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[topslug]

It's been a while since I've seen new faces on the network. [ Her smile's warm, but a little troubled. They were the first imPorts to be brought here for years, or so she's pretty sure she remembers hearing when they'd first arrived. Can it really bode well that more are coming through? ]

You must have a lot of questions. I'm sure those of us who arrived here earlier will do what we can to help answer at least some of them, so don't hesitate to ask.

[ She clears her throat. ]

But there was something else I wanted to bring up. Valentines' Day is in a couple of days. I think making your own gifts adds a personal touch, and I thought some people might feel the same way, but not know where to start. Chocolates are a pretty traditional gift -- I was going to make some for a few people tomorrow, so if anyone would like to come by and learn, I'd be happy to show you how to do it yourself.

If enough people are interested, I'll see if I can find a bigger place to accommodate us, unless you've got any suggestions. And if you want to teach people how to make something else, you're more than welcome to come.

Comments

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[foreshadower]

Mm, so you're quite the chef, then?

Truffles may be deceptively simple, but they often don't catch the attention of the less experienced.

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[topslug]

Oh, I wouldn't say that. I just know how to make a few things. [ She'd need to, with her appetite. But she's also just being modest.. ]

What would you suggest, then?

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[foreshadower]

Maybe chocolate dipped fruit? Caramels? Cookies?

The possibilities are endless, but I think you truffles would likely be more than pleasant to try.

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[topslug]

I'll be certain to give you some, then. I always end up making more than I need to. [ Mostly because she eats them as she goes, usually not even waiting for it to cool... she did polish off more than forty pounds of chocolate by herself, once. ]

Those are good suggestions, though. You said you were pretty good at cooking yourself, right?

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[foreshadower]

[ He waves a hand. ]

I dabble from time to time.

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[topslug]

Then maybe you could help me out!

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[foreshadower]

Perhaps, perhaps. It would be invigorating to assist with someone else's cooking for once.

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[topslug]

You've never done it before? [ She's genuinely curious. ]

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[foreshadower]

I'm a solitary creature by nature.

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[topslug]

But you don't like being bored.

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[foreshadower]

I detest being bored.

I make my way out for that alone, but cooking is a more intimate habit than I've ventured toward.

[topslug]

[ her expression lights up a little. ]

It does tend to be rather revealing about people, doesn't it?

[foreshadower]

Oh yes. How well they follow instructions, how adaptable one is, how willing they are to work with someone else...

It's very revealing.

[topslug]

And most people don't like the idea of that.

[foreshadower]

Of course not. Most people have too much pride.

[topslug]

What about you?

[foreshadower]

I can play well with others, when I choose to.

[topslug]

You don't seem like someone who gets angered easily.

[foreshadower]

Anger is so violent and sparks so quickly -- it's hardly something I indulge in.

[topslug]

Once you've lived long enough, I suppose there doesn't seem to be much of a point. Knowing you're likely to outlive whoever or whatever's bothering you...

[foreshadower]

Precisely.

That's more for the living -- for mortals. Although I've found some can raise my ire. On occasion.

[topslug]

Like what?

... Not that I'm looking to get you angry, of course.

[foreshadower]

It would be unlikely you could.

Generally, if you touch my city, where I come from, I get a bit perturbed.