Tale as Old As Time [Finished]

[yamikuronue]

He hesitates, lowering his hand from his temples. "I should say no, but... If you could take a cup of the contents of that crock there and dump it in a bowl, then add a cup of rye flour to the crock, I'd appreciate it. Two cups of white flour and two of wheat go in the bowl, along with two tablespoons sugar, and a tablespoon each of yeast and salt. That gets kneaded and covered and left to rise for the afternoon."

That said, he moves to grab another bowl himself, along with some vinegar and spices.

[accalia]

Echo sets the book down on the table and levers himself to his feet.

"This one would be happy to help. And with luck the crutches will behave."

A soft, wry smile creases Echo's lips at that last comment.

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried nods. "If you can't manage the kneading just let me know. Ditto if the starter gives you any trouble -- it kind of sticks together, so if you don't have enough leverage, I can fetch it."

[accalia]

"One thinks one will manage, but thank you for the offer. One will be sure to take you up on it if issues arise."

Echo awkwardly but carefully follows Siegfrieds instructions.

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried meanwhile puts together a simple marinade, growing quiet as the threatened headache manifests. He places the roast into the bowl, putting the whole container back in the fridge, then removes the soaked beans, draining them and transferring them and some fresh water into the crockpot, which he starts.

That said, as he dries his hands, he glances at the back door. "I should weed the kitchen garden..." he begins, trailing off.

[accalia]

"No, you should go sit down for a nap. You look awful right now and a nap will do you good. It should be several hours until you are needed to make the evening meal and this one can cover for you in that time. No one will object and you need the rest."

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried closes his eyes briefly. "Sorry. I'm not... it has been years since I allowed myself time to rest during the day. It feels... lazy, somehow."

[accalia]

"it is not lazy to take the rest one needs to take. You worked hard this morning and should be proud of that."

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried nods. "Promise you'll wake me if something needs doing?"

[accalia]

"This one will see to it that you are woken should the need arise"

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried nods. "Thank you... and again, I am sorry for being short with you." He smiles, wearily. "As frustrating as you can be, I would like to be friends."

[accalia]

"This one would be proud to call you friend. Now go get some rest. you'll feel better for it."

[accalia]

Some time later.

A soft rap on Siegfried's door, followed by Echo's voice.

"Dinner is on the table, will you be joining us?"

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried drags himself awake, rolling over to glance at the clock on his dresser. "One moment." How had he slept so long?

[accalia]

"As you need then. this one will let the others know you are on your way."