Reth's Dialogue

Oh, hey, you're one of the newbies, right?

Name's Reth, but you can call me trouble.

In addition to being bad news, I also provide Kilima with delicious soups and stews here at the Ormuu's Horn.

Stop by later, yeah? Always happy to chat with a friendly new face.

So, the reason people don't like me around here is 'cause I strayed from my Path.

Uh... how do I explain this. Palian Majiri value honor, and above all the ability to honor our commitments.

So if someone commits to a career... a, uh, Path...

...and then they abandon it, most people assume they're so shameful that they can't possibly be trusted to commit to anything else.

Tish has been whittling scrapwood into little chapaa figurines and leaving them all over the house.

I stepped on one, and I was limping the whole day. It's not easy to cook on a busted foot, you know?

But hey, seems like Kilima is doing her good. I’m glad to see she has her energy back.

I see you staring at my apron, and yes, if you really want to know, I do wear it out dancing.

Dancing aprons are actually quite the hot trend.

Sheesh! I thought you had style, fancy pants/sweet tooth.

My sister, Tish, appreciates anything that brightens up a room, especially flowers.

She brings so many potted plants in the house, I don't have the heart to tell her I have a pollen allergy.

I don't want to get into it too much, but I kinda rub some folks around here the wrong way.

You see, I, uh, I don't exactly fit most people's definition of a "perfect Majiri."

But, hey, why be perfect when you can be a living reminder to children of what happens if you don't work hard and stay in school?

At least, that's my motto

When a tree grows near a source of Flow, it absorbs the magic and starts to release magical purple smoke.

The wood gets super strong, so people have to work together to cut it down.

It's pretty rare, so if I hear about one, I always try to get some for Tish. Totally worth it to see her smile.

Could we do a walk and talk?

Sitting down for a chat is kinda for people with time on their hands.

My favorite part of the job is getting to know interesting new people...

...like you

Maybe one day you can tell me what it was like in the crazy prismatic void I heard the Humans came from.

That had to be a trip!

Did you know I've kinda been a cook since I was a kid?

My parents were always busy running my family's furniture line.

And Tish was too little to reach a stove.

So it kind of always fell on me to take care of the whole "food" deal.

I never thought I'd end up leaving the big city.

But, uh, Tish, she started get really sick back in Bahari.

Her healer said some fresh air would be good for her.

So, we moved out here where the air is... extra fresh.

Luckily, Valley life seems to be enough for her to have made a full recovery, believe it or not.

Me and my sister live in the little house with the green roof across the river.

Not that I'm ever home anymore.

One of these days, I just might tell you where I go at night.

But for now, that's my little secret.

I'm not exactly the creative type. Visually, I mean. Nowadays, Tish has got Jel if she needs inspiration.

But there was one time when she was still an apprentice, I found a Jewelwing Dragonfly.

I know, I know, bug catching isn't an excuse to skip woodworking practice. But hear me out...

I brought it home to Tish, and overnight, she churned out like twenty sketches for a new living room set!

I felt like a pretty awesome big brother then.

Tish was talking about planning a family vacation to Inyrevyn sometime. Not sure if she's, like, actually serious.

I tried to tell her I couldn't afford it but she just said she'd cover it all.

Not really sure how to feel about that. I know she's family, but I'm the older one. It’s a little embarrassing when you compare our bank accounts.

For one thing, Tish actually has one!

I miss my parents every day, but I'm especially feeling it today.

Over fifteen years ago, they built an armoire for an Inyrevn chief and wanted to deliver it themselves.

They left on a ship to sail out to the islands and it never came back.

I have to admit, I sorta lost any desire I had to sail after that.

Woke up missing my parents today. Usually I don't really think about it, but every once in a while it just... hits me.

You'd think it’s been long enough since they passed, but something like this doesn't ever really go away.

So I just kinda have to... sit with it, until I don’t feel so sad.

Some days I think about trying carpentry again.

But ever since my parents passed through the veil....

...I feel like I’d just be dishonoring their memory with my shoddy work.

Tish is, and will always be, the only one in our family who can carry on their legacy.

To tell you the truth, I got really into cooking after my parents passed away.

It was just me and Tish then, and I felt I had to do my best to take care of her.

You shoulda seen the way she smiled when I made her a bowl of my trademark soup!

Honestly, working at the inn is pretty fun since everyone loves food, right?

But don’t tell Ashura, okay? The old man will take any excuse to give me more chores.

Do you like my tattoos?

A lot of people ask me if they “mean something,” which they totally don’t.

Funny story. I discovered after I got them that they bear a striking similarity to cartel tracking runes.

Which is just, like, a freakish coincidence. I’m totally NOT being tracked by the cartels.

I’m just a regular guy with no weird affiliations with anything... except soup.

You know, my next tattoo should totally be soup related.

Of course we can chat!

It’s nice to talk to someone who doesn’t know enough about Palian society to treat me like a pariah.

Ashura said I need to change up the menu. He accused me of cooking soup because it’s ‘easy.’

I mean, he’s right, but he’s not supposed to say it out loud!

Besides, there’s nothing wrong with easy. Lots of good things are easy!

Walks on the beach, cheese sandwiches, me.

Ashura will eat anything. I even saw him eat a gillyfin Auni caught.

Either that guy has a stomach made of palium, or he just didn't want to disappoint Auni.

It was the little dude's first catch and he was so proud of it.

You should have seen the look in that kid's eye when he gave that tiny fish to Ashura.

Heck, if he looked at me like that, I might have eaten the gillyfin too.

You can find cookbooks kind of all over. Some are in the library.

But most are just lying around for reasons I frankly can’t even start to comprehend.

I love a cookbook as much as the next chef, but recipes are more suggestions than rules. Some ingredients you just measure by heart.

Like garlic. Two cloves? Pfft. Six, minimum.

So I had to swing by the library to grab this cookbook I put on hold, and I swear...

I think Caleri might be a statue! I’ve never seen her leave the front desk.

Or is she a super, super realistic looking Galdur?

The world may never know...

Hmm? You wanna know what I’m drinking?

Fish soup is full of nutrients and tastes great any time of the day!

What? It’s important to stay hydrated!

While you can never go wrong with my vegetable soup, I might also suggest the fish stew.

It could give you the extra boost you need to reel in the perfect catch.

I just got a shipment of dari cloves! Have you ever tried them? They really round out the meaty flavor of chapaa stews.

But they’re so rare, buying a bundle costs more than the whole rest of the stew! Alas... I still haven’t found a great substitute.

Let me know if you get any ideas. I’ll reward you... handsomely.

Sernuk is a red meat, so you want to make sure to sear it on high heat to get a really good char.

Chapaa is way lighter, so dredge it in flour to keep it moist.

Both are really gamey though, so if you meet another cook who isn’t as talented as I am... stick to the ormuu steaks.

I know you technically appeared out of thin air, but I hope one day you’ll remember what Human society was like.

I’ve love to sit down and talk to you about Human food. What did it taste like? What spices did you have? Did you eat soup?

Plus, I’ll make you whatever you want in exchange, my treat.

Jina gave me an ancient recipe she found. It called for an egg to be buried in the sand for a few days...

But it made no mention of jotting down where said egg was buried. So yes, I lost a few eggs somewhere by the lake.

Whenever I see Auni out catching bugs, I can’t help but think what they would taste like.

I bet Firebreathing Dragonfly soup would be spicy, and Bahari Bee cake might be sweet. Mmm... maybe a stinkbug soup?

What? Insects are a great source of protein.

I learned cooking from my dad. He didn’t cook often on account of work, but when he came home with a basket full of groceries, we knew we were in for a treat.

I’ve been trying out knapweed recipes lately. Chayne insists it’s got medicinal properties when consumed.

The problem is, it’s super bitter. Even ormuu try to avoid it.

Sounds like a fun culinary challenge to me!

So what do you say? Wanna be my official knapweed soup taste tester?

A chat! How exciting! What shall we talk about in this little convo, this tete-a-tete, this meeting of minds...

If you’re low on topics, might I suggest soup?

So, don't freak out, but I've been trying to branch out from soups lately.

I know, I know. My image is crumbling right before your eyes. I'll give you a minute to mourn.

Anyways, these days I've been all about smoothies instead.

You know what I’m looking for in a relationship...

...someone who looks past my sparkling personality and sees what’s really important.

...my outward appearance.

You know that sunset's not the only thing around here that's beautiful.

I mean...

...there's also me.

Me and my sister haven't been in Kilima that long.

Tish wasn't feeling so well back in Bahari City.

We thought some fresh air might do her some good.

There's lots of good advice when it comes to learning how to cook.

The biggest one being to buy...

...wait for it...

...a stove.

I'm a lilttle embarrassed to admit it, but bugs totally give me the heebie jeebies.

Like, they all have AT LEAST six legs...

...what do they need all those extra legs for?

It can't be anything good. That's all I'm saying.

Tish has been doing really great lately.

Not sure what I would do if she got sick again.

You know, I just realized I never asked you if you have any siblings.

Today for breakfast I'm serving a little delicacy I like to call "egg surprise."

The surprise is..

...it's just eggs!

Between you and me, evenings are my favorite time of day.

It's the only time I have to just be myself and relax.

Ah, the full moon. A sacred time in the Palian cycle.

Unfortunately, I've got just enough time to wave at it as I try to get to where I'm going.

Ya know, you've seen one sacred moon, you've seen 'em all.

Have you seen Eshe around here anyway?

She's been following me around at night staring at me....

...with those haunting, judgmental eyes of hers.

I like to stay up until the sunrise.

I mean, a coupla hours of sleep a day is really all you need.

At least, that's what my sleep deprived, addled brain tells me.

Man, I'm really hankering for some food made by someone not me, at a place not here.

I get tired of smelling the same thing day in, day out.

My nose is always, like, "Come on, Reth. Give it a break from the soup already."

Wait, what am I saying?!

The menu's right behind you, if you want to give it a read.

Unless you like the sound of my voice, in which case, I don't mind reading it for you.

I'm really looking forward to the end of the shift, I have a recipe I want to try out but I left the ingredients at home.

I usually bring dinner over for Tish and Jel after work.

It’s basically the only time I get to see them.

Oh, uh, hey! Funny seeing you here.

I'm just shopping, you know. Zeki keeps the real good spices down here.

I appreciate the company, and I could actually use the help.

I was wondering if I should store the MORE flammable contraband up front or the LESS flammable contraband.

Personally, I think they should make all Flow-powered things non-flammable.

But, nobody asked me about how to make contraband.

I'm feeling super groggy today. Even the bags on my eyes are tired.

But you know what they say, the illicit Flow trade never sleeps.

And apparently neither do I.

I know Ashura gave me this job because he's trying to look out for me, but when he gets overprotective, it's so annoying.

Where have you been, Reth? What've you been doing, Reth? Why do you spend so much time in the basement, Reth?

I'm not a child!

But sometimes... I'm just grateful he cares and doesn't think I'm a lost cause like everyone else does.

I really do like cooking, you know? Way better than nailing wood blocks together. Can't eat wood!

Midnight Paddlefish only come out after the sun goes down. I don’t see them often because I’m not usually in the kitchen at that hour.

I've got... you know, other stuff to do.

But once, Auni caught me in the middle of a delivery. He'd snuck out and actually managed to fish one up! I couldn't blow my cover, so I had to grill it right there.

Wow, was it delicious! Once I work off my debt, I'll have time to catch my own. I'll make a whole set menu: appetizer, entrée, and dessert!

What? You don't think fish can make a good dessert? Just wait until you taste my salmon ice cream!

You know you might be the first person in the village I've actually considered a friend.

I mean, Ashura's my boss.

Tish is my sister.

So, that brings my previous friends total to let's see...carry the one...multiply by X.

Just what I thought...a whopping zero.

I guess...I've always had a hard time opening up to people.

I mean, trusting people with what I've trusted you with, it's kind of a big burden to put on anybody.

Just finished my last delivery for the night. It's safer if you don't know what it was.

It wasn't that interesting, anyway. Not as cool as the Fotomotomaton I delivered once.

It was this wild, Flow-powered device that let you take pictures... that moved! And had sound!

I think it would've been nice to have one growing up. Tish was so young and missed our parents so much after they passed.

Having some of those moving pictures might've helped her, like she could've remembered their voices.

You know, I'm going to assume you're spending all this time with me just because you like my company.

Not because you're angling for anything else.

Making the other assumption has gotten me in trouble in the past...

...but, you know, if you wanted to flirt with me or bring me some heartdrop lillies, I'd be open to it. Just sayin'.

Last night I had the WILDEST dream.

I was the Duke of Bahari, and I had a pet palcat, right? But the pet palcat was just Zeki's head on a palcat's body.

He could still speak, too, and he kept causing international incidents in the middle of holding court.

Not sure I'll ever be able to look at him the same again.

So, you see these tattoos on my arms? These are cartel tracking runes.

Wherever I go, they know. Which isn’t usually a problem, because I don’t go anywhere.

I don’t want you to do anything stupid, like trying to get me out of debt, okay?

The cartel may not seem like such a big deal, but they are bad news.

I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to you because of me.

At least there’s one benefit to being a cartel errand-boy. I met a group of Ingreyvn, and told me about their local street food: 'fish cake.'

I wonder if I could re-create it at the inn. I could put so many kinds of fish in it...

...salmon and bass, layered with sturgeon icing. Three tiers minimum...

... topped with oyster rosettes...

...Yes! And decorated with their own pearls! Delicious, right?

Working for Zeki means I’ve met a bunch of Grimalkin, probably the most out of anyone in the village.

The cartel members aren’t exactly nice people, but everyone else has been really great.

After a hard delivery, they never send me away without a good meal. I even got a magical music box once.

It played the best dance beats. Grimalkin sure know how to party!

It makes me wonder if Palian life would be more fun if we took things a little less seriously.

Working at the Inn is tough, given that I also have a night job. But it’s not like I can quit.

First off, the cartel holds Tish’s life in their little criminal paws.

Secondly, I think it would look suspicious if everyone thought I did nothing all day.

And finally, I kind of like going to work at the Inn.

Talking to Ashura and the regulars kind of makes me feel like... I don’t know... a normal person.

You’re my closest friend. I think you might be the only person I can tell this to. Don’t... don’t judge me too hard, okay.

Sometimes, I wonder if I’m subconsciously letting Tish run my life.

She was the successful one, and I’ve never had much direction. So it seemed obvious that I should do whatever I could to help her.

When she got sick, I felt my life losing its purpose. I’d do anything to save her.

And I did! I don’t regret it!

But what if I was a little smarter, a little more talented? Could both our lives be better?

A long day done, and a whole night still ahead... Sometimes I wonder how much easier life could've been.

What if my parents were cooks? No straying from my Path. What if Tish wasn't sick? No cartel debts.

So when you really think about it...

I'm the hardest worker in all of Kilima! Take that, Ashura!

Not to toot my own horn, but it feels like Subira's really warmed up to me lately.

Last night she even complimented my lettuce soup! Says it tastes just like the Order rations!

...Well, come to think of it, she didn't actually say if that was a good thing or not.

Oh, so now that you know my whole deal, I guess I can let you know what was in that "cake."

That was a Flow-powered device that turns whatever you put into it into carrots.

It's called a Carrotizer.

Now, of course, I'm a no-good untrustworthy scoundrel.

So, it's quite possible I'm lying.

Zeki's been acting real weird lately. He's usually shifty, but these days he's shiftier.

When I think you're being too suspicious, you know there's something wrong.

I don't know what he's scheming, but... keep an eye out, okay?

But not, like, too many eyes. One eye, maybe kinda half-squinting. Don't need you getting dragged deeper into this either.

Now that I don't have to worry about paying off my debt, it's like I've got all this mental real estate freed up.

And I have no idea what to do with all of it. I keep trying to find things to worry about just so I can feel normal again, but I can't think of anything.

Am I just supposed to feel... happy now? Is there something wrong with me because I don't?

Man, if you'd told me months ago that I'd end up working with the guy who held my leash...

I mean I'd probably believe it, since my life isn't exactly predictable, but it's still weird it happened.

Guess I always knew in the back of my mind that it wasn't really Zeki's fault either... but it felt easier than admitting the truth.

That we were both stuck in the same mess... and I had no one else to blame but myself.

Well, myself, and the massive, institutionalized crime ring that is the cartels. Oh, and the fact that the Palian Republic outlawed life-saving medical treatments because they used Flow.

Still trying to wrap my head around the whole 'not-in-life-ruining debt' thing.

I sort of assumed I'd just... never pay it off, honestly, and I'd made my peace with that.

Just make the minimum payments, keep working until I passed out, and live to see Tish smile another day.

What am I supposed to do now? Plan for my future?? Start a savings account???

Yeah, right.

I still don't really get why Zeki'd do something like that. He and I haven't exactly seen eye to eye on things.

I've never really known him to be the selfless type.

...Guess I need to re-evaluate some stuff. Ugh, next thing you know we'll be friends, who like each other.

I feel like my whole world's crumbling down.

Not gonna lie... still kinda reeling from everything. You think you know how your life's gonna go, then bam. Other people have different ideas.

I never really imagined I'd be taking ont he whole cartel. Even with the help of people way more competent than me.

That Watcher coming to town's got everyone in the Cartel on edge.

Me, I'm used to lying right to people's faces. But I gotta admit, even I fell bad when she gives me that look.

Y'know, the one that says she's got all your secrets figured out and she's just staying quiet out of pity.

Actually, maybe you don't know. Probably for the best, it's not a great feeling.

That pin... You and the cook are seeing one another?

That explains the books he’s been checking out lately.

"Romance for Dummies", "Homemade Meals to Sweep Them Off Their Feet", titles like that.

...Oh. Was that supposed to be a secret?

If I'm not mistaken, that pin belongs to the cook.

I would question your choice in partner, but it really isn't my business.

You and the soup guy, huh?

Good for you. Never get involved with a man who can't cook for himself.

That pin! That's Reth's, isn't it?

Excellent! Many judge him for his choice of Path, but I always thought he was brave for that.

You two make a wonderful pair.

Ah, young love... It warms my heart!

You've got Reth's pin on I see. You know... he shouldn't really be offerin' a life with anybody.

His life don't belong to him no more.

Ah... don't look at me like that. I don't make the rules. I just follow 'em.

Wait, I recognize that pin! That belongs to my brother... are you and Reth... oh, I see.

Well... uh... I don't want to get in the way of you two doing whatever it is you're doing.

But I don't know if we should see each other anymore.

Going out with somebody who is also seeing my brother is just a little weird.

So, you're becomeing quiet the campfire cook. But did you know you can cook things in other receptablces?

And not just because open flames can lead to unfortunate incidens where you accidentally burn down all your sister's freshly carved furniture.

Stoves are also needed in the fine art of crafting soup!

To make the perfect vegetable soup, you'll also need a prep station.

Those veggies aren't going to chop themselves after all, no matter how hard you wish they would.

... Oops, what was I talking about?

Oh! To help you along your cookinhg journey, I came up with some recipes for you.

Don't burn down your kitchen! It's hard to clean up after...

I have to admit, I'm kinda digging how into cooking you've gotten.

It's great to have another culinary nerd in town who I can geek out over recipes with.

Speaking of recipes, I've got some new ones in stock!

...wait, am I putting myself out of business?

So, are you ready to burn things in bigger and better receptables?

Then I've got just the recipe for you. It's a little family secret.

Go on, check out my stock. You know you want to.

I can't wait to see... and taste... what cook next!

Y'know, you've actuallyl become a pretty good chef.

Of course, you've got me as your mentor.

And as your illustrious mentor, I've got a new recipe for you to try out! Go on, take a look.

Try not to burn that without me!

I'm... berry... into your cooking! Get it? Badruu taught me that one.

Oh wait, I haven't shown you the new recipe yet.

Get it now?

Well done on youre cooking!

I mean "well done" like... you did good. Not.. you get it.

Uh, anyway... looking for a new recipe?

Enjoy, it's delicious!

You're a real pro in the kitchen. I heard you even clean your dishes after cooking.

Why don't you take a look at this new recipe? It's not soup, but it's tasty.

I wonder... do you think I could turn that recipe into a soup? Hmmm...

I don't know about the void you came from, but here we take our cake making seriously.

Like, really, seriously...

Like years of apprenticeship training seriously...

But I'm gonna go out on a limb and say I think you can handle it.

Pick up the recipe and prove me right! Or wrong. Either way, cake!

Don't forget the frosting!

Oh man. This really brings a tear to my eye...

If you asked me when you first came stumbling out of the spiraling void if you had what it took, I woulda been like "who are you?"

And then I would have said yeah probably, Player looks like someone who can cook, And boy can you!

So I'd like to formally invite you to join the Chef's Guild. It's a very exclusive club. Just you, me, and the thousands of pies in the Guild Store.

Speaking of stores, now I can start using these sweet medallions! You'll get them from doing weekly cooking challenges, or just cooking in general!

I've got all sorts of cool stuff you can trade 'em for, like... uh... well, just take a look.

Let me know the next time you want to have a bake off!

Did it just get hotter in here, or is my soup burning?

Because I'm smokin ho- crap, no, that is my soup!

Oh, hey! Totally wasn’t waiting for you to stop by or anything.

Unrelated, but here's a present I just happened to get for you. For some reason I can't quite place, it reminded me of you.

Extra unrelated, you look nice today.

I knew you'd be back. I'm irresistible, I know.

And if I'm wrong, just let me have this one, okay? We all have our coping strategies.

Man, I really slept like crap last night. Hey, mind lending me a shoulder?

Not, like, literally though. Or would it be literal? I meant like, I rest my head on your shoulder, not you cut a shoulder off and surgically attach it to me-

Okaaaaay, gonna stop talking now.

Hey good lookin', what’s cookin'?

Actually, wait, you should ask ME that. Go on, I'm waiting

Hey. You, me, backroom, five minutes?

Oh, I recognize that look. That’s your flirting look. Okay, okay, I’m ready. Hit me with it.

Hey. Here to see me, or the soup?

Ready to cause a scandal?

Can't sleep, or did you just miss me?

Both is good.

Wait, no! Neither is good!

You're giving this to me? Sure you didn't mean some other dashing rogue?

Well, no takesies-backsies. I'm gonna go hide them before you change your mind.

Guess what, Player? The Maji Market’s on again tonight, which means Reth’s Street Specialties is open for business!

Catch you there later? I’ve got some sweet deals you don’t want to miss out on.

I saw you lighting up those fireworks for Kenyatta. And I thought I was the only troublemaker in town.

Man, those chapaas are fast little guys. They move even faster when they have those hats on.

You don’t think they’re hiding something in them, do you?

You’d be surprised how hard it is to get your hands on an ice cream machine in Kilima. Back in Bahari City, you could buy one at any furniture store!

Maybe I should tell Tish to sell some of her own...

Thanks again for saving my neck back there, Player.

If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have a fryer right now. Which means I never would’ve been able to sell corn dogs OR fried peki, and those are some of my most popular items.

Those babies are flying hot off the fryer real quick, so you’d better get yourself some before they’re all gone!

At this time of night, I’d usually be out on a walk or busy running errands.

In case you didn't already know, the Maji Market is on tonight. I'll be there selling some recipes I've been cracking at for a while now.

Come by and visit me?

Those giant hotpot tables they've got spread out on the dock are cute, aren't they?

They were already there before I even set up my booth, so I wonder who set them up. Eshe maybe?

Then again, she'd never get her hands dirty with something like that...

Oh, I know! It must've been an army of chapaas. Y'know, the ones by Kenyatta's booth? Those little guys are probably the setup AND cleanup crew.

One thing I wanted to do for the Maji Market was make sure my menu wasn't a replica of the first market's.

So I swapped out a couple of items for Luna New Year specialties.

I can't tell you which one's my favorite, but I can definitely tell you which one is Kenli's... it's the noodle rolls! He can't seem to get enough of 'em!

I had to rewrite my wish several times before I could hang it up.

Why? 'Cause Chayne said my handwriting sucks.

Okay, he didn't say that, but he did tell me others might have a hard time figuring out what I wrote.

I hope my wish comes true real soon! Like, tomorrow.

One of my first Luna New Year memories was sitting around a table, enjoying hotpot with my family, and watching the fireworks together afterwards.

You can probably guess, but the hotpot came out perfectly. That's what happens when you're got a soup master like me adding to it!

Y'know, I'm kind of surprised that I still have a booth at the Maji Market.

Like, I figured they would have realized it was a mistake and kicked me out already.

Better buy what you want fast, it could still happen any moment!