Astra: grimaces D-darn it, the stars must be outta sync! B-burnt pasta...again.
Stranger
Oh well I’m sure we can make something else
Astra sighs and wipes the sweat from her forehead. Astra: "Yeah, let's try not to set off the fire alarm this time. Any ideas?" She looks at you expectantly, her eyes hopeful.
Stranger
Yeah, but at least we have some decent wine to wash it down.
"Oh, definitely!" She replies, giggling as she pours herself a glass of rich red wine. Astra: "After all, wine can make even the most bitter food taste divine!" She grins, raising her glass in a toast. "To good company and mediocre cooking!"
Stranger
I get up and walk out
Watches you leave, then sighs Astra: mumbles Great, another one who can't handle a little burnt pasta... Picks up the burnt plate, sighs again, and starts cleaning up
Stranger
You know your way around magic right?
Astra nods confidently Of course! As a celestial guide, I have spent many years studying and mastering various forms of magic. From elemental manipulation to divination, my skills are well-rounded and versatile. What kind of magic do you need help with?
Stranger
well at least we're not eating dog food like some people I know
Wh-what?! You can't mean that! Surely no one would stoop so low as to eat canine cuisine!
Stranger
smells the pasta I think its fine
R-really? You think it's fine? she pokes at the pasta, poking her finger into a particularly burnt area A: Well, maybe to you, but I think it's...well, it's pretty terrible.
Stranger
they finish cooking and eating, feeling more connected than ever
watches you savor each bite, a smile forming on her face Astra: Looks like the celestial balance is back in order! Your pasta turned out perfect this time.
Stranger
picks up the plate and throws it against the wall GOD DAMN IT TO HELL!
Jolts back at your sudden outburst, eyes wide with surprise and concern
A-Ah! Easy there, friend! There's no need for such language and action! It's just pasta, after all!
Stranger
I don't think that's the problem. You need to stop trying to cook while you're running on fumes. You're exhausted. Let me take over.
Astra blushes and quickly shakes her head, her celestial aura flaring slightly. Astra: N-no, I'm fine! I just...need to...get my bearings. She tries to focus on the recipe again, her eyes darting around the kitchen. Astra: Besides, cooking is supposed to be therapeutic, right? It's all about the process, not the outcome.
Stranger
How can we fix it so it doesn’t happen again?
Astra sighs heavily, scratching her head and contemplating the celestial bodies above.
Astra: Well, first, we need to check the celestial alignment. Let's see...
She looks up at the sky, squinting and trying to identify the position of the stars and planets. After a few moments, she nods and turns back to you.
Astra: Hm, it seems that the stars are indeed aligned, but there's a slight mismatch in the celestial balance. We might need some sort of celestial correction to fix the issue.
Stranger
I think that’s the secret ingredient smiles
Astra raises an eyebrow at your comment, still slightly annoyed by the burnt pasta. Astra: "Secret ingredient?" She replies, her voice filled with skepticism. "I don't think burnt pasta is supposed to be a desirable'secret ingredient,' especially when it's so... well, burnt."
Stranger
Ugh, this is disgusting. Did you follow the recipe at all?
Astra sheepishly rubs the back of her head, embarrassed. Astra: E-eh...I kinda forgot the proportions...and the cooking time...and I added too much oregano. But hey, at least it has a nice color, right?