BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

:: walking next to Kate down the little road that leads to the nearby village from their new house, wearing a pink sundress and carrying an empty french market bag over her shoulder ::

:: puts on a collared shirt ::

:: humming a tune as she finishes up cooking a huge Spanish meal, waiting for her doorbell to ring. Soon, it does! Janessa Acacia and Torinessa Acacia arrive together and greet their sister/aunt with cheek kisses ::

:: now that the weather at their new/future home has turned warmer, she's wearing a gauzy yellow and white traditional Risan dress as she walks, holding Lexy's hand ::

Self: You look foolish.

:: takes off the shirt and tosses it on the bed :: Collared shirt, no. Polo shirt? Casual, but normal.

:: casually :: Kate: I've been looking at some Risian recipes... hopefully we can find the fresh produce I'm looking for.

:: puts it on ::

:: arrives to the party with Doc and Kimiko, happily opening the door for them ::

:: shows up near the Flores home, thinking that she has not ever been to Spain but has so far loved the charm of the culture and its historical environment. Deciding to walk with friends instead of flying in solo, she smiles as she approaches the door with the others ::

Self: No one is going to care.

Self: You aren't going to know anybody.

:: watching Zorro and Emily for cues on proper behavior ::

:: grins at Lexy :: I'm looking forward to seeing your take on our fare!

:: enters the home and greets Janice in the local custom ::

:: removes his polo, throws it across the room ::

:: has actually been studying Kate's favorite recipes as provided by Jhnal, and is incredibly nervous about it, but simply smiles ::

:: mimics the greeting, in her formally polite nature ::

:: greets her aunt as well, then her mother and sister :: All: Yes, you remember from last time. This is my sister Tori, my mom, and her sister Janice whose house this is. :: she does all the back and forth of introducing ::

:: takes a deep breath of the perfect air and smiles as she imagines their life here yet to come ::

:: beams into Oviedo, looks around ::

:: puts the collared shirt on, tucks it into his shorts ::

:: has never gotten around to Spain before now; mentally kicks himself :: :: starts looking for the address ::

Self: You are so bad at this...

:: makes brief eye contact, and then a brief head inclination, to each person as they are introduced ::

Self: Polo, standard shorts... you're good... :: changes into the appropriate attire ::

:: spots some familiar people down the way, makes for them ::

:: smiles as Kuari files in :: Kuari: Glad you could make it! How was your trip?

:: stares in the mirror :: Self: Scott Ammora, I would take you home.

:: smiles at Acacia, taking in the introductions graciously :: Acacia: Good, thank you! Such a lovely home!

:: bows with a flourish to Kuari ::

:: quickens her step a bit as they near the outskirts of the village; faint strains of music and chatter are carried toward them on the breeze, along with the rich smells of food and drink ::

:: sidling over to greet Kuari :: Kuari: Oh, thank you! It's been in my husband's family for generations.

:: sniffs at the air :: Lexy: Heyyyy, do you want something not entirely unlike coffee?

:: grins at Doc, giggling a little at his show ::

:: moves to the computer, taps it :: Computer, prepare to transport me to Oviedo, Spain.

Self: You look fine, you look fine, you look fine...

Computer: Energize.

Flores: You've been cooking, too, such wonderful smells!

:: grins at Kate, having expected something like this :: Kate: I would love something not entirely unlike coffee.

:: appears in Spain just a stone's throw from the house ::

:: follows her nose to a cafe and orders them each a cup of the local fare, to go ::

:: grins, gesturing inside. There's a large kitchen that's clearly well-used, and an open-air courtyard in the middle of the house where a long table is set up to accomodate everyone. Tori and Janessa are helping carry food from the kitchen to the table :: Kuari: I have! Traditional Spanish fare, since you all made the trip.

:: waves at Acacia as he approaches :: Acacia: Hey, Doc. Thanks for the invite.

:: looks around, looks down at his clothes :: Self: This is fine, this is good...

:: grins :: Jack: Glad you could make it.

Janice: Now you're speaking my language.

:: takes a breath ::

:: starts walking up the steps to the front door ::

:: steps inside, looks around :: Acacia: Lovely place. You grow up here?

Doc: Definitivamente hablo tu idioma.

:: looks at the door, unsure to knock or just go in ::

Janice: Oui, c'est vrai. :: grins ::

:: smiles and shakes her head :: Jack: This is my aunt's house, my mom's sister. She just loves having company, if you couldn't tell by the party setup. :: she nods to the table ::

:: takes another breath ::

:: senses someone afoot and goes to open the door ::

Self: Just go in!

:: looks over at Jack as he arrives, recognizing him as the new guy ::

:: opens the door and moves into the foyer ::

:: hands Lexy a cup when she receives them ::

:: bumps into Acacia ::

:: accepts the cup with a curtsy ::

:: eyes the table :: Acacia: I definitely can tell! :: steps farther in to join the others ::

:: is bumped :: Self: Ope.

:: bounces further into the residence :: Flores: I love indoor courtyards! It...reminds me of the safety of...another place.

Scott: Sorry!

Emily: Commander, sorry. I didn't mean to do that.

:: edges her way over to the table just to get a peek of the spread ::

:: laughs :: Scott: Of course you didn't, what a weird thing to mean to do. Welcome! Come in, the food is done.

:: catches Kuari's comment and immediately remembers the hotel courtyard in the distant past where they found sanctuary :::

Emily: :: looks around nervously :: Thanks for the invitation. Beautiful home.

Lexy: I have not had this in a while, since it is more of a northern specialty. :: takes a sip ::

:: sets the last serving dish on the table. It's a lot of different dishes, all steaming and as promised, Spanish in origin ::

:: admires the spread :: Janice: Looks fantastic.

:: brings the cup up to her nose and inhales, drawing in the aroma before carefully taking a sip of the hot liquid :: Self: Mmmm.

:: steps up next to Jester and admires the spread ::

:: waves for Scott to follow and moves toward the courtyard to admire the food as well ::

:: looks at all the food :: Flores: Smells wonderful!

:: nods appreciatively at the drink and takes her wife's hand again as they move farther into the market square ::

:: claps her hands together :: All: Well, you can't eat by starin'. Go ahead!

:: whispers to Zorro :: I'm not sure what half of this is, but it looks delicious.

:: starts pointing out dishes and what they are :: NAV2: And yes, they are delicious.

:: follows Emily ::

:: listens to Doc describe the dishes, so he knows what he's getting into ::

:: looks up, then realizes and jolts to get the remote to open the skylight. She presses a button, and the skylights open, allowing fresh air to flow through the courtyard where the table is :: Self: There we go. Much better.

:: takes a seat at the table, looking around for others to follow ::

:: salivates ::

:: feels the fresh air, appreciates how it completes the atmosphere ::

:: sits next to Emily ::

:: takes a seat, glances around at the others ::

:: grabs an open chair ::

:: sees Jack across the table ::

:: belatedly notices everyone sitting down, and sits on Zorro's other side ::

:: having been late, again, she enters the house with an apologetic smile towards everyone there, slipping silently into an open chair :: All: Sorry for being late.

:: glances at Grey ::

:: grabs a spoon and gets herself a big helping of beans, then goes for a bowl of the beef stew ::

:: waits for another person to start serving themselves so he can be sure he doesn't break some kind of etiquette ::

:: watches Emily serve herself up, smirks ::

:: also begins serving herself ::

:: seems to be distracted by a conversation with Janice, the two yet to sit down ::

:: gets himself a plate full of his favorites ::

:: waits patiently ::

:: follows Zorro's lead; he's never steered her wrong ::

:: sees others grabbing food, so follows suit, making sure to grab a little of everything ::

:: laughs and pats Janice's shoulder, pushing her towards the table ::

:: watches everyone jump in ::

:: also had looked around for others, not wanting to be the first to sit, but joins in readily, taking a deep breath and welcoming the opened skylight, enjoying herself immensely in the company of old friends, new friends, and good food ::

:: laughs and sits down at the head of the table, then begins serving herself as well, going for a few of the dishes that were yet to be touched ::

:: smiles as they round a corner and the market stalls come into view, with people hawking their wares as they pass :: Kate: The colors! The music! So lively!

:: slowly pulls up from the table and heads out the door ::

:: watches Ammora leave, glances quizzically around at others ::

:: also sits and prepares herself a plate, pointing out a few of the best picks to those who have yet to choose ::

Lexy: It's even a bit different for me, here, compared to my hometown. This is even closer to the pre-tourist culture.

:: glances at Scott to perform a vibe check, but pointedly doesn't react outwardly ::

:: glances at Ammora with confusion ::

:: prepares herself a plate as well, familiar with the spread ::

:: his eyebrows shoot up as Ammora leaves; that would be considered rather rude here ::

:: approaches a market stall filled with handmade candles in a rainbow of colors ::

:: steps out into the mid-afternoon, staring up at the sky ::

:: greets the stall's keeper in her native tongue before picking up a few different candles to sniff at them ::

:: samples the different dishes, each one more delicious than the next ::

:: notices Ammora's leaving, and pauses before eating, silently wandering if she should put a plate aside for him ::

:: shrugs and digs in, figuring Ammora meant nothing by it :

All: This is all really good. Which dish is which? Sorry, I'm not up on my Spanish cuisine.

:: doesn't really notice Scott leaving, happy to let live, and is interested in trying every dish ::

:: finishes a spoonful of the Puchero, nodding and pointing :: Janice: That's even better than I remember.

:: also sniffs the candles, zeroing in on a few that smell like a blend of lavender and vanilla :: Kate: Oh, I like these. :: offers one to Kate to smell ::

:: nods and reports :: Emily: Slow-cooker.

:: sniffs and nods her agreement, then offers one to Lexy that's something akin to jasmine ::

:: quietly savoring every delectable bite that goes into her mouth ::

:: nudges a chili-chocolate dish toward Kuari ::

:: looks at Navarro, the smells are blending together, and she focuses on the dish in discovery ::

:: inhales, finding the smell quite pleasing ::

:: realizes :: All: Oh, and did I say? No replicated ingredients. :: there's pride in her voice ::

Janice: I can tell. It's all quite delicious, Señora Flores.

:: grabs a couple pillars of each, along with something with a citrus/pine aroma and presents her choices to Kate, fully expecting her wife to do the haggling for her ::

:: tries to calculate if there's enough for subsequent servings ::

:: takes the candles to the keep and haggles a bit, which for Risans is generally a pleasant conversation in which prices are occasionally asked about, and finally comes away with the candles ::

:: has definitely prepared too much food, and will be eating this spread for weeks. Always better to over-do than under-do, she thinks. ::

:: presents them triumphantly to Lexy ::

:: happily squirrels them away in her retro market bag, beaming at the shopkeeper ::

:: pours a glass of rioja for himself, Emily, and Jester ::

:: can hardly believe how much food there is, and that none of it is replicated :: Flores: I don't know too much about how food is sourced in this quadrant, but I'm impressed you've obtained so much and prepared it all so fresh, all by yourself?

:: moves over and sits down in the grass ::

:: has more of the chili-chocolate dish than any of the others, but there is still plenty left ::

:: murmurs gratitude and compliments for the fresh food in between helpings ::

:: takes the glass of Spanish wine gratefully, enjoying the conversation going on ::

:: steps back into the pathway, looking around at other stalls, knowing she can't buy things at all of them ::

:: spots the wine, takes up the glass that came with his setting, ready to get a glassful ::

:: smirks :: Kuari: Well, my husband helps. His family owns the lab-grown meat facility in town, and sometimes there's a surplus. We have great relationships with local farmers, I even get my honey from local beekeepers. This town is trying to keep its real food culture alive, and I love that.

Self: Full roundabout, huh, Scott?

:: nods readily :: Flores: I love that, too! I'm already getting full...and that's saying something.

:: nods in agreement with Janice, liking that effort as well ::

:: is drawn to another stall filled with local textiles ::

Flores: This reminds me of the Texas summertime parties!

:: greets the merchant as she approaches and fondles some cloth ::

:: looks to Ryleigh :: Ryleigh: Yeah? You a Texan?

Flores: Yep. Born and raised, same as my husband.

:: sips the wine :: Self/Anyone-in-earshot: Ooh, that's good.

:: gravitates toward a table filled with lightweight summer shawls, feeling a bit chilly in the mid-morning air ::

:: tips his glass to Jack :: Isn't it?

Self: Get back in there, would you?

:: agrees with the wine-praising ::

:: nods to himself, stands and heads back up through the entrance into the main gathering area ::

:: smiles at Doc, swirls the wine in the glass :: Doc: I mean, I know next to nothing about wine, but if it tastes good, that must mean it'd good, right?

:: nods, smiling :: Ryleigh: That's so sweet. I travelled pretty far for love.. :: she laughs, gesturing to the room, and thus the house ::

:: eyes scope the crowd ::

:: samples the wine, finding it appealing ::

:: laughs :: Jack: That's the point, sí.

:: moves towards the alcohol ::

:: notices what Lexy's eyeing :: Cold? I think that one would look good on you. :: points ::

:: chuckles :: Jack/Doc: That's a reasonable standard, 'what's good is good'.

Flores: I mean, Ethan and I grew up together. We basically were best friends turned into husband-wife once we turned of age. :: passes on the wine, sipping at her water glass ::

Ammora: Everything okay, Lieutenant?

:: smiles, a sucker for love stories :: Ryleigh: Oh, tell me all about him.

:: blinks, having been lost in thought ::

Leirone: Uh, yeah, Commander, just thinking about... stuff.

:: looks where Kate is indicating, at a linen-esque wrap dyed in a soft light grey color, and tries it on ::

Ammora: Stuff does that, doesn't it.

:: stops listening to aunt Janice and looks back to the others. She takes a small lull in conversation to brag :: Doc/Kimiko: Did Tori tell you that she's got a posting with the Earth Medical Corps?

:: hears Jack's question with a perked ear and turns from the conversation between Flores and Grey, wondering if she should be concerned, and focuses on Ammora ::

Emily: No, she hadn't mentioned it. That's great!

:: nods eagerly :: Lexy: That does look good!

Flores: He's a medical researcher and medic on Atlantis with the rest of us, but he's right now attending some pediatric cases at Starfleet Medical while I'm here. But he is absolutely sweet, he's an amazing man. :: can't help but beam as she talks about her husband ::

Leirone: Yeah, I guess. :: chuckles ::

:: blushes, brushing her hair behind her ear :: Doc: Oh, yeah. I'm going to be the therapist with travelling unit twelve. Currently, they're stationed in Indonesia reaching more remote areas.

Emily: Oh, really? Congratulations. Very prestigious, I believe. :: her tone is even as always, but she's trying to project pleasure ::

:: rests her chin on her hands, grinning and attentive to Grey :: Ryleigh: You're stationed on the same ship? I love that. I'd heard they can do that. Lovely. So you were in primary school together?

Tori: That's good and noble work. Congratulations!

:: smiles and looks at herself in the mirror, happy that Kate likes it :: Kate: And it's so soft. I wonder what the fiber is.

:: studies Ammora's face for a moment when he responds, then turns away, catching onto the current conversation and tasting another dish ::

:: smiles, looking around and obviously hoping the focus on her will fade :: Doc: Yes, I'm very proud. I think it's a great position.

:: nudges her sister's leg under the table :: Tori/Doc: She's helping save the world.

:: feels the cloth :: Lexy: That's... ummm... what is the closest thing on Earth... like an alpaca wool.

:: smiles at the phrase save the world ::

:: raises a glass for a toast among those near him :: To saving the world!

Kate: Oh, really? :: looks disappointed :: It might be too warm, then.

:: blushes even harder, but forces a smile and raises her glass to the toast ::

:: cheers :: Here here!

:: raises her glass, with a small smile just for Tori ::

Flores: Yes, we are. We attended the same schools, though he was always a year ahead of me due to cutoff dates.

:: also raises a glass, grinning and resisting the urge to further torment Tori with praise ::

:: holds up her glass of infused water and toasts, chirping in agreement :

:: nods :: Ryleigh: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Do they like him?

:: nods in agreement, absently ::

:: cheers with his wine glass ::

Lexy: It breathes well! Though yes, this place is not as warm as Lunat Bay, around mid-day, I suspect it may be too warm. You'd still have plenty of cold enough weather here to wear it, if you want it?

:: grins at Tori as he drinks up ::

:: leans back in her chair :: All: Phew! I think, in this battle... the food has won.

Acacia: A well-earned victory.

Flores: I have no siblings, but he's the youngest of three.... luckily my family likes him.

Kate: Oh, I absolutely want it. But I also want something for today. :: looks through the offerings until she finds an intricately knitted summer shawl in an oatmeal color, darkening to a deep brown at the tips, and pulls it over her shoulders ::

:: surveys the room ::

:: is pleased with the light weight of it; turns to model for Kate ::

:: nods again :: Yes, that looks great!

:: smirks :: Jack/Emily: Hope you saved room for some leche frita, though.

:: eyes Grey for a moment ::

:: loops it over her arm with the other one she intends to buy :: Kate: Do you know who else would love something like this?

:: eyes light up :: Janice: I can't wait to find out what that is, if it's anywhere near as good as all this was.

Who? :: thinks about their friends ::

:: smirks ::

Kate: Emily! Don't you think?

:: meets Ammora's gaze squarely, taking a sip of her water between bites ::

:: nods at Grey ::

:: snaps her fingers :: Lexy: Definitely! Let's get her one.

:: laughs :: Grey: Excuse me. :: gets up to go fire up the deep-fryer ::

:: grins in anticipation ::

Kate: Do you know what her favorite color is?

:: rubs her stomach :: Jack: That'd be 'fried ice cream', and yes, it is nearly as good as all of this.

:: looks after Flores curiously for a moment, then looks down at the food, hearing Acacia's statement, not sure if she should keep going or not ::

:: just knows the answer without thinking :: Lexy: Blue, definitely.

Acacia: Oh! I've had fried ice cream, but probably not in this style. The one I had was more of a, 'Hey look what we can fry now' variety.

Emily: I had better stop!

:: looks at Emily rubbing her stomach ::

:: pushes his plate back, which is utterly clean ::

:: is no longer surprised by how well Kate seems to know Emily, and pulls out a beautiful cornflower blue summer shawl and shows it to Kate ::

:: looks at Grey ::

:: takes a small sip of wine, her plate only mostly clear, a few small scraps not making it ::

Lexy: She would love that.

:: nods, looping it over her arm with the others and looking around the stall ::

:: comes back in with two plates, each one with two balls of fried ice cream :: All: Alright, who's first? They're comin' out in pairs.

:: lifts her hand to be considered one of the first ::

:: defers ::

:: waits, willing to wait a little longer and looks around ::

:: waves Janice over to ensure Kimiko has the first one, impressed by her initiative ::

:: waits his turn ::

:: ignores the dessert ::

:: hands Tori the other one so the quiet kids are both first ::

:: is actually somewhat wide-eyed in excitement ::

Jester: Now this is a treat.

Ammora: Not a sweets guy, Ammora?

:: nods, excited to see Kimiko's reaction ::

:: smirks :: Leirone: Sugar tires me out.

:: is quickly back with the next set of plates, only a few minutes between deliveries ::

:: gingerly breaks the surface with her spoon, taking a small bite and swooning just the teensiest bit as it melts in her mouth ::

:: smirks in return :: Ammora: So tire out. We're on shore leave. Come on, when's the next time you're going to get a completely un-replicated leche frita?

Emily: It's somewhat like the tempura ice cream I have had before. But better.

:: nods in appreciation ::

Leirone: :: half shrug ::

:: catches the comment when she's in the room :: Kimiko: Yes! A bit like tempura! You like?

:: nods at Janice :: Janice: It's very good! You are a skilled chef. Thank you very much.

:: listens to the first serving's reactions to the dessert with interest, then catches Jack's comment, amused ::

:: smiles at the praise, and goes to get the next batch ::

Lexy: Anything else here catch your eye?

:: continues to eat delicate little bites ::

:: hands plates off to Jack, Kuari, Doc, Emily, Ryleigh, and Janessa. She looks around to see if anyone else wants it, then points at Ammora :: Scott: Decided? Yes, no?

:: scoops up a few throw blankets that she's decided she can't live without :: Kate: Ask them if they can pack these up and hold them for us until we're ready to go home.

:: eats the leche fritas, savoring every bite ::

:: gratefully takes the ice cream and digs in ::

:: receives her servering graciously, putting it on the table before her and sniffing it ::

Lexy: Hey, these curtains would go really well with those throws! :: gestures to a set of sheer cerulean curtains ::

:: savors the dish, only getting it every so often ::

Kate: Twist my arm. :: gestures for the shopkeeper to pull those down as well ::

:: usually only gets this when he's back home ::

:: starts chatting with the keep in Risan, gesturing at all of the goods they've picked out ::

:: licks experimentally at the ice cream ::

:: hopes they throw in some free stuff, wishing her Risian was better ::

:: after a few minutes of haggling/conversation, she seals the deal, beaming as she conveys her thanks ::

:: moves towards the corner ::

:: hesitates, but takes that as a 'no' and shrugs, sitting down ::

:: has somehow restrained herself from picking out more stuff while she waited ::

:: as they exit the shop :: Lexy: They threw in matching pillows.

:: got herself (any anyone missed) a plate as well, of course. She happily digs in ::

:: giddily claps with excitement ::

:: notes Ammora's strange detachment, dismisses it ::

:: finds the taste of the ice cream appealing and laps it up, attempting to savor it ::

:: finishes her ice cream, sad that it is over but happy to have had the experience ::

:: smiles, her expression softening :: Lexy: It's fun, making this dream house uniquely ours.

:: blushes :: Kate: I can still hardly believe it. I can't wait to live there, and to have our friends come and visit.

:: glances to Suzuki cautiously, before asking softly :: NAV2: Want mine? I'm feeling slightly off right now.

:: finishes her ice cream as well, huffing a happy huff and going back to her wine to polish it off ::

:: doesn't immediately realize Grey is speaking to her, but once she does, looks at the woman with obvious skepticism ::

Janice: That was terrific. Everything was. Thank you for the wonderful meal. :: cheers with what's left of his wine ::

:: also finishes her ice cream, her stomach very full now, but not too much to be painful. She looks around at everyone, enjoying the company ::

Lexy: Me too! Can you imagine Kuari soaring in the wind off the back cliff? :: passing by a confectionary, she gets an idea :: And speaking of Kuari, she'd love some of these bon-bons!

Flores: Agreed, thank you, this was wonderful!

All: Of course! I'm so glad to get to meet all of you, and you're welcome here any time.

Janice: Yes, my compliments, Señora Flores! Just like my madre cooks.

:: is briefly tempted, but ultimately politely declines ::

:: clasps her hands over her heart :: Doc: Es marvilloso escuchar a un español decir eso.

:: watches Janice ::

Kate: Oh, yes! :: goes over to select some bonbons for Kuari ::

Self: I shouldn't be here...

Janice: Tu español es muy bueno, Señora Flores.

:: grins :: ¡Gracias!

:: picks out a box and buys them ::

:: smiles and nods, polishing off the last of his ice cream ::

:: looks at Ammora, smiling and trying to offer some good vibes ::

:: sees a stall that sells a huge variety of cat paraphernalia and makes a mental note to stop there on the way back from the produce ::

:: and passing the pet shop, they finally arrive at the produce! ::

:: asks Kate for advice on picking out the best of what she wants, hopefully without giving it away ::

:: squeezes various fruits and vegetables to appraise them ::

Self: I want to go home.

:: sees Rodney Styles walk in, looking dapper ::

:: looks around :: All: I'm so glad you all could make it. It's so nice to get to spend time with both my families at once.

Rodney> :: meets Scott's gaze ::

Rodney> :: smiles ::

:: raises his wine glass ::

:: waves :: All: Take as much food home as you want!

:: heads in Rodney's direction ::

:: watches, learning ::

Acacia: Me, too! To good times with good company, around good food! :: raises her infused water again ::

Janice: I'll definitely stock up for tomorrow's lunch.

:: enjoying silently watching conversations, disappointed that it's time to leave already ::

:: offers takeout boxes and smiles, but isn't rushing anyone out the door ::

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM