In Rosequartz Town, the little restaurant Richard had picked felt like a world apart from the town's energy outside.
"So, you ready to order?" Richard asked Aya, who was seated across from him and had just closed the menu after skimming it.
"Yes, I'm ready," she said with a smile. "I'll have the mushroom and thyme stew, please. And… hmm, sourdough rolls on the side. Oh, and chamomile tea, if they have it."
"Got it," Richard responded, then he signaled for a passing waiter.
"Are you ready to order, sir?" the waiter asked.
Richard nodded. "I'll get the grilled venison with berry glaze, and a black coffee. And for the lady here, the mushroom and thyme stew with sourdough rolls on the side. And what was it again, Aya?"
"Oh! Chamomile tea, please!" Aya answered.
"Right, and chamomile tea as well."
The waiter noted their orders and drifted away, leaving them for a while. While waiting, Aya let her eyes wander. The place wasn't fancy by any stretch. It had simple wooden tables and pale curtains that drifted with the evening air. Overall, the place felt peaceful and comfortable.
"How're you liking it so far?" Richard asked as he saw her looking around.
"Oh!" the sudden question surprised Aya for a moment, then she smiled warmly. "It's very cozy. I like it a lot."
"Good. I'm glad. Wasn't sure I'd find a place like this, but I figured surveying the town before asking you again was worth it."
"You really did that?"
"Of course," Richard replied easily. "Wouldn't do to drag you somewhere half-baked."
Aya looked around again, noticing two owl-folk tucking into their meals at a corner table. There was also a bat-folk sipping soup near the back. "I'm surprised it's still this lively, though. It's already late for dinner service."
"That's part of why I picked it," Richard said. "They cater to nocturnal folk, too. So no matter the hour, you'll always find someone here."
"Oh, I see," Aya's ears gave a pleased twitch. "That's really thoughtful of them," she said.
"Right? This place has a sort of good vibe to it, and a certain balance. Feels like the liveliness of a Westwyn town, but with the coziness you'd only find in Eastwyn."
Aya nodded. "Mm… it reminds me of my hometown, actually."
Richard tilted his head, ears perking with interest. "Really?"
"Yes, it was like this too."
"Now you've got me curious. Got any stories you wouldn't mind sharing?"
Aya tapped her chin with a fingertip, humming while she thought. Then her eyes lit up. "Well, I grew up in a town called Cloveshire."
"Cloveshire?" Richard repeated. "You mean the one way out east in Eastwyn? By the rivers and mountains?"
Aya's whole face brightened as she nodded. "Yes, that's the one! It's not nearly as big as Rosequartz, but its best qualities are in its land. We're known for having some of the sweetest fruits and the most delicious vegetables in all of Eastwyn."
Richard chuckled. "That explains a lot about you."
Aya giggled, then went on. "It's also where my family's business, Ribbuns Delight, started. My parents grew it from scratch. We had our own orchards, our own crops… it's where I learned nearly everything I know about food. Sometimes I wonder how it's doing now that my parents moved to Westwyn."
"Bet it's still thriving. A place like that doesn't lose its spirit just because someone leaves. Besides, if it's where the Aya Ribbuns learned her craft, then I imagine the land itself must still be brimming with talent."
Aya laughed quietly. "You always know how to make things sound grander than they are."
Richard laughed along with her, shaking his head. "Grand, maybe, but it's true."
Aya tilted her head. "Mm? True how?"
He hesitated only a moment before leaning in a little. "Because I've… been interested in you for a while now. Ever since your baking started making waves around Saint Maribelle's. So I'd know."
Aya couldn't help but feel fluttery as she heard his words, Petra and Juniper had teased her about Richard's "interest" earlier, but hearing it so directly from him made her heart skip differently. "You… really? That's… flattering, if you honestly found me interesting."
"Really. Honest. You probably couldn't tell, but when you were first introduced to the culinary team, I was doing my absolute best not to look too excited to finally see you up close."
Aya's blush deepened, and she ducked her head with a shy laugh. "Richard, I'm not royalty or anything."
He shook his head firmly. "Doesn't matter. You may not be royalty, but… I can't help it. You've always seemed a little special to everyone."
Aya's breath hitched when the word 'special' came to her. It sent her heart racing far quicker than she liked. She squeezed her eyes shut for a second, turned her face away, and forced herself to take a deep breath and thought, "Don't poof… don't poof now…" before looking back at him.
"Aya? You okay? You're not feeling unwell, are you?"
"N-no! Not that," she rushed, waving her hands quickly. "I just… don't know what to say when you say things like that. And I'm… trying very hard not to, um… repeat what happened last time when you asked me out."
"Oh." Richard chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Right. Sorry. Didn't mean to fluster you too much."
Aya pressed a hand over her chest and sighed, still feeling her heartbeat. "It's okay, that's just me."
Thankfully, just then, the waiter appeared with their plates and drinks. Aya's eyes and nose welcomed the fragrant stew with warm sourdough. Then came a beautifully glazed venison steak for Richard.
When the waiter left, Richard looked across the table at her again. "Alright then. I'll try not to go overboard with the admiration. I want you to be comfortable around me more than anything."
Aya shook her head lightly. "Oh, you don't have to worry about me that much. I'll be fine."
"Alright then," Richard said, picking up his knife and fork. "Best we dig in before it gets cold, then."
"Mmm, agreed!"
And so, they began to eat. Thankfully, the conversation flowed naturally for them despite Aya's light fluster. For a few moments they talked about everything from the flavors of the food to the differences between Rosequartz and Saint Maribelle's, and eventually toward tomorrow's grand banquet.
Richard shared tidbits about the menu the culinary team must review, then he noted the challenge of keeping hundreds of dishes warm and perfect. Aya spoke excitedly about the topic of presenting the desserts after the main course.
By the time their plates were cleared and their cups drained, the evening felt complete. The timing couldn't have been better, tomorrow was going to be a monumental day, and rest was the one luxury they couldn't neglect.
With their stomachs now full, the two spent the walk back to the team's cabin quietly, satisfied with just each other's company.
When they arrived at the Briarrest Cabin and stepped inside, Aya half-expected to see Juniper curled up on the sofa with a book, Petra bouncing around with late-night chatter, or Orin drinking a cup of cocoa. But the sitting room was quiet, dimly lit, and empty.
Richard looked around, then gave a small shrug. "Looks like we're the last ones awake."
Aya chuckled, covering her mouth politely. "Seems that way, doesn't it?"
Together, they quietly moved up the wooden stairs that led to their living quarters. While they were walking down the hallway where their rooms were, a door slowly opened.
Richard and Aya both turned their heads, only to see Ciela step out, already dressed in her sleepwear, carrying a towel.
The deer-folk was half-surprised at the sight of them, then she gave them a small smile. "Oh, you're back. So, how was the trip? I assume Richard took good care of you?"
Aya dipped her head politely. "Good evening, Ciela. It was wonderful, and yes, Richard made sure I was well taken care of."
"Heh… yeah," Richard smiled. "By the way, Ciel, you don't feel like sleeping yet?"
Ciela shook her head, stifling a yawn with her sleeve. "Not exactly. I just finished noting down the last details for tomorrow's banquet. I was about to wash up before bed."
"Oh, good work today then, Ciela!" Aya said.
"Thank you," Ciela replied warmly, before stepping past them, towel tucked under her arm as she quietly made her way down the hall toward the washroom.
Richard and Aya watched her go. Then, Richard let out a low chuckle. "She really is a hard worker."
Aya nodded. "She is."
A few steps later, they reached a door just ahead, it was Richard's room. He slowed to a stop, turning toward Aya. "Well… this is my stop. Thanks again, Aya, for tonight. I really enjoyed it."
"And thank you for treating me to dinner tonight. I really appreciate it, Richard," Aya replied warmly. "Good night, Richard."
"Good night, Aya. Sleep well, okay? We've got a big day tomorrow."
"Of course, I will," she answered with a small wave, watching as he stepped into his room and quietly closed the door behind him.
Left alone in the hushed hallway, Aya walked a little farther to her own door. She slipped inside and set about preparing for rest, eager to let her body recover, and her mind settle, before the busy dawn of tomorrow's banquet.