Laughter echoed. Glasses clinked. Conversations buzzed. The aroma of fresh pastries masked the Soft Waffle Tavern’s usually musky air.
Villagers packed elbow to elbow surrounded an array of savory dishes and sweet drinks spread across rough-hewn tables. In the back corner, Old Finn himself manned the stone oven, his wrinkled hands removing piping hot basilisk puddings to the delight of the gathered patrons.
These were the simple joys that he’d been looking for. Inevitably, Kaito raised his arms, assuming one of his signature poses, and everyone cheered.
Beside him, Mayor Zenith gasped softly, cheeks flushed pink with wonder. No doubt she would soon be circulating the tavern, greeting everyone. She waved enthusiastically at Old Finn behind the bar, his wrinkled face breaking into a gap-toothed grin at the sight of the pair.
“Kaito! Princess!” The old man called out in his gravelly voice. “Come in, come in! I’ve saved the best table, and there’s hot basillisk pudding and Soothing Dose just waiting for you weary travelers!”
Kaito inclined his head in thanks, placing a hand on the small of Zenith’s back to guide her through the crowded room. Villagers smiled and greeted them as they passed, raising tankards of ale in salute.
They settled at the table set near the great stone fireplace, its flames crackling merrily. Old Finn himself brought over two heaping bowls of basillisk pudding, the custard quivering temptingly. Beside each bowl he set a tall, frost-coated glass brimming with chilling Soothing Dose, the velvety sweet rum that was everyone’s favorite.
“Here ye are, dearies, enjoy!” Old Finn said.
“You are most kind, thank you,” Zenith replied earnestly to the old man. Her eyes were bright as she savored a spoonful of pudding.
This was truly fantastic, Kaito mused as he relaxed back in his well-worn chair. The fire was warm on his skin and the aftertaste of Old Finn’s famous puddings had his subtle smile lingering.
Zenith nodded towards Portia and Angelina. “I’ll go greet them,” she said.
“Kaito, lad,” rang a familiar voice across the ruckus. “Your work on the tax returns...never seen anything like it.”
“Mister Lotho? What a pleasant surprise. How was your journey?” Kaito slurred slightly, red-faced and warm from the Soothing Dose, with a giant grin on his face. Lotho beamed back, his eyes twinkling in the joy of reunion.
“It was delightful, but I missed Calmo too much,” Lotho sighed. “And this lovely lady of course.”
“You’re such a tease.” Edweth eased herself into the seat Zenith had vacated, breathing heavily. “These celebrations aren’t as easy as they used to be.” Her hand trembled as she poured herself another drink.
“Nonsense, you look younger every day Miss Edweth. Cheers!” Kaito said, while presenting his cup to her.
Edweth’s trembling hand sent Soothing Dose in all directions. But Kaito, with lightning-fast reflexes, darted his cup back and forth. Not a single drop was spilled.
Lotho and Finn were flabbergasted, but not as much as Edweth. “Well, would you look at that? My hand’s steadier than I thought!” she exclaimed.
I actually don’t have any cheeky comments for this…
Respect.
Kaito raised his cup. “To Calmo’s future!”
“To Kaito!” Finn said. Then everyone drank.
‘Ahh’ Lotho settled his cup down. “I always knew you were the best thing to ever happen to Calmo.”
“You give me too much credit. I just do what I can for our village,” he said sincerely.
After hearing those words, Finn slammed another bottle of rum on the table, and poured the next round. “I’ll drink to that as well. Night’s young.”
If I had a physical voice, you would have left it speechless. I take back my previous remarks, here I thought you weren’t fun, but look at you partying with the senior squad.
Soothing Dose sure is delicious, Karen—oh shit, Lotho is pouring me another.
Soon enough, Finn carefully placed another pot of basilisk pudding on the table.
“Finny, you didn’t…” Lotho leaned closer to the table, as to confirm what he had seen.
“Indeed I did. I might be too old to hunt them, but Master Jogid snagged one, just for today,”
Edwedth gasped. “Never thought I’d taste golden basilisk pudding again. This might just be the happiest moment of my life.”
Could this really be better than regular basilisk pudding? “I’ll pour the Soothing Dose!”
No comment.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Portia raised her glass with a teasing glint in her eye. “So, Zeny, I can see that your business trip was quite eventful. Spill the details!”
Zenith blushed slightly with an uncontainable smile. “Well, it was mostly work, but Kaito did give me this beautiful wind chime. It has a lovely sound.”
Angelina’s bracelet clinked softly against the table as she leaned in closer to Zenith. “That sounds wonderful. Did anything... special happen with Master Kaito?”
Should I tell them? I want to tell them…I mean it was just a kiss.
Zenith hesitated, her cheeks reddening further. “Actually, yes. We... we ended up kissing.”
Portia burst into laughter, slapping the table. “Ha! I lost the bet! I was so sure you wouldn’t fall for his charms. Angelina, you win this time.”
Angelina giggled, a bit tipsy. “It was just a feeling. Love can be so unpredictable, right, Zenith?”
Zenith nodded. “Yes, it can. It was just a kiss. Do you think he feels the same way?” I don’t want it to be just a fleeting moment of connection.
Portia smirked, taking another sip of her drink. “Well, it’s obvious he’s into you, so let’s drink to that!”
She’s right!
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
The tavern was still as lively as it had been at the start of the evening, but poor Finn and Edweth had passed out at the table, their bellies full of smooth rum and rich pudding. As Mister Lotho stood up, apparently to make an announcement, Kaito spotted Zenith heading his way with a bright smile.
“You seem in high spirits tonight,” Kaito observed.
Zenith’s smile broadened. “I am. It’s more than just the celebration. I’m genuinely happy with how everything’s turned out.”
Kaito raised his glass in a toast. “To the paths we’ve chosen, then. May we continue to share this fun and peaceful life together for a long time.”
“Together?” She asked shyly.
“That wouldn’t be so bad wouldn’t it?”
“I guess not.” Zenith eagerly clinked her glass to his. “I’ll drink to that!”
Across the tavern Lotho slowly and carefully climbed up on a stool. Kaito gasped watching how the remnants of Soothing Dose in the elder’s system turned him into a marionette in the hands of an excited puppeteer.
‘Ahem! Ahem!’ Lotho waited for the lively chatter filling the tavern to die down.
Conversations quieted to a hush as all heads swiveled towards Lotho. Tankards paused mid-air, dripping honeyed brew onto the tables below. And even Old Finn woke from his slumber to listen to his friend’s words.
“Can everyone hear me back there? Good! I’m not as spry as I used to be, but I’m not one to miss a good party.” Lotho chuckled.
“Good people of Calmo!” Lotho announced while spreading his arms wide, making everyone cringe as the stool wobbled under him. “First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for being here tonight. You’ve all been so special to me throughout the years. I can’t imagine a better village to have grown old in.”
Appreciative murmurs rippled through the tavern. Kaito found himself nodding along
“As many of you know, I recently retired, quite unexpectedly, I might add,” Lotho went on, rubbing the back of his neck ruefully. “But I want you all to know that I didn’t do it lightly. I wouldn’t have left Calmo in anyone else’s hands unless I was absolutely sure they were capable. And I think we can all agree that they have been.” He gestured towards Kaito.
“I want to propose a toast to Kaito, for his dedication and leadership. He’s brought a fresh perspective and a renewed energy to Calmo, and I couldn’t be more proud of the young man he’s become. To Kaito!” Lotho proclaimed, hoisting his glass high.
“To Kaito!” The crowd echoed, tankards and cups thrust upwards.
Kaito smiled, inclined his head in thanks, and sipped his Soothing Dose welcoming the cheers extolling him.
Zenith threaded her arm through Kaito’s, beaming. “They really love you, you know,” she murmured.
Kaito gave her arm a pat. “It’s not me they love, but what we’ve built together.”
Up on his unsteady perch, Lotho wobbled, struggling to keep his balance. “Whoa there…”
But Lotho waved his hands, regaining his equilibrium. “...sorry folks don’t mind me.”
Kaito narrowed his eyes on Lotho while his hand slid into his pocket, grasping a small object.
“And to Mayor Zenith, who has not only captured the hearts of our people but also proven herself to be a wise and compassionate leader.” He raises his glass again. “To Zenith!”
A roar of approval rang out as everyone lifted drinks in tribute.
“I am confident that under their guidance, Calmo will continue to thrive for many years to come. May the future be filled with prosperity, laughter, and good times.” Lotho took a sip of his drink. “Now, let’s continue celebrating! There’s plenty of food and drink to go around, and I’m not going anywhere until I’ve had at least three more pieces of Finn’s basilisk pudding!”
The crowd erupted in laughter and applause.
Edweth jerked awake.
“Bring more golden pudding!” someone yelled.
Next to Kaito, Edweth whooped loudly before dissolving into a violent coughing fit that drew all eyes to their table.
Zenith rushed to comfort the wheezing woman, unaware that across the tavern, Lotho wobbled unsteadily atop his stool, arms windmilling.
Time might as well have slowed.
In one gracious motion, Kaito raised the small silver whistle he had retrieved from his pocket earlier up to his lips, blowing a high, clear note that split the din. All heads swiveled his way.
Then his finger danced around the whistle’s hole, trilling a beautiful melody that reverberated through the hardwood floor, and traveled like ripples in a pond beneath the villagers’ stomping feet and onto the floorboards under Lotho’s stool. Each aged plank shuddered ever so slightly to the frequencies’ peculiar harmony. The micro-tremors moved up the stool’s legs as a counteracting force that steadied it long enough for Lotho to regain his balance.
Soon, everyone was either humming or clapping along this unexpected musical interlude. Kaito stood from his seat. And his rifts became even more elaborate.
With sweeping showmanship, Kaito brought his impromptu composition to its dramatic climax—concluding with a powerful e-minor run, letting the last note hang triumphantly in the air.
Meanwhile, Lotho’s flailing ceased, and he was able to step down safely amidst the distraction. Scratching his head, the man inspected the stool.
As Kaito slipped the whistle back into his pocket the crowd roared with enthusiasm.
“Play another!” someone cried.
Kaito smiled and bowed graciously to thunderous acclaim before retaking his seat.
Nice save there, maestro. I was beginning to think you’d let the old man crack his skull open. Anyway… I neeeed to know what spell you used!
Harmonic Balance Secret Technique!
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
The village square spun as Kaito stumbled down the path, leaning on Zenith’s shoulder to steady himself. She giggled, nearly losing her balance.
“This was some party!” They had spent the whole day making their way back to Calmo and all night celebrating at the tavern. His legs felt like jelly and the ground seemed to sway beneath him.
Zenith burst out laughing and snorted, which made Kaito laugh too. She grabbed his arm to catch herself.
They zig-zagged towards village hall using each other for support and ultimately collapsed in Zenith’s cot.
“May I rest here a bit before heading home?” he mumbled.
Zenith mhmm’ed in agreement, head already resting on his shoulder.
“Zen?” he asked without opening his eyes,
“Just for now,” she breathed,
Then soft lips landed on his.
Shit look at you, Mr. No-drama, ready to get down with the clichéd elf princess.
You got it all wrong, Karen. She is a half-human mayor. That’s not cliched at all—it’s fresh. Now, I need to shut you down, but I promise I’ll bring you back online in the morning.
Oh, please do! I don’t want this experience shaping my algorithms. That would be a programming nightm—
Laughter echoed. Glasses clinked. Conversations buzzed. The aroma of fresh pastries masked the Soft Waffle Tavern’s usually musky air.
Villagers packed elbow to elbow surrounded an array of savory dishes and sweet drinks spread across rough-hewn tables. In the back corner, Old Finn himself manned the stone oven, his wrinkled hands removing piping hot basilisk puddings to the delight of the gathered patrons.
These were the simple joys that he’d been looking for. Inevitably, Kaito raised his arms, assuming one of his signature poses, and everyone cheered.
Beside him, Mayor Zenith gasped softly, cheeks flushed pink with wonder. No doubt she would soon be circulating the tavern, greeting everyone. She waved enthusiastically at Old Finn behind the bar, his wrinkled face breaking into a gap-toothed grin at the sight of the pair.
“Kaito! Princess!” The old man called out in his gravelly voice. “Come in, come in! I’ve saved the best table, and there’s hot basillisk pudding and Soothing Dose just waiting for you weary travelers!”
Kaito inclined his head in thanks, placing a hand on the small of Zenith’s back to guide her through the crowded room. Villagers smiled and greeted them as they passed, raising tankards of ale in salute.
They settled at the table set near the great stone fireplace, its flames crackling merrily. Old Finn himself brought over two heaping bowls of basillisk pudding, the custard quivering temptingly. Beside each bowl he set a tall, frost-coated glass brimming with chilling Soothing Dose, the velvety sweet rum that was everyone’s favorite.
“Here ye are, dearies, enjoy!” Old Finn said.
“You are most kind, thank you,” Zenith replied earnestly to the old man. Her eyes were bright as she savored a spoonful of pudding.
This was truly fantastic, Kaito mused as he relaxed back in his well-worn chair. The fire was warm on his skin and the aftertaste of Old Finn’s famous puddings had his subtle smile lingering.
Zenith nodded towards Portia and Angelina. “I’ll go greet them,” she said.
“Kaito, lad,” rang a familiar voice across the ruckus. “Your work on the tax returns...never seen anything like it.”
“Mister Lotho? What a pleasant surprise. How was your journey?” Kaito slurred slightly, red-faced and warm from the Soothing Dose, with a giant grin on his face. Lotho beamed back, his eyes twinkling in the joy of reunion.
“It was delightful, but I missed Calmo too much,” Lotho sighed. “And this lovely lady of course.”
“You’re such a tease.” Edweth eased herself into the seat Zenith had vacated, breathing heavily. “These celebrations aren’t as easy as they used to be.” Her hand trembled as she poured herself another drink.
“Nonsense, you look younger every day Miss Edweth. Cheers!” Kaito said, while presenting his cup to her.
Edweth’s trembling hand sent Soothing Dose in all directions. But Kaito, with lightning-fast reflexes, darted his cup back and forth. Not a single drop was spilled.
Lotho and Finn were flabbergasted, but not as much as Edweth. “Well, would you look at that? My hand’s steadier than I thought!” she exclaimed.
I actually don’t have any cheeky comments for this…
Respect.
Kaito raised his cup. “To Calmo’s future!”
“To Kaito!” Finn said. Then everyone drank.
‘Ahh’ Lotho settled his cup down. “I always knew you were the best thing to ever happen to Calmo.”
“You give me too much credit. I just do what I can for our village,” he said sincerely.
After hearing those words, Finn slammed another bottle of rum on the table, and poured the next round. “I’ll drink to that as well. Night’s young.”
If I had a physical voice, you would have left it speechless. I take back my previous remarks, here I thought you weren’t fun, but look at you partying with the senior squad.
Soothing Dose sure is delicious, Karen—oh shit, Lotho is pouring me another.
Soon enough, Finn carefully placed another pot of basilisk pudding on the table.
“Finny, you didn’t…” Lotho leaned closer to the table, as to confirm what he had seen.
“Indeed I did. I might be too old to hunt them, but Master Jogid snagged one, just for today,”
Edwedth gasped. “Never thought I’d taste golden basilisk pudding again. This might just be the happiest moment of my life.”
Could this really be better than regular basilisk pudding? “I’ll pour the Soothing Dose!”
No comment.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Portia raised her glass with a teasing glint in her eye. “So, Zeny, I can see that your business trip was quite eventful. Spill the details!”
Zenith blushed slightly with an uncontainable smile. “Well, it was mostly work, but Kaito did give me this beautiful wind chime. It has a lovely sound.”
Angelina’s bracelet clinked softly against the table as she leaned in closer to Zenith. “That sounds wonderful. Did anything... special happen with Master Kaito?”
Should I tell them? I want to tell them…I mean it was just a kiss.
Zenith hesitated, her cheeks reddening further. “Actually, yes. We... we ended up kissing.”
Portia burst into laughter, slapping the table. “Ha! I lost the bet! I was so sure you wouldn’t fall for his charms. Angelina, you win this time.”
Angelina giggled, a bit tipsy. “It was just a feeling. Love can be so unpredictable, right, Zenith?”
Zenith nodded. “Yes, it can. It was just a kiss. Do you think he feels the same way?” I don’t want it to be just a fleeting moment of connection.
Portia smirked, taking another sip of her drink. “Well, it’s obvious he’s into you, so let’s drink to that!”
She’s right!
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
The tavern was still as lively as it had been at the start of the evening, but poor Finn and Edweth had passed out at the table, their bellies full of smooth rum and rich pudding. As Mister Lotho stood up, apparently to make an announcement, Kaito spotted Zenith heading his way with a bright smile.
“You seem in high spirits tonight,” Kaito observed.
Zenith’s smile broadened. “I am. It’s more than just the celebration. I’m genuinely happy with how everything’s turned out.”
Kaito raised his glass in a toast. “To the paths we’ve chosen, then. May we continue to share this fun and peaceful life together for a long time.”
“Together?” She asked shyly.
“That wouldn’t be so bad wouldn’t it?”
“I guess not.” Zenith eagerly clinked her glass to his. “I’ll drink to that!”
Across the tavern Lotho slowly and carefully climbed up on a stool. Kaito gasped watching how the remnants of Soothing Dose in the elder’s system turned him into a marionette in the hands of an excited puppeteer.
‘Ahem! Ahem!’ Lotho waited for the lively chatter filling the tavern to die down.
Conversations quieted to a hush as all heads swiveled towards Lotho. Tankards paused mid-air, dripping honeyed brew onto the tables below. And even Old Finn woke from his slumber to listen to his friend’s words.
“Can everyone hear me back there? Good! I’m not as spry as I used to be, but I’m not one to miss a good party.” Lotho chuckled.
“Good people of Calmo!” Lotho announced while spreading his arms wide, making everyone cringe as the stool wobbled under him. “First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for being here tonight. You’ve all been so special to me throughout the years. I can’t imagine a better village to have grown old in.”
Appreciative murmurs rippled through the tavern. Kaito found himself nodding along
“As many of you know, I recently retired, quite unexpectedly, I might add,” Lotho went on, rubbing the back of his neck ruefully. “But I want you all to know that I didn’t do it lightly. I wouldn’t have left Calmo in anyone else’s hands unless I was absolutely sure they were capable. And I think we can all agree that they have been.” He gestured towards Kaito.
“I want to propose a toast to Kaito, for his dedication and leadership. He’s brought a fresh perspective and a renewed energy to Calmo, and I couldn’t be more proud of the young man he’s become. To Kaito!” Lotho proclaimed, hoisting his glass high.
“To Kaito!” The crowd echoed, tankards and cups thrust upwards.
Kaito smiled, inclined his head in thanks, and sipped his Soothing Dose welcoming the cheers extolling him.
Zenith threaded her arm through Kaito’s, beaming. “They really love you, you know,” she murmured.
Kaito gave her arm a pat. “It’s not me they love, but what we’ve built together.”
Up on his unsteady perch, Lotho wobbled, struggling to keep his balance. “Whoa there…”
But Lotho waved his hands, regaining his equilibrium. “...sorry folks don’t mind me.”
Kaito narrowed his eyes on Lotho while his hand slid into his pocket, grasping a small object.
“And to Mayor Zenith, who has not only captured the hearts of our people but also proven herself to be a wise and compassionate leader.” He raises his glass again. “To Zenith!”
A roar of approval rang out as everyone lifted drinks in tribute.
“I am confident that under their guidance, Calmo will continue to thrive for many years to come. May the future be filled with prosperity, laughter, and good times.” Lotho took a sip of his drink. “Now, let’s continue celebrating! There’s plenty of food and drink to go around, and I’m not going anywhere until I’ve had at least three more pieces of Finn’s basilisk pudding!”
The crowd erupted in laughter and applause.
Edweth jerked awake.
“Bring more golden pudding!” someone yelled.
Next to Kaito, Edweth whooped loudly before dissolving into a violent coughing fit that drew all eyes to their table.
Zenith rushed to comfort the wheezing woman, unaware that across the tavern, Lotho wobbled unsteadily atop his stool, arms windmilling.
Time might as well have slowed.
In one gracious motion, Kaito raised the small silver whistle he had retrieved from his pocket earlier up to his lips, blowing a high, clear note that split the din. All heads swiveled his way.
Then his finger danced around the whistle’s hole, trilling a beautiful melody that reverberated through the hardwood floor, and traveled like ripples in a pond beneath the villagers’ stomping feet and onto the floorboards under Lotho’s stool. Each aged plank shuddered ever so slightly to the frequencies’ peculiar harmony. The micro-tremors moved up the stool’s legs as a counteracting force that steadied it long enough for Lotho to regain his balance.
Soon, everyone was either humming or clapping along this unexpected musical interlude. Kaito stood from his seat. And his rifts became even more elaborate.
With sweeping showmanship, Kaito brought his impromptu composition to its dramatic climax—concluding with a powerful e-minor run, letting the last note hang triumphantly in the air.
Meanwhile, Lotho’s flailing ceased, and he was able to step down safely amidst the distraction. Scratching his head, the man inspected the stool.
As Kaito slipped the whistle back into his pocket the crowd roared with enthusiasm.
“Play another!” someone cried.
Kaito smiled and bowed graciously to thunderous acclaim before retaking his seat.
Nice save there, maestro. I was beginning to think you’d let the old man crack his skull open. Anyway… I neeeed to know what spell you used!
Harmonic Balance Secret Technique!
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
The village square spun as Kaito stumbled down the path, leaning on Zenith’s shoulder to steady himself. She giggled, nearly losing her balance.
“This was some party!” They had spent the whole day making their way back to Calmo and all night celebrating at the tavern. His legs felt like jelly and the ground seemed to sway beneath him.
Zenith burst out laughing and snorted, which made Kaito laugh too. She grabbed his arm to catch herself.
They zig-zagged towards village hall using each other for support and ultimately collapsed in Zenith’s cot.
“May I rest here a bit before heading home?” he mumbled.
Zenith mhmm’ed in agreement, head already resting on his shoulder.
“Zen?” he asked without opening his eyes,
“Just for now,” she breathed,
Then soft lips landed on his.
Shit look at you, Mr. No-drama, ready to get down with the clichéd elf princess.
You got it all wrong, Karen. She is a half-human mayor. That’s not cliched at all—it’s fresh. Now, I need to shut you down, but I promise I’ll bring you back online in the morning.
Oh, please do! I don’t want this experience shaping my algorithms. That would be a programming nightm—
