Today was New Year and the delivery of the grotto included numerous chickens. Esmer placed an already cleaned one in front of Theanore and the rice with vegetables they had made earlier today and crossed her hands.

“Time to earn the cooking skill, little Highness. Start filling the chicken with the rice.” She said. Theanore looked sadly at the headless chicken.

“Won’t it hurt the chicken?” Asked Theanore. She looked at the spoon that was sticking out of the rice like a weapon and gulped.

“Nothing can hurt it anymore. It is dead. Start cooking it.” Demanded Esmer again.

Theanore grabbed the chicken and then the spoon and placed a spoonful inside the chicken. The skin was cold to the touch, and Theanore couldn’t help but think of her own Colorful Egg specters when she took the second spoonful.

When the chicken was full of so much rice it was spilling from its empty neck, Esmer gave Theanore a thread and needle.

“Now, just how I thought you to sew socks. Just press on the flesh a little rougher. But make sure you keep your fingers away from the edge.” Instructed Esmer. Theanore petted the chicken’s rice filled belly.

“I am sorry, chicken. I hope you are in a better place. Soon, you will be in a warm place, and you will become tasty. I will be grateful for every bite I eat from your chubby body.” Said Theanore to the chicken as Esmer stifled her laughter.

Then Theanore began to sew. In the flesh, the needle went and then came out on the other side. Soon, the belly was closed and Theanore looked at Esmer for further instructions.

“Now, take the melted butter and give the chicken its last message.” Said Esmer solemnly. The truth was that she was having a grant time with this. Theanore rubbed the chicken’s skin until it was nice and shiny, and then she placed the extra butter back on the table.

“Mommy, now the chicken goes to sleep in the stove, right?” Asked Theanore as she petted the chicken.

“Yes. Don’t forget your enchanted mittens when you put it in.” Said Esmer and Theanore got her mittens, which had Rip and Hiss stitched on them, then she opened the stove and placed the chicken inside. Then she clapped her hands three times and began to say a prayer for the chicken’s soul.

Dear God, you who are in Heaven.

Please accept the soul of this chicken.

It will be delicious, as you have decreed.

And my whole family is going to eat.

One would much on a leg, another on a wing.

A third will eat rice with white meat.

My mouth waters, dear God.

Please don’t hold it against me and cover the eyes.

Of this chicken, who was humanly killed and plucked.

As Theanore finished her prayer, Esmer couldn’t hold herself anymore. She burst out laughing.

“I can’t believe you prayed for the chicken, Thea.” Said the dungeon core of the dungeon of illusions.

Achievement unlocked: Purity of spirit.

Theanore the nymph has eased the passing of Brenner the chicken with her prayer. As such, her new year will be filled with luck and happiness. Esmer, please stop laughing.

But Esmer had collapsed now. Theanore was worried about her mother and went to her and hugged her. That prompted Esmer to laugh louder. Crassus came in, wondering what had happened.

“Mommy was bitten by the laughing bug.” Said Theanore. “And the chicken’s name was Brenner.”

Crassus helped Esmer up and when she explained to him why she was laughing, he chuckled. Then he looked at his daughter. Theanore’s lower lip was trembling. He had to remember that she was just a baby in truth.

“I hope that Brenner is in a better place now, Thea. And that he becomes tasty. You will have to watch him now, so he doesn’t burn up.” Said Crassus. He extended a hand towards Esmer and led her out.

Alone, Theanore was left with the good smell of cooking meat. She sat by the stove and wondered what Diana was going. With nothing better to do, she decided to write her a letter.

Dear Diana,

Hi. I am well, but Brenner the chicken is dead and cooking. He smells tasty. I said a prayer for his spirit, but mommy laughed. That doesn’t mean that he won’t get to Heaven, right?

How are you three doing? Is it fun adventuring? Did you make it to Mirstone? Should I send you travelling papers? I will send you the papers.

Hugs,

Theanore the nymph.

Travelling papers for Countess Diana Raskovic, Sir Dereck Raskovic and Court wizard Elmar Denrivir.

Dear customs official,

These three are my friends, and they have diplomatic connections to me, Princess Theanore the nymph, First of my name. Please let them cross the border. They are good.

Hugs,

Theanore the nymph, Princess of the nation of the forest of fireflies.

Then Theanore took her seal and stamped the papers three times, for each of her friends. This looked official enough, if she could say so herself. Now she needed only to send it.

She created a mana crystal, and she placed the letter and the papers in an envelope together with the mana crystal. Then blue flames enveloped the envelope, and it was gone.

Then she returned to her spot to continue the silent vigil for Brenner the chicken while he was getting a crusty skin. Two hours and three more prayers for Brenner’s tastiness later, and Theanore called Esmer to take out the chicken. It was too hot and heavy for Theanore to lift.

Esmer got the chicken on a wooden cutting board, and Theanore got a message from Tania.

Skill unlocked: Apprentice cook.

Theanore the nymph had made a tasty chicken for New Year. As such, she gets this skill and a new set of special mittens that can lift things by themselves.

Level unlocked: Level 21.

Theanore the nymph had gotten a new skill and with it, a new level. No new plants or animals are to be given, but dungeon core Alina still felt that there should be a reward for the little nymph. As such, everyone at the grotto gets a single chocolate bonbon as big as a fist. Happy munching and happy New Year.