What the hell was that?
She took a breath and shook it off. “That’d be great.”
Ella began to remove her top when the door notification chimed.
“Ah, that would be Brother Floto.”
“Uh, why?”
Draikis just smiled at her and opened the door.
“Floto, thank you, Brother!” he exclaimed, ushering the man into the room.
“It is my pleasure to be of help, Brother,” the man replied, placing the tray in his hands on the larger table in the room. “A selection, as you requested.”
Draikis looked over the assortment of foods before him. “You are fantastic. Thank you. This will be perfect.”
“Good. If you do not need anything else, I have tasks yet to complete.”
“Of course. Don’t let us hold you from your work.”
Floto nodded and headed for the door.
“Hey, thank you,” Ella called after him.
Floto turned but barely made eye contact, only giving her a little nod then stepping out, closing the door behind him.
Ella turned her attention to the food then the man standing over the tray. “You had them prepare a to-go box?”
Draikis cocked his head. “Box? This is a tray. I fail to see?—”
“Figure of speech, silly. Forget about it. But seriously, thank you. It smells incredible.”
“I assumed you would be hungry but perhaps not quite in the mood to step out to dine. Your body will need sustenance as it heals. New runes can be quite taxing on one’s system, as you know.”
“Yep. I sure do,” she lied. “And this should be perfect.”
“Would you prefer to eat before or after?”
“Before or after what?”
“I assist with your healing salves and ointments.”
“Oh, right. You know, now that I smell it, I think it’d make sense to eat while it’s hot. Unless you think the other stuff is more urgent.”
“Not at all. I agree. Food is best enjoyed fresh.”
He set up two plates and heaped portions of the many items onto them, then pulled the chair back for her. “Please, dig in.”
She sat, his powerful arms sliding her to the table with ease before taking a seat next to her.
Ella inhaled deeply. It was odd, but the food seemed to have more fragrance today. More layers. Complexity. It was as if her senses had become heightened.
Of course. They said the runes could increase sensitivity to things. I guess smell is one of them in my case. Let’s see about taste.
She took a bite of a warm vegetable stew.
“Incredible,” she moaned as the layers of flavor unfolded across her tongue. “Oh, man, that isgood.”
