[PCA] UNIVERSAL CONSTANTS

[skinstealer]

[image description: Maes with a standardized lab spork in her mouth and a slight pleased looking expression, Kettle still coiled around her left side.]

 

Maes noticeably gives Kettle a squeeze before turning to her food.

MAES: ...forks? 
MAES: Or-
CHARON: Spork, can use your hands if you'd like but I'd recommend a spork.
MAES: ...sporks sound good from what I've heard of eggs.

 

She picks up her silverware and takes a bite-

-unsure what to make of the texture at first.

MAES: ....weird.
CHARON: I prepped a couple of boiled ones as well if you'd prefer something smoother...
MAES: No, just...

 

Another bite.

MAES: ...strange texture.
MAES: Very- you called them fluffy.
CHARON: Mm..
MAES: It's...hm.
MAES: More close to the pasta than meat, but...eggs are a protein.
MAES: Interesting.
CHARON: Mm, a incredibly staple one for many people. 
CHARON: Nutritionally rich and affordable.
MAES: ...you use them to supplement things, right?
CHARON: Some people will just eat a couple of these actually... they're versatile.

 

He places down a boiled egg carefully on her plate.

MAES: ...

 

She pokes it first with a fork, and then her claws.

MAES: Peeled...that's extra work.
CHARON: Mm.. really does get you a sense of the density of these things though.
MAES: Very...

 

She jumps as her claw pierced it, only to get back to poking with intensified curiosity.

MAES: Fascinating. 
MAES: I've handled eggs for medical reasons, but this is entirely different.
CHARON: I'm honestly surprised you've never interacted with these at all... for clarification these are procured from a widely farmed livestock.
MAES: ...Cresthens, right?
MAES: I read that they're the most common in the area-
MAES: ...I-
MAES: Haven't really seen a lot of animals.
CHARON: Mhm, very docile creatures as long as you watch the talons.
MAES: ...I'd...probably get scared.

 

She spears the egg on one claw, giving it a little squeeze before popping it into her mouth all at once, clearly looking for ways to not elaborate.

CHARON: I'm not too good with animals myself.
MAES: ...you aren't?
CHARON: They can sense anomalies of my nature, have to ease them more than usual.
MAES: ...oh.
MAES: I've always wondered the same.
MAES: It's-
MAES: ...There's a. Park of sorts, in the upper lab. 
MAES: Somewhere where patients can rest, with their families. 
MAES: It emulates more Hearthian environments, less harsh than the surrounding desert.
MAES: ......they've been considering getting some tame animals for it for some time, a proper biodome setup.

 

She shakes her head.

MAES: I'm rambling. 
MAES: The boiled egg was much better for my palate.
CHARON: I could work those in more in the future.
MAES: ....I like how it feels to shred them.
CHARON: Satisfying, right?

 

He slides another one onto her plate.

MAES: Very.

 

She very pointedly lets him see the chomp this time, the egg eviscerated into shreds within a second.

The dog nearly makes a noise, only stopped by Kettle beating him to the punch.

CHARON: Mm, very impressive.
MAES: Is something the matter, Kettle?
CHARON: She's excited to see you enjoy the meal-

 

A snakey hiss from the ghost.

CHARON: I'm not speaking for you, merely-

 

And another.

CHARON: You're not even supposed to be able to make that noise...
MAES: Judgment, it's only fair to give her a direct translation.
CHARON: ....Damn, Gina.

 

The proxy gives a little clap at that.

MAES: ...I didn't forsee having to ask for a slang definition. 
MAES: More detail?
CHARON: Expression of surprise, positive connotation typically. 
CHARON: A friend from overseas taught her it, hardly local.

 

A soft smile.

MAES: Good, then. 
MAES: Don't mince her words, Judgment, if you're translating.
MAES: We'll get you set up, Kettle- but I do want to hear you.

 

A gentle little nuzzle from the proxy.

CHARON: I'm sure she'll be happy to have that. 
CHARON: She'll likely be sharing with Broth I think.
MAES: Easy enough...
MAES: I'm sure Synna can help you get set up.
 

She turns back to the rest of her meal, trying the hash next.

MAES: ...I like these.
MAES: Potatoes?
CHARON: Mmhmm.
CHARON: I've got a soft spot for them, cheap and easy to work into meals.
MAES: We should try them as filler more, I think....

 

She digs in properly now, all of the sampling done with. Watching her enjoy the food with more vigor and less hesitation is quite a sight, the karacel not bothering to look as graceful or poised.

CHARON: I'm glad to see you enjoying it all honestly...
CHARON: Let me know what you'd like me to keep on the menu when you're done.
MAES: Mmm.

 

She takes a few moments to finish, clearly still savoring by her ravenous standards.

MAES: ...the scrambled eggs, I'm less sure on, but I did really enjoy the hashbrowns and boiled eggs.
CHARON: I could work those in easily.
MAES: ...it's nice.
MAES: Breakfast.
MAES: I don't usually afford this for myself.
CHARON: Mm... well I think I enjoy cooking for you a good bit.
MAES: Do you now?
CHARON: Enough to keep you well fed.
MAES: That's quite a bit of effort.
CHARON: It's worth attempting.
MAES: ..and what if it tires you?

 

Her voice grows...somber.

CHARON: Then I can rest until I'm up to try again.
MAES: ...I'll tend to you as well, then.
MAES: We're...likely going to need it after today.

 

A tinge of blush.

MAES: Something to look forward to, I suppose.
MAES: ...Though, if you're staying over again-
MAES: Perhaps a change of clothes.
CHARON: I have plenty to change into..
MAES: ...ah, right.
MAES: The...castle.
MAES: My apologies.
CHARON: ...You remember that then.

 

She continues on, not seeming to realize her slip...or Charon's flustering.

MAES: Yes, and I'm still waiting on that itemized list of your armory's contents.
CHARON: That may take some time...
MAES: Perhaps I should consider incentives...
CHARON: Does that require every item?
MAES: I should consider large incentives...
CHARON: Continue.
MAES: If you manage to fetch me a list of- yes, everything in the armory, and any other areas of note-
MAES: I will reward you and the Rooks handsomely.
CHARON: Gonna be a group effort on our end, hope you don't mind it happening in chunks.
MAES: Hmm.
MAES: Would you accept piecemeal rewards?
CHARON: Of course.
MAES: Then we can make that work.
MAES: ...

 

Her brow furrows, setting her silverware down.

MAES: We've been fairly leisurely.
MAES: We need to get cleaned up and to the lower levels-
CHARON: Kettle?

 

A noise of acknowledgement.

CHARON: She'll help us play catchup today.
MAES: ...very well.
MAES: Have you ever given someone a dust bath?
CHARON: A couple of times actually, show me the setup.












 

Synna squints at the pair in front of her, Maes doing her best to look casual.

SYNNA: ....So you two walk to work together now?