Zach and Ruby'ck settled onto adjacent chairs in the dining room, anticipation shimmering in the air as they awaited the arrival of their friends.
"We'll just have to wait a bit longer," Zach remarked, his voice laced with a touch of excitement.
Ruby'ck nodded in agreement, her gaze drifting to the spread of delicious food before them.
"These dishes turned out wonderfully. I'm confident they'll enjoy every bite," Zach said, a hint of pride in his tone as he surveyed their culinary creations.
"They're going to love it. There's no doubt in my mind," Ruby'ck replied, her eyes gleaming with certainty.
Zach's lips curved into a small smile at her words, a silent agreement passing between them.
Curiosity sparked, Ruby'ck turned to Zach with a question. "Have you always been the one in charge of cooking since the war?"
Zach nodded. "Yes, it was usually me and Gargeal. But now that he's gone, it's fallen on me. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if Jiighual lends a hand. He's been picking up cooking skills, and his love for food makes him a natural fit," Zach explained.
Ruby'ck nodded in understanding, a knowing smile gracing her lips. "That makes sense. Jiighual's passion for food is unmatched, and his role as the embodiment of Gluttony certainly suits him in the kitchen," she remarked.
Zach chuckled softly, acknowledging the truth in her words. "Indeed," he agreed, a sense of camaraderie and warmth filling the space between them as they sat side by side, awaiting the company of their friends.
Ruby'ck couldn't help but join in Zach's chuckle, a smile tugging at her lips as they shared a moment of lightheartedness.
As they gazed at the array of dishes before them, Ruby'ck's concern surfaced. "Do you think they'll be back soon? The food might lose its warmth and flavor," she voiced.
Zach's confidence remained unwavering. "I'm sure they'll be here any moment now," he assured her.
Sure enough, the sound of approaching footsteps reached their ears, signaling the imminent arrival of their friends.
"Looks like they're here," Zach remarked with a knowing smile.
Before Ruby'ck could respond, the door burst open with Jiighual's exuberant entrance, his hunger palpable in the air as he eagerly proclaimed his excitement for the feast.
"THOSE SMELL! IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE WE'RE GOING TO EAT A DISH FROM YOU, CAPTAIN. I GREW TIRED OF DRIED MEAT AND STEAK AND PORK AND PLAIN FISHES!" Jiighual shouted, drooling from the smell.
Kazaks and Yzavynne entered beside Jiighual, their laughter blending with his enthusiasm as they joined the gathering.
"Hey, hey, hey. Calm down, big guy," Kazaks said, trying to temper Jiighual's excitement.
"I'LL GO FIRST!" Jiighual shouted, making a beeline for the dining room.
"Wait for the others, alright?" Zach said, his tone laced with amusement.
"OKAY, CAPTAIN!!" Jiighual responded eagerly, settling into his seat with anticipation.
"Welcome back, you three. Kazaks and Yzavynne, take a seat here as we wait for the others," Zach said warmly, gesturing to the chairs around the table.
"Heh, thanks, Captain Zach," Kazaks said, offering a grateful smile as he guided Yzavynne to their seats.
With Jiighual eagerly awaiting the feast, Ruby'ck couldn't help but tease their friends playfully. "Welcome back, you three! Especially you two lovebirds!"
"Hey, Ruby. Hmm, exposing us, are you now?" Yzavynne replied with a playful smirk.
"Hehehehe," Ruby'ck chuckled mischievously, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Meanwhile, Kazaks watched Jiighual's excitement with fond amusement, his gaze flickering with affection for his friend's unabashed enthusiasm.
Then, the door opened again, heralding the arrival of Leeani, Qarek, and Andhur, completing the group.
"Hello there!" Qarek exclaimed, his boisterous voice echoing through the room.
"Oh, lunch has already been prepared," Leeani observed, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the feast.
"Welcome back, you three," Zach greeted them warmly, his smile widening at the sight of their friends reunited once more.
"Oh, good to be back, Captain," Qarek replied, his grin mirroring Zach's warmth.
"I'll just put this guitar beside my bed. I'll be quick enough to join you guys," Andhur announced, disappearing into the bedroom with a spring in his step.
They settled around the dining table, the room buzzed with laughter and conversation, each member of the group engaging in their own unique activities.
Jiighual wasted no time diving into the dishes, his enthusiasm palpable as he sampled each delectable creation with gusto. His exclamations of delight echoed throughout the room, punctuated by the occasional sound of utensils clinking against plates as he eagerly indulged in the feast before him.
Kazaks and Yzavynne, seated beside Jiighual, shared amused glances as they watched their friend's voracious appetite in action. Their laughter mingled with the jovial atmosphere, adding to the sense of camaraderie that enveloped the group.
Meanwhile, Leeani and Qarek engaged in animated conversation, their voices rising and falling as they discussed their recent adventures and shared stories from their travels. Their laughter rang out melodiously, blending harmoniously with the joyful din of the room.
Andhur, having returned from stowing his guitar, joined in the lively banter with a smile on his face, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the tabletop as he recounted his own experiences from their time apart.
Through it all, Ruby'ck's playful teasing served as the catalyst for the group's laughter, her infectious energy infusing the room with warmth and merriment. Each member of the group found themselves caught up in the shared joy of the moment, their bond as friends and companions stronger than ever.
Zach's expression shifted, his brows furrowing with a mixture of longing and sorrow as he uttered in a soft, heartfelt tone, "I hope you two are here to witness these, Nert and Gargeal..."
His voice carried a weight of emotion, tinged with the ache of missing his comrades. In that moment, the air seemed to thicken with a solemn reverence, the memory of those who had journeyed with them before hanging heavy in the room.
Ruby'ck, sensing Zach's melancholy, reached out to gently squeeze his hand, offering silent support and understanding. The others, too, felt the weight of Zach's words, their own thoughts drifting to the friends that are not here.
And as they shared this meal together, laughter mingled with reminiscences, and the bonds of friendship grew even stronger, binding them together in a shared moment of joy and camaraderie. For in this humble gathering, they found not only nourishment for their bodies but also sustenance for their souls, a reminder of the enduring power of friendship to brighten even the darkest of days.
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Hidden Pathways (BOOK 1)
الخيال (فانتازيا)The story, far from a mere clash of powers, delves into the intricate layers of morality and consequence. What dark secrets lie beneath the surface, and how does the conflict between the Renaissance and humanity intertwine with an age-old cosmic dra...
