“The gumdrops usually just replace pepperoni but I do make my own sauce. It’s definitely sweeter than most.” Genie tapped his chin in thought while he ran though a list of ingredients in his head. “Two tablespoons of brown sugar, one and a half tablespoons of honey, half a table spoon of minced carrot, ground pepper to taste… And, of course garlic, who could forget salt, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, onions, basil, and the usual suspects like a can of tomato puree?” Having counted his ingredients out on his other hand, Genie found it had sprouted eight extra fingers in order to follow along. He gave it a simple shake to return it to its proper state of six -the genie frowned and shook his hand again- five fingers before he placed it in his lap once again.

He laughed at Urd’s complement and waved his hand at her modestly. “Thank you, thank you. I do try.” Genie replied with a blush. He then noted her empty glass again. “Oh, would you like more to drink? All this talk of food reminds me that I haven’t even served dinner yet! How can you eat without a drink? I hope you’re not starving. I should have asked sooner! I’m sorry. I was just so wrapped up in our conversation I… Kind of forgot - even though it was the point of the evening. Out to dinner without dinner? Genie, were is your head these days?” Genie slapped his hand over his face in embarrassment.