At least get something to eat...

"Janine wait..." You call out, "I need to eat something, I feel like I could faint." She stops and turns, her impatience shifting to sympathy as she beholds your pitiful form, "Of course. I'll take you to the kitchens, I'm sure they have something brewing for dinner." You gratefully take her arm and allow her to guide you to the kitchens.

The smell alone makes your knees weak and you stomach growls impatiently. The kitchens are near the center of the abbey, to provide heat for the chapel during winter according to Janine. A half dozen sisters bustle this way and that, with a refreshing sense of purpose that helps put your mind at ease after encountering the aimlessly profaning sister in the hall. Your companion sets you down on a stool and tells you to wait while she tracks down an early meal for you, setting off with a platter deeper into the kitchen. You lean back against the table and try not to pass out; you wanted to be as alert as possible considering you weren't even sure the Burning Rose was watching over you anymore.

The barrier you'd erected in your mind is tenuous, and you feel a reproachful twinge from your deity. You wave your hand, "Alright, sorry, point disproven." It was bizarre to be on such familiar footing with the goddess but you couldn't muster the strength to be respectful right now. Any other day you'd still be appalled at your own sacrilege but you'd just been confronted with the reality that your goddess was not infallible and was very humanely insecure about her place in the universe.

"Are you alright?" The quiet voice broke your reverie, and you lifted your head to find one of the cooks giving you a strange look. You smile in what you hope is a disarming way, "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just been a long day." Then you catch a whiff of whatever she had in the pot she was holding. Spices, savory fat, and some unknown yet familiar musk that brought red meat to mind. Your stomach nearly cramps in anticipation. "Excuse me, do you think I could maybe have just a bite of whatever you have there?" The girl glances at the pot, opening her mouth to respond but pausing, "N... actually..." You can see the gears turning in her head and a hint of suspicion creeps up on you. This was a lot of thought for such a small decision. Finally, she smiles perkily, popping the lid off, "I'm sure they won't notice if I give you just a few. Go ahead!" She hands you a large spoon and pushes the pot towards you, still smiling a little too wide. Your suspicions take a heavy hit when you lay eyes on what's in the pot. They look like meatballs, suspended in a thick meat sauce that makes your mouth water just from looking at it. As the smell rolls over you you're pretty willing to accept that the nice girl takes her job very seriously and was doing you a favor by giving you first grabs. You reach to dip the spoon but hold back. Maybe you should just wait for Janine...