Kel jolted up as he was hit with the sudden realization that he had to go shopping. The tavern was out of several things that he used for making appetizers and other snacks that went well with his various drinks and brews. He ran up into his room and threw on a light blue, sleeveless button down shirt and strapped up a pair of sandals. As he went out the door, Cire was sitting by the door waiting anxiously.
"Okay, Cire, I've gotta run to the market and pick up a few things." Cire started jumping with excitement.
"No. You don't get to go with me." He scolded. Cire let out a growl in protest.
"Because the shops don't allow animals in them."He let out another growl.
"Don't lie to me. We both know you won't stay outside. You'll see or smell something that will distract you and you'll end up running around in some shop and getting in trouble. I don't want a repeat of the fish market incident. Stay here and guard the house and, if you're a good kitty, I'll bring you home a treat." Cire seemed to understand and went to lie down by the garden gate and watched the door.
Kel walked to the city as quick as he could, he knew he had a few hours before he had to open the tavern, so he knew that once he got there he would have plenty of time to relax and find the best produce and ingredients for the tavern. As he was walking to the market he passed by a small coffee and pastry shop. The aroma wafting into the air was sweet and intoxicating to the point where he had to stop in his tracks. He peered in and was a little disappointed by the sing on the counter saying "Drip coffee only", but it smelled so good even that would be amazing. The pastries looked amazing as well. He couldn't resist the call anymore. He went inside and ordered a slice of the chocolate cheesecake and a large cup of the drip coffee from the person at the counter. He sat down in a corner seat near the window and did some people watching while eating. He noticed a girl that seemed to be close to his age, maybe younger, chowing down on a big spread of sweets covering her table and he also noticed two young men sitting at another table one was another elf and the other looked human. He could see by the subtle smiles and averted gazes that there was something brewing between them. He smiled, he wished he could find something like that too, but for now he was happy with his cheesecake. He ate slowly as he watched the people in the cafe and savored each bite. The texture of the cheesecake was as smooth as velvet and the chocolate sauce was rich and sweet. The coffee was the perfect pallet cleanser as well; it was fragrant, not too bitter and the perfect strength.
"I should come in here every time I go to the market." he muttered to himself.
"This place is awesome." He caught the smell of the thyme and lemon and heard the human mention that it was a new recipe for the cookies he had made. His apothecary instinct struck without warning.
"Lavender goes best with lemon." He muttered under his breath. He knew they probably tasted great, but his apothecary instinct kicked in and as quickly as he had muttered the words, he wanted to take them back. Luckily, it seemed as though neither of them had heard what he said and before long the human began to clean things up. He was a bit relieved that he hadn't embarrassed himself, but his face was still bright red as he sipped his coffee.