Diets, Dilemas and Deep fried twinkies.

Marinalia
Marinalia finally grabbed some of the several bags they eventually accumulated, swiping a company expenses card and getting a receipt before they left. Marinalia and Athena definitely could not eat all of the food they had acquired, she doubted a small family could get through it in several days 3 meals a day. Where did the guys put it all away?

The carnosaur alone was like a full roast meal for 2 or more. The portions where brilliant though. No one would be going hungry at the Deadalus tend by the time they finished the gathering rounds. "Thanks, now we just need to get it all back past the hungry hoards" Cheerfully hoisting her bags with a wink and a little display of exactly how flattering the company uniforms could be fitted right. "Thanks Gentleman. You know where we are if you want to return the favour." Marinalia giving a small eye roll at at her rather flirty collique, though she knew part of it was just to wind up Marlin a little. "Flirt later. Food first before they all starve and start eating the carpets or customers like cave men"@Tyler Night

Heading back via the various stalls they needed to visit and a rather hefty dent to the official expenses card they had, who knew take out could run to such a bill. They alone spent several hundred on a mountain of junk food! Between the Coffee, food bills it would be a heavy dent to the expenses. It was on company time, so expenses...

Meandering back there way, one arm looped to escape being dragged by the crowds while the ganets struck there efichous raid on the snacks, meals, coffee and carnosaurs the two pilots had acquired for the rest. A loud PA system announced the final would be an Iron Chef battle, Germanic tones ringing out across in a way only a 6 foot + German with a few hundred pounds of bulk could deliver. American Vs Japanese. There were going to be some really on the lime comments coming. The panzer was as subtle as a Panzer division.

Bumping into someone, Marinalia looked up when she saw a pink haired woman, oh god...same woman from the cafe with her... Oh she walked into a date with a pretty Asian woman in monochrome trying to avoid a crowd pushing to the main stages, Athena had already managed to duck out the way to her quieter side. Nope...could not get more awkward. "Oops... umm sorry. Crowds be crazy. Umm.. I already have a girlfriend I'm very happy with and not, your... urgh. This went south fast. Umm. I fly for Daedalus, Marinalia Romus Olympus. Feel free to stop by for some freebies." Trying her best to make a quick escape from the hole while her friend laughed and made her way back in to deliver the rest of the excess, throwing her a plushie cute (slightly creepy in marlins personal opinion) amphomorphic plane and free hoodie with a few bits. "There, Never say I don't save you Valkyrie. Anne Marie our weekends mascot... She just hates they named it after her 100J. Enjoy, free flight lessons all day, the hoodies never disappoint"@KatKook@Pyxis

Digging her friend abit out her hole while she really owed her a coffee later, and not the stuff here. The good shit she kept at home in that rather fancy mansion across the road. "Just shout one of us over if you want a lesson and we are free. Least they don't have my nose art. Have a good day" Ducking her way to a stalls while she gained a small distraction. Snake. Not eat that kinda thing since her dad took her to Africa with Victoria one time. That was a very interesting time to say the least. "I've not had Snake since South Africa. Can i try a few bits of each?

Reminds me of simpler days. Got any kudu? Wiggley horned like deer? I remember that was quite nice?" It was a long shot, granted shooting animals was a little, but once you looked at one roamed free, lived free and not trapped by a fence it seemed fairer than a captive environment in a way. The locals seemed to explain it well at least... A Lot better than she could. @Rabidporcupine

Hopefully this might mean the date might move onwards and she could escape her hole. She was so gonna keep bumping into her. It was Murphy's law. Murphy hated everyone. Murphy had to decide to do when she was dressed up in a smart rather appealing uniform, jewellery and new nails.

---

Mentions in sections to make easier.

>>Come, let my cooking take you to a far away place.<<
>>Chef Panzer/Judges panel @Pilatus<<

MAXIMALE KÜCHE! and all that.

So it has been decided. Guava. The tropical fruit. Ryan grinned slightly at its revelation.

So the contest rules were laid out as well. Thirty minutes to organize his kitchen, one hour to prep and cook. He was also allowed to have two staff members. "Hm. I might just have one staff member...Ah. I'll have two, to conform to the rules I suppose. Lest Chef Bruno gets all German-y on me..." Ryan's inner thoughts were not a boast of his abilities. It was simply that he was used to prepping and cooking with limited staff. In his restaurant, all the prep work was done behind the scene, prior to the restaurant opened its doors for the evening. During service, he is simply assembling what has already been prepared. He was not used to having to cook 'live'.

Not to say he couldn't do it. Its just that it wasn't his usual style.

In any case. In the thirty minutes he had, he had his chef de partie organize the kitchen, securing various pieces of equipment. Things such as an convection oven, a commercial wok-range, a sous-vide machine, and other kitchen equipment were laid out with precision and elegance. For all Ryan knows him and his staff are already being judged.

While the kitchen itself was being arranged, Ryan and his sous chef were hard at work scouting out the ingredients available and dishes they were going to prepare. The selection of ingredients were plentiful. Ryan smiled and nodding at things he was able to pick up, touch, smile and occasionally sample. Ryan and his second in command would occasionally whispers to each other with the sous chef taking down some notes of their conversation.

His thirty minutes was up. Towards the end of the time period, Ryan sat down with his two man team, and enjoyed some tea they brought from the restaurant. It was almost customary for them to do so. They have the same tradition when they're getting ready for service. Ryan would gather his staff, make them all a cup of tea and maybe some tamagoyaki, and they would all relax for 20 to 30 minutes before they take on the night. As they finished up their tea, Ryan nodded to his team and they nodded back, with each member heading towards their stations.

The sous chef and chef de partie started the one hour they were allotted by gathering ingredients. They were able to gather items such as baby gem lettuce, pomegranates, Chinese plum powder, goat's milk feta, parmigiano reggiano, pork tenderloin, cured bacon that has not been smoked, ricotta, various citruses, carrots in three different colors, collard greens, balsamic vinegar, good olive oil, and various spices in their whole form and of course guava among other things.

As soon as the two man tandem returned, Ryan started dishing out concise instructions. "Alright, I want the pork marinated in guava juice. Add lime zest, salt and a little bit of clove to it. Boil and reduce the marinade first, then thin out with ice. After that, get the lettuce ready for the first dish." The chef de partie got right to work on the first string of instructions. The next set of instructions went to the sous chef. "Next, I need a pomegranate balsamic reduction. Work in the olive oil to make it a vinaigrette. Salt and plum powder in it. Once that is set, I need toasted walnuts and brie cut into the same bite size as the walnuts please. Skip the goat cheese. Go with the brie. I'll get the guava ready for it. Also, get a pot of water going for the collard greens. The bacon goes into the water once it boils but before the collard greens. Also, make some lardons as topping for the greens. I'll start on my part too while you guys work on those two. Thank you."

The sous chef nodded and got to work on his tasks. Meanwhile, Ryan started on his part. First, he pureed some guava, seeds and all, to get it ready for the dessert part of the three course meal. As soon as puree was at a consistency that Ryan was happy with, he added cloves, nutmeg and a small amount of black pepper to it along with some honey before adding it to a ice cream maker. He has to keep a very close eye on the machine as there is a particular consistency that Ryan wanted to take the mixture to before removing it. Next, Ryan cut some guava, after removing their seeds, into half rings. Skewering them, Ryan started toasting them over low flame while occasionally dusting them with the Chinese plum powder. The sugar content from the fruit is going to offer it a next light char with the low flame. "Lettuce ready!" the chef de partie called out. "Alright thanks! Make sure the pork is marinading. I have 15 more minutes before I need them." "Aye chef!" The chef de partie responded. "Vinaigrette, chef" The sous chef called out. "Thanks. Walnut ready?" "30 seconds chef!" "Alright. Once they're out of the oven, toss them with a little salt and the plum powder." "Aye chef"

Taking a white porcelain bowl that help the freshly chopped baby gem lettuce, Ryan drizzled a dash of the balsamic vinaigrette and gently mixed it in. Taking the toasted walnuts and sprinkled over top, Ryan briefly turned his attention to the charring guava "Hey, someone turn the skewers real quick, check the char!" "Aye chef, char is looking good!""Good, keep an eye on it please!" After topping the salad with brie cheese, Ryan walked over and took the guava off the flame. Cutting the guava into similar sized pieces as the walnut and brie, he first mixed the salad gently but thoroughly before topping it off with the charred guava. "Alright, salad up. Next, I need the pork to be on the grill please!" "Aye chef, pork is on!" the chef de partie replied. "Ok, drop the greens and prep the lardon." "Aye chef, greens down and lardon is ready" the sous chef said as he got to work on the lardon. "Ok, ice bath is ready for the greens. As soon as they're done, shock and wok." "Aye chef. Pulling greens in 30 seconds." "Sounds good. I'll have the wok ready with oil and the guava seeds prepped." "Thank you chef!" the sous chef responded.

There was a moment of calmness. Ryan walked over to the grill to check on the pork. There were deep char marks on the outsides of the pork. The fragrance was guava, lime and dried plums were undeniable. "Alright guys, home stretch! Please pull the sorbet but keep it chilled. I have two things to make for that plate. Double check salad please and get me a plate for the pork. I'll wok the greens and lardon." "Aye chef!" The sous chef and chef de partie both responded. It was as if they were communication telepathically as they both took on a task that was different than the other person. Comes with working together for years, one supposes. Back at the wok. Ryan heats up some neutral cooking oil and he tossed in the guava seeds. The seeds interacted with the hot oil similar to how popcorn would. Ryan monitored it carefully, tossing in the greens to lower the temperature in the wok just before the seeds reached a breaking point. Once the greens took on a slightly crisped texture, Ryan tossed in the lardon to heat it back up to an satisfactory temperature. "Alright, slice the pork, fan out. Greens are done in 15" "Aye chef!" The sous chef responded. The salad was checked and deemed ready. The sous chef soon brought over a white plate with five slices of perfectly grilled, medium rare, gently pink centered pork tenderloin that smelled of guava, flowers and happiness. Ryan had a small smile on his face as he added the freshly wok-ed collard greens and lardons to the plate, bringing a welcoming green 'pop' to the dish. The chef de partie then took the dish and made it 'presentable' before setting aside along with the salad.

Lastly, Ryan got to work on the dessert. By now, he had only about 5 minutes left. Ryan rolled his neck to his right softly before beginning to prepare his dessert. First, he checked on the consistency of the sorbet. Deeming it a little too frozen for his liking, he decided to let that go and simply took the sorbet out and let it come to a warmer temperature. Next, he took the ricotta and mixed in some lime zest and placed it into a whipped cream dispenser. Once in the canister, Ryan inserted a small cartridge of N2O and shook the entire bottle. After, he scooped out a decorative portion of guava sorbet and plated it at the center of his dessert plate. Next, he added a small dollop of the whipped ricotta-lime mixture. He then picked two mint leaves, one regular sized and one the smallest he could find. With the larger mint leaf, he crushed it in his palms, releasing the essential oils before covering the dessert dish with smoking dome. Placing the crushed mint leaf at the top, Ryan took out a match and lit the leaf, its essential oil starting to release some light smoke. Once the dome is filled with effervescent smoke, he removed the match and burning mint leaf, letting the smoke do the rest of the work. In a few moments, he opened the dome, letting out a light, yet stinging smoke from the mint before placing the dainty mint leaf over the top of the softened sorbet. Considering the fact that this is the last dish to be served, the sorbet current is harder than Ryan would like, but by the time it is served, it should be of satisfactory consistency.

"Please take the dish to the judge. I will be up to present shortly. Thank you. " He said to one of the event staff. Meanwhile, he took his own to staff members aside and offered some words of gratitude and encouragement before tidying himself up and walking towards the judge.

"Koch. I present to you my three dishes. First, a simple baby gem lettuce salad with a pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette. Toasted walnuts and brie, topped with charred guava. Enjoy."

"Next. I have pork tenderloin. The pork was marinaded with guava juice, lime zest, and cloves. The dish is accompanied by wok-tossed collard greens with popped guava seeds and lardon. Please enjoy."
"Finally, the dessert is a guava sorbet. It is accompanied by a ricotta and lime creme. It has also been gently smoked with mint and topped with a mint leaf. Koch, please enjoy." Ryan said, before offering a small bow and backing off the stage.

Paige Kennedy

Once the door was opened, Paige doubted she would have cared if Tao had blown his hand completely off. This was it. Whatever it was. She ignored his whimpers as the door eased open under its own weight when the bolt was released. The corridor on the other side was pitch black, only cut slightly by the dim light of the storage room. She stuffed the tablet she’d been carrying into his aching hands without saying a word and shined her phone light into the dark space. What appeared to be a narrow hallway was connected on the other side, but the drop down was easily two to three feet as if the stadium basement area had been built over it and nearly missed. The bricks that lined the path were aged like an old house and a watery, metallic smell permeated the air from lack of ventilation. She shined her light down to the floor below. Seeing nothing but a hard, stone surface she sat down at the edge of the doorway, letting her feet dangle for a moment and eased herself down.

The drop was further than it looked and for a split second she felt her heart jump before her toes met the floor. With a slight sigh of exasperation, she held her phone up again, shining through what looked to be a part of some sort of tunnel. In her mind, she could picture where she’d seen something similar before, like a training video she’d watched of the tunnels that smugglers used under the border from Mexico into the US, however it was older, much older and bigger. There was plenty of room to stand as if it were designed for ease of use rather than total secrecy. She knew nothing about Sol City history or what could have existed prior to the stadium being built, though as she watched the bright light prickle shadows over the old bricks, the realization struck: “This is a prohibition tunnel.” She said before glancing back up at Tao. The ledge was nearly to her chest height. She motioned for him to grab one of the boxes and prop the door open wide to allow more light inside.

It made perfect sense, at least in the brief time that it jogged through her mind, but her gut instinct was rarely wrong. Only an old timer, like the head of Giancana family would have even known it existed. She shook her head in disbelief. All of it sounded like urban legend and admittedly, if someone had told her about it back in Florida, she probably would have laughed in their face. It just didn’t happen any more, yet there they stood. She shined the light behind her finding the tunnel had been sealed by a wall of solid concrete only a few feet back. “C’mon,” She said moving forward and giving Tao a wave. She knew that even if he was scared shitless of dark, confined spaces, that his curiosity wouldn’t allow him to come so far and then chicken out.

A few further steps in and a string dangling from the ceiling came into the cone of her light along with something else dull and metallic along the wall. She glanced up finding a simple light bulb rigged to a socket and pulled the switch to turn it on. The bulb flickered to life, humming slightly and illuminating the remainder of the passage in dull yellow. She could see the far end of the corridor as it came into view was sealed shut, same as behind them, but next to it was a small wooden door with a worn, old brass handle. Her stomach turned slightly in a knot and again her gut instinct knew there wouldn’t be any more doors after this one. This is it.She wasn’t afraid, but the unknown was a thrill that couldn’t be matched. Her heart picked up a few beats as she stepped closer to the door. No transponders this time. There wasn’t even a keyhole. She put her hand over the doorknob, feeling the cool metal in her grip and glanced back for a moment at Tao without saying a word. The features of her face darkened under shadow. It felt like something from a dream. She sighed and tightened her grip hearing the tarnished linkage inside the door turn with an uneasy grinding as the striker retracted. The door pushed away easily revealing nothing but blackness inside. Instinctively, she felt along the inside wall for a switch and to her surprise felt a panel nearly exactly where her hand touched the wall.

During her time in law enforcement, Paige had seen things that ran the gamut of the emotional spectrum: the truly depaved to the most decadent. She’d seen people killed over less than twenty dollars and she’d seen cigarette boats loaded stem to stern with cocaine worth millions. It was the life she chose and she had total confidence that she had taken on the role for which she was destined. She was sure and would say so to anyone. It ran through her blood as much as the scenes of those memories flashed through her mind startling her awake in the dead hours of the night. When the small lights came on, a room about the size of a small apartment came into view. It was completely loaded, nearly to capacity, with white banker boxes, not dissimilar from the ones Tao had just destroyed, but all around, seemingly in any odd corner where they would fit, were stacks of cash, banded and counted. Her eyes widened only slightly and she lightly stepped forward through the small pathway just wide enough to walk through. There was more. Much more, all the way to the ceiling in some places without a single bill visible that was smaller than a fifty. Many of the boxes were marked with two numbers separated by a decimal, 1.2 or 2.3 all the way up to 3.5 and every number in between. She continued forward finding a small digital scale on the floor surrounded by more boxes all marked the same way. She already knew what it was before she pulled the top from the first box. Her lips opened slightly in awe. They weren’t counting it, they were weighing it.

For the first time she could recall, she was speechless.

@Allycat

Diets, Dilemas and Deep fried twinkies.

Marinalia
Marinalia finally brought her mini awkward panic momment to controlled stop, though given it started with a awkward momment and such often set the tone, she had a bad habit of letting things shake her recently though thanks to recent changes those had been growing less and getting her old self back.

While waiting for her order, a Brunnete with glasses and a fairly casual spring look places her order too. She was a little more adventurous in her orders than many of the festival. Marinalia was really wanting to wear something more casual, she so was dressing in something not uniformly tommorow, hopefully make the fencing class, maybe some more personal fun or a quick visit to the massage area at Luna sports... She never had seen what they where capable of... something not work related!

Stood full airlines captains uniform, she really wanted to be more comfortable now, however attractive in the rather fetching skirt, fitted jacket and gold bars combo with all the trimmings. So was gonna find something much more comfortable later on or not much at all. A long bath sounded heavenly and to put her feet up and just soak with a good book, or company... Either worked rather well.

"Not tried it before? Rattlesnake is a alittle more bland than you expect it to be, its intresting but it's not as extreme as you think.

I'm Marlin, feel free to swing by Deadalus tent if you want any freebies, plushy planes or a free flight lesson. just look for the big blue banners just across from Umbrella Corp set up."

Trying to be polite while waiting, there was a little wait at the stand. There always was the waiting. So much waiting for food, her poor feet. They really deserved a rest later. Working weekends sucked. @KatKook

The PA was announcing updates on the Iron Chef contest, Germanic Bass and updates delivered by a slightly less bombastic sub host. The show she has seen being from Europe though the chain had not really crossed the channel and lasted in UK. It tried for about 5 years but the foothold never really was made across the channel.

She remembered the Asian Chef who was one who looked after Victoria that one side, he definitely got her vote out of shear fact he helped her family. There loyalty in that regard was pretty much blind for good or bad. Loyal, Loyal to a fault, even though that fault had managed to do quite abit of damage directly or colatoral.

---

Charles had been relaxing, giving his back a rest near the festival when he had received a text being told that his win had been revoked. Charles being a generally easygoing man turns a bit perturbed. He stands up to only receive another text being told that he was being put into a second contest against the man who was to be told to be the cause of his revocation. Hearing the rules be laid out second hand from his employees he smirks.

Charles makes his way out to grab some supplies. After hearing the secret ingredient he gets a cocky grin having cooked with guava plenty of times, his mind going to work setting up dishes to cook. He puts together a meal plan while he prepares his area for the competition during the prep time before starting his actual cooking. Grabbing some liquid nitrogen, several ramekins, square plates for the main dish, a round dessert plate and a hurricane glass.

As the competition starts he brings in his 2 assistants to cook with him, starting them immediately on making dessert, a guava creme brulee, using a thai maroon apple guava for a red hue to the dish. While they whip up the creme brulee he begins chopping the guava in half, choosing a semi soft guava to use in salsa. Grilling it quickly he chops it up and tosses it in a bowl with a plethora of tomatoes in different sizes and colors. As they sit and mingle, he grabs some swordfish and begins grilling the medallion. While the fish grills he pulls out a bottle of apple wood aged rum and some apple cider, mixing it without any guava in a small bowl. Pulling out a juicer he begins running the guava through the juicer, seeds and all. As he steps back and watches the food cook he goes deep in thought. The chatter of his competitor in stark contrast to him and his team's silence.

Stepping over to his swordfish steak, he flips it, the firm fish having deep golden brown grill marks on it from the grate on the grill.
Grabbing a sheet pan, he pours out the rum and apple cider onto it, pouring the liquid nitrogen onto the very shallow liquid, freezing it very quickly. He begins scraping the frozen concoction from the sheet pan. Placing the ice into his hurricane glass, he pours the guava juice in with the slush and finishes it off with a floater of dark rum, placing a bamboo straw in it.

He pulls the fish from the grill and places it on a cutting board to cool while the creme brulee cooks. Checking the time he realizes he has a few minutes to spare he grabs a large potato, cutting it into fries, dropping them into the fryer. He puts together a bacon and garlic salt for the fries. Letting them fry, he pulls out the creme brulee which came out light pink with the thai maroon guava puree. He allows it to rest, sending off his assistants, knowing his time will be spent perfecting the dishes on his own.

As the competition nears 55 minutes he pours the turbinado sugar on the creme brulee and torches it to a very light golden brown. Taking a knife he slices the swordfish and fans it out, pouring the guava salsa on the edge of it, then pulls the fries. Dusting the fries with the bacon garlic salt he plates it on the side of the fish. He puts everything onto a tray and carries it over to the chef and lays everything out before.

"Greetings Chef, today I prepared for you a swordfish and guava salsa entree with bacon garlic salt seasoned fries, a rum and cider guava slush and a thai maroon apple guava creme brulee. The burnt layer being done with turbinado sugar instead of white sugar, think it lends itself better to creme brulee. Please enjoy." He said with a smile before taking his leave, satisfied with his meal.

@PrinceAlexus@KatKook

"Well wouldja look at that!" Jeremy said happily as two customers finally decided to approach the stall. "And here I was beginning to think I was the only adventurous eater in the whole city!"

He shook his head when one of them, a blonde woman with an English accent, asked about a number of African animals possibly being on the menu after mentioning that it was the last place she'd eaten snake.

"Nah, sorry. I have been looking for a way to get in contact with someone over there, hopefully get myself a good source of quality meat, but no luck as of yet. Honestly, it's the main reason I'm using snake and alligator, because they're some of the easier 'exotic' meats to get a hold of. And I know a farmer from Australia, so he's always sending me kangaroo meat. But hey, if I ever get a hold of a solid contact down that way, I'll let you know!"

Then he turned to the other, a brunette woman with glasses. She winked at him when she ordered, so Jeremy decided to meet it with his own, exceedingly large and conspicuous wink.

"Ah right, ready to jump straight in, huh?" He said, quickly picking up on the nervousness on her face when she looked into the back of the stall. He nodded towards the English woman when she described what rattlesnake was actually like. "No need to worry though, she's right. It shouldn't taste too weird, and I've gone to painstaking effort to make sure there won't be any bones left in it. Most of the flavour will come from the chilli anyway, so it honestly isn't too crazy a starting off point. I mean, if the assholes back in Jersey can eat it fine, I'm sure you'll be able to handle it. And kangaroo really just tastes like a leaner version of beef or venison, so it'll be even easier."

And then he took her money, quickly giving her seventy dollars back.

"Sorry it's so expensive, but even with all the stuff I just said, getting the meat itself was actually kind of expensive.

And then he got to work on their orders. Thankfully, he'd already had them cooking in the background, so it would only take a few minutes before it was ready to serve. Once they were all ready, he quickly pulled out three small bowls for the English woman, filling them with each dish, and two larger ones for the glasses woman.

"Alright, lemme know what you think. And if it's good, let your friends know what you think. And if it isn't, well, lie to them about it."

He paused for a moment, before scratching the back of his head a little awkwardly. He wasn't so sure if this would work out so well, considering how rare it was for him to actually initiate conversations in the past, but damn it, if he didn't take this opportunity now, he probably never would.

"By the way, the names Jeremy Lindall. It's nice to finally find someone who isn't too boring to try new things, or at least has good enough taste to have had this kind of thing before."

Diets, Dilemas and Deep fried twinkies.

Marinalia
Marinalia was surprised a alittle but he seemed rather happy to have customers, why was food service always so cheery in America? That made no sense at times, even the people who just served your coffee wished you a good day. It just was strange at times for a European. "Thankyou, cheerful service.

Oh, just a off chance, it was with some Afrikaner's my dad knew, we got invited to a post hunting trip. Meat was amazing, the folks where a alittle rougher round the edges though. Least to me at the time" while waiting, it was a little delay to collect to her food though as it was cooked fresh. It did smell rather good and swiped her card to pay. It was rather expensive but they where definitely hard to come by and abit more exotic. Expenses... Expenses where brilliant today. Her experience of Africa was definitely interesting coming from upper class England to the dark continent was definitely a eye opening experience at times. Definitely one to remember.

The other lady with glasses and Brunnete hair, well she was in for a experience, you either liked the more exotic choices or did not. Not much middle ground but the fun part was finding the type you liked. Varsity was the spice of life and South Africa really had variety by the bucket load.

Thanking him as he handed over a trio of bowls and sampling a little bit from from every one, they where rather nice, the spice was fairly spicey but no bones as advertised. Snake was more boney than fish done wrong. Kangaroo she had a little more experience of. Tasty. Diversions to escape awkwardness. Check. Delicious food check. Really seemed like a good idea. "Il let the boys at work know, they always love challenges and new things to brag about. I know there's lots of moose in Canada. It's not very exotic though.

Marinalia Romus Olympus, flattery won't get you everywhere Jerormy but Rattlesnake was excellent. I fly for Deadalus International Cargo runs up North, working tent side on my day off so escaping while I can. Even though I did snag a really soft hoody so not the worst outcome." a little more cheerful and a smile, flirting was not overly, just more freindly than flirt. Well hopefully! Coming across upper class English, hiding her background was rather difficult to say the least.

Making the most of her break from work, the food was excellent, she had not managed to walk into another couple in a date. She did not need any more awkward, really between coffee and bumping into the same pink haired lady, it definitely was ernough for a day. Bath, feet up, book and wine... Urgh. Now she just wanted to go home... She could see home. That really sucked.

@Rabidporcupine

---

Lilith shook her head and gave Aria another kiss on the cheek. "You'll tell me- when it feels right for you." She took Aria's hand and began to lead her out of the food festival. Aria seemed to have some unsolved issues, but like, who didn't? Lilith had plenty of her own, so she understood Aria's eagerness and ultimate effort to want to tell Lilith about them. If she were in the other girl's shoes, she would have done the same. But as a wise person said, "everything takes time." Or something like that. Aria wanted to tell Lilith and the thought is what mattered. Besides, Lilith herself wanted to tell her a few other things that would be best reserved for an already established relationship.

"Oh! You don't have the app? Don't worry! I got this one then." Lilith turned on her phone on, showing off a picture of herself and another woman in platinum blonde hair and bright red lipstick. In the picture, both women seemed to be on a beach while holding up coconuts with little straw umbrellas. "As I said, don't worry about it. I should have driven here but I thought they would have some cheap beer. These festivals always overcharge for alcohol." Lilith rolled her eyes just as she opened the app, and then someone bumped into her.

"Hey! Watch it buddy- oh! The cute girl from the coffee shop." Lilith had turned around to look at the blondie, her grimace turning into a grin. Lilith was ready to kick off her heels and throw hands if needed, but as it turned out, it was the girl from the morning. A pleasant surprise. Or something like that. "Nice seeing you? Or not? She had blinked as she watched the shorter girl practically run away. Was she usually this awkward? It was cute, so Lilith shrugged it off and turned her attention back to Aria. The uber! Right!

"Here, just write down your address." She let Aria have her phone while she rubbed her hands together for some warmth. Since they had left the smoking area she had gotten a bit colder and was just trying to keep her hands warm for now. How Lilith hoped that Aria had some heating in her place- or if she would let her borrow something warm to wear. Oh, Lilith would definitely steal a hoodie from her. When Aria was done, she smiled at her and took her phone back to order the Uber. "Two minutes away! Not bad. We should walk to the designated pick-up area to make it easier for the guy." She hooked her arm around Aria with a small smile and led the way down the small path to the reserved area in the parking lot.

Judgement Day

Bruno was well pleased with the proceedings. At his whim, Sol City’s festival management had assembled the kitchens and created an even playing field for both of his competitors. It was an impressive feat for an extremely short notice. However, he wasn’t going to tell them he was impressed. He liked for them to be on edge. The podium area that had originally been intended for the winners of the traditional contest had been arranged into his table for passing judgment on the cook off. Rather than sitting, he stood watching, arms crossed, not even a hint of a smile watching Ryan and Charles work and observing the various habits and styles in their preparations. Seated next to him were his just as hastily appointed co-judges: Rita, from the Star Messenger gossip column, who proudly explained how she had once been a food critic for the city paper among other things. Bruno had no interest in her opinion. He just thought she was cute. He had naturally awarded himself full veto power over all other judging. Finally, next to Rita was Joel, who didn’t know anything about cooking, at all.

Rita was babbling on about something and Joel wasn’t paying particular attention to any of it. The last time he’d spoken to her, she’d ran some column that portrayed him as a bit of a player between Siobhan and Marlin. Admittedly, it wasn’t all untrue, but she had managed to put enough of her characteristic twist on it that Joel wished he hadn’t done the interview. He yawned and glance down at the table where his phone sat in front of him. Rebellion’s Press Manager, an Italian in her mid-fifties had told him to try not to look at it too much, if at all. The eyes of the city would be on him again and she didn’t want him to appear uninterested. She sat in the front row watching him like a hawk. Throughout the hour he would occasionally lean his elbows on the table and try to make sense of what was going on in the kitchens below. The idea of a cook-off had been a huge hit though. The area was filling up with people and as the clock ticked away, the crowd grew larger with anticipation.

When the submissions came up, there was no doubt that Bruno was in his element. Ryan was first up, followed by Charles. He tasted both and the dishes were divided down the line by the event staff. They both tasted good to Joel and he happily dug in, giving props to Charles for at least bringing the booze. If nothing else, they were gonna party tonight. Bruno had said he was going to personally cook for the Rebellion Team and the engineers from Porsche, after that Joel didn’t care where they ended up. It had been far too long since indulging in and old fashioned drunk-a-thon. He glanced over at Sio with a smirk. They didn’t have anywhere to be on Sunday. Still considering the multitude of possibilities in the holy realm of unplanned parties, he looked down the table, past Rita who was still talking, toward Bruno who seemed to be in a bit of contemplation. One of the staff whispered something to him and he gave a firm nod of affirmation. The decision was made and the assembled crowd quieted for the announcement. Joel looked around. People were literally crowded everywhere. Standing on tables, looking out from the various market tents and generally trying to get a view wherever possible. He was genuinely surprised and hadn’t seen so many people turn out in Sol City since the Grand Prix.

The same timid staffer from the City Parks Department approached the podium with an envelope in hand. Clearly nervous at the size of the crowd, he glanced back to find Bruno staring back at him with a glare of impatience. The German pointed forcefully towards the microphone.

Clearing his throat the man tapped the microphone sending a muffled thump-thump over the assembled speakers followed by a brief hum of feedback. He looked around at the faces awaiting the decision and at Ryan and Charles in particular before holding up a small envelope. “C-Citizens of Sol City, we have a decision… but before we reveal the name, our great leader, err, uhh…Judge, Chef Hinkelstein, wishes to express his regret that he can only name, but one Champion-”

“C’mon! This is bullshit! Get on with it!” Bruno barked from the judging table. Someone had smartly turned his mic off. The mayor and the other assembled city officials on the stage looked mortified.

“Okay, without further delay then,” He opened the small envelope and read the name before looking back up. “The Cooking Champion of this year’s Sol City Market Festival is…”

Food baby. Great food baby. Too much food baby. You have a food baby. You're not the only one.

Over did it? Ate so much you feel like you put on ten pounds and need pregnancy pants to feel comfortable with your late morning coffee?

Following on from the successful and widely popular Market Festival, the City is still lively as ever just feeling a few more calories heavier than normal. Remember to congratulate our winner Ryan Woods, the Asian Flavour Sensation of Sol on his victory in the Iron Cross... uhh Iron Chef Cook-off!

Enjoy a lazy Sunday in Sol City, walk off the half dozen deep fried Oreos you said you would never eat and relax or just spend some well earned time getting to know your duvet or cuddling your significant while watching the rain.

Please be clear with time and locations to avoid time conflicts with the other players

As always. Any questions or help required feel free to contact us in thread, PM or Discord. You could send a post owl, raven or the pony express but it might take a alittle longer.

---

Latest News


Criminal Celoapod claimed to be omen by Cluthu Cultists

In a strange turn of events, the local Cult of Cthulhu have been seen claiming Inky escapes as the work of their god and an omen of things to come. Believing Inky is the avatar of their god, they have declared a crusade against the salmons to protect Inky and in their eyes, bring upon Sol City the Avatar of Cthulhu to bless the land with his many tentacled appendages.

Speaking for the cult, Chief of appendages and general management, Miles Barcley who greeted me in full regalia at the Sol City Temple behind the Pit Nightclub. "The escape of Inky was a sign, a Holy sign that the times of Cthulhu and his many tentacled glory approach. To the Salmons we say this, Inky shall complete his mission with our help, a crusade we declare against the hunters of our god's messenger. So be the will of Cthulhu... Our Holy cause to locate the most holy sunken city of R'lyeh will be achieved."

This reporter declined their offer of a fried shrimp barbecue afternoon, much as they seem polite, the cult of the old god's is a little unusual even for our varied and multicultural city. No formal comment was given by the Salmons but they seemed to merely grunt and claim that they faced worse than, "Jumped up Tentacle worshiping twats in robes. It's 2019, not 1019."

For nyone interested in the old gods, or just learning more about our City's more eccentric residents, can visit Chlu-Con going on next Sunday afternoon, with free literature and taster sessions available. Please arrive early as spaces are limited.

_{Lionel Lovecraft the 9th
Oddities and curiosities desk
Star messenger}

WEATHER
Spring showers are here, expect rain and drizzle over the course of the day. Warmer air temperatures will bring passing thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain to the area.

Pack an umbrella, jacket or find a handy spot to shelter and smell the fresh rain smell as you enjoy another Sol Sunday.

For a more detailed and up to date report on the go, download our app, SOL CITY WEATHER 24/7 on most popular app stores.

Flying, Fencing and random encounters

Victoria (Sol City Airport)
Victoria's Sunday began earlier that she would have liked however the reasons where a fairly good one. The food festival had been a fun trip plus the chef she knew had won so that made things better. Dropping a congratulations onto the restaurants page she knew it would probably be never seen but hey, it was a well earned victory and she appreciated the hard work it took to get somewhere, well at times. She was by no means perfect. @KillBox

"So glad when I can have real coffee again... Yay for being a numpty" grumbling to self, Victoria mornings where not exactly ideal at times right now nibbling on some crackers to calm her stomach and a bit of toast. Marlin was still asleep after Saturday she saw her vanish upstairs, say something about a bath and not wanting to escape people after dealing with public for hours on end. The bottle of wine she grabbed from fridge was not a bad one though, urgh she had wanted that one, Italian white... Really smooth. Eventually...

A beep of a phone told her she would need to find proper clothes and not just an old t shirt she chucked on and some worn in to point of being unsuitable outside UGG boots to walk down to the kitchen to keep feet warm. Comfey. Nope. Possessing no real drive to dress up too much that morning finding some simple black leggings, T shirt with "Best things come in small packages" combined with a shorter tartan skirt in pink, pale blue and white tartan randomly acquired and a hoodie from the St Petersburg ice hockey team, a little worn but warm, comfey and no one would look twice at her at the airport. Isosef was off on some other business for the house so she just grabbed her trainers, though losing her folding cane she had to take the royal blue snowflake one this morning. She did not want someone to question her choice of taking a sword cane to an airport but she was only going to be greeting and picking up.

A quick message on whats app to confirm they where on time, Victoria quickly as she could in present state grabbed her handbag and made her way down to the garage and headed out before the city traffic got really really bad for the Sol City International just on the outside of the city. The long flat and mostly clear freeway meant Victoria could finally put the 6 litre engine to use cruising past the lorries and slower trucks headed to collect or unload their cargo among the regular fuel trucks that helped feed the airport's ceaseless demands to keep its planes in the air.

---

Reaching the airport was surprising easy at this time of day though the parking seemed to be aimed at gouging your bank account like you where the king of a middle East oil rich nation. She only was there to collect and go in less than an hour to get there was very little change from a 20 dollar bill. Paying begrudgingly as she had no intention of parking her new Gleaming Bentley on the curb or on a side road. No way this side of declaring her love for Paige and Siobhan publicly in centre point. Fuck no.

Reaching the exit terminal leaning on her cane as there was very little seating, the Raven haired woman played with her phone abit on a silly app making herself look like an elf not quite noticing the taller blonde haired man approaching with a suitcase before a familiar voice tore her from her limit up some ears. "Milady De winter, I hope you are here for his eminence. Hey Vika, told you on time" British, though she had a more complicated relationship with her friend and former on off lover while she lived in Russia and abit in England though they remained strong friends despite it all somehow. They did not even know. "Of course your eminence, our carriage awaits. Charles! Im impatient. No buts. We have a spare at the manor. Friends do not make friends pay to visit" giving him a careful hug, despite being quite abit taller than her by a foot or so, the rather petite and light form of Victoria could also be rather strong as she held on while being lifted up abit. "I know. Your look so much happier and healthier than when we last met. Well the two of you now. Ok, I give. I know that look. But alas I must greet you properly." Victoria really could be stubborn to a fault, loyal but stubborn. Teasing her a bit as letting her down gently and kissing her hand before looping an arm to give her some protection from the flowing crowds who where streaming out of the airport. Charles she trusted, of all the people outside her family. She did not trust many, he was one of them.

Reaching the rather samey concerete car park, it did not take long to find the dark purple Bentley parked in a marked bay. It was not exactly a Prius, it was a rather expensive and hard to miss bit of internal combustion powered metal. "Told you. Plenty of room in the boot, we can go by drive through if you want coffee. Parking here is an utter rip off. And no, no own takes the Cluthu Cultists too seriously. But they are meant to serve great seafood..."

---

Marinalia (Luna Sports Centre)
Marinalia breathed harder as she deflected the opponent and rapidly moved before countering and narrowly missing as her opponent who made a small side step out of her thrusts path before countering as she over extended and felt the sabre hit her upper arm and shoulder. "Point and match to Mr Constantine" Came the call from the who was overseeing the class, he had been taller and had more reach though the quick and fitter Marinalia had managed to hold him to least respectable loss. She had really missed this as she pulled off her mask and loosened the pony tail that she had tied her hair into while she fencing and gave it a shake to free it up. "Good match, thankyou. I'm definitely coming again" The older man had a wedding ring even of she was after that, he just was a good opponent and rather polite, greeted by a rather attractive younger red head about her age with bright green eyes. "You too Marinalia, excuse me, I owe Holly here lunch"

The woman did give her a minor glare, wearing a rather tight mix of yoga pants, sports top and trainers though she had all the padding and protective gear on as per the norm. So not really see anything too interesting very easily until the class was ending watching people filed past the glass walls of the rather modern sports centre.

Sat in the changing room after a quick shower and touching up her make-up, Saturday evening had been rather empty, a long soak to rest her weary feet and a glass of wine and a book that did not last long as planned, a rather sleepy Marlin never really got dressed and just climbed into bed before calling Xia goodnight and falling asleep almost instantly.

Victoria left early to pick up her friend so it was a quiet morning before her fencing class, having done it last a good while ago Marlin was rusty but happy with the exercise and fact not entirely lost uselessly. Pulling on a light track jacket with "Olympus Heavy Industries" and a large white logo of a man and a cog on the pale blue and custom lettering "M.R.O" below in silver flowing script. Her desire not to wear anything uniformly and with the warmer almost spring weather had caused her to drag out something a little different and more comfortable than the rather tailored uniforms all the time. It was random for her but Marlin just wanted to escape her norm a little and it seemed a way to do it.



Putting the small and mirror and lipstick away in her hand bag, dredging her phone out the bottom where it always ended up when she needed it finding a pic on whatsapp from her sister. A selfie of her and Charles with Sol bucks coffees. Cute, she really needed support with everything going on and by all accounts he had been good to her before. The following message made her sigh, Victoria had taken to teasing her about photoshopping her name badge Lady Marinalia R O Alexander. She had only known her 3 months or so! She never had formerly taken up said titles, just because Maria married finally did not mean she had to take it.

Leaving the stadium Marinalia made her regular stop at the smoothie bar, it had become a firm favourite of hers, queuing up she did not notice the pink haired lady while Marinalia was smoothing out a crumple in her skirt she got the hem caught on a passing chair so used to wearing figure hugging items recently it took a little adaption to fully get used to the looser style. Hey, umm. One energising smoothie with extra Mango and pineapple and ... One starburst breakfast bar please. Yes I have a loyalty card, no I don't want the special and yes I'm already a member. I've been here a few times. Though Cluthu Cultests are a new thing, this is a really strange city... coming across rather happy after her successful mornings workout with a small chime like tone to her upper class British accent.
@Pyxis

Mount Atlas & The Coffee Pot

---

"Gods, I just LOVE this town!"

Out on the horizon, the sun was just starting to rise casting the forest in an ethereal glow. The sky was a canvas of watercolors, painted in blurred hues of magenta, violet, and orange.
Sage was lying on her back, a worn patch-quilt beneath her cushioning the hard ground. When outdoors one of her favorite pastimes was to lay and watch the trees dance with the wind. To just listen to the sounds of the twittering birds and babbling brook nearby and zone out. It was one of the few times her mind was put at ease, almost in a meditative trance.
The sound of her twins' exclamation brought her back to reality. Aggressively slamming her back from the tranquil space in her head. With an annoyed grunt, she craned her neck to get a good look at the source of the disturbance. Atlas stood just a few feet from her, his gaze set out on the horizon and onto the silhouette of the town below.

Today he was wearing his usual black fitted jeans, combat boots, and a purple buttoned collar. Dagaz, one of the Nordic runes depicting the "Dawn" or "Day" hung around his neck. To put it mildly, it was a symbol of destiny, of growth. The stylish shirt he wore, no doubt made of fine material, was hidden under a rather comfy looking pleather trench coat. Sage would kill him if the garment were made of animal hide. His snow-white hair that shone silver in the sunlight was down and shaggy, except for the two barrettes keeping his bangs at the top of his head. The sight of his hairstyle made Sage smirk as she thought of Rin Okumura from Blue Exorcist. Specifically, the scene where the protagonist had his hair up to beat the summer heat. All while eating a popsicle.

Snapping out of her thoughts she reminded herself that the hairpins were to keep her brother's hair up while he worked...
Work... Oh shit.
Atlas' arms were outstretched above his head as if in a cheer. He twirled around gracefully and with such glee that you had to wonder if he himself was starring in an anime.

"I mean, just think about it Sage! They named a freakin' mountain after me~!" He continued to twirl as if in slow motion, only to stop and wrap his arms around his torso effectively hugging himself. Almost as if to congratulate the fact that he was an such an awesome human being.

Sage smirked a tired, yet knowing, smile and glanced down at her phone. The time read just after seven in the morning.
Yup, time to get going..

At around five this morning her brother had barged into her room and had woken her up with another one of his impulsive spur-of-the-moment ideas. Before working at The Coffee Pot he wanted to go to the nature preserve just outside of town and have a picnic. His winning argument to have "breakfast under the dawn".
"We MUST carpe diem Sage!" He shouted as he nudged her blanket burrito form.
"Seize. The. Day."
It was times like this that caused Sage to grow tired of her brother's dramatic flair. But if she had to be honest... it did get her out of the house and living life. The life that she dreaded to be apart of.
If it wasnt for her love of nature and her sibling, the redhead would have simply thrown her alarm clock at his face and rolled over.

"Atlas..." Sage groaned while pinching the bridge of her nose where a headache began to form.
"Atlas you do realize that they had named that mountain BEFORE we came to live here?" Her eyes narrowed as she looked up at him with a point blank expression. One specifically reserved for him and his times of narcissism.

Her brother frowned and after a beat, shrugged his shoulders.
"Well it IS a perfectly good name. Maybe they had a psychic on hand. You know... one who foretold my presence."
He gestured grandly at nothing while his sister rolled her eyes.

"Sure..." Sage spit out. Knowing where this conversation was headed (absolutely nowhere), she decided to let it go.
Reminding herself of the time, she sat up.
"We gotta go Attie. Your shift starts in an hour and it will take half that to make the drive back to town." As she mumbled she began putting all the finished plates, cups, and silverware back into the wicker basket they had brought with them. Before folding the blanket, Sage tore apart the leftovers they had and spread it throughout the surrounding area. An old habit in order to spoil the wildlife that inhabited these woods.

Without looking back she picked up their belongings and started making her way towards their parked car. The vehicle belonged to Atlas. His newly restored black 1967 Chevy Impala had definitely been his most prized possession. When they lived with their aunt and before they ran away, he had used the family money to purchase it. Without the car they would have never made it on their own. In fact, there were a few nights where they had to sleep in it.

"Ah Sage..." Atlas cooed as he practically danced after her, jingling his keys all the while.
"Where would I be if I didn't have you by my side?"

She placed the basket in the back seat and closed the door. Before climbing into the passenger side of the car she met her brothers gaze with a sarcastic smile of her own.
"My guess is homeless and living in a ditch." She chuckled without missing a beat.
"Now come on, you are going to be late for your shift."

As they climbed in a roaring thunder boomed surprising the two. Sage looked up to see the sunrise replaced by angry-looking clouds that began to roll in. A second boom sounded and suddenly the rain began to pour blurring the scenery outside.

"Looks like we left just in time."

---

After a 30 minute car ride the two had arrived in Sol City. Specifically at The Coffee Pot where Atlas worked as one of the baristas. It was only part-time but due to his charm, the tips he received more than made up for the lack of hours.
The siblings parted ways.
Sage made her way towards a table in the far corner of the store. One out of the way where she hoped to disappear as she worked. She placed her olive green canvas messenger bag on the table. The bag was covered with various patches and doodles, obviously worn and had seen many years. In it was her laptop, sketchbook, a few pencils, and her trusty eraser.

Before sitting down with her back to the wall, she took off her purple hoodie, pulling the fabric over her head. Today she wore more casual attire. Converse high tops that she always seemed to wear. Her favorite pair of blue jeans, bell-bottoms, had a few tears at the knees along with paint splatters from past creations. Under her hoodie had been a black tanktop revealing the few tattooed runes she had across her skin. One of which was on the right side of her neck just under her ear. The rune Wynn, an ancient symbol depicting joy and harmony. On top of her head, her scarlet hair was wrapped into a messy bun causing a few loose tendrils to frame her face.
After draping her hoodie along the back of her chair she finally sat down and opened her laptop.

Atlas walked toward the back of the store unseen by customers. He shrugged off his jacket and hung it on one of the many hooks provided for employees' belongings. He rolled his sleeves up to his elbows exposing the many bracelets and rings accenting his beauty. After adorning his nametag and tying on an apron the company provided, he emerged from the back and clocked in. Right away he began making his sister's favorite caffeinated drink, a peppermint mocha with extra whip cream and sprinkles.
After placing the finishing touches on her beverage, he gracefully brought the saucer over to her table.

"Made with love." He winked as he set the mug down.
Sage smiled warmly as he turned and walked back toward the counter.

It was while she took her first tentative sip that she remembered why she came here in the first place.
Free coffee was worth a trip out of the house.

Behind the counter, Atlas began prepping for the day ahead of him. Around 3 a.m. a baker comes into the cafe and freshly bakes all of the delicacies the store offers to its patrons. Bagels, breads, scones, cakes, cookies, you name it, The Coffee Pot probably has it. The baker always leaves before the store opens so Atlas had never met them in person. He likes to refer to the nameless entity as a magical being who produces fantastically tasting sweets overnight. Employees had first dibs on the leftovers at the end of the day and the rest went to local charities and homeless shelters. A wonderful concept according to Atlas, having had to rely on soup kitchens in the past.

Carefully he arranged the pastries and other baked goods in a presentable manner. One of which effectively displayed the items they had for sale all while making them look extra delicious. Almost a work of art in its own way.
The door to the store opened ringing the bell that hung from its entrance.
Without looking up from what he was doing Atlas gave a half-wave of his hand.

"Good morning! I will be right with you."

>>I should really take a trip somewhere...<<
>>All interactions welcome. @SamaraJayne96<<

Well. There is that. The food festival is over. Sure, he won, but it didn't mean a whole lot to him. He wasn't in it for the accolades. He was just there to do what he does best, and that is to cook. Sure, having the main ingredient chosen for him was a refreshing take to how he usually works. But, it was business as usual. He had his two most trusted staff members with him, and he had free reign to any and all other ingredients available to him. It was hard for him to not get creative and use his skills as best he can.

In any case, Ryan was out on his customary morning drive. This time, driving a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429. "I should talk with Nicolosi about this... Something doesn't feel right. I wonder if he knows a thing or two about muscle cars though..." Ryan thought to himself as he stepped on the gas, pushing his vehicle through the winding curves of Mt. Atlas.

As he was ascending the mountain, a '67 Impala drove past him, descending the mountain. "Hm. Nice." Ryan thought to himself, allowing himself a moment of lapse in concentration as he thought about the car. "I wonder who was driving it... I want some coffee..."
Reaching the top, Ryan found a good spot to park and admire the morning sun. The warm rays were soon covered by grey clouds. A distant boom could be heard. Ryan let out a soft sigh as he retreats back into his car, content to watch the rain fall for the time being...

A short while later, Ryan checked the passenger seat absentmindedly, basically patting it down to feel for his iPad and its pencil tool. Checking his phone for messages, he peers at the backlit screen and softly tossed his phone onto the empty passenger seat. Starting his car, the phone's bluetooth took a moment to connect, playing this song. Turning the volume up louder, he switched the car into reverse, slammed on the gas pedal hard, causing the rear wheels of the car to spin in place before gripping the earth under it and jerking the car into a backwards motion. Once Ryan was out of his parking space, Ryan shifting into drive, turned his wheel hard to his right and slammed on the gas pedal once more, causing the car's rear wheels to once again spin in place before throwing the car into a violent right hand turn, fishtailing its rear in an arc as Ryan pulled back on to the pavement and started his descent.

Following the smooth curves of the road, Ryan made his way down back into the city swiftly. Deciding to tackle some of his day's work in a coffee shop, he made his way to The Coffee Pot. As far as coffee shops go, one can't go wrong with The Coffee Pot. And a good cuppa in the morning goes a long way. Letting his car come to a stop outside the coffee shop, he exits his vehicle and enters the shop. The bell hung on the door chimed softly as he made his way to the counter, waiting for the barista to acknowledge him. As he is waiting he looked around the shop, noticing a girl with red hair. If she looks up and notices him, he would give her a soft nod and a smile. If she doesn't, his gaze would simply move on to the decor of the place.

Overall, the food festival had been a success in Lilith's part. The date with Aria had gone extremely well with them ending up in Aria's apartment. Aria had shown her some of her instruments and such while they drank- in the end both of them ended up drunk. Lilith had spent the night over and it was the first time she had shared a bed with someone else in weeks without having sex. So it had been nice to wake up to Aria's adorable sleeping face in the morning.

Lilith did have to leave early to keep her strict work out schedule, so after cooking a nice breakfast for Aria and leaving a note saying "You look adorable when you, sleep and that bedhead is to die for. I hope you like pancakes with strawberries. I'll text you later <3" While their night had been nice, there had been a moment that Lilith had to do some explaining. She didn't mind it. Lilith was the kind of person to not be ashamed of who she was. So when Aria asked who t, he woman on her phone was she simply explained and showed her more pictures. The woman was her best friend, Ruby. The same Ruby who was apparently now dating some rich dude and she wasn't going to be working with Lilith anymore. She had gone on a rant about it that lasted their Uber trip to Aria's place. Lilith only shut up about it when Aria offered a beer.

After that, both women ended up drinking a little bit too much. At least not too much to stop Lilith from getting an Uber back home and getting ready for her workout in the Luna Center. After getting an Uber back ho, me to pick up her clothes she drove down to the sports center to begin her regular work out. Forty minutes on the treadmill, thirty on the stairs, ten on the wights and other thirty working her butt. Her butt was her moneymaker, other than the sick moves she could do on the pole- but she had to burn everything she had eaten the day before. And the beer.

After a quick shower and changing from her usual yoga pants and sports bras to pair of gray sweat pants, a black bralet, and a green fluffy sweater to keep her warm she headed to her favorite smoothie bar. Like she did usually, Lilith ordered a large green smoothie along with a breakfast sandwich and a fruit salad. But unlike she usually did, this time Lilith decided to eat at the place instead of heading back home to eat. Instead, she took a seat by one of the comfy chairs by the window to eat.

The sky outside was gloomy and a dark gray, Lilith's not so favorite kind of weather. She preferred the sun and the warmth than the rain and cold air. Though, she did have to admit that it was the perfect cuddling weather. Maybe she could head back to Aria's place and demand some cuddles.

By the way, Lilith still had to text her.



Lilith made sure to add a cute bunny emoji before hitting send and putting her phone away. She looked around the place then looked back out the window. That's when she saw that one British girl from the day before. She double back to look at her and squinted her eyes.

"Hey! You! British chick!" she waved down the girl with a grin and her smoothie in her hand. "Come sit with her." She ignored all of the weird looks she got from the other customers. Lilith was happy to see a familiar face and while she waited for the girl she would get some time to, remember her name.

"Mar... Mari. Mary? No." Lilith rubbed her chin as she slurped on her smoothie. "Marmaduke? Nah that's a dog. Marinalia. Yeah, that sounds British enough."

Joel Nicolosi

Eyes blinked open. The room was dark though gray hints of sunlight obscured by thick cloud traced around the border of heavy curtains. What sounded like a rumble of thunder rolled in the distance, but he wasn’t sure what direction he was facing. As his eyes strained to find focus, he could make out the shape of furniture throughout the room. It was a big room and smelled of lavender, vanilla and... coffee. A particular coffee that he was particularly well acquainted. He turned his head slightly seeing the outline of a feminine figure sleeping next to him rolled up in sheets and a comforter that felt like vapor from some Himalayan mountain village condensed into a fine linen set. He rolled his head back to look straight up at the ceiling. There was some sort of vaulted design to it that he couldn’t quite make out in his groggy mind as an old, but strangely familiar feeling crept into the whole of his skull: a hangover.

He groaned and rubbed his eyes with one hand which only seemed to intensify the feeling. With his regular tolerance, he could not remember the last time he even felt hungover, but the memories began to manifest slowly: They had left the park later in the evening. Bruno, true to his word wanted to cook for everyone. The city had reserved the Matthews Suite for him, the most luxurious room in the downtown Ritz and likely the most decadent suite available in the city. The German would accept nothing less. Joel couldn’t remember what he cooked other than it was some of the best food he ever tasted. The haughty chef had every ability to back up his scathing critiques. Somewhere along the line, the liquor came out and then the beer and a challenge was issued to the the Rebellion team- to which Joel’s formidable drinking abilities were revealed. However, Bruno and the other Germans from Porsche would not be denied. All of the alcohol in the suite was wiped out in the first hour.

More alcohol was summoned promptly.

They went and got more alcohol.

Shot for shot.

Beer for beer.

Das boot was brought out.

They couldn’t put him down.

Joel grinned through his aching head in the dark.

It went on for hours.

The suite became full of people and the power of the unplanned party exponentially grew as the music level increased like some Berlin rave club at 2am. The festivities spilled out into the hallway where a race on the luggage carts was hastily organized. As the main driver, it was Joel’s duty to pilot the Rebellion cart. Even though Bruno was by far the heaviest, he insisted on “driving” for Germany. He sat down in the low cart, knees folded at an angle to get onboard with a fine silver serving tray in his hands as a steering wheel. “Look at me! Fucking rally driver!” He howled and was handed a beer mug that he promptly downed without hesitation. “I sell fucking energy drinks! My name is Joel!” He turned the tray in his hands rapidly mimicking a steering wheel.

Joel placed one finger horizontally beneath his nose and offered a salute before mockingly goose stepping over to his cart.

“Oh, you motherfucker!” He heard Bruno guffaw. The hallway had become crowded with people on both sides howling with laughter.

Laying there in silence with his mind still mostly in a haze, Joel still couldn't remember all of the details, but that the race didn’t go far beyond the first bend in the hallway where Bruno’s cart promptly overturned along with its heavily intoxicated pushing crew crashing into the Rebellion effort in an obscenely shameful display of humanity- He hadn’t had so much fun in a long time.

@Almalthia