text; un: redwine

[judgementor]

There's something to be said for places like this and how they can bring people together in the most unexpected of ways. People of the kind you might never have expected to meet, yet they bring immeasurable value to your life once they're a part of it.

I'm about to utterly embarrass someone who has been one of those people to me, but I'm sure they'll forgive me.

Bailey Morello walked into my life almost exactly two years ago, in another world, entirely unaware of the kind of person they were about to get themselves involved with. That we're still together now, here, is something I can say I feel entirely blessed by. I know I wouldn't be the same here without them, and I wouldn't have survived intact where we met without their influence. I love them more than I have words to describe.

If anyone is holding back from taking a step, fearing building something up that they might lose, just take the step. Loss hurts, but loss isn't a thing restricted to the whims of magic in a foreign land. Do what makes your heart glad in the moment.

[There's a minute's break, then an additional note.]

I'm looking to have some baklava made. Does anyone happen to know how?

Comments

[Text] un: gentlebreeze

[bright_moon]

[ Here is something Xingchen has some actual experience with! Kind of! ]

I am very glad to read about your love story. It is very important, as well as scary to open one's heart to another so completely.

I'm sorry, I do not believe I have heard of baklava before. I hope you find someone who can make it for you.

[judgementor]

I can't say I have any regrets about it. At least none that matter.

It's a pastry dessert made with chopped nuts and honey. It happens to be my partner's favourite but I am no pastry chef and my tastes tend towards the more austere when it comes to food.

text | un: dottedline

[dottedline]

The desert made with filo pastry, yes?

[judgementor]

The very same.
Do you know how to make it?

[dottedline]

It isn't something I make often, but I know how to, yes. Are you looking to place an order?

[judgementor]

I suppose I am. What will it cost me?

[dottedline]

How much and when would you like it by?

[judgementor]

Do you know a recipe that uses rose water? It's important.

[dottedline]

Of course.

[Time to find one!]

Text | Anonymous

[angel_of_death]

[The body of the message conveys a message that draws Walter's attention, not because he knows either of the parties involved -- he doesn't -- but because of the sentiment expressed.

Said sentiment he does not address at all, instead responding only to the inquiry about baklava. It's not a dish he's tried, so he does a bit of looking into it... and it's interesting.]

It looks like there are two main styles of it. I might try my hand at the Greek version.

[With ingredients like honey and cinnamon involved, maybe the person he's thinking of will like it.]

[judgementor]

I didn't realise there were different versions. Would you be so kind as to enlighten me?

[angel_of_death]

The Turkish style uses a sugar syrup instead of honey. It also uses a touch of lemon juice, and the nuts used are pistacio nuts. The composition is largely the same, but the flavour should be quite different.

[judgementor]

It's likely I'm not from the same planet as you are. ['Turkish' doesn't mean much.]

But that sounds like an interesting variant... perhaps I could get my hands on both.

[angel_of_death]

[A different planet? Well... that isn't exactly unheard of here.]

That's certainly an idea. The recipes I am looking through right now say the Greek version uses honey and cinnamon, and the nuts used are walnuts rather than pistachio nuts.

[judgementor]

How fascinating... I know which one my partner likes to eat but perhaps they'll like the other one as well.

You've been very helpful.

[angel_of_death]

I might have never even looked it up had you not mentioned the dish by name.

[Let's see, how much butter is needed... and salted or unsalted?

Time to make a shopping list.]

[judgementor]

Either of the ones you mentioned, do they happen to contain rose water?

[Or is there a third variant, here?]

[angel_of_death]

[It takes Walter a moment to respond. He's searching for a recipe of the sort.]

It looks like there is a Persian type that typically uses rosewater.

[judgementor]

Persian! That was the one.

It looks like I have some work cut out for me. Or someone does, certainly.

[angel_of_death]

If it helps, the fellow who responded to you before me runs a very nice restaurant. I doubt you can go wrong ordering from him if you want it soon.

[judgementor]

A recommendation can go a long way when it comes to an unfamiliar face. Since I don't know how to make it myself I'm going to have to rely on the kindness of strangers.

[angel_of_death]

I don't think you will be disappointed.

Congratulations on your anniversary.

text; un: cherrypit

[polterguide]

Oh my God.

[judgementor]

This can't honestly surprise you at this point, Bailey.