MASKTOURN

The citadel's main kitchen is not a modern one- it's dark, busy, and stuffy, with no modern appliances to be found anywhere. There's brick ovens, open flames, and all the hum and bustle one might typically find in a pre-modern kitchen.

Roman casually strolled back over to the kitchen, glancing around to see who all was there as he stepped in to the room.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The kitchen was full of attendants, all masked and uniformed. It was hard to tell them apart... but Roman would catch a glimpse of recognizable auburn hair, and easily spot Miriam over by the ovens. She was working alongside a partner- a willowy, tall person with dark skin and hair braided in tight cornrows. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Even if he didn't recognize the hair, he could sniff out anyone his meals came from. "Do you guys want some music or anything? I might have a half dead Mp3 player in my blood dimension somewhere.." Roman offered. "But I do think it is all Roqueing Rayes songs, I was never able to get other ones." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Miriam's companion seemed alarmed at Roman's sudden presence, and began, "Contestants aren't supposed to be-" "This is Roman, the one I was telling you about." Miriam cut in. "He's alright." She turned back to Roman. "We don't need any music- but thank you for offering. Can I get you anything? We're baking bread right now, but I can get started on something if you'd like anything specific." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Thanks." Roman wanted to say thanks Miriam, but he didn't know how much she had told the others.. Maybe there was some weak-willed snitch in the kitchen staff who was just looking for a reason to start problems. "I kinda just wanted a grilled cheese, I can make it on my own if it's not on your to-do list." Roman chuckled and walked over to the two. "Some of that fresh bread would probably be yummy for it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Miriam's friend seemed to chill out a bit. "It's sourdough. The kind we're making now. So that should be good with your sandwich." Miriam had her hands covered in flour at the moment, and was taking proofed dough out of the icebox, while her friend manned the ovens. "I think the loaves we have in the ovens are almost done, but you might want to let them cool off a bit right after we take them out." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mm, yeah, good point." Roman said and glanced around the kitchen. "I want a few different kinds of cheese, and maybe some bacon for protein.. and some garlic and- hey, do you have that seasoning that goes on bagels? I usually use some of that, too. Oh, and salt. And butter and oil." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Miriam set the dough onto pans for baking and prepared them a bit before washing the flour off her hands and turning to Roman. "I can help you get that. Viperidae, will you put the new loaves in when those are done?" Miriam's friend nodded, and kept watch over the oven. Miriam began leading Roman through the kitchen stores, picking things up along the way- garlic, some herbs, onion, salt. "What kind of cheese do you want? I think cheddar would be a good base, but you might want something else to add some creaminess." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Cheddar is always good, how about you surprise me? I kinda always made it the same way, it might be nice to have a change of pace." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Alright! I'll get you what I usually make mine with." Miriam smiled, and went to the iceboxes, picking out a few wedges of cheese, some bacon, and a little bit of butter, and led him back to the busier preparations spaces. "The stovetops are over here, it'd probably be easiest for you to cook it that way." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yeah, I've come in here a few times. Once with Naiyta, once just by myself.." Roman said. "I'm good to handle the rest if you need to get back to work." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Alright. I'll be back at the ovens if you need me." Miriam nodded. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Thanks!" Roman smiled and set a pan out over the stove. He put some oil in the pan to heat up as he started to prepare the sandwich. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

A few minutes later, Miriam's friend showed up with a loaf of sourdough bread. They set it on the counter near Roman. "The bread." They indicated with a nod. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Oooooohh it smells good- you guys are good bakers!" Roman smiled and sniffed the bread. He was getting a bit hungry for something other than food right now.. But he didn't want to put any of these people in a predicament where they felt obligated to get bit. He'd let Naiyta choose for him.. "How many loaves of bread do you think you've made since getting abducted?" Roman hummed and grabbed a large bread knife. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Thank you." They said, and looked like they were going to leave when Roman continued asking questions. "Too many to count. My partner and I are the most experienced bakers among us, so we make most of the bread and sweets." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I believe it." Roman said and sliced up the bread. It smelled even better when it was all cut open. He picked out the largest slices from the center and sat them on the counter. "I'm guessing when you get home you'll never want to put on an apron again, hah." He knew when he got home- if he got home- he wanted to shave his head and maybe start wearing some short little dresses or something. That was different from whatever Naiyta or Roque made him wear- well besides that one slightly eye opening night with Roque way back when when she got him some women's lingerie as a joke-.. "Did you bake back home?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I like it. It's my job." The attendant shrugged. "I did. I was studying it in school, actually." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Oooooohhh college, I always wanted to do that." Roman said. Sorry snake guy. Seemed like you weren't going to get back to work for as long as Roman was in the kitchen. He walked back over to the stove and placed a few strips of bacon down in the oil, which instantly sizzled and began to curl. "Did you usually make bread, or other stuff?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I am very glad I have the oppurtunity. Or- had. I don't know... what will happen since I got abducted." They seemed more comfortable talking about baked goods. "Yes. Mostly bread, as that's what I started. I also make other baked goods, though. I've been trying to make canelés for quite some time but they never turn out right." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I'd hope that they'd let you back in. Clearly, you took a break to hone your sourdough craft and now you're an expert." Roman chuckled. He spread the butter on to both sides of the bread, and then began to layer on the cheese and seasonings. "Have you ever made mandazi?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I hope so." They took a moment to think. "No... but my country has something very similar. We call it puff-puff." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"A puff puff?" Roman laughed. "Oh, I guess it is an appropriate name. I've just never heard it be called that. It's my favorite." He hurried back over to the bacon and flipped it in the pan with a long fork. It already looked nice and crispy, so it might be a bit overdone whenever he decides to take it out. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"That's what it's called where I'm from." They said plainly, but they were smiling. "I can make some for you if you'd like." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

He paused for a brief moment, just scooting the bacon around the pan. "Ah, Naiyta said they want that to be my victory prize food or whatever after I win, so you probably shouldn't step on their toes." To be honest, be just wasn't sure if he was ready. He didn't know if his grandpa's recipe was special or not, but if it wasn't and these one tasted exactly the same, he was definitely going to cry like a little baby. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Alright." They shrugged. They'd probably be making it if that happened anyways. "If you change your mind, let me know." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman nodded, and took the bacon out of the pan. He set it on to some spare towels to dry off a bit of the grease. "Are you allowed to make dishes that aren't really on the regular menu for anyone? Or did Naiyta just say for me?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm not sure... but if contestants directly ask us for something, we generally aren't supposed to refuse." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I see.." Roman said. "Even my strange dietary need? If anyone asked for blood, you'd have to give it..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I... would think so." They shifted uncomfortably. "Do you... want my blood?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"No no no I was just wondering if Naiyta made an exception for me-" Roman quickly shook his head, and focused back on to the bacon. He set it on to the bread and stacked the sandwich. All ready to fry up! "I mean-" He was hungry.. "I'd always like blood, but I feel.. Weird forcing you guys to do it. I'd rather have, ah, Naiyta choose for me.." ".. But that's not really much better, is it?" Roman sighed. "I'm sorry, the only way I could stop needing it is if I lost my powers, which would kill me at this point anyway. So I'd assume Naiyta wouldn't do it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... okay." They said plainly, though they were clearly still uncomfortable. He didn't know what to predict from Roman next. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. I'm not going to bite you, or ask for your blood." Roman said again, just to clarify. He set the sandwich in to the pan, which sizzled a bit in the oil and bacon grease. Mmmm fried grilled cheese. He cleared his throat. "Do you make cakes or.. anything like that? Roman asked and turned back to them, smiling just slightly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

That seemed to cheer them up a bit. "Yes. I'm better at baking them than decorating them. I'm told I make a very good lemon pound cake." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Noted, baking good, blood bad with this guy. "Lemon pound cake.. I don't think I've ever had that." Roman said and grabbed a spatula. "Does it actually weigh a pound?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

They shook their head. "It's called that because they're supposed to have a pound each of sugar, eggs, butter and flour. And I put lemon in mine also, but less of the other ingredients since I typically make them small for the bakery. They're a bit denser than regular cakes, but not a pound's worth. They loose density when they bake." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Ohhh.. well maybe they should call it a three-pound cake then.." Roman said and flipped the grilled cheese. Nice and golden brown and crispy on the top side now.. "I'm more of a cooking type guy and less of a baker, what's like.. a good easy cake to make?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm.... coffee cakes are generally pretty easy. And you don't have to deal with layers or anything. Banana bread too, though I don't know if it counts as a cake." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Oh, I made banana bread once, that was easy." Roman stared at the sandwich for a moment, and decided to sprinkle some flaky salt on top. "Perfect!" He scooped it up with the spatula and set it on to an open plate. "Sometimes for my girlfriend's birthday I'd make one of those box cakes, but spend a lot of time with decorating it. I didn't really have the time to dedicate to making anything more complicated.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It is. And it's very good." He nodded. "Your sandwich looks nice. "That sounds nice of you. Back at the bakery, my sister would decorate all the cakes that I baked. She knows how to make flowers out of the icing and everything." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"It's gonna be delicious." Roman tapped his nails across the top, and it was just crunchy enough to let his nails scrape across without digging in to the bread. "It's nice that you got to work with your sister, was she in college with you?" Roman asked and picked up the bread knife again. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yes. She is studying graphic design, though, and I'm in the culinary school. We both grew up working at our aunt's bakery, though." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Huh. I guess that makes sense, with the cake decorating.." Roman said and positioned the knife over the sandwich. "Are you ready to witness this epic cheese pull?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He looked over the sandwich intensely, ready to be impressed. "Yes." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman sliced down through the sandwich with a satisfying crunch and sat the knife down. He grabbed one half of the sandwich in each hand and lifted it up, careful to not separate it quite yet... "Behold..." He spread his hands apart, and stringy masses of orange and white cheese connected the two halves. It was still hot enough that steam was rising out of it, and the cheese strings sagged ever so slightly, but did not break. He stretched it out for over a foot, and they never disconnected. "The ultimate grilled cheese sandwich!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The attendant hummed in awe as Roman showed off his sandwich masterpiece. "Oh, wow.... impressive. Taste it, I want to know if the bread is good." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"You should have half, you made the bread after all." Roman smiled and finally broke the cheese strings between the halves. He twisted them up around their respective sides, and held out the half in his right hand toward the attendant. "You deserve it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh- uh, thank you." The attendant said, and took the sandwich. He took a very small bite at first, but clearly loved it. "Oh. That's very good." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman took an overly large bite of his own and smiled widely. "Mmm-" He hummed as his mouth was still full, though quickly swallowed it. "Yeah, that's probably one of the best ones I've ever made! Must be because of that bread, it's really good." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The attendant smiled. "Thank you. The bread is very good- I always think using freshly baked bread is better than store-bought for just about anything, if you can manage it." They took another bite- bigger this time, but clearly trying not to be messy. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman was holding his sandwich somewhat awkwardly to not let the greasy bread touch his hand wraps. That was the last thing he needed tonight.. Saying 'I really wanted a grilled cheese' as an excuse for ruining the clothes wasn't quite as good as the last excuse he gave.. "It's definitely better." Roman said and took another bite, this time pulling his head back and letting the cheese stretch out again. The strands eventually broke, and he lapped up all the cheese strings like spaghetti. "You know, hah, I used to be a chubby guy." Roman said after he swallowed that bite. "Hopefully after I eat a few more greasy sandwiches like this I can get back to that." Wouldn't happen if he kept starving for blood, though. He felt like he was worse off physically than when he had got here. He held on to a little fat and muscle before he grew all this stupid hair overnight. That really took whatever was left.. Surely Naiyta could have sped this process up for him, if they actually cared. How could they regrow whole limbs, but not give him some weight back? It made no sense.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The attendant took another bite, enjoying the decadence of it all. He laughed. "Yes. If you need more sourdough bread, we definitely have enough to spare." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I might have to take you up on that offer." Roman nodded, and finished off his half of the sandwich. He proceeded to lick all the grease off from his fingers. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The attendant took a bit longer to finish the sandwich, and used a towel to wipe their hands afterwards. "I should get back to work, then. Or else there might be no more sourdough after all." They smiled. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"In like a general sense, or a 'Naiyta will kill me slacking off' kinda sense?" Roman asked and also wiped his hands off with a towel. He wanted to wash his hands, but he wasn't quite sure how to retie these wraps.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah- both? I don't want to, uhm, risk it." Their smile faded. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Ah, that's.. That's fair." Roman sighed. "Sorry this is such a bummer. I wish you could be home doing your own thing." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... me too." The attendant took a few steps away. "I hope you... do well in the tournament." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. thanks- I don't think I have much of a chance of winning my fight though.." Roman sighed. "Which, I dunno, I can't really say that I care at this point. It might be preferred that Naiyta just outright kills me right there.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm...." The attendant shifted uncomfortably again. "I hope... you get whatever you want, then." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"... Sorry that sounded really depressing didn't it-.." Roman sighed, deeper this time. This whole thing was depressing. "I promise I'll try to work something out for you guys. Naiyta said it would let everyone go home after they get what they want, and I just.. have to keep hoping that they weren't lying." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... thank you. I... hope we can all go home." They said. "And thank you for the sandwich." Not knowing what else to say, they headed back over to the ovens. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"No problem, thanks for the bread.." Roman took another piece of bread from the loaf and nibbled on it. He felt a bit awkward now, so he just.. Decided to leave as well.

Naiyta had been silent the entire walk down to the kitchen, but held onto Roman's hand. When they finally did enter the kitchen, they lingered awkward at the door. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Weird weird weird weird weeeeeeird. Roman had been silent as well, focusing mostly on stretching his new wings as they walked. As they finally got to the kitchen, he tightened his grip on Naiyta's hand and leaned in closer. "You can start your apologies with the bakers, they might not be as mad at you as some of the others." Roman whispered to Naiyta as he leaned in close to them. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta nodded, and took in a breath to steel themself. "Yes. The... bakers." It squeezed Roman's hand. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"You got this, Yta. I think you can do it." Roman smiled. This would be the real test- sure, Naiyta might pretend to Roman to have changed just to trick him, but he really doubted it would embarrass itself in front of regular staff just to keep up the act. This would be where it would have to really choose. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Cautiously weaving through the crowds of attendants, Naiyta made its way over to the ovens with Roman. Many of the cooks seemed alarmed and nervous when they noticed Naiyta's presence, their gazes lingering on them. Word had already gotten to Miriam and Ayomide by the time Roman and Naiyta arrived at the ovens, and the two bakers were whispering apprehensively to each other. "Oh, uhm." Miriam spoke up for the both of them. "Is something wrong, my lord?" She bowed to Naiyta, and Ayomide followed. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Naiyta has an announcement to make." Roman said, really hoping this wouldn't come to bite him in the ass. Their position over by the ovens was convenient, if Naiyta decided it was already tired of being nice and just wanted to burn him or something. He put on a confident smile toward the cooks, especially Miriam and Ayomide, to try to help calm their nerves about what would be said.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta kept its gaze low and its arms wrapped around its body. "I'm... very sorry for how you've been treated here." It sputtered out. "How I've been treating you. It was wrong and cruel of me. I'd... like to make it up. To you." Miriam glanced to Ayomide uncertainly. Ayomide spoke next. "Can you- are you sending us home?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

They couldn't all go home, he still had to eat- No, that didn't really matter. If Naiyta was willing to send them home, which he really doubted, he wouldn't sentence one of them to be stuck here so he could eat. He'd just.. Need to figure something else out. He looked at Naiyta expectantly, nodding at it. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I... can't, not until I fix the immaterial fold." Naiyta admitted, shame in their tone. "But- that should only be a few more days, and then I send you all home. I promise." "Oh, uhm. Okay." Miriam shifted awkwardly."Does this mean you'll.. uhm, stop hurting us? And threatening us wiht violence?" "Yes." Naiyta nodded. "And... and you can use your real names with each other, and the contestans. If you'd like." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Probably best not to say that he already knew some of them. But this was a good step forward! "Couldn't a few of them go, Yta? I mean, we've had a lot of guests die already, we don't need as much food as we did at the beginning. Surely a few can go." Roman said. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Would that... be fair? That some get to leave while others stay?" Naiyta's brow furrowed. "Please-" Miriam spoke up. "If- If I may make a request, I have two very young children back home. They need me. Please." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Maybe if they can all agree.. and we focus on people who have children or other responsibilities to get back to first. That's the most fair.." Roman said. "But yes, it will probably cause some hurt feelings between the staff, I'm sure.. but some people need to get home, for their families. I hope they can see that." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. Maybe." Naiyta frowned in thought. "It will... take me a bit of time to work something out that's fair. But, you're currently at the top of the priority list, Miriam." Naiyta nodded. "Thank you." Miriam nodded. "Really. Thank you. Here," She took a loaf of freshly baked bread. "For your troubles." "Oh- uh, thanks." Naiyta awkwardly took the loaf. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"She does make the best bread- well, her and her partner." Roman said and looked down at the loaf. It was kind of funny though, to offer a loaf of bread to God in exchange for your life. He was surprised Naiyta hadn't laughed and thrown it on the floor or something like that. He looked around at the rest of the cooks. "Who else here has dependants back home? And please, be honest. I know everyone wants to get home, but some people may need to go before others." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The crowd of attendants was silent for a good while, until one man spoke up. "I have a fifteen year old daughter. Her mother... isn't in the picture, so she just has me. I need to get back to her." Once he spoke up, a few others did to- a group of about seven parents, caregivers, and others among the twenty or so kitchen workers. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"So nine of the kitchen staff.. Is that too many to spare..?" Roman asked Naiyta. It did seem like a lot, when much less than half of the guests had died.. "I- I can take over some kitchen duties in my free time. I'm sure I'm not as good as some of these people, but I can try." "We also.. might not need a buffet style, y'know? Maybe we can ask people ahead of time what they'd like for the day, and then only make a bit extra. That would really lighten the load. Seems like a lot of food gets wasted here, too." Roman smiled as he suggested it. "We'd hardly need any kitchen staff at all then, and they'd only have to work a fraction of the time. Their labor wouldn't be endless." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta stood frozen still as Roman planned things out. They didn't know what to do- all this sudden change was a bit much for them, and they were viscerally uncomfortable with it all. "Uhm. Yeah. I think that would work. If you think so." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Are you serious..?" Roman asked. It.. couldn't be that easy. "You're.. really okay with this plan?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta looked like they thought digging itself a grave and hopping in would be a good plan. "I- I don't know. I..." It glanced around at all the eyes on them. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Maybe he had somehow killed Naiyta back in the immersion chamber and this was them doing a factory reboot... "Maybe you should go rest.. I um.. I can handle the discussion with the staff on my own." Roman said carefully. ".. And I'll come and see you later, yeah?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta nodded, and gave Roman's hand one last gentle squeeze before making its way out of the kitchen. Even once Naiyta was gone, the group of attendants stared expectantly at Roman. They all seemed very confused and concerned. "Roman, what's going on?" Ayomide dared. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman was a bit less uncomfortable with people staring at him than Naiyta was. "I.. don't entirely know." Roman admitted, and toyed with some of his new feathers a little. "It's.. we got in to an argument, and it actually listened to me, maybe..? And now it feels bad- or it's pretending to feel bad-? I don't know.. I just want to get as many people out of here as possible before it changes it's mind." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Doubtful murmurs rose up among the crowd, even between Ayomide and Miriam. "How can we trust it?" One of the butchers argued. "It could be lying- like it's lied about everything so far." "Why can't it take us all home? I mean- not all of us have people depending on us, but we still have lives!" Another cook asked. "Why- what would even cause Naiyta to so suddenly change?" Miriam asked. "It doesn't make any sense." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Okay, looking was one thing, questioning and arguing was another.. "I-i know it might be hard to believe, and I don't really understand it, but it's our best shot to get you all home. Believe me, that is really what I want." Roman said to the butcher. "And yes everyone's important, so important, but.. If some people can't get home soon, others could be hurt or maybe even die. Like the titanic, y'know? Women and children first..?" He didn't sound all too confident himself. It was such a big ask to ask some people to stay behind, who knows what could happen in those final days, or if the final day would even come before Naiyta snapped back to normal. He wished he could just take all of their places, it's not like Naiyta was going to let him go.. Not unless he could convince it to fully ascend.. But he'd rather get as many people out first, in case that full-god mode made it decide to kill everyone remaining. "Um.." Roman mumbled, and messed with his wings again. "We were talking for a bit after it.. Basically tortured me, just for 'excitement', and we talked about some stuff.. And the topic shifted over to it telling me that it was scared to be alone, and I said that it wasn't allowed to say that.. And said some other stuff. And maybe that helped it see reason?" "My new wings might've triggered something in it, something about Raikal maybe.. And also maybe it's mom, the loneliness of youth-? I- I don't know.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Roman's words only seemed to incite the crowd of attendants more- though they were mostly arguing amongst themselves. "How will we decide who goes and who stays?" Ayomide asked Roman. "Is there a limit to who all can go?" "I just... don't get why Naiyta would change so suddenly." Miriam sighed. "It seems so.... untrustworthy." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Was he messing this up? Usually Roque handled crowds- or even Remoul.. Him and Radysh usually didn't add anything of substance to these kinds of discussions.. "I'm not sure yet what the limit would be, we'd still need some chefs, even if we switch over to my model." Roman said, trying his best to give everyone in the crowd equal attention. "And Miriam, I have no clue either, but.. If they're offering a way home, I.. I would have to hope its real. I've never seen them wait this long on a punishment, I'm not sure they have the patience.. I don't know what I did, but it must have affected them somehow." He glanced down at his hands, at his bruises... They were deep and dark this time. Had that been it? Naiyta hadn't cared the last time Roman bruised his hands and feet against restraints.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"There's other attendants too, ones that handle the laundry and cleaning, there's a few guards..." Miriam sighed. "Should we spread the information around? There might be some more people who really need to get home, who aren't here." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Even if he said "No, don't talk about it", it was still going to get out. This was a lot of people to keep such a big secret. "You should.. um.." Roman put a hand up to his chin in thought. "I really don't want there to be fighting and arguments, I know this is a very sensitive subject.. Which will give people strong feelings. But I think if people start fighting each other about it, it might stress or anger Naiyta. We need something neutral. Like- a list! They kinda mentioned that. We should get a list ranked from most urgent to least urgent, including people's position and their reasoning." "I guess if one of you is making the list that might make arguments too- um... Oh, I'll just make the list. I only know a few of you, so I'm not super biased.. And number one is Miriam, like Naiyta said, so that is one less thing for me to choose." Roman said. "There's around fifty of you, right? And almost half of you are here, I can definitely get to the rest in a few hours.. I can do it, and be as objective as I can." "And I promise you all on the end of the list, I won't stop trying until everyone is home. We just need to take our victories as we can get them." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The attendants continued talking, but quieted down as Roman began to speak. "A list?" The butcher who hadn't trusted Naiyta from earlier accused again, "You mean to rank us on our worthiness?" "It might be the only way to do things objectively, to figure out who needs to go home the most." Miriam countered. "Says you," A gruff, red-haired cook replied. "You're at the top of that list!" "Let's all calm down. Arguing is getting us nowhere." Ayomide addressed the group. About half the cooking staff seemed to agree with him, the others grumbled but voiced no further protests. Ayomide turned to Roman. "How will you decide who ranks where on the list? Will you speak to each of us?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Miriam is at the top of the list, whether its metaphorical or not. Naiyta has already said so." Roman said. He turned to Ayomide. "Yes, I plan on talking to everyone.. I should be able to keep it brief. If it's a minute per person, I can probably get it done in a few hours time.. I think." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The reminder that, even if they were being nice, Naiyta's will trumped all, did not sit well with the attendants, but even the more outspoken ones knew not to contest it. "Mhm. I see." Ayomide nodded uncomfortably. A few minutes to judge if someone went or stayed... did not feel like a lot. "We should get back to work. Just... in case none of this works out. And you should begin your interviews, if you plan on getting them done in any sort of timely manner." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yes.. I should get going." Roman said. "I'll get some paper and a board to keep track of rankings, and I'll probably start in here.. I'd like to do the interviews in private to avoid arguments, and I'll keep the rankings secret as well." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. That sounds good." Ayomide nodded. "And... good luck." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Thanks, BRB!" Roman said and ran out of the room. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

... And back in to the kitchen Roman went! He was looking to make a breakfast sandwich, but also Ayomide would surely be in here..@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Ayomide was over by the bread station, this time prepping a loaf of focaccia. The atmosphere among the kitchen seemed.... lighter, more causal than it usually did. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

The vibe was good, seems like whatever Naiyta had done didn't make it worse. "How's it hangin?" Roman asked casually, entering back in to the kitchen shirtless. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Ayomide smiled as Roman approached. "Ah, hello again." His hands were covered in dough, so he didn't move to handshake or make any greeting gesture. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 (edited)

Roman smiled back, and looked down at the dough he was rolling. "You excited to go back home today?" He asked. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. I miss my sister." Ayomide nodded. "I can't believe we'll all be going home so soon... it feels like we've all been here forever." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yeah, I can't imagine being here as long as you guys have.. it's not even been a week yet, and.. Yeesh, wow." Roman sighed. Not to mention, he was going to end up staying here much longer than the rest of them.. "How'd it go with Miriam and the other four?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, we didn't see the two cleaning people go home since they were in the laundry rooms, but.... it went how I expected it would, I guess. Naiyta brought them into a more private corner of the pantry and took their hands and they were enveloped in this weird light..." Ayomide hummed, his gaze distant. "I... don't know if anyone really went home or not. We have no way of telling. But Miriam gave me her phone number and email before she left so that when I went home we could stay in contact." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Mm, yeah, there's no way to be sure. I didn't see any reason to bother asking, they'd just do whatever they wanted regardless." Roman said. "But I don't see why they'd not send them home. They don't really gain anything, besides being an ass, if it just outright killed them or something.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't think it has much to gain from sending us home, either..." Ayomide sighed. "But.... if you trust it, I guess. I don't really know what to expect from those... Lifebringers." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. I can't say I entirely trust it." Roman shrugged. ".. I had hardly even heard about the Lifebringer before this all- I just knew it was behind the tournament that my girlfriend died at.. This isn't even my religion or anything, I don't know if that makes it better or worse.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm.... I know some of the people here worshipped the Lifebringer. It... doesn't seem like a good thing for them." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. I wonder if they'll still practice back home." Roman hummed. "Anyway, nuff talk about all the Lifebringer stuff, got any good breakfast recommendations?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Alex's making omelets for anyone who wants them." Ayomide nodded over to where Alexandra was, well, cooking omelets. "I'm sure she'll make one for you if you want it. And this bread will be done... sooner or later. Olive oil focaccia. I'm gonna put some feta cheese and fig jam with it and it's gonna be delicious." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Everything you guys make sounds sooooo good." Roman said, glancing around at all their stations. "I'll probably get an omlette, if it's not a problem.." "And I hate to bring the mood down, but I need some blood this morning, too. I have to have my strength for the next fight so I can get you guys home." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Aw, thanks." Ayomide smiled. "Sounds good. Again, I think Alex will make you one." He paused a bit. "You don't need it from me again, right?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"No no no I shouldn't take from you back to back, it'll probably make you feel sick." Roman said. "Do you think, uh, anyone would volunteer..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Uhm.... you could try Aneta? She's pretty nice, and probably wouldn't mind." Ayomide suggested. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mm, yeah, I could try.." Roman said. "It wasn't that bad yesterday, right? I hope my fixed teeth make it more tolerable." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Ayomide shook his head. "It didn't hurt too much. I... can't really compare it to what it was like before, though." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Good to know." Roman nodded. "I'll go talk to her then. BRB!" He waved and walked off to the other side of the kitchen where Aneta was working. It wasn't too far from Ayomide, so she might've already heard.. "Hi, Aneta! How's it been?" He smiled as he walked up to her. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Aneta looked up from the dishes she was currently washing. "Oh, hello again- Roman, isn't it?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mhm!" He nodded. "How's it been since I talked to you? Excited to go back to your husband later today?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. And my daughter, too. I bet they're missing me...." She sighed. "But, it's been better here, we're all taking a more relaxed schedule since.... no one's really enforcing it, I guess. Have you been good?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I'm glad it's not been as tough. I wish I could have gotten something through earlier, but it was such an ordeal to get anything from Naiyta.. And Albanes is absolutely no help." He sighed. "But I've been alright, nothing crazy bad has happened since yesterday.." "Buuuut I do need my strength for the fight later, would you be willing to give me some blood? You can totally say no and I'll go ask someone else." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh- uh...." Aneta stalled by wiping her hands off on her apron. "How much blood do you need? And would it hurt?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"It isn't too much, I'll just bite you for twenty seconds and then it's over. And I can patch you up after, too." Roman said. "Once I get a little blood I can numb the pain, it might just pinch a little at first, like a shot." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, that's alright." Aneta nodded. "I can handle that. Though.... could we go somewhere more private? The pantry, maybe?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"That's fine with me." Roman said. "You don't need to undress or anything, I can bite wherever you're most comfortable. Usually people choose the upper arm." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yeah, I'd just prefer not to be in everyone's way." Aneta sighed as they walked into the pantry, and tugged her sleeve up. "I'm good with the upper arm." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Perfect, let me get my first aid kit out before I go, you'll end up bleeding for a bit after." Roman said and summoned his blood knives. "Ah, it's probably going to be kinda weird, but I promise you it's sanitary." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Aneta reflexively tensed up as Roman got out his knives. "Oh, uh, alright." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Instead of stabbing her with the knives, he turned and stabbed the floor. He drew out his little portal, and out from it came the first aid kit. Blood dripped out from it and back in to the pit. "Do you want a plain bandaid or a cute one?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Sure, I'll take a cute one." Aneta smiled, trying to not think about how unsanitary the blood first aid kit was. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

He opened up the box and took out a bandaid that had a cute kitten design on it. It seemed.. clean enough? He tossed the box back down and closed up the portal. "Okay, are you ready?" Roman asked and gently held on to her arm. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Aneta was clearly a bit tense, but nodded. "Yeah, I'm ready." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman briefly nodded back and clamped down on her arm. There was a slight pinch, at first, but he quickly numbed the pain away entirely. He unlatched after the promised twenty seconds and quickly placed the bandaid over the wound. "There, you okay?" He asked and wiped some blood off of his lips. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Aneta relaxed once the process was all through, and chuckled at the cute bandaid. "Yeah, I'm good... that wasn't too bad. You're all good now?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yep! I feel pretty good- take a look!" Roman said and flexed his arm (as he was still shirtless). The smallest of bicep bumps appeared.... "Pretty impressive, right?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hah! Really impressive." Aneta let out a hearty laugh. "Well, I should get back to work. You stay safe out there, Roman." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"You too, Aneta. Take it easy!" He smiled, and opened up the door of the pantry for her. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Aneta walked through, and returned to her work station as if nothing had happened in the first place. What a chill lady... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman headed out, grabbing an omelet on the way, and left the room... @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

... Roman headed back to the kitchen, still holding his wings over his ass and wearing the backwards robe. "D-does anyone in here know where my jacket's at..?" Roman asked meekly as he walked in. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Unfortunately, the first person to take notice of Roman was Ayomide. "Roman? What happened to your jacket?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

.. Did they not know yet? "I-it got messy and Naiyta said they took it to get washed while I was sleeping.. i just figured I'd stop by here first since it's on the way.." Roman said. "But you haven't heard about it at all?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's probably with the laundry people, then." Ayomide hummed. "I haven't heard anything about it, but... I don't hear about most of the laundry? Or any of it, really." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Alright, thanks Ayomide.." Roman said. He wasn't going to break the bad news to them if they didn't know yet. He headed out to find the laundry people.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

the best grilled cheese in the world

is naiyta nice now?

roman hangs with the kitchen staff

looking for the jacket