It won't be as refined as your cooking, but if you don't mind. Let me know when you'll be close.
[ Now that a guest is involved, she'll get started with the cooking right away!! And then she'll give the resident dog a heads-up and ask him not to drool on Rin too much when she arrives. ]
[ Ah, plenty of time to get the cooking going then. ]
Okay. See you soon.
[ When Rin arrives, she'll find the house in a familiar neighborhood. Gray's new location is in fact two houses down from the original house Rin visited her at. There's a huge Neapolitan mastiff lounging on the porch, gently drooling. When he spots Rin his tail will start a-waggin', though he politely stays put as requested. ]
[When Rin arrives she no longer needs a parasol to visit Springstar. All her physical signs of Discord are gone thanks to Mordred taking the hit of accepting a full tier from her. In Tohsaka's hands are a leather bag (probably with her change of clothes?) and a tray of custard-filled egg tarts. Because her hands are full she reaches out to Gray via communion once more.]
I'm here. Please open the door.
[The dog gets a short glance from her. It's... cute, in the "it's ugly first" kind of way. And at least it doesn't go after her.]
[ The dog's tail wags three more times hopefully when Rin glances over, but when she doesn't do anything more, the tail sadly settles back down.
Gray's voice comes from within the house — "Coming!" — and shortly, the front door opens. Gray is wearing an apron... over her cloak, of course. She smiles in greeting. A richly meaty smell wafts out the door. ]
Hello, Rin. [ And glancing quickly to see that Rin is free of drool, ] Good boy, Raisin.
[ She gives the dog a pat on its massive head, which prompts some more tail wags, before stepping back to let Rin in. ]
No one else is home at the moment, so please feel free to use the shower and laundry as you like.
[Oh... the smell of a homemade meal makes her stomach rumble a little, but Rin is quick to try and cover that up with conversation.]
I brought egg tarts, and made enough for the house. I'll show you how to store leftovers before I leave.
[Since this is a different residence than before she assumes there's housemates? Ah, she has to smile a little bit though. Raisin is such a perfect name for a dog like that...
At any rate, she steps into the house and will first find a spot to set down her tray. After that she'll want to set the laundry going, and take a shower last. Perhaps after dinner?]
[ The main body of the house boasts an open floor plan, so Rin will be able to spot the kitchen straightaway. The place as a whole is clean and organized, and pointedly so. There are signs of clutter that's been corraled by a discerning hand: loose papers stacked and pens lined up neatly next to them, random books gathered and neatly bookended at their head.
Evidently no one in the house is passionate about home decor, as it contains only basic furniture with basic adornments like a rug by the couch, a modest but pleasing flower vase, and place mats (three) at the dining room table.
Though she makes no outward sign, Gray's ears perk up at the word "tart." She'll head to the kitchen straight ahead to show Rin where she can leave the goods. Meanwhile a heartily sized pot is left to simmer on the stove, the lid off by a crack to let out steam. ]
Thank you. You look good, by the way. That is — more like your usual self.
[ Once Rin has set the food down, Gray will lead her to a side door that ends up leading to Gray's room. Like the main room, it's modestly furnished, the rustic patterning of her comforter and a large rug the only pops of decor. Two large wardrobes and a writing desk stand against the wall. ]
Mr. Dokja was having difficulty dealing with his condition... so I wasn't sure if you'd be the same way.
[ She opens yet another door to reveal a bathroom, which is clean enough to be hotel-grade. Even though she figured Rin would bring her own things, Gray has set aside a second set of towels and toiletries for Rin to use — just in case. ]
That man and I had different types of things done to us, so our outcomes would naturally be different. After attempting to dispel my Discord in many ways, I had to admit there was a portion of it that could not be gotten rid of without someone else taking it from me. When we were at the beach Mordred had volunteered.
[And so she passed her Discord off to the other woman. It was almost a relief to see her acting "normal" during the Oracle trial in the gardens. Tohsaka had worried about pushing off her issues and someone suffering from them. Especially someone who would be a pain to try and repay.
Rin acknowledges what Gray has offered, and sets her leather bag down. It can hold an endless amount of stuff, but that means both her toiletries and her laundry are stuffed in there...]
[ Gray can see Mordred boasting that she could take on any Discord Rin could throw at her with ease. But of course, Mordred wouldn't do that for just anyone; Gray is glad Rin and Mordred have become such good friends. The how of it is a bit more of a mystery, though.
In any case, it would be awkward if Gray hung out with Rin any more in a bathroom, so she begins to back out. ]
Um, please take your time. If you need anything, feel free to commune with me.
[ With that, she'll close the door behind her and get to readying supper. ]
[Rin thanks Gray, but is left in a bit of a spot. She had considered taking her shower after the meal, but... Well, if it still needs time to cook perhaps this is best. Rin will set everything up. Her laundry to start, her toiletries in the bathroom, and her pajamas readied. Once that is complete she'll hop in and enjoy herself.
It gives Gray about an hour to herself. When that's up Rin will set about double checking the laundry, setting what is cleaned to be dried, and meets up with her in the kitchen. Tohsaka seats herself. She looks refreshed, and... will most certainly smell like her perfume again. Why would someone put that on after a shower? MAGE REASONS DON'T ASK]
[ When Rin comes into the kitchen, Gray is finishing up with some dishwashing. As she notices Rin, she towels her hands off and hangs up her apron. The pleasant smell of perfume reaches her quickly, and indeed it seems a little strange that Rin would bother with that right after a bath... but she wonders if the smell serves a magrcraft-related purpose, like Lord El-Melloi II with his cigars. ]
A stew. I made it like we used to in my village, so it isn't anything fancy.
[ She unlids the pot that's been simmering on the stove to reveal a meaty stew of heartily cut portions, chunks of lamb, potato, carrots, and more jutting out of rich broth. The wall of savory aroma that bursts from the pot battles with Rin's refined scent. On a nearby cutting board is a rusty loaf of bread and a hunk of cheese, a couple slices of each already cut. Plates and silverware are neatly laid out as well. ]
You can take as much as you like while I get tea ready.
[Tohsaka stands halted over the stewpot. Its aroma hits her like a violent wave crashing upon cliffs. Not that she hates it, though. No, instead it brings a rush of melancholic nostalgia. Brief days of sharing cooking responsibilities with the rest of the Emiya household. Once or twice sharing the kitchen with her sister. Waking up to a lively household rather than an empty mansion.
It makes her ache. Her eyes water and her throat closes shut. Even sharing breakfast with Lucien was a step up from her decade long routine of loneliness. Eventually Rin moves, though. After all, Gray is giving her comfort. Food, ability to wash her clothes, a shower... To burden her anymore would be a failing on Rin's part. So she gently ladles in a decent serving for her bowl. More than she'd usually eat, but that's fine. She has been skipping meals.]
[ Gray drops loose leaves of the stuff into a pot and follows it with hot water. She's personally fine with bagged tea, but as Rin is a guest, she gets the good stuff.
As she turns to wait for the leaves to steep, she catches Rin stopped over the stew. At first Gray worries that it means Rin finds the stew unappetizing, but upon further inspection, it looks more like Rin's mind is elsewhere.
Gray would like to ask why Rin needed a place to get tidied up at, but given what happened with Dark recently, maybe Gray doesn't need to. Rin has surely been through a lot lately. Tactfully, Gray decides to keep the conversation on its tracks as she comes up to get in line for her own stew. ]
Earl Grey. There are countless varieties of tea here, but I always end up choosing the ones I'm already familiar with. [ Oh. Something else occurs to her. ] I've also made a tart, so if you want some for dessert...
[ Gray has actually just been on a baking kick and happened to make a fruit tart this morning, but she also can't deny that she'd be pleased if Rin was impressed by her evolving baking skill. Most of all, she's just relieved that crisis has been averted. She quickly scoops up some stew, cheese, and bread for herself and sits with Rin at the table. ]
I don't know many hot dishes, but I think my baking has improved lately. If you have any tips for me, I'll be glad to hear them.
[ But that will be later. She hurries the conversation along. ]
By the way... did you need somewhere to stay tonight?
[It's a tempting offer, but in the end she has to decline. Spending too much time in Springstar means, even if miniscule, Discord accumulation. She'll have to be careful. Especially after what happened to Dark.]
[ So she has somewhere to sleep, but there's no shower or means of washing laundry. The plot thickens. ]
Okay...
[ Mages and their secrets. Knowing better than to pry, Gray spoons some stew up.
The stew is simple and straightforward in terms of spice, but it's been cooked with care and hearty for it. The bread is fresh and crisp at the crust, and the cheese is strong and buttery. That said, it's a decidedly rustic, unadorned format for a meal; at the end of the day, Gray is British to the bone. ]
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Date: 2023-09-21 03:55 am (UTC)[ Insert directions to the Dokja-Eustace-Gray household here!! ]
Will you be over soon?
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Date: 2023-09-21 11:43 am (UTC)[Maybe she can have something other than takeout.]
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Date: 2023-09-21 12:27 pm (UTC)[ That seemed like an extremely pointed question, so ]
Would you like to have supper too?
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Date: 2023-09-21 12:30 pm (UTC)[As if... she didn't just roll out the red carpet for herself...]
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Date: 2023-09-21 12:59 pm (UTC)It won't be as refined as your cooking, but if you don't mind. Let me know when you'll be close.
[ Now that a guest is involved, she'll get started with the cooking right away!! And then she'll give the resident dog a heads-up and ask him not to drool on Rin too much when she arrives. ]
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Date: 2023-09-21 01:28 pm (UTC)[Ah, after everything that had happened, though—]
No. Make it an hour.
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Date: 2023-09-21 01:41 pm (UTC)Okay. See you soon.
[ When Rin arrives, she'll find the house in a familiar neighborhood. Gray's new location is in fact two houses down from the original house Rin visited her at. There's a huge Neapolitan mastiff lounging on the porch, gently drooling. When he spots Rin his tail will start a-waggin', though he politely stays put as requested. ]
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Date: 2023-09-21 02:40 pm (UTC)I'm here. Please open the door.
[The dog gets a short glance from her. It's... cute, in the "it's ugly first" kind of way. And at least it doesn't go after her.]
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Date: 2023-09-23 06:26 am (UTC)Gray's voice comes from within the house — "Coming!" — and shortly, the front door opens. Gray is wearing an apron... over her cloak, of course. She smiles in greeting. A richly meaty smell wafts out the door. ]
Hello, Rin. [ And glancing quickly to see that Rin is free of drool, ] Good boy, Raisin.
[ She gives the dog a pat on its massive head, which prompts some more tail wags, before stepping back to let Rin in. ]
No one else is home at the moment, so please feel free to use the shower and laundry as you like.
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Date: 2023-09-23 01:22 pm (UTC)I brought egg tarts, and made enough for the house. I'll show you how to store leftovers before I leave.
[Since this is a different residence than before she assumes there's housemates? Ah, she has to smile a little bit though. Raisin is such a perfect name for a dog like that...
At any rate, she steps into the house and will first find a spot to set down her tray. After that she'll want to set the laundry going, and take a shower last. Perhaps after dinner?]
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Date: 2023-09-25 04:52 am (UTC)Evidently no one in the house is passionate about home decor, as it contains only basic furniture with basic adornments like a rug by the couch, a modest but pleasing flower vase, and place mats (three) at the dining room table.
Though she makes no outward sign, Gray's ears perk up at the word "tart." She'll head to the kitchen straight ahead to show Rin where she can leave the goods. Meanwhile a heartily sized pot is left to simmer on the stove, the lid off by a crack to let out steam. ]
Thank you. You look good, by the way. That is — more like your usual self.
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Date: 2023-09-26 02:52 pm (UTC)Of course, [she replies while using her free hand to push a lock of hair over her shoulder] I did promise that I would take care of it, didn't I?
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Date: 2023-09-27 06:59 am (UTC)Mr. Dokja was having difficulty dealing with his condition... so I wasn't sure if you'd be the same way.
[ She opens yet another door to reveal a bathroom, which is clean enough to be hotel-grade. Even though she figured Rin would bring her own things, Gray has set aside a second set of towels and toiletries for Rin to use — just in case. ]
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Date: 2023-09-28 02:01 am (UTC)[And so she passed her Discord off to the other woman. It was almost a relief to see her acting "normal" during the Oracle trial in the gardens. Tohsaka had worried about pushing off her issues and someone suffering from them. Especially someone who would be a pain to try and repay.
Rin acknowledges what Gray has offered, and sets her leather bag down. It can hold an endless amount of stuff, but that means both her toiletries and her laundry are stuffed in there...]
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Date: 2023-09-28 04:37 am (UTC)[ Gray can see Mordred boasting that she could take on any Discord Rin could throw at her with ease. But of course, Mordred wouldn't do that for just anyone; Gray is glad Rin and Mordred have become such good friends. The how of it is a bit more of a mystery, though.
In any case, it would be awkward if Gray hung out with Rin any more in a bathroom, so she begins to back out. ]
Um, please take your time. If you need anything, feel free to commune with me.
[ With that, she'll close the door behind her and get to readying supper. ]
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Date: 2023-09-29 01:06 pm (UTC)It gives Gray about an hour to herself. When that's up Rin will set about double checking the laundry, setting what is cleaned to be dried, and meets up with her in the kitchen. Tohsaka seats herself. She looks refreshed, and... will most certainly smell like her perfume again. Why would someone put that on after a shower?
MAGE REASONS DON'T ASK]What have you prepared, Gray?
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Date: 2023-10-01 08:02 am (UTC)A stew. I made it like we used to in my village, so it isn't anything fancy.
[ She unlids the pot that's been simmering on the stove to reveal a meaty stew of heartily cut portions, chunks of lamb, potato, carrots, and more jutting out of rich broth. The wall of savory aroma that bursts from the pot battles with Rin's refined scent. On a nearby cutting board is a rusty loaf of bread and a hunk of cheese, a couple slices of each already cut. Plates and silverware are neatly laid out as well. ]
You can take as much as you like while I get tea ready.
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Date: 2023-10-01 05:23 pm (UTC)It makes her ache. Her eyes water and her throat closes shut. Even sharing breakfast with Lucien was a step up from her decade long routine of loneliness. Eventually Rin moves, though. After all, Gray is giving her comfort. Food, ability to wash her clothes, a shower... To burden her anymore would be a failing on Rin's part. So she gently ladles in a decent serving for her bowl. More than she'd usually eat, but that's fine. She has been skipping meals.]
What type of tea?
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Date: 2023-10-05 05:32 am (UTC)As she turns to wait for the leaves to steep, she catches Rin stopped over the stew. At first Gray worries that it means Rin finds the stew unappetizing, but upon further inspection, it looks more like Rin's mind is elsewhere.
Gray would like to ask why Rin needed a place to get tidied up at, but given what happened with Dark recently, maybe Gray doesn't need to. Rin has surely been through a lot lately. Tactfully, Gray decides to keep the conversation on its tracks as she comes up to get in line for her own stew. ]
Earl Grey. There are countless varieties of tea here, but I always end up choosing the ones I'm already familiar with. [ Oh. Something else occurs to her. ] I've also made a tart, so if you want some for dessert...
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Date: 2023-10-06 12:25 pm (UTC)[Her offer may be genuine but in the light of her brining a gift and it getting rejected a seat at the table is... is...!]
Do you not like egg tarts?
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Date: 2023-10-09 04:00 am (UTC)No! Or, um, I'm not sure because I've never tried one, but I've liked all of your cooking... The tart was something I'd already made.
[ And there's always room for more dessert... ]
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Date: 2023-10-10 06:35 pm (UTC)[She sighs and settles herself at the table.]
If you're looking to show off for me, I suppose I cannot deny you.
[If the intent is that Gray wants to impress her, that's... cute. She'll have to squash the bloom of warmth and excitement that unfurls in her chest.]
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Date: 2023-10-11 03:35 am (UTC)I don't know many hot dishes, but I think my baking has improved lately. If you have any tips for me, I'll be glad to hear them.
[ But that will be later. She hurries the conversation along. ]
By the way... did you need somewhere to stay tonight?
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Date: 2023-10-12 04:49 pm (UTC)[It's a tempting offer, but in the end she has to decline. Spending too much time in Springstar means, even if miniscule, Discord accumulation. She'll have to be careful. Especially after what happened to Dark.]
I have somewhere to sleep.
[Her shop. And no one will ever know!]
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Date: 2023-10-14 04:41 am (UTC)Okay...
[ Mages and their secrets. Knowing better than to pry, Gray spoons some stew up.
The stew is simple and straightforward in terms of spice, but it's been cooked with care and hearty for it. The bread is fresh and crisp at the crust, and the cheese is strong and buttery. That said, it's a decidedly rustic, unadorned format for a meal; at the end of the day, Gray is British to the bone. ]
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