soul_campaign | Chocolate Buttercream Frosting | Video

[The device comes on and at first you can just see a set of full lips. After a moment it's pulled away until Bianchi is completely visible, a bit of flour on her cheek. She presses reading glasses up her nose and sets aside a wisk with something creamy dripping from it and sits down. Setting her chin on her hand she offers a slow smile to the viewer. When she starts speaking there is a definite Italian accent.]

Hello, I have been experimenting with some of the local flavors but it appears to be mostly standard fare in the local market. Can any one tell me what kinds of interesting ingredients are avaliable in this part of the United States? Most of my experience is farther east. And where is the nearest place to buy a black light?

[she pauses for a moment looking thoughtful] I have also not yet found the local chemist, or I suppose it's a pharmacist here. I have need of some special pharmaceutical supplies. Perhaps I'll need to visit Vegas.

I must say that I am not at all disappointed to be so close to Las Vegas. If I am going to be helping in such a place, it is always nice to have access to decent designers.

[Her smile slowly returns as though she's made some sort of decision before she presses a button and the image disappears.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I do not travel with my family. But they do visit other places on occasion. Daddy has a job that keeps him in Italy most of the time. Mother tends to drift. I think she's in Spain right now.

Oh. I had assumed since you're pretty young... But I guess I had also traveled by myself to a few countries by the time I was your age. So, I guess you like to collect recipes in your travels? [Since she'd been asking about local ingredients earlier...]

[That earns a slightly surprised look, most people overestimate her age and think she's in her later twenties. Which wouldn't be odd for the amount of travel she does.] Mmm, I am independent. And my job is the same, therefore I must travel more than most people.

Yes, definitely, the best way to learn is from a local but barring that, I can follow most recipes as well.

Ah, so all that traveling is for work? What do you do for a living? [She'd sort of assumed Bianchi simply liked to travel.]

[And she nods in agreement.] Following a recipe is usually fine but there's nothing quite like learning directly.

I am rather famous for my cooking. Mostly I freelance. [All completely true though it leaves out the assassin bit. And the bodyguard bit.] I recently spend some time in Japan tutoring.

[That earns a smile.] Cooking, like life, is always best when you throw everything of yourself into it and enjoy it fully.

So, you're a traveling chef and cooking instructor? [That's what she interprets it to mean anyway.] You must meet a lot of interesting folks doing that.

[She smiles back.] There's almost a kind of magic to a meal prepared with love, isn't there? It certainly sounds like you enjoy your work.

[She conveniently doesn't answer that with anything more than a continued smile.] I suppose I do meet many people, yes.

[And now Lily is speaking her language. Because yes, what she does is in fact quite like magic.] I think if I don't enjoy things I shouldn't bother doing them, don't you?

[Her expression becomes a bit wry.] Well, some things have to be done whether I enjoy them or not. Like the shop paperwork. [Or fighting demons...]

[Bianchi has rather a bad habit of just ignoring things she doesn't enjoy.] You could hire someone else to take care of such inanities. [She probably won't mind fighting demons.]

I suppose I could but then it'd be less money to spend on inventory. My finances are more limited here so I've had to be careful with expenses.

I hope the rewards are worth it?

I do enjoy running my shop, despite the paperwork and laundry. You're welcome to come by sometime if you like vintage clothes.

Well then, there you have it.

Ah, that sounds nice. Do you make alterations as well?

[A nod.] Sure do. Or rather, I employ a tailor who does. He'll make new things too if he's not too busy with repairs and alterations.

Well then, I suspect we will be doing business soon. [Says the clothes horse. Bianchi grew up with hand tailored clothes. It is one of the indulgences she often gives in to.]

I look forward to seeing you then. [She gives an address in the shopping district.] Yesterday's Magic is open everyday from 11 to 6 and I'm there most afternoons.

[She chuckles at the commercial but takes in the information.] Thank you Lily. [And she turns off the mirror.]

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting | Video | July 22

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