“It is true what they say about you, mage killer,” she stared daggers at him, a pout to accompany the look in her eyes.
“And what is that?” his tone amused as he bent over his work.
“You are killing me here”
“Rook,” he chuckled fondly. “The food is almost done. Five more minutes, I promise.”
Her pout deepened, but he had consciously turned away from her to not meet her look. He had to admit he was impressed about her ability to both look at him with death in her eyes, but to also have those big puppy eyes he struggled to say no to. Which was why he focused on the food on the stove, to not be too distracted.
On the menu was a request by Bellara. Dalish deep forest comfort. While originally from Orlais, it had made its way to Arlathan at some point. Although his was with a slight modification. Tomatoes instead of wood-burrowing beetles, as the original recipe contained. That way, Emmrich didn’t need a separate dish - not that he ever minded making one for him, but he had a deep suspicion Rook might frown at the notion of beetles.
While she never said anything, there was a certain food she pushed to the edge of her plate. She complemented every dish she was served, but her boiled carrots, they always went missing. He had made a note of it, but never confronted her about it. Instead, he experimented. Shredded carrots were fine, and even small bits in soups she ate, and carrot cakes she devoured, but if a larger boiled carrot were on her plate, she never ate it. Curious. Behind him, a groan was let out of Rook who had resolved to lie down with her head on the table and tap with her fingers impatiently. “Soon,” was all he said as he went back to finish up the dish.
