Lunch

JP with Jaxx and Omni

Days passed, wounds were healing like small miracles, and the feverish ailment lingered mildly. Today she was well… well enough.

Voah dipped the quill into the inkwell before putting down the final words recounting her skirmish with the icy witch, Evanora Frost. (which you may later see an excerpt from)

A painting sat on the easel in the corner with an abstract impressionist vision of something she didn’t understand. Next to it was a much more realistic rendition of the rectory garden and its surrounding arcades/colonnades.

It was high time to meet with Hunter to begin their… talks which may lead to training or mentorship.

It took an hour before she found the man helping the twins with which he had been boarding. She noticed him walking a bit better now.

“How’s the leg?” she asked with a smile from behind him.

In order to get some time out doors and some exercise on his bad leg, Hunter had been helping the twins out by carrying their supplies to their grill booth . He also had made a collection of wood carvings to keep his mind busy. By doing this he managed to reduce his anxiety. Then as he was unloading the supplies for the twins at their booth he noticed he was being approached from behind. However he remained calm since felt a familiar presence. As he heard Voah’s voice he slightly turned and gave her a nod. Then he replied, “Tolerable, but I am making progress.”

She smiled, "That's good to hear."

So the man hadn't given up on life after all. That was a positive sign.

"Would you care to join me at the rectory for lunch, if you are well enough?"

She looked at the twins with smirk and an eyebrow raised. "...and, of course, if the ladies can part with you momentarily?"

The twins looked at Voah and were a bit nervously. They were glad that Hunter was seeking religious counsel , but were intimidated by Voah’s grace and beauty. There was a concern that they could loose Hunter to her if he fell for her charm. They gave her a bow of respect to Voah. Hunter could see the fear in the eyes of the the twins as Voah smiled at them. Hunter replied, “I should be back by dinner time.” The twins seemed content with his response as they nodded at him and Voah. Hunter nodded back at them with a kind smile. It was obvious that the twins cared deeply for Hunter. Then Hunter turned to face Voah and replied, “will the. Friar be joining us again?”

"Ah. Not presently, but he may be along shortly."

Voah bowed back respectfully to the twins. "Blessing of the Pillars upon you."

She could sense the awe and respect that the twins had for her and although Voah was not yet at her best, it helped her to know that she could still do honor to the God of the Sun and Sky. She walked side by side with the assassin back to the Misty Ward making small pleasantries.

The twins smiled back at Voah as they gave her a courtesy response and bow to show her respect before Hunter left with her. Hunter then replied, “I see you are walking better today. Are you close to recovering?”

“Fine, thank you. My mind is occasionally a bit mired, I’m afraid. Our Master Cagliostro has provided me a remedy that helps alleviate the symptoms. I won’t exaggerate… some days are more challenging than others.”

Soon they approached the rectory where an acolyte, advancing from inside, held the door for them.

“Ah, greetings, Ma’am… and uh… Master. Please excuse me.” chuckled the young man nervously as he scuttled out of their way.

“Have a good day, Brother Percei.“ called Voah as he departed. “Just this way.” She guided Hunter to the modest dining hall.

Hunter nodded at Voah as she replied. It was odd that they seemed to suffer the worst among the others who were on the island. He found it odd to be addressed as Master by the acolyte at the door but he kept his mouth shut as he gave a slight bow. Hunter followed Voah silently to the dining hall. It was very nice yet humble design. Then he asked, “ So who does the cooking for you all?”

“There are few of us so sometimes we cook our own meals. Often we alternate the work. As you can imagine, I have been doing less of the sort lately. And that’s lucky in a way, there are some who enjoy it more than others. I make a good curry myself. But there are stores of food that require little preparation when one doesn’t to attend a meal.”
On this day, one of the acolytes prepared broiled fish and roasted vegetables.

Voah situated herself on the leather seated bench across from Hunter at the end of the long table while two other acolytes helped themselves to the lunch that was being brought out from the kitchens.

Hunter was raised to eat just about anything, so was far from being picky when it came to food. He replied, “I am not picky as long as it is edible.” After sitting down across from Voah, Hunter said, “So is their some form of etiquette I should know about?”

“Um… not really forced… no. Just be respectful to others and try not to act like an animal. Those who eat like a dog or a pig might be quickly asked to join them outside.” she chuckled. “It’s ok to use your hands so long as you aren’t making a scene sucking on your fingers or leaving a mess on everything you touch. We do have wash basins and nappes for such reasons.”

Hunter nodded as he copied the behavior of the others eating just to be sure. The broiled fish and roasted vegetables were not to bad. Growing up Hunter had to compete for food that was unappealing but edible. This taught him to accept low standards for food in his line of work. So it was a bit change to be eating food that many levels above the norm for him in Arcadia. Even the average cook in this place was way better than back at his former employer. Hunter nodded as he swallowed the food in his mouth. He then said, "My compliments to your chef." Then he drank some water to wash it down before he spoke again, "I must admit food does taste amazing with a bit of seasoning."

That reminded her of the man's mysterious past The Arbiter leaned in a little bit.

"I am curious about you, Hunter... and perhaps we will come to speak of that. But for now... I think we should start with your reason for coming to us... you feel like you have failed. That you are a broken tool?"

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