“As ya say, so it shall be, master,” She pressed her back against him as she relaxed into his embrace.
The next two days the group got together and ran the Gnoll Cave a few more times. It was easier now that they knew the fights and how to deal with them. The Shaman was still the hardest part, but Alburet would drop the duplicate Stacia after the adds and bring up a second Bob to help free the group from the vines faster. With that tactic, it never got as close as it did the first time.
The last morning the group got together knowing that it would be their last day as a group until the four joined Alburet in the immersion testing. They cleared out the Gnoll Cave twice that day, pushing Alburet well into level twenty. Karen and Fluff both leveled to nineteen and Gerald and Marysue ended up at level twenty themselves. As the day was turning to night they returned to the city after selling the old gear and loot drops they didn’t want.
Alburet had arranged for a meal for them all at the Dead Man Inn, in the private dining room. They all arrived within a few minutes of each other as the place starting to fill up with the usual evening crowd. Entering as a group, they found Marian waiting to show them to the dining room. The table was set up, with small placards at each spot bearing their names. Alburet helped seat Fluff, Karen and Stacia, while Gerald helped Marysue. When the men sat, Marian stepped forward to fill their glasses with wine.
“Tonigh’ the meal is the specialty of the house,” Marian told them as she poured. “Ma was just finishin’ up the stew, so it will be fresh when I bring it to ya.”
Stacia smiled, “Tell Ma’ I’ll be by tomorrow to learn how to make it.”
“Aye,” Maria replied even as her free hand trailed over Karen’s shoulder. “Be right back with ya meal.”
“So, once we’re done here, Marysue and I will be heading for the airport,” Gerald told the others.
“I’m on a flight tomorrow morning,” Karen put in.
“I don’t need to fly,” Fluff added in her quiet voice.
Before they could add anything else, Marian came back with a loaded cart. Smiling, she first set out small baskets of bread on the table, wisps of fragrant steam rising from them. She put a bowl full of stew before each of them next, the steam was full of the fragrance of the meal. The smell made their bellies rumble, eliciting chuckles from some. “For those who have nay had the stew before, every bite will increase the heat. The wine will only complement the meal, nay dull any heat ya feel. The bread is there to dampen the heat. It be recommended ya take a bite or three then nibble on a bit of bread. Iffin ya be needin’ anythin’ just ring this bell and I will come to check on ya.” She placed a small silver bell next to Alburet’s spot at the head of the table. With a curtsy, she left them alone to enjoy the meal.
“She does the whole service thing well, doesn’t she?” Karen mused.
“Her massages are good from what we’ve heard,” Alburet chuckled.
“She gives massages?” Marysue asked.
Stacia replied to her before the others could, “All of me sisters know how to give massages. Our Ma’ taught us how to ease the muscles to help people relax.”
“Do you think she would be free after dinner?” Marysue asked.
Gerald shook his head, “We have a plane to catch. You can see about a massage when we’re here next. Or would you rather miss the test?”
Marysue tsked, “We could just get the flight delayed a bit.”
Fluff shook her head and took a bite from the stew as the others watched Gerald and Marysue. Her eyes got a little wide and she quickly took a second bite. A contented purr came from her, cutting off the conversation as all eyes went to her. Fluff flushed pink when she realized they were all watching her. Somewhat flustered, she took a sip of wine which made her close her eyes as the flavors mingled, enhancing them both. The purring grew louder.
“Well then, shall we eat?” Alburet asked to break the moment, trying to pull attention from Fluff.
Gerald nodded, “I think it warrants the attention.”
Gerald and Marysue each took a bite of Lilith’s stew for the first time. Both of them made approving sounds as they took a second bite. Marysue quickly sipped her wine pausing as her eyes closed before she quickly took a piece of bread and nibbled it. “That is so good, but the heat does start picking up doesn’t it.”
Gerald took a third bite, also sipping the wine. His smile grew wider. “This is fantastic,” he said as he looked over at Stacia. “This is your family’s recipe?” He took a piece of bread, chewing it as he waited for Stacia to finish her bite.
“Ma’s recipe, she’ll be teachin’ it to me tomorrow,” Stacia replied.
“I have had meals made by world renowned chefs that could not approach the complexity of this dish, much less the way it increases in heat or mellows quickly with just a little bread. Not to mention how the wine is in perfect harmony with it.”
Nodding, Marysue joined in, “He’s right. This could easily be in the top ten meals I’ve ever had.”
Smiling, Stacia replied, “I will pass along ya kind words to me Ma’ tomorrow.”
The rest of the meal went in relative silence, with occasional appreciative comments about the food. When they finished Alburet rang the bell and Marian appeared. “We seem to have finished, Marian.”
“Aye and all the bowls be cleaned right nice,” Marian said as she cleaned the table. “Will ya be wantin’ coffee or dessert?”
“I heard you’re talented with massages,” Marysue quickly interjected.
“Aye, all of me sisters be talented in tha’. Would ya be wantin’ one?”
Sighing, Gerald looked away in frustration, “Mary?”
“Oh, shh. It’s dad’s jet, we can get it bumped back two hours without any problem. When was the last time I had a massage? Two years ago, which is much too long.” Marysue stood up, “I would love one, how much and where do we go.”
Karen chuckled as she stood up as well, “Gerald, to ease your mind I’ll go with, okay?”
Hands flexing slightly in his frustration, Gerald nodded once, his face clearly showing his tension. “Make sure nothing untoward happens. The last masseuse was less than professional.”
“She will be in me hands, sir. I will nay lay one finger wrong on me family name,” Marian said, taking Marysue’s hand and leading her and Karen out of the room.
Fluff stood up a moment later, “I’m off to see Lilith. I’ll see you all in a few days.” She quickly left the room.
Alburet watched her go before turning back to Gerald, who seemed put out. “So, she does do the spoiled rich girl thing at times.”
“Yes. Mostly she doesn’t, but when she fixates on something…” he sighed as he stood up. “Well, I should go. I have to arrange a change in our flight plan now.”
“It almost seems like you’re her minder,” Alburet said, getting to his feet as well.
Looking away, Gerald shrugged, “I care for her. I tried once to make it plain to her, but…” Sighing, Gerald shook his head, “Friends, that is what we will be.”
“Ya carry the burden of love,” Stacia added as she stood. “It be tough at times, but she mayhap will come to return ya feelins.”
Frowning, Gerald looked at Stacia, “I’ve held that thought for years. I wonder now if it is true anymore. Well, enough of my issues, I have things to do.”
“Actually, Gerald,” Alburet said holding up a hand. “Stacia here can give you a neck and shoulder massage if you would like. It might help ease some of the tension for you.”
“Aye, tha’ be a good idea,” Stacia added, motioning Gerald to sit. “Ya only need take off ya armor, ya can leave ya shirt on iffin ya want.”
Hesitating for a moment, Gerald looked at Stacia then Alburet. “I thank you for the offer but I should go. Maybe once we get back here. By then I very well might need it,” he gave a small false laugh before bidding them a good night and vanishing.