Chapter 5 • Cooking with Spice

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Ramshackle Dorm

Grim	Ooh, check it out, [MC]! We got a whole blanket of snow out here!

No wonder it seemed chilly.

We'd better check on the fireplace.

Grim	Yeah, maybe the fire fairies are feelin' the chill, too. Better bring 'em some firewood. Ooh, and I can check out the kitchen an' see if they got any leftovers while I'm there! La-la-laaa!

Cafeteria

Grim	Geez, it was cold out there! My paws feel like icicles! [MC], hurry up and get that firewood in the fireplace.

clunk*

Fire Fairy

crackle* *crackle*

Grim	Ahhh... You guys must be the fire fairies. I'm feelin' warm and fuzzy just being near you.

Fire Fairy

crackle* *crackle*

sizzle* *chop-chop-chop*

Grim	Hm? What's that I hear over the crackling fire? Chopping? And...sizzling meat?! And now my nose is tinglin' with the spicy aroma of foreign cuisine! It's coming from the kitchen. Let's see what's up, [MC]!

Kitchen

Jamil

Once you're done cooking the vegetables, boil the thawed meat. Don't forget to add the nuts once the oil is heated.

Scarabia Student A

Yes, sir!

Scarabia Student B

Vice Housewarden, will one tablespoon of spices be enough?

Jamil

The housewarden's palate veers spicy. Add another teaspoon.

Grim	What's goin' on in here? It's winter break, but the kitchen's full of students!

Jamil

Hm? You're...

I remember you from the tournament.

Hello there. Nice to meet you.

Jamil Yes, we had a brief chat back when I got injured before the Spelldrive tournament.

Jamil Nice to meet me...? No, we've met before. We had a brief chat back when I got injured before the Spelldrive tournament.

Jamil

Your names were... [MC] and Grim, yes?

Grim	Dang, you got a good memory, uhhh... What was your name again?

Jamil

It's Jamil. Jamil Viper, vice housewarden of Scarabia Dorm. I make it a point to memorize people's names and faces. Not to mention, you two have made quite the names for yourselves since you first enrolled. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone at this school who doesn't know who you are.

Grim	Whoa... Really? Myah hah hah! Y'hear that, [MC]?! We're famous!

Jamil

At any rate... Why are you here on campus when it's winter break?

Grim	We ain't got anywhere to go home to for the holidays. Not to mention, the headmage personally gave us a super-special job. We're tendin' the fireplace. I'm as diligent and competent as they come! Only makes sense that the headmage would turn to me when he needs help!

Jamil

Oh, is that a fact? The headmage personally asked you, you say... This could be my chance…

Grim	Hm? Didn't catch that.

Jamil

I said that if the headmage is relying on you, you must be a tremendous talent indeed.

Scarabia Student C

Sorry to interrupt, Vice Housewarden, but I'm done prepping the vegetables.

Jamil

Okay, I'll be right over.

Grim	That soup you're makin' looks pretty good. I ain't ever smelled anything like it before.

Jamil

It's a traditional Scalding Sands recipe, you see— Wait. An idea occurs to me. I'm sure something brought us together. Would you care to join us for our meal?

Grim	Really?! You mean it?

Jamil

Absolutely. It won't take much longer to finish. Why don't you two lend a hand?

TWISTUNE

Twistune Dialogue - Get Cooking!
Twistune Start
Grim	Man, these spices smell amazing!
Jamil	They're used in traditional Scalding Sands cuisine. It makes for a unique flavor. I'll teach you how to use them, so watch closely.
Grim	You got it!
Jamil	I thank you for your help.
After Phase 1
Pass Grim Is it okay if I put this brown powder in the pot now? Jamil Not yet. You put in garam masala at the very end or it spoils the fragrance. Grim Wow! You sure know your way around a spice rack. Jamil I cook on a daily basis, so it's only natural. We're almost done here. Let's put on the finishing touches. Fail Grim Ack, that's spicy! It's got way too much pepper. I'll even it out with some sugar. Jamil No, stop! Don't add things without consulting me first! Sugar won't negate the spiciness of the peppers. You want vinegar or lemons. I can correct any mistakes you make—within reason, at least—so just let me know. Grim Hey, thanks! You're a real handy guy to have around.
After Phase 2
Pass Grim Woohoo! It's done! Mmm, yeah, those spices are seriously drool-inducing. Jamil Good work. I couldn't have done it without your help. Thank you. We'll eat in the dorm. Come with me. Grim Mya ha! You bet we're comin'! I can't wait to dig in. I'm starvin'! Fail Grim Aagh! I don't think soup is supposed to be red and blue like that! Talk about gross. Blegh. Did we mess it up? Jamil It does look unappetizing, but you used the correct spices. It'll taste fine. In any case, it's finished now, so let's return to the dorm and eat. Grim Yeah, hurry up 'n take us there! I'm starvin'!

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