A much needed walk

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

Ah, Elua. Some days felt longer than others, truth be. For the longest of times I knew where my life was headed, knew who I was and what I'd be, then in a whirlwind I found myself caught up in a series of events that ended with my leaving Camellia and into the house of a man I thought I'd loved, and still do, but as a brother rather than a lover. My sure future was gone; now, I had a certain stability, but there were large gaps, large holes. My friendship with Yves had blossomed and I was thankful for it; he was someone I knew I could count on, someone I hoped he knew could count of me as well. But all my other friendships from the past, all from Camellia and a few other sporadic houses? Gone, vanished like a puff of smoke into the atmosphere as if they'd never been. That saddened me more than anything, and made me.. Elua, I didn't know. Wary, mayhap, untrustful of others when they smiled. I believed the warmth, but I had a hard time letting anyone into my heart anymore, had a hard time trusting they wanted my friendship and no to use me for another end.

As was growing into a habit, I'd spent a goodly amount of time at Eluas temple, praying and thinking, hoping to figure myself and my life out. I'd had thoughts of becoming a priestess, but I wasn't sure if that was what I was meant to do with my life yet, and I didn't want to jump into it without knowing. Still, the air felt good against my skin, warm and inviting, and I pulled a deep breath in as I exited the grounds of Eluas temple, taking a moment just to enjoy things. One hand against a post, I closed my eyes, taking a moment to gather myself before I began my walk.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

People had always said I was bitter but it turns out they had seen absolutely nothing yet. Now I was completely devoid of feeling or warmth and did not even try to be the good natured villain I was before. I just hurt and I was angry as well. I hardly spoke to others around me and barely acknowledged their presence. I had loved two women and they both had cast me aside. One from circumstances and the other for the gods only knew what reasons. When I was honest with myself they both hurt horribly.

I no longer took pleasure in anything even in tormenting others. Hell my shrew of a sister probably thought I had died as I did not even bother to torment her anymore. I was simply a numb thing a bare husk of a man. I was dead, but I was still up and walking around. I was wandering the City as I often did not even aware of my surroundings. I had my hands thrust deep into my pockets and my head was dipped low. I noted absolutely nothing as I was simply a dead man walking and I looked upon myself in that light.

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

The sun felt good, though it'd be a lie for me to say that I hadn't realized how much I'd missed it. Opening my eyes again, I sighed softly and set off on an easterly direction, the sun at my back, warming me further without making me shade my eyes, though the light straw bonnet tied with a blue ribbon under my chin would have stopped that from happening just as much.

Not thinking about much in particular, I made my way from the temple and down the street further, though rounding a corner brought me to a stop almost immediately. A figure was walking towards me, tall and foreboding, but with a presence that was... forlorn, quiet, completely unlike the last time I'd seen him. But Elua, just seeing him brought back feelings I'd thought long since dead, chief among them guilt and sadness heightened by him now, and the razor sharp concern cutting through. He walked towards me without faltering, without looking or even seeming to be, and the concern won out over almost everything else. "Mathieu?" I queried softly as he drew closer, my hands pressed to my stomach, the shock I felt at seeing him laying heavily on my voice.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

Lost in my thoughts my named spoken by another in questioning tones burned through the static wind echoing in my ears. I stopped and lifted my head my dull purple eyes seeking out the source. At last I found it in a spring bonnet and I felt another ice sickle stab into the other side of my heart. Would I always be tormented? Would I ever feel the sun again? I shivered; at least Auri had not injured me out of spite like Corri had. Our situation had always been untenable at best. She was her own woman now and good for her, I knew a bit of the details. Still I wished it had worked out different but my wishes fell on the ears of uncaring gods.

Still with no life showing in my features or my famous royal line eyes I greeted her in soft polite tones “Hello Aurianne you are looking well.” My tone sounded hollow even to my own ears but I was doing the best I could to at least act like a human being.

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

That something had happened to him was painfully obvious, and I felt my face draw down in concern, my forehead wrinkling slightly in consternation. He looked.. broken, like something inside of him, that thick bolt of spirit he'd always had, had snapped in two. It hurt me to see it, knowing how full of zest and vigor he'd always been, but now?

"Thank you," I said quietly, unsure if I should return the comment. He would always be attractive no matter what he did - only a fool would spite our religion and deny it - but he didn't look well.. no, not in the slightest. "Elua, it's been a long time.. I'm glad you remembered my name," I added, a feeble smile coupling my poor jest.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

I tried to smile but it felt as if the effort hurt the unused muscles in my face. “I will always remember you Auri.” It was true after all as her mere presence made a small warm spark in my ice encased heart. Of course the fact that she was the first one to cast me aside still stung like a rose thorn driven deeply into the flesh of the palm. “You are quite the extraordinary woman” I added as it was true she had taken a difficult situation and turned it all to her favor and that was to be appreciated and cherished.

I tugged my breeches up a bit using the grip of my hands still thrust in my pockets. I had lost a lot of weight and I had problems keeping clothes situated. Not that I really cared or that it really mattered. As I fiddled with my garments I looked over her figure and found it to still be as utterly perfect as I recalled. "And it has been a long time, but I am sure you have heard the rumors and can make a few guesses about my disposition."

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

The smile that crossed his mouth was poor at best, and I could see the effort it cost him. Elua, what had happened to him? My face fell further as I took a step towards him to close the distance to a more friendly, conversational one, rather than talking across the large gap that stood between us. His compliment of me was more than just unexpected; only the sadness that welled in me for him stopped me from showing much shock at it.

"I heard some," I admitted, mentally kicking myself for not thinking of it earlier. "Truth be, I've been much on the outs of society for quite a while now.. Gossip slides past me more than through me these days." Another feeble smile crossed my mouth, and I forced it to strengthen; he was in no position to deal with me as I was; he needed someone strong and warm and sure of themselves. My smile bloomed a little more, and my gloved fingers held each other before my midsection as I stood, peering up at him from under the brim of my bonnet. He was too skinny, too gaunt, having lost a lot of flesh, but the only thing I could gather would do this to him was the one thing I'd heard of him since we'd gone our separate ways: a woman, but not just any - the Dauphine. I strayed away from any talk of her, instead focusing on something else, something small and easy for him to focus on if he wasn't stubborn about staying in the state of mind he was in.. stubbornness had always fit Mathieu like a second glove, but now?

"Would you mind terribly eating lunch with me?" I asked suddenly, then blushed at myself. Yves would have had more charm and wit than that, but I'd never been very good with that as far as I was concerned. Seductiveness, but not wit. "I know it's late for it, but I've not eaten and.." Abruptly I realized he just might have, my voice faltering, and it was all I could do to keep myself from biting my lower lip.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

Many emotions crossed her features as she came closer and looked up at me. I looked down at her and I could tell she was doing her best to put on a brave face for my sake. She was still the warm and caring woman I had originally met as an adept. Her simple beauty and manner warmed my smile and to be honest I just wanted to wrap my arms around her. Despite her words I suspected she knew a bit the royal family had used me like an old sock and tossed me intot he dust bin when they were finished. If it was not the Queen’s scolding it was Corri’s casting me aside after she apparently grew bored.

I wondered why Auri blushed when she asked me to eat with her but the color on her cheeks was charming. “I” furrowed my brow in thought “do not really recall the last time I ate.” It sounded odd even to my ears but it was the truth. No wonder Julie had not been hounding me I took up little of her precious time or money any longer. “Yes, uh sure I would love to grab a bit with you” I pulled my hand from my pocket and offered it to her though I did not expect her to take it. I had tried moving on after Corri and invariable messed up when it came to the opposite sex. It seemed any charm I ever had was gone with the two women I had loved. How ironic I was with one of them now.

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

If he didn't exactly become animated and just like his old self, which one couldn't expect or even hope for right now, there was still something that entered his eye.. A glimmer, faint, but there, and I felt my hopes rise for it, and true to his old form, he looked past my blunder and responded smoothly, like he didn't even have to think about my lack of manners or charm, but countered them with his own. "Thank you," I smiled, meaning it in more ways than one, though I wasn't sure if he'd realize. When he took his hand out of his pocket and held it out towards me, I turned, instinctively changing my path to fit his so he wouldn't have to be bothered to move or backtrack his steps. My hand took his arm without thought, and I felt little prickles along my spine at it, at the realization that I was actually seeing him again, going to eat across the same table again. His poor state was enough to mask it for the most part, but I couldn't help but take little glances up at him as we walked, peeking out from under my bonnet before looking away again, almost to reassure myself that it really was him. He felt different, his arm smaller, less muscular than before, but Elua.. it was still him. "How is your sister?" I asked quietly as we walked, taking the opportunity to glance up at him again.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

I shivered as she accepted for two reasons really. One I felt that spark when she touched me, it was still there. A faint little thing but it was there. The other was that I was freezing. Despite the warming weather it occurred to me that I was never warm anymore my hands and feet and the rest of me always felt like ice. I murmured “cold” and I let her lead me where she might like. The thought of food and her company lifting my spirits considerably even if I knew there would not be much more than this little bit of time with her.

In answer to her question I looked back gazing into her near angelic face “at one time if I had said I did not know I would have been being an ass. But at this time I say I do not know and I mean it.” I shrugged and hoping it would not hurt her too badly decided to be honest for once in my life “You and Corri did quite the number on me. But it is not your fault I understand you and your motives at least.” I frowned a bit “cannot recall the last time I spoke to another person let alone my sister. I guess I have mostly been wallowing in self pity.” And yes, it sounded pathetic even to my own ears.

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

Cold. Aye, he was cold; I could feel it through his sleeve, and had I not been carefully schooling my features, I'd have frowned in worry over that too. He was Mat, but he wasn't Mat. What would Yves do, if I were like this? I shivered, and tried to put it out of mind, but it was a voice in the back of my head however I tried. When he looked at me, I felt a smile creep onto my mouth unbidden, but before I could respond to talk of his sister he spoke again, and these words cut through me, straight to my quick and my core. My smile faded, and I ducked my head down to fix my gaze on the ground by habit ground into me at the Night Court, but more than anything I was ashamed. Deep, rolling waves of it cascaded over me, crashing across my soul like the pound of waves upon a shoreline. I held my position next to him, but I wanted to recoil further; the only consolation, however tiny, was that he was talking to me now and not merely ignoring me or calling me down. "I'm sorry, Mat," I whispered softly, meaning it, and to add to the shame I still couldn't bear to look at him. There was no spite to his words, but I still felt it, and the only thing that came to me as he spoke of self pity was sadness and guilt. "I never meant to.. and.. It's..." Clamping my teeth together, my cheeks flooded with color, and I focused on setting one foot before the other, my pace set to match his.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

It at last occurred to my clouded mind that my words were unkind and for once it had not been on purpose. I reached over and patted her with my free hand that was like ice “it is alright, really it is, I still adore you and probably always will.” It was the truth our parting had at least been amicable…life had gone on. Not so much the last parting I had endured. “I know you never meant to and it was crass of me to even mention it.”

I paused and waited for her to look at me “forgive me?” I then put on a smile that was still dead but I was actually starting to feel a bit alive again in her presence and I suspect it showed. “And what are we doing for lunch?” It was a subject change but I was curious what this face from the past had in mind.

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

His voice was somewhat less lifeless than it was before, but little bit that wasn't was full of... compassion? It made me blush all the more, and I reached over to cup my hand over his where it lay upon my arm, and I gave it a brief squeeze before letting go. "Of course," I replied immediately; really, it was my fault it all came to pass anyway, though I feared voicing that would only lead to a small, pointless argument. Tilting my face a little, I looked at him from under the brim of my sun bonnet, wishing there was something I could do for his spirit.

"I don't honestly know," I conceded at his question for lunch, laughing suddenly. "I hadn't really thought about it... Truth be, I still can't quite grip that you're actually here. I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

"You make it sound like I died" I walked along with her and looked around trying to get some grip on where in fact I was. "We could head over toward one restaurant or another or we could head to one of our homes or the other and whip up something." I smiled at a memory "I seem to recall we had fun with us and my sister fixing a meal once." It felt good to be with her but I knew it would not last. She had her own life now and it did not include me. That seemed to be always the case with me I was born to be alone.

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

I colored yet again - Elua, it seemed like I couldn't do anything but blush around him, and always at my own missteps. Thankfully though the last blush had yet to recede from my cheeks, and I vainly hoped he wouldn't notice this new addition; I certainly hadn't meant to connect my surprise at our meeting to his death. Mayhap I was being too serious, but ah, gods! His shape brought nothing but concern and sadness.. even a portion of pity. I'd have to have a heart of rock not to feel some.

"I'm up for anything you'd like to do," I responded with a pleasant smile, but rather than giving him a chance to respond, I flexed my fingers on his arm, squeezing him lightly as mischievousness filtered into my grin. "I think we should be prompt with whatever we choose though, for fear you might waste away. I might weigh more than you now," I added, horrified as the thought dawned upon me; gods, let him take that for a jest, too!

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

"You might" I replied with as much humor as I could muster. "I just do not feel like eating most days. I guess I am feeling sorry for myself a lot. It is pretty pathetic when I think of it that way." It was to and when I thought on it more I grew a bit angry with myself. But I would not let it spoil this meeting with Auri since gods knew when or if I would see her again.

"Tell you what, I will go wherever you lead me, but you are right I am probably not up to a lot of strain." I took stock of myself and I figured I could probably not even pull my bow at present. I honestly had no idea how I had gotten into this state either.....it was pathetic. Like some love sick dupe in a bad poem.

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

Humor filtered into his voice a little, but I felt my heart burst with hearing it. It sounded almost foreign to him, like he hadn't tried the emotion in a long time, and that alone made me even more glad to be a part of it.

"You've not taken care of yourself at all," I murmured softly as we walked along. Damiens home - I lived there, but I could never call it my home as well - was too far for him to walk comfortably, and I wasn't sure how he felt about going to his house. "There's a little bistro just ahead.. we could get a bite to eat there, then figure out what to do from there. Is that alright?"

Curiously I looked up at him, instinctively deferring as we walked along. He was going where I led, but I was following his lead while trying to take it for myself... it was all backwards, but somehow it worked. Gods, he looked so sad. When he dressed himself down, I shook my head, trying not to feel guilty again, but failing miserably in that as well. "Mat," I said softly, drawing him to a halt with me. Moving so I could stand before him, I looked up at him, brash and bold; I never would have been so before, but something in his state didn't let me be any less. "You're not pathetic... You're sad. I'm sorry I was a part of that," I said, but hurried on lest he think I was trying to turn this around on myself, "but no matter what, you're not not pathetic. Just skinny," I added with a soft smile. My hands found his and I squeezed them both gently, trying to encourage him, trying to suppress the urge to lay my head on his chest and tell him it'll be alright.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

When she moved in front of me I stopped and looked at her and felt a genuine and natural smile crease my lips. "The bistro sounds nice and if you want to spend some more time with me that sounds even better." I shrugged "and stop beating yourself up as Corri had much more to do with all of this than you. I felt like I landed on my feet after we split, but then the next time with Corri not so much."

In spite of myself I slid my arms around her as she faced me "and lets call it sadly pathetic shall we?" I poked a bit of fun at myself "and do not worry about it Auri you seem to be happy now and that is the most important thing in the world to me your happiness."

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

Before I could stop myself, I wrinkled my nose at him, then hurriedly undid it; old habits died hard, and the Camellia in me was terrified of lasting wrinkles that never went away. Before I could respond though, he took me by surprise by sliding his arms around my waist, an action so familiar and alien that it stole my breath away for a moment.

"Ah," I said when I could regain the use of my lungs again, my voice breathy from effort, "how about I promise not to beat myself up, if you promise not to call yourself pathetic again?" My hands lay upon his upper arms now, and I smiled up at him, focused intently on the way he himself was smiling; it was the first natural, honestly felt thing I'd seen from him yet. Encouragement bloomed in me, with his last words, I gave in and leaned, laying my head upon his upper chest.

He was strong still, even with a lack of muscle, and through the layers of clothing I could hear the beat of his heart, never slowing, never changing. "It'll be alright Mat," I said softly, not elaborating just how.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

Ah gods! It felt good when she did that. I did not speak again immediately but instead slid my arms around her further. I actually felt a spark like I was alive. I lingered a moment there and let my chin rest on the top of her head. "You know? I think you must be right."

"And you have a deal" I said after I leaned back. I then moved to disentangle us even though I really did not want to. "But lets get to lunch. It is not seemly for me to be seen embracing a married woman in the middle of the street. Gods know my reputation is already tattered enough."

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

His chin leaned upon my hair, and for a moment nothing had changed.... but as quick as the moment came it went away again, and I was well reminded of how thin he was, what a poor state he was in. The sadness welled in me again and I tried to will it away, focusing on keeping cheery for his sake more than that of our deal.

When he pulled away I didn't resist, my hand taking his arm again as I resumed my place by his side as I listened to him. "Married?" My eyes widened as I looked at him, and I laughed for the second time, shaking my head lightly as we began to walk again. "I never married Damien.. I'm considered his consort still, I suppose, but he's more brother to me than anything else. I don't think he feels anything but friendship for me either," I added as an afterthought.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

"Oh!" I exclaimed sharply and got my feet tangled up a moment, but then resumed my place walking beside her. "I had just assumed I suppose I should know better than that at this point." I felt a bit of hope bloom in my chest and then squashed it. There were certain places I could not go as I was already too far gone down the melancholy path. If something went bad again I did not think I could handle it no not at all.

"It is good you at least have someone to lean on" I said at last. "Loneliness is quite horrible really" I thought on it a bit. "Yes, I have to admit that is the heart of why I have been so down I feel lonely. I cannot think of one person I can confide in or just enjoy the pleasure of their company. My own fault really I burned those bridges quite nicely."

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

He stumbled, and instantly I felt concern that he'd hurt himself, my hands moving to help brace him, but before I could really offer any aid he'd caught himself and straightened again. I felt somewhat like I was walking beside an elderly man, frail and easily hurt.. and in a lot of ways that it hurt me to think about, Mat was just that.

I listened to him quietly, my eyes following the path we were taking, not paying any attention on whether we were near the bistro, or even past it at this point. "I'm sure your sister wouldn't mind listening to anything you have to say," I said hesitantly, knowing full well how he felt about Juliette. "And I'm always here for you Mat... We're friends, I hope." Gods, I did hope too; Mat was the first person to see someone other than a Camellia adept in me. The first to look past my face and into what made me me... If for no other reason, I owed him my friendship for that, but I wanted it just as much. My hand squeezed his arm lightly again as I brought my gaze up, giving him a soft smile.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

She looked at me and I looked at her as I discovered I once more had no real idea where I was and did not really care. "Probably, but every time Julie and I have tried to talk it has not gone well at all." I left it at that and gave her a smile "and I very much want to be your friend."

In my heart of hearts I knew I would like more from her, but I did not dare let thoughts drift that way at this stage of things. She was as her house dictated perfect. "You know, I really wish I had ran into you sooner. I probably would not have gone so far down this thorny path."

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

Smiling seemed to come easier to him now, and I fair beamed at him before I could control myself, ducking my gaze away again and letting the brim of my bonnet hide my face. His eyes penetrated me, violet gems that flashed to augers and back again quicker than thought. "I wish we'd met sooner too," I said with a smile, vaguely aware that we'd arrived at the bistros entrance. I glanced towards it as we drew to a halt and back up at Mat again, the sun upon our backs. "I'm glad we can be friends again though," I said softly. Part of me wondered if he wanted more; Elua, part of me wondered it of myself, but I was trying vainly to do what was best for him, not myself or anyone else. He was rattled by me, and broken by the Dauphine, a girl who apparently had no care or realization as to what she had thrown away. My fingers touched his cheek before I realized I'd moved, and I blushed and turned away again, forgetting my manners long enough to open the door for us and hurry inside ahead of him. Yves flashed before my mind, but we were all Eluas children, and even with my marque made, I was still dedicated to Naamah, who had lain with people to soothe their pain and sorrow. I didn't know if I would with Mat.. I didn't know if that was what he needed or even wanted. I didn't know if my own heart could handle it. I glanced at the door as it slowly closed from it's apex, my gaze taking in Mats form before I caught the door and held it for him, mortified at my actions.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

I got the impression she was every bit as much confused as I was. The door being opened by the lady and then nearly closing in my face confirmed that. It brought a smile to my face as I wondered how two people who were normally so polished could seem like a couple confused children. I entered and let her choose our place to sit and smiled "we are friends." I did not comment on her action of having touched my cheek though I felt a lot of sparks at that simple gesture. I was also just as sure that what I had felt had shown and been noted. But I was getting ahead of myself. With our people the passion was always churning there just under the surface. Elua's blessing could also be a curse in many ways. So I settled for placing a familiar hand on the small of her back as she chose our seat.

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

He didn't comment on my uncouth manner, something I was eternally grateful to him for. Instead he confirmed our friendship again, then placed his hand at the small of my back without leading me anywhere, instead letting me choose where to go.

Trying not to think, I picked out a seat near a window that had a few flowering vines outside of it, where no other patrons sat nearby. Before we'd even had a chance to settle a smiling server showed herself, wheat-blond locks tucked neatly in a bun behind her head, inquiring whether we'd like something to drink. "Tea for me, please," I smiled as I settled myself, my eyes going from her and to Matt again, watching him quietly, but very curiously, my emotions boxed up in a tiny corner of my head.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

We settled in an I could not help but notice how the sun played so nicely over her features. I stared a moment without realizing it but then caught myself when the wait staff appeared. "Tea for me as well" I replied and then picked up a menu. "I probably should eat a bit light. Heavy food hitting my gut right now would be a bad idea." I smiled making small talk. "And I am certainly in need of a right and proper bath." It was occurring to me just how far I had let myself go and that was vexing. It made one feel like quite the silly little sod.

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

He looked at me like I was a ghost, apt to disappear at any moment, but I didn't mind.. to be honest, I caught myself looking at him like that as well, and a part of me really did expect him to just vanish. He didn't though, his violet gaze strengthening the longer we were together, sharpening almost to a shadow of what it used to be. I had a feeling Mat had a long road to full recovery, but it was a start.. I hoped.

I smiled softly at him as he ordered his tea and began speaking of food and baths, my fingers toying with my menu without looking. I had been hungry, but I wasn't so much anymore... for some reason, being near him again made the old drives rear their heads, and I felt the incessant urge to watch closely what I ate, to keep my posture straight and supple, and I took the excuse of removing my bonnet to fix my hair with my fingers. Partially pinned up, my hair was swept back from my face in loose waves, tumbling down over my back and shoulders.

"Soup and bread for lunch, then?" I asked, my smile warming as I continued to only fiddle with my menu, my eyes watching his too-thin face. "As for the bath, I'm afraid I can't help you with that," I teased, then caught myself again, feeling for all the world like my foot was in my mouth. I distinctly remembered a time when I did help him with his bath, and the new.. experience.. he'd taught me. My cheeks filled with crimson again, and I hurriedly picked up my menu, wondering why I continuously lost my wits around him. I didn't with Yves! I was calm and collected, but it all rolled out the door when Mat was around. "Ah, they have a vegetable and noodle in chicken broth," I read, biting at my lower lip.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

Something in her was changing before my very eyes and I could not quite put my finger on it. It was more than passing strange and I was sure there was a time I would have known. She took off her bonnet and fussed with her hair and if I had ever seen more fetching gestures I sure as hell could not recall when. I simply watched with a ghost of a smile on my lips as I did not realize I was starring again. Gods she was still one of the most beautiful women in the world.

"Soup and bread sound good" as she continued she became embarrassed and flushed once more. I found that to was endearing but my mind was moving too fast picking debts I knew my body could not pay, for a while anyway. I pointedly looked at my menu to give her some space and I slid my hand across the table and let my little finger caress the back of her hand very lightly. I whispered for her ears only "I wish you could help me with my bath. Though for a while it would just be with a bath." I then let my tone strengthen and get louder as it climbed back to conversational tones "chicken broth sounds good, but I should probably have some steamed vegetables on the side."