A Dinner of Mushrooms and Pheasant

Norman looked down at the reserve of money he had left, this couldn't go on. He just wanted to go home; stop borrowing clothes from strangers, sleep in his own bed, get back to work, hear his mother's worried nagging. Learning the truth that fairy tale stories were all true, and monsters were real left knots in his stomach and ruined any chances of him having a decent night's sleep by this point. What was he going to do?

He sighed and pocketed his money, time to try again to see if anybody was heading out of town or had contact to the outside world. That was when he spotted...what was his name? Claud? Yes, Claud. He gave a small nod towards the slightly familiar face.

Claud was in town, attempting to sell what he could of the things he hunted and scavenged in the forest—wild game, mushrooms, early vegetables—when he saw the familiar face of the stranger who had arrived some time before. Approaching him he smiled shyly, "Norman, was it? How are you?" There was something of a meekness about him, for he didn't know how the man would react to the question, whether with anger or hopelessness.

Norman quickly fixed his hair as Claud approached and dusted off the shirt that was kindly lent to him, "Good evening, Claud. I'm...." he hesitated, was it proper to tell him the truth? No that would be too much and he'd sound ridiculous, but it just wasn't like him to lie. "I've...been better. It's been quite a week." If one could word it that way. He fumbled with his hands and looked Claud over quickly, "Would you like some help? That looks like a lot to carry."

Claud nodded at Norman's words, seemingly understanding both what was being said and what was not. "I'm sorry about the hard times you've been having, but I'm glad to see you. Ah, yes, please," he said and handed Norman the basket he was holding in his arms, keeping the rod with a second and third basket suspended from it. "Have you been able to find a place to stay? Work?"

It felt good to be helpful to someone at least, he took the basket with a small smile that was to be quickly snuffed by Claud's question. "Ah...uhm...well....No." There was a little defeat in his voice, "I wasn't looking that hard--I thought by now maybe there would be a way for me to get home by now. That's where I have my career and somewhere to stay." After all, it had only been a week, he couldn't give up hope so easily.

Claud looked concerned. He also looked like he understood, but there was definite concern there. "I know, and I'm sorry," he said softly. "Do you need someplace to stay? You are welcome to come back to the church with me. Or to my lodgings, if you don't mind the small space."

"Oh, thank you, that's so nice of you. But it doesn't sit well with me to just stay because I haven't found a way home yet." He dared to take a small peek into the basket to see what it was that Claud was selling, "You and the Church have done so much for me enough as is."

"That is, I think, what the church is for, is it not?" Claud asked with a soft smile. That single word, yet, was very sad to him. He didn't have the heart to keep telling Norman that there was no way home.

He nodded and gave a small shrug, "I suppose, mostly. I...I wouldn't know. I haven't been attending Mass recently." Shooting a quick glance at Claud as if to say, "Don't tell anybody", but he still whispered it like a guilty child. "This Church is very different from the churches I know."

Claud shrugged and tried to look non-judgemental. He whispered back just as conspiratorially, "I never even went to church before I started working for the clergy." You keep my secret I'll keep yours.

Norman: "I...I didn't want to be rude, they're just so different from all the only churches. Most of the ones I know are more focused on the sermons and not hunting things." He still kept his voice hushed before his expression changed slightly. "Everything's different." Norman glanced between the basket and Claud and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry."

Claud shook his head, "No, I am sorry. Everything is different here, I can't imagine what you are going through. I want to help but some things can't really be helped." He patted Norman on the back. "Well, it will be dark soon enough. Do you at least have the protection of a house at night? Have you been eating enough?"

Taking a quick moment to think he muttered a small list of things he did today, "Well, I did ask if the nearest inn could hold a room for me, but I didn't put down any payments yet in case--well, you know--but that's an easy fix, I'm sure they still have a room open." He waved off Claud's questioning by awkwardly avoiding eye contact.

Claud huffed a sound like a soft grunt or a sigh. "Please don't stay out past dark. I know there's much you don't believe, but it is dangerous here after nightfall." He was trying very hard to be insistent without sounding crazed.

"I--mnh." He huffed, that was usually his line, but he couldn't argue with Claud about it because he was right. Now eh felt like the crazy one. "I can defend myself for the most part, I've been on the night shift...before....." His gazed trailed off as he saw the inn that he had been staying at no longer had their open vacancy sign and gave a small sigh of defeat. "This that offer to stay at the Church for another night still open?"

Claud smiled a small smile and pat Norman on the back again. "Of course," he said, turning towards the road that led to the church. "Follow me. Or do you need to pick up any of your belongings before we go?"

"I don't have any belongings here." That felt like such a hard kick to the gut and it was totally humiliating. Norman felt his ears grow red for admitting his current situation. (his uniform is most likely still at the Church)

Claud clenched his jaw, embarrassed for asking such a painful question. "I'm sorry," he said and led them through the town square towards the church road.

Oh no, now things were sad and awkward. Norman kept quiet for what felt like eternity until the church was finally coming into sight. "A-actually, Claud? If...If it's ok, can I keep you company tonight?" He just couldn't bring himself back to the church again, plus Sister Donna scared him just a little.

Claud brightened, "Of course! And you'll join me for dinner too, I hope?" He lifted one of the baskets to show the contents, "I'll be cooking what I couldn't sell today. It's all fresh, I assure you."

Norman leaned over to get a look and instantly stiffened with a small look of horror, "oooohthosearedead" It was one thing to buy meat from the store, but to see what the animal actually was is another thing. Those lifeless eyes. He expression then shifted to Claud when he realized he had said that all out loud and he put on a big, rather uncomfortable smile, "Absolutely. I just love--uh---" oh dear god he had to look again, "Bird."

Mael: Claud was trying not to laugh at him, but he wasn't being unkind. "If you don't eat meat it's alright. I noticed you don't like bread, too? I'm sure we could find something for you to eat."

He just wanted to hide his face and take back what had just happened, bird? who just says bird? Blinking at the bread statement he gave a small nervous laugh, "It's not that I don't like bread, I do, a lot. I just try not to eat it too often." Because it goes straight to my gut. At least he didn't say that out loud. "Sorry, I'm just not used to seeing food I eat still have, well, feathers on it--or eyes. Or a head." That was going to haunt him for the next few hours.

Claud grinned at him, "I'll clean it outside. Once it's cooked you'll forget about ever having been bothered by it. And don't you worry, grain is somewhat scarce here, so eat the bread when you can, which won't be too often."

That was a little reassuring at least, he wasn't sure if he could believe him, but it helped. "Is there anything I can do to help? I'm not too bad with cooking." It felt bad to make Claud do all of the work.


Claud wondered about that. But he was willing to give him a chance "Can you pan-cook the mushrooms? We have fresh butter to cook them in."

Norman smiled, "That's easy! I can do that with no problem at all." Which was true, mushrooms were super easy to cook and often in his meals from home. He thanked whoever was out there that at least he could try to impress Claud a little bit now.


Claud grinned in reply. "Great! I'll leave it to you, then." They continued on towards Claud's cabin and upon entering he got to work, stoking the stove fire, showing Norman where knives, a cutting board, pan and spatula were, along with the butter and salt. "I'll be outside if you need me," he said, taking the bird outside to prepare it for cooking.

Norman: There wasn't much to work with, but that was ok! He could do this without any problem because he cooked plenty of mushrooms back home. Then again maybe a few extra ingredients wouldn't hurt? There was barely anything around though and he wasn't comfortable looking through Claud's kitchen without permission. He did his best scan as he sliced up the mushrooms and dared to grab a tiny clove of garlic from the windowsill to add some flavor in the sauté, but decided against it and placed it back. The mushrooms themselves came out fine, perhaps a little bland in his opinion, but they'll do. He set up the plates at the table and poked his head outside to call Claud in.

"Claud?Food should be rea---ooohhhhh oh no." That was a lot of feathers.

Claud was happily preparing the bird for their meal, and was so involved in the task that he didn't hear Norman approaching, and so wasn't able to shield him from the sight. Looking up in a panic he froze, one hand full of plucked feathers and poised over the basket he was depositing them into, the other holding the dead animal. When he found his voice again he said, "I'll be just a moment more, then I'll bring it inside to prepare. I'm sorry for the sight, I didn't hear you approaching."

Norman shook his head and looked away quickly, "No, no, it's--it's alright. I just can't look at the eyes." This was just embarrassing, he was an adult, he shouldn't be so squeamish over a bird and a pile of feathers. He took a deep breath to gather himself after a light mental scolding and smiled at Claud, "I'm alright, I promise." And then there was the awkward pause of silence again before he clapped his hands together and side stepped to let Claud inside. "So, uhm, do you always prepare your own food?"

Claud set the bird down in the basket to finish with it later. "Usually, but not always” he replied. “Sometimes I'll join the meals prepared at the church, but I try to not be a burden to them as much as possible. I'm used to this." Claud shrugged and smiled a small, gentle smile. Picking up the basket he carried it inside, careful to keep it out of Norman's line of sight. "I don't want wild animals to get it," he explained, setting it down and covering it with a small towel. After a quick hand wash outside the door he started setting the table. “Do you not usually prepare your food?”

Norman: He hesitated to answer, tucking his hair behind his ear which was starting to turn a pleasant shade of pink in embarrassment. "I..uh....not to that extent--W-well I mean--" Norman tried to think of a way that didn't make himself to sound like a burden or just a helpless child. "I buy or have the main parts of the dish delivered to my home. I've never hunted my own food." None of this was sounding good, maybe he should have just lied.

Claud nodded, "Not everyone hunts. I just don't own any livestock, and if I can get something myself I try to be frugal that way, rather than bartering for it." This man must be rich, he thought to himself, to not only buy food but to have it delivered to your home as well. He wondered how his humble, mismatched plates and cutlery appeared to him. There were a few small jars with salt and some assorted seasonings in them which he pushed to the center of the table for use on their food. "Well, shall we eat? Then I can get the bird cooking. Sorry I didn't plan this very well, I don't often have guests."

"It's alright, I'm sorry for asking you to host so suddenly." He sat across from Claud awkwardly, this was so out of his element. "This is, uh, this is a nice home you have here." This man must be exceptionally poor, or was he wealthy here? It seemed as though everybody was having financial troubles in this place.

Claud sat as well and gestured for Norman to take what he liked of the food first. "Thank you. The church owns these cabins. I think normally they're for clergy but since I'm helping out they've let me stay here."

"Are you not from here as well?" It sounded that way, why else would he be living with the church? He couldn't think of any other reason that could be why. He took a small serving of the food and handed the mushrooms back to Claud. "That seems to be normal for around here--that everybody is from somewhere else...but can't...get back." He shook his head to clear the thoughts that began creeping into the back of his mind.

"That is the case for many here, yes," Claud said and seasoned his food before taking a bite. "I'm not from town, but my family lived in the woods. We're not, um, we're not Christians, and were not welcome in town," he admitted shyly. But Norman seemed understanding enough, maybe he could forgive him being pagan.

Norman only nodded slowly, "I see." He didn't seem bothered by Claud admitting he wasn't Christian; there were plenty of other religions out there and he seemed nice enough. "I'm sorry to hear that, I know a little bit about the church not being too welcoming." He chuckled a little, "My father is from a country far east, and not everybody was too happy about that or his relationship with my other."

Claud relaxed a bit when Norman said that he had faced similar discrimination. "I'm sorry to hear that. Can I ask how your parents met?"

He sat back, "Well, my father was trying to get into the trading business at the time, somewhere far from his own home due to some conflicts. My Mother's Father was rather open minded and figured he could humor him and offer some help since nobody really wanted a foreigner in their line of work....and...well, he and my mother met during one of their meetings. According to my mother he completely butchered her name when he tried to introduce himself." He smiled a little, "but they both fell hard and fast for each other. And well, two years later I was born?"
"The Church.....wasn't very happy about me being born before they got married."

Claud: Claud smiled, enjoying listening to Norman's story. "Is that... something the church cares about?" he asked at the end, feeling silly about his question but finding it very fascinating since his culture was so different.

He shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm not really sure myself, some people say it's not the Church, some say it is. It feels more....like it's a society thing that the Church got mixed in with." It felt so bizarre having to explain this to someone.
"It's just encouraged for a couple to be married before having sex, let alone children."

Claud chewed thoughtfully. After a moment he said, "Sorry, it's just so different than what I grew up with."

He laughed a little, "it's alright! I don't really think about it that often and it doesn't bother me. My parents are happy, and aside from a few people, hardly anyone has made that big of a fuss about it that left any impressions."

Claud smiled, "Good," he said simply. Changing the subject since the thought of Norman never getting to see his parents again seemed too sad, he asked, "How are the mushrooms? I think you cooked them well."

There was a little sadness in his eyes, the change of subject was more than welcome. "Oh, thank you, I've had a decent amount of practice." He pushed around his mushrooms before trying some of his work. "Did you want help cooking the bird?" The compliment helped him relax visibly

Claud smiled, teasing, "If I take the head off will you be able to look at it?"

Norman felt his face heat up slightly and he cleared his throat, "That shouldn't be a problem. It just took me by surprise is all."

Claud chuckled, "There's not much left to do on it actually, and I was just going to put it into the oven. Did you have another cooking method in mind?"

"Oh ah, not if you're going to cook it like that, no." He paused, maybe it was rude of him to help? He was a guest after all, but an unplanned guest. This whole place was full of unusual standard of manners, so he wasn't sure what to do.

Claud shrugged, "I'm open to ideas."

"Maybe next time I can treat you once I find somewhere to stay a little longer? Something I have some more time to plan and prepare." He felt so horrible for turning Claud down.
"I cook things a very certain way."

Claud nodded, still smiling, seeming unbothered. "I'd like that, thank you." Standing up he took one last forkful of mushroom, "Alright, let me take care of the bird, it won't take long. I'll sit just outside the door so we can still talk."

He covered Claud's plate to keep it from getting cold as he cooked the rest of the meal. "So, Claud, what do you do as a job in this town? I've been seeing you walking around with all of those baskets, but you don't work for the Church?"

Claud had picked up the basket and took it outside to behead and gut it. Sitting just outside of the door he carried on their conversation as he worked. "I work with the church," he clarified, "and I trade what I can in town for my own supply. I have been told by others that money is commonly used elsewhere, but here we mainly trade and barter for our needs."

Norman did his best to tune out the sounds that he was hearing as the bird was dealt with and focus on Claud's voice. "O-oh, I see...." Trading? Bartering? He had nothing to his name now, and what little he did have he had no interest in parting with. "But jobs? Those must be pretty popular here at least, right?" He winced, feeling like he was helplessly asking Claud for help.

"Depends on what you can do, I suppose. There are those who work continuously at one trade, if that is what you mean. I'm just not expertly skilled in any one area, is all." Claud was separating out the organs that were best for eating.

What he can do? Norman rested his chin in his hands to think about that for a moment.....then another.....and another....His brow furrowed with concern. What if he really didn't have any useful skills that could help in this town? "hm...." He glanced back up in Claud's direction, "Well....you've done rather decently here, right?"

"I've done fair enough, yes. It's been hard, though. I lost everything in a fire at the beginning of winter. Thankfully you've come more towards spring time, there is much work to be done, now. Would you mind telling me what your skills are?"

"Oh no! That's horrible, I'm so sorry!" Losing everything to a fire? That was so sad! He didn't even focus on Claud's question after that, how could someone just bounce back after losing everything? And so recently too?

Claud: When Norman didn't answer his question, Claud assumed he was either too distressed by news of the fire, or simply hadn't heard him ask. Claud shuffled uncomfortably in place a moment; he didn't know how to deal with other's emotional reactions on his behalf. After a moment he said, "It is what it is..."

"It must be a lot. I can't even begin to imagine what that's like." (<--lol oh buddy) He truly did feel bad for Claud, and had a great respect for him to continue moving forward about the whole ordeal. Norman nudged open the door a little to reach out and give Claud a firm squeeze on the shoulder to reassure him. "If there's anything I can do for you, please tell me, alright?"

Claud nodded. It was a nice gesture on Norman's part. "Alright, thanks," he said with a small smile. "This is ready I think," he said, standing up. The bird and any edible organs had been put into their own pile on the chopping block, and the head and scraps he'd saved for the barn cats. After placing them in a baking dish to cook them in Claud washed his hands and carried the whole thing inside. He fussed at the stove a bit before putting the bird to cook in the oven compartment. "Well, that'll be a bit. I've got some other things we could eat while we wait if you're still hungry," he offered, standing up.

Norman: “I don’t mind waiting! But if you’d want to go right ahead.” Norman sat back down in his seat. He really didn’t know what else to say to Claud, should he talk about his past? Was that a touchy subject? It was too soon! The man just lost everything in a fire! Norman silently scolded himself for thinking such things when he finally remembered Claud’s question before that. “My skills.....”

Claud seemed unbothered by mentioning his recent disaster, and was thoughtfully looking over the shelves where he stored his non-perishable bottled foods. Settling on a jar of pickles, he opened it and pulled a few out to put on his plate, then set the jar on the table between them, pushing it towards Norman as a way of offering him some. "Yes, what can you do? And what are you interested in doing? I would be happy to teach you if you had the will to learn something," he said, sitting down again.

What can he do? Norman took the offered food and sat there, thinking of how to put his skills into words. "Well I.......I uhm...." He cleared his throat, "I know I'm great at organizing things, you should see my parents' study, that took three months to do. And I really do like helping people, I don't know if you noticed, but I'm a police officer, I was top of my graduating group--that's, that's why I have the uniform, I know the hat is missing."

"Hmmm," Claud sat back in his chair, picking at the last of the food on his plate while thinking Norman's words over. "I suppose you could talk to the officer in town, though his German isn't very good. I'm not actually sure how he makes a living. And there are always people who will need help in one way or another. You are approachable and seem capable, so that will work in your favor." He sighed, "I'm sorry, I don't know much about living in town, I'm probably not the best person to ask about this."

Making a living? Not knowing about living in town? Norman uncomfortably laughed, "But you said you've been here your whole life, are things really that strange here?" He decided not to push at that subject, Claud already did say he lost everything, maybe he really was thrown off. "That wouldn't be a bad idea though, maybe I should talk to that other police officer. It would be nice to get back to my duty even if it's in another town. There are still people to protect after all, right?"

Claud blushed a bit, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to confuse you. I've lived in this area all my life, but in the forest. I only recently started having contact with the town. And yes, having more help with protecting the town would be very much appreciated, I'm sure." But what worried him was sending this clueless man to the front lines of the fighting. If Norman was going to effectively stand between the town and all the horrors that surrounded it, then he needed to be better prepared.

"The forest? Wait--what--like, a small cabin in the forest? At the edge of town?" He seemed rather taken aback by that and turned to discuss that matter with himself, "well then again people don't usually just live in cities, like farms! Yeah, farms make--wait--oh uh." He was saying all of this all out loud. His ears and cheeks turned pink as he looked back at Claud and coughed, "Sorry. I...didn't get out much past the city life."

Claud nodded calmly. Honestly he was used to this kind of reaction. "It's quite alright, even the people who live here think this is odd. The forest is a dangerous place, not many dare enter and fewer spend any amount of time in there if they can help it, much less live there."

"....But aren't all forests like that?" That was a genuine question coming from someone who had never been on a camping trip, "I mean, I was barely in the forest when Mr. Father Gottfried found me. I remember falling through some trees though...." He rubbed at the back of his head in painful memory. "But uh, sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."

Claud huffed a small laugh, "You aren't being offensive, it's alright. I've been told that this forest is especially dangerous. But, I've never known any other forest, so I'll just have to trust their word."

"...I've.....never really been in any other forest either. If--if we're being honest." He fiddled with the cuffs on his sleeve like this fact was something to be ashamed about (it is). "But I'm super at picking up lessons really fast!" There he was trying to be hopeful again.

Claud nodded, "For now, avoid the forest. If someone asks you to go in there, even with their guidance, be very cautious, they may be trying to mislead you."

He smiled and gave a small nod, that was simple enough to follow--wait. Waaaaaait. Some gears were turning in his mind, some thoughts were happening. And realization as he sat up straight, "Oh my god, that circus magician mislead me." There it is.

Claud blinked in confusion, "Pardon?"

He smacked his hand against eh table, "that magi--ow." that was a hard table, "the magician! The same night I appeared here, I was pursuing a suspect who acted strangely and kept leading me through random parts of town, at one point somehow that ended up in the middle of the city park, and the next thing I know, I was here!"

Claud was listening attentively though there were a few words he wasn't sure of the meaning. "That makes sense, magic-users can be tricky like that."

“It shouldn’t have been real magic! I thought he was just like, you know, a performer, an actor! I don’t know!” He was rather upset by this and took a few breaths to calm down. “But...if he used real magic, that means I’m stuck here on purpose.” Now that reality was kicking in

Claud didn't know what to say. On the one hand he was glad that Norman was starting to realize the reality of this place. On the other hand it was hard to watch, as he felt very sorry for the man. He just looked thoughtfully at him as he had his realization, patiently waiting while Norman put together the clues by himself.

Norman sunk a little and turned away from Claud. Now everything was just silent. He took a few more deep breaths and wiped the side of his face. “I...uhm...” he didn’t know what to say, but at least now the smell of dinner finally being cooked filled the air.

"I'm sorry," was all Claud could think of to say, the crackle of the stove fire filling the silence.

Norman wanted to go home, somewhere, anywhere but here right now. “I....need some time to think about all of this.”