Warning
Gore
historical inaccuracies , then again i did make legends of the creation of potatoes , tomatoes and corn to explain why they exist for some reason
Culinary inaccuracies , i don't really know how to cook ironically however if you see anything with "wild" in it the thing exist , i checked
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She took a step forward and finally saw the "campfire" . Well it was more like someone buried a small novice made fireplace in the dirt . It's not the best but she can work with that , as long as it's high enough on the fire to not burn her hands she can cook on it . She also compelled the rest of the group to start foraging, or they won't be getting dinner .
Her gaze moved to instead inspect the bows , knives and whatever tableware they had at hand . It won't do to accidentally waste good food because of incompetence . Oh, they even have quite a lot of salt , portable soup and a few other spices . Now she is sure she can whip something audible no matter how bad the other ingredients are . Huh , what is this ? She took a small piece with one of the knives , and what she tasted was meat . Beef jerky to be exact , she took a quick swing at one of the waterskins to get rid of the taste of cooked meat . But she can use it , should it be needed , even though it should probably be better to save this for later if they lack more food . Now however it leaves the question of what this brick is and how to use it , she knows it goes with the food she has seen their wardens complaining about it being the only "bread" at the moment .
Well she can always learn something new . So she raised the "bread" brick to give it more attention .
Does anyone know what this is ? - Even just holding it felt weird , tough and somewhat runny with whoever was making had apparently decided that to use several small poked holes were useful for some reason .It's a ship biscuit ! - Came helpfully the voice of the pse-vulkglav , its vulkglav . And while having a name to call this new material to build houses from is nice and all , this still doesn't answer her what exactly to use it for .How do you use it ? Any meals it can be used for ? is there anything that's similar ? Why is it so hard and dry ? … - The onslaught of questions probably would have kept on going on and on for forever knowing her , if not for the wolf headed man lifting his arm to motion for her to stop for the moment .I couldn't catch all the questions , but I did catch some . So if you don't mind I will answer them first. - He stopped talking for a moment to take his breath and then started talking again . - You use it similar to bread , ist just dryer and harder for mold to catch and as long as there is either a drink or it's made into a popara with either tea or milk it can be eaten with no problems . It's very dense and dry like a crouton .Oh , thank you . - A slaty popara will probably suffice for dinner . Having seemed satisfied to have answered he took back to foraging .
She saw on the of her vision a mortal shaped charcoal black figure skittishly come closer and closer . The slightly damp earth under him left tracks somewhat similar to that of a cow , because of his hooves . He truly looked like a spirit or a chort still wandering Yav in search of the life he was robbed of . But it's the way he moved with uncertainty that truly made her understand , he too is a child . An older one yes but a child still , probably close to his coming of age ceremony specifically . His height at least would suggest around 15 years of age , then again his race might just age differently .
Oh , he seems to want to talk with her for something . She felt her years perk up a little in anticipation .
I can help , if you want that's it ? It's not that I think you're bad or anything … - The way he continues to ramble and ramble further solidified her image of him as a child . And also she need to congratulate him later for somehow being even more awkward when talking than herself , that its an accomplishment truly deserving of recognition .Sure ! What's your rought level in [Cook] ? - Even and if somewhat rude it's better to know this now and understand how much work she can give him .5 … - Judging from the stiffness in his pose that intensified as soon as he answered her and the uncomfortable look on his face he didn't want to talk about it , so she chose to ignore it out of politeness . So just high enough to no longer spill blood when using a knife ? Perfect ! Rod knows what they are going to forage , so having more hands is only going to help make dinner ! Do you have anything in specific youre better at ? - Does she want a side-kick while cooking ? Not really , but they are quite a large amount of people so any help she can get she will get . Maybe she can even teach him some more to raise his level ? That would be useful .Identification and use of herbs … at around similar region … While gathering firewood I also foraged some things . If you want them that's it …Perfect ! This is going to help so much ! Can you differentiate mushrooms ? Or wild vegetables ?- He quickly began shaking his head left to right and back . Fantastic ! She didn't even dare hope for a forager or herbalist , and yet she found one here ! This is going to make cooking provisions so much easier !Pleasure to work with you ! I'm Vasilisa ! Can I get your name again ? I'm not that good at remembering them . Also what did you forage ? - She barely held herself from pouncing on the poor boy for a hug in her enthusiasm . And with his light shaking just like a newborn donkey he fully realized he might be getting a hug from a very happy stranger . Adorable , just like some of her cousins Zdravcho and Mira !Blagoslav … - She is calling him Blago .
There was silence for a few moments , then he started to open his mouth . Probably to continue talking , if not for the shouts that could be heard from around the river bank . Curious , both she and Blagoslav took to see what was all the noise about .
And what they saw was the pse- vulkglav and the old blind man arguing . About a stone ?
We're not stealing the stone from whoever the vodyanoy is !After we use it we will give it back !That's not how that works !Yes it is !And what are you going to do when it bursts open ? Hum ?And why are you so sure it's going to burst open ?Because the owner will curse it ! With how even it is , it's undeniably a favorite !Then why would they curse it if they love it so much ? Because it was stolen ! And because you're an id- He stopped himself just before cursing . Probably remembering where they were . More specifically in whose domain they were in . The vulkglav took a deep breath and made himself calmer . Once he did this he again started to talk , this time not screaming - And because it will be put on fire . No one will like their table set on fire , even and if it didn't burn .I have done this before , and this has never happened . So stop lying about useless things you failed mutt . - Had it not been for her heavily more enchanted than human senses , she might have not noticed the light shaking the wolf-headed man emitted after he clenched his hands into fists . Things have the chance to turn ugly really quickly if the blind man doesn't apologize , and then he opened his mouth . - What are you even doing here and not at home , disappointing your parents . I wonder , if I throw a stick will you leave me alone like a good mut ?
And things seem to be escalating again , this time however it will turn physical . Then a wave of bloodlust hits her from behind her back in the direction of the wagons . She turned her head , and just their luck . A battle scarred samodiva was walking towards them carrying a multitude of weapons with murder in her eyes . The quiet even rhythm ariely reminded Vasilisa of days spent on the fields singing , the quiet but steady rhythm promising a long and grueling task that would need days to complete .
She needs to stop them . If things escalate any more it's going to end in a bloodbath even worse than the idiots from before .
I'M NOT HERE FOR LESS THAN EVEN 2 FINGERS AND YOU'RE SERIOUSLY ALREADY ON EACH OTHER'S THROAT READY TO TEAR EACH OTHER TO SHREDS ? WHAT ARE YOU ? BEASTS ? - The very clearly agitated shout of the before that missing samodiva roused some sense in their heads or at least stopping the bloodshed for a few more moments . And reckoning from the very clearly annoyed face , she wasn't going to let them butcher each other . Then because he must be an idiot the blind man opened his mouth again . Well he is a beast … - Mark her words , this man is chasing Morana's chilly embrace harder than people are chasing the kupala flower .No ! You shut up ! He didn't curse or insult you , and if you're not going to return in kind I will help his sister get rid of you . - Her tone was so serious it made everything she spoke before sound like a joke .
Having made her way to Vasilisas' right , the look in Ma-someting eyes changed . A quiet appreciation of having been given support perhaps ? She is probably gonna need to know her new friend's name sooner rather than later , and also get better with names over all .
A strong huff was heard , Vasilisa let her attention be again pointed from person and then another for who knows this time today . And who does she find but their saviour with bright crimson hair , handing her 3 hares .
I didn't know if you wanted to use the more wild flavor of the meat , so I knocked them out . If you want i can even try to butcher them ? Fair warning through my butchering isn't perfect . - That is surprisingly considerate and sweet of her . But …No need ! I can butcher them , it's actually my specialization ! - Anyone can say what they want about her being too interested in blood and meat , they can't however deny she can butcher better than even some professionals . It is a mark a pride gotten 45 levels in a [SubClass] , and the tricky [Butcher] at that . Both her and her village were celebrating when she broke into level 30 .
So she spun on her heel . Starting to walk toward her kitchen , she has a dinner to make after all !
Were having rabbit for dinner ! So what did you forage again ? - She felt her mouth turn into a chort-like grin , she couldn't help herself from imagining what she would make .
Their hunter looked slightly startled by her sudden movement in the wagon's direction and looked about ready to go after her , if not for Vasilisas hand gesture with knowing and somewhat playful eyes and grin . She looked like she got the message , good . She let her feet take her to the cart in search of the needed items . She knows she saw a broom-like long handle somewhere there .
Found it ! She also grabbed a knife , a big bowl and a makeshift apron , and immediately took back to the stream . All the while listening to what foraged goodies they have .
You said the rock was even right ? - The startled look on the men who not that long ago were kinda funny . After some time they seem to have been dragged to Belobogs graces once again while she tied the apron around her waist . She didn't want to let the meat touch her dirty rags of clothes after all ! Yes …Perfect ! Give it to me . - She got handed the rock . And , wow . It really is even , like a cutting board from a merchant . It's definitely going to make things a lot easier .
Having gotten the stone cutting board and placing it on a comfortable place to do the butchering , she signalled to be given the rabbits .
I'm saying it now ! If the death of a bunny is gonna make you uncomfortable now is the time to start looking elsewhere ! - She took a look at everyones face . To no one's surprise the children averted their gaze , while Blago looked like he wanted to avert his gaze but forced himself to stay and study . Well his choice . The goddess like beauty and a few other don't really seem all that interested on the other hand . And finally the scarred samodiva , her brother and their hunter seem rather intrigued in the butchering she is about to commit , perhaps they are interested in the different technique ? - I'm going to teach you so look carefully , okay ? - She got a group of nods for her efforts .
She places the bowl and starts by taking the broom like stick and one of the rabbits . After putting the still sleeping rabbit on the forest floor , she places the stick over its neck , then her foot and pulled the head . The resulting crack was clear and loud , then the body started moving but her hand was already on the still moving corpse . She doesn't even wait for the twitching to stop before submerging it in water to not worry about the hide sticking to the meat later . After the quick bath she pales the rabbit on the table , and immediately cuts its head and feet off . Then she flips the rabbit , does two little cuts on the end of the back legs and makes them carefully so as to not cut the insides , connects the cuts in the place a little above where the rabbits reproductive organs were , and would you look at it its a girl , how cute . Having secured a connection she inserts her finger in the thin line between hide and mussels , thus starting the actual skinning . She skips the tail for now , she has a useful trick to use later with it . In no time at all she had half the hare pelt in and now she arranged the front legs to slide out like arms out a shirt . And done ! The pelt is all in one piece , they don't need it but old habits die hard .
Now to cleaning the internal organs ! She makes a small cut in the lower tummy in the center where the right and left belly muscle connect and opens the cavity . She gets greeted by the full of waste intestines . One quick motion and most of it is out and thrown to the side . She takes a quick look at the liver and with its lack of dots continues the butchering with a piece of mind knowing its not problematic meat . She places it into the bowl with the kidneys , and then takes the lungs and puts it in too . Even and if not that good they would need all the food they can get . She puts her hand one more time in the chest cavity and takes the still beating heart out , so she was fast enough to catch it !
Hehe ist still beating . It's surely good luck ! - So she was happy , and what ? it's not like they can judge her for being happy to be fast .
Finally she took the peltless rabbit and made her move to take away the tail finally , So she took it and cut the bone connecting it and pulled , and for her effort and planning she also took what was left of the intestine without dirtying the meat even once . And finally she butcher the meat into smaller more manageable pieces . The sweet and enchanting aroma of fresh meat and blood practically begging her to taste them but she stops herself from it .
So any questions ? - She got quite the many questions but they were fun at least .
She did it one more time while explaining everything carefully and after no longer looking like he would throw up she helped Blago butcher the last bunny .It was a little messy and uneven but she guessed it works for a first time .
Now with the rabbits butchering done she took back to the fire and in put said meat in the large pot with water to start the stew . And while the meat was cooking she and Blago were starting to prepare the rest of the meal . Starting with the wild potatoes , they don't need anything fancy so just peeling them and then cutting in roughly the same size pieces works fine . Then add in the wild carrots and some wild garlic and other wild vegetation and mushrooms , then some salt and let it simmer with the lid on .
In 6 to 8 fingers the dinner will be ready ! - She made sure to be extra loud for those a little away from the camp to hear . Turning her head back she was greeted by a heart warming sight of her student and the little girl from earlier having an exciting chatter while being warmed by the fire . Curious of what the other who watched her butcher and cook she let her eyes roam in search . The hunter was deflesing the rabbits hide , guess that's where majority of their salt will go in , at least their captors were kind enough to have enough to last a winter even with the mules accounted for . She once again searched for a samodiva , and she found her . A little away , in the forest with her brother and her having what seems to be a talk they don't want to be heard and having sat down doing something with their hands . She briefly wonders what it might be talking about , but decides it's not her job to know . Oh , they were walking back here . She felt the mussels in her face pull into a smile . Then she heard the sounds of someone walking towards them, rather loudly at that .With dinner secure why don't we do something useful meanwhile ? - The deep voice she had quickly started to associate with danger spoke causing a light shivver to run by her spine . - Let's decide who is going to be on lookout duty and when !
She looked at Marya before thinking and met her gaze , they are going to need to keep an eye on him less he tries something disgusting .
Volunteers for the first shift ? - The lack of hands and voices to his question for a second time today seem to dampen his mood , even if this time he doesn't have a leshy laughing at him . And like earlier he bounced back to talking like nothing had happened . - Guess I'm getting put here eh ? I guess it's a blessing in disguise with how old I am … - The quiet grumbling of his might have deceived them into believing his "old man" persona if not for the blood still soaking a rather sizable portion of the clothes they have . - Anyway any preferences on who is getting what part of the night shift ? - Vasilisa raised her hand . - Yes , little miss ?Last shift . - He took a moment to process and then gave a questioning look . For breakfast ? - She shook her head from left to right and back . - Okay . Anyone else ?
He was still met with silence and cold uninterest , having probably learned his lesson he took a backseat while the rest organized themselves . Marya with him to keep an eye on whatever he might pull . After them were Borris and Adela . Then the blind man and the ved . Following them her student and the hunter . And finally herself , to make food . The children were of course excluded from nightwatch duty , they need all the sleep they can get .
Later when they had dinner she ate as much as her stomach would allow , which was not much with every bite trying to come back . Even with eating little to no meat the smell and taste still permeated the whole dish , she knew it would happen but had apparently held hope it won't . Heh , she deserves it for allowing it to happen . She emptied two waterskins to stop herself from throwing up . And later fell asleep in preparation of cooking tomorrow's meal with the idiotic hope to once again be able to eat her favorite sood .