Thank you all for your compliments! Everyone in Light has been awesome in making this a great festival, and we're so glad you're enjoying it.
(Also, before you ask, strawberry hullers and the Dumpling Cube both totally exist, though the latter is actually plastic.)
Thank you all for your compliments! Everyone in Light has been awesome in making this a great festival, and we're so glad you're enjoying it.
(Also, before you ask, strawberry hullers and the Dumpling Cube both totally exist, though the latter is actually plastic.)
@jinian
I can't believe I forgot to comment! The last few stories have been really exciting. For some reason I absolutely adored the bit where Ming decides to visit Desta's home. The little spirit of lights using their paint tools were really adorable. I felt the same as Ming, for some reason you never think about what characters are doing outside the main story. I feel like the focus shifted - the plot is no longer about finding out about what happens in the bakery, but how Ming starts to leave his comfort zone and grow as a character. Suddenly he has to be more social and interact with others on a personal level. That's so compelling and relatable. Prakash and Johona prove this as well, Ming is suddenly more interested in the stories of his comrades. Now I wonder what Nulu does when she's not standing behind the counter...
Today's story made me squee. Not literally, but you know what I mean. It made me happy. The dynamic between Prakash and Ming is so unique. I love whenever they interact, Ming being flustered is the cutest. This for example:
[quote name="jinian" date="2018-06-27 12:05:54" ]Ming smoothed his scarf nervously. "All right." [i]But how did you notice me for so long when I hardly noticed you at all? You're so interesting. That's what I'm really sorry about.[/i][/quote]
[quote name="jinian" date="2018-06-27 12:05:54" ]Prakash looked concerned. "You are something very special, but I can see it will take time for you to believe it."[/quote]
This is so bittersweet. Ming realizes what he has been missing. He doesn't know what he's worth. Someone needs to hug Ming. Poor thing, but luckily he has already made progress!
And last: as someone who works in a restaurant, I absolutely loved the ancient kitchen tools you included. Unusual, but useful. I wonder where they found those.
@
jinian
I can't believe I forgot to comment! The last few stories have been really exciting. For some reason I absolutely adored the bit where Ming decides to visit Desta's home. The little spirit of lights using their paint tools were really adorable. I felt the same as Ming, for some reason you never think about what characters are doing outside the main story. I feel like the focus shifted - the plot is no longer about finding out about what happens in the bakery, but how Ming starts to leave his comfort zone and grow as a character. Suddenly he has to be more social and interact with others on a personal level. That's so compelling and relatable. Prakash and Johona prove this as well, Ming is suddenly more interested in the stories of his comrades. Now I wonder what Nulu does when she's not standing behind the counter...
Today's story made me squee. Not literally, but you know what I mean. It made me happy. The dynamic between Prakash and Ming is so unique. I love whenever they interact, Ming being flustered is the cutest. This for example:
jinian wrote on 2018-06-27 12:05:54:
Ming smoothed his scarf nervously. "All right." But how did you notice me for so long when I hardly noticed you at all? You're so interesting. That's what I'm really sorry about.
jinian wrote on 2018-06-27 12:05:54:
Prakash looked concerned. "You are something very special, but I can see it will take time for you to believe it."
This is so bittersweet. Ming realizes what he has been missing. He doesn't know what he's worth. Someone needs to hug Ming. Poor thing, but luckily he has already made progress!
And last: as someone who works in a restaurant, I absolutely loved the ancient kitchen tools you included. Unusual, but useful. I wonder where they found those.
[center][color=#d4ab86]• [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/frd/2461742#post_33725176]The story so far[/url] •[/color][/center]
[columns][color=#775849][size=4]Returning to the bakery in the morning, Ming found himself humming happily. So much was uncertain right now, but he felt good anyway. [i]Which won't stop me from finding out what's happening in my bakery[/i], he thought. [i]I still need to sort that out.[/i] He felt equal to the task, though, instead of anxious. [i]Let's see if we can get some answers from Desta today.[/i]
Ming thought about how to ask Desta again as he prepared the usual croissants and pains au chocolat, then some bar cookies, and started making up small tart shells. When he heard Desta's cheerful greeting, he poked his head into the cafe. "Good morning, Nuru, Desta. Can you come help with some fruit when you have a chance, please, Desta?"
Nuru nodded regally. Desta called, "Sure, Ming! Be right there!"[/columns]
[columns][img]https://i.imgur.com/91qL7uV.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent]__[/color][nextcol][color=#775849][size=4]Ming set up a station for Desta with the apricots and strawberries from the market, a strainer for rinsing, bowls and cutting boards, and knives. He added the strawberry huller, smiling to himself. When Desta bounded in, Ming let them get settled for a moment before trying out his plan.
"So Desta, I know some cafes have paintings from local artists on their walls that the customers can buy. Do you know how that works? Might our customers be interested?"
Desta hopped a little in place with excitement. Luckily, it didn't seem to affect their work. "Yes! I know about that, I love art. I think the customers like art as long as it matches the mood of the cafe, you know? Ours is kind of a calm place where you can be quiet and happy, so you would need to pick the right paintings. Or sculptures of course! Not many people make those though."[/columns]
[columns][color=#775849][size=4]"I've seen at least one of our customers looking at paintings in the market, so I think it would be good to try out hanging up a couple of them here. And I'd like to support artists. Do you know anyone?"
"I, um, actually I paint things sometimes? And I have some friends who do too! We were thinking of putting on a show together at the Archives, but we kinda haven't asked yet and maybe this would be good first? I can talk to them!"
"That's great, Desta, I'd love to see your work hanging in here." Ming looked over at Desta's progress. Good, they were in the middle of the strawberries, and things were kind of messy. "So why won't you tell me what's happening in the bakery at night?"
"Oh, because it's really going to be a nice -- oh!" Desta thumped a hind leg. "Ming! I told you no one else is baking in your kitchen!"
[i]So close. A nice what?[/i] Ming had gotten used to Desta's denials by now, though. [i]The little Spirits were the same. I wonder if they're related.[/i] "Is it no one I would know?"
"Yes! I mean no? Ming!" Desta had rushed through the rest of the strawberries -- adding the efficient huller had been a tactical error -- and was now washing their paws very quickly and dashing out of the kitchen. Ming had been foiled again, but at the same time, he couldn't help but laugh.
[i]All right, so someone I know is using my kitchen, but it's nothing bad and actually should be nice. I hope I can figure it out soon, though. I don't like that happening without my permission![/i][/columns]
[columns][color=#775849][size=4]Ming assembled the strawberry and apricot tarts and put them into the oven for a quick bake. The bar cookies were cool, so he sliced them and carried a tray of them out into the cafe to put behind the counter.
Prakash was there, sipping one of his fancy coffees. He looked up and smiled directly at Ming, and Ming felt the same excitement as he had last night. He wanted to hide, but he wanted more to smile and wave back, so he did that instead.[nextcol][color=transparent]__[/color][nextcol][img]https://i.imgur.com/6WgfcQ4.png[/img][/columns]
[columns][color=#775849][size=4]Ming gave the tray to Nuru, and [i]then[/i] he went back into the kitchen to hide. Just for a little while, until the tarts were ready.[/columns]
[center]
[img]https://imgur.com/XLuYPiZ.png[/img]
[size=4][color=#775849][b]Today's recipe:
[url=http://mrpinchy.tumblr.com/post/164781180347/brawltogethernow-shapechangersinwinter]Butter Bars[/url][/b][/size]
[color=#afb87d][i](sweet and rich)[/i][/color]
[img]https://imgur.com/XLuYPiZ.png[/img]
[color=#d58586][i]This story will update daily. Would you like a ping when it does?
Just post in this thread and ping me, @jinian.[/i][/center]
[quote=Story Updates]@Neroli @Lichtdrache @Cheshly @GeriVl @alagasianflame @tigressRising @uniquelykenn @Katsuokai @cheyinka @heavylobster @Xirei @modernIcarus @Jaspernoir @twotone @heartcrusher1 @Gravebloom @Tufira @OverTheWolf @Saraceaser @Delleska @Stellatrix13 @LaparaLaela @HSoup @IvyLight @ShadeOfChaos @Alastriona1 @fitz @Lhethi @GardenWyrm @Elisse @Reroad @Lundlaeva @Argante @Shikoire @fidothehoarder @CharlieWeasleyy[/quote]
Returning to the bakery in the morning, Ming found himself humming happily. So much was uncertain right now, but he felt good anyway. Which won't stop me from finding out what's happening in my bakery, he thought. I still need to sort that out. He felt equal to the task, though, instead of anxious. Let's see if we can get some answers from Desta today.
Ming thought about how to ask Desta again as he prepared the usual croissants and pains au chocolat, then some bar cookies, and started making up small tart shells. When he heard Desta's cheerful greeting, he poked his head into the cafe. "Good morning, Nuru, Desta. Can you come help with some fruit when you have a chance, please, Desta?"
Nuru nodded regally. Desta called, "Sure, Ming! Be right there!"
|
|
__
|
Ming set up a station for Desta with the apricots and strawberries from the market, a strainer for rinsing, bowls and cutting boards, and knives. He added the strawberry huller, smiling to himself. When Desta bounded in, Ming let them get settled for a moment before trying out his plan.
"So Desta, I know some cafes have paintings from local artists on their walls that the customers can buy. Do you know how that works? Might our customers be interested?"
Desta hopped a little in place with excitement. Luckily, it didn't seem to affect their work. "Yes! I know about that, I love art. I think the customers like art as long as it matches the mood of the cafe, you know? Ours is kind of a calm place where you can be quiet and happy, so you would need to pick the right paintings. Or sculptures of course! Not many people make those though."
|
"I've seen at least one of our customers looking at paintings in the market, so I think it would be good to try out hanging up a couple of them here. And I'd like to support artists. Do you know anyone?"
"I, um, actually I paint things sometimes? And I have some friends who do too! We were thinking of putting on a show together at the Archives, but we kinda haven't asked yet and maybe this would be good first? I can talk to them!"
"That's great, Desta, I'd love to see your work hanging in here." Ming looked over at Desta's progress. Good, they were in the middle of the strawberries, and things were kind of messy. "So why won't you tell me what's happening in the bakery at night?"
"Oh, because it's really going to be a nice -- oh!" Desta thumped a hind leg. "Ming! I told you no one else is baking in your kitchen!"
So close. A nice what? Ming had gotten used to Desta's denials by now, though. The little Spirits were the same. I wonder if they're related. "Is it no one I would know?"
"Yes! I mean no? Ming!" Desta had rushed through the rest of the strawberries -- adding the efficient huller had been a tactical error -- and was now washing their paws very quickly and dashing out of the kitchen. Ming had been foiled again, but at the same time, he couldn't help but laugh.
All right, so someone I know is using my kitchen, but it's nothing bad and actually should be nice. I hope I can figure it out soon, though. I don't like that happening without my permission!
|
Ming assembled the strawberry and apricot tarts and put them into the oven for a quick bake. The bar cookies were cool, so he sliced them and carried a tray of them out into the cafe to put behind the counter.
Prakash was there, sipping one of his fancy coffees. He looked up and smiled directly at Ming, and Ming felt the same excitement as he had last night. He wanted to hide, but he wanted more to smile and wave back, so he did that instead.
|
__
|
|
Ming gave the tray to Nuru, and then he went back into the kitchen to hide. Just for a little while, until the tarts were ready.
|
Today's recipe:
Butter Bars
(sweet and rich)
This story will update daily. Would you like a ping when it does?
Just post in this thread and ping me, @jinian.
So cute! I just want to give everyone a hug!
So cute! I just want to give everyone a hug!
I may have actually made a dying whale noise at how adorable this is. stop jini you're killing me (don't stop I'm okay with dying of cute)
I may have actually made a dying whale noise at how adorable this is. stop jini you're killing me (don't stop I'm okay with dying of cute)
Awwww, this story is so cute, reading each installment makes me SO HAPPY, you have no idea. :D
Awwww, this story is so cute, reading each installment makes me SO HAPPY, you have no idea. :D
@
jinian i know its really late but i would love to be pinged for this story
:D
@
jinian i know its really late but i would love to be pinged for this story
:D
@
jinian
Hello! I absolutely love the story so far. I found it because of the Design Your Own Light Rep challenge and I was wondering if I could be pinged when the story updates? Thank you and have a lovely day! :3
@
jinian
Hello! I absolutely love the story so far. I found it because of the Design Your Own Light Rep challenge and I was wondering if I could be pinged when the story updates? Thank you and have a lovely day! :3
[center][color=#d4ab86]• [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/frd/2461742#post_33725176]The story so far[/url] •[/color][/center]
[columns][img]https://i.imgur.com/mPnLUqW.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent]__[/color][nextcol][color=#775849][size=4]When Ming came back out of the kitchen, the lunch rush was over. Desta was cleaning up around the two remaining customers, who seemed to be heading out imminently. Neither of them was Prakash, and Ming felt a little disappointed. He really needed some sleep, though, after yesterday's late evening. He waved to Nuru and Desta as he left the cafe.
On his way home, Ming took a break on a bench overlooking the central part of the Promenade. For a while, he allowed the bustle around him to fade into background noise as he basked in the feeling of sun on scales. After a while, though, he kept being distracted by different people.[/columns]
[columns][color=#775849][size=4][i]Oh my, her pearl is gorgeous. I wonder what kind of pastry is her favorite.[/i]
[i]Those two are so sweet together -- look how excited they are when they meet.[/i]
[i]Oh, there's Johona! ... I think.[/i] He peered at her. [i]Well, if it's Yanaha, I can ask her myself.[/i] Ming stood up and loped to catch up with the delivery bear.[/columns]
[columns][color=#775849][size=4]"Hey, Johona!"
"Oh, hello, Baker Ming! How are you today?"
"Very well, thanks. I wanted to check with you about what we discussed before."
Johona hung her head. "Aww, I'm sorry, I asked Yanaha about the surprise, but she wouldn't tell me, like I thought. All she said was that you'd know soon enough and you'd be happy about it in the end."
Ming sighed in frustration. "All right, it was worth a try. Thanks for asking. Er, I know it might sound strange, but it's nice to get to know you better."
Johona raised her head and gave Ming a pleased nudge with her muzzle. "Thanks, Baker Ming! I knew you were smart and a good baker, but it's nice to really meet you, too. I should go, though, they want this before the next sunmark."
"Oh, of course! I'm sorry to interrupt your work. I'll see you again soon!"
Johona waved and continued on her way.[nextcol][color=transparent]__[/color][nextcol][img]https://i.imgur.com/2P7Jaxx.png[/img][/columns]
[columns][color=#775849][size=4]Ming walked toward his apartment, puzzling over the mystery. He wasn't really angry or anxious about it any more, but he badly wanted to [i]know[/i]. He did his best to calm down and go to sleep, but his mind was running in all directions like Desta's little relatives, and he kept waking up. Eventually, the sun was completely gone, and Ming was completely awake.
[i]Ugh, this is so annoying. I need to sleep!
Wait.[/i] He sat up. [i]It's night, and I'm awake. What if I could catch this person in the act?[/i]
He wished he had special sneaking clothes, like in the adventure stories, but he had to settle for his usual checked scarf. Ming hurried over to the bakery, but all he found was the doors locked tight and a sweet, caramelized smell. The mystery person had been and gone.
Ming sighed and headed home again.[/columns]
[center]
[img]https://imgur.com/XLuYPiZ.png[/img]
[size=4][color=#775849][b]Today's recipe:
[url=http://www.georgehart.com/trilobites/trilobite.html]Trilobite Cookies[/url][/b][/size]
[color=#f0c6a9][i](the paleontology diet)[/i][/color]
[img]https://imgur.com/XLuYPiZ.png[/img]
[color=#d58586][i]This story will update daily. Would you like a ping when it does?
Just post in this thread and ping me, @jinian.[/i][/center]
[quote=Story Updates]@Neroli @Lichtdrache @Cheshly @GeriVl @alagasianflame @tigressRising @uniquelykenn @Katsuokai @cheyinka @heavylobster @Xirei @modernIcarus @Jaspernoir @twotone @heartcrusher1 @Gravebloom @Tufira @OverTheWolf @Saraceaser @Delleska @Stellatrix13 @LaparaLaela @HSoup @IvyLight @ShadeOfChaos @Alastriona1 @fitz @Lhethi @GardenWyrm @Elisse @Reroad @Lundlaeva @Argante @Shikoire @fidothehoarder @CharlieWeasleyy @tialanderrol @BrookInTheMeadow
Thanks for your patience! I couldn't access FR at all for most of today. My connection seems to be behaving now, though, so tomorrow's finale should be posted on schedule. :)[/quote]
|
__
|
When Ming came back out of the kitchen, the lunch rush was over. Desta was cleaning up around the two remaining customers, who seemed to be heading out imminently. Neither of them was Prakash, and Ming felt a little disappointed. He really needed some sleep, though, after yesterday's late evening. He waved to Nuru and Desta as he left the cafe.
On his way home, Ming took a break on a bench overlooking the central part of the Promenade. For a while, he allowed the bustle around him to fade into background noise as he basked in the feeling of sun on scales. After a while, though, he kept being distracted by different people.
|
Oh my, her pearl is gorgeous. I wonder what kind of pastry is her favorite.
Those two are so sweet together -- look how excited they are when they meet.
Oh, there's Johona! ... I think. He peered at her. Well, if it's Yanaha, I can ask her myself. Ming stood up and loped to catch up with the delivery bear.
|
"Hey, Johona!"
"Oh, hello, Baker Ming! How are you today?"
"Very well, thanks. I wanted to check with you about what we discussed before."
Johona hung her head. "Aww, I'm sorry, I asked Yanaha about the surprise, but she wouldn't tell me, like I thought. All she said was that you'd know soon enough and you'd be happy about it in the end."
Ming sighed in frustration. "All right, it was worth a try. Thanks for asking. Er, I know it might sound strange, but it's nice to get to know you better."
Johona raised her head and gave Ming a pleased nudge with her muzzle. "Thanks, Baker Ming! I knew you were smart and a good baker, but it's nice to really meet you, too. I should go, though, they want this before the next sunmark."
"Oh, of course! I'm sorry to interrupt your work. I'll see you again soon!"
Johona waved and continued on her way.
|
__
|
|
Ming walked toward his apartment, puzzling over the mystery. He wasn't really angry or anxious about it any more, but he badly wanted to know. He did his best to calm down and go to sleep, but his mind was running in all directions like Desta's little relatives, and he kept waking up. Eventually, the sun was completely gone, and Ming was completely awake.
Ugh, this is so annoying. I need to sleep!
Wait. He sat up. It's night, and I'm awake. What if I could catch this person in the act?
He wished he had special sneaking clothes, like in the adventure stories, but he had to settle for his usual checked scarf. Ming hurried over to the bakery, but all he found was the doors locked tight and a sweet, caramelized smell. The mystery person had been and gone.
Ming sighed and headed home again.
|
Today's recipe:
Trilobite Cookies
(the paleontology diet)
This story will update daily. Would you like a ping when it does?
Just post in this thread and ping me, @jinian.