Chapter Ten

Crows and Ravens

For the next week and a half, Sten was on edge anytime we encountered Darkspawn. He wasn't the only one; Aedan and Alistair as well as the dogs had taken to corralling Leli, Wynne Morrigan and I to keep us 'safe' while we fought.

Sten was just the most notable – and that was saying quite a bit since he was a warrior whose control was without equal in our group. I was getting annoyed and growled at camp one morning, "Sten of the Beresaad; I fucking challenge you. You are treating me as one would a child not a leader. Either you repent or we fight it out right here, right now."

There was a stunned silence as Alistair jumped up between us, "Let's not get hasty, right? We just want to keep you women safe – it isn't just him."

"Oh, is that so? He admitted I am Basalit-an; I have admitted I can cure the taint in people… he should know better by now!"

"Kadan, I have no trouble following your command."

"No? Then why do you treat me in like…"

He cut me off, "I will accept your challenge as you have made it, but it is not your command that makes me protect you as I have."

"Spit it out, Sten. What are you trying to say?"

"I would protect any of my female Kadan in the same fashion after what you have told us."

I sighed, "I can protect myself. And if I was tainted, I can detox – if someone I don't know is tainted, I have the joining formula!"

"Repeat that for me." Alistair said suddenly.

"Archdemon blood isn't actually needed for the joining… it's just the most potent kind of Darkspawn blood. In fact, blood of other darkspawn creatures can be magically treated to make it function in the ritual if Archdemon blood isn't available. I know what herbs are needed and how much Lyrium as well. In theory, I could perform the Joining in a pinch since all I would need that I don't already have in my pack is fresh darkspawn blood… Duncan gave me the recipe after he gave me that ring in your ear."

Lyna giggled, "Duncan gave you his earring?"

"For Alistair. Duncan knew he was going to die that night and I pointed out that Alistair loved him like a father. I asked him if there was anything he'd like to say or give to his pseudo son – that was the answer."

Alistair gave me a thankful smile. I pulled my void storage and pulled out a silver sword with a jeweled hilt.

"Here are the fucking rules. One, this match is to submission or incapacitation – not death. Two, if I win, you let me lead as I was selected to do. Three, if you win, I pass command on to you. Understood?"

Sten pulled his own weapon, "I agree to your terms."

Without another word he rushed forward. I think I blacked out, because I couldn't picture the fight in my mind… and I was unsure how I found myself on top of the grey giant with his weapon in my hand against his throat while my own sword lay discarded a foot and half to my right.

"Submit," I growled. Sten looked me in the eye and said, "You are strong – I admit defeat. What now?"

"You stop treating me like a kept woman. Honestly, Sten; if I didn't know your culture I would think you were in love with me with how you've been acting."

"Wait… what culture?" Aedan asked.

"Qunari do not marry or choose romantic partners. They do not generally associate mating with love, and recreational sex is treated as a simple biological need. The Tamassrans keep detailed genealogical records and choose who will mate with whom. They do not allow cross-breeding between races. Familial bonds are not present in Qunari society. Children are raised by the Tamassrans, evaluated, and assigned a job. There is no room for romantic love in the Qun."

My words caused Alistair to look between Sten and I and chuckle, "Are you sure? Because he does kind of act like…"

I snarled, "Pashaara, Alistair. Sten follows the Qun. I just want to know why he's treating me like a child."

"I have come to view you as the Triumvirate. Arishok, Arigena, Ariqun… the body, the mind and the soul. You lead us in battle as the body; you teach us and keep us in line as the soul, and you craft and keep us fed as the mind. Such is not possible in the Qun – the Arishok is always male, the Arigena is always female though the Ariqun can be both. And they are always separate people – no one member can hold two of the positions. The Ariqun is always highly protected as our religious and educational leader. I am… having trouble seeing you in all three roles at any given time."

I was stunned. This was the most I'd heard him speak in one go – ever. I saw Leli trying not to smile and Aedan was watching in silence… even Morrigan was looking on appraisingly. I sighed, "At camp, look at me as you would the Ariqun or Arigena then but on the road or on a mission, see me as Arishok. If I am to lead, I need to lead not huddle in the back."

"I think I can do this." Thank the stars we were back to short responses because it was downright weird having Sten talk so much.

The next evening, just before we were going to make camp and a woman rushed up to us on the road; she was 5'6 with cropped blond hair, grey eyes and pale skin. She wore tattered rags and looked to be out of breath, but I sensed her mana, and I knew at once what was happening.

Thankfully, I'd had the talk with Sten last night so I was now up front with Alistair and Lyna on either side of me and Sten in the back of the group – guarding the rear as self-imposed, non-warden second-in-command… I'd let him have it.

"Oh; thank the Maker! Please, you must help us; they attacked the wagon!" she faked a frantic look and I could see that most of the group was falling for it. I smiled; "Take us to them, girl. We will take care of them."

I saw the flash of shock and slight fear when I allowed a bit of my assassin aura to seep out. I felt my companions shifting restlessly behind me, suddenly realizing there was more to the story. Morrigan quirked a brow at me and I gave her an evil smirk.

We followed behind the woman as I pulled a handful of throwing knives out. The others all pulled their own weapons. The first thing I did was cast moon-fire on the mage who was about to fell the tree behind us.

Silence reigned as Zevran stepped out from behind his wagon and looked at my bow.

"Assassination, is it? I didn't expect you to be quite so… handsome," I teased. He was 5'5 and had caramel skin that would make the candy jealous. His hair was wheat blonde and longer than I expected as it rested at his mid-back. His eyes were a sea-blue and he looked… amused.

"Ah… this is not quite how I thought this would go." He chuckled.

"I want that one kept alive, but… kill the ones who don't surrender, otherwise." I grinned. My group got to work though I had managed to knock the elf out with little more than a wiggle of my fingers – magic is a friend!

Sadly for them, none surrendered.

When the fighting was done, I turned to Zevran and held out my hand and said, "Wake," infusing the word with mana. He groaned.

"Mmmh… what? I… oh. I rather thought I would wake up dead; or not at all as the case may be. I see you haven't killed me yet, however."

I smiled sweetly, "Oh I figured I wanted to torture you first!"

He chuckled darkly, "Ah! So I am to be interrogated? Allow me to save you some time. My name is Zevran – Zev, to my friends. I am a member of the Antivan Crows, brought here for the sole purpose of killing any surviving Grey Wardens; which I have failed at, sadly."

"The Antivan Crows?" Aedan rubbed his nose as he looked at me, looking amused.

"Ah, I can answer that. They are an order of Assassins out of Antiva; Very powerful and renowned for always getting the job done, so to speak. Someone went to great expense to hire this man," Lelianna responded.

"Quite right. I am surprised you have not heard much of the Crows out here; we're rather infamous where I come from."

"No one said that I hadn't heard of you, my dear. In fact, as a seer, I likely know more of you than anyone around you does."

"What?" he looked a bit pale.

"We're telling the assassin, now?" Alistair grumbled.

"So you came all this way from Antiva, just to kill half of us?" Aedan jumped in.

"Not precisely, my friend! I happened to be in the neighborhood when the offer came across. The Crows get around, you see."

"Liar. You took this gig when no one else would. Loghain hired you."

He flinched and sighed, "It appears you know more than I thought, indeed."

"Does that mean Loghain holds your loyalty?" Aedan snarled as Alistair glared.

"I have no idea what his issues are with you; but I imagine they are the usual – you threaten his power, yes? Beyond that, no, I am not loyal to him. I was contracted to perform a service – that is all."

"What now? Now that you have failed to kill us?" Alistair asked.

"Well that is between Loghain and the Crows; between the Crows and myself…"

I sighed, "The Crows will kill Zev for this failure; to them, he has become a liability and they don't like loose ends, so I doubt he has any loyalty left to them."

"Loyalty is quite the interesting concept; if you are quite done questioning me, we could discuss it further."

I chuckled, "Go ahead, I like listening to your voice – it's soothing." Leliana giggled and Zev smirked.

"Well, here's the thing. As she said, I failed to kill you so my life is forfeit; if you do not kill me, the Crows will. Thing is, I like living and you are the sort to give the crows pause… let me serve you, instead."

"Well, commander – you did say we would be recruiting an assassin…" Lyna laughed.

I nodded readily, "He's all yours, Lyna. I place him at your command."

She snorted, "You planned this."

I chuckled, "Somewhat, yeah… I have a feeling the two of you will get along… swimmingly."

Sereda spoke up, "Not that I'm questioning you, Commander – but what services could we hope to gain by taking him in?"

I glanced at Zev, who was watching us all intently with a blank look. "Go on then, Amico – tell them why we should keep you."

"Why? I am skilled at many things; from fighting to picking locks and stealth. I could warn you if the Crows attempt something more sophisticated now that my own attempt has failed. I also know a great many jokes, twelve massage techniques and six different card games. I would do wonderful at parties, no? And in return, being allowed to live would be nice… and would make me marginally more effective, and if… somewhere down the line… you decide you no longer have need of me, and then I will go on my way. Until then, I am yours; is that fair?" I suppose knowing he had someone on his side meant he spoke with a dash more confidence than in the games.

I grinned and started to untie Zev while I said, "Welcome to team Misfit – make yourself at home with this Antivan Brandy." He looked at me in stunned silence before hesitantly reaching out for it.

I rolled my eyes, uncorked it and took a sip. "Ooooh… now I regret not getting two of these…" I muttered as I re-corked it before looking for the body with the letter from 'Red Jenny'.

"So… we're really taking the assassin with us now? Does that really seem like a good idea?" Alistair asked, sounding defeated.

"Alistair… Zev will be fine. He knows that if the crows send people after him, we're his best chance. Besides, we have a bitchy apostate, a Qunari, a chantry affiliated bard, a Dalish, an exiled Dwarven noble, 2 circle mages, a displaced noble, 2 Mabari warhounds, myself, and the royal bastard who is heir to the throne of Ferelden… how does this not fit in our group?" Alistair glared at Zev who looked amused.

I rolled my eyes then gave a thoughtful look. Alistair looked worried, but Lelianna looked curious.

I smirked, "Are you jealous that I called him cute too?"

Alistair went bright red and shook his head, "What… no! I… no!"

I chuckled, "As I said before – I'm a flirt, but I won't be taking anyone to bed anytime soon… though, even if I did, I still claim Cullen as mine… besides, Alistair, you shouldn't be jealous. You have the rugged good looks that could make many women… swoon. Besides, looks aren't everything; you also have that charm and charisma… and everyone wants to corrupt an innocent."

Zevran coughed, "He is… innocent?"

"See, hun; even the assassin wants to get in line!" I smirked.

I was handing the brandy to Zev as I spoke and Zev actually took it this time with a grin.

"I would not kick him out of my bed that is for sure."

Alistair was flushed and shook his head, "I… I don't like… men…"

Zev gave a pout before laughing, "To each their own, then."

I called out, "Move forward some and make camp!"

Everyone got to work at once and Zev grinned at me, "I have to ask… I thought there were only the 5 Grey Wardens and only two were women."

"I told you I'm a seer. That wasn't bullshit, you know. They made me group lead so poof, here I am. I already had to beat the Qunari into submission though so don't try anything… I'm also a diplomat from another land."

He paled, "Ah, I was contracted to kidnap you, not kill you. Good thing I was so soundly beaten, yes?"

I chuckled, "Loghain would want my connections."

Zevran looked confused, "Connections?"

"When I was around Loghain, I was betrothed to the King of the Alliance in Azeroth. I only just talked said king into dropping the betrothal, but as far as Loghain knows… I'm a queen-in-waiting with connection to resources he could only dream of – foods, healers, other races that haven't been seen here before. That kind of thing makes greedy men act."

Zevs' jaw hit the floor, "Races that haven't been…"

I chuckled and reached for my necklace, "Inas?"

"Sister… You have such strange timing. Why do you insist on traveling while I sleep and sleeping while I work?"

"Is the Banshee making her move yet?"

"… What exactly do you know, Tara?"

"Nothing I can tell you – just… good luck with that. I want to introduce you to my new pet assassin."

"You're joking – you did not get another one…. Tell me this one didn't try to kill you, at least?"

"Well… he didn't know he was supposed to capture me…" I muttered.

"Damnit, sister – how many assassins are you going to adopt just because they give you puppy eyes?"

Most of the group was listening in so I said, "As many that have such sexy eyes to give those looks. Come on, Inas… Vanessa VanCleef was beautiful – and you did kill her father, so it was only fair that she make an attempt at me… and you benefited from that one."

He sighed, "Well… what about Garona?"

"Garona Halforcen was also beautiful and Llane made her kill him so that she wouldn't die with him. And it's not like I slept with her – she liked Medivh if you recall… besides, her son was similar to me in that he held multiple classes."

"Yes, I seem to recall you somewhat adopting him too." Inas said drily.

"He's neutral to me – at least he doesn't hate me."

"Fine – open a damn portal. But tell your new pet that if something happens to you I will hunt it down."

I glanced at Zev, "Oh, Inas – I think you'll like him! He's so flirty and… me."

I opened the portal and… Inas wasn't alone. I giggled as Vanessa VanCleef came through behind him, looking highly amused.

Zev gaped at the purple man who came through the portal. I shot him a wink.

"Nessa, my dearest heart – have you come to take me back?" I teased. Inas gave me a playful snap of his jaw, "She's mine, Tara."

Zev picked up, "This is… Vanessa VanCleef, I take it?"

The woman in question had beautiful curves, long black hair, vibrant blue eyes and stood at 5'6. "Ironic isn't it? I kept this beautiful woman from the executioners axe – helped her fake her own death – and even helped pave her way in the… underground of Dalaran. She and I were a thing for a few years. Then she went and picked my brother – the same man who once tried to kill her."

"But… didn't he mention her as an example of Assassins who tried to kill you?" Leliana was trying so hard not to laugh – Lyna, Sereda and Daylen were having no such issues.

I nodded, "She didn't mean to actually kill me though – it was a ruse to throw people off to the fact that I helped her fake her death later on."

Vanessa, dressed all in red and black, came over and hugged me, "Maybe I should come back to you… your brother has been getting insufferable lately."

I chuckled, "He may not realize why, sweetie – but you are most certainly with child."

Both of them froze. "You can tell that without checking?" Wynne asked.

"She's a Dragon – a red Dragon. If she says Nessa is with child, then Nessa is with child – no question about it."

I smirked at Inas, "Brother, this is Zev; my new pet assassin."

"Why do you always need to have a pet assassin, Fae?" Vanessa teased.

"It's Atarah now, lover – and besides, why wouldn't I? This one offered 12 massage techniques as part of the package."

Vanessa sighed, "That would make it tempting…"

Zevran was laughing, "I also know 6 card games and am quite adequate at warming ones bed."

Lyna sniggered, "To think, he's been offered to me by our illustrious leader."

Inas relaxed, "Well – that works for me. At least he won't be trying to get to you."

I snorted, "I'm spoken for, actually. I made a deal with Cullen."

"Your partner in torture?" Inas asked amused. Vanessa stiffened, "You were tortured?"

"Really, brother, do you tell her nothing?"

"I… well…"

I quickly explained what happened at the tower before stopping for a moment, "Who got everyone out of Sloths' grip?"

"Lyna…" everyone pointed. I nodded, "Good to know – and what was everyones 'dream'?"

"I was with Tamlen. Daylen was just sitting around – he'd defeated his demon but couldn't figure out how to get out. Morrigan was with a whiny version of Flemeth. Wynne was surrounded by dead apprentices. Aedan was reliving the night his family fell. Alistair was with some woman named Goldanna who claimed to be his sister, but he knew it wasn't real… Sereda was having a nice time with her man, Gorim. Leliana was praying in a chantry. Sten was with his group – the ones whose bodies we encountered. Shana and Hero were together but they were just asleep… your Cousin was actually with this woman, Vanessa – and two children. One of whom was a girl named Faerine."

I flushed, "How thoughtful of you brother!" Vanessa was laughing hard and said, "We planned that a few months ago – if we had a girl… if we had a boy, it would be Rain. Both were to be in honor of you."

I smiled, "That's actually really sweet – I'm honored."

"The, uh… the king's was odd, actually. You were there, so I was thrown off but there was another man you called Varian."

"That was Anduins' father… what happened."

"You were in a white dress, he was in some kind of black outfit and you were standing before his father… you both exchanged rings."

Inas was rubbing his neck as I spoke slowly, "You mean to tell me… he was marrying me? That was his… his dream?"

"That was a wedding? It was a little similar to the Shem weddings I've heard described but… rings?"

"It's symbolic and… forget it. Elunes' Grace, he really wanted to… even after we agreed to break off the betrothal…"

Vanessa rubbed my shoulder, "Hey… so… what's this Cullen guy like?"

I snorted, "Smooth, Nessa."

"He's a magic hater." Inas said softly.

"He doesn't hate her. They all know she's has magic, Lord Stormrage." Alistair said.

"Er… it's just Inas. I'm not a Lord."

"But she's a Lady?" Daylen pointed at me. I sighed, "Inas decided to pass on the title – I couldn't since I needed the good will of people. Hence why they live at my estate to tend to my holdings and such… speaking of, I have samples of various herbs and foods for you to analyze – I want at least a two page report on everything. I need to know what I can use here to make that pain numbing tonic I'm famous for."

"You're famous for a lot of things, Tara. But I'll get the scientists you keep on staff to start working with the stuff upon our return." He took the bag of stuff I gave him. I had also included ores and woods – you never know what might be discovered from such things.

"Another thing – you know I could make it, but… I want the best. These are sketches of a sword and shield I need for him. Get the Dark-Iron Dwarves on this, and use Azerite in the forging. I swear Inas, I want these perfect… and the Enchant specs are laid out as well."

He took the papers looking them over. His eyes widened, "You don't ask for much do you?"

Vanessa took a glance and laughed, "Oh come now, Love – she's only asking for the moon."

Alistair choked, "What's so…?"

"Azerite is a precious material – literally the blood of Azeroth. The metals I chose are all rather… exotic and rare – in fact two of those have only just been sighted in the shadowlands, right?"

Inas grumbled, "You knew what the bitch was up to. The Shadowlands didn't become available until after you came here."

"Yup – I knew. Anyway, the leathers I chose are also quite rare and expensive. As for the enchantments – it was one I came up with but since I'm a terrible enchanter I let Inas take credit for it."

Sandal piped up, "Enchantment?"

"Oh, right… Inas, this is Sandal – he's a savant. He's an amazing Enchanter, second to none here in Thedas… but he's a bit Lyrium addled, meaning he can't communicate quite well."

Sandal pointed to Inas' necklace, "Enchantment!"

Inas knelt on one knee, and pulled something out of his pocket. It was an enchantment vellum. He handed it to the boy who looked it over excitedly, "Enchantment!"

"That's right Sandal; these are the plans for an Enchantment. It will allow you to enchant a jewelry item so that the wearer can breathe under water."

Bodahn beamed, "If there's anyone in Thedas who can adapt your lands enchantments, it'd be my boy."

I giggled, "You always had a way with people, brother."

Shana was sniffing at Vanessa and happily barked. Vanessa glanced down, "Who is this?"

"That's Shana – she's my hound. The one over there is Hero, Aedans' hound."

"She's kind of… cute." Vanessa patted the dog on the head. Shana panted and I said, "Glad you think so – Mabari are at least as smart as your average tax collector according to a Kennel Master where Shana was stationed. They imprint too; my saving her life is what caused her to pick me."

Shana nodded somberly at me. Inas laughed, "I thought you said they were smarter than me!"

I smirked, "I did say that, and I stand by it."

"… Are you saying the tax collectors are smarter than me too?" he finally caught on. Vanessa snorted, "That's what I caught from her words."

Zev smirked, "I mean… if you need to ask…"

Alistair coughed a laugh and looked away quickly.

"So, Nessa – your impression of my new pet?" I smiled.

"He's acceptable… but he needs better weapons. An assassin is…"

"Only as good as their blade," I finished with a nod.

I glanced at Inas, "If you need financing for those armaments, take it from the estate. Or tell Anduin I'd owe him one if you think you can't get a hold of some stuff."

Inas chuckled, "What would you offer the King? I think we have enough at the estate or even in the bank. You were always rather frugal."

"I'd offer him a night in my bed or something – I'm not above whoring myself out for something I really want while I'm unattached."

Alistair was choking now… but most of them were laughing. Inas was flushed, "You know he wants more than a night, sister…"

Vanessa laughed, "After one night, he'd be enthralled with her."

"Then why did you leave me, Ness?"

She shrugged delicately, "You weren't looking for forever… not with me, anyway."

I blinked, "I really gave you that impression?"

"We were together for a while, F… I mean Tara. If you'd wanted to commit, we'd have been married by then."

"Oh… actually… I thought…" I looked away.

Vanessa and Inas were both staring at me, "You thought what, sister?"

"Well… ahem… I'm not… the dominate when it comes to relationships… ahem. I follow, I don't lead there. So when she… broke up with me rather than propose, I thought…"

"Oh, by the shadows… you were waiting for me?" Nessa looked stunned.

I nodded, "I thought you got tired of me, like everyone else."

I saw a few companions flinch at that. Alistair groaned, "I thought I was thick."

Inas shot him an amused look, "You are either really brave or really stupid to say that about a pregnant assassin."

Morrigan smirked, "The latter."

I snorted, "Alistair is observant but… let's just say he has an extraordinary amount of feet."

"What does feet have to do with anything?" Lyna asked.

"It's a saying – when you put your foot in your mouth, it means you said something stupid."

Vanessa looked at me, "Are you fond of that one?"

"Well… he's the only heir to the throne…" I said with a shrug.

"Do you want him to have said throne?"

"More like he'd make Anduin proud and Varian would have liked him."

She nodded seriously, "Then I'll let him live… this time."

Alistair paled and stammered, "I… I was just… I'm sorry?"

I smirked at him, "Besides Ness – he's innocent."

Understanding lit her eyes, "I see… you want him."

Almost everyone began choking, including Zevran. I smirked, "Maybe in a few months – if he's interested. He looks a little like Cullen too, and they're both rather honorable."

She pouted, "You really find the strangest… companions."

Inas laughed, "The Innocent Orc Warrior, the assassin who became her lover, we really can't forget that one dwarf with the axe. Oh, I seem to recall a troll at one point. Was there a blood elf – I think there was a blood elf… oh and the one Worgen druid with the… she was a strange one."

I chuckled, "And what did they all have in common?"

"They were all women." Nessa smirked. I nodded firmly, "Damn right – so you know a guy has got to have something special to get me to admit that I want to sleep with them."

"What did my cousin have?" Daylen asked.

I pointed to Lyna, "Tell us again, Lyna – why did I sleep with Hawke?"

"He had a magic dick."

I heard Inas groan, "I didn't need to know that – not one bit."

Vanessa on the other hand asked for details. Daylen shouted, "No! Look, I wanted to know why you climbed into bed with him to begin with – not what kept you there."

"Oh, that… huh… I don't know. That beard was very sexy though."

"No really, Tara – I need details." Vanessa said.

"Literal magic. He's a mage and… oh by Elune, Nessa – he knew how to use it! Heat, chill, electric… Mmmh… Sex Magic is so worth it…" I said dreamily.

"Wait, what?" Inas asked.

"You really want to hear this?" I smirked.

"No – but now I need to know."

I glanced at Nessa so she leaned over and I whispered exact details in her ear. She flushed, "Oh shadows… I'd never think of that… from… from there?"

"Talk about temperature play, right?" I giggled.

"What am I missing, Lethallan… I admit I'm curious now."

"Can we not talk about this?" Alistair was flushed, but I could tell he was thinking things.

Sereda spoke, "No way – I need to know what that surfacer had that has two assassins blushing like kids."

"I second that!" Zevran said.

Inas shook his head, "Knowing them… I really am afraid to find out."

"Nessa – take your man home. If you both do well on getting those designs done quick, I'll teach you a special spell that is only available for assassins to use."

She lit up, "You mean…"

"Oh yes, dear – the one I was taught in Skyrim; the one to summon a dead assassin for a time."

She grabbed Inas' arm, "I have wanted that spell for years – let's go."

As soon as they were back through the portal, Daylen asked, "She has no magic – how would she use the spell?"

"That spell is unique – very unique. Back in Skyrim, it took magic energy, yes – but since going to Azeroth, it took… something unique to assassins. Rogues can utilize shadows, and assassins use these shadows to spill blood. It's not the blood that allows the use of the spell, but more… the aura those deaths gain you. When you kill for a living, you rack up a body count. I was able to use that spell at once in Azeroth due to my 'crimes' in Skyrim. Vampires, Humanoids and Dragons all fell by my bow – I was an archer, though I was a proficient mage too… also a minstrel, but that is a story for another time. Well, as I said… it no longer needs Magic to work."

"Are there any other spells like that?" Zevran asked.

"A few – the shift from Nirn to Azeroth made a few of the spells into non magic spells."

"Are there any that you are willing to share with us?" Lyna asked. I shrugged, "Maybe later – Wynne, your turn to cook. Everyone else, practice time!"