A Group That Eats Together
The cook and the entire kitchen staff of around twenty people absolutely delighted in the news. They started to cheer then remembered there was a solemn event happening just outside the kitchen walls. I confirmed that food has been sent to our quarters, took more nut bars, in a plate this time, and headed for our room.
My beef with how food tasted, not necessarily with the people preparing them, was well served in the palace kitchens where no one was worrying of how expensive this spice or that ingredient was. It also made me think of just what I wanted to do. I’ve had many ideas at this point but everything was pointing towards me owning a tavern of sorts.
“Join us.” Hanni invited as I went in.
“Tireanan san, Lo- Jorj.” Cheki greeted.
“Try this after your meals.” I said, laying the plate on the table.
“What are those ora?”
“Something I’m trying. Maybe we can sell it at the inn when we finally go home.”
Supper was, unsurprisingly, sandwiches and an assortment of fried and grilled meats. I wasn’t hungry so I snacked on the crispier and slightly charred parts of the meat.
“It’s sweet, isn’t it?” Hanni asked.
“Yes. I’m thinking this one will be a good thing to bring while travelling or eat when you’re too busy to have a proper meal.”
“Hmmm.”
“Jorj, I would like to say I thoroughly enjoyed what you shared with us this afternoon.” Said Cheki, now more able to drop the title but still having difficulty being formal.
“Thoroughly? How thoroughly?”
“I… I would have licked my fingers.”
“Why didn’t you then?”
“It’s not… proper.”
“Is that so? Who says it’s not?” I asked, licking my fingers, teasing the young messenger.
“Oh, lay off him Jorj. The poor creature’s going to die from awkwardness.” Hanni said, smirking.
Jibel let out a laugh. I could not help but note that Bira would have been giggling by now. She loved banter like this.
Just a few days more girl. Just a few days more.
“I will have you know that just now, before I came here, I served some to the prince, and he was licking his fingers after.”
“He was? The prince?” Cheki asked, wide-eyed.
“Oh yes. He also asked for a sample of anything we try at the kitchens while I’m here.”
“How long will you still be here, Jorj?”
“Two days, maybe. Depends on our driver.”
“Lord Litoc? He drives your wagon?”
“He does, best cart driver in Silaron.”
“I’m done!” Jibel declared, grabbing the longest bar on the plate. “Whoa! It’s very sticky!”
“It’ just the first. We’re trying to make it less sticky.”
“What kind of nuts are in it?” Hanni inquired.
“All of them. Every single kind they had.”
She reached for one, taking the smallest bar. Hanni took several bites, each time she did, her gaze settled in a new place.
“You’re right, it needs to be less sticky. It sticks to the teeth. However you pack this, it’ll come out as one block.”
Tough crowd.
“You enjoyed your lessons today Jibel?”
“I did! Ana taught me how to block, and how to dodge, and how to-”
His eyes strayed towards Hanni who was staring at him with an arched eyebrow.
“Oh, I learned the most important thing!”
“Which is?”
“If you can run, run.”
“Really?” I turned my sights on Hanni, suppressing a smile. “That’s certainly wise. Especially coming from your ana.”
“Why? Does ana run a lot?”
“Oh yes. Always.” I replied, noting Hanni’s pursed lips and head slightly shaking.
“You must always be fighting ana!” The boy exclaimed.
“Not at all.” She answered, eyes turning into daggers briefly. “It’s because I run that I don’t get into fights. Best way to fight is not to fight at all.”
“Huh?”
Jibel’s confusion triggered our laughter which triggered more confusion in the child.
“Don’t dwell on it now. I’m sure she’s got the perfect instruction for you tomorrow or the next day that will make this philosophy clear.”
“What’s that?”
“Something she will teach you soon as well.”
I wondered as I stood up to wash my hands, just how long denials like the one Hanni did will keep working with the children, Jibel especially. It is only that the child’s education came very late that despite his age, he very much acts like the average age of the other street children he and Bira hung out with. But now that he has learned some things, he is hungry to learn more. It might not take long before he starts acting his age.
“I wish you, all of you… would stay longer.” Cheki muttered, drawing a curious look from Hanni.
“Why do you wish that, messenger?”
“It’s because you’re… different. All of you, Lady Hanni.”
“How so?” I asked.
“You, we were told, are to be treated as lords but none of you act that way. You don’t shy away from servants, or guards. You do the jobs yourselves, like Lord Litoc with the preparations yesterday and wood for the pyre today. You even dress like we do in our homes. And somehow, that makes me feel better. Make us feel better.”
The young man was building up to a question, or questions. He must have at least a dozen of them. The whole scene at Riverhold alone, when he arrived, was suspect.
“You must have many questions, Cheki. You might not get answers for any of them. Just remember people like us exist. If ever you get noticed and your status elevated, remember us and you will never lose your way.”
I was feeling great about those words, especially when I saw it had an effect on the messenger. Hanni however, was not willing to let go of my earlier jabs yet.
“Inspiring words Jorj. What are we? What does he need to remember about us?”
“That we’re all idiots.”
Jibel’s peal of laughter rose above ours.