Ovens and stoves lined a wall while multiple sinks were placed near another. There was a doorway that was massive and seemed to be the source of the food, but there were baskets of ingredients at many a counter. Even a series of fire pits were included, on which a couple of birds were currently roasting, with a delectable smell lifting into the air.
And all around it was a mad whirl of various cooks and workers as they went around trying to keep up with some unseen and mad conductor.
Tchon held out an arm and gestured at the seen of controlled chaos. "This is where all the meals are prepared. No matter what the dish, we can prepare it. And it is all run by Madame Redborne."
Looking towards the woman in question, the various reporters saw a matronly looking woman, dressed in a rather plain way. "Hmm... Visitors to my kitchen, eh?"
"Yes, well..," one reporter said. "How is it that this entire place is served by one kitchen?"
"Easy. Magic."
"Seriously?"
"Not really young man. While some is used if needed, most of the work is done through actual cooking. We create whatever meals are neccessary by what they eat and what is preffered by the groups involved. Which can be a lot of work with mix that make up our society, but I have several kitchens to do it with."
"What about if the individual in question doesn't need cooked food?" Nuke asked, "Like, say... raw fish, or water plants."
Redborne nodded approvingly. "You've met Tarre I see. Such a nice child, and always eats what she asks for. In cases like hers, we still have to prepare the food in an appetizing way."
A female reporter pushed the remains of her microphone into the head cook's face. "So you admit that you prepare the meals that are being served here. Why don't you tell us what you really use these ovens for?!"
"Whatever do you mean?"
"I mean that you're really using them after you fatten children up with sweets! You get them nice and fat for your purposes so that they'll be nice and plump!"
"ARE YOU INSANE?! I make treats for anyone, not for... for that!" Redborne replied, her face turning a bright pink, "Only monsters would do such a thing, and as soon as one tried, they'd get just what was coming to them! You are a horrible person for even concieving of that sort of thing!"
Trying not to shrink under the face of the righteous indignation, the reporter who'd brought the idea up thought the headline might read Supposed 'Chef' refutes sickening cooking style
"As for the rest of you, I simply can not allow you to leave without giving you something to fill your bellies."
Another woman reporter, this one with a whole microphone, replied, "You are planning to feed us?"
"Of course I am! Though I do wish that I could do it without having to wonder about that one oven..."
"I could fix it for you," commented a new voice.
The head chef turned to a rather odd looking fellow who had a big nose, a pointy beard and strange clothing and frowned. "No thank you Boomer. I'd rather not have you turn one of my ovens into one of your contraptions..."
"'Contraptions'? I'll have you know that I am a dedictated researcher and scientist who doesn't mind making any improvements. In fact I love to improve machinery and making it better is my calling, as crafting devices is an art and those of us who create such devices are great creators. I spend many an hour working with each piece of machinery until I get it right, and when I do it gets to be perfect! Nothing is ever like what I come up with, and I love the fact that none of my inventions are ever the same..."
"So are you saying that you're involved in a project to create items that we can not handle?" asked the woman with the partial microphone.
"Of course not! My inventions are created so that the most complete fool would never have any problems in using them. I just adjust them as one can never have too many features. Take this interesting device you're holding out to me. Obviously you'd like some improvements, and I'm just the gnome to do it, so I'll just take it and get started. A little work, and I'll have it better than new, though it doesn't seem very useful as it is now. However you'll be amazed by the number of uses it'll have once I get done with it! Why, you'll want to... MMPH!"
Covering the gnome's mouth with one hand, Redborne took the damaged device from his hands and handed it back to the reporter. "You'll do no such thing. Leave the stick with the crazy woman, and stop trying to risk her life with one of your... improvements."
"How's about he also leaves? I've got work to do, and he always tries to help," commented a new voice.
"Ahh... Stann, you're here."
The small figure in the overalls nodded as he hefted his toolbox. "Sorry about that, but there was a big to do in the aerie. Some creep went and made Tarre cry, so there was a big to do up there."
"How awful... Whoever did such a thing must be a horrible person..."
Sniffing, the person who had done what they were talking about dismissed their concerns and thought, Citizens of magical kingdom insult press would make a good headline.
"Well then..," the halfling asked, "Since I'm here now, why don't I get to work?"
"Sure thing," the chef told him, "I'm sure that you'll get it working quick. I'll be right with you..."
"I can help!" Boomer offered as he pulled away from the restraining hand. "With me on the job, things can't help but be finished! When we get to it, we can make it so much better that anyone who uses it will never understand how they could use it before..."
"If they survive that long. You may have some good inventions, but a mechanic you're not," Stann replied, "You're not helping."
"Sure I am! You can't do as good a job without me, and my lab can do without me for a little while. All I need is to get some tools and I'll be good to go. Then with us working together, well get it better boy-o..."
Affecting what he hoped would be a reassuring smile Tchon looked over the group of reporters and told them, "Once you all are fed, we'll continue on to the:
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(Posted Tue, 02 Mar 2004 03:55)
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