by Eden Redd
The arachnix turned her dark eyes to the street and a warm smile bloomed as the dragonkin approached.
Zellee eyed Kavan, seeing him in his black leather leggings, black boots, and stylish black shirt with thin leather straps crisscrossing his strong chest. The triangular wedge with the straps accentuated his chest and gave him a confident flair.
“Hi,” Kavan said as he approached and stood before the arachnix.
“Hi,” Zellee said as she looked him up and down. “You look very dashing and good enough to eat.”
“We should try the food here first,” Kavan said with an amused smile.
The arachnix moved closer, bent her head down and kissed him on the cheek. “Maybe you’re right, but only for tonight.”
The two looked at each other fondly before two figures approached from the crowd. Kavan turned and smiled as Onka and Lorta approached. The goblin wore a light purple dress. Her purple-pink hair was down, framing her features and bringing attention to her large, oval eyes. A wry smile filled the lower portion of her face as her gaze licked at Kavan’s soul.
Lorta stood in a midnight blue dress. It adhered perfectly to her hourglass figure. The pigtails were gone and her long, straight black hair slipped down past her bare shoulders. The troll stood a little awkwardly, as if she wasn’t used to wearing such a dress in her life. She fidgeted and pulled at the dress along her hips to have it lay right against her skin.
“Wow, all three of you look beautiful,” Kavan said and bowed to them.
“Beautiful enough for our date,” Onka winked.
Kavan stood up and confusion colored his eyes. He turned his attention to Zellee and the arachnix giggled a little.
“Surprise. You’re on a date with all three of us,” Zellee grinned.
Kavan lifted an eye ridge. “All three?”
Lorta nodded. “The three of us were talking and we thought it would be a great idea if the four of us went on a date together. Especially tonight with the grand opening of the Dragon’s Table.”
“You did say you liked surprises,” Zellee added with mischievous eyes.
Kavan opened his mouth, ready to explain that wasn’t what he meant until he looked at the three beautiful women before him.
Shut up and nod!
Kavan gave them a small nod, “I love beautiful surprises.”
Zellee, Onka, and Lorta’s faces lit up with smiles.
Onka turned her attention to the crowd along the front of the new restaurant. “Why is it taking so long to open! I’m hungry!”
Kavan looked at the restaurant and shook his head. “I think Drayke is trying to build some anticipation.”
“It’s working,” Onka said in an annoyed tone, clearly not caring for the wait.
Kavan caught sight of Durzol and Dura. The siblings looked at him, Durzol giving Kavan a small nod and Dura giving him a small smile. Soki and Ammi chatted up a storm as they waited. Shegga and Nava talked as they too waited. Mayor Sunaxe was in a fine robe, chatting it up with Raine and Misty. Glem was nearby, staring at the hypnotic blinking sign.
A little further down the street, Rujin stood in front of his inn while Kazko stood in front of his tavern. The troll brothers continued to look at the rival restaurant, their eyes dripping poison.
Kavan glanced at the brothers and talked to the three women surrounding him, “Maybe after we eat, we can go to the Shouting Troll for drinks?”
All three followed Kavan’s gaze and nodded.
“Drinks sound delightful,” Zellee began, “and Kazko and Rujin have nothing to worry about. This is just the grand opening. The town should go back to normal sometime tomorrow.”
Lorta shrugged. “They’re so competitive with each other that they can't handle when anyone comes in and threatens their businesses. I talked to Rujin before I came here and he is seething. He mentioned his inn has more elegance than some new restaurant with a blinking sign.”
“They’ll be fine. I just want to eat!” Onka said loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Me too,” Zellee said as she gave Kavan a sly glance and a wink.
Kavan stood, a swirl filling his stomach until a collection of gasps filled the air. Kavan, Zellee, Onka and Lorta turned their attention to the front of the restaurant. The front doors opened as Drayke stepped out, carrying a wood crate. The dragonkin was dressed in a stylish black and silver shirt and baggy leggings. He placed the crate down as the crowd backed up a foot or two.
Drayke stepped onto the crate, lifted his arms up to the sides and addressed the crowd. “Welcome wonderful people of Moonvale to my humble establishment! The last two days have been exhausting, but everyone here will be able to see the fruits of my labor of love.
“I have wanted to open a restaurant since as far back as I could remember. The informative and generous Mayor Sunaxe helped to make this dream a reality. We found the space and many talented people helped make this possible. I have to also thank Durzol from Sunaxe Metal, Oaks from Sturdy Planks, Shegga from Shegga’s Grocery, and Zellee from Orb Styles for some of the cloth décor.
“But most of all, I thank you for coming out to the grand opening of the Dragon’s Table! Fine dining for a civilized time!”
Clapping filled the street as many heads nodded and excited eyes remained on the charismatic dragonkin.
Kavan eyed Drayke, an uncertainty filling the depths of his mind.
“I don’t wish to waste anymore of your time. I will personally seat every group before tending to the kitchen. Wine will be served on the house because of this special night. Let the grand opening commence!”
The clapping grew louder and several small cheers rose up from the small crowd. Drayke stepped down off his crate as the mob moved in. He greeted everyone with a smile and nods, several patrons talking to him all at once.
Onka’s eyes narrowed. “They better hurry up. I’m not waiting out here all night.”
Kavan covered his smile as he, Onka, Lorta, and Zellee moved closer to the crowd.
Drayke escorted patrons in. He quickly returned to greet and bring in others. The crowd began to thin as the dragonkin came back in short order between each guest and groups of guests. When Kavan, Onka, Zellee, and Lorta were last, Drayke came out with a wide smile.
“The guests of honor. Please, follow me to your seats,” Drayke said as he turned sideways, stuck out his hand and bowed slightly.
Kavan looked to the front of the restaurant as his group moved toward the entrance. The outside had glass windows, but a thick, velvet red curtain was on the inside, obscuring anyone from looking in.
The four of them stepped inside and slowed their pace as they drank in the splendor.
The restaurant was wide, roomy, and deep. Chandeliers hung from chains connected to the ceiling. Ornamental lanterns glowed, giving the place a relaxed, warm feel. Tables filled the middle, most of them the same size, but a large one filled the middle. To the right was a second level loft with several tables and a stairway leading up to it. A velvet rope was across the stairs at the bottom and top of it.
Fine paintings and tapestries covered the walls. Each one had various races in beautiful poses. To the left was a small bar and two doors, Kavan guessing it led to the kitchen.
The regal appearance of the restaurant paled against the full tables and stone statues bringing over glasses of wine and placing bottles on tables. Kavan gawked with his mouth slightly open, seeing immaculately carved statues of orcs, elves, angels, and demons moving about like living creatures. They moved to tables and bowed with drinks in their hands. The light from lanterns shined on them, showing their hard forms moving with liquid grace.
“Good help is often created,” Drayke chuckled before pointing an open hand to the large table in the middle. “Your table.”
Zellee, Onka, and Lorta spread out around the table edge. They each moved to a chair, looking down on the fine tablecloth and gold candelabra in the middle. Small flames waved to them as they each took a seat and admired the atmosphere.
Kavan sat down and glanced at the roped off loft.
“That is reserved for future guests with high dining desires. For tonight, everyone is welcomed to the Dragon’s Table,” Drayke explained before bowing down a little closer to Kavan’s ear.
“You have beautiful company, that is why you have the best table in the house,” Drayke grinned.
“What’s your game?” Kavan whispered with an edge.
Drayke nodded. “A fine dining experience the town will never forget. Don’t be so suspicious. Moonvale is going to be my home as well. Nothing nefarious will happen. Enjoy your meal and your company. We’re all friends tonight.”
Drayke stood and turned away without a second glance. The dragonkin moved toward the double doors to the side and bowed to the full restaurant. When he stood, he addressed them again.
“I have the staff preparing your meals. It will be a little of everything so you can enjoy a range of tasteful delights. Enjoy the wine and company. You will be served shortly.”
An excited murmur filled the main room and heads nodded. Drayke stepped backwards through the doors and disappeared from sight.
Kavan turned his gaze to his table, nerves slightly on edge. Zellee sat to his right. Onka to his left. Lorta sat across from him, uncomfortable and pulling at her tight dress.
Onka lifted up her wine glass and drank deeply. When she pulled it away, she licked her lips, savoring the taste.
“I don’t drink wine too often, but this is delicious,” the goblin nodded.
Lorta looked at her glass, but didn’t lift it. “It upsets my stomach. I can’t drink it too often. Mead is much better.”
A statue of an angel crossed the room with a finely crafted mug in their hand. They moved to Lorta’s side and placed it down before her. The troll blinked as her wine glass was taken away. She took hold of the mug, lifted it up, and took a sip.
“Mead,” Lorta smiled.
The statue bowed and left the table with the wine glass in hand.
“It’s like they read my mind,” Lorta said and took another drink.
“Or heard you from across the room,” Onka smiled.
Zellee took a sip from her glass before turning her attention to Kavan. “Drayke asked for some design tips for the restaurant. I was happy to help, but I only gave some advice. Still, I think he did wonders with the place in such a short amount of time.”
Kavan nodded and took a sip of his wine.
Zellee saw a distance in the dragonkin’s eyes. “Is something amiss?”
Kavan caught himself, shook his head and returned her smile. “No, nothing is amiss. I’m just taking it all in. This place looks amazing.”
Zellee leaned her humanoid upper half against the table, her legs still keeping her up. Kavan noted that because of her size, she couldn’t sit in a normal seat.
“Should I ask for a seat for you?” Kavan asked.
Zellee let out a warm laugh. “No need. This is how I am all the time. I don’t have too much furniture in my place above the shop. My bed is like a web hammock.”
“I always wondered how you slept,” Onka said.
Zellee nodded. “My legs dangle over the sides or are curled in closer to me, depending on how cold or hot I am.”
The arachnix leaned closer to Kavan, one hand laying on his hand. “But I’m sure we don’t want to talk about my boring life. I want to hear more about the dreggers.”
Kavan smirked.
“They didn’t have a chance,” Lorta grinned and took a sip.
Kavan nodded as the moment fell into light conversation. Zellee was all eyes, watching Kavan as he detailed the fight between him and the three dreggers. Onka drank her wine and Lorta leaned forward, elbows on the table and her gaze locked on Kavan. Statues moved throughout the restaurant, filling glasses as the murmur of conversation filled the large room.
The air grew hazy as Kavan enjoyed his wine. The small sliver of caution fell away like dying leaves. The mood shifted as the wine worked its magic and bodies relaxed. Zellee kept her hand on Kavan’s hand, giving it a squeeze and her eyes never looking away.
When Kavan finished detailing the fight with the three dreggers, Zellee smiled brightly.
“Our strong magistrate. I feel better knowing you’re protecting the town and all of us.”
Kavan nodded, the wine loosening his tongue a little further. “It really was just a fight for survival. I’m more interested in the three of you at this table. I still feel like I’m getting to know the town, but I only know some of the people who dwell here.”
Zellee sipped her wine. “We all want the same thing, a better life. Moonvale has had such a difficult time over the last few years, I honestly thought I would be packing up my shop and moving to Loduss.”
“I won’t leave my family’s farm,” Lorta said and took a deep sip of her mead.
Kavan looked to Zellee, “What made you stay?”
A shyness filled the arachnix’s expression, “I want to say it was you, but that wouldn’t be the entire truth. Moonvale has a freedom I always admired. I know I make mostly farm and normal clothes. I repair ripped or damaged pieces, but I get to show off my creativity with some of my styles.”
Zellee squeezed his hand again, “Ambition always drives me to do more and make it better. I spent a lot of time not knowing my self-worth.”
Zellee blinked and hesitated.
Onka looked over to the arachnix with a warm smile. “Zellee, it’s okay to be honest. You know we don’t judge you in the least.”
Lorta nodded in agreement.
“It’s a little difficult to talk about it. I don’t want to ruin our evening with my past.”
Kavan squeezed her hand back. “Your company or past will never ruin what is happening now.”
Zellee exhaled and took a sip of her wine. “I know. I’m still getting used to my freedom. I always had such grand plans. I used to design many things since my youth. I was told many times by my family that I had to be practical if I was ever to earn real coin. It was difficult to push down my dreams for a simple life.
“Shortly after leaving the family web, I travelled a little and met Hynrik. I don’t want to speak in detail, but I was young and naïve. I thought I fell in love and we bonded. We were together for many years. I wasn’t completely unhappy, but my dreams continued to sing to me from deep down.”
A genuine light touched Zellee’s dark eyes. “You never know how trapped you’ve become from inside the trap. You treat it as a barrier you can overcome if you really want to, but you never do. You stay within its confines, trying to paint your cell different colors, but it is still your cell.”
The arachnix looked away. “No matter how many times I tried to change my cell or lie to myself, it never sat well with me. I wanted more. I wanted to experience more. I wanted to break free.”
Kavan’s focus and attention centered on the arachnix, a familiar feeling swirling along his spirit.
Zellee looked to Kavan with hope in her eyes. “The first step was the hardest. I broke my bonding with Hynrik. I then picked up the pieces of my shattered life and tried to pull my dreams together. I had a new chance, a new opportunity to live the life I always wanted.”
Zellee smiled brightly to Kavan, “I finally feel like I’m becoming the person I was meant to be.”
Lorta wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Onka gave the arachnix a warm, knowing smile.
“Zellee, I understand what you mean,” Kavan said in a low tone.
The arachnix shook her head. “I find that hard to believe. You’re strong, handsome, powerful. You could have anything you want. You could leave here and become a lord of a kingdom if you chose it.”
Kavan’s soul wavered as his past clawed along his spirit. “I wasn’t always like this. I had an accident when I was younger. It affected my life and my relationships. It brought me to a dark place, a place where I was alone.
“It was my ambitions and desires that kept me going. I didn’t let the
accident define me, no matter how much it stunted my life. An opportunity came to me, to change things in my life for the better. I took it, without hesitation.”
Zellee’s eyes shimmered, “What happened to you?”
A darkness filled Kavan’s serpent eyes. “My body was broken for a long time. I was filled with pain and every day it was a fight to make it through the day. When I thought I couldn’t succeed, I pushed on, knowing I was strong enough to try.
“Like you said before, I don’t want to bog everyone down with the finer details. I just have to say, I broke away from the tormenting pain. I feel stronger, better, and ready to take on the world.”
“So am I,” Zellee whispered.
“Me too,” Lorta added in a hushed tone.
Onka nodded. “Since we are all talking about our deepest feelings, I have a confession to make. I’m hungry and horny all the time.”
The tension snapped like a twig and everyone at their table laughed long and hard.
Heads around the restaurant turned and looked over to the center table. The laughter was infectious, many patrons smiling at the group. The relaxed mood deepened as wine and spirits flowed.
Living statues came out from the kitchen with trays of food in their hands. They moved with expert skill, crossing the room and gently laying large trays onto tables. Eyes widened as the metal coverings were removed. Succulent meats, unusual creamy soup dishes, and an assortment of cheeses and fruits were organized into a delightful feast for all present to behold.
Kavan waited for the three women at his table to fill their plates before his. When he began scooping food into his plate, a hunger growled from deep within. The happy and relieved mood fueled their hunger and everyone began eating.
Time crawled into moments, the cacophony of tastes speaking to everyone. The kitchen doors opened many times, stone statues bringing out more and more trays. The feast grew and the wine flowed.