Dulina Sunseri's Story

Veritas City! A home away from home. For the past...however long she has been here this place was wonderful! Granted she almost fell off the edge more time then she can count its not that bad. It has so many good sights, good people, and plenty of things to do. Like right now!

Inside one of the many parks, there a woman or at the very best a well dressed man was playing ball with many of the local youth. Playing ball by yourself was not as great as playing with others. Although it was weird that an adult was showing enough energy to rival a child with sugar in their system.

Oh yeah, the game was dodgeball. A free for all dodgeball match. And it was tense. Teens, kids and one adult running behind trees having the time of their lives. "Almost got me!" "You can't get me!" "Hahahaha!"

Those were but only the small amount of lines being spoken by the entire crowd. For the grown adult she gave a pridful smile as she laughed. "Face me then youth! Let us see if you can challenge a being who is millions of years old! I shall go easy on you all!" She called out as this attracted the attention of more kids to target her. Of course trees made useful things to hide behind.

It didn't take much longer to finish his business, to his relief. The two young women no longer laughed at him and neither seemed upset, which was just what he needed to get his equilibrium back. He collected his key, smiled and nodded his head to each in farewell and followed directions to his room.

He dropped his knapsack on the floor at the foot of the bed, without even bothering to unpack. The energy required didn't seem worth it. Instead, he flopped on the bed and closed his eyes. It had been a long day already and he was tired. Maybe he would get supplies tomorrow, if he was still here then.

Still here! His eyes shot open. All the thoughts surrounding that phrase took over his mind. No, he can't sleep yet. He pushed his tired body up and got off the bed to kneel next to his knapsack. He opened it and pulled out thick gloves, much too thick for the mild weather. Covering his hands with the heavy gloves, he pulled out a salt shaker from the front pocket, not touching any of his clothes or other necessities, and sprinkled a little salt on the windowsill.

He paused in front of the window and looked out over a park in the town. A young woman and a number of children and teens ran around with a ball. Tate was careful not to touch the salted windowsill, but he smiled at the scene, until the eldest player shouted something about being a million years old. He trembled and backed away. He sat on the ground next to the window. How could it be? How did they find him? How did they get here?

Tate drifted deep into his panic, trembling and feeling his age more than he had in a while. He scrambled around the room scattering more salt and snatching up his things. Just as he thought he finished, a knock came to the door and he froze. "Mr. Smith, would you like to come down to the dining hall for dinner or have it here?" Dining hall? Mr. Smith. There was no ancient power behind the name, but neither would his enemies call him Mr. Smith.

He didn't answer right away. First, he considered his options. His guest, perhaps another worker at the inn, didn't try to break in, but simply waited. With his emotions and senses on high alert, he still felt the person's presence on the other side of the door. He sprinkled salt on all the exit points already, though it would be another thing he had to pick up in town. He wrinkled his nose, not too keen on the thought. Since he left the faerie mound, he didn't like salt any better than the faeries themselves. He had something of an allergic reaction to it, but he always kept some on hand as a precaution. "I'll take my meals here, if you don't mind."

"As you wish, sir." Then the presence left and Tate took a deep breath and fell back to the bed.
"Wait!" He moved to a sitting position and called back, "I can't eat anything with salt in it, I'm allergic."
"Allergic to salt?"
"Yes!"
"I'll see what I can do, sir."

Tate would later have to explain his room, but for now he stayed put. He got up to the window again and saw the woman still running around. Well, If she was who she said she was, she hadn't noticed him yet. He went back to the bed, dropped off his bag and replaced the salt shaker. Then he left the gloves next to it.

The game continued on, the smaller kids of course were of course the first ones to go out from the teens. They made sure to throw their balls softly against them of course and it was soon down to the more larger teens...and the woman? She was still in the fight smiling with her ball still in her hand.

As soon as she spotted one of the teens run past her tree, she whistled and got his attention. She soon laughed as she readied her ball. "Muhahahaha! How unfortunate you have laid your eyes upon me! Prepare to face the mighty Comic Throw!" She pulled her arm back as the kid dropped his ball in surprise and shielded himself.

The ball sailed through the air...and it began to slow down...and then it hit the ground and just...rolled by his foot...The woman, or at the very best the good looking man blinked multiple times as she watched this. "Ahahaha!...I knew my Cosmic Throw was too powerful so...I had to reduce its power as to prevent a massive explosion! So...You are out!" She crossed her arms and gave a proud smile. The kid of course believed her story and slowly nodded as he went over to the side.

She gave a deep sigh as he bought her lie. That was totally planned, she may not be that physically fit but she was a great actor. Maybe after the game she can get some sweets for free? Free sweets were always a tasty treat. For now she decided to stay behind her tree as the other teens began to take each other out of the game. She did not notice the man looking at her, but of course she was more busy with her game of dodgeball.

Altas had woken up very early in the morning, and was typically up far before the sun ever was. He needed to prepare for his day of work at his Cafe. He had baking to do, dough to knead, cookies to decorate, whipped cream to make, and a lobby to clean. He wiped down the counters as he hummed a soft tune. Next he moved onto the plates and trays. And finally when it was nearly opening time he decorated roughly two hundred macaroon cookies, just in time to open the door for his first costumer of the day.

Though his cafe a was only open until just after noon, he had plenty of business. He had earned the patronage of a good amount of the residents of Veritas Isle, as he offered fair prices for delicious coffee drinks and pastries. Those Island residents told newcomers and tourists of their favorite bakery, and before he knew it, Atlas' cafe had exploded with business. Today was a terribly busy day though, Atlas ran around taking orders, making coffee, and serving up treats with a calm collected demeanor, and of course a smile, stopping to talk to patrons when he was able. Just as he felt overwhelmed his help for the day arrived to relieve him of taking orders and doling out the pastries. Atlas took over the coffee station, it was his passion after all, here he felt relaxed and in his zone. He could see across the way from his coffee shop, that people were playing a rather vigorous game of dodge ball. He shook his head with a slight chuckle. "Get the cold brew going!" He shouted to one of his employees, who started the cold brew immediately.

The game of dodgeball continued, at the woman hid behind her tree is safety more of the kids continued to eliminate each other until eventually all that remained was one more. Of course he had no idea there was one person left and stuck his arms in the air shouting "Victory!"

Of course busy celebrating his victory, the woman slinked from behind her tree and quietly snuck behind the teen. Ball ready to beam him however she soon smiled and laughed behind him. "Unfortunately this is my victory. It so happens that I, the great and ancient being is left. It is a great honor to face me in a duel, however victory shall be mine this day!" She spoke proudly as the teen went wide eyed.

She simply pulled her arm back making it appear that she would throw it right at him, but she ended up bonking him on the head. "Bonk!" She smiled proudly as she tossed her ball to the side and threw her own arms into the air. "I win! That was really fun!" She suddenly exclaimed as she jumped up and down in excitement.

Of course, what better way to celebrate a victory with something tasty. Like some food drinks and sweets. There was a café nearby so obviously it had food! WIth her destination set she began to skip her way to get some food.

---

Elwin strided through the city like he owned castles. He had just dropped off the dress to his customer and didn't want to go home just yet. Roshia was in a mood and god forbid he got in the way of her needing to follow Nasir around. I mean, I am Roshia's twin. I was literally her womb buddy. Ever since Ameria had to leave and go off on her little SOUL searching or whatever the hell she was doing with the damn trees and animals... Nasir has clung to Roshia and I think she likes the attention, though maybe it is because Father has gotten a bit more introvert or maybe it is old age. He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. It was getting complex at home and the tension was suffocating him. He saw the girl skipping towards the bakery, but luckily got inside before her.

The smell of food and coffee lead Elwin into a busy bakery. There was a line to order, he waited, looking around as people chattered over food and drinks. They looked happy. The stress of living on a family own farm was bad, but he had been picked on by humans and other species for his preference. Elwin crossed his arms and stepped up when people moved out of the line with their order. It was a matter of many minutes when Elwin got to the counter. A very cute man who was a bit taller than himself. His deep amber eyes is what caught him first. "Uhm, can I get the largest hazelnut coffee you have with a couple donuts to go?" Elwin ordered, trying hard not to stare at his eyes or lips.

The woman skipped behind into line just behind an elf. And here she thought that she was quick enough, the place seemed to be closing for the day, she just hoped she could get her order before it did close or she would have to look for another shop to order her sweets and that would take away from her victory sweet feast!

From what she could hear, this place sold donuts! Nice, they might have glazed and sweetened donuts! Her nose was already tickled by the smell of hazelnut and she could not help but put both her hands on her cheek to savor the smell. She could only imagine how the donut would smell, she was exited.

Although maybe she should order a cold and refreshing drink, it was pretty hot out there so she may have worked up a sweat...If standing behind a tree for most of the game in the shade made her sweat at all...But right now she just had to wait a bit longer. Of course she needed to keep appearance so she soon stopped squeezing her cheeks with her hand and kept a neutral smile. Hand by her side as she waited.

---

Elwin nodded in agreement. For a moment he had forgotten about the heat outside. Grabbing his coffee, trying hard not to touch the guy's hand, he smiled, "glazed please." His voice was a lot softer than he wanted it to be. He could feel his cheeks warm up and knew he was blushing. He looked over his shoulder for a second so that the guy wouldn't see his blush and saw a girl, Elwin smiled before turning back to the guy. I hope he doesn't see me blush or think I am some weird guy who thinks touching his hand is the last thing I want to do.

Atlas nodded and turned to grab the donuts. He used tongs to pick up the sticky fresh donuts and set them on a plate for the man. He saw that he cheeks were a tad flushed, but assumed it was from the hot and humid weather they had been having. He handed the plate to the red headed man. "Is this your first time visiting the Cafe? I'm Atlas, I own the place, be sure to let me know how you like your coffee and your treats." He said with a warm smile. He pointed to an empty section of the Cafe where there were a set of arm chairs, a coffee table, and an oil lamp flickering away. "Thats spots empty for when you are ready to take a seat" He said smiling again. He had a calming and warm tone to his voice. He then asked the order of the next in line while he was awaiting a response, so that he could finish up the line and take his break.

As Duliana stood in line, the elven man in front of her would turn around with a blush. She was listening to him, his voice was soft as he ordered from the man. Someone is in love! She just knew it, although this meant trying to flirt and make him embarrassed seemed a little out of the question now perhaps she could try. Maybe...For now as the man behind the counter gave the man his order she stepped up with eager eyes scanning the delicious options. She needed something good to celebrate...oh who was she kidding, a victory sweet feast deserved a bunch of options. "I'll take some milk, Two chocolate cookies, two blueberry muffins, one strawberry muffin, three glazed cinnamon donuts and a slice of apple pie and coconut pie! This is a celebration worth of such a feast!" She spoke with a smile as she crossed her arms striking such a victorious pose. This would be a day to remember! And totally not just because she wanted to snack on a massive amount of sweets every chance she had.

Atlas took the young womans order, he wrote in on a piece of paper and gave it to another worker of his and poured the milk for the woman, then helped grab the rest of her order, "Alright thats one milk, two chocolate cookies, two blueberry muffins, one strawberry muffin, three glazed cinnamon donuts and a slice of apple and coconut pie. Another worker will be by to take your payment while I get it set out on a platter for you." Atlas said with a smile. Aother worker came and totaled up the amount of the desserts and milk and gave the woman her change while Atlas carried her order out to a table and set it out, he also set up to go containers and a bag if she should need it. "We hope you enjoy your celebratory treats!" He said with a warm smile.

After atlas was finished with the young womans order he called out "Last call for coffee drinks. Drip coffee and Pastries will be available till close." A few people came up to order to-go drinks and then left the Cafe, leaving it mainly empty. Atlas closed down his station and cleaned it off then went with his book to the chair across from the man he now understood to be Elwin. He sat down and opened the book before looking up at Elwin. "So, Elwin? How did you enjoy your coffee and donuts?" He asked, looking up at the man while waiting for an answer. "You design clothing right? Its not often I see men designing and making clothing, especially womens clothing. Its refreshing" He said. After he spoke one of his employees brought over an array of tiny cookies and layered drink in a clear cup to him, atlas thanked the man and set them down, the drink wafted notes of hazelnut and vanilla into the air.

After paying for her feast, Dulina smiled happily as she walked over to an empty table and began to munch on her sweets. First ones to go were the muffins, fresh blueberries and strawberries all inside a nice fluffy and warm muffin. All finished off with some cold milk. This was the life, play hard and eat hard.

She wondered what to do after she ate...That was something, she wondered if there were dragon flying activities or more games. Maybe there was a inn where she can see how many people gets embarrassed from casual flirting and jokes. Meh...This cookie with milk was delicious! Sweets were already a tasty treat! People sometimes say its going to her waist or rot her teeth but her teeth was pearly white! And she exercises enough so sweets are not a problem!

She will eat sweets until the day sweets no longer existed!

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.

Kel saw that the shop was getting ready to close. He wished he could come back later to see what the evening events had in store, but he had to run the tavern. Or did he? The tavern had been rather slow lately, so being closed for one night wouldn't hurt anything. Also it seemed like it had been ages since he had the chance to socialize with his peers as his uncontrolled muttering had illustrated. That was it, he had decided. He was going to come back tonight to try and meet some new people. He finished the last bite of the cheesecake he was eating and the last few sips of coffee before he stood up and left the small cafe.

Kel walked down the road to the market and began searching through the fresh produce. He picked out a few onions and potatoes that looked exceptional in quality before he made his way to the dairy section of the market and found some sharp cheddar cheese and eggs. He remembered that he promised to buy Cire a treat, so he stopped at the meat section and grabbed a small steak. He paid for everything and began his trip back home.

He got home just as the sun was beginning to set on the horizon. Cire began jumping up with excitement when he saw Kel and ran up to greet him.

"Were you a good kitty while I was gone?" He asked as he dangled the steak. Cire sat down and was attentive waiting patiently for Kel to give him the steak. He let out a small happy growl as if answering the question.
"Okay, well you're gonna have to watch the house again later tonight so consider this incentive to do a good job tonight too." Kel smiled as he gave Cire the steak. He took the rest of his groceries into the tavern and put his closed sign in the window. He put the food away in the kitchen before going upstairs to his room to get changed.

He stood in front of a full length floor mirror and began trying to decide on what he should wear. He went through a few different outfits before he decided on something casual. He had a black button down short sleeve shirt under a blue satin vest and a pair of black slacks that matched the shirt. He put on a pair of black shoes and the outfit looked complete.

He looked at the time and realized that he had no idea what time the cafe re-opened or if they continued to serve any food at night. He really should have talked to the guy that worked there rather than eaves dropping. "Wow, my social skills are terrible." He said to himself in the mirror. "I need this worse than I thought."

He decided to wait for a little while before going out, just to be sure he didn't get there too early. He grabbed a book off the shelf and began reading to pass the time while he waited.

It had been a few weeks after she had last made a public appearance. Unknown to everyone but herself she had a sugur rush crash in her home, and felt really sick for the past few weeks mostly due to a very upset and angry gut. Sweets were very delicious but when you eat too much of them then thats when the goodness turns into a nightmare. Plety of soup was needed, along with plently of bed rest so she could not have fun. Of course even if she wanted to have fun she probaly would vomit rainbows with the amount of sugar in her body.

Now today was finnaly the time to get back out and have some fun. She missed out on so many games, so many jokes and so much people to prank. Now where to start?...that was the question. The park would be a good place to start, thats where all the games are but she was also feeling actually hungry. Not sweet hungry but food hungry. So much to do...but nothing like some games and sunlight to start the day off! "Hello world! I am back again! Now marvel in my brilliant aura as I make this day a whole lot more energetic." The woman smiled to herself as she started her day off running through the streets.