Fields of Mistria Reina

ReinaWhat good timing, Ari! Have a seat, I think the dish should've had just enough time to cool.

ReinaTada! It's Wild Berry Pie, made with all local ingredients! Give it a try!

ReinaSo whatcha think? Didn't that hit the spot?

T-this is the best slice of pie I've ever had!

Hmm, I'm not sure. Can I have another slice?

ReinaThat's what I like to hear! I think the Mistrian berries really make it a standout.

ReinaI'm glad you could come by, Ari. It's always nice to have a new palate to taste test on. I've got just about everyone's favorites memorized!

ReinaActually, Adeline has something in the works that might help spread Mistrian cooking all over the country. I'd been hoping to hear back from her today...

AdelineReina! The letter just arrived, Mistria has been accepted!

ReinaOh my gosh!

ReinaAdeline entered the Inn into a culinary event that has a panel of judges traveling around the country trying all the very best food!

AdelineI just knew you'd get accepted! Winning could mean big things for all of Mistria!

ReinaI've got a lot of work to do to get ready. New dishes to test and perfect, and that's with keeping on top of running the Inn's kitchen to boot...

ReinaI-I may have bitten off more than I can chew.

If anyone can do it, you can Reina!

I'm happy to help test any new dishes you whip up!

ReinaDo you really think so?

AdelineYou can rely on me as well, Reina. I'll see if I can't wrangle up some extra tips on wowing the judges. Not that I think you'll have any trouble with that!

ReinaYeah, you two are right! Now, how about I cut us all some fresh slices of pie?

ReinaAri, hey! You ready to do a little shopping?

HoltI was just telling Reina here, you two couldn't have picked a better time!

ReinaA fresh shipment came in this morning and I stocked the shelves myself!

ReinaWe've got our pick of the place, Ari! Let's make it count!

Let's go with something local, a real taste of Mistria!

You got any of those reeeeeal sour gummy candies, Holt?

ReinaI like the way you think!

ReinaNow let's see...

ReinaOoh, these herbs are from Celine's garden. Would you smell that thyme!

ReinaI think we've got our seasoning!

HoltThyme will tell, but I think you've made a good choice, Reina.

ReinaHmm... now that I think about it, we actually got a surprise in our shipment today.

ReinaThis here is a Dragon Horn Mushroom! We don't usually keep them in stock, too hard to find.

ReinaWow! I've never heard of it before!

HoltYou need a bit of a knack to find them, Nora and I used to pick them as kids! You can eat 'em raw, but they're great sauteed, fried, really any which way.

ReinaI thought I'd just have it as a snack but...

ReinaIt sure does look tasty...

Why don't we give it a try?

I be-leaf we've found our ingredient!

ReinaI do love to experiment with a new ingredient!

HoltYou two don't leave mushroom for arguments! Tell you what, that and the thyme are on the house.

ReinaThanks, Holt! Come on Ari! I've got a little stovetop set up in my room, let's get cooking!

ReinaLet's see, we really want to focus on what makes Mistria special, so I think something... simple but elevated...

Maybe as an amuse bouche?

How about as a dessert!

ReinaYeah, to get them excited for the meal to come!

ReinaMay I present... Dragon Horn Mushroom with Thyme!

ReinaAhh, what a flavor!

ReinaThanks for your help Ari. It isn't that much food though, is it?

ReinaTell you what, there's a pot of curry from yesterday downstairs, how about I heat some up for us?

ReinaHey, Ari! You got my letter?

ReinaI've been giving this a lot of thought and...

ReinaWill you... be my sous chef? For the contest? I don't think I can do it without you!

Of course, Reina!

I'd... I'd love to!

ReinaThat's a weight off my mind! Thank you!

JosephineWould you listen to these two!

HemlockLet them cook, dear.

ReinaMom, Dad, we'll be taking over the Inn's kitchen to get some practice dishes in.

JosephineAs long you're planning to share what you two cook up with the family, feel free!

ReinaAlright, Ari. I've got the oven pre-heating, so now it's time to get mixing!

HemlockBalor! Back from the Capital?

BalorI am, and I come bearing some interesting news. The final judge for the Cooking Panel has been selected.

BalorIt's Taliferro...

ReinaThere isn't a chef more acclaimed in all of Aldaria, so you can't doubt his abilities, but...

JosephineHe's also... prickly.

BalorArrogant and overcritical, I'd say.

No judge is too tough for Reina!

Someone has to win, so why not Reina?

ReinaI hope you're right!

JosephineIf there's anyone's cooking who can impress him, it's definitely Reina's!

ReinaThanks for the heads up, Balor.

BalorOf course.

ReinaI think I may have to redo the menu I planned... Taliferro likes food that has been "elevated".

ReinaThis isn't going to be easy...

Sounds fun! Let's experiment.

"Elevated", huh...

ReinaYeah... yeah! It will be fun!

ReinaLet's get cooking, Ari! We'll create a menu Taliferro is going to love!

ReinaAlright taste testers! Ari and I have made some dishes you've definitely never had before! Help yourselves!

JosephineThis curry looks wonderful! Why I-

JosephineIt's so sweet!

ReinaThat's right! I've heard extra sweet curry is popular in the Capital. I went with a lot more honey than usual!

MapleI should have started with that, this chocolate cake is... spicy?

That's the layer of chili-infused ganache!

It adds a bold kick, right?

LucMom always told us to have dessert last, I've learned my lesson.

HemlockThis drink sure is... interesting.

ReinaWe mixed in agar to make it richer and thicker. Taliferro's restaurant is well-known for incorporating innovative textures to its menu!

ReinaSo what does everyone think?

JosephineWell, it does all taste like something Taliferro might serve...

MapleI want a Grilled Cheese...

HemlockMaple, hush!

MapleJust make some of the stuff you normally cook, Reina!

ReinaHaha...

ReinaWell thanks for taste testing, everyone. Ari and I better get this all cleaned up. Does anyone want leftovers?

JosephineOh no dear, I'm simply too full!

ReinaWell that could have gone better.

It was fun though!

I think the curry has potential.

ReinaIt was, but I don't know...

ReinaMaybe Maple is right. We didn't really showcase Mistrian cooking today, did we?

ReinaI'm not really sure which direction to go in anymore. This is going to be even harder than I thought.

Whatever you decide to make, I'll be right here to help.

Win or lose, you're still the best chef I know.

ReinaThanks, Ari. That means a lot.

ReinaNow, I'm going to need you to do me one last favor...

ReinaTake some of this Honey Curry home with you. We made WAY too much!

Afterwards

MapleReina told me that nobles eat all sorts of unique food, but I've never seen Adeline or Eiland eat anything I wouldn't!

HemlockThat daughter of mine! She came up with some interesting recipes, huh? Reminds me of my early bartending days.

JosephineReina's been spending a lot of time lost in thought...

ReinaI've been cooking for as long as I can remember, it's one of my favorite things to do.

ReinaAri! Thank goodness you're here!

ReinaI hope you're ready to show the culinary world what Mistria's got to offer!

Just tell me where you need me!

It'll be a piece of cake! Or pie. Either or.

ReinaOf course! Can you start chopping the vegetables?

HemlockI'll start prepping the drink selection. Whatever the judges want, you can be sure we'll have it!

JosephineI'll get our freshest, starchiest tablecloth ready!

MapleMe and Luc want to help too, Reina!

ReinaCan I count on you two to get the cutlery ready and make sure it's suuuuuper clean?

LucYou got it, sis! It'll be so clean a bug could eat off it!

JosephineDon't worry, dear. I'll check their work.

ReinaThank you, everyone. Let's go!

MapleReina, some people are coming up the road!

VeraHi, everyone!

LucVera! Hi!

VeraWe're the judges for the Aldarian Cooking Contest!

DarcyI've been looking forward to this. Haven't ever had a bad meal at the Sleeping Dragon Inn.

TaliferroHmph. Let's keep it professional and try for a little impartiality, Darcy.

JosephineWelcome, judges. We've prepared a table for you, right this way.

HemlockLet me take your drink orders.

HemlockChef Reina's got some recommendations for pairing, but we can make whatever you like.

ReinaOoh, I just got real nervous, Ari.

Take a deep breath, you can do this!

I'll be with you every step of the way!

ReinaYou're right. I've made up my mind, and now I just need to follow through.

ReinaLet's get those dishes served up!

ReinaWelcome everyone! To start your meal, my sous chef and I have prepared for you Dragon Horn Mushroom & Thyme.

ReinaThese ingredients were foraged from the woods and fields of Mistria just yesterday.

TaliferroWhat mundane plating. I'd prefer something more unexpected...

TaliferroAh-

VeraI've never had a mushroom with so much flavor!

DarcySo rich and savory, what a good start to the meal.

TaliferroHmph, well... let's see how it leads into the next course.

ReinaFor your main, we've prepared our signature Mistrian Vegetable Curry.

ReinaThe vegetables in this dish were grown with love and care on the sous chef's own farm.

VeraWhat an aromatic blend of spices!

TaliferroA... respectable depth of flavor, considering.

DarcyIt's a shame I need to leave room for dessert, or I'd ask for a second helping.

DarcyAre judges allowed to ask for take-home containers?

ReinaO-of course!

ReinaFor dessert, we've prepared our local specialty, Wildberry Pie.

ReinaThe berries were selected for their sweetness, indicated by size and brilliance of color.

VeraCrisp crust, no soggy bottom on this pie.

DarcyThe berries are so sweet. What a perfect taste of Mistria!

ReinaJudge, is something wrong?

TaliferroEr, no.

VeraOut with it, Taliferro.

TaliferroWell, I must concede... it's pretty good.

TaliferroOh, don't look at me like that! I pride myself in my taste as a chef. To deny good food is to deny my own abilities.

TaliferroAnd anyway, the presentation still leaves much to be desired. Would it kill you to serve it with a scoop of ice cream?

VeraWell well, I haven't seen Tali this happy with a meal in-

TaliferroPlease refer to me by my full name, Vera.

DarcyJudges, let's confer.

VeraAfter much deliberation.

DarcyEspecially by one judge in particular...

TaliferroThe culinary prestige of Aldaria rests on our shoulders, Darcy!

VeraWe are delighted to award the Sleeping Dragon Inn and its head chef Reina, an Aldarian Star.

ReinaOh my gosh!

JosephineOooh, Reina! I'm so proud!

HemlockThat's my daughter!

MapleI want to hold the star first!

TaliferroIt's not a real star, small child.

MapleWhat kind of sham is this?

ReinaThank you all, it means so much to me.

ReinaAnd thank you, Ari. I couldn't have done this without you beside me in the kitchen.

DarcyWell done, both of you. I think I speak for all of the judges when I say that we'll be looking forward to where you go from here!

ReinaI suppose we should get the kitchen tidied up, huh?

JosephineLet us handle it, dear! You've worked hard enough today.

HemlockWhy don't you go and take a well deserved break with Ari?

ReinaOh! That does sound nice.

ReinaWhat do you say, Ari. Want to go for a walk?

ReinaWhew... we did it, Ari. I'm so glad the judges liked everything!

How did you come up with the menu?

What happened to all the avant-garde dishes?

ReinaWell...

ReinaMy family was trying to be nice when we debuted those new dishes, but I knew something was off.

ReinaAnd I got to thinking that even if we won with them... so what? None of them were really true to Mistrian cooking, you know?

ReinaSo I decided I'd rather win or lose on more authentic dishes, ones I've shared-

ReinaWith the person that I care about. With... you

I'm lucky to have a best friend like you, Reina.

I care about you too, Reina.

ReinaI'm glad to have a best friend like you too, Ari.

ReinaI was so nervous about taking on this competition...

ReinaBut you've supported me and lifted me up, every step of the way.

ReinaWhat a day! It's like the whole world is our oyster, and we can cook it up however we like.

ReinaOoooh... are you thinking what I'm thinking?

ReinaThere's plenty of curry and pie leftover from the judging.

ReinaLet's go get some before Maple and Luc eat it all!

Afterwards

AdelineAri, congrats!

DarcyI couldn't believe it when I was nominated to help as a judge for the Aldarian Cooking Contest.

HemlockWe've been getting reservation inquiries on the regular since Reina's cooking won that Aldarian Star award.

JosephineReina's been so confident in the kitchen lately. I'm glad all of Aldaria knows how great a cook my daughter is!

LucIt's so cool that Reina won a cooking award!

MapleI can't believe Reina won and she didn't even get a trophy or anything!

ReinaThe cooking contest was fun, wasn't it?

ReinaThe cooking contest was fun, wasn't it?

TaliferroOh, it's you.

VeraI always knew Reina could cook, but she really pulled out all the stops!

ReinaAh... It's so peaceful out here.

ReinaIt kind of feels like we have all of Mistria to ourselves, doesn't it?

ReinaI always feel like that when I'm sitting here with you.

ReinaActually... I think I feel that way when I'm just about anywhere with you!

ReinaIt's like it's just you and me-

ReinaWell, not "against" the world, exactly. It's more like...

ReinaWe're making our dreams a reality... making our own world together.

You are my world, Reina!

You've achieved so much, I'm so proud of you.

ReinaAri...! You're my world too!

ReinaEven back when we first met, I knew there was something special about you.

ReinaIt's not every day that an adventurer shows up to a village out in the country!

ReinaEspecially not to Mistria... not back then...

ReinaYou're the kind of person who isn't afraid of a challenge. You make things happen, Ari.

ReinaEven before I really got to know you, I found it inspiring.

ReinaThen as we grew closer, I found your outlook so contagious!

ReinaIt made me feel that my own dreams... I could really make them happen.

ReinaThen with the cooking contest, it did happen! And you were there beside me every step of the way.

You've inspired me, too. More than you know...

It was watching you work so hard that gave me the strength to do the same.

ReinaAri...

ReinaYou've been inspired by... me?

ReinaReally?

ReinaThis whole time, watching you work so hard to build up the farm, to help the town...

ReinaI wondered what kept you going, day after day.

ReinaBut I guess I should have known...

ReinaBecause I feel the same way about you.

ReinaYou're the fire in my heart, Ari. With you as my muse, anything is possible.

ReinaThat's why I wanted to give you my Cookbook Manuscript.

ReinaEven though it's not quite finished yet!

ReinaI'm not in a rush though...

ReinaAfter all, Mistria wasn't rebuilt in a day! Hehe.

ReinaAnd anyway, it's enough for now that you know it's dedicated to you.

Reina"To my sous chef, my inspiration... My Ari."

ReinaI made sure to put all your favorite recipes in it, too.

ReinaI'm toying with the idea of naming the book "Wildberry Pie"!

ReinaBecause I can't bake one anymore without thinking of the day you first taste-tested it with me at the Inn.

ReinaBut that's enough about my book for the time being.

ReinaThere was something else you wanted to talk about today, right?

I wanted to talk to you about our future together...

Actually, let's talk about it another day.

ReinaOur future together?

ReinaDo you mean...?

I love you, Reina. Will you marry me?

Actually, let's talk about it more another day.

ReinaYes!

ReinaYES! Of course I will!

ReinaOh Ari...

ReinaI'm so happy, I could cry!

ReinaI just can't believe it!

ReinaYou've done it again, you know...

ReinaYou just made another of my dreams come true!

ReinaI love you, Ari!

Afterwards

ReinaWhat's up Ari?