Chapter 39 - Table for Three

  During the travel to reach New Europa, Alex had only eaten three times, despite the journey taking almost a week. And even then, Alex only remembers once where he’d actively gotten hungry. But now that he’s in the city and even has a bit of money, Alex finds himself craving something to eat. Part of his mind recognizes that it’s a habitual response, rather than him being hungry. Even so, as he makes his way back towards the district with the hostel, Alex keeps an eye out for a place to get a bite.

  Wandering along the streets, Alex almost walks past a place until he notices the sign hanging above the doorway. “Mortal Meals: A Taste of What Came Before.” He reads off and quirks a brow, curious at the prospect.

  “Ah, I am familiar with this establishment.” Corvus says, giving a few short flaps to rise from Hara’s back and land on Alex’s shoulder. “The person who creates the menu and recipes has a Title that specializes in creating nostalgia. Using it, along with experimentation with many mortal souls, they have created foods that most souls will instinctively recognize from their time in the Mortal Realm.” Corvus says with a sigh. “Sadly, the appeal is lost on me. Having never been in that realm, the food is simply ‘very good’.”

  Alex snorts. “Oh really? ‘Simply very good’. Corvus, at some point, I have to try something you rate as amazing.” He says with a chuckle.

  The crow ruffles his feathers a bit, seeming indignant. “Aquire a Title and venture to the Pinnacle Tower. If you manage that, I will treat you to a magnificent feast that will leave anything else you put in your mouth tasting of ash.”

  Alex grins. “You already promised me a meal like that before. Don’t think I’ve forgotten.” He jokes, then steps up to the door of the restaurant. Judging by his internal-clock, Alex guesses it’s nearing the half-mark between the noon bell and the sunset bell. So a bit early for a ‘dinner rush’. All the same, the inside of Mortal Meals is quite active.

  A hostess steps around a podium as the group enters. “Oh, excuse me, but the animals will need…” She trails off, eyes scanning over Corvus and Hara. She gives a quick bow before speaking again. “My apologies, I should have taken the time to inspect more closely before speaking. Party of three?”

  Frowning, Alex looks at his companions before turning to the hostess. “Excuse me, I assume that if they hadn’t been past the first threshold, um Awakened, they wouldn’t be allowed inside?” He asks.

  The hostess fidgets nervously, fingers twisting at the hem of her short apron. “That is the policy, yes.” She says apologetically.

  “Ah, and you can tell from examining them that they’re above that threshold? How?” He asks, curiosity getting the better of him.

  The girl calms some, getting a sense that the guests aren’t upset at her fauxpau. “Having use of the Greater version of Sensory-Augmentation is a requirement to be a host here. Using it, I can sort of see the ripples caused by the Animus. It’s possible to appear of a lower threshold, but you can’t fake a higher one.” She explains.

  Alex nods, it makes sense that some places would need to restrict entry. “As long as there’s no problem, a table for three, please.”

  The hostess is visibly relieved and motions for them to follow. The main dining area is spacious, with the tables set a comfortable distance apart. Clearly they prioritize the customer’s comfort over just fitting more people inside. That assessment is proven even more-so when the Hostess swaps out one of the chairs for a higher bench for Hara to rest on so she’s at table-height. All the while though, the hostess keeps making furtive glances at Corvus. As she’s placing the menus and a bundle of utensils for Alex in place, Corvus catches her turning to look at him again.

  “Is there some problem, miss?” He asks where all can hear. The poor girl goes stiff, every bit the ‘deer-in-headlights’.

  It takes her a few moments to find her voice, but when she does, it comes out in a squeak. “No, not at all.” She says, attempting to deflect Corvus’s attention. But her nervousness is all too apparent as she tries to look anywhere but at the black crow.

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  “My dear, something appears to have you quite spooked. Please, be at ease.” Corvus says, trying to sound as reassuring and calm as possible. Given his long practice in welcoming the new souls, it’s a skill he excels at. Even so, the hostess only appears more unnerved.

  Alex and Hara watch the exchange, with Alex taking note of just how flustered the poor girl is getting. “Excuse me. But, what’s got you so bothered, it isn’t the awkward interaction at the front, is it?” Alex asks, capturing the hostess’s attention.

  Seeming thankful to be addressing Alex instead of the crow, the Hostess regains a little of her poise. “No, not at all.” She says, then seems to realize that she’s falling back on that phrase too much. “I’m sorry. It’s just,” she pauses for a breath, “I’d rather not offend someone that I suspect of being a Lord, or even an Apex.”

  Alex frowns and looks at Corvus. “How would you be able to tell? You said people can appear of a lower threshold.”

  The woman’s eyes seem to gleam for a moment as she uses the sensory-augmentation ability. She looks at Alex first. “You’re faded, but your will is fairly robust. Odd, but not unique. I can tell by the ‘ripples’ your spirit is putting off.” She explains, then looks at Hara. “You’re on the first threshold, or at least, are appearing as such. I can see the ‘ripples’ of your animus, and the way they aren’t completely steady as you use little bits of the power naturally.” Then she looks at Corvus, and again starts looking more nervous. “You, on the other hand. You’re appearing as a third threshold. But your ‘ripples’, they’re too consistent. There’s no variation at all. Even when you should be using the animus to use telepathy, nothing, not even a waver.” She says, voice fading to a whisper at the end.

  Corvus cocks his head, then chuckles. “And now?” He asks, peering at the hostess with one eye.

  She swallows, but then nods. “Yes, there’s a bit more variance now, but still too regular. It would fool most people unless they watched for an extended time.” She says.

  Alex looks between them, unable to tell anything had changed. With a bit of focus, he uses the minor version of the skill. Even with it going, he can’t discern the ripples the hostess mentioned. Shrugging, he lets go of the skill.

  Corvus chuckles again and holds up a wing towards the hostess. His guise wavers, shifting to his human disguise. He slides out a chair and settles into it casually. In a soft tone, as not to be heard by the other tables, Corvus explains, “In acknowledgement of your uncanny observation, I will let you in on my identity. I am The Guide, Corvus.”

  The hostess visibly relaxes, letting out a huff of breath at Corvus’s revelation. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Lord Corvus.” Then she chuckles softly. “And here I was about to panic. It’s been what…” She trails off, her gaze going distant. “Over four-hundred years.”

  Corvus nods. “You seem to be doing quite well for yourself. And it is good to see you holding up so nicely.” He says with an easy smile. “Now I trust that you won’t make a fuss or spread word of my presence here.”

  “Of course not, I’ll be discreet.” She says, then lets out a soft sound of surprise as she notices a line forming back at the entry-way. “Your server will be along shortly.” She say before hurrying off to return to her post.

  Alex watches her go, then turns to Corvus and quirks a brow. “I’m surprised she was able to catch you out like that.” He says, smirking.

  The crow-demon waves a hand in a dismissive manner. “It is one of the limitations of using the splinters in this manner. For most applications, a splinter can operate independently without me being specifically aware of it. As I mentioned before, I can focus that awareness through the splinter when needed.” He pauses for a moment as other patrons of the restaurant file past. “But it appears that I might need to pay closer attention to this one when fine control of animus is required.”

  Alex nods, then frowns. “So, the splinters are autonomous, mostly. Does that mean they’re individuals?” He asks, rubbing his chin.

  Corvus simply shakes his head. “No, hardly. It’s more akin to having an additional limb that is controlled subconsciously.”

  Another question is on the tip of Alex’s tongue, but before he can ask it, the waiter arrives. “Welcome to Mortal Meals, my name is Raol. What can I get everyone to drink?” Alex selects a fruit-tea that sounded appealing from the menu. Hara just asks for water. But Corvus, on the other hand, orders a bottle of wine. When Alex searches out the listing on the menu, his face pales at the cost, nearly 400 coins.

  After the waiter leaves, Alex is about to object when Corvus waves him off. “Do not fret over the expense. I had not intended to allow myself to be identified here, but alas, it happened regardless. I’ll cover the cost of this meal.” He says, to Alex’s relief.

  “That’s good, because I was already expecting to use up most of what I had left, but I don’t think I can afford your tastes.” Alex says with a chuckle.

  They only have to wait a few more minutes before their waiter returns with the drinks, with Hara’s in a wide-mouthed mug. And then it’s time to order.