|
Post by Artilrian Barae on May 28, 2017 15:40:26 GMT
Now that they were finally alone Artil could drop the facade, which revealed his uncertainty about the whole thing. "Okay, what do you think you're doing?" he asked her with a stern voice, "i don't get it. You show up out of nowhere and act as if we just saw each other yesterday. What did you suspect was going to happen?"
He fell silent, it was clear that he wasn't pleased with the situation. However, just make sure there wasn't any misunderstandings, he quickly decided to clarify what had ticked him off. "Look, i won't deny that it is nice to see you again and i find it very charming that you suggested we should eat together, but going as far as to call it a date like that... is really pushing it. Wouldn't you agree?"
With that he settled down and awaited her response. He knew he might just have ruined the mood but it would be worth it for the explanation. If not, then maybe he could actually calm down and enjoy this after all.
|
|
|
Post by Ryder on May 28, 2017 16:02:48 GMT
Ryder’s bluish green eyes opened wide in surprise as she listened to Barstool get all serious and harsh with her. Hadn’t seen that one coming, that’s for sure. “If it’s not a date, then what else do you call two people going out for a private meal? I may have playfully implied that we were starting a relationship as a tease, but I never outright said we were a couple. It’s just a first date, it’s not uncommon that a pair might do half a dozen or more dates before deciding they want anything more than being friends…” Of course, it was also true that some pairs jumped into a formal agreement right away. Most certainly not what Ryder was after. She was twenty-six and starting to get old, thus becoming slightly marriage-minded, but she was in no hurry to make any decisions. Just having some fun and mooching off an old friend who… now that she had met him as a free woman… she had to admit he seemed a bit more interesting than the Barstool of old. “It’s just a first date, why so serious Ray?” OOC: Tags- Artilrian Barae
|
|
|
Post by Artilrian Barae on May 28, 2017 19:29:20 GMT
Her answer seemed to make the officer calm down, now he at least knew what this was. He wasn't against suspense or similar things... but there was a time and place for everything and this was not one for suspense.
"I see, i'm sorry for the stern voice but there is only so much i can take when it comes to this subject matter," he apologized when he saw how she reacted. She did have a point though, she never did call them a couple, he was just taken aback by it all, "i guess i just misunderstood it all then. I would have have thought this was just meant to be a opportunity for two old friends to talk about the past... which now that i think about it could be considered a date in a way. Dammit, i am the one at fault here, ain't i? Being wrong when the subject 'relationships' is brought up... yep, that's nothing new."
When she asked her own question he started to chuckle, he had clearly overreacted so he might as well try salvaging the mood to some extent. "What can i say, the word 'date' set me off. Heh, i guess i never left the duty-mindset when you pulled me away from my spot. Boy-scout 'till the end."
|
|
|
Post by Ryder on May 28, 2017 19:44:28 GMT
“Such a boyscout indeed” Ryder half-chuckled and half-giggled. Admittedly, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been in such a playful and casual mood as to experience a full giggle with all its girlish charm. “But….” she paused, flashing the man across the table from her a teasing smirk “... that’s not entirely a bad thing. Straightforward and honest are two traits I find indispensable in a man. Serious mind-games are one thing I don’t want in my life, although I don’t mind some playful teasing here and there.” “I forgive you for jumping to conclusions Ray, I can see how that serious nature of yours might not catch on to teasing all that easily. I hope you can handle a bit of it though, I take things seriously when necessary but I love to have a good time. As to two old friends reconnecting, of course that’s what we’re doing. Whether or not anything comes of it remains to be seen, but I am not opposed to any possibilities in this life. I’m already twenty-six years old and not getting any younger.” No sooner had Ryder finished speaking than the door opened and their hostess gracefully carried in a massive jade carafe carefully held in both hands and gently placed in the center of the table. By the looks of it, the thing easily held at least two gallons. She took the upturned cups from each of Ryder and Barae’s places on the table and flipped them upright before filling them with a beautiful greenish white fluid that smelled strongly of potent alcohol.
“Please enjoy your Jade Tide. I will return when your appetizers have finished.”
|
|
|
Post by Artilrian Barae on May 29, 2017 15:15:59 GMT
It would seem that the mood had been recovered and Artil found that when he just allowed himself to relax a bit, it wasn't that bad. Her giggle also made him smile, it was nice to know that she was at least enjoying, seeing as she was the one that suggested it. "I suppose you could say that. I mean, some would consider mind-games to be important for a soldier... but i consider it for those higher up. I am not among them," he answered with a smile, "i prefer to it to be straightforward and simple. Win or lose, do or die that sort of thing. Might sound a bit morbid, but it's the honest truth."
As she said he was forgiven he actually felt a weight off his shoulders. He was a police officer in the end and seeing others happy was something he enjoyed. "I can see what you mean, time waits for no one and it doesn't get easier over time either," he said slowly, "but yeah, you might be the one that has the more future-proof outlook on the world. And don't worry, i think i can handle a bit of teasing... i hope."
Next thing that happened was that the hostess reappeared with drinks prior to the starters. It smelled like it had some potent alcohol so he would need to be careful with the amounts consumed. "So... what have you been doing after you ran away?" he asked Ryder after the hostess had left them again, "you pretty much went off the radar."
|
|
|
Post by Ryder on May 30, 2017 18:59:19 GMT
“Not just off the radar…” Ryder smiled wryly, downing the Jade Tide from her glass in one gulp before continuing as she poured herself another “...Off the grid entirely. I took a backpack, a few basic tools and a copy of the current edition of ‘Practical Science’ and retreated into the wilderness to train myself as an ascetic. A whole year alone with little human contact hasn’t always been easy, but I feel I’ve gained a great deal from the experience.” Her wry smile turned gentle as she turned to meet Ray’s gaze and smile back at him, her bluish green eyes deep and profound. “It’s touching to hear that you were checking the radar for me though. I will confess you and the gang have occasionally crossed my mind since we went our separate ways into our own divisions. “Regarding your nature and preference for simplicity and openness over mind games- simple is good my friend. A simple nature lends itself to a clear path and a strong Heart. The cultivation of the Heart is every bit as critical as the cultivation of Ki or that of the fleshly body. Ray…” she paused, glancing down at empty glass in hand and then back to the carafe in the middle of the table, a look of wonder filling her expression. “You have got to try this stuff! It smells like the sort of swill you’d find sailors getting drunk on down by the docks, but it’s the smoothest hard drink I’ve ever had.” This drink shared the name of the Restaurant for a reason. In-fact, the Ascending Jade Tide had once gone by a different name prior to the introduction of this drink. With the roar of popularity of the Jade Tide, the Owners named their restaurant after their own product. It was an elegant flavor with the faintest traces of mint and lemon that masked the ‘bite’ of the liquor, a soft smooth tingle in the mouth and throat that erupted in a gentle flame in the belly. Downing her own glass for the second time, the woman leaned over the table… completely unintentionally exposing a bit more cleavage than usual as she grasped hold of Barae’s mug and lifted it towards his lips. One or two minutes after she attempted to hand-feed Barstool the booze, the door slid open gently as their hostess led an assistant into the room carrying three deep saucer-like platters between them, each platter two feet in diameter. “Your appetizers have arrived. Phoenix Wings, Millenium Egg Salad and Deep Sea Shrimp Salad. Would you like any sauces or dressings?” The table almost seemed to sink as the hefty platters were laid down and a plate laid in front of each at the table. After the Phoenix Wings were laid down they were lifted again off of a secondary platter beneath to serve as a receptacle for bones. The ‘Phoenix Wings’ were large goose wings coated in a lush spicy sauce that radiated intensity. When one bit into them- however- the experience would be more gentle. A subtle heat that built slowly as one consumed the wings giving plenty of time to divert off into a different dish before it grew too intense for one’s sensibilities. The Millenium Egg Salad was an Egg Salad that shimmered a glossy jade green, filled with potatoes, eggs and leeks. Though you wouldn’t know it by looking, the egg of choice was duck. The deep sea shrimp salad had shredded pieces of massive deep sea prawns filled throughout a base of Red Leaf and Buttercup lettuce, laced with shredded Daikon Radish and lightly charred tiny shallots. “I could go for some Honey Mustard on the side. And you forgot my Mantou. Please bring it out as soon as you can." Turning back to Ray as their hostess bowed and departed, Ryder flashed him a smile with the slightest tinge of embarrassment regarding the sheer volume of food that all came from her order. "You can help me eat this if you like Ray, there's a bunch more food coming after this.” OOC: tags- Artilrian Barae
|
|
|
Post by Artilrian Barae on May 31, 2017 12:15:29 GMT
Artil nodded as she explained what she had been doing in her absence, living out in the wilderness and trained herself as an ascetic. "That is impressive, no doubt it will pay off in the end," he said once she had finished her story.
He felt a spot of happiness in his chest when she said that she hadn't forgotten the time they spent in the armed forces during training. "Well, i'm glad we made enough of an impression on you for you to remember. Though i would forgive you for not having done so. Truth be told, things have been very hectic these last few years. With the corruption of the Administrator and the failed SSE invasion... things has finally settled down. I can safely say that this is a good way to spend whatever peace time we have. Something tells me it isn't going to last."
The talk about ki had him paying some extra attention. He knew what it was about, how could he not? That being said, he had never endeavored to learn about it until after the invasion. So what she said was something he would make an effort to remember. "So... based on this, i guess you've look into this 'cultivation of ki' yourself as well, yeah?" he asked with a slight head-tilt, "never dived into it too much myself, but i've seen what i can do and nearly died to it. So i figured it was time i looked into it myself."
Her expression as she poured herself some more tide and urged him to try made him snicker. It seemed like she had just tasted the greatest thing in the world and with such enthusiasm behind what she said how could he refuse? "If you say so," he agreed and took a sip from his own cup. He fell silent for a moment, seemingly stunned that something could have such a disconnect between smell and taste. She was right, this was indeed amazing, "wow, talk about deceiving scent. It's great, i will give you that."
After a few minutes the appetizers arrived, granted there were likely enough to pass for a meal as it made the table sink a bit. It would also seems that Ryder had taken note of the sheer quantity of food based on how she smiled at him and offered to share it. "Heh, don't mind if i do, miss," he smiled back and went for some of the 'Phoenix Wings'. The surprising gentle taste was a pleasant surprise and combined with the subtle heat slowly building within him was a nice touch, "not bad, you certainly picked the right spot here."
|
|
|
Post by Ryder on May 31, 2017 20:23:51 GMT
There was nothing deceiving about the scent of the Jade Tide. The scent boldly and openly revealed the power of the alcohol within, whilst the wonderful concoction contained just the right balance of flavors to mask the ‘bite’ of the booze and please the palate. “You’re paying for it, make sure you get your share or you might lose the chance” Ryder teased, pouring herself a third glass as Barstool began to indulge in the Phoenix Wings. Without hesitation the woman slammed her third glass before immersing herself in the food. She half-filled her plate- itself a good fifteen inches in diameter- with Egg Salad and half with Shrimp Salad. Spoon in one hand she reached into the platter of Phoenix Wings with the other. Conscientious of her companion, Ryder’s table manners began elegant and refined… but slipped away a little more after each wing. By the time she had her fifth wing in hand she’d fallen completely into the feast, shredding the flesh off the bone with a single chomp and tossing the bone into bone platter. After the fifth wing the fire in her mouth and throat had reached Ryder’s limit, thus she smoothly transitioned to emptying her plate with a practiced polish that would surprise almost anyone. There was nothing graceful or elegant about the way she ate but it was highly efficient and clean. Her first batch complete Ryder poured herself another glass and topped off Barstool’s before slamming down her fourth, refilling her plate and beginning the cycle anew. She burned a LOT of calories the way she lived, she had to upkeep her womanly figure alongside her muscles after all. Or so one was likely to surmise, when the truth of the matter was that Ryder lived a simple life with a simple diet and rarely got the chance to partake of such a rich feast. By the time she finished the second cycle [and fifth glass of Jade Tide with it] the door slid open as the hostess reappeared with steamed mantou platter in one hand and something else in the other. “I’ve taken the liberty to include a complimentary Gyoza [pot stickers] platter to make up for your late Mantou.” As the woman placed the platters on the table she gazed at the level of depletion of the previous platters with feined shock before shaking her head and withdrawing. “The rest of your food should be ready within ten minutes, if you need anything more please let me know.” Hesitating a moment, the woman bowed and departed once more after receiving any additional requests Barae may have made. OOC: Tags- Artilrian Barae Comedic Reference Gif in the spoiler
|
|
|
Post by Artilrian Barae on Jun 1, 2017 16:22:46 GMT
By the time he reached his sixth wing he had to stop as well, the heat was too intense. Instead, he took another swig of the Jade Tide and then went for some of the other dishes. It was all very delicious, but kinda undermined when she said he was taking care of the bill. "Really now?" he asked her with a smile, "you inspect me to pay for it all? We will see about that when the time comes." He then went from smiling to snickering as he saw Ryder eating nice and elegant for a bit before she decided to throw manners to the wind and dug into the food with incredible efficiency. "Would you look at that?" he asked and stopped eating for a bit, "hah, you look like you haven't seen food for something like a week."
Once again the hostess showed up. It would apparently be something akin to ten minutes before the main course was ready. "Yeah, i too was a bit surprised," he chuckled as the hostess saw the clean plates, "we shared, let's just leave it at that."
As they were left alone again, Artil couldn't help but ask, "so, what does your new lifestyle involve?"
|
|
|
Post by Ryder on Jun 1, 2017 22:52:53 GMT
Ryder’s blue-green eyes sparkled with amusement as Barstool commented about who was paying for it all. Rather than comment immediately the woman had continued to enjoy her feast, holding her peace until after their hostess had departed and Barae asked her a question directly. Even then she finished her third plate and sixth glass of Jade Tide before lifting her gaze to meet his and answer all his questions in their entirety. “A number of things really. I’ve carved out a nice little homestead in the jungle…” she began, not yet ready to reveal exactly which jungle region she had made her home. Given the location of this city though, it was impossible to hide that it was in the Eastern Lands. “...I set up my hut in a clearing with a stream and I tend a very large garden there. Once a week or so I go on a hunt for large game, a hog or a deer, something to that effect. If I see a jungle fowl or other small game during my daily life I might harvest it, depending on the reserves in my larder. “Most of my days are spent in secluded meditation, seeking enlightenment and cultivating the Qi of heaven and earth. It’s a peaceful life, if a bit lonely.” She paused after answering the direct question, pouring and downing a seventh glass of Jade Tide before she continued, the faintest of rosiness just barely starting to blush onto her cheeks. “I can really pack it away can’t I” she giggled for the first time in a long time, beginning to loosen up a bit by way of the booze. “I’m not going to lie, I don’t get to eat like this on a daily basis. Oh there’s plenty of food and I eat my fill, but there’s a lot of greens and simply prepared starches and stews, nothing so rich and diverse. Most of my cooking is done either as a spit roast, grilled over an open flame, a leaf-wrapped soil oven or some form of stew in my big cast iron pot. My meat is rationed, since I’d rather not over-deplete the local resources.” Again she poured herself a glass and slammed it down, her eighth glass of green tide splashing into her gullet like gentle green fire. “As to payment…” she paused, pointing dramatically at him. “I gave you a chance to split the bill but Mr. Boyscout refused to play. You chose to accept the full bill.” Her speech complete, Ryder filled her plate a fourth time and once again tore into the wings. After five wings she reached into the Mantou bowl to grab one, smashed it into a scoop-shaped flat ball of cooked dough and scooped a bite of Egg Salad. Then another Mantou and a bite of Shrimp Salad, back and forth with great vigor until her plate was cleaned of salad. A large handful of Gyoza and she was back to the Jade Tide and thus the cycle continued to repeat itself. OOC: tags- Artilrian Barae
|
|
|
Post by Artilrian Barae on Jun 2, 2017 20:48:18 GMT
"Ah, so you've turned to the life of a hunter and gatherer," Artil nodded as Ryder finished her explanation, "i can respect that, i still remember the survival course during training. It seems like you took that, added a monk element, and cranked it up to eleven. Yeah, i can certainly respect that."
There was, however, one thing that was beginning to concern him and that was the amount of Jade Tide she had downed, as reflected by the rosy color starting to develop in her cheeks. He would agree that it was amazing as he took an other swig of his now full glass, but he wasn't prone to over-drinking, especially when he had said the station could just call if he was needed. "Uh... maybe you should try and cut back on the alcohol, just a little bit," he carefully suggested, having dealt with enough drunken people to know caution was a good idea, "you know, keep it reasonable."
For better or worse, the alcohol made her loosen up and she started describing how her normal menu was much more strict and mundane compared to this feast, which explained why she ate so much. After all, might as well enjoy it to its fullest if it was so rare. "Heh, i can see what you mean," he chuckled, "sounds like you're living off nothing but army rations everyday. Only then it would likely be worse, because at least you have the advantage of it being homegrown rather than factory-made. Although i shouldn't talk bad about it, it does it job well enough."
Then there was the argument of payment. "True... i did choose to value your privacy over my own wallet. Guess i have to uphold that part then. Oh well, i am used to live off canned food and rations. I can make due."
As she began another cycle of eating, Artil also began one, although he kept it slow and steady. However, he now had to admit that her capacity was beyond impressive. "Okay, i- i got to ask this question," he said while barely containing his laughter, "do you have an actual stomach or does the food just vanish into the ether when it reaches the would-be stomach?"
|
|
|
Post by Ryder on Jun 2, 2017 21:27:51 GMT
“Slow down? Why should I slow down? This stuff is REALLY GOOD! What about you? Have you even finished one glass? As to my diet, living off the land is hardly living off army rations. Hell the food I cook is probably better than half the restaurants in this city, since it’s all wild or homegrown.” In response to Barstool’s question regarding her stomach a sheepish smile appeared on Ryder’s face. She simply held that smile while she went about completing her fifth cycle. “You went into standard infantry if I remember right? Then you probably never had to go through extreme starvation training. Try a mobile infiltration challenge that lasts up to four weeks, you’re carrying one MRE and any time you light a fire there’s a high chance you’ll be discovered. You learn to pack away a lot of food, FAST.” Again she paused, completing her sixth cycle. “Of course my current lifestyle probably helps. I only eat once per day, leaves me with more time to do everything else. As to where my food goes… have you seen my body? This shape and these muscles don’t exactly hold themselves together, everything takes calories.” Once more she paused, completing a seventh cycle. “It probably doesn’t help that I’ve had a fast metabolism since I was a child. Maybe it was the forced military training from the time I could run, or maybe it’s just genetic. I’ve always been able to eat like horse. Make sure you grab what you want while you can, we’re getting close to the end of the appetizers. Another pause, and her eighth cycle went down the hatch. “Still laughing Ray?” she inquired, that extremely faint rosy blush from earlier now an actual modest bloom on her cheeks and nose. “You aren’t the first person to laugh at my eating patterns, you probably won’t be the last. But so long as you don’t hold it against me then we’ll be alright.” Once more she consumed Phoenix Wings, filled and cleaned her plate with Mantou scoops, downed a healthy handful of Gyoza and a slammed glass of Jade Tide. Nine full cycles… well… five full cycles and four partial cycles before the Gyza and matou arrived. “I’ll go ahead and stop here, I could probably go once more but I don’t want to spoil my appetite for the main course.” With that sheepish smile on her face once more Ryder reached down, gently lifting up on her blouse until she exposed a slightly swollen abdomen, not at all congruent with the volume of food consumed but certainly noticeable to one with an eye for detail. “This is where it all goes, until it gets processed dummy.” What she didn't reveal was that in her cultivation the woman had trained her body to process fiber first, incinerating it and assimilating the inherent energy as Ki. Second her body was conditioned to siphon off any excess moisture, leaving behind only enough to process the nutrients. That bulk in there was nothing more than the carbohydrates, proteins and fat she had consumed, condensed down with zero air gaps between. OOC: tags- Artilrian Barae
|
|
|
Post by Artilrian Barae on Jun 3, 2017 18:28:07 GMT
"As i said, rations would probably be worse," Artil repeated as Ryder explained the pros of the way she handled things and then proceeded to praise the Jade Tide, "i know, i know, the Jade Tide thing is amazing, but i would still recommend you keep it down. Everything in moderation they say, don't they?"
The trial she then described had him at a loss for words. He was trained as a standard infantry man and as such was only required to pass the basic survival course. What Ryder described sounded like some kind of punishment made up by a sadistic drill sergeant. "Alright, i will give you that one, that is very impressive. Even if it comes from your standard infantryman," he said and even took off his hat as a sign of respect, something he probably should have done when entering the establishment because of common decency, "i wouldn't survive that, i can tell you that much."
Another cycle down for her. That would be her sixth. She wasn't lying, it was clear where the food was going and what it was being used for. That in combination with a fast metabolism was sufficient to answer his question as to how she could eat so much and not show it. "Heh, with a body like that, i am quite inclined to agree, you're certainly a lucky one," he said while retaining his smile, not sure if it was going to be interpreted as a compliment. That was when he noticed the faint blush had turned into a modest bloom, it would appear the alcohol was getting a foothold in her, it would seem she wasn't going to take it in moderation... oh well, he wouldn't judge her on that, "of course i won't. I have seen others who dine in the same fashion and i might have done so myself under... unique circumstances."
After Ryder finished her ninth cycle the hostess and two assistants showed up. "Your main course is ready," she announced as the appetizers were being removed and replaced with Fried Dragon Meat, Pulled Pork, Dino Daube Glauce, Lamb Stew and sauted Unicorn Mushrooms for Ryder and Noodles with meat along with a platter of chow mein and a second platter of dragon meat for Artil, "there you go. If there's anything else, don't hesitate to call." Then the hostess and her assistants withdrew from the room again.
|
|
|
Post by Ryder on Jun 3, 2017 19:11:28 GMT
Ryder had simply closed her eyes and relaxed after she showed off her belly, allowing her blouse to casually drop back to her waist. By now between the two of them that Jade Caraffe was getting close to one-half empty. Despite her promise to stop eating, the woman still filled her plate with Gyoza and casually popped them into her mouth as she leaning back, looking supremely satisfied and slowly sipping her fourteenth glass of Jade Tide between pot stickers. It wasn’t until after the hostess delivered the rest of their food- each dish in similar quantities to the appetizers before them and departed- that Ryder responded to each of Artil’s points. “Oh I can keep it down alright. I used to drink my squadmates under the table all the time, even back in bootcamp. Fuck I distinctly remember a certain someone losing so badly he swore to never compete again” she cackled, opening her eyes once more to meet Barae’s gaze. “Boy scout Barae finally admits he admires a woman’s figure?” she inquired, a soft smile spreading across her face. “I’m glad to see you’re not completely dead down there… or gay… or into childish physiques or DFCs or whatever the fuck it’s called.” Sitting back upright Ryder took full scope of the delivered food, a gleam of eagerness filling her eyes. First things first she grasped the ladle of the stew and poured herself a hearty bowl. Grasping a handful of the Unicorn Mushrooms (otherwise known as Matsutake she playfully carressed the mushrooms, rubbing them in her hands… or against her face… before sliding one into her mouth ‘head’ first. She played with the mushroom for a few seconds, licking and sucking and lightly nibbling on it… before a vicious gleam appeared in her eye and she bit the ‘head’ clean off. After the bit of fun and games Ryder broke the rest of the mushrooms in her hands into bitesize pieces and dropped them into her stew. “Same rules this time Ray, you’re welcome to what you want out of my order. What’ll it be?” OOC: tags- Artilrian Barae
|
|
|
Post by Artilrian Barae on Jun 4, 2017 18:09:08 GMT
Artil looked up from his noodles, having to do a double take of what she just said. "Drinking squadmates under the table?" he thought before brushing it off. It was likely just the alcohol talking, or so he hoped.
"If you say so, Ryder," he said and emptied his cup, "i was never one for strong drinks personally. But that doesn't mean i can't enjoy it with friends and affiliated."
Then there was her comment about his orientation in light of his compliment, which really made him do a double take. Now it was crystal clear that she was under the influence.
"Hey, i never said i wasn't into women, only that i respect personal space," he said in his defense, "i mean, i can certainly appreciate physical beauty, which you have in spades, but i am not thinking with the area you just accused of being dead. I have just practiced self control to avoid that."
Speaking of such matters, he was certainly able to deduct what she was trying to tell him as evident by his less-than-impressed sigh. "Okay, okay, i get what you're trying to say, i am not that dense," he sighed while rolling his eyes before returning to his own food, "as for the food, i will stick to my own for now. I prefer to finish my own food before i even consider going for others, although your offer is appreciated."
|
|