The SCHOLAR and The PEASANT enter the kitchen, where the PEASANT begins to cook. As the two women break bread, The SOLDIER walks in.
THE SOLDIER
What’s cooking?
THE PEASANT
The kitchen’s closed.
THE SOLDIER
I’m a poor soldier.
THE PEASANT
I’m a poor cook.
THE SOLDIER
Seems like a match. May I stay while you eat?
THE PEASANT
I have enough mouths to feed already.
THE SOLDIER
My stomach will follow your orders.
I will be your helpmate.
He inches closer.
THE PEASANT
Want to help me? Go slit the landowner’s throat.
THE SOLDIER
There will only be another to take his place.
THE PEASANT
But at least there would be a day off for the funeral.
THE SOLDIER
Do you want me to go to prison for you? Because I will.
At least there, they will feed me.
THE PEASANT
Sotto voce.
Wait until later. There will be left-overs.
THE SCHOLAR
How do you do this?
Every bite is like the first.
The most delicious; leaving me hungry for more but I don’t seem to get full.
THE PEASANT
It’s a secret recipe.
THE SCHOLAR
Tell me.
THE PEASANT
You take away the bowl while the person is still eating.