Chapter 60: Family Dinner

Chapter 60: Family Dinner

Its my pleasure to meet you, Stryg. Gidget stood up and extended her hand.

He glanced back and forth between her face and hand. He tilted his head, unsure of what to do. Plum leaned into his ear.

Youre supposed to shake it, she whispered.

What? Stryg frowned.

Gidget remembered that Kithina had said the boy was standoffish when they first met. Gidget supposed he was simply uncomfortable around strangers.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

She lowered her hand and forced a smile. Why dont we head over to the dining table? The food is already set.

Great idea, mom, Kithina sighed in relief. She hoped to avoid any conflict with Stryg tonight.

That would be lovely, thank you, Callum said.

The group stood up and went to sit at the dining table. Skobby took the mastiffs back into his room. The scared hounds didnt resist this time, in fact they seemed eager to get as far away from Stryg as they could.

The table was lined with Gidgets best dishes, including potato cream soup, freshly baked cheese bread, and marinated spicy lemon chicken.

The food smells delicious, Plum said, practically salivating.

It really does, Stryg agreed.

Yes, it does look appetizing, Callum said. He was used to five-course meals made by some of the most skilled chefs in all of Hollow Shade, but he tried hard to be a courteous guest.

Gidget noticed the maid was standing a few feet away from the table. Oh, Im sorry, Kithina told me only three of her friends were visiting. Give me just a moment to get a chair for you.

Please, do not worry about me maam. I am simply here to serve my young master to the best of my ability. The maid bowed politely.

Nonsense, I insist, Gidget shook her head.

Thank you kindly, but Im afraid I will have to decline. I have already eaten and I must be ready to serve my young master whenever he calls on me.

Shes fine, really. Just pretend she isnt even here. The maids are trained to be like background scenery. Always present, yet only relevant when called upon, Callum assured.

Well, if young sir Veres says so, Gidget nodded reluctantly.

She didnt know much about aristocrats, but she assumed they all behaved this way. Honestly, it made her a little uncomfortable.

Skobby came back from his room and took the last seat, Again, sorry about the dogs everyone. Im Skobby, by the way, Kittys younger brother.

I love that nickname, Kitty, sounds so cute, Plum smiled.

Kithina looked away with rosy cheeks, Anyway, I know finals are coming up in a few days, but I just wanted to invite everyone over to dinner as thanks for your help this year. I would have never been able to finish our group project if it hadnt been for all of you, especially you Plum.

I was happy to help, besides I can use the information for my own finals writings, Plum smiled.

Well, dont hold back everyone, help yourselves, Grolm gestured.

Having a room full of magi was intimidating, but he believed the best way to deal with them was like all people, through tasty food. He grabbed his plate and began to serve himself.

Stryg didnt hesitate and served himself as well. The rest soon followed.

Its so good, Plum practically shook with joy. She took another bite of the chicken.

I like the soup, Stryg said, already on his second bowl.

Im glad you guys like it, my moms a great cook, Kithina smiled.

Yeah, its nice, Callum said with a small wince.

So, you guys are all Kittys classmates right? Then you're all magi too? Skobby asked.

Skobby, let my friends eat their food in peace. Kithina glared at him.

What? Im just saying. They probably have cooler magic than you right? Skobby grinned.

Actually, Im not technically Kittys classmate, Plum answered. Im a 3rd year at the academy and a librarians assistant. I only help these three with their group project. While I am a mage, I dont know if I would say I have cooler magic. Kitty can literally make her skin sword-proof.

Thanks, but Im not that skilled with durability spells yet, Kithina lamented.

Callum nodded, Nonsense, Kithina you have improved greatly with your yellow magic. I also have to agree with Plum on the flamboyance of my magic. I dont think potions are nearly as flashy as chromatic yellows ability to harden ones skin and bones. My ward spells even less so. Id say Strygs magic is quite impressive though.

Right! Strygs a manifold mage, he has a larger array of magic, Plum said proudly.

Whats a manifold mage? Skobby asked in curiosity. His sister had only told their family a little of the ongoings of chromatic magic.

Its someone who can use more than one kind of chromatic color. Stryg is a chromatic black and grey, Kithina answered.

What kind of magic does that entail? Gidget asked, unable to help herself. She wished to know more about her daughters love interest.

Callum paused for a moment, unsure of how to answer the question. Actually, my fiance is a vampire, so I wouldnt drink her blood anyway.

You have a fiance? Kithina asked. Her throat felt tight.

Indeed, Callum smiled sadly.

Why do you look so bummed out? Grolm asked.

Were not very close. Lets just say Im not too much of a fan of the engagement. But, alas, it was prearranged at my birth, Callum explained.

Of course it was, Kithina looked down at her food.

She should have known better. He was the son of a powerful aristocratic family. Of course he had a fiance. Kithina never stood a chance.

How about you Stryg, is there anyone in your life? Gidget asked.

Stryg stopped eating, ...As in romantically?

Yes. She means is there anyone you love in your life, Plum stared at him as she ate.

Oh, no there isnt, Stryg said and went back to his food.

Maybe anyone you like romantically? Plum asked in a strained voice.

Nope, Stryg kept eating.

I see, Plum frowned.

Sounds just like Stryg, Kithina giggled.

Do you have a problem with that? Stryg glared at her.

Nope, none at all, Kithina took a sip of water.

Gidget looked at her daughter in surprise. Kithina was being so direct. She thought her daughter was shy and quite frankly, awkward about romantic interactions.

Hey, Stryg, why dont you try some of the chicken, Plum suggested.

Im not sure, it smells a little off, Stryg looked at the food skeptically.

It tastes amazing, you gotta try some, Plum said with doe eyes.

He shrugged, put some of the lemon chicken on his plate and took a bite. He chewed it for a moment before his pupils widened into ovals. He spat the chicken out.

What the fuck! Stryg shot to his feet. Is this poison?!

He had never felt such a wretched taste. His sensitive tongue was burning in agony. It was nothing like the sensation of alcohol.

Oh, I forgot to tell you the chicken is spicy, Plum smirked.

Youll be fine kid, just drink some of this. Grolm passed him a glass of wine.

Stryg ripped the glass out of the dwarfs hand and chugged it down.

It still burns, Stryg wiped his lips.

Not bad, you drank that all in one go. Grolm patted his beard.

Stryg looked at glass, This is nothing.

Is that so? Could I possibly interest you in some Fire Breath? Grolm asked.

Do you have some?

Right here, Grolm pulled out the bottle. That is, if you can handle it.

Stryg grinned, Is that a challenge?

Grolm admitted defeat after the eighth shot. Stryg only felt buzzed. The others simply watched the whole challenge go down with laughter. Callum stayed silent, content to drink his maids blood. Plum got drunk from the wine. Kithina just had water. Skobby had a little bit of wine, before Gidget stopped him from drinking anymore. The rest of the night proceeded smoothly.

Once dinner was over and the guests had long gone home, Gidget took her daughter aside.

She grabbed Kithinas hands, I think it went well, besides your fathers excessive drinking. As for your friend, well, he seems like a good guy, if a little rough around the edges.

Mom, Kithina groaned.

I know, I know. Youre an adult now and you can make your own choices. Ill respect that. Just remember, even if things dont work out between you two, youre a catch Kitty, never forget that.

Kithina smiled, Thanks mom.

He is pretty handsome, though, Gidget winked.

Mom, Kithina laughed.