Breakfast Talk (Part 1)

JP with mdman, Lorem, Omni, Jaxx, Lasersexpanther, LucianNepreen

Cronk awoke later than usual. He usually awoke at the crack of dawn. However, he slept due to the sore muscles of his bruised body, hoping the extra rest would quickly restore them.

He brushed his teeth with baking soda, refreshed his face in the warm water in the sink. This made him think, wondering how the warm water appeared in the sink without him drawing it. He wasn’t aware the maid had been in a few minutes before he stirred.

Cronk got dressed and took a morning walk around the courtyard. He thought of potting another flower, but thought he’d better wait to see how Pretty Flower liked the first one. She might be allergic, which would be a bad omen for Cronk.

So, Cronk set out to see just how Pretty Flower did enjoy the pretty flower he had potted for her. He knocked upon her workspace’s door. One couldn’t help hearing the knock. It had been more firm this time, thinking maybe she hadn’t heard him last evening. It left imprints of Cronk’s knuckles in the wood. Still, there was no answer. No sound from I side; for by this time, Lorem was already on her way to headquarters to work with Gemma.

Cronk sighed. He hoped she had liked the flowers.

Unsure if he should pot another, Cronk smelled the rich aroma of breakfast calling him. Behind him came the voice of a maid. “Breakfast will be inside the dining room,” she informed him.

“Cronk thank,” he replied, then added, “for bottle too.”

The maid blushed and bowed, “of course, Mister Cronk!”

No matter how he had tried, Cronk could not get used to being called Mister. It just wasn’t in his nature. He was used to just plain old Cronk. These people were so polite to him.

The sweet smell of breakfast called one more time. So, Cronk headed to the dining room.

Vor had to take a moment to fully wake, having worked late yet again.
Relieving himself and working to make himself presentable for the meeting, he thanked Mitera for his hair’s natural weight that kept it from being a hassle to control as he had seen the other races suffer with.
The same couldn’t be said about the bags under his eyes and the signs of not eating as he should, a habit if his that surfaced when he focused hard on something.
Luckily his skills meant that he could apply enough makeup to lessen these.

Vor then prayed. Usually this would be done in a source of water, but for now this was done on the floor. He could still feel Mitera, as water was everywhere and in everyone. She was always close.
He prayed for the team, for success and good health. He sought insight into the cults secrets and that she would watch over their mission. He also prayed that she would keep Kasta at bay. They were already working against so much and didn’t need more chaos.

With the essentials taken care of, he sought one of his better suits to dress in before gathering his notes. The sketches had begun to blend together, lines not making sense and designs blurring. The same had begun to happen to the artwork he had tried last night and it frustrated him to lose this emotional vent. Maybe being on the streets again would help with it.

He nearly bumped into a servant as he left, the man bowing in apology as he reported breakfast being ready. Vor bowed in return and thanked him, noticing the servant was a little taken aback from the gesture. Vor hoped it was more appreciated than looked down on, refusing to treat them otherwise.
Either way, he was led towards the dining room to have much needed sustenance.

Lorem had indeed left before the sun was up with a chaperone to the French headquarters to get an early start on the fabrication of her designs with Gemma. She missed Cronk knocking at her workshop door. When Cronk arrived at the dining room for breakfast; however, he would find at his seat a card addressed to him and a hexagonal metal box about the size of a small salad plate in diameter and five inches in height. The card was written in calligraphy in Lorem’s hand. It read:

Dear Cronk,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the beautiful flower you gave me. Its vibrant colors and delicate petals brightened my day. In return, I wanted to offer you a token of my appreciation.

Enclosed in this hexagonal metal box is an intricately engineered surprise. When you press the button on the side, you'll witness a marvel unfold before your eyes. The gears will spin, and a metal flower will blossom upwards, revealing its steampunk charm. It is a symbol of my admiration for your thoughtfulness.

I hope this gift brings you joy and reminds you of our friendship. Feel free to push the flower back down into its compact form, returning it to its hexagonal box.

Thank you once again, Cronk, for your kindness. I am truly fortunate to have you as a colleague and friend.

With warm regards,

Miss Lorem Ipsum

By this time Lily and Dr. Jackal made their way to the others eating breakfast. Due to a misunderstanding Dr. Jackal went to the wrong place and Lily had to fetch him and escort him to the correct venue for breakfast. Dr. Jackal came in and said, "Sorry for my tardiness." Lily pointed to where she wanted the good doctor to sit so she could sit by him. The maid asked what they wanted to drink and Lily ordered water and juice while Dr. Jackal ordered coffee. As they looked around they saw that some people were late.

Cronk entered, taking a seat in his chair, the only one his size. He saw on the table in front of it a metal box with six sides. It was shiny, which quickly attracted Cronk’s attention.

A card attached to the six-sided object The writing was smooth and pretty, very fancy. What’s more, the card was addressed to Dear Cronk.

This was something never said to Cronk except by his mother. Cronk peered at the fancy writing, wishing he was able to make out what exactly was written. He was able to make out the thank you. And the name Miss Lorem.

A smile enveloped Cronk’s face as he placed the card into his breast pocket and gazed at the object. He reached out to pick it up, inadvertently pushing the button to activate it. True to its intent, the metal flower sprouted and flourished from within it.

Cronk couldn’t contain himself. He laughed and clapped at the toy, knowing it could only have come from Pretty Flower. Once it had stopped growing, Cronk proudly placed it in display by his plate.

His heart was fluttering. No one had taken the time to do something this special for Cronk. He would need someone to read the letter for him. There were some big words in it that challenged Cronk’s mastery of the English language. The question was, who would be the best to read it for him. He wanted to know every word that was specially written in such a pretty way to him.

Cronk had forgotten about the food. He just kept gazing at the metal flower, the joy evident upon his face.

Vor entered with great intent, the journey working up his appetite and the need for food was his top priority. With an order for water and his meal made, Vor looked to the others gathered with anticipation towards the meeting later today. As he did so, he noticed Cronk’s excitement at a small contraption.
He decided to be more social, wandering over to the cheerful orc and clearing his throat, further noting that the device was a delicately made flower.

“Pardon, Mister Cronk. Would I be welcome to look at your device? Seems a marvel of ingenuity.”

At first, Cronk didn’t like the idea of allowing Fish Man to look at the flower. After all, Pretty Flower had mad it especially for Cronk. However, wanting to share the joy of the moment won out, and Cronk handed the device to Vor.

“Pretty Flower made,” Cronk explained. Then quite quiet, Cronk pulled the card from his pocket. He whispered, “You read?”

Of course Vor read. Cronk knew the man spent a majority of his days swimming through many books within the library. Or, at least that’s what Cronk thought he did in there.

“Please?” Cronk implored the man.

This made Vor blush, not realizing he had interrupted such an intimate moment. It seemed the only recourse for doing so would be to read the letter.

Just as delicately made as the flower was Ms. Ipsum’s handwriting, Vor taking note of it as he read quietly enough so that only Cronk heard the letter’s contents. After he returned it swiftly.

“Unnskyld, I wasn’t aware this was a more tender moment. It truly is a beautiful device.”

In the midst of everyone's conversations Sasha slipped in unnoticed taking a seat with one separating her from the rest as she layed out a notebook. Giving anyone that noticed nodding 'hello'.

Dr. Jackal was eating his omelet that contained sausage, cheese and some vegetables in it. The butter cream sauce on top made eat bite ever so juicy as he savored each bite. Then he sipped his coffee and enjoyed the moment. The hot flavor swirled in his tastebuds a bit before he swallowed it. Next to him was Lily who was eating her sweet-buttery waffles and on the side was bacon slices, sausages and ham slices. Though she had a sweet tooth she still loved meat and found it tasted better with syrup on it.

Though she tried to hide it she could hear Vor reading the personal letter Lorem wrote to Cronk. She almost chocked on her waffle and drank some water to clear her throat. Then as Sasha came in quietly she seemed to be the only one who noticed her coming in the door due to her stealth. Though she said nothing about it as she ate she could smell and hear Sasha before she entered the room. Of course this was a big secret the others didn't know about at this point. Her secret was only shared with Lady Elizabeth, Mr. Sung and the good doctor. It would take more time and trust before she was brave enough to share this big secret since it was a game changer for her and her future. She looked at Dr. Jackal who greeted Sasha after she spoke and continued to enjoy his breakfast. Lily also greeted Sasha and kept it brief as she looked at the others in the room and wondered if they had secrets as well. Just then Dr. Jackal called for a maid to serve more bacon to Lily and himself.

Sasha had copied her notes for Lady Elizabeth right after waking up, now she was working on a possible 'problem solver' should the need to fight another one of the monster or the red demon that Docteur Jackal sadly had dwelling inside. Sasha had zero doubt that if she could come up with the plans Ms Ipsum would have no problem working with her to make the idea a reality. Once she had something she would bring the plans to her, for now she just had to be part of the team.

Cronk thanked Vor. He allowed Fish Man to look over the toy. When Vor handed it back, Cronk did as the card told him and reset the flower. He pushed the button watching the flower grow once more with eyes wide.

Cronk was tickled and began to laugh boisterously. He was tickled not just with the toy, but also the thoughtfulness of the gift. It was personal and exactly to Cronk’s liking. Or was like Pretty Flower knew him.

Cronk tried to think of something just as thoughtful in return. That’s when he became afraid. Cronk’s large fingers couldn’t build anything. They often caused him to bungle everything, especially something so small and dainty, which is what Little Flower deserved.

Momentarily looking up from the flower, which had by now sprouted once again, Cronk acknowledged others had gathered. He was so engrossed with Lorem’s gift, he hadn’t seen them enter.

“Masked One good from yesterday?” Cronk asked.

"My wrist is a tiny bit sore since 'Le Dieu Marteau' is made for someone almost twice my size but I will be fine. Thank you for your concern, Monsieur Cronk." Sasha replied clear from her eyes she was smiling despite her mouth being obscured.

“Cronk glad Masked One help,” Cronk responded. It was true. Had Sasha not come when she had, the creature may not have been weakened enough for Cronk.

Cronk pushed the flower back in the case. He pushed the button one more time, watching the flower bloom. The smile broadened upon his face.

Cronk was becoming increasingly at comfort with this new team effort. He was concerned that others who had fought the creature had not made breakfast yet. He made it a point to check upon them today.

Cronk’s mirth regarding the toy continued until his stomach rudely interrupted his playtime with a loud grumble. Cronk left the seat just enough to fill a plate with sausage, bacon, and eggs, then returned eying the toy, thinking of what he could do for Pretty Flower to show his appreciation for her and what she has done for him.

Vor returned to his own table when Cronk addressed their masked member, though her name escaped him. While looking rather dainty, if she had been part of the attack than he figured she possessed decent abilities for combat. Their motley crew was certainly not lacking in martial prowess.

Finally silencing his hunger, Vor still couldn't believe how delicious land meats could be. He would still take fish or eel over beef based on preference, but the fatty nature of such delicacies made it easy for him to see the appeal.
The quiet in his gut did free his thoughts a bit, giving him a moment to see how distant he was with the other members, whom all seemed quite close already. His people were known for their theatrics and seeming gift of bringing people together, but he had been rather lacking in that aspect lately. Given the fact that their current work denied much time for mass merriment, Vor gnawed at the thought, for now focusing on his work as he returned to the library to try and find any hidden nuggets of information before the meeting.