(Day 10, EE) Cherry on Top (Expecting)

[Moto Butaj]

"So where Butaj and Huludai can escort Doji Ameka?" He looks up at her with a genuine smile.

[Doji Ameka]

She smiles back. "If you wouldn't mind escorting me back to my tent, it would be appreciated. I need to get ready and check on the candy I made for the party later."

[Moto Butaj]

Butaj nods and begins to lead them back to the camps. "Any chance Butaj could acquire some of your sweets?"

[Doji Ameka]

"Of course," she agrees with a smile. "They will also be there later, so if you attend the party, you can grab one... or more, if you wish."

[Moto Butaj]

"They are excellent, very good, thank you. Butaj didn't know he would enjoy sweets that much." He chuckles, embarrassed a bit. "Would you tell how your speciality came about?"

[Doji Ameka]

"My illness, basically," she admitted. "My sensei were worried, because I was sick often, that I would make the other children ill. So they encouraged me to do something that wasn't the usual popular pursuits. I did some research into history to find this, but I fell in love with it. I want to become the best I can and I would like to see more people pursue it. I like that I can practice in all but my worst conditions."

[Moto Butaj]

He listens intently and commiserates, but also is happy that the little woman has come around. A story not unlike his, though with different predicament. He looks at Ameka with admiration and fondness. "Now that Butaj thinks of it, there are many more things in the Burning Sands you could try with them, sweet and aromatic spices, honeys, nuts, dates and figs. Have you ever tried baklava?" Butaj grins to his childhood memories.

[Doji Ameka]

"Bak.. baku..." She laughs gently. "I can't even pronounce it. What is it like? I always want to learn and try new things."

[Moto Butaj]

He laughs with her. "It's crushed almonds and nuts and honey between layers of paper-thin dough. You make all platters than cut it in shapes. Butaj had it only once or twice as a child, but it was delicious and he remembers it as one of the best tastes of childhood."

[Doji Ameka]

"Interesting... It sounds delicious," she says, closing her eyes briefly to imagine the flavors. "I hope I'll have the chance to try it one day. I always liked manjuu growing up."

[Moto Butaj]

"Maybe Butaj will find a way to serve it during his wedding." He grins. "Now it's Butaj's time to ask what is manju."

[Doji Ameka]

"Manjuu is a bun made with the lees from sake making and some flour and rice powder and whatnot... Then the outer dough is stuffed with sweet red bean paste... At least usually. You can make them with all kinds of fillings," she explains, then looks surprised. "Oh! I bet it would be delicious stuffed with honey and almonds and nuts like what you described."

[Moto Butaj]

"Oooh. Now I want this." Butaj licks his lips. "If you marry into the Unicorn, you'll make many of my kin happy with your sweet snacky ideas!"

[Doji Ameka]

"Hmm... I want it, too, now," she laughed. "I'd like to. I like it here."

[Moto Butaj]

"And the yurt life doesn't bother you?" He looks curiously at the delicate creature carried by his horse, smiling.