Faustine the Sensible

Chapter 17. Kitchen Escapades

~In which cupboards serve as a doorway and supper comes with a twist. 

I stood at the threshold of my cottage, the last rays of sunlight bathing the forest in a golden hue. The familiar scent of pine and the distant sounds of woodland creatures filled the air. Wrapping my cloak tighter around me, I considered the evening ahead.
"Leftovers could suffice," I thought, eyeing the cozy confines of my home. "But the town's lively evenings were too charming to forgo." The thought of savory pies and the bard's sweet tunes at the inn swayed my decision.
With a nod, I stepped through the entryway, a blazing hearth greeting me with its warmth. Yet the town beckoned with its cobblestone streets and warm lights, promising a night of friendly cheer.

As I walked into the kitchen to fix up Onyx and Phinas dinner, I wondered what adventures tonight might hold. A chance meeting with a mysterious traveler or a whispered secret from an new friend—the possibilities were as endless as the stars beginning to pepper the twilight sky.

"Supper in town it is," I whispered to myself, a smile playing on my lips. "And maybe, just maybe, a bit of unexpected magic."

Phina quietly stepped inside from the fresh night air full of curiosity and joyful anticipation.
"Hullo," she said, "am I in time for dinner?"

"Yes you are. I'm just finishing up fixing your bucket. Would you prefer to eat inside tonight?"

"Yes. It's nice and cozy in here."

"Lovely! I myself will be dinning out tonight. Give the kitchen a break I suppose. I'll save the leftovers from earlier today for tomorrow afternoon most likely. Maybe Leif will like to try some."

"Leif is coming to visit? That's nice. I like him."

"Me too. He's coming to help me with prep work for the shop opening. I'm quite excited to get started."

"That's great! The shop is going to be wonderful darling...just like my dinner! Where is it?"

"Right here," I retorted with a snorting laugh. I walked her bucket over to her feeding spot in the living room and placed it down for her immediate enjoyment. Just then Onyx sashayed into the room and hopped up onto the table for his evening meal.

"Hello," he said as announcement of his arrival into the room. His voice echoing on and on for a moment as it ricocheted around the common space.

"Hello, how was your day?" I asked politely.

"It was as days go around these parts. Surprising and eventful as long as your outside."

"That's true, I would have to agree with you there. The woods are full of excitement all the time. I have your dinner." I passed him his dish and gave his head a gentle pat. "I'll be heading out shortly. I'm going to town for supper tonight."

He nodded in response turning his attention to his plate of warm golden tuna and curly spriggins. A favorite meal of his.

Now that all was taken care of I found myself at the Void Way once more today to make my way into town. I had never been to the tavern inn but I had seen it in passing. As I fiddled along with the dials and knobs the portal lit up with stars yet again and I did my best to envision it in my minds eye. Taking a deep breath I stepped through and found myself emerging on the other side through some sort of dark cluttered tunnel-like space.

"Ow!" I said as I bumped my head against a solid surface ahead of me. I couldn't make it out in the darkness but I felt it give way as I came into contact with it. I could hear strange tinkling and jangling sounds clattering all around me as I sent unknown objects scattering about in the darkness.
"0h great! Should there be a door somewhere around here?" I muttered to myself.  Pressing forward I hit a hard surface again but if gave way, warm light began pouring in around me.  Looks like the jangling sounds were...pots? Pans?  What's that?...a pint glass?