The smell of food
From Torg Adventure
You wake up to the smell of cooking meat. The sky is light, but the sun is blocked by the tall mountains to the east. The valley is still in their shadow.
You look over and see Tri'lanna roasting what looks like a rabbit on a stick over a small, smokeless fire. It sizzles and pops. Her bow is near her, strung for shooting. She digs some tubers out of the coals with another stick. The rabbit is next. She has two large flat leaves as plates. Half of the meat and tubers goes on each leaf.
You clear your throat, and she turns to smile at you, saying something in her lilting language. You imagine she said, "So you're finally up, sleepy head." The elf maiden picks up the leaves and hands one to you. The aroma makes your mouth water.
"Thank you. It smells delicious," you say, knowing she doesn't understand. You see some herbs on the rabbit and tubers. You blow on the meat before picking it up. It's hot, but by switching it back and forth between your fingers, you manage to not get burned. You take a bite. You've never had rabbit that was so tender, and the spices make it a savory explosion of flavor on your tongue. You close your eyes and moan a little as you chew.
You look over at Tri'lanna, and she watches you. You grin and nod to her. "This rabbit is great!" you say enthusiastically. She smiles back and bites heartily into her rabbit.
The tubers are starchy, and the herbs give them a bit of a nutty flavor. You pop one in your mouth and bite into it, only to huff and puff in an attempt to cool it off. The inside of your mouth is slightly scorched. Neither of you speak again until all the food is gone. The elf starts eating the leaf plate as well, so you follow suit. With the meat juices on it, you find it quite tasty. It also feels good on your burnt mouth. She did all this on a cook fire with no skillet or pans.
Tri'lanna hands you one of your cooking pots filled with water. You drink, enjoying the coolness on your lips and throat. You hand it back with half the water left for her. She smiles and drinks.
"I'm certainly glad I brought you along with me, Tri'lanna. You are a real asset to the trip, with your bow, your hunting skill, and your cooking. Having the delight of your body is like fresh fruit in winter," you explain to her.
She speaks back to you at some length as well. You hear your name and imagine she says, "You saved my life from the cursed goblins, and, for that, I am grateful, Han. All I can offer you is what food I find and my companionship. Please accept these meager gifts."
When she finishes, she sits next to you and kisses you. Your lips and tongues dance together for many minutes, while you just hold each other. She breaks the kiss and starts packing up. You do so as well. By the time you're finished, the sun is just peeking over the crags. Up the mountains, you continue your trek.
What next?
