“See this dark brown?”
“Yes.”
“That’s enough—that’s the flavor, right there.”
“What?”
“You remember the stew? When we browned the meat?”
“I do.”
“With meat cut thin like this, sear it quickly on both sides until it has this color. Then it’s ready. Perfect.”
“Well…” I lie back in the chair, swallowed by Ari’s furs. “When we go on adventures, I’ll let you do the cooking.”
He turns to me with a sly smile.
“Are we going on adventures?”
I hesitate for a split second, but can’t help myself.
“Maybe,” I tease.
He laughs and flips the meat from the pan onto a large wooden board. Rain drums on the roof. I sink deeper into the chair as I watch him.
“I look forward to it,” he says.
He finds a knife and cuts thin slices—still sizzling hot—releasing an odor that makes my eyes roll back. I had no idea I was this hungry.
“Smells so good.” My voice comes out deeper than intended. Almost a growl.
“Looks perfect too,” he says, stabbing a slice and holding it up for me to see.
It’s glistening pink in the middle, with a thin layer of brown around the edges. Juices dribble down from it, pooling on the cutting board.
“But, is it ready?”
“Oh yes, it’s perfect.”
“But it’s… pink. Raw.”
“No,” he says, chopping off a small piece and eating it. “It’s just right. Here, taste.”
He cuts a piece, stabs it with the knife and holds it out to me. It’s steaming. I can smell it from here. I take it between my fingers, feeling its soft texture that gives way to light pressure.
“Are you sure?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
“Eat, woman!” he insists with a laugh, watching intently. He’s eager for me to taste his magic.
I place it in my mouth and instantly collapse backward in delight. The meat just melts. I don’t even have to chew. The garlic is prominent without dominating the senses, and the thyme and parsley shine through. The sear tastes like eating fire. The pink flesh carries a hint of forest leaves—what the elk consumes.
“It’s perfect,” I whisper.
He slams his hand on the table with a grin.
“Yes!” he exclaims. “Now, what did you bring to drink?”
“Honeyed mint-water.”
