Just ASK next time, you guys...

[thecookery]

FORM: A note in somewhat crude handwriting
SENDER: Avery
RECIPIENT: Everyone
WHAT: A warning??
WHEN: Current
WHERE: Skyhold bulletin board
NOTES: n/a

ATTENTION

Whoever has been nicking from the preserves at night cut that right out or the next time youll get the entire pan

DIRECTLY TO THE NOSE

Everyone else if you have any information that leads to my bashing this thief about the face with a rolling pin there may be a reward in it for you

Either way youll find me in the kitchens i promise you that

--Avery

Comments

[the_effect_she_has]

Those who might have never gotten to have a taste of jam in their lives. Or who haven't had jam in ages, because their farm burned down along with all their fruit trees. People who would give a gold piece for one spoonful for what the rich slop on their toast and feed to their dogs.

[thecookery]

And you think if one of them you just said asked us for a bit of jam and bread, we'd just what? Turn them away? Because that's what the Inquisition's about?

[the_effect_she_has]

Yes.

Because the people who bring in the coins are typically more important than the people who don't have much more than the clothes on their back.

Or at least, to the leadership's perspective about who gets creature comforts. Which is fine - keeping the coffers full keeps us all fed. Besides, it's easier to steal jam than have to put you all in the awkward position of turning down some kids because you have to give it to Lord So and So, right?

[thecookery]

Easier for you maybe. For me, it's a lot of extra work, over a few boiled sweet plums. If we've not enough food to go around, "the leadership" can do something about it. They're the first I've met who give a damn.

[the_effect_she_has]

It's not a matter of enough, it's a matter of who gets it. Treats are for the nobility, bread and meat are for the common folk. I don't think that's right, but it is what it is.

[thecookery]

Maybe you're right. The Advisors here, they have to look at the big picture to keep this all from falling apart, and sometimes that means playing along with some shiny-cuffed guest's games. But that doesn't mean they care so little about everyone else that they can't set aside a sweetroll or two.

If you think that little of the people you've joined up with though, maybe you should talk to them about it, instead of sneaking around and stealing from their pockets. Some people deserve to get played like that. Do these?

[the_effect_she_has]

Maker's Breath, you really want people to stop stealing jam, don't you? You realize if I go to the Advisors about this - and provided I don't get thrown out on my ear for interrupting them while they're planning a war on five different fronts ... when they say yes you'll still have to make more jam?

[thecookery]

And you really would rather steal it than just ask me for it, wouldn't you?

Tell you what. You come down here tomorrow. Help me with making those preserves again, doing the dishes, doing an extra count of the entire inventory so the people above don't throw me out on my ear when they make the next orders wrong. [A sigh.] Not to mention all the work I was already supposed to be doing tomorrow...

We'll make more than we need, and you can just have the extra. How's that sound?

[the_effect_she_has]

[Katniss pressed her lips together, leaving the crystal in silence for a moment, before she answered.]

Let me make you a counter-offer. I'll get the plums, do the dishes, and do all the cleaning and other jobs you needed done ... if you just focus on making the jam. I ... am only good at cutting things up and the like, but I am not a good cook and I wouldn't want to make a bad batch for the children.

But you want me to pay off my debts, I'll be glad to get my hands dirty.

[thecookery]

I don't care about the paying. I just want you to see how much work there is to do down here.

[the_effect_she_has]

[You can't see the eyebrow raised here, but it's there.]

I see. Well. I can do that too, if there's jam at the end of it.

[Yes, yes, let's get your object lesson out of the way.]

[thecookery]

[Same with her eyeroll.]

I'll make sure of it.

[the_effect_she_has]

Then we have a deal.