Setting
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
He said as he finished up a drink and called out the order "One triple shot Macchiato and chocolate cream horn to go" Atlas turned back to the red head in front of him. "Why not grab a seat? Its a tad hot to be drinking coffee outside today, dont you think?" He said as he looked up at the man for a second. "Its nearing closing so people should be clearing out, It will be nice and peaceful in here, perfect for book reading.." Atlas said softly, speaking out loud on accident. He poured the mans coffee and handed it to him, the aroma of hazelnut filling the air. Atlas sighed deeply, the man had ordered one of his favorite creations. "Now, what kind of donuts would you like?"
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.
Elwin took his plate of donuts and looked up at Atlas"Oh, yeah. I am usually not on this part of town, but I had a customer order a dress from me and I needed to deliver it. Thanks for the coffee and donuts." He said before paying the man and heading for his seat. Elwin was halfway there when he notice he never gave Atlas his name. "I am Elwin, nice to meet you." Turning back around, face fully flushed he sat down in a corner. He sat his stuff on the table and watched out the window. I wonder what Roshia is up to at home, hopefully not following Nasir around. When I get home I will tell her all about this place. I think she would like it here. I will make her get in touch with her feminine side, even if it kills me. Maybe she could hit it off with the baker boy. Not like she hadn't had boys fall over her before and then she kicked them to the side. Reasons I will never understand. He blew on his coffee and stared at it for a minute. Damn, this is good. He took a bite of the warm-gooey donut and almost moaned. It melts in your mouth! Roshia would die for these.
Elwin peeked at Atlas who was busy with other people. He looked so sweet, like his food. Roshia has to marry this guy. Then we can get good ass desserts and food. Everyone would love him on the farm.
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.
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!
He watched Atlas for a bit before going back and finishing off his dessert. Leaning back in the chair he sipped his coffee. It was the best he ever had. Can't believe I haven't heard of this place before. This is what I get for only sticking to one side of town. Elwin stared at his cup of coffee and wondered if he could open a shop in town. Then maybe I can get Roshia out of there... no I couldn't do that to her. She loves being out there. He smiled at the memory when he would watch her slide from tree to tree, hiding, hunting for her prey. It was like she was dancing. He tried to get her to be more social with people outside of the village, but after defending him from people in town or tourist, she refused to think anyone as of value to have her time.
He was pulled out of his thoughts when Atlas came to site in front of him. He looked so... elegant, soft, strong... and mysterious. Elwin brought his cup to his lips, "It was wonderful, thank you." His body stiffened at the mention of his job, usually people thought it was weird, but Atlas thought it was refreshing. "Mmm, yeah. I learned how to sew from my mother and just took off with it. What made you want to make such a great bakery?" He asked, holding his coffee on his lap and watching his employee set up everything.
He smiled at the compliment. It wasn't everyday that he was getting them, unless it was from his family or customers. Elwin watched Atlas take a bit of his own cooking, watching his facial expressions. He was handsome, Roshia would learn to love him. They needed a damn good baker in the village. He was sweet, so she had no reason to turn him away. She can be the manly one in the damn relationship. He nodded, reaching out and gently grabbing a cookie before taking a bite. Self aware that he was eating in front of a complete stranger. He enjoyed the flavors, none overpowering the other. Ameria would love this.
"I enjoy this greatly. I have a sister who only drinks water or tea. She would love these. You should be more confidant in your work. I think if you sucked no one would come, but you have a talent. I will drag my sister here next time. She could use the peacefulness of your cafe." He stopped after that, feeling like he was talking too much.
Elwin listened, nodding when he needed to. Usually he was the one doing all the talking. It was nice to be the one to listen for once. He could see the light in Atlas' face when he talked about his cafe. It was his pride and joy, just like every clothing he made. He couldn't help but smile. He would make a great husband for Roshia... if only she could find it in heart to love someone outside her family. Maybe she is like Nasir after all. Well that is sure in the hell going to change. I refuse to let her be like him in anyway. She will have a happy life. Elwin's eyes followed where Atlas pointed and checked out the titles. He wasn't much of a reader. They usually never had time to read, well most of his family.
"You'll come back and try something new won't you? It's not often I get people in who are open to conversation, or to trying new recipes" Atlas asked. He blinked, a bit confused, but smiled.
"Of course, I think I found my new favorite spot. To bad you don't open later, this place would be look even better." Elwin stood up, gently placing his cup down on the table. "I should head on home now. My twin sense is tingling and Lord forbid she gets into something she can't get out of. Thank you again for everything."
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.
Elwin was shocked when Atlas grabbed his hand to shake it. It was soft, but the grip was a comfortable. He smiled, "I might come again later tonight. Thanks for the lovely time." He walked out, smiling and nodded at the guy that had came in late before opening the door and looking back at Atlas as he cleaned. Elwin didn't look for too long before walking out. The sun glared at him, just like people did growing up. He tied his hair up and began for home.
I am going to get you out of that damn village and you will have a normal life. It is the least I can do for you, you have given me a peace of mind growing up, always getting into fights with the kids for picking on me. You deserve the best. Elwin walked with his head held high, just like Roshia taught him.
Elwin walked down towards the cafe. He was going to order his drink and a dessert. Then he was going to sit in his regular seat and hopefully get a chance to talk to Atlas. You can do this. Have confidence. Just think of this mission as tackling a dress design. You can do anything. Ros says you can, then you can. He gave himself a pep talk until he reached the door. He saw Atlas talking to a customer. He was smiling that kind smile that made his heart skip a beat. Roshia better take good care of him.
He opened the door gently and walked up to the counter. "Told you I would come back," he smiled, "could I possible have that hazelnut coffee iced? And that delicious looking strawberry danish." Elwin pointed towards one of the danishes, looking up at Atlas.