LJ Idol, Prompt 16: “Soup’s On!”

Zarina tried very hard to moderate her pace down the long hallway, but she was so excited for her long-desired apprenticeship that she arrived at the huge Citadel kitchen extra early. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, but the chefs and their assistants had been hard at work for hours. The heady smell of freshly baked bread and sugary cinnamon buns tickled her nose and tantalized her taste buds.

“Greetings, Tantine Leona,” she said politely to the plump woman, adding a small curtsey of respect along with the honorary title of Auntie, often used with older women as a measure of respect.

Her stomach rumbled as a tray of warm almond pastries wafted by, bound for the dining hall breakfast rush. Zarina had broken her fast of course, but as with most adolescents, her appetite knew no bounds.

Leona was pleased with her new apprentice’s eagerness. She led Zarina back to the prep station and handed her a grey apron. “Put this on, wash your hands, and then we shall see what your knife skills look like,” she stated, motioning towards the sturdy cutting board and the overflowing crate of vegetables and purple tubers that awaited her.

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