Lindenberg, a Steampunk tale (Closed for siobhancan99)

[siobhancan99]

Penelope shrugged "In the Raj, it is a religious matter that we are born in our place, but there's a kind of wisdom to that. You see, in times of social upheaval though the fighting is done by the poor they never profit from it. The poor are poor for a reason. They lack control over resources, or skills, or education or all three. The poor will never have power. Their simmering resentment can be shapedd, but who would shape it? There are typically two culprits. The first and most obvious is whatever faction of the very upper class is out of power, and who can come to power either by seducing the masses to utterly rebel, or by ingratiating themselves with the masses and convincing the other nobles that they alone can pacify the rabble. You've already looked into this possibility, correct?" She gestured at the book about the nobility. "you've no doubt already asked yourself whose station stands to improve if there's strife."

She poured herself more tea, deciding if the lady was going to buy expensive tea she might as well take advantage. She sipped at it "The second possibility is a strong enough class of the wealthy who lack overt political power, who seek to seize overt political power. You see this in transitions from monarchy to republic, for instance. Oligarchs who are often the power behind the throne, who wish to come out into the light."

 

[Shadowlace]

"Ah I see" Emilia says tapping her chin as she paces. "So definitely not Giant Dongs, sad I was looking forward to the investigation"

"You are right I have a few dozenideas of who would benefit but only a couple dumb enough to try. At least Noble wise. One is the fallen House of Keeg, after three Jovan Keegs ago slew the Heir apparent and indulged in the kings wife and daughters." Emilia went over to the shelves and began to look for a particular title.

"I would assume a guild, or crime boss." She sighs and begins to climb like a ladder the shelves. As she does she gets to the second shelve and finds it. As she pulls the book she clasps it in her arm and begins to descend. You note that her feet are bare and shifted more bat like to grab onto the rails. once on the ground her feet revert to human and she sets the leatherbound book on a table.

The title was silver embossed on black and read Lindenberg's Guild Registrar circa SPD 233 a few decades outta date as she then moves one book off and then another. "Some of these have items and decent practitioners in there employ."

" Though I have heard rumblings of an organization of the disenfranchized who meet at the Cathedral in the middle of the eastern market. Where the poor find and procure food." She poured more tea in her cup and then sipped it as she opened it and then began to look through the tome. As she did she elaborated.

"From what I heard it is some sort of former support staff. Ones who dislike the Automatons and Steam Particles that power alot of the machines. As many lost there jobs to the innovation that the Nobles put in place. That could also be the cause. Thanks Penelope, I would not have thought about it, without failing?" She says sitting down the tea and saucer as she then picks back up her scone.

 

[siobhancan99]

"Luddites?" She leaned back against the table "I can't say I am not sympathetic. What do the poor have but their labor? Without jobs they will starve. Will you nobles provide some sort of universal welfare for them so they can live lives of leisure when you replace them in the factories and in the mines?" She shook her head "No. Eventually, they will rise up. They will sweep the ruling class away with one that promises them a better life. They will get a slightly better life too. At first there will be no automatons. Then there will be for "select dangerous occupations" and they will creep back in again. Probably not on the same ambitious scale." She looked around the library. "If it is some organization of the poor or dispossessed, the answer won't be found in magic but on a ban on using automata in industrial capacities."

She chuckled "I hope, for your sake and mine I suppose, that it is at least someone exploiting the movement that comes from maybe a higher social class. If it is the poor well. There's a moral quandary there isn't there?" She hoped her sympathy for the lower classes wasn't going to get her put out of a job, particularly since the lady employed the terrible robots. "If we go down among them to talk to them, you should let me do it. I'm posh, but I was poor for a long time. I can speak to them about their actual troubles, get some of them to open up I should think."

 

[Shadowlace]

"Hmmm, good points. I prefer humans over machines. Unfortunately my father was not the same. He wanted more" She sighed as she leans back and looks at Penelope.

"My Father understood the myriad of enemies, curses and daemons House Vosk faced. Knowing I was the one who basically inherited His powers and my late mothers. On top of that I was afflicted with this bat curse. I can control it. Though somethings make the beast inside take over. Also I can talk to bats..." She began to slink into her chair as she begins to blush.

"I'm over sharing ain't I..."Emilia said,"..Sorry, I rarely have someone intimately in my home like this." She looked down and then pushed her glasses back on the bridge of her nose.

 

[siobhancan99]

Penelope smiled "It's fine, Amelia. You're not over sharing at all. While I am your employee and generally there is a certain divide there that is necessary and healthy." She paused and leaned against the nearby table "It is not an ordinary thing that we are fighting monsters and must rely on each other to fill our roles and protect each other. A certain level of intimacy that is not normally present is to be expected is it not?" She watched her employer "I must know about you, and you must know about me. We must forge a bond of trust, because if we do not then we cannot be to each other what we need to be. Did you inherit this bat curse from your father? how did it come about in you? HOw does it affect your life?" She had so many questions, but she didn't want to rattle them all off rapid fire. "eventually, I will ahve to know all these things to be of help."

 

[Shadowlace]

"Yes you are right" Emilia said as she sits up and takes a bite of her scone. She chews on it as she processes the evident truth. As the gears turned, Penelopes' curious quandaries began to make Emilia think harder. It was something she often didn't divulge. As it was held close to Emilia's chest. Mostly due to the dangerous nature such things can be, both socially and politically. After a good few minutes, and half a scone devoured the high lady speaks.

"Well, I didn't inherit it from my father per say. More from his blood and well a book. More a grimoire." The brunette says as she pointed to a shelf that had a book cage on it. Inside a few different tomes rested behind steel gear based locks. Emilia lingered on the book and sighed.

"Like most curious and ingenious children, I Emilia the Exhausting, So my Father colorfully called me, was a brilliant child. Nah a Genius" She says playing it up in a very theatrical way. It was playful more than pompous as if she were some StreetSide mummer, selling the story in the most hyperbolic and over the top manner.

"Thus I was an avid reader and burgeoning occultist. While my brother played with swords and learned all the courtly stuff, I came here. This was my stronghold full of all the histories, treatises, common law, medicine, on and on. At least for the time. On this day I wasn't looking for the simple scholarly works but the rare and obscure ones. This lead me to that shelf." She pointed back to the shelf in which the supposed as of yet confirmed lay under lock and key.

" As I perused The Monumental Poems of God's Love and Sensuality, Naturally a collection of a Cardinal, who gathered various clergy members works on Sex.Love and God. I came across the Book Vault. Curious I worked on the lock, slowly and meticulously using various methods any sensible well red seven year old could concieve." Emilia reached over took up the tea cup and took a sip. This grab was on the rim and her fingers shifted to bare two inch long onyx nails to sip and then set it back down. As Emilia does the fingers revert back to normal.

" Eventually her machinations bore fruit. The Gears moved and the door was open. Peering inside I took up the Jet covered book with a Bat in flight with fangs bare. As I ran my hand across the bat bite me. The Book bit me and took some of my blood. At least enough to pass out. When I came too I, well was in my bad, and my father's eyes were a mix of anger, sorrow and fear. It is that incident that gave me the curse of the bat. Thankfully my Father managed to find a reprieve from my more beastial half via special tutelage and alchemy"

"As for effects my life, well I have a raging beast inside me. It wants me to hunt, eat, and breed. It also is very emotional and survival based responses. Thus I have to keep myself in check. Like a tea kettle. It boils and when it gets to hot to fast it squeals. Once it does I am a dangerous savage beast. Though I can lift the lid now and then to ease the pressure or dump water to reduce the heat. In doing this I can manage a regular life. To the point I can assume a Hybrid from from time to time, though not for long or my inner beast comes out." She admits sitting back more relaxed now.

"Hope that answers some of the questions. I mean there are perks, like enhanced senses, enhanced physiology. Speak and understand rats, bats and rodents. See in the dark, as well as incredible hearing. I have.." She pauses and leans in close leading with her ear. Inside she shows a ball of cotton "...cloth earplugs, to dampen sound. Oh and during any menstral or breeding cycle I can smell it, which causes my libido to reply in kind. Which is annoying. Some with other fluids. Hince my limited social engagements. Few Nobles like a Greater noble ravaging another lesser with little care for optics."

"Any other questions?" She says grabbing another scone.

 

[siobhancan99]

"I assume that a good deal of my job is keeping you from transforming where you can be caught at it." she sat back and regarded her strange mistress, who was a mix of oddly childlike and yet oversexed and strangely wise. "Is there any way to reverse the curse? and if there were, would you even be interested?" She had to ascertain how invested in the darkness the Lady was, and if it would be increasingly dangerous. "Does it become easier or more difficult to control the beast within you with time?"

Before the Black Tiger had been the self appointed moral scolds of the empire, they'd dabbled in monster killing and exorcism. It was a shame that the temple was destroyed and the few acolytes scattered to the four winds. The T'ang emperor might have some of their manuscripts, and Van Der Meer had intimated he'd taken quite a bit of treasure and knowledge from the destroyed monastery himself. All for naught though if the woman revelled in her personal darkness.

"and really, I suppose my last question is... what is our next step?"

 

[Shadowlace]

"Oh great question!" Emilia says as she smiles. The woman reached down and pulled out a journal. It was one of three books in her satchel. This one was bound in alligator hide and the pages were fine quality. Other paper and things seemed to jut out here and there.

"This journal is full of my research notes about my curse. Though Most tells me its less curable and more spiritually solved. I have yet to figure out what that entails' A few talk of conquering a maiden. Others says embracing the dark half in the wild. Some are simple as find love, and have kids. Oddly enough even the Change your gender didn't work as my formula did nothing to alter the curse when I was a man for two days. Though I may have sired a child..." Emilia puased and then tapped her chin.

"I should really look into that. That aside I would love to figure out how to achieve balance. Embracing the beast within so it does not take over. the frightening part is loosing Control. I do not want to inadvertantly hurt someone. Hince the Automata as my staff. They however can't do everything." She says as she sighs."Are you okay with that goal? I know its alot, a beast inside me, aiding in my quests for the kingdom, but also to cover for my mistakes, as well as stop me form my mistakes. Which hopefully won't be many."

"Next step will be to investigate the Souldrinker. I will summon another one to a lamp. Unlike other sorcerers, My Soul is a delicacy. The problem will be if I get the Soul Drinker or something dangerous. Don't worry I will equip you with some weapons and charms. Hopefully you are proficient in" She admits as she stood and stretched again. As she does she then smiles.

"Care for a bath? I have a warm bath to enjoy. The staff can bring us tea or maybe a brandy, wait, brandy doesn't seem a bath booze. Mayhaps a cherry?" She contemplates as she turns and heads out of the library.

 

[siobhancan99]

"what will summoning a second one accomplish?" Penelope raised an eyebrow, curious but also dubious.

When the lady switched gears to bathing Penelope turned scarlet. She wasn't sure if the offer was entirely non-sexual. It was certainly inappropriate. She opened her mouth to protest, but thought 'did she really want to protest?' She had read plenty, during her time in the Raj, of great kings and other lords ravishing their maids in the bath. It was a common theme. She'd fantasized about it, a few times. Did she want that? did she want this wanton and sexually aggressive lady to take her virtue in the bath? Would it be rough and domineering or subtle and seductive? She shook her head, clearing it of such lascivious thoughts. "Well I can uh, certainly accompany you there Lady Vosk." She cleared her throat, then stood and followed the lady out through the house and down the hall. She wondered at the arrangement of the bath. Were there multiple tubs? She assumed not. They made their way through the house, with her not really taking in much of her surroundings as she was fixated on following the lady and what might or might not occur, when they reached their destination.

 

[Shadowlace]

She leads you out the door. Emilia goes down the hallway, past all the curios, paintings and more books. She leads you back down the stairs and into the main foyer. From there she goes over to a simple door. There she grabs a lantern that sits rests on a hook. She opens its window and breaths a word into it.

"Flamme'" The candle inside comes to life bluish green light flickers as she then knocks on the door. It opens into a stairwell that heads down.

"Follow"She says heading down the old stone hewn stairs. You travel five feet down and green light flare to life in scounces. Triggered by something. At ten feet a large level sits before a copper door. Here Emilia sets the Lantern on the hook and reaches over for the hatch. On the Hatch she begins to turn the little wheel lock. Eventually a sucking sound emitted from the door and Emilia opens up the door.

Inside a steamy natural stone room with two pools can be seen. The second pool is completely tiled the other is tiled on the side. Three doors can be seen. They too are copper and Emilia leads you to the closetest ones. As she does she begins to talk and unbutton her blouse.

"This is a supernatural hotspring and pool. The doors are the changing room, the second is a shower and the thrid is a suana. Learned these from the mysterious eastern lands whilst returning a relic that a local noble had stolen."

Opening this door her blouse was off and her brazier was the only thing showing. Alabaster skin shown in the soft yellow light of the room. She smiled as she stepping into the white light room of beautifully carved wooden cubbies and benches. She steps in and heads to a cubby. she folds the blouse and places it in the cubby. Then she begins to remove her skirt. On her back were a few scars Following that a few more can be seen on her arms. As well as a small intricate Bat Spirit Tattoo of the Jungle kingdoms of Siangham. It was on her ribs.

 

[siobhancan99]

Penelope's gaze was drawn around the room, the tiles, the stone. She lets her eyes wander here and there "There's hot springs in Baden that have healing powers. My former employer is there now with her brother." She let her eyes return to her current employer, eyes drawn more to the tattoo than to the flesh for the moment. Her eyes slipped along the intricate lines of the bat. "Interesting" she muttered. She moves into the cubby, tugging the tight top off, then wriggling out of her skirt. She had on nothing beneath, and she slipped into one of the pools. Her body was lithe, athletic, with a build like a gymnast. Thick legs, well muscled, with toned well muscled arms though not overly so and certainly not mannish. She inhaled, not quite ready for the heat of the pool, then let out a long slow breath. "Must have been quite a lot to get these installed."

 

[Shadowlace]

Emilia continued to undress. Her skirt, hose, garter and more found its way into the cubby. This led to her toned frame to be seen. her hips had a distinct v and a well groomed square rested above her pussy. Emilia stepped out and looked at the woman and giggled. " Not really, though money is not much of an issue when you are basically a branch of the royal family. Personally we make alot of money off public works. Unlike most families of noble birth, we are adherer's to improvement through works. Besides we had a natural pool here. We used the automaton engineers come in to experiment to clear the area, then we used various methods to bless and purify the waters wall, tiles and more. After that we bound a spell to keep a few fire spirits bound to specific stone making the water a perfect temperature."

Emilia said standing at the edge of the pool in which Penelope was in. Emilia let a toe slip in and then slowly lowered large frame into the water. As the soothing water washes over her she smiles a soft smile before she then lets out a slight moan. "Sorry, just a good soak does wonders for the muscles. I have to say I have been there. Its a great place. I have gone myself. Though it may cure me, alas no go. Though I highly recommend the massage. They have a man there from the Desert, Ko'Lat the mahogony skinned man's fingers did things to me I wish some lovers had. Felt like a daisy after. So wonderful. The Coffee there wasn't bad either." She added as she then asked Penelope a question.

"Do you miss you old employer? I know, though not specifics that you did not part as amipilicy as the rumors say" Emilia said sliding down more to rest her head comfortably.

 

[siobhancan99]

Penelope closed her eyes and let herself relax in the heat of the bath. She could see how it would work wonders after a strenuous workout. She listened to her employer natter on about the baths and the magical masseuse, letting it all sort of filter in. When she's asked about her former employer she waved a hand. "I'm sure you won't want me discussing your business after I leave here. If I leave her." she opened her eyes and looked over at Amelia, trying to thread the needle between satisfying her curiosity and establishing her own personal trustworthiness. She thought a moment "Dame Jessica and I got on fabulously. Were the job still just taking care of her I would not have had any reason to leave and she would have had no reason to dismiss me. AS it turns out, sometimes there are things that occur and they make a working situation not good for either party. I was no longer a good fit for her household and her household was no longer a good fit for me. There were things that happened." She frowned "that made my presence no longer desirable." The thing was, of course, that she'd beaten Dame Jessica's brother within an inch of his life and permanently paralyzed him. "But I would prefer not to go into the specifics, for the family's privacy."

 

[Shadowlace]

"Got ya. I had heard of her brothers misfortune. Though I was not a fan of the man, I did offer to send for healers, but got the usual suspicion of foul manipulation. As I am basically stain on the Court." Emilia says with a resigned sigh. She got closure to Penelope and slid back down and rested her head on the lip.

"I hope though Jessica is doing well. She was always cute to see. I know her father liked me. Her mother too. Was a party and ran out of my suppressor. Fun time." She laughed as she let her leg raise out of the water and wiggled her toes.

"Though I am pretty sure that you never met her parents. I only knew them because Dame Jessica was my Roommate in Lady Almera's School of Sophistication and Grace. She drew the short straw, but we did bond over are distinct love of literature and reading. The sleeping with her Parents kinda ruined our friendship. Even though I know she does still care."

"Sorry, just lamenting a bit of lost loves and friends. What of you Penelope. You have any lost loves?" Asked the woman languishing in the warm water beside her. So much she let her languid frame showing everything to the smaller woman beside her. Completely open and bare.

 

[siobhancan99]

"He will never walk again. Of that I am sure. He'd have to go to the far east and have someone change the flow of his energy. There is nothing western magic or medicine can do for him. Nothing below the waist has any sensation. Nothing." She shrugged "That's hardly news I'm sure, to you. These things get out." She left out that she had done it to him. "Dame Jessica is amazing. I would have served her the rest of my life. I have seen the pictures of her parents though and I can hardly credit you for your taste." She made a face "How such ugly people made such a lovely daughter I have no idea. They do seem entirely responsible for Bertrand though." She shrugged and sagged a little further under the water a moment, then sat up.

"I have been neither so fortunate nor unfortunate as you in love. A few awkward fumblings here and there. The Black Tiger are largely celibate and so I cannot say I'm well versed in the ah, ways of men and women. Or women and women." She shrugged and tried to keep her eyes on her employer's face. Her own toned body relaxed in the warmth of the water and she finally closed her eyes, letting herself float a bit "So, are you just in it for the conquest? The thrill of something new that wears like the shine on a penny? Or are you looking for something that you're just not finding? " The question was, to her mind, entirely too forward but the woman seemed in dire need of a companion with which she could speak frankly and clearly had no sexual boundaries.

 

[Shadowlace]

"Oh well thats true. That would be a bit more difficult. I hear Dr. Lobrim is trying wonderous things with automata implants. Maybe that could work?" She says as she then looks over and smiles.

"So no romantic or physical intanglements. Intriguing" what followed was a hungry grin. One that she could easily turn into something more but stops herself. Emilia did not want to to ruin this. At least let her beastial hunger ruin it.

Emilia quickly set up. "Jessica is gorgeous. As for what I am looking for, well honestly a person who understands my beastial hunger and how it effects my libido. Will understand that I may have to satiate it with someone other than them. Which honestly is frightening. I fear having someone get close and then hurting them with the beast. It sometimes rears its ugly head. Like just a second ago I looked at your body and heard you are untouched and the hunger creapt in. So I restrained myself." Emilia admitted as she blushed a bit. She slowly closed up knees to chest and arms wrapped about them.

"Its hard at times you know. Though I continue on doing my duty"

 

[siobhancan99]

"That sounds very isolating" She reached as if she'd touch the woman for a moment, but despite being naked and in the tub with her, she was Lady Vosk and Penelope was, well just Penelope. "Another reason to be rid of the bat some day, no? So you can find someone who liked the woman who blushes and thinks about her duty rather than the bat." She moved a little closer, in spite of herself. "I'm glad you find me pleasing at any rate. It is nice to be appreciated, you know?" She wasn't aware just how much she needed that kind of attention. Her life had been dedicated to one pursuit or another for so long she hadn't taken the time to dally. "You must be very strong, inside, to bear such burdens Amelia."

 

[Shadowlace]

Emilia pulls her golden eyes from her legs and sniffles. "I wish it was that simple. I will..." She stops and looks back down. The woman was sobering herself up. She then unfurls and leans in, placing her head on Penelopes shoulder. Her hand goes out and siezes Penelopes, firm and gentle. Though the strength was seemingly strong, possibly enough to crush a brick. Still Emilia handled the other woman's hand with a surprising gentleness.

"If a solution is found, I will take it. But not before an heir is made." Emilia says as she smiles a simple, smile though not one that lights up her eyes. It was a soft one, One that Emilia then used to kiss Penelopes cheek. "Thank you for listening" Her head and hair went back onto Penelope's' shoulder as the taller woman seemed to let it linger, not wishing to be hasty and spoil the comfort she felt.

 

[siobhancan99]

Penelope wrapped an arm around her employer. The gesture was more friendly than sexual for sure, given the woman's temporary lack of composure. "I will say, Lady Vosk" her use of the term not as cold or off putting as usual, more friendly and a little playful "That I can't help you with an heir unless one of us is going to spontaneously grow a cock. I'm quite unlikely to. So maybe we will find you a guy to handle that piece of it." She chuckled, trying to bring a moment of levity to the otherwise heavy moment. She squeezes Amelia in her arm, then lets her rest in against her. "this is an exceptionally nice bath, really. I hope I have full use of it from here out."

 

[Shadowlace]

Emilia giggles. "Well I have spell s that can do that!" This lead to out right belly laughter.

"As for the bath, Yes you can. I don't mind you using it."Emilia says as she stands and then looks around.

"How about some Lunch. I can make it you don't want the Automatons to make it. Though I am a bit rusty."Emilia says as she smiles and looks down at the smaller woman and then offers her your hand.

 

[siobhancan99]

The thought of Amelia railing her with a big fat cock made her turn scarlet. She cleared her throat and took the hand, stepping out of the water. She felt at once terribly exposed but also wanted the other woman's eyes on her. She stood for a moment, then looked around for a towel "I am your secretary Lady Amelia, I'm reasonably sure I should be making you lunch. Why don't I see what you have in your larder that passes for spice and perhaps I'll just nick down to the market and get a few things..." She looked over her shoulder at the buxom blonde "I'll make you some proper food."

 

[Shadowlace]

Emilia then smiled as she gave a once over at Penelope. " I will also have ot inquire about your workout regimen. I must look a bit too muscled next to such a svelte and slim frame"

With that the woman then goes and dresses. This time in a simple lounge dress. One that peasant women who are doing laundry or dishes. It was a pale grey. Though a sagely grey. She then slipped on some slippers. The cubicles where clear and Penelope could see fresh clothes form her luggage sitting there waiting.

Emilia did not seem to mind as she put her hair up into a bun, and put back on some glasses. She smiles looking over at the other woman." I know its a bit disconcerting but just remember to leave out some milk or brandy on your night stand for the Domovoi. As we have a colony." She says as she waits on Penelope. If they smaller woman had noticed no underwear graced Emilias' body. The Brunette stood watching as she seemed to look like a commoner from the lower streets, even though she was uncharacteristically tall.

 

[siobhancan99]

"I focus on flexibility." She got back into her clothes, also with nothing beneath. She followed lady Amelia back through the kitchens, then began sifting through the various ingredients and spices available. She smiled over at the woman "I'm surprised you don't have a full time kitchen staff. Most of the upper crust can't seem to do without them. Cooking is for peasants and working class folk like me." She winked, her tone playful. "Do you enjoy cooking then? WHere did you learn to do it? Not exactly a skill that's taught to women of your stature." She was strangely aware of the sheer physicality of the taller woman. Thick, buxom, tall and seemingly omnipresent. Like she was inside her space even when she wasn't.

 

[Shadowlace]

"Well, this is just the old kitchen. I kept it because My Dad used to make food here. He hated the Modern kitchen," She says, pointing over her shoulder at the door. "Behind there is a large kitchen with steam-powered ovens, flash fryers, and more. Maya and Cogswain both use it to prepare food." She adds with a laugh.

"Well, many folk can't handle the unique and bizarre of my duty and this place. Spirits, Fae, Ghosts, and yes, a Demon reside here. Many people just can't last. I figured you have ways to ward against the spirits if you wish. The Demon is in the basement."

"Oh, the cooking. Oddly enough, my dad. He loved to cook. Said it was a skill everyone who sought to master the mystical arts had to learn to cook. It prepares you for alchemy, components, and precision, with just the right amount of chaos!" She giggles as she begins pulling ingredients out to make some rice and unleven bread.

"Any preferred proteins? I have a fridge and can send Cogswain or Maya in there as it's a bit too cold." The tall woman seemed to roll up her sleeves, grabbed potatoes, peppers, onions, and other ingredients. Doing so brought what looked like peace in the woman. This was followed by the fact she poured flour in a bowl and a bit of water and minimal yeast. She then reached over and booped Penelope's nose with a big cat-like grin on her porcelain face.

 

[siobhancan99]

She frowned at mention of the demon. The Black Tiger were exorcists, when they weren't terrorists and revolutionaries. "Is the demon strictly necessary or have you just not gotten around to getting rid of it?"

The woman's explanation as to why she learned to cook made excellent sense. Proper ingredients and attention to detail were necessary for good bread and good potions alike. "I can see that. Wise of your father to prepare you so." She nodded and leaned back against the counter as Amelia began to cook. She crossed her arms over the crimson of her top, eyes fixed on the buxom mage as she began to cook. "I don't eat beef for cultural reasons." She shifted "We were largely vegetarian in the black tiger but I feel no need to continue such ascetics here." She shrugged again "Chicken, fish. Pork. There's excellent pork in Shou-Chun. They do this fry with hot peppers that is amazing. it makes my mouth water just thinking of it." She smiled and then laughed as the woman bopped her nose. Ordinarly she'd be furious at the lack of decorum, but something about the Lady was disarming. She reached out and swatted Amelia's ass, then froze as she realized that might be an unwelcome escalation.