Indebted

71

Esti had enjoyed every single course of the dinner. From the variety olives that had appeared on the table while their server was walking away to put in their order for the chef. The classy seasonal cosmopolitan was exquisite on Esti's tongue, the alcohol warming her blood, making it easier to relax into her date with Atticus.

The antipasti course was an elegantly arranged board of house cured salamis, prosciutto and a variety of cheeses with a bright, garden to table bruschetta on freshly baked sourdough bread. Esti had never seen food served like this. Or smelled anything like the aroma's wafting up to her nose from the fresh herbs on the bruschetta, the sharp tang of balsamic vinegar and mouth watering umami goodness from the cured meats.

Esti had eaten many meals smaller than what she had just eaten, and the meal was still just getting started. The primi course followed, a simplistic appearing bowl of mushroom risotto, that had hidden the complex flavours layered in every single grain of the smooth creamy rice dish. The mimics had mostly similar dishes so far, though their utensils were different, and the plates and bowls all looked like they were natural leaves, stone, or wood.

Esti and Atticus were easily talking together, Esti was amazed at how different this dining experience was to her first meal with humans at the diner with Joe and Theo. Atticus was relishing watching Esti eat new foods, share her first high class dining experience. The hostess must have been forewarned, they were perfectly ensconced at their table, the mimics could be seen by several other tables, but Esti and Atticus had privacy.

Able to hold hands over the table as they waited for the next course to appear or be delivered by a server. Risotto finished, A different server than the one who had been managing their table stopped by to ask the Mimic table how they were enjoying themselves. Paying no attention to Atticus and Esti at all. Once the server was gone, Mallow had leaned over. "The booths are hidden from all who seek." Esti tried to look for the spell. There was so much magic around them. A great majority of it strange to her. 

Next came a delicate plate of sea bream and another of marinated and grilled flank steak served over blistered tiny tomatoes, and tagliatelle tossed with browned butter and fresh herbs. The simple looking bites of steak had Esti salivating the moment it touched her tongue. The meat had been cooked perfectly and seemed to melt in her mouth while her tongue and senses were alive with the flavors that had been imparted by the marinade. Along with a variety of salads and vegetable and pasta dishes as the main course of their menu. The fae seating seemed to have a few extra options, but Esti was hardly paying attention. The food and Atticus were overwhelming her.

Esti realized towards the end of her meal, that the reason the table felt strange and other things stuck out to her was because they were from the other realm, Fae. That she could tell the difference. Felt much greater affinity towards anything that was based on earth. She was learning so much tonight.

Atticus had never had a more enjoyable meal. Esti was wonderful dinner company, she hid nothing, every bite revealed a plethora of emotions and expressions for Atticus. He was enjoying himself so much that he was nearly able to forget that they were being watched and supervised.

By the time the panna cotta was served to finally close the meal, Esti could safely say she had never ever not once had such a glorious meal. Nothing she had ever experienced before had been anything like this meal. "Thank you." She breathed across the table. Reaching out for Atticus to hold his hand as they finished the last bites they had been served.

She had enjoyed a second of the cosmopolitans and a glass of pinot grigio to finish the meal. Was feeling full, and happy, and drunk, and so in love with the smart, attentive man she was having dinner with.

Esti liked the returned version of Atticus. She didn't worry that she didn't understand how to use all the cutlery that had been arranged at her seating. He noticed when she was confused or uncertain, and was there to explain more about what the food was, or how to eat the dish that had been presented.

If home is where the heart is, than Esti felt like she was home again. The endless drifting feeling was gone. Esti knew the direction she wanted her life to go. Over the beautiful meal, with the most perfect company, wearing a gown so beautiful she never would have even dreamed of it existing before Esti had a moment of clarity. Tomorrow that new life she was avoiding thinking about would start. She understood now why the dragons had promised them one night to enjoy.

Marzipan had informed them part way through the main course that at midnight The Council was going to publicly announce to the supernatural world that an Earth dragon had been located and negotiations were in process with the latest supernatural queen. They now not only had supervision, but also a curfew to adhere to. There was no way to know how the world was going to react.

The rules chaffed Atticus. Having been raised without any. Esti was there to calm him. "More than enough time to enjoy the city." Esti said. A smile Atticus had never seen before on her lips. Her eyes sparkling with a hidden emotion that made her aura glow bright to Atticus. If Esti was so happy, he could enjoy the time allotted as well. Without a fuss. Settling down to finish their tasting menu. Atticus felt like several dishes already were going to haunt him as a taste of the divine he had enjoyed once but could never have again.

It was closer to eleven in the evening when their meal was over and Esti and Atticus returned to the sidewalk. Having decided that they would spend the time they had left on the out at a club. Then Atticus had promised that one way or another they would watch Cinderella tonight together.

The mimics had been the ones to suggest the venue, and sadly, neither Atticus nor Esti had a better alternative. If they did not like the destination when they arrived, they could still try another club before the midnight deadline.

Collecting their coats and making their way through the main dining room that was now far less busy than it had been when they had walked through earlier. The city was quiet on this block, though pockets of cacophony could be heard echoing from different locations around them. The nightlife of the city was in full swing now.

Once again Esti and Atticus held hands as the mimic guards sandwiched them front and back for the short walk to the club they had suggested. Esti and Atticus could scent that were some darker supernaturals in the air, but the atmosphere was light, and the bouncers all appeared to be incubi. No one could hide ill intentions from such a demon.

Atticus had to admit that The Council did have more assets and control than he had even thought possible. His father had told him very little of where he had come from, and the main alternative for supernatural community. Atticus liked being around others who were in the know, The Council so far had offered some reasonable benefits to association with them. If only they were not making Atticus feel suffocated under the rules, supervision and curfew.