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Post by Bosko on Mar 7, 2022 14:53:00 GMT -8
Another day coming near a close, another handful of humans drifting by for their fill of delicious food to bring a good end to it. Bosko had adjusted well to the city, as this mundane job kept him topped up on glamour and funds. Not only that, there were plenty of useful connections to continue his other work.
...In this case, 'were' was a rather apt description. Recent events had shaken up his normal connection with Callahan, and his stores had begun to slowly empty. Relying on things to smooth out enough that his old lines could return just wouldn't do, and for his research to prosper he'd eventually need to take a more hands-on approach. This just sped along the process.
Hopefully he could gather enough interested interested to justify a trip into the Hedge. With luck he could find a helpful goblin, or maybe a good enough haul to last; either would do. But until then, work continued. His trickle of customers had dried up for a spell, giving him time to look over what was left of his stores- which wasn't much.
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Post by Croupier on Mar 25, 2022 19:03:08 GMT -8
As Dan Miller drove around town, he tapped on the wheel of his battered old Mustang and hummed along to the tune playing on the radio. It had been a good day off for him, so far. Sleeping in late was nothing new for someone who worked nights, but the chance to take a long run and practice with Lotus and her HEMA friends was a nice change of pace. That was, until he turned the wheel and the sharp pain in his shoulder made itself known again; reminding him to either duck or block next time. If there was going to be a next time.
Who was he kidding? There was definitely going to be a next time.
Coming up to a stop in traffic, Dan craned his neck around to catch any sights worth seeing. To his right he spotted a food truck, and his stomach growled in response. The smell that came in from his cracked window only strengthened the beast in his belly.
What the hell? Dan shrugged. He worked out, he fought about a half-dozen weapon nerds in costumes, and he made it out alive. Time to give himself a little treat. With a quick check of his surroundings, Dan pulled out of the traffic jam and found a spot up on the curb to park. When the coast was clear, he climbed out and made his way over to the truck, taking a quick moment to check his wallet for spare bills.
He wasn't surprised that there was a fellow Lost manning the truck, but the man's appearance was intriguing. A gray man with a mouth of metal, there was a kindness and earnest aura about the Lost that pulled Dan right in.
"Excuse me?" he asked, looking around to see if anyone else was nearby, "Are you still open?"
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Post by Bosko on Mar 26, 2022 6:27:19 GMT -8
The space surrounding the food truck was void of individuals- perhaps due to the time, or the location. What few plastic fold-tables spaced the area were vacant. Whatever the reason, Dan was alone when he made his way to the window. "Hm? Ah, of course of course!" His voice was deep, and a bit jovial. It carried in the food truck, echoing faintly off of the metal surfaces.
Bosko also made a look around outside the window, checking to make sure the coast was clear, the sound of metal creaking as he turned his head. The sight of another hellwalker was always a welcome one, and it made the faint smile affixed to his features grow just a smidge more prevalent. "Please look at the menu, order whatever you wish. The first meal is always free for friendly kin- and each meal after, long as they remain so!" At that, a laugh emanated from his maw; this too echoed, but also carried hints of something else underneath, like the sound of a hungry engine deep within.
The menu was what one would expect, all of it greasy and guilty. Stuffed pulled pork burritos, loaded tater tots, shredded chicken sliders, a homemade barbecue and hot sauce for any and all of it, and smothered macaroni and cheese. That last one was a recent addition, as could be seen by the pronounced the chalk advertising. It was cheap. Filling. One could already feel their heart burning just reading down the menu. The mechanical maw made another look around, to make sure they were alone. "And if you wish, I still have some produce from the Old Country if you would be interested in trying out one of my more unique recipes along with your meal." He wanted an excuse to use up the rest of his stock- if only to provoke him into foraging and exploring the Hedge. He also had some great mortal produce he needed to use up as well.
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Post by Croupier on Mar 26, 2022 19:27:19 GMT -8
The Lost sounded like the friendliest car revving its engine when he talked. It somehow made the sound of free food to friendly faces all the more enticing.
"That sounds good to me!" Putting on his best grin, Dan stepped up closer and kept his eyes glued to the menu. Everything on it caught his attention, but he found himself turning his gaze all the way to the bottom. "Gotta admit, that smothered mac and cheese sounds really good, especially with a bit of that hot sauce."
He turned a sly gaze over to the vendor, "And produce from the Old Country, you say?" He chuckled at the mention, it was a rather unique way to think about Arcadia, "You go to the Goblin Markets often?"
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Post by Bosko on Mar 27, 2022 5:28:52 GMT -8
"Ahhh, a man who knows good food when he sees it. Some smothered mac and cheese, coming right up!" He goes back in, and starts working on it; Or rather, he pulls out the finished product- he had baked this dish fresh already, and now it just kept warm. The result? A mix of noodles coated in a type of breading (flour and other spices), bound together by melted cheese, and with a just barely crispy topping of yet more cheese.
This was put in a disposable bowl, a plastic fork with a napkin wrapped around the handle placed within like the holy blade Excalibur, and set outside on the serving counter. A small sauce cup of a thick, red-orange substance followed suit- the sauce seeming to challenge all who saw it to even attempt consumption. All of this done quickly, as they continued to speak.
"Ah, not as often as I used to. Recent events have made travel difficult- I used to do exchanges with Callahan, but e's been affected by this recent mess too I think. I'm going to have to forage on my own soon, try to set up supply lines- did you want such a meal by the way? It will take some time, so you can enjoy the macaroni while it is made."
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Post by Croupier on Mar 27, 2022 19:34:53 GMT -8
Dan watched the cook work his magic, mesmerized by how graceful the Lost was in his element. The dish may have been premade - a necessity in the restaurant business if one was to keep up with orders - but the smells coming from the reheated mac and cheese were as warm as they were inviting. It was like coming in for a nice, home-cooked meal. Something Dan had admittedly very little experience with - take-out, the occasional fine restaurant, and a few frozen dinners. Once or twice a week he would go out with his fellow dealers out to a diner for breakfast at the end of their shift, but it was more for the company than the food.
"I'm never one to turn down a good meal when it's offered." Dan smiled, clearing his hands once under the window shelf. "Why the hell not? Whatever you feel like sounds good to me." It had been a while since Dan had gotten his hands on some good Goblin produce. The thought made his mouth water as much as the promise of filling cheese-laden carbs.
As warm and enticing as the mac and cheese smelled, the hot sauce just smelled... dangerous. Harsh orange and exuding the very idea of heat, just the sight of it was enough to make Dan feel the spice in his throat.
Picking the food and a water bottle up, Dan thanked the chef and took a seat at the table closest to the window, so they could continue their conversation. "I'm Dan, by the way. Most people call me Croupier; I answer to both."
His fork cut through the breadcrumb crust and macaroni with no resistance. When he tasted the combination, Dan felt a sense of joy dance along with the hearty, filling flavors. "This is incredible, by the way!"
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Post by Bosko on Mar 28, 2022 15:01:24 GMT -8
"Hah! Hell, exactly." And so he got to work. All he had left were thornberries; a bit sweet, just enough so for what he had in mind.
He got to work, with the remains of his other produce. Pineapple and mango slices from a tropical sauce he no longer had enough to offer from; but, now? He added Jalapenos, and some other spices, with half a can of white corn, some cilantro, onions, and other bits and bobs- finally washing and cutting the thornberries in twain, dropping them in.. While the food was prepared their conversation continued.
“Bosko is how I am referred, were it not obvious already haha! No nicknames for me, though I’m sure a few unsavory characters would have had a few to say could they have managed.” A hearty laugh. Five warmed, homemade soft taco shells were laid out on his station- loaded with whole chicken chunks and bits of cheese. The prepared shells were put on a large paper plate, and his hedge creation presented- Tropical Salsa, Goblin Fruit style. He peeked his head out to comment on the compliment.
“I am glad you like it! I am considering making it a constant for the menu- it seems rather popular! Try it with the hot sauce, promise you’ll enjoy- dip the fork in the stuff, just get a little, before skewering up a bite!”
Bosko turned back to his salsa. The thornberries gave it an iridescent hue, like oil and water, as if the mundane and hedge ingredients would not fully mix; a quality he worked to maintain in this instance. The result were several delicious chicken tacos with a tropical salsa that contained just enough mundane heat to mark the tongue- in one instance it was sweet from the Thornberry, and in the next spicy from the pepper. Then again sweet from the mundane fruits, which led back to the taste of the thornberry, and the cycle continued. He was proud of the creation.
This meal, Bosko brought out himself for them to share- presented on a large paper plate, set down on one of the tables. The metallic man pulled up a chair across from Dan, setting two additional water bottles in the middle. “Ah, now, dig in! I have plenty more of the salsa, if you wish!" He grabbed one of the tacos, waiting for him to follow suit. Wanting to share the food, and the moment.
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Post by Croupier on Mar 28, 2022 19:12:44 GMT -8
With a playful, carefree shrug, Dan dipped his fork into the bright orange concoction before spearing his next mouthful. The heat was sharp and intense, but pleasantly so. It reminded Dan of Frank's Red Hot, but with less vinegar and more intensity. He dipped a second forkful and downed it before giving his response, "You know what? You keep this combo on the menu I might become a regular."
Eating had never been something Dan had considered as a pleasure to do. He tied it to social occasions, sure, and enjoyed a good meal every once in a while. But this experience was unlike something he had felt before when eating. It wasn't just food: it was a meal. And if this was how Bosko cooked with mundane ingredients, Dan could feel the anticipation build for trying his more exotic ingredients.
At first, Dan was surprised that the Lost would come out and join him to dine, but in retrospect it made sense. No other patrons were about, and it seemed silly to continue on a conversation simply shouting at each other from across the void.
Watching the big man take one of the tacos, Dan followed suit and cradled it with tenderness. With a nod of appreciation, the two dug in, biting into their tacos at the same time.
The sensation was euphoric. Dan could not remember the last time he had eaten goblin fruit, and the mundane and magical food didn't so much mingle as clash against his palette in every way: taste, texture, even how they were chewed felt wildly different. And yet it was not an unpleasant experience. Quite the opposite.
He couldn't help the grin that formed as Dan chewed, "Mind if I ask what Court you're in? Because your food brings out the Spring in me."
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Post by Bosko on Mar 29, 2022 13:35:07 GMT -8
"Well, if that isn't an endorsement I don't know what is! I'll keep it on- menu could use more side dishes like that." A nod as he makes the mental note.
Tacos in hands, a pact of mutually assured consumption established, and fulfilled. It was as he wished it to be- the food, and the company. For the former it was delicious. A culinary sensation that hit every note he wished it to.
For the latter, a potential friend made in this moment. Or at the very least, a friendly face for the future. Once the first taco was fully devoured, he answered. "Hah, Spring does not lay sole dominion to such little joys. The clarity of a mind after a good meal. Companions brought together over shared enjoyment. Security. Safety. Comfort. Good memories made, all neatly tied togethe on a plate. On a table. Seated, with friends....." He looks aside, then clears his throat, grabbing another taco.
"I wear the mantle of Autumn."
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Post by Croupier on Mar 31, 2022 19:25:18 GMT -8
Dan chewed on the information Bosko was feeding him as well as the food spread before them. Changing between taking bites out of the macaroni and cheese, which Dan now pushed to the middle of the table for them to share, and the chicken taco in his hands, Dan waited for the chance to speak again.
"You wear it very well." he complimented his new... not friend, not yet. A few free tacos and pleasant conversation were all a pleasant surprise, yes. But Changelings survived by looking gift horses square in the mouth. Acquaintance? That worked better for now.
Taking another taco, Dan ventured an attempt to steer the conversation, "Have you done your own foraging in the Hedge, before? I haven't been there much myself since my own escape. But... I have to admit, the pull to go back has been strong. And I've been trying to look for ways to help my fellow Lost. I'm good with a sword and I know a few others who might be happy to help fill up your larders if they knew the service you provide."
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Post by Bosko on Apr 2, 2022 6:49:19 GMT -8
Bosko pulled out a fork of his own- he kept spare plastic-wrapped plastic-ware in his chef apron pouch- and dug in as well. Taking a much more liberal amount of hot sauce onto his fork before grabbing a gooey bite. If his resting expression did change, it was of assurance in what he had produced.
"And you wear spring well. Tis the season, for it." Or almost the season, at any rate.
at the idea of an expedition party, Bosko's eyes lit up. He took another bite of a taco, before answering. "I have foraged before, yes. Foraging, not hunting- I am capable physically, but that alone usually is not enough when you are in the Thorns ah... Alone." A chuckle. "I also browse the markets from time to time. Most of what I attain is not very useful for research- plants with no inherent qualities past their Thorn nature. But they do serve to promote my other hobbies." A nod to the taco he was holding, another bite. Close up now, if they listened one could hear his chewing faintly. Only, it sounded more akin to a grinding of dull metal. "Some small game can pass by- usually traded for with thornfolk. But for anything more significant... Yes, a hunting party would be very useful. I would like that greatly- and I can promise a delicious meal at the very least, for such assistance." A nod- more to himself- he could promisee that, with certainty.
"And if we do stumble upon anything with particularly useful qualities, I could gladly share." The discovery and cataloguing was quite important. And he only needed small samples for other research.
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Post by Croupier on Apr 6, 2022 17:51:40 GMT -8
Dan listened as he worked on the taco, taking in all the information he could from the street chef. He watched the wheels turned, following the verbal thought process of Bosko as he worked out the solution to his own problem. It was an impressive display to take in - like being treated to dinner and a show.
"A hunt does sound like a plan." Dan assented as he took the last bite of his taco. Scooping some of the remaining mac and cheese with his fork, Dan added, "If you know of any places where we can slip in and out of the Hedge with ease, I'd be glad to go with you and help out on a venture."
Checking his watch, Dan swore. "Hey, I've got to get going. But, thank you for the wonderful meal, and for the stimulating conversation." As he got up, Dan reached into his pocket and produced his wallet. Counting a few bills, he tossed down a $5 and added, "I know you said it's free, but still feel obligated to leave a tip. And if you'd like... tomorrow's another day off for me. I could come help you out? Maybe, we can discuss plans for that scavenger hunt?"
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Post by Bosko on Apr 9, 2022 10:00:51 GMT -8
Seeing someone clearly enjoy the food and the company that made it? All Bosko wanted from such an encounter. It was a good thing. He hadn't expected an offer to assist with a hunt to pop up alongside it- it was a welcome surprise.
"I will look in my notes- I have a more shallow grasp of this city's hedge, but there are some good spots...." At the swearing, and the farewells, Bosko nodded.
And seeing the $5.... "Ah, I understand. But if you would do me a favor? There is only a little of that tray's Macaroni left, before I will have to pop open a fresh one. I do not want it standing out all night, getting crispy. Would you like to rest of that tray? I can even throw in some hot sauce. Just one second, please." A mischievous grin, knowing how hot that stuff was.
In moments a packaged pack of mac was prepared, and a little plastic cup of hot sauce. "Thank you for the company. I hope to see you around!" A laugh, and a warm smile.
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Post by Croupier on Apr 11, 2022 20:15:22 GMT -8
"That sounds like a plan to me!" Any chance to venture into the Hedge, even a remote one, was always an opportunity Dan was willing to take up.
At the mention of the food, Dan could not help but nod and smile at the friendly gesture, "Of course! And I happen to know some friends who would just love to try it. Promise none of it will go to waste."
With the food brought out and set into a heavy brown paper bag, Dan gave his new friend a kind nod and wave before making his way back to his car. His wallet was lighter, but his belly and social calendar were now just a little bit more full.
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