[ perhaps buffy is a bad influence, then -- after all, she seems delighted by his ability to not be stuffy and self-effacing about this kind of thing. his readiness to take her offer and run with it is appreciated. ]

So, we didn't have, uhm, groats. But I have all this porridge that I've been trying to get rid of? No cream, but I made it with milk. And...

[ she disappears into her kitchen for a moment, fetching a tray with a bowl of porridge and a little dish of maple syrup -- to be poured at the emperor's leisure.

upon her return, and as she approaches the open-concept living room with her tray: ] And we're never low on maple syrup. Though I prefer the stuff on my waffles. Especially if someone else made them.

[ buffy summers likes to feed strays. ]