There was no place quite so inviting as the Tower kitchens on a snowy afternoon. Kemal liked hanging around them on any given day — as much as Mistress Ella allowed it — but the warmth from the toasty ovens and the delicious smells that filled the rooms were especially welcoming to come into from the cold. Kemal stood by a brick-oven hearth, slowly warming himself from an hour of routine inspections of the outdoor service Frames. Those Frames were a blessing from the Light itself, able to do exterior work on the Tower in weather that most people wished to avoid, but somebody still had to go out and give them a looking to once in a while. Today, that somebody had been him. Now that his shift was over, he'd come to get a late lunch and bring a little something back to the break room for his crew.

Mistress Ella was back in the kitchens today and had insisted Kemal come in to speak with her instead of waiting in the cafeteria proper. He'd realized early on that not many people were allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the kitchens. Fortunately for him, he'd somehow been counted a friend. Mistress Ella regularly attended the Tower's meeting of the Flame, and that was where Kemal had met her at the end of his first week of work. Or rather, she had come up to him after the service, introduced herself, and made certain that he knew of the cafeteria's availability — and was he getting enough to eat? That was probably Mistress Ella's favorite question. No matter the answer she received, the one being asked was sure to receive an armload of food.

"Bertrand, dig into the dry cellar and see if there are any apples," Ella instructed the sous-chef. Her voice was still a little scratchy from the illness that was sweeping through the Tower. Kemal felt awkward letting them do all the work of gathering his meal when he could just as easily be pointed in the right direction to get it himself. He also knew better than to interrupt Ella in her own kitchen. This was her abode, a cozy, small kingdom that she ran with stunning efficiency. To try and take over any work from her or her staff would be an insult. One she would bear with a laugh and a smile, but an insult all the same. The first time Kemal had ever set foot inside the kitchens, he'd noted the lack of Frames. While he didn't expect them to do the cooking, they could just have easily handled the sorting and chopping. At the very least, the perpetual cleaning and dish washing. Ella would not hear of it. She claimed she had nothing against Frames, and could see where they would be beneficial. She also claimed that too much reliance on them would make her staff complacent. "Why send a Frame when people are looking for work?" she'd said. Kemal couldn't argue with that.

Bertrand gave a curt nod and swept off to the cellar, really just a humidity controlled interior room. The true cellars were down below the docks, all the way at the base of the Tower. The sous-chef was the complete opposite of Ella. Where she was round and short, he was tall and bony. Ella always had a smile on her face — even when she was "reminding" a kitchen apprentice like Katie to get to their tasks — while Bertrand always had a look on his pinched face like he'd smelled something rotten. Ella could talk your ear off, and Kemal had hardly heard Bertrand string more than a few words together at a time. Usually those words were "yes, ma'am," or the like. The only exception was if Ella was out of the kitchens, as she had been while ill earlier in the week. From Katie's reports, when Ella was away the sous-chef went running around like a headless chicken, barking orders and lamenting the apprentices from sunup to sundown. Despite all that, Bertrand had been in the Tower nearly as long as Ella herself, and the woman gave no sign of ever replacing him. Bertrand, for all his supposed moaning, gave no hint of wanting to actually leave.

Kemal stood as close as he could to the hearth without climbing inside, trying to get out of the way of a stream of apprentices and cooks. Ella was rolling out dough for what promised to be biscuits for dinner. She chattered away while she worked, the mound of dough flattening under her implacable rolling pin. Katie was nearby at one of the smaller washing sinks, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, scrubbing a load of pots and ladles from the lunch hour. Her pudgy, perpetually flushed cheeks were even pinker from the steam rising out of the hot water.

"How has work been?" Ella asked Kemal. "Have you been getting enough sleep? Are you able to have some time off for fun?" Those were probably her second and third most common questions upon meeting someone. Before she had become ill, Kemal would hardly have believed Ella ever left the kitchens, even to sleep. She worked hard, and made sure her staff worked hard too. Yet she couldn't seem to stand the thought of anyone else doing the same!

"I have," Kemal answered, stepping aside for an apprentice bearing a heavy box of vegetables. "I saw my friends from the College not too long ago," he added for proof.

"I'm so glad!" Ella smiled at him, spreading the dough to the corners of a measuring placemat. Kemal wished the memory made him as happy as it made her. Thinking of The Acorn just made him think of Chelise, which made him think of their conversation of a few nights ago. He hadn't heard from her since then. Had he been too hard on her? He still stood by his assertion that the Vanguard were to be trusted with the City's wellbeing. He was just worried about Chelise's sudden lack of faith. Surely there was something he could do to help her. But what? All she wanted was for him to find some bit of gossip or news that would undermine the Tower! She wouldn't hear of going to the Flame and speaking with Lei!

"It's too easy to get caught up in work at the Tower," Ella sighed. "So many young people here forget to enjoy themselves and have fun! And so many supervisors are willing to let them forget!"

Kemal saw Katie glance incredulously at the head cook. Fortunately for her, Ella's attention was on Kemal. The poor kid was well taken care of, but she was still just a kid who longed to be out with friends instead of cooped up in a kitchen. Even if that kitchen was as nice as this one.

"There ought to be more social opportunities within the Tower for young folk," Ella went on. She began cutting out the dough into circles. Definitely biscuits. Kemal made a mental note to be early for dinner. Ella's biscuits were as famous for their ability to disappear as much as for their heavenly taste.

"There's the Exchange," Kemal suggested. "The Hunter Lounge too." The Exchange was little more than a vending kiosk down by the docks, but the workers had set up a small seating area and so it had become somewhat of a gathering place for Tower personnel. He had to admit that the Hunter Lounge was far less frequented by civilians, even though nobody had ever forbidden them. It was just hard to relax around Guardians.

Ella waved a fleshy hand.

"Those are hardly the kinds of places you can get to know a sweetheart in!" she protested. Kemal flushed. She was onto her fourth favorite topic — matchmaking. "I'm thinking of a movie house or a gallery or the like! Blessed Light, I would open one up myself if I had the time!" She shook her head, gathering up the dough circles and dropping them onto a greased tray. "Isn't there a special someone you'd like to take out?" she asked. Katie snickered, just low enough so Ella wouldn't hear.

"I can't say that there is, Mistress," Kemal sighed. Chelise came to mind again. He tried to push thoughts of her away. Light, what was wrong with her?

The kitchen door swung open. Ella glanced up sharply, immediately aware that somebody was entering her domain, ready to chase them out should they not belong. Master Rahool poked his cowled head around the door, peering into the kitchen. He caught sight of Ella and his golden eyes widened a fraction.

"Cryptarch!" Ella called, her smile returning. "Do come in!"

Master Rahool hesitated, then slipped into the kitchen. He glanced around rather sheepishly, one hand reaching up to tug on his cowl.

"Forgive the intrusion," he murmured. "I was only on my way to pick up a pot of coffee from Bertrand for the lecture."

"Why, we're always happy to see you in the kitchens!" Ella beamed. "I'll get that for you in a jiffy!" Ella bustled away from the biscuits. The Cryptarch took up a spot next to Kemal. They stood by, shuffling their feet, trying to remain out of the way of the kitchen staff. Kemal had never officially met the Master, so he didn't know quite what to say. The Cryptarch apparently felt the same way. Supposedly he was quite a taskmaster in his Order, much like Ella. He lacked Bertrand's sour expression, though his large nose and gold eyes made him resemble something of a proud hawk. It might have been his imagination, but he thought the Cryptarch was looking rather wan. Indeed, as Kemal watched, he pulled out a handkerchief from his robe pocket and swiped his nose. It seemed nobody could escape the bug being passed around. Ella returned from fixing up the coffee, wiping her hands on her apron.

"I've got a fresh pot brewing right now, if you care to wait a moment. Otherwise I can have it delivered —" she cut off, eyeing the Cryptarch closely.

"Are you feeling well, Cryptarch?"

Master Rahool was hastily shoving the handkerchief back in his pocket.

"Oh, it's nothing!" he demurred. He couldn't hide a sniffle, nor the stuffiness in his voice.

"Blessed Light! You've caught cold too! What on earth are you doing working? You ought to be in bed!"

"Really, it's nothing serious —" Master Rahool tried to protest.

"I've only just been back on my feet from that very same illness!" Ella cut in. "If you don't take care, it's liable to turn much worse! You could catch pneumonia, mark my words! Well, I've got just the thing for it." She hurried off again, the Cryptarch watching her with a decidedly sullen look.

"Please, Ella. Don't trouble yourself!" he called, to no avail. Ella was on a mission. The Cryptarch sniffled and dug out his handkerchief again. "Blast!" he muttered. He blew his nose in a honking burst.

Bertrand returned from the dry cellar, a box of red apples in hand. He glanced at the Cryptarch, raised an eyebrow, and took the the box to the table where he was laying out a tray for the Frame shop. Kemal had tried telling Ella they didn't need much, but once she got an idea in her head to take care of someone…well, he knew how the Cryptarch must be feeling right about now. Kemal wasn't going to return to the break room with just any old lunch. He might as well have ordered catering!

Ella returned with a steaming mug that she thrust at Master Rahool. Kemal caught a whiff of something astringent. It smelled like no drink he had ever encountered before.

"Drink up!" she said. "Nothing will have you feeling better sooner than fever tea!"

Master Rahool was staring into the mug as though she'd just poured him an adder. A muscle in his jaw twitched. He glanced up at Ella, realized the formidable woman was not going to budge until he took a sip, and raised the mug to his lips for all the world like he expected to be poisoned. If the smell was anything to go by, Kemal thought he just might be in danger of it. Anything that smelled like that couldn't taste very good at all. The Cryptarch took a sip and, to his credit, only shuddered a little.

"Thank you, madame," he grit out through a very tight, fixed smile.

Ella nodded in approval.

"Now you drink that whole thing before you go! I'm going to send a pot along with you." She marched off to make good on her word. The look on Master Rahool's face as he contemplated the rest of the mug — it was a big one — could only be called despair.

The door swung open again. A tiny woman burst into the kitchen. A Guardian, Kemal realized with a start. The Warlock from the Archives! Zinnia, wasn't that her name? She was just as startled to see him and the Cryptarch. Her bright green eyes widened much like Master Rahool's had.

"Hi, Master Rahool!" she said, stopping short and then coming to stand next to him. "I didn't expect to see you here!" She looked very tired compared to the last time Kemal had seen her. Light, was she getting sick too? Could Guardians even get sick?

"There you are!" Master Rahool said. He straightened up, and that hawkish look was back, replacing his disgust at the tea. "Can I expect you at the Novice lecture this afternoon?"

Zinnia twisted her fingers in her vestment sleeves.

"Um…well…"

"I highly recommend it," he said. Oddly, that did not sound so much like a suggestion. He was gazing down his nose at the Warlock as if she had just done something wrong. Even stranger, Zinnia was fidgeting under that gaze as though she knew it!

"I suppose I could find the time," she said, her small smile wilting.

"Excellent," he sniffed. "I should very much like to discuss some matters of importance with you."

Zinnia wilted a little more.

Ella returned with a coffee carafe in one hand and a teapot in the other. She caught sight of Zinnia and beamed.

"Oh, Zinnia dear! I feel it's been an Age since I saw you last! What can I get for you, love?"

"I missed hot lunch," Zinnia sighed.

"Say no more!" Ella exclaimed. "I'll put together a tray for you and the Cryptarch! I take it you're both going to the lecture?" Zinnia's happy smile returned. Master Rahool tried once more to protest. "It's no trouble at all!" Ella waved his arguments away. "Now let's see, I've still got plenty of soup warmed on the stove, and I can surely round up some scones…Kemal, dear, I haven't forgotten about you. Would you like some scones to go with your meal?"

"Please," he grinned. He had no better chance of deterring her than the Cryptarch.

Now the three of them stood by the hearth. The narrow aisleway was getting quite crowded. Bertrand went back to his work of chopping vegetables the apprentices brought in and stirring simmering sauces. Katie kept turning about from the sink to sneak surreptitious glances at the Guardian.

"So…what's the lecture going to be about?" Zinnia asked the Cryptarch.

"Transmat theory," he answered, back to contemplating the tea in his hand.

"Again?" Zinnia frowned. "I thought it was going to be engram coding!"

Master Rahool's eyes narrowed.

"That was yesterday."

"Oh." Zinnia pursed her lips and gave a little shrug, suddenly very interested in the ladles hanging next to the hearth.

Kemal perked up. Transmat theory? He hadn't had the chance to finish that class at the College before he'd come to work at the Tower. He debated for a moment whether to speak up, then gathered his courage.

"Are these lectures for the Cryptarchy only?" he asked.

Master Rahool and Zinnia both looked at him. The Cryptarch was quite surprised at his interest.

"They are open to the Tower in general. Are you interested in attending?"

Kemal felt himself blushing and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Well, I haven't brushed up on it in a while…"

"Nothing to worry about. I've designed the lecture to be similar to a class you might find at the College. If you're interested, do come along."

"Really?" Kemal asked. "I'm afraid I don't have a lot of glimmer to spare," he admitted.

"Oh, Light!" The Cryptarch scoffed. "It's free, lad. I wouldn't charge for a little education!"

"Thank you, sir!" Kemal grinned. "I've got the rest of the day off. I think I will stop by after all."

Master Rahool looked enormously pleased. Ella returned with two mugs of cocoa heaped with whipped cream, which she presented to Zinnia and Kemal.

"Your tea is best when hot," she said to the Cryptarch. That was the only gift he was going to receive. Zinnia leaned over and sniffed at his mug, pulled a face, and gratefully clutched her cocoa.

"You're still sick?" she asked.

"Quite," the Cryptarch sighed, fishing out his handkerchief once more. The little Warlock considered him a moment and then reached up and pressed her hand to his forehead, nearly knocking off his cowl.

"You're still warm!" she exclaimed.

Master Rahool sighed again.

"For the love of the Light, girl! I'm standing in front of a blasted oven!"

"I'm telling you, Cryptarch, this sickness will knock you off your feet if you're not careful!" Ella said from the counter next to Bertrand. She was unwrapping a plate of scones and dividing them up between Kemal's tray and one equally laden down for the Cryptarchy. "Guardian, do make sure he keeps drinking that tea during the lecture!"

Zinnia sipped her cocoa and glanced slyly up at the Cryptarch. He returned her tiny smile with a scowl. Blessed Light, he really had no fear of her!

Ella worked at the trays until they could have served half the Tower. At this rate, Kemal would have to get a Frame to help him carry his to the shop! He was grateful for the variety, though. Ella didn't skimp on anything. Zinnia's eyes shone as the cook added small oranges — "to keep away further sniffles!" — and candied nuts to the tray — "a little treat never hurt anyone!"

Kemal was just about ready to go when a knock came from the back door leading outside. Katie hopped off the footstool she was using to reach the top shelf of a drying rack and hurried over to answer the door. A gust of cold air whipped into the kitchen, flurries of snow on its breath. Three Titans came inside, hefting huge sacks of flour and long milk cans. A City delivery driver in Harkness Farms livery followed them in, struggling with a sack of beans. One of the Titans was so large he looked like he might get stuck in the doorway.

"Light, it's really coming down out there!" the enormous Titan laughed. His booming voice filled the kitchen with as much warmth as the ovens. Snowflakes were melting in his red beard and wild, long hair. He had two milk cans balanced on his shoulders, looking no more troubled by their considerable weight than if he were carrying a couple of kittens.

"Oh, bless you, Guardians!" Ella exclaimed, ushering them into the kitchen. It was well and truly crowded now. "You can set those things down right in the corner there!" She pointed to a spot near the pantry door where apprentices were busily sorting and arranging new shipments of utensils and foodstuffs. The Titans squeezed by Kemal, Zinnia, and the Cryptarch. Kemal goggled at them. Each wore a long sky blue Mark with an elegant swan embroidered on the fine cloth. They were not armored, but their winter clothing did nothing to detract from their imposing presence. Even the smallest of the three, a woman with sleek black hair and eyes that judiciously weighed everything before her, seemed to fill the entire kitchen. She was carrying two sacks of flour with the same ease as her fellow Titan. She turned and relieved the delivery driver of his sack of beans, hefting it off his shoulders with one arm.

"That's the last of it, Mistress," the redhaired Titan announced.

"The Light keep you for helping an old woman out in a pinch!" Ella smiled up at him. "And for helping this young man as well. I thought the poor boy was going to faint after the first load!" She had a sympathetic smile for the driver. "It's such a shame Harkness is so short-staffed they sent you here alone!"

"I…don't think my supervisor…realized I would have to come…straight up to the kitchens…instead of leaving the delivery…at the docks!" the driver panted, trying to catch his breath. He didn't look to be much older than Kemal. He was dark haired and slim, mopping the melting snow from his cheeks with wide-eyed looks at the Titans and everything around him. Kemal knew that look. It was the same flabbergasted expression he'd worn for three days straight upon first coming to the Tower. The driver looked up at the Titans, stammering his thanks.

"It was nothing!" The redhead Titan chuckled. "We work if we want to eat, and now you can be about your business on time!" He clapped the driver's shoulder and the stunned man nearly toppled over.

Before they could go, Ella bade the Titans and the driver to wait while she got them all something hot to drink. More cocoa was passed around the kitchen. Even Katie and Bertrand got a mug. Ella topped off the Cryptarch's tea.

"Fever tea, eh?" The huge Titan raised a bushy eyebrow at Master Rahool's drink. "Light, man! You're a brave one!" He laughed uproariously and slapped the Cryptarch on the back. Master Rahool kept his feet only slightly better than the driver had. The Titan turned to Zinnia and tousled her curly bun affectionately.

The Titans stuck around to drink and catch up with the cook. Kemal stood squeezed between them, elation rising in his chest. Titans were his favorite, ever since he was a little kid. And now he was actually standing with them, sharing a drink, just like they were any other person! He exchanged a glance with the bewildered driver, who seemed to understand how he felt. The little Warlock bounced on her toes, chatting happily with the other Guardians. Katie had all but stopped her washing to take in the scene. Kemal couldn't have asked for a better afternoon. How he wished Chelise could be here to see this! It was just what she needed to make her feel better.

Eventually the Titans excused themselves, draining their mugs and striding toward the back door. They were sent on their way with handfuls of scones. The delivery driver also had his pockets loaded down with pastries, and a thermos of cocoa to see him back to the provinces. Soon it was just Kemal, the Warlock, and Master Rahool again. With the Titans gone, the tiny aisle suddenly felt a good deal roomier.

Ella presented them their trays, Zinnia taking the Cryptarchy's meal and Master Rahool in charge of carrying his own pot of tea.

"Don't hesitate to ask for more!" Ella instructed the Cryptarch. "Your pardon, dears. I have to get these biscuits in the oven!" She hurried off to attend to her baking. Zinnia practically skipped out the door, entranced by all the food she was carrying. Master Rahool sighed at the mug and teapot in his hands and made to follow her. Kemal brought up the end of the procession.

Passing by Katie's sink, Master Rahool saw his chance.

"Sorry!" he muttered, and dumped the unfinished mug of tea into the dishwater. Katie stared after him as he scuttled through the swinging door. She exchanged a snicker with Kemal, who followed the beleaguered Cryptarch out of the kitchen.