The Delicacies of Life (FFXIV)
Story by Aeleyora, Culinarian
The tasks and chores undertaken on a daily basis by Disciples of the Hand around Eorzea are manifold: seeking out and procuring the most select materials and ingredients, meticulously and ofttimes painstakingly crafting and synthesizing, tirelessly peddling and bartering their beloved wares. The pivotal role these artisans play in stimulating the Eorzean economy can hardly be overstated.
To acquire a more visceral appreciation of a day in the life of a Disciple of the Hand, let us now follow Aeleyora, culinarian extaordinaire, as she earns her livelihood.
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Part I: Only the Finest Ingredients
Rising with the sun and setting out for the markets has become a daily ritual for Aeleyora. Here in Glutton's Alley, adherents of the other disciplines gather to sell their bounty, be it of the hunt or of the harvest. Upon arriving, she finds that a particular stand, The Scratching Post, is having a blowout sale. Her culinary instincts take over and before long she has a satchel bursting with fresh ingredients. She even manages to haggle the proprietor down five gil on a somewhat less than choice cut of aldgoat chuck.
It may not be the finest Glutton's Alley has had to offer, but the mark of a good culinarian is making do with what is available.
Part II: Location, Location, Location
The state-of-the-art facilities at the Culinarian's Guild may improve one's chances of producing higher quality foods or larger yields, but Aeleyora has never been one to pay the surcharge for using them. She decides instead to wander amongst the nearby camps, catering to any adventurers in need of a meal. The advantage of this is that she need only cook as much as she sells, minimizing any waste.
And what have we here? It looks as though there is quite a congregation gathering at Camp Bloodshore!
Part III: Kitchenware
Skill undoubtedly goes a long way when preparing cuisine, but an experienced culinarian will tell you that quality tools are just as essential. Even when preparing very similar foods, the implements one chooses to use can have a profound effect on both flavor and yield.
Aeleyora notices that there are quite a number of lancers about with hungry looks in their eyes. If there is one thing she knows, it is that nothing gets Disciples of War salivating quite like the prospect of a meaty meal. Some crispy kabobs, mayhap? They say they bring out the fight in people after all. She begins to thoughtfully debate which of her trusty skillets and knives to use.
Part IV: The Joy of Cooking
The unwritten laws of culinary endeavor maintain that the first step in food preparation is effective use of the target crystal called for by the recipe being followed. Aeleyora reminisces of days gone by, when her first attempt at any dish required that she add each ingredient individually in precise amounts. But she has since made these kabobs countless times, and now considers them a personal specialty. Though the original recipe is still lovingly inked in her cherished recipe compendium, she is now so practiced at preparing them that she simply tosses all the ingredients in at once. All that is left to do is mind the flame and the kabobs practically cook themselves!
Twelve be good! An entire dozen from a single cut of meat!
Part V: The Triumph of Capitalism
Aeleyora decides to go with the very reasonable price of twenty gil per serving and begins making the rounds. In virtually no time at all, a familiar-looking Miqo'te lancer with a ravenous appetite buys three juicy portions. Aeleyora tries to remember where she has seen her before -- when it suddenly dawns on her! A wave of satisfaction sweeps over Aeleyora as the Miqo'te strolls away happily, gnashing at the skewered and seasoned meat.
It was beautiful. Aeleyora was selling the Miqo'te's own aldgoat chuck back to her.
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