Marron felt triumphant, like when her boss informed her that they had successfully wrapped up a project. So when she woke up in the Seaglass Lounge's fluffy bed, and absolutely nothing had to be fixed, it was life out of a dream.
She did just fine at the feast. Nobody was mad at her for anything she didn't have any control over.
And she was still in the Seaglass Lounge, with Mokko and Lucy next door. She decided to celebrate a job well done by looking for a treat. When she opened the fridge, she saw a pitcher of Mokko's delicious cinnamon drink, and squealed.
It was a tiny high-pitched squeal of absolute joy.
So she sat cross-legged on the Seaglass Lounge balcony, sipping a tall glass of it while the sea breeze ruffled her dark brown curls. And then it was time to plan her next move.
Let's see. I just wrapped up a big catering project, so...what now? Do I go back to my food stall? Do I head back to Meadowbrook and make some gold?
Or...
She thought back to the place where she met Comfort & Crunch and Mokko. The lush meadow with abandoned buildings, termite-eaten stalls, and wheel-less food carts. It was still a beautiful grassy meadow, but the people in it just...disappeared.
The old food stall with 'Meadowbrook Commons Pizza' was still fresh in her mind.
Maybe I can rebuild Meadowbrook Commons.
She quietly thought about it while she finished her drink.
+
And when Mokko woke up, he found Marron still there, by the balcony. There was an empty glass on the table next to her. "Good...morning? How long have you been awake?"
"Uh, since sunrise," Marron replied sheepishly. "And...I've been thinking."
Mokko leaned against the railing, his massive arms folded, and glasses perched on his snout. "Yeah?"
"Meadowbrook Commons. It's just sitting there, right? Half the houses still standing, the well works, and the grass hasn't been overgrown with weeds. What if we made it into a rest stop? not an inn or anything fancy like that. Just somewhere adventurers can rest up before moving on."
"Mm. How are you going to stop people from taking stuff?"
Marron shook her head. "Hopefully they won't, because there won't be anything valuable. It'll just be a house with logs. A tinderbox, maybe. Some clean water, a roof. We put a few ingredients on the table. A couple food items."
The bear's rumble was low but approving. "I can see it. Could even park your cart there when we're in the area. A hot meal always makes people feel safer."
Before she could answer, she heard the faint ding!
And her translucent system interface appeared.
[New Feature: Meadowbrook Map Available]
[Purchase cost: 10 gold
Remaining gold after purchase: 50]
She didn't hesitate. "Yes."
The map unfolded in her mind—streets, intact structures, even the location of the well—and her fingers itched to start marking repairs. Roof patches, water barrel stands, maybe even a shaded bench for travelers.
But still…
"Do you think I'm overstepping? Taking the clans' offer to help fix it up?"
Mokko didn't even blink. "If they offered, they meant it. You gave them something worth working together for. That's not overstepping—that's building on trust."
+
As if to validate her decision, there were two sealed letters waiting inside the Seaglass Lounge's mailbox.
She checked the mailbox on a whim, since the Lord Jackal and the Snake Queen said they'd keep in touch.
But I never thought it would be so soon.
Now, she held the letters in her hands, the wax still faintly warm from the couriers' pouches.
The first bore the Snakewater Cove's crest in green and gold.
Dear Chef Marron,
The feast was well-received, and proved to my people that bridges can be built without sacrificing pride. We spoke at length with the human dignitaries and they seemed surprised (and a little relieved, I would say) when I announced that Snakewater Cove is willing to open trade routes with other human settlements.
Provided, of course, that those efforts are led by chefs similar to your skill and character.
I have sent gifts to the Lounge as well, as proof of our friendship. I hope to work with you again on similar feasts. And if you need assistance, all you need to do is ask.
—Her Majesty, Queen Selyra of Snakewater
The second letter, pressed in black wax, was unmistakably from the Lord Jackal.
Chef Marron,
You've done well. The feast gave my people something worth remembering that wasn't tied to a bloody battle. It gave me and the Queen a chance to speak with the human dignitaries as well. She has opened a trade route, but the wolfkin are much more resistant to change.
We tried opening our trade route borders once, and it led to chaos and bloodshed. So we will keep our way of testing chefs along the road. Who knows...if the Queen's way works, I might convince the wolves to try again.
But onto other matters: I think it would be a good idea for you to seek a Culinary Guild. Some of my wolfkin scouts venture into human settlements to trade, you see. And they say that these guilds are full of people.
You have Mokko, and it may be the old pack wolf in me. But I think it's worth having a look.
I will be sending gifts to the Seaglass Lounge as proof of our friendship. If your travels take you to Whisperwind, you will always be welcome.
And if you want to expand the area where Kaelen found you, just let us know.
- Lord Jackal, Alexander
Marron set the letters side by side, the corner of her mouth quirking. "Well," she murmured, "it looks like we've got permission to make Meadowbrook into more than just a roof and a well."
Lucy bounced into the room just in time to hear her. "Peace place!"
+
The gifts arrived not long after.
There were two packages, carefully wrapped as unique as their sender.
From the Wolfkin Kingdom came a set of chef's knives, forged from the finest Whisperwind steel, and a small wolf's head was carved into each handle.
The blades gleamed even in the dimmest light, sheathed in a silk pouch embroidered with the Jackal crest. Tucked beside them was an enchanted lantern. The attached card claimed that its soft golden flame never dimmed, and would be a steady glow that would guide her even in the blackest forest.
Inside the Queen's package was a set of copper mixing bowls, warm to the touch and perfectly weighted for whisking or folding. Beside them, wrapped in velvet, was a pair of oven mitts. There was a note attached that explained it was sewn from the finest lava snake scales. That was what gave it the deep iridescent red color, and it was able to withstand dragonfire.
Marron held the mitts for a long moment, tracing the faint ripple of scales beneath her fingertips. She could hardly believe such generosity had been extended to her, a human who had stumbled into their politics and kitchens only days ago.
That evening, she wrote back to both rulers.
I am honored by your trust and your kindness. I promise to use these gifts well—whether for a royal banquet or a weary traveler's supper. May our work together be only the first course of a long and peaceful meal.
As she sealed the letters, the everlasting lantern's light cast a warm, steady glow across the room. For the first time since waking up in that broken cart in Meadowbrook Commons, she felt like her future had a shape—and that she had the tools to carve it herself.