Liora Skyheart - sweet enchantments

Chapter 18

"I don't know, but it's also not important because Liora needs you now."

Runas words have a weight to them that stays with me even as I turn to hurry downstairs, Liora's starry cloak streaming as I reached the dining room. I look for Liora, but I'm distracted by the rest of the employees standing in a little knot I slow down as I get closer enough to pick up the thread of their conversation.

"My, my Liora is on the warpath, isn't she?

"I mean, I'm not surprised. This is something of a direct attack on the café and everyone that works here."

"I'd hate to be on the other end of that look of hers for sure."

They glanced up as I approach with Runa.

"Welcome back it seems your mission was a success."

"Yes, I am shockingly capable of fetching two people, go figure."

"Don't get testy Lucien's already got that more than covered."

Lucien shoots him a look and then roll his eyes.

"I wish this was just done. I can't believe our future depends on one stuffed shirts opinion."

Beside him, Roman fidgets looking unhappy.

"I know she won't, but I wouldn't blame Liora if she was going to throw me under the bus, the food was my responsibility..."

"Oh, don't sound so morbid Roman what are they going to convict us for culinary crimes? Get creative and accuse us of tempted murder via bad food?"

Seems like everyone is dealing with this situation in their own unique way. I frown at Romans attitude and glance over at Runa who arches around at me.

"Roman, if you should have seen something was off with the food before you served it ... doesn't that mean it's also Rana's fault? She didn't notice anything wrong either?"

Romans eyes come up and look between Runa and I

"This feels like a trap."

"Trust that feeling."

Runa grins and knocks, her knuckles against his shoulder

"The important thing is no one blames you least of all Liora."

I'm relieved when just a bit of tension leaves the group... At least for a moment

"Wait a minute, why is he here?"

I blink following her to ... Aristeo! of course and of course now that I found Aristeo I find Liora as well. The two of them are joined by what seems to be a... fish person in very official looking clothing that must be the health inspector... And now I know what Runa was laughing about.

"I guess it's pretty fishy after all."

I glance at Runa who smirks back and then I focus on Liora again she looks tense but otherwise calm and unruffled of course that doesn't mean she's not worried.

"Is anyone else worried about this?"

No one answers, but that's fine because the question was rhetorical anyhow. I can feel the tension ratcheting up again. I inch closer to the inspectors table as inconspicuously as possible until I can overhear what's being said. Runa's turnip seems to have done its job because the health inspector is sipping a cup of tea and there are even more turnips still bobbing about ready to be of service at a moment notice.

"Welcome to Sweet enchantments Mr-?"

"Sternfin. Berian Sternfin"

He has a voice that seems suited to bubble up from a lakebed.