Artemis leaned down and kissed Pak on the cheek before returning to lean against the wall out of the way. He was fairly certain that he was among the unsaint-like people that she was referring to. Normally, he would have been content to remain in the background for a bit, but the mention of precious shoes and cars made him laugh.
"Ah Kem, so you are the one who damaged the shoes. I figured someone must have. She made me swear that no harm would come to her shoes when we went to the Halloween party. She ended up taking them off anyway."
While his jest had been about the shoes, he hadn't missed the part about Kem's car. Well, it was only a BMW and not a quality Italian car. But still. Artemis made a mental note to hide the keys to the Delorean and only ride the motorcycle for awhile. She could wreck all the motorcycles she wanted. He could get another one. Deloreans were a little harder to come by. Especially with the modifications that he had installed.
At the explanation behind the mead, Artemis took another sip. It was quite good. The clove was subtle but present. There were benefits to making your own alcohol. At least you could make sure it was done right. Comparing notes wouldn't be a bad idea. He was always game for learning something new. Directing his attention to Eiryk, he nodded.
"It is a white, so a slight chill will be good."
Eiryk's statement had him considering the temperamental nature of wine. He only partially agreed.
"I suppose it can be to some degree since so much depends on nature. But I think it is more a matter of knowing how to find the flavors and blends that you like. And of course finding a quality brand."
Artemis leaned down and kissed Pak on the cheek before returning to lean against the wall out of the way. He was fairly certain that he was among the unsaint-like people that she was referring to. Normally, he would have been content to remain in the background for a bit, but the mention of precious shoes and cars made him laugh.
"Ah Kem, so you are the one who damaged the shoes. I figured someone must have. She made me swear that no harm would come to her shoes when we went to the Halloween party. She ended up taking them off anyway."
While his jest had been about the shoes, he hadn't missed the part about Kem's car. Well, it was only a BMW and not a quality Italian car. But still. Artemis made a mental note to hide the keys to the Delorean and only ride the motorcycle for awhile. She could wreck all the motorcycles she wanted. He could get another one. Deloreans were a little harder to come by. Especially with the modifications that he had installed.
At the explanation behind the mead, Artemis took another sip. It was quite good. The clove was subtle but present. There were benefits to making your own alcohol. At least you could make sure it was done right. Comparing notes wouldn't be a bad idea. He was always game for learning something new. Directing his attention to Eiryk, he nodded.
"It is a white, so a slight chill will be good."
Eiryk's statement had him considering the temperamental nature of wine. He only partially agreed.
"I suppose it can be to some degree since so much depends on nature. But I think it is more a matter of knowing how to find the flavors and blends that you like. And of course finding a quality brand."
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
"If you need to make comparisons, I'm pretty sure you're off the sainthood list," Alexander piped up from the kitchen. "Last I heard it wasn't a relative thing."
He shut up after that though; he shouldn't antagonize Eiryk's friends and he wasn't as good at the humorous jibe as the others in the room. He didn't want to offend.
Dinner was coming together pretty nicely, and before long he had Aishe delivering things to the table. There were garlic mashed potatoes, acorn squash in brown sugar and butter glaze, the previously nibbled-on appetizers, and of course a turkey that wasn't too big but didn't appear to be too small for six people either. He'd stuffed it with cranberry, mushroom, and wild rice which he pulled out and set into another bowl. He handed that off to Aishe along with the orange-cranberry relish he'd made, moved the turkey to a carving platter, and poured the drippings into the pot for gravy. That was quickly made, and before long he had everything on the table.
He actually couldn't believe it had come out at the same time. Now, if only it also tasted decent. Everything smelled pretty good. He'd abandoned his cook book early on, preferring to go by nose and only consulting it when he had a question about method or flavor combinations.
"Well," he said, removing his apron and heading over to stand next to Eiryk, slipping his arm around the blond's waist and hugging, "That's that. I think we're supposed to demolish it now."
He shut up after that though; he shouldn't antagonize Eiryk's friends and he wasn't as good at the humorous jibe as the others in the room. He didn't want to offend.
Dinner was coming together pretty nicely, and before long he had Aishe delivering things to the table. There were garlic mashed potatoes, acorn squash in brown sugar and butter glaze, the previously nibbled-on appetizers, and of course a turkey that wasn't too big but didn't appear to be too small for six people either. He'd stuffed it with cranberry, mushroom, and wild rice which he pulled out and set into another bowl. He handed that off to Aishe along with the orange-cranberry relish he'd made, moved the turkey to a carving platter, and poured the drippings into the pot for gravy. That was quickly made, and before long he had everything on the table.
He actually couldn't believe it had come out at the same time. Now, if only it also tasted decent. Everything smelled pretty good. He'd abandoned his cook book early on, preferring to go by nose and only consulting it when he had a question about method or flavor combinations.
"Well," he said, removing his apron and heading over to stand next to Eiryk, slipping his arm around the blond's waist and hugging, "That's that. I think we're supposed to demolish it now."
Aishe
14 years ago
Aishe was quite happy in her role of kitchen assistant. The conversation had gravitated toward alcohol and the making of it, which Aishe knew less than nothing about if that were possible, so she had little to add except the random comment here and there. Besides, Alex had his hands full and she was fairly certain her hands and feet might be steadier than Eiryk's at this chore.
She would have felt unusual just being an observer; her family always chipped in in the kitchen. That was just how they did things. It only took another 45 minutes or so for everything to be ready, and she and Alex joined the rest of the party at the dining room table.
"It looks great, Alexander," Aishe said. "My mother always said this was the worst part though, after she'd spent all day cooking it, to have it destroyed in just a fraction of the time she took making everything!"
She would have felt unusual just being an observer; her family always chipped in in the kitchen. That was just how they did things. It only took another 45 minutes or so for everything to be ready, and she and Alex joined the rest of the party at the dining room table.
"It looks great, Alexander," Aishe said. "My mother always said this was the worst part though, after she'd spent all day cooking it, to have it destroyed in just a fraction of the time she took making everything!"
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Kem offered Pak an innocent smile. "You're a cheater too," he hissed back at her. "You're just pissed because I did it better this time."
He listened to the conversation with interest; he didn't brew anything himself obviously, except for coffee, which he was every bit as picky and OCD about as Artemis and Eiryk with their respective drinks. He did help Aishe place things on the table since there was a good deal more room to move around.
Kem was pleased to see Aishe falling into habits he'd known she had as a human. Her last Thanksgiving wasn't that far in the past and he felt nothing from her but a warm sort of pleasure in what they were doing. Which, he supposed, was the point of Thanksgiving. Amplifying that feeling, he let it spread from him to each of those in the room in turn; it was a good time for family and friends after all.
"This is a good kind of destruction," he said to Aishe. He lifted his once-again-full glass of mead and toasted Alexander with it. "Compliments to the chef. Everything looks great and smells better."
((ooc: Using glamour; feel free to be affected by it or not, as you prefer.
))
He listened to the conversation with interest; he didn't brew anything himself obviously, except for coffee, which he was every bit as picky and OCD about as Artemis and Eiryk with their respective drinks. He did help Aishe place things on the table since there was a good deal more room to move around.
Kem was pleased to see Aishe falling into habits he'd known she had as a human. Her last Thanksgiving wasn't that far in the past and he felt nothing from her but a warm sort of pleasure in what they were doing. Which, he supposed, was the point of Thanksgiving. Amplifying that feeling, he let it spread from him to each of those in the room in turn; it was a good time for family and friends after all.
"This is a good kind of destruction," he said to Aishe. He lifted his once-again-full glass of mead and toasted Alexander with it. "Compliments to the chef. Everything looks great and smells better."
((ooc: Using glamour; feel free to be affected by it or not, as you prefer.
))