711/Khaos Kormelean!

Khaos Kormelean!
Date of Scene:	05 November 2023
Location:	Korma Chameleon
Synopsis:	In which Hannah Steiner invades the Korma Chameleon, and learns of /relationships/!
Cast of Characters:	Hannah Steiner, Rashmi Terios, Chrono Harlaown

---

Hannah Steiner has posed:
As is her wont, Hannah arrives with exactly zero subtlety! And for once, without even announcing herself, as in her mind? Well this is a stealth operation!

The doors to the Korma /fly/ open as they're shoved aside, Hannah wearing a brilliant blouse-and-skirt combo in her typical blue-black-golds with a warm silk scarf and what seems to be some kind of...cloak? Cape? Her cane /smacks/ down to the floor hard as if to ensure /no one/ can miss her presence! A grin is on her face!

"HAIL, OH HOUSE OF TERIOS!" Comes Hannah's voice, filling the space and no doubt getting /stares/! Shamelessly, she leans on her cane, even as her fluffy companion barks happily!

"I, Scion of House Steiner, am here to test your /CULINARY SKILLS/ with mein own tongue!" Continues the young woman no matter how many stares or whispers of 'chuunibyou' and 'weird cosplayer' are traded.

She doesn't shout, her voice just...carries. Like some kind virus or direct shot to the head with pure presence and over-friendliness!

Griiiin! Griiiiiin! Sankt help whoever's on waiter duty!

Rashmi Terios has posed:
And indeed the entire restaurant *does* come to a halt, with only the noise from the kitchen heard over the resounding silence. The host simply stares at Hannah with wide eyes for a moment, then caaaaarefully leads Hannah to a booth table at the back.

It's really impossible to miss a Hannah entrance if you know what to look out for, and the moment the nervous host has Hannah settled, a hand rests on her shoulder from behind. "It's okay, Kobayashi-san," Rashmi says. "I'll take care of this one." And indeed, she has elected to help waitress for a relatively busy Sunday, wearing the uniform of cute white button-down, black long skirt, and green apron bearing the violently adorable Korma-kun chameleon mascot. "Hiiii, Hannah-chan," she singsongs merrily. "How're you doing?"

Meanwhile, S2U receives a message: << Hannah just almost kicked the doors in at the Korma, want to have lunch with her? >> Because Belkans gonna Belkan, apparently.

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown gave a soft sigh. Want to? GOSH no.

Should go save his girlfriend? Yes. He supposed. Midchildian gotta midchildian. He swore if she challenged him to an honor duel...

< I'm on my way. Any chance I can steal you for a bit while I'm there? >

What? Boy has to have priorities. And he'd already gone searching like. Five times, trying to find another member of the crew. It was only fair that he take a lil bit of a break. Just a small one.

It wasn't long before the most serious of TSAB's enforcers arrived, touching down outside the shop and walking inside, glancing around. IT wasn't long before his eyes fell on Hannah and...

"Ah. Steiner-san, I do hope you're not causing trouble with my girlfriend's family."

Yes, he already suspected *exactly* why she was here. And was planning to head it off at the pass.

Of course, there was someone else WITH him... someone Hannah likely didn't recognize. With long blue hair. And piercing red eyes. And some simple garments, a blouse and a skirt...

But most impressively of all was the fact she was as tall and looked like she had been modeled after Setsuna. Which fit. Since she was. Chrono sat across from Hannah, while Fenyx sat besides him. Well, it looked like they were moving up to 'human' testing now.

Hannah Steiner has posed:
While Hannah seems briefly put out that she doesn't run into Rashmi instantly, she quickly brightens as a familiar voice finds her! "Still alive, mein dear freund!" Comes Hannah, perhaps a little /too/ truthfully. For all she's evoking warmth, there's a tiredness underneath it all.

Her Uncle of course is weighing on her, as well as Midnight Tokyo and even Usagi's recent problems.

Lyra, meanwhile, is instantly going on a nuzzle-quest on Rashmi getting...well they're feathers, but only Rashmi and Chrono know that. They stick to adorable outfits like Rashmi's just as well as fur!

Chrono incoming! Griiiiin!

"Herr Harlaown! I would /never/ cause trouble for such a wonderful person as mein dear frau Terios! Nein, I am here to indulge in her, und now /your/ company while being regaled by the best of House Terios' culinary mastery! What is best here?"

Pause. A bark, and her Device pings the presence of someone new.

"Hm! Und whom do I hear, joining your side?" she 'looks' to where she thinks she hears Chrono's companion. Lyra, helpfully, just kinda nose-boops Fenyx's knee!

"A Duel..." Oh gods is she...???

"Of the stomach if you will!" Sankt be praised.

Griiiin. "However I /am/ also eager to see how her spellwork has progressed...." Oh no. It's on the table!!!

Rashmi Terios has posed:
And Lyra of course gets a fond scratch atop the head, because one can never deny a dog a love, even if that dog is mostly lizard! When Chrono and Fenyx enter, she brightens visibly, and leans over to give Chrono a smooch on the cheek after he gets himself settled. "Hi, Chrono~! And hi, Fenyx-chan, how're you doing?"

Straightening, she turns back to Hannah, beaming. "And we'll be *happy* to serve you the best that Papi's leadership and our kitchen staff can do! But Papi also asked me to remind you that doors are expensive, Hannah-chan, and if you kick ours open again it *will* probably break and you *will* be barred from eating here until you pay him back."

How she delivered that threat -- and it was a threat -- in perfect customer-service cheerfulness is a question perhaps... best not asked.

Then Rashmi bobs on the balls of her feet, tilts her head to one side, and beams. "That said! We have a pretty big menu, there's traditional Indian food, some Japanese-style curry, and Papi's favorite, the fusion recipes. Also d'you want to taste your food, or are you one of those people who think 'hot' is the only flavor you need?"

"Also Chrono's been teaching me a *lot,* I've got a couple new spells. I'd lose any duel we had, but, I might be a problem for a little bit!"

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown just stared at her. He suspected she would cause ALL the trouble for their dear frau Terios. Without any regrets. "Rashmi," he said without hesitation at 'what was best here'. What? You can't just serve that over the plate and have him NOT take it. Too tempting.

"This is my aunt, Fenyx Harlaown."

< My familiar, Fenyx. > he said through his device.

"There will be no more duels from me or Rashmi until you take care of what we talked about before. Even if we are allies, Steiner-san, I won't have you cripple yourself while dueling Rashmi and have that weighing on her conscience."

Fenyx, meanwhile, just smiled at Rashmi. "Thank you, Rashmi-san. I'd like something... mild, please." Pause, glanced to Chrono. "I think he'd like something you picked for him."

Chrono just gave his familiar a side eye. Was she teasing him? No. Nonsense. Besides, she wasn't wrong.

"Oh Rashmi-chan," Chrono said, giving a light chuckle. "You've been an excellent student. You'll be a lot more than a problem to most, now. You really do underestimate yourself."

Hannah Steiner has posed:
Hannah, daughter of a merchant and politician of an entire planet, knows a proper threat when delivered with appropriate kindness. She simply bows in place to Rashmi!

And turns to Chrono. Surely...that wasn't a kiss she heard? Surely???

Grin! "I shan't do the House of Terios dishonor!" Of course, Rashmi is being modest, and Chrono is holding her to his earlier words.

"...A matter I have been reflecting on. Admittedly it is difficult. But the sake of mein loves und those before me..." She offers, her turn to try being modest. It...mostly doesn't work, she sounds a little haughty, but at least honest.

Back to Rashmi!

"Und since herr Harlaown shan't indulge me with a blade, I demand you indulge me with the power of /heat/! Defeat me with your most scorching dish that your Papi can conjure! Do not hold back with the burninating! For I have tasted Canopis Lava Paste und lived to tell the tale! Mein stomach is greater than any metal!" Comes the young woman proudly! 'Do your worst' her gaze says!

This is a /terrible/ idea, but she commits!

"A pleasure, frau Harlaown!" Comes Hannah easily, before slipping to her Device.

<May the Sankt make your Awakening a smooth one, Fenyx. Herr Harlaown may have the spine-stiffness to surpass any starship's hull, but he is good at heart. Even if regrettably Mid-Childan!> Even through her Device, she's clearly playing with Chrono a bit.

And then she openly teases them both. "Such a wonderful atmosphere. Is it just me or...are you two...closer than last? Almost..."

She mouths the words to the two, meaning to tease, but stabbing straight to the matter!

R O M A N C E~

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Oh we've been dating since the Masquerade Ball," Rashmi simply says with a grin. "Chrono's *good* at making a girl feel special, whether he means to or not. Like how he talks about my magic," she says with a chuckle.

"And... well if you're serious, I'll tell Papi. We *do* have a challenge dish, but you need to schedule tht a month in advance, *and* float the cost of the store being closed for six hours. I think a hundred thousand yen was the minimum he said he'd accept, because after you're done we need to fumigate the place top to bottom."

"So... instead of that, how about... Five-star Bhapa Chingri for Hannah-chan, one-star Doi Maach for Fenyx-chan -- it's mostly fish and yogurt with easy spices, Fenyx-chan -- two-star Murgir Jhol for Chrono, and I'll be right back with lassi for everyone, okay? And when the food's ready I'll join you guys."

And off she pops into the back, to tell Goro that at least New Girl's willing to be as hard on herself as on the doors!"

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown nodded to Hannah. "Good. If you can't take care of yourself, who'll help take care of those who depend on you?" he asked. He understood that desire to... overdo it. But he'd had to stop himself from doing it, he'd stop her too.

He snorted at the idea of what Hannah's poor tongue would be going through soon. She deserved it.

< Ayes, my spine is only slightly softer than the belkan's head, as one would expect. >

"Indeed, though, we are closer. I have begun to work on wooing Rashmi..." and then, when she left... "And making her feel as special as she IS," he called after her.

Then, the moment she was out of earshot... "So. Is it just me or is this planet crawling with beautiful people? I swear every one of my neighbors at school could be fashion models, one of them actually is. It feels live I've crash landed on a planet from a sappy romance novel."

"I wouldn't know," Fenyx said. She reached out a foot... and gently rubbed the side of the dog/lizard/thing. A small greeting to go to the leg sniff she got earlier.

Hannah Steiner has posed:
Wince! Not at the heat, but...well, Hannah is feeling her far-away funds right now. And current inability to access them! Something so dangerous just out of reach!!! Clearly she needs to work on making money here.

But her Uncle comes first.

"Five-star it is then!" She agrees, smoothly ignoring her private shame over being /poor/! A true failure of a Steiner!

A slow nod to Chrono, and this smile is genuine. "I am happy for you both. Truly. I have no doubt you both will do right by one another."

And then she laughs! "By the Sankt, how /quaint/! Properly courting her, are we? Mein mother, you know, simply walked up, challenged mein Father to a Duel! ....Then proceded to fight off all of his suitors! At once after he was flailing in a crater! Acht, /romance/!" Siiiiigh.

A laugh. "Well, I am hardly one to judge objectively! But /two/ engels grace mein side whose voices have stolen mein heart! So, short answer: yes. You are surrounded by beauty! How /horrid/!" Griiiiin, teeeeease!

Fenyx gets a happily little nuzzle and lick and griiind into the petting foot! Someone loooves attention, she's gonna steal all of it.

<How are you adjusting, Fenyx? Teasing your master aside, if there is aught I can do...> Offers the young woman with a smile to Chrono's 'Aunt'.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
Not long after, Rashmi bops back out with a trio of tall, ice-cream-sundae-style glasses filled with variously-colored liquid. "Aaaaand lassi!" Rashmi chirps, setting a pink one in front of Hannah, a pale-yellow one for Chrono, and a dark red-purple one for Fenyx. "Rose lassi for the Meister, mango for the dashing gentleman, and blackberry for 'Aunt Harlaown,'" she says with a grin. "Food should be ready pretty soon! Also Papi's holding back some of the lamb bones for Lyra, for when you both get home." Because yes even Lyra deserves a treat, and Rashmi is daddy's-girl enough to be absolutely shameless about cadging concessions.

"Also I couldn't help but overhear from across the room, d'you have *another* girlfriend, Hannah-chan?"

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown chuckles softly. Oh, five star. Her tongue was so going to just melt off. "Yeah, fortunately we didn't have to do the dueling for her hand thing." He'd been prepared to, but... "It uhhhh... was kind of... nice. I don't think I've ever really made a choice like that before. Last time... well... But then, I suppose I am the commanding officer here now. And it's not like Amy can expect me to ever return to Midchildia at this point."

Had he accepted never getting off this rock? Or... planning to never leave.

He then groaned. "Oh dear heavens. A second one who has fallen for the charms of a belkan brute? You know, just because those romance novels have the protagonist getting a harem is no reason to try and live it out, Steiner-san," he said. Actually teasing her right back.

< I am quite well off, > Fenyx said through the device. < The Boss has been taking extra care to assure me I am comfortable and often messages me through his device to offer me guidance or check up on me. Rashmi and Setsuna have also been making efforts to help me get used to this human form. The taste buds are... an experience. >

She picked up her drink and took a slow, blissful sip of it. Mmmmm. Blackberry. She looked quite content. So many new flavors!

"Indeed, it seems that the belkan has decided even if she can't return to belkan space anytime soon, instead she will brink belkans here," Chrono said, giving a long suffering, exagerated sigh. Oh dear heavens, the boy was even emoting. Whatever was next?

Hannah Steiner has posed:
Hannah finds a utensil, and with a little bit of prodding, finds the lassi glass. She ponders, and finally sips the drink as though she's at a wine tasting! Hmmmm!

"Such a curious flavor! Sweet yet with...mmm. Rose water?" She wonders aloud!

Lyra makes a happy hiss when 'bones' are brought up! One can see the smart lizard all but /drooling/! She knows that word means yummy things!

"Granted, it is only one date thus far, but I find mein heart drawn to Takumi Yoru! She is a bit...acht, how to put it, /rough/..." She's grinning fondly, as though that 'rought' side is one of the things she's drawn to!

"But absolutely adorable, und has good taste in both movies und girls!" That good taste being /her/, of course. Smirk!

"With luck it shall continue. She is a treasure to be around. Und I shall bring /both/ mein lieblings about some time in case you were wondering Rashmi." Have to stay in good with her Lancemate after all!

She opens her mouth, but then decides better. Chrono's idea that they're stuck here still gets in her craw, but she's not allowed to Duel him, and so she doesn't directly jab at him for it. Not when it'll just sour the evening.

"A bit of cultural exchange, shall we say, before matters here are settled. I /do/ need to choose a co-ruler after all." Okay, she'll poke a little. She equally seems chained to the idea that she's not stuck here, because she's Royalty and a Belkan, and heavens and suns and magical forces will move because she deigns it.

Oh, hey, Chrono is emoting. Griiiiin!

"All should know the joys of Belkan dating! Given you are teaching her...technically you are /dating like a Belkan/, herr Harlaown!" Totally sparring is Duels. That's her logic. Griiiiin! Jab jab jab!

<Wunderbar. Know that Lyra und I are but a ping away, hmm?>

A glance back to the pair. "So! When is the wedding und do you require any suitors properly dealt with in Belkan fashion? I am, after all, a freund und ally to you both und have /zero/ issues making the world know that Chrono und Rashmi are off limits as it were!" Smirk.

"Unless one or both of you are establishing...what was it, Chrono? A harem?" Teeeease!

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Yup!" Rashmi answers to the guess. "Imperial roses, Mami grows them in the hothouse on the roof!" Chrono's teasing gets him a nudge and a chuckle from the waitress, and when she sees the change in Hannah's expression about not being able to return to TSAB space, her bright smile falters briefly.

...Perhaps that's a subject for antoher time.

"And no he's *not* dating like a Belkan, Hannah-chan. He's actually doing a pretty good job of dating like an Earthling, and... Well we *do* need to do something about all those notes he keeps getting from the lower grades. But I think I've got a good plan on that, it just has to wait until Valentine's Day. ...Which reminds me, Hannah-chan! Christmas is coming up soon, you've probably been hearing the advertisements all over the place. It's a gift-giving holiday, so if you want help picking out something nice for your girls let me know?"

At the mention of weddings, Rashmi coughs, eyes wide. "...Any weddings that may or may not happen are not even gonna be *thought* about until after we're both done with school." Yes. Not thoughts about. Because Rashmi has not done any silly maundering about it, nor doodled names in the margins of her note-taking books. Nuh-uh. One does not hand even a *social* knife to a Belkan, this much she's learned already.

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown chuckled and shook his head at Hannah. "Hmm. One date. We shall see if this one can hold the heart of a Belkan in her grasp, or if she will crumble before its violent beatings," he said, before taking a small spoon to dip into his lassi. While Fenyx tried to drink it, he preferred to treat it more like a soft, thick sundae.

He snorted at the idea of any of those girls becoming her 'queen', as it were. "Oh dear. I hope you don't intend to make them fight for the dubious honor. And many midchildian's date those they train with. One should be in love with their close friend, no?" he asked. "And we need to ensure we're strong enough to have each other's back if times get dangerous. As for wedding, well... we're not engaged yet. Should it come to that, I assure you I will be more than capable of dealing with any suitors who may come for Rashmi's hand. Be they earthling, midchildian or even... belkan."

That's right. Don't you be eying Rashmi as your third. She's mine, darn it!

"And thank you, Rashmi. I've been studying the earthling traditions quite closely, as best I can. I... can't deny that it has been oddly fun, actually trying this. I don't think I've ever really... dated like this before. I feel almost... silly at times."

Hannah Steiner has posed:
The young woman puts a hand to her heart! "Such a shame! You know, I had half a mind to ask you out, frau Terios. Your knight in Mid-Childan floatyness has spared you the wrath of Belkan dating!" Comes Hannah, grinning like a goof, fully intent on knifing Rashmi a /little/ at least. She does seem sad that there's no wedding. Yet.

"When the bells ring, I expect an invitation no matter what part of the galaxy I am in!" Firm nod.

Oh hey, there's that expected threat! "Hah! I have considered it!" Gods she sounds entirely serious about making the two fight for the spot of Queen! "Buuut sadly the position requires actual knowledge of Tharkad und its' social workings. Und rulership...I do care about mein people. But that is why we gather many hearts to us." A shrug.

"But yes, good! Hm. You make a solid point." She doesn't out Amy's magical nature, but she definitely needs to train with her, come to think of it.

"Just make each other happy, hm? Not that it seems I need to tell you that, I can practically hear you both glowing." Smirk!

Then she almost shoots out of her seat! "Gifts!? By the Sankt, /please/! I know what would be appropriate for Tharkadian Holy Days but..." yeah, this part of Japanese culture hasn't hit her yet.

"I am at your mercy, Rashmi!"

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"You wear silly like a good suit, Chrono," Rashmi says... Oh yes, she has it just as bad as Chrono, it's quite clear. "You're doing gre-- oop! One second!"

Dashing back into the kitchen, she hurries back out with another, bigger tray, loaded with food. Hannah's probably smells as fiery as it looks, given the amount of chilis, shili oil, mustard oil, and wasabi used to 'flavor' the sauce, and Rashmi sets it down with a dubious look. "You're not at my mercy yet, Hannah-chan, but pretty soon you probably will be."

Fenyx's plate is much less dangerous-looking, fish simmered in a yogurt-based sauce with a much more complex taste than 'the flesh it burns.' "I hope you like this, Fenyx-chan," she says gently. "A *lot* of the spices Papi uses are seed-based anyway, but they're probably ones you'd've passed over, before."

And Chrono gets a hammered-copper pot, filled with stewed chicken in a tomato-and-onion gravy. A final plate carries naan, stacked high for all to share.

"Now Hannah-chan, the secret to eating hot food is bread and milk. That's why the naan, and the lassi, the drink's mostly flavored yogurt."

And the last plate is a pile of samosas for herself, plopped down on the last free spot as she slides into the booth.

Good food, good friends, and Best Dog-Lizard; an excellent day!

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown nodded. "Indeed. Ever since making my move, I have endeavored to keep Rashmi from meeting such a horrid fate such as being wooed by a belkan of all things. Such a traumatic experience for the poor thing."

Still, the smile could almost be heard in his voice. Especially for one who likely was used to listen to audible cues. "One could likely learn about 'Tharkad', given time." Ohhhh. It seemed... he wasn't entirely against one of them becoming queen. Despite the teasing. He also gave a very light chuckle when Hannah fell at Rashmi's mercy. "Have none," he told her. Easily loud enough for Hannah to hear.

And when Rashmi returns... He just slides over a little closer to her. At some point re-arranging so he was on the outside and Fenyx was on the inside. Don't ask. "Exquisite, positively breathtaking and spectacular," he said, sniffing the food. "The food smells pretty great too."

"They're like this all the time," Fenyx said, in a flat tone. She sniffed hers before, very slowly, swirling it about on the bowl and bringing some to her lips. She had to blow on it a few times, though. Her eyes lit up when she tasted it. "Oh... oh my. That's quite good," she said. "We'll..."

"We'll eat here often," Chrono said quickly, cutting off Fenyx's worries before they could start. "After all, I have a crush on the waitress." He then took a small bite of his own food. "Ahhhh. The food here truly is magical as well, the service sublime..."

Yes, he was enjoying being able to be 'silly' for once.

Hannah Steiner has posed:
She wants to tease Chrono and Rashmi more...but frankly the two are so adorable together, and obviously happy? She can't even /tease/ about date-breaking the two. By the Sankt, the two are perfect for each other!

"Hah, wunderbar! Your Master und your freund, frau Fenyx, deserve one another. Truly. Be sure to devote yourself to defending them well, hm?" She reeeeaches and scritches Lyra for emphasis!

Oh yeah, she's doomed! To advice and friendship! She lets out a happy sigh.

After so many troubles? This feels /good/ to be among friends.

But then serious matters are afoot!

That steaming hell is before her. The battlefield of the taste buds await!

"I, as Countess Palatine, accept this challenge from your House, Rashmi!!! I require no chilling things on this battlefield of spice! HAVE AT THEE!" Then...

She just goes for it. Down goes her utensil, and she is /piling/ that steaming mass of burning, scorching assortment of wasabi and various chillis. Her face doesn't just turn red.

It turns /purple/! Tears fall. And her breath may as well be pure flame.

"BY THE SANKT'S RIGHT SOCK MEIN VERY SOUL BURNS!!!!" Yeah, it's hot. Sweating a river she just....keeps...eating. More. And more. Even when she's looking like she's about to pass out? She soldiers on even as the ambient temperature around her is reaching...uncomfortable levels.

"IS THIS WHAT BELKEN HECK FEELS LIKE!?" Comes Hannah as she slams down the last bit. Melting, almost literally into the table?

"SECONDS!!!!!"

Someone's going to have to carry her to the dorms, but yeeesh, she's a glutton for gastronomical punishment!