Silence was what reigned over the darkened hall. Abandoned for the company of beds and solitude, the mess hall was an inverse of it's normal self. All that remained to display it's purpose was a single glowing light, accompanied by the faint aroma of spices. If one would inspect it, they'd find a lone figure, working tirelessly in the kitchen. Bright, loud, and full of motion, it displayed a sharp contrast to the halls empty nature. A show of life, his movements a furious dance, the constant sizzles and pops a musical ensemble. His smile was wide and greedy, relishing in his reward. Frantic yet graceful, skill obvious behind the ambitious movement. He was letting it all out, as if battling against an imaginary opponent. Rayden chuckled, enjoyment springing from every sound. He was in his element now, finally able to release himself after so long. All the travel, effort, meager attempts to scrape by. Everything melted away, revealing a vigor unmatched by most. Passion boiling up, seemingly emanating from his body. At last, a meal fitting himself and his needs, replacing the dreary scraps he had subsided on for so long.
Wiping sweat from his bow, he let out a sigh of relief as his dance slowed. The essential work was done, now it was simple closing it all. His happiness was radiating. It was a simple deal, but it had proved delightful for himself at least. On his end, he cleaned the hall and the kitchen. In exchange, he was provided after hours use and the right to use leftovers however he wished. Leaning back, he watched the pan carefully. A collage of meat and vegetables, he was preparing himself an old recipe he had learned when he first started cooking. There was a lack of spices, an unfortunate reality of the Rune Knights typically bland meals, but with what little they had and what he had managed to secure on his own, he managed. He inhaled deeply, the sweet and spicy aroma bringing back memories. He shook the pan, stirring the contents and sending a wave of sizzles down the hall. Grabbing an adjacent pan, he quickly strained the contents and threw them into the dish, now mixing a large section of noodles into the meal.
Nearing completion, Rayden felt an odd sense of disappointment now, as per normal. While having good food was definitely a goal, he enjoyed the act of making it more so. The challenge of creating something great. Cooking was something no one tended to expect from him. He was a muscle brain, a brawler. He accepted that fact. Still, he enjoyed any challenge. regardless of form. And cooking was a delicate one. A thousand different results for one dish, hoping to find the perfect one out of it. He had learned when he was young, and one he had improved since. He had met countless chefs, and learnt from every loss, his repertoire more and more expansive with each one. Still, he remained hidden from the world, sealed away behind the empty room. The only sign of his presence was the crack in the door, allowing the powerful scents and noise freedom, and providing a view to any wandering eyes.
Wiping sweat from his bow, he let out a sigh of relief as his dance slowed. The essential work was done, now it was simple closing it all. His happiness was radiating. It was a simple deal, but it had proved delightful for himself at least. On his end, he cleaned the hall and the kitchen. In exchange, he was provided after hours use and the right to use leftovers however he wished. Leaning back, he watched the pan carefully. A collage of meat and vegetables, he was preparing himself an old recipe he had learned when he first started cooking. There was a lack of spices, an unfortunate reality of the Rune Knights typically bland meals, but with what little they had and what he had managed to secure on his own, he managed. He inhaled deeply, the sweet and spicy aroma bringing back memories. He shook the pan, stirring the contents and sending a wave of sizzles down the hall. Grabbing an adjacent pan, he quickly strained the contents and threw them into the dish, now mixing a large section of noodles into the meal.
Nearing completion, Rayden felt an odd sense of disappointment now, as per normal. While having good food was definitely a goal, he enjoyed the act of making it more so. The challenge of creating something great. Cooking was something no one tended to expect from him. He was a muscle brain, a brawler. He accepted that fact. Still, he enjoyed any challenge. regardless of form. And cooking was a delicate one. A thousand different results for one dish, hoping to find the perfect one out of it. He had learned when he was young, and one he had improved since. He had met countless chefs, and learnt from every loss, his repertoire more and more expansive with each one. Still, he remained hidden from the world, sealed away behind the empty room. The only sign of his presence was the crack in the door, allowing the powerful scents and noise freedom, and providing a view to any wandering eyes.