Dragonyule Cleo/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

Just like Mom Used to Make

Heeeeey! Nice Saint Starfall outfit, girl! Since I went to the trouble of making it, I figured I might as well wear it right up until Dragonyule. Makes sense to me! Plus, it looks crazy good on you. Do you really think so? She does—and so do I. The bells on your ears are particularly delightful. R-really? Thank you. Oho, what's wrong, Cleo? Your face is turnin' redder than Saint Starfall's fluffy overcoat! Ya that stoked to get a compliment from Euden? Wh-what are you talking about, Ranzal?! Cease your idiocy at once! Ahem! Well, more importantly, I've an inquiry for you all. Oh? Goodness, this sounds formal. What kind of food would you all like to enjoy at the Dragonyule party? It's time to start working on a menu, but I fear I'm rather at a loss about what to prepare. Oh yeah. Sylvans don't celebrate this particular holiday, yeah? Correct. As such, I'd like to hear some suggestions from all of you. A whole roast chicken for everyone! I wanna tear into that thing until the juice runs down my chin! That's what Dragonyule's all about! Chicken. ...Oh, and chicken juice. That's not a bad idea—despite your rather terrifying description. Perhaps stew, if it's not too much bother? On Dragonyule Eve, my whole family used to gather around the dinner table to enjoy piping hot bowls of stew. Hmm. I may have underestimated the role that food plays in this holiday. Hell, it only comes around once a year. Ya gotta grab days like that and shake 'em till every last bit'a fun falls out! I shall prepare both, then. Oh man, I can't wait! And what would you care to eat, Euden? While all this hearty food sounds fantastic, all I really want is a slice of cake. Do humans eat cake during Dragonyule? It's a customary dessert, yes. I see. Then I shall have to make one. Really? That's great! And what kind of cake would you like? Hmm... You know, I hadn't thought about it in that level of detail yet. Then let me change the question. Of all the cakes you've ever eaten, which was the most delicious? Oh, that's easy. It's the one my mother used to make for me. Your mother? I see. She had a special cake she always made on Dragonyule. Oh man, that cake was stupid good! My whole family loved it—even the picky ones. But I've resigned myself to never eating it again. Then I shall prepare it for you. You can do that?! So long as I know what kind of cake it was, I should be able to get reasonably close. So, would you kindly tell me more about this cake? It was a traditional Alberian sponge cake with fresh cream on top. Oh, and she always topped it with strawberries, because they're my favorite. I think I'm familiar with that kind of cake. And since it's a fairly simple recipe, I should be able to get close to what you remember from your childhood. That would be amazing, Cleo. And I'll help! I mean, I remember what it tasted like, so I can sample the batter and junk to make sure it's the same. Then you will be my official taste-tester. Thank you both for this. I can't wait to try it again. I hope you enjoy it. Rest assured that I will recreate the taste as best as I am able.

Episode 2

Trial and Error

All right, Notte. It's time to make the cake that Euden's mother used to make. Lemme at those eggs! And you better watch out, cream, 'cause I'm comin' for you next! I'm not completely certain what the cake is meant to taste like, so let's start by aiming for a clean, classic flavor. I'll have you taste-test the first one, then we'll make adjustments as we go. On your mark...get set...BAKE! And so, Cleo and Notte worked together to produce a traditional Alberian cake. ...And there we are. Would you please take a bite and see what you think, Notte? Next stop, caketown! *chomp* Ohmigosh, this is AMAAAAZING! When I die, promise that you'll stuff this cake into my coffin. I'm glad to hear it. ...Well, perhaps not the coffin part. Still, how does it compare to the cake Euden's mother made? It's close—like, REAL close—but it's not totally there yet. I feel like her cake was a little...fluffier. Oh, and the cream was sweeter. Understood. I'll make some slight adjustments on the next one. Over and over, Cleo attempted her cake, making adjustments to each subsequent bake. ...And we're done. Now then, Notte? Another taste test, if you would? Guurgh... Cleoooo... I'm so fuuull... Just hang on for a little bit longer. The cake isn't quite perfect yet. Oh man, this is pure agony, buuut... *nibble* Nnngh... Something's different... Don't know what... Too full... Is that so? Interesting. If all the adjustments I've made this far still aren't getting it right, perhaps there's something wrong with my baking method. Could be... *belch* Well, we won't get anywhere if we just stand here with furrowed brows. We'll have to ask Euden. Good idea... *urp* Hey there, Cleo. Do you need something? Tell me about your mother's cake again. I've tried countless times to replicate it, but I can't seem to get it right. Really? I'm surprised. It's a pretty simple cake, all in all. Was there anything else you remember about it? Any detail, no matter how minute, would be useful. Well, I remember how it used to have the aroma of fresh strawberries. You mean in addition to the ones she put on top of it? Yeah. It was more like the whole cake smelled like them. I always wondered why that was. Eureka! Uh, yeah, what she said! Totally eureka! I'm not certain this will work, but there's something I'd like to try. Having gleaned a clue from the prince, Cleo set out to make the cake anew. ...Done. It looks amazing—but also not really any different from all the other ones. I know it looks the same, but the ingredients are slightly altered. Now then, please take a sample. Well, guess it's been an hour or so since I last ate cake, sooo... *chomp* That's it... That's IT! It's a perfect match! You NAILED it! Wonderful. What the heck did you do? I mixed a bit of this strawberry sauce into the batter. *sniff* Oh man, I can actually smell it in there! I believe this is how his mother managed to give the cake its distinctive aroma. It's a rather clever idea, given his stated fondness for strawberries. Aw! It's like the cake had his mom's love baked right inside! Indeed. So that means we're finished, right? Now we just gotta grab a plate and feed it to Euden! Let us bring it to him at once.

Episode 3

A Priceless Ingredient

There you are, Euden! Well, if it isn't Cleo and Notte. We have something to show you. Ta-daaaah! Whoa! It's a Dragonyule cake! More of a cakey prototype, actually, but largely complete. It really looks just like the cake my mom used to make! I won't lie—there was a lot of fussing over tiny details. Won't you try a piece? I'd like to confirm whether or not it really tastes like your mother's recipe. I'd love to. ...... Oh dear. Is something off? It's...the same. It's EXACTLY the same! Truly?! Yes! It even SMELLS the same! Hee hee! I know, right? It's because she wouldn't stop redoing it until she got it juuust so. Thanks to the both of you. Really. I can't believe I'm eating it again... Then it was well worth all the trouble. I can now prepare it for Dragonyule. ...... Is something amiss? Er, no. It's nothing. If there's something on your mind, please be forthright about it. No, I... I want this cake to truly make you happy. There is no point otherwise. And with you making that face, I fear my work is not yet done. All right. I'll tell you. Honestly, the taste and look are the same, but something about the way it makes me FEEL is different. Was the crumb too tight? Too loose? Is the mouthfeel not quite accurate? No, nothing like that—it's actually not really anything to do with the cake itself. It's more that I'm sad because I'm not eating it with my family. It makes the cake feel almost...lonely. We all used to gather around the table and eat this cake, you know? Yeah, those were some good times. But you've got a NEW family here in the Halidom, right? You should sit down and eat it with them! I was just thinking about that. This shouldn't be a cake for just me— it should be something that is shared with everyone. Everyone? That's gonna be a big cake. ...... Euden! Ack! What?! Let me make the cake once more. I'm going to turn it into something that everyone can enjoy together. Yeah, but you just went to all the trouble to make this one... Cooking is a joy when done for others; I want to make certain you enjoy this cake to its full potential. As such, I'll keep baking new ones over and over until I get it right. You're amazing, Cleo. Then once Dragonyule comes around, I'll be there with a newly-baked cake. Well, I'm already into this thing up to my eyeballs, so I might as well help out. We shall make the cake to end all cakes!

Episode 4

Catering to All

On the morning of Dragonyule, Cleo and Notte find themselves once again struggling to create the perfect cake. So how are we changing up the cake this time, Cleo? You wanted to make one that all of us can enjoy together, right? Yes. I intend to customize the cake to each person's specific tastes. Which means everyone will love it! Hey, wait. Can you even DO that? Who do you think you're talking to? I single-handedly manage essentially all cuisine-related affairs at the Halidom! So you know what everyone likes! There's no time left to dawdle before the Dragonyule party. Let's get to baking. I'm going to stir the batter, so would you be so kind as to pour in some milk? You got it, chef! Heeeere we go! *glug* Is this right? Yes, just like that. Uh, Cleo? Are you stirring more than you did before? Good eye, Notte. This is because Elisanne enjoys a soft, fluffy cake. And to make the batter nice and fluffy, you have to mix it quite vigorously. No kidding? I never knew that! Now then, would you pour the sugar into that bowl of cream there? Aye aye, cap'n! No, stop! That's far too much! Huuuh? But that's how much we put in last time. I forgot to mention this, but I'd like to keep the sugar to a moderate amount. Ranzal doesn't have much of a palate for overly sweet things. Heh. You WOULD know that, Cleo. No detail gets past you! And now to arrange some berries on top... Oh man, berries are the best. I know you think as much, so I grabbed some extras while I was in town. I love it! Let's get 'em on there! Distribute them however you wish— but don't steal any! Awww! How'd you know?! Your face gives you away. Hee hee! Can't get anything past you. All right. That should be everything. That looks SO good. Everyone is gonna fall all over themselves trying to get a piece; we may need to make 'em take numbers or something. ...... Huh? What's wrong? I have a strange sensation that the cake is still...missing something. For reals? But it looks so tasty... I'm confident in the flavor, of course, and am certain everyone will quite like it. And yet, I just can't shake the feeling that as a cake for everyone to enjoy together, it is somehow lacking. What do you think? Hmm... Maybe you need to add something that shows how much love and care you put into this whole project? That's...an interesting thought. Ah! I have it! One moment, please. If I just put this on top... Yes! NOW it's finished. Aw! You made little sugar cookies— and they look like US! They do indeed. I made one for everyone here in the castle. I think this will ensure that everyone truly enjoys the cake. Although it's a bit of a rush job, so I fear they're not exact likenesses. You shut your mouth, Cleo. These are ADORBS. Just looking at 'em makes it clear how much love you put into this! In that case, I will consider my work done. Yesss! It's FINALLY cake time! Let us take it to the party at once. The others are surely anxious.

Episode 5

Unforgettable Gifts

With the Dragonyule celebration in full swing, Cleo and Notte head for the venue with their freshly baked cake in tow. The Dragonyule cake is complete. You're finally happy with it, eh? I am. I came up with a way to make a cake that everyone could enjoy together. And now for the grand debut... Ta-daaaah! Hot jumpin' weasels! I think my drool organ just kicked into overdrive! Hold a moment. Are those sugar cookies... shaped like us? Yes. I made them myself, so I apologize that they're a bit...misshapen. Stop that at once. They're perfect. Why, they look exactly like us! Ah! Just look at His Highness's round little eyes! They're so c-c-cuuuuu... Well, I'm delighted you like them. Enough chatter—let's eat already! My stomach can't take no more! Yes, by all means—and please don't be shy about giving me your opinions. Ooo, this fluffy texture is amazing. It simply melts in my mouth. The cream's to die for! It's a classic flavor—not too sweet. Makes me feel like I could eat the stuff till I burst! Don't you always do that, Ranzal? Bwaa ha ha! I sure do! Still, yer one to talk. How many of those berries ya gonna cram down yer gullet? Hee hee! You got me there. It looks like everyone's enjoying it. That makes it worth all the effort. But that's enough feasting with your eyes. It's time to have a bite. Yes, of course. *munch* It's delicious, Cleo. And yet not the same as your mother's, I am well aware. Actually, this is even closer than the last one you had me try. The taste is different, of course, but it's filling me with a warm feeling. Mom always filled her cake with love, and you've nailed that with this one. That makes me very happy. Here, Cleo. Have some with me. If you don't grab a slice now, it's all going to be gone. Perhaps you're right. After the Dragonyule party has ended... Euden? What is it? Why did you summon me here? Because I want you to have this. What is it? Just a little Dragonyule gift from me. Oh! Um, thank you. But you didn't need to do this for me. Of course I did; you toiled away for ages trying to make that cake, after all. And that made me want to get you a little something in return. May I open it? It wouldn't be much of a present if you couldn't. It's...a snow globe. With a model of the Halidom inside. Ah! When I shake it, snow falls over the castle! It's so beautiful... You strike me as someone who would appreciate the aesthetic serenity of a snow globe, so I had the village tinker make one. *sniff* Er, Cleo? Are you...crying? I'm sorry. Did I do something wrong? *sniff* No, you foolish man. I'm simply beside myself with joy. To think you went to such lengths to do something like this for me. It pales in comparison to all the hard work you put in. And I'm not just talking about the cake. You manage the entire household for everyone! That's a huge undertaking. I'll always be grateful to you for that. Thank you, Euden. Just hearing those words from you is reward enough. And yet, I have to thank you as well. For what? You've given me a wonderful group of people to celebrate Dragonyule with. Without you, I would likely still be all alone in that forest. I'm glad you've been able to meet some new friends, Cleo. Dragonyule is a celebration to be spent with the people who matter most. And from the very depths of my heart, I am grateful to spend the day with you. I hope to do so again next year. You will. No—we ALL will. Then shall we wish for that upon the Yuletree? That IS a tradition, yes? Let's do it. And so, the prince and Cleo closed their eyes and made a Yuletree wish...