Ivy woke to find the soft glow of the sunlight slipping into Cubert’s bedroom. She ached in places both familiar and unknown to her. But she also felt so deeply satisfied. A form of contentment that reached almost as deep as Cubert did the day prior. Turning over she found Cubert sleeping too.
After placing a paw on his chest his eyes snapped open.
“Good morning.”
“Morning… Morning?” Ivy spoke before sitting up quickly.
She groaned and rubbed the side of her head before shaking her ears.
“Oh that was just supposed to be a nap. I gotta go check on my family.”
“Shall I run you a bath?”
“No, I'll get a shower.” Ivy said.
But as she stepped out of bed she slipped and stumbled as her back legs felt weak.
Cubert approached and helped her to stand more steady using his body.
“Heh, thanks. We really did spend the whole day yesterday…”
He helped her to the bathroom and after a shower she found some ability to walk on her own once more. He offered her breakfast but Ivy had been gone from her family for two days and she was sure that they would start to worry if she kept them any longer. Ivy gave Cubert a small kiss before heading out and returning to her family’s Farm.
And just like that Cubert was alone in his home once again.
As it had been several days since he last opened the Bakery he got to work in putting everything together. He checked on his soaking Rose Raisins and took careful note of the flavors that had been imparted from the long marination process. Next he headed down to the Beach to check on his order of Rum and thankfully found that he had not missed the delivery. With that obtained he formed new mixtures of the marinade and placed Raisins in each for testing.
Now that was done he took to creating all of the local favourites and usual recipes although new ideas were also starting to come to him. After sorting out plenty of the usual recipes and stocking the glass containers at the counter, he opened up the shutters to find the Market also starting to move.
He placed a sign on the counter informing people to wait if they need him before heading out with a basket to get some new ingredients. Next to the local Market and its distinctive Skylight was the Undermarket where goods from neighbouring towns and far off lands come to be traded and sold. Certain things like exotic spices were simply not a local resource after all. He picked up Star Anise, Cloves and Pecans as well as some fine Cinnamon.
Returning to the Market he found Ivy looking into the counter of the Bakery.
“Good morning.” He repeated as he hopped over.
“Morning, heh. Are you busy?” She asked.
“Not for you.” He replied.
“I checked in with my family, they were more happy to see me getting out than anything. I was wondering if I could maybe join you at the Bakery today? Like as an assistant or something?”
Ivy offered with a slight blush.
“What about the Herb Stall?” Cubert asked.
Although as he looked over he found another similar looking Buun sitting at it.
“My slightly younger sister can keep a watch.” Ivy explained…
“It’s not like she does much around here.” She then said louder.
Her sister looked up from the basket of Herbs she was organising for a moment before ducking her head under the Stall. Ivy gave her a glare through the wood before turning her eyes to Cubert.
“I would be happy to have your assistance.” He told her.
Just as they headed inside however a local appeared at the counter.
“I’ve got this.” Ivy told him as she went to sort him out.
Cubert meanwhile placed the ingredients onto his work table.
From the cupboards and fridge he got Flour, Eggs, Milk, everything else needed to make dough. He had just finished measuring everything out for several pies when Ivy hopped over.
“Anything I can do?” She asked.
“Yes. Grind the spices while I form the dough.”
“I can do that!” Ivy replied eagerly.
He moved over a large stone mortar and pestle to her side, as well as the Star Anise and Cloves. As she started grinding he focused on sifting Flour into a large bowl and rubbing Butter through it to create a Breadcrumb like texture. Cubert peeked over as he worked and found Ivy focusing with her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth. Even though he could handle work by himself it was nice to have someone else nearby.
Once she was done grinding the spices he threw them into the buttery Breadcrumbs he had created and mixed them slowly. Next he instructed Ivy to very gently heat the Golden Syrup, Sugar and Butter together and while waiting for that to dissolve to beat the many Eggs in a side bowl until fluffy.
Cubert meanwhile sifted Flour across the work surface and began to knead and roll out the Dough into 6 Pie cases. As he worked Ivy took a peek at him. She had heard from her mother when she was young that a good Baker has strong and cold hands. Although his hands were not as cold as they could be, they were very strong. Ivy then quickly turned her focus back to the Eggs as several droplets slipped from the bowl and splattered across her face.
“You have the right technique but you’re supposed to keep the ingredients in the bowl.”
Cubert spoke up as he saw the mess she had made. She gave him a glare, but could not help but smirk.
He placed the Pie cases in the oven on a low temperature to prebake before coming over to Ivy and showing her how to fold the Syrup into the Eggs properly. He stood behind her, his head next to hers and his arms wrapped around her body as he gave her close instructions. Once she had gotten it down he returned to his spot nearby and began to quarter the Pecans. His dexterity with a knife was almost uncanny to observe as every movement was perfect and effective, with no risk of harming himself. Lastly he ground the Cinnamon to a fine dust.
Once the Pie cases had finished setting he removed them from the oven.
Within each he filled them with the sweet Egg mixture, most of the Pecans and the Cinnamon. The last of the Pecans he layered on top to create a crunchy topping. Lastly he put them into the oven to finish Baking.
“That was way more fun than sitting at a Stall all day.” Ivy mused.
“Yes I appreciate the company.” Cubert replied while tidying up.
“What would you say to me about becoming a more permanent assistant?”
She asked, before moving over to the counter to sort several customers.
“You have the skills and education required. But you desire to be an Author?” He asked.
“Writing requires a lot of thinking, which means a lot of downtime. It’s a bit ironic really but the less I find myself sitting at a desk the more writing I find myself getting done. You know?” She explained.
“If you are certain then I will not refuse.” Cubert said.
“Thank you, I promise I’ll be useful. Speaking of, anything else for me to do?” Ivy asked.
Cubert could easily finish cleaning the bowls. He had worked for weeks on his own and yet the look in Ivy’s eyes was a soft plea to be useful to him. She desired something to work on.
“The bowls and tools need cleaning. Hygiene is important in food preparation.” He told her.
“Got it!” Ivy nodded.
>New information acquired.
>Ivy shows increased desire for company. And a desire to be seen as useful.
>Behavior suggests that Ivy’s Love Languages is spending time together and providing services.
Cubert hopped over to Ivy who had taken to the sink. He placed a paw on her shoulder with his head on the other one. He nuzzled against her cheek for a moment, causing Ivy to lean back into the touch warmly. The touch did not linger however as he had more customers to serve.
>My own behavior suggests physical touch as a Love Language outside of gifting.
>Emotional bonding has increased greatly with the addition of physical sex.
>Buun dating habits make more sense the more I experience them.
>Warning, Ivy’s increase in affection may cause her to ask the question of becoming Mates before the gift is finished. Acceleration is needed. The timing must be accurate.
A ping went off in Cubert’s head informing him the Pecan Pies was finished.
He took them out of the oven and laid them out on the side to cool. Once the flow of customers had slowed again he cut them into fifths and placed them in the display. He took the blank label and scrawled neatly, “Pecan Pie,” before placing it back into the display.
Cubert took one of the pieces and arranged it on a plate before taking it to Ivy who had just finished cleaning everything.
“The newest recipe, inspired by recent experiences” He said.
“Let’s give this a try.” She replied.
She took a fork and pried a piece away. The Pie was still warm but not hot enough to cause discomfort. Ivy found that it had a sweet yet richly spicy smell and an equally earthy taste that made her chest feel warm and her cheeks aglow.
“What’s this one inspired from?” She asked before cramming more Pie into her mouth.
“Your vagina.” Cubert replied tartly.
She snorted, then almost choked, then actually choked a little before finding air again.
“I’m flattered but please don’t tell me that’s the sales pitch.” Ivy blushed.
“No, the details of what inspires each recipe is not stated.” Cubert explained.
Ivy took another bite as a thought came to her.
“You called this place Sweet Tales right?” Ivy asked.
“Yes. Because each recipe is inspired by an experience.” Cubert nodded.
“Would you mind telling me some?” She asked.
Cubert nodded.
Although he left out Rose Raisins and the Raisin Bread he was putting together, he began to tell her of the various Buun that had inspired him along the way. Old Gill who gave him the confidence to go talk to Ivy instead of watching from afar. His friend Ferris who was the blue collar mirror to Cubert’s white collar, always craving meat and enjoying the simpler things when on the road. There was Button, and how he had cured an injury before it could claim her. The two Vineyards that he found a third path with… And most recently, Ivy and all the new things she had let him feel with her.
As he was talking and recounting his memories, all the while careful about what to say and what not, Ivy began to note down his words in a small pocketbook. Once he was done she showed him the ideas that he had in turn inspired her with.
“We could name each product with something vague but catchy:
Like Fisherman’s Friend, for those warming pastries full of Vegetables and Gravy,
Blue Ribbons for the Sausage Rolls, in reference to the blue collar thing you said before,
Maybe Evening’s Delight for that Pie to be classy…
Forager’s Feast for the Rolls filled with spicy Meats, Herbs and Vegetables,
Maybe Cozy Quails for those Tarts you make with the Eggs,
And… Oh, Hightail Muffins! Bit of an old phrase but fits the Capitel.”
Ivy said before scrawling another name down.
“You really need a sign…” She then muttered quietly.
“This could be good for sales. People usually like happy and sincere stories.” Cubert said.
“Yeah, this could be a really good addition to this place. Something unique.” She replied.
“Excuse me?” A voice suddenly spoke up.
They heard the front door open as Lady Blackthorn stepped inside.
“Milkway. May I have a moment of your time?” She asked.
“Of course, it is a pleasure to see you again.” Cubert said politely as he wiped his paws.
He then stepped over and respectfully touched heads with her before stepping back.
“...I’ve come to personally give you this. And inform you that you have been invited to cater the Four Winds Festival this weekend.” Lady Blackthorn said as she handed him a sealed letter.
>Four Winds Festival… Partial memory found.
>Traditional celebration of the changing Seasons.
>Takes place near the end of Breeze to welcome the Heat.
>Festival is not celebrated in the City but is still popular in rural areas.
>Several potential opportunities detected.
“But that’s only a few days to prepare, why did you wait so long?” Ivy spoke up.
“The vote on who would be catering this year was… A difficult process.”
She said wearily as if reliving the past week all at once.
“I am honored that my Bakery was chosen. I will accept this invite.” Cubert said as he opened the letter. Within was information on how many people he would need to feed and any specifics, as well as how much money he would be receiving once the Festival was over. He ran the numbers in his head and found that per person and per amount, the Festival would be 30% more profitable than selling the same amount of products on his own. With the additional benefit of having the entire community sample his products.
“Yeah, well I won’t waste anymore of your precious time.”
Just as she turned away Cubert spoke up.
“I apologize for my behaviour during the Dig. Change is almost as difficult as voting.”
Lady Blackthorn paused, then turned to look at him. Her gaze softer.
“I’m sorry the vote took so long. I hope you can manage something.” She said.
“I’ll be fine. Thank you for the opportunity.” He replied.
>Festival is perfect to reveal the Raisin Bread to both the public and Ivy.
>Overlapping the two may cause diminished results.
>Careful planning and timing is needed.
>Ivy is the main priority. Greater considerations are needed.
>Sage and Rose must also be contacted about the reveal.
“What are you thinking?” Ivy asked.
“There are several opportunities that the Festival can bring. The work amount is not too much for me to handle either. However finding balance in what I can do and what I can not is proving difficult. I hate to send you away so soon but I will require privacy for the rest of this week…” He explained before Ivy put a paw on him.
“I understand. Anything I can help with for today?” Ivy asked.
“I need to check on certain things. Can you watch the counter?” Cubert then asked.
“Easy, I won’t let you down.” She nodded.
Cubert gave her a little kiss before quickly leaving the Bakery.
He headed down the pathways that curved around the town before heading up the Mountain path to the hideout of Sage and Rose. He slipped inside and found the living area even more untidy than usual. From the back he could also hear a chorus of busy paws and discussing voices.
As he headed through he found two new faces with Sage and Rose.
One of deep black fur and vibrant dyed patterns sat in the back with a guitar in hand, her thumbs and stubby paws plucking away as she experimented with new sounds. Her ears had more piercings than Cubert had seen with other Buun too. The other was a large male Buun that sat at a table with the other two. His fur was a mixture of browns and his body built like a brick oven.
“Good timing, we were going to go see you soon.” Sage spoke up.
“Meet our new little crew. Clay is from out of town and is leading the construction project. He’s been nothing but subtle and ingenious in his ideas. And our little stormcloud over there, Ashlyn if you will, is an old friend, fellow band member, and true believer in not following parental expectations.” Rose added.
“A pleasure to meet you both.” Cubert said politely.
He touched heads with Clay, and found for once that the Buun was bigger than he was.
Ashlyn meanwhile gave him a very respectable if small nod.
“I have come to discuss an opportunity.” Cubert spoke up as he hopped to the table.
“Go ahead. We wanted to get your ideas on the new Vineyard too.” Sage replied.
“In four days from now is the Four Winds Festival. I have been invited to cater it and despite the lack of time, I have not refused. During it, I wish to present a recipe I have been creating which uses your new Grapes. The advertising and possible gain to business would be large however it would also mean going public with your Vineyard sooner than planned.”
Sage and Rose looked to each other and then to the papers on the table in thought.
“Not the first time I’ve heard that.” Clay spoke up suddenly.
He moved one of the large pieces of paper showing the plot of land.
“My team can build the windbreaker, sign and as much of the perimeter fencing as we can first. And then spread tarp tents along the inside fields to give the illusion that it’s further along than it is. That way you don’t have a debut of a new business that does not exist yet. It would take another two weeks to finish but you already have grown plants so you wouldn't need to wait for growth.”
“See, ingenious.” Rose added proudly.
“But we still haven’t figured out how to tell our parents about this, or how to move out.”
Sage spoke up. Followed by a few off note tangs and a muttering of colourful language from Ashlyn in the back.
“The Festival can solve both issues. Firstly, I will delay the reveal of the new Vineyard until everybody has tried my Raisin Bread first. This will also prove to add some mystique as praise and questions grow. During that time you can move your possessions out of your family’s homes. Once you return to the Festival we can reveal the plans to everybody. Secondly, I wish to give you a portion of the funding as it is only through your Grapes that I could create my products. This should help speed up construction by at least a few days?” Cubert explained.
Clay rolled his head in thought before giving him a thumbs up.
Sage and Rose looked at each other before giving him a nod.
“That only leaves a name to complete the Vineyard?” Cubert then asked.
“That is something we’ve been thinking quite hard about.” Rose spoke up.
“Mhm, we decided to go with Milkway Vines. Seemed fitting.”
“I am honored.” Cubert replied politely.
He took a step back from the table.
“I am also quite busy due to the sudden announcement of the Festival. I need a large amount of Grapes delivered to the Bakery as quickly as possible.” Cubert then said.
“Take as much as you need.” Rose nodded.
“We got a bunch of closed baskets and a cart nearby if you need too.” Sage added.
“Thank you, appreciated.” Cubert nodded.
As he stepped over to the storage area however he heard a whistle.
“Hey, Sugar Daddy.” Ashlyn spoke up with a beckoning nod of her head.
She put her guitar down as Cubert approached and handed him a journal.
“Thoughts?” She asked bluntly.
Scrawled along the pages were diagrams and mathematics about metals, pipes, pumping systems and sprays. They were disorganized, and messy, more akin to the writings of some mad Buun who had glimpsed something unknowable and yet it was also brilliant.
“An irrigation system. Timers and fine misting sprays for exact moisture control. I’ve not seen anything like this in any of the Farms and Gardens around Sweetvale. Only something similar in the City although not to this complexity. Are you an engineer?” Cubert said to her.
“Eh. I just know three things. Metal, metal and metal.”
She said, pointing to her piercings, her guitar, and her heart.
“They didn’t tell you that the Ladders are a nightmare to water then?”
“They didn’t.” Cubert admitted.
“Those two lovebirds are always overlooking the little things. That’s why I’m here.”
Ashlyn said as she sat herself back down.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Cubert said as he approached for a greeting. Ashlyn however put a paw on his shoulder, before butting heads roughly with him and following it up with a firm rubbing of noses.
“Likewise. And if you ever need somewhere ‘warm’ to hang out?”
She said playfully before clicking a tongue piercing against her teeth.
“I have three good options for you.”
“Flattered but I have a Mate already.”
“Offer still stands, bring as many VIPs as you like.” Ashlyn shrugged.
“That’s very generous of you.”
“Eh. Not half as much as what you have done already.”
She said before starting to practise her chords again.
It took some time to pick and pack the Cushion Grapes but once they were tucked away on Sage and Rose’s cart it did not take long for him to return to the Bakery. He thanked Ivy for her help and politely excused her so he could work in secret.
There were only a few days left and he would need to work tirelessly to reach that deadline.
Thankfully, he didn’t actually need to sleep.
