A Sudden Shut-In

[straykitty]

After returning from the impromptu raid she had organized, Renne Bright has locked herself in her room. It's only been a few days, and she's been sending for food so she is eating, but she hasn't really been present. If you try to contact her on the Ether-net, you'll be greeted by her "Kitty-bot" who will provide automatic responses for her. It's a neat bit of technology, and reasonably good at giving appropriate information, but it's definitely not passing things along to Renne, so far as anyone can tell.

If folks are concerned, however, they might be able to check on her. She's been briefly answering her door for food, after all.

Comments

[straykitty]

Renne listens to Shu's pondering with a bit of amusement.

"You're quite an accomplished chef. I don't think I know anyone who has studied food preparation to such a degree."

[singlemilletgrain]

Shu shakes her head slightly.

"I am just a farmer. I know the best produce and meat when I see it - and I have had many winters to innovate on the best methods of preparing my harvest and farm goods. In truth, I have never studied at all." She has a beaming smile of a proud sibling when she looks up. "You want my youngest brother. He is the most accomplished chef in all of Yan -- I am, of course, unbiased. My offerings are like swine slop when placed side-by-side with his."

"But in truth, farming is about community. I find that sharing food can cut the tension between any conflict - or break the ice on any emotional turmoil. Even if only momentarily, such a thing is a gift to be treasured."

[straykitty]

"If you call this 'swine slop' I can hardly imagine what your brother's cooking must be like. Your food feels as if it has been honed and mastered over many, many years. For us Corsairs who must fight for scraps and for our own survival, I can't say anything compares."

She smiles a bit distantly.

"When I'm able to be with them, my siblings like me to take my meals with them. I suppose it's that 'community' at work, but I do enjoy it."

[singlemilletgrain]

"It is quite divine."

She responds simply.

"And yes, yes - that is what I mean. When two or more dine together, it is a time for problems to be set aside or resolved. All seems more surmountable when you have the company of others around you. The loneliest time is when the table is empty and the chatter has died - but even then, as one washes up the remnants of the meal, the lingering sentiment of community remains. It is difficult to put into words the true measure of this concept. So it is that the laws that govern hospitality are so revered the world over.

"Perhaps more simply, when we share our food together, we have shared our souls."

[straykitty]

"Those of us who have them, anyway."

Her smile is wry, but certainly self-deprecating.

[singlemilletgrain]

"Ah? I had thought the problem was the installation of an extra, unwanted soul... Indeed, then you would have twice as much to share."

Shu blinks innocently.

[straykitty]

"Well, four, really, five if you count the allegations I possess one myself." Renne's tone is breezy but she doesn't necessarily appear to be joking.

[singlemilletgrain]

"That is perhaps too much soul to share."

Shu ponders thoughtfully.

"It would take multiple meals to cover that much ground. I imagine that means we will have to eat together again."

Renne gets more meat ladled into her bowl.

[straykitty]

This actually manages to elicit a full laugh from Renne.

"Oh my, I suppose it might. This body alone, however, can only take so much."

[singlemilletgrain]

“I will portion the rest into containers for future meals when you are full.”

Shu assures.

“I’ll stir fry some vegetables before I go. Takeout meals are often low in fiber.”

[straykitty]

Renne chuckles softly. "I am grateful, but really you needn't go through the trouble. I am not ENTIRELY incapable of caring for myself."

[singlemilletgrain]

"How many days has it been since you've eaten a fresh meal?"

Shu will not need a response to that question, since she has already set her bowl aside to start chopping more vegetables.

[straykitty]

"Certainly not enough to endanger my personal health. These things pass with a bit of time."

[singlemilletgrain]

"Your stool will not if you do not eat more fiber."

Yes she said that.

"Toxin build up in the colon is ripe for causing inflammatory disease. You may retire to your room if you wish. I will only be a bit longer."

Read: she will be here cooking for another two hours.