The Midnight Feast - Runa Rothgar

[Runa Rothgar]

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[Runa Rothgar]

The Midnight Feast - A Diner Open at Night

Chapter One: Introductions

    It was a time of peace. The Kingdom hasn’t seen war nor bloodshed in mass for years. The people were serene and the land filled with opportunity. Even those who fought in the last war reaped the rewards of this era without blades and violence. One such a man, an ex-soldier, decided to open a Diner a few years back using a pension owed to him from the last war. This diner was called the Midnight Feast.


    The Midnight Feast Diner is a quaint building off a main street in a wide alley; a brief walk from the Palace gates. Inside this wooden building is a small room with a horseshoe style counter where everyone sits. The chef works his culinary masterpieces in a small kitchen in the back. After a meal is prepared, the chef moves out inside the horseshoe counter and serves his customers. This is the only chef that works in the Midnight Feast Diner, he is the owner, and his name is Master Chef Stalwart.


    This little piece of the Kingdom never opens during the day, only at night. Master Chef Stalwart, and as many call him ‘Master Chef’ or merely ‘Master’, cannot sleep at night. During rest, he needs the noise and bustle of daily life to occupy his senses while fending off the lingering havoc of War. There are other people like him who do not sleep during the night; either by choice, work, and do not feel like enduring the chaos of a nightly tavern. The Midnight Diner is a perfect place for those who can escape and enjoy a good drink or meal amongst friends.



    “That’s not how you treat a lady, Jordan!” A woman of middle-class wear barks from one side of the room, half-way off her seat. The other two of the woman’s friends cheer her on with a reinforcing, “Yeah!”.


    “What’s wrong with gifting a nice bundle of beats and assorted vegetables in a pretty basket?” The middle-aged Farmer replies with his hands out, shrugging. In unison, the three ladies bellow out in disgust, heckling Farmer Jordan before everyone is silenced by the opening of the Diner door.


    “Good evening everyone.” A woman of royalty steps in and promptly sits. Her mannerism dignified and physique lined with beauty that would ease the senses of anyone setting eyes upon her; which lessened the need for too much fancy and jewels. However, the Princess still wore a silken dress, layered for cool nights and light brown hair kept up in curly tresses that was rooted with a silver band. Her outfit was a more casual when not conducting court duties. Lastly, Princess Pearl’s eyes casted an emerald gaze that held a deep compassion.


    “Princess Pewarl! Is gewd to see you again! “A scruffy, plump faced man, known as Dillan, greets the visiting lady from a neighboring kingdom. Dillan is Farmer Jordan’s best friend.


    Princess Pearl Antony was part of political plan to court the Prince of the Kingdom, Rhiland Rohan. However, Prince Rohan has yet to make a definite decision on who to court, due to many interests from nobles near and far.


    “It is good to see everyone this night.” Pearl replies with an elated smile before a kitchen curtain flips away to fill the room with a familiar kitchen scent. A large middle-aged man steps into the horseshoe, his stubbled smile and eyes spark a wisdom that very few hold.


    “Princess Pearl, your smile and presence are always welcome here. What can I get you today?” Master Chef Stalwart is a man of few words, yet those deep-toned words always meant well.


    “Turkey and potatoes for two, Master.” Pearl replied, holding two fingers.


    “Coming right up.” Master Chef turned and headed to the kitchen without question.


    “For two!? Who are you bringing and is this why you are so happy, Princess!?” One of the ladies three asks while the other two nod with anticipation.


    “Yes it is, Ladies.” The princess leans forward as if her next comment is classified from the Kingdom. With a loud whisper her eyes widen, “Prince Rohan is arriving here soon to have turkey with me!”


    Screaming from the ladies pierce the ears of the diner and soon become muffled by a loud gong of cooking pots bouncing along the floor, “By the Gods, ladies.”


    “Sorry, Masterrr!” All three ladies apologize in harmony to the Chef as heads tuck into their shoulders.


    “The Prince is a fair and thoughtful man. He eats here from time to time and I always enjoy his company.” Farmer Jordan nods sternly.


    “Pwince Rowhan pays me good to pick up his howrses dookie when he goes for a strowl down da stweet!” Dillan glances to everyone with a proud grin.


    The three ladies revolt in disgust yelping to Dillan before the princess holds out a hand of forgiveness, “I am quite happy you take honor in your work, Dillan.”

[Runa Rothgar]

   

Chapter Two :  Battle of the Bone

 Before anyone else can speak the room is filled with a steam of warm night air. The diner door opens up and soon enters a handsome man garbed in fabric only a prince would wear. His tunic made of a fine leather and matching greaves that betray his mode of transportation; hence, his trusty steed. The Prince’s hair was kept short, dark brown, and clean shaven with brilliant blue eyes.


    “Greetings friends, the night brings us all here once again.” The Prince of the Kingdom dips his head politely without prejudice.

Everyone finds their tongues paralyzed as Prince Rhilan Rohan takes a seat next to the Princess. “Prince Rohan!” Pearl greeted excitedly as she stands up to offer her due respect.


    “Please, everyone, remain seated. I wish to enjoy this place in a casual manner. Allow this Prince such grace?” His blue eyes sweep to the patrons before they rest on the Master Chef who enters with a welcoming grunt, smile, and two plates of dinner in each hand.


    “Prince, Princess, dinner is served.” He sets the plates down for each as the Prince follows suit, relaxing with a sigh upon the stool, “This.. this looks delicious Master Chef. You remembered my favorite meal, Princess Pearl?”


    “Yes! I snuck in the order in hopes you would be pleased, My Lord. I admit..” A slender finger taps her lip as she smiles sheepishly. “I wanted to delay the order until you arrived so we could spend more time together.”


    A round of chuckles and laughs fill the diner as the Master Chef grins widely with a behind the smile laugh of his own. Master Chef’s arms fold with authority and he remains stood while peering down to the royalty ready to feast.


    The Prince and Princess both steeple their fingers in prayer and mutter a few words in thanks. The ladies three, Jordan, and Dillan watch wide eyed as the two high-borns take their first bites. After a few long bites and eyes reveling in bliss, the Prince and Princess look to each other with a youthful beam. Pearl and Rohan then both glance up to the Master Chef.


    “Delicious, Master Chef!” In harmony the Prince and Princess praise.


    “Enjoy yourselves.” The old war hero smiles to them both before turning to the others if they need anything.


    “We want to try the turkey and potatoes too!” The Ladies request and soon Farmer Jordan with Dillan follows suit to order the same. The Chef nods to all of them with a smile and slips back into the kitchen to prepare the meals.


    “Master Chef makes the best gwavy.. “ Dillan smacks his lips, mouth salivating impatiently while rubbing his bulging tummy.


    “How about some drinks on me, Master Chef! Ale and wine for the lovely ladies?” The Prince requests after dabbing the corner of his lips with a napkin. Everyone in the diner reply with a cheerful appreciation to the Prince for his kindness.


    The Chef returns after a time and delivers the food and drink. Their hearts merry and conversation entertaining. When their bellies become full, the Master Chef holds out the Turkey Wishbone and, lays it upon a cloth, in front of Princess Pearl.


    “Oh, Master Chef, thank you!” Pearl holds up the wishbone and offers the other half to the Prince.


    “OooOh! I wish I had a wishbone so I could make a wish!” Dillan comments before tipping his mug for a swig.


    “Who will win!?” The Ladies look at each other in turn, soon veering attention to the young Prince and Princess once again.

Suddenly the Prince and Princess narrow their eyes at each other with playful competition and begin to pull. The Master Chef watching again with folded arms. Farmer Jordan closes his eyes, hands covering his sights.


    … snap..


    With a sigh the Princess lowers her head in defeat and the Prince smiles victoriously, yet respectfully. “Well fought, M’lady but it seems I am the victor this day. May we have many more wish bones to battle over.” The Prince lifts his drink to the others for departing sip. “Thank you, everyone, and Master Chef for allowing me to be a fellow man. Now I must return to being a Prince. Allow me to walk you to your guest house, Princess?”


    The Princess rises and extends a courteous dip and bow in farewell to those in the Diner. Waves and shouts of parting goodbyes in tow.

[Runa Rothgar]

  
Chatper Three: The Midnight Drink

  A week passed in the Kingdom and it is another one of those regular nights at the Midnight Feast.


    “I was delivering my goods to the market and I noticed Prince Rohan with another woman!” The old farmer loudly whispers, leaning forward as his eyes rest on the three ladies, “That’s the third woman I seen him in company this week! Boy, they are all real lookers too!”


    The ladies gasp in shock, hands covering their mouths while glancing to each other, “What of the Princess? I have not seen the Prince with her at all!”


    “If the Pwincess is available, I’wl take her out!” The noble Dillan responds with a rigid finger. “I just know how to tweat a lady. Invite hewr to the poppy fiewlds.”


    “The poppy fields are quite beautiful this time of season.” Jordan replies with a nod of approval and the ladies giggle at the thought of Dillan’s idea, yet offer their share of agreement, as well.


    “What would you do while in the Poppy fields, Dillan? Have a picnic!?” One of the ladies three ask playfully before looking at each other, “Awww .. that would be soo gooood!”


    Dillan shrugs and grins, “I sneeze a lot awound the poppy fiewlds. Aftewr I sneeze, I hope the Pwincess can wipe the snot fwom my nose so I can feewl hewr touch!” A dreamy gaze lingers in Dillan’s eyes as he hugs himself.


    Of course, the three ladies howl in disgust and Jordan slaps his knee in laughter. The Master Chef returns from the kitchen with a shake of his head, amused at the conversation while distributing previous orders.


    Suddenly, the door opens and in comes a familiar face. The youthful woman is hard to miss and her elegant courtly gown is one that a poor woman could only dream to wear.


    “Princess, it has been sometime. You are always welcome here no matter the delay. Can I get you anything?” The old Chef asks with a genuine smile.


    Pearl shifts her gaze to the others with a sadden smile, forcing herself to be polite before sitting. “Just a drink. Strong wine please, Master Chef.” The Princess’ demeanor seems dour, avoiding eye contact.


    “Princess!? What is the matter?” One of the ladies ask worriedly while the others in the diner chime in agreement to the inquiry.


    The Princess shakes her head to the others seated in the Diner, “Oh, please no need to be concerned.”


    “Pwease tewl us, Pwincess? We awr you fwiends!” Dillan inhales deeply and belches out a deep, rumbling exhale, “Excuse Mee!”


    The ladies grumble and shake their head with huffs before the Princess manages a smile. “You are so very sweet, Dillan. Forgiven.”


    “You have been very charitable, Princess Pearl. Even as a visitor people speak of your generous time spent in the orphanage, M’lady.” Jordan smiles gratefully.


    The Chef returns with an open bottle of wine and pours Pearl a drink before once again the Diner Door opens. The Prince of the Kingdom gestures for a young, vibrant lady to enter and shift promptly to a side of the horseshoe counter, furthest from the Princess.

    Without a moments notice the Princess is already pouring herself another drink while she suffers the presence of the Prince and the touchy-feely woman giggling and carrying on with the Prince. Still, the Prince remains polite, regarding Pearl with a smile before returning his attention to the Lady for more playful banter.


    Pearl returned a slight smile before morphing into a frown that is quickly veiled with a lifted goblet to drown her pain. The others look on quietly and notice the Prince and his feminine company, who seem to have no awareness beyond each other’s attention. Only the Master Chef interrupts them to take an order.


    Soon enough, the Princess is unable to suffer any longer and downs her last drink. She pays for her tab, dips courteously, and swiftly exits the diner. The Prince, however, doesn’t seem to notice her departure.


    Jordan and Dillan look at each other with wide eyes and soon meet their eyes with the three ladies who are fretting with hands over their mouths. The Master Chef’s seasoned eyes observe from the kitchen, expression neutral, yet thoughtful.

[Runa Rothgar]

    
Chapter Four: A Glass of Hope

Another week passes within the Kingdom and the Midnight Feast is quiet. Master Chef tends to a few cleaning tasks. His towel drying a few plates and soon noting his blurred expression; good-natured eyes piercing into the porcelain.


    The door suddenly opens and Princess Pearl enters alone with a disturbed expression. Startled the Chef lowers the plate with a sheepish smile. “Princess, always a pleasure. Something I can get you?”


    “I don’t think I have a chance, Master Chef..” Pearl’s defeated tone exhaling a sigh as she bows her head, eyes closed.


    The Master Chef had no need to ask what she meant, keenly knowing who she speaks of, “Who do you blame, Princess?” Those large arms fold once again as he asks.


    “It’s those females that are teasing and flaunting! It’s scandalous I tell you, Master Chef!” The princess pipes up as her face flushes red.


    “What of Prince Rohan? He is a man. We are weak to the flaunting beauty of women.” His tone calm and curious.


    “And that is why I blame the females! They know better!” The Princess huffs, opening her eyes up to the Chef and sighs once again, “You are right, Master Chef. I cannot blame anyone. He is not interested in me anymore. I’ll just blame myself.”


    “Sometimes, my menu and meals are not for everyone. I don’t blame myself for that, I just solve the problem and ask how I can make their experience better in my Diner. If I cannot help them, the customer and I part ways.” The Master Chef explains with a solid nod.


    “I should part ways with the Prince, Master Chef?” The Princess asks sincerely.


    “I cannot answer that for you, Princess. Has he parted ways with you?”


    “I.. no..he has said nothing of the sort.” The Princess’ eyes flit about in thought, considering.


    “I implore you, Princess. Find out and solve your problem. His answer may be good, his answer may not, but you will know from his words. He is a good, honest Prince and will be straight forward. I doubt he will play with your heart.” The Master Chef suggests sternly with a caring smile.


    “You are right, Master Chef!” She stands up swiftly and kneels courteously before attempting to make way out the door.


    “One more thing, Princess..” The Chef halts Pearl with his words.


    “Yes, Master Chef?”


    “The Prince is young, he has been exploring to find the right woman. Sometimes I explore my ingredients to find the perfect recipe. Find out if you are the right recipe for him.”


    Wordless, the Princess beams to the chef, soon turning on a heel. Determined, Pearl steps out for the Palace.

[Runa Rothgar]

    

Final Chapter: Broken Together

Later that eve, within the Palace, the Princess finds herself rising coiled steps in hunt for the Prince’s quarters. A thundering knock upon the Prince’s door erupts from within the royal bedroom.


    “Hnngh? Come in?” The Prince barely manages a response before the Princess barrels in and shuts the door behind her without even looking. Pearl’s face barely contains her noble mannerisms as she stares intense to the Prince.


    “Princess Pearl? It is a pleasure to see you, even at this hour.” Halfway through is bow the princess chirps, “No formalities, Prince I can’t take this anymore.. I need answers!” The chest of the Princess heaves with each breath.


    “I have barely heard a peep from you, Prince! I feel as if I am being ignored!” The Princess rails to the Prince as her arms fold with a pouty expression.


    “Princess, I am troubled that you feel that way. I apologize, but I needed a time to think from my past weeks of entertaining all those interested in me.” The Prince’s eyes apologetic.


    “At the Diner you completely ignored me save a simple regard of my presence, most likely to be polite. The Lady touching you all over as if you were an adorable.. furry pet!”


    “Am I not an adorable furry pet, worthy of touching?” The prince asks with mirth in his eyes.


    The Princess barks out a laugh. “Prince!? This is no laughing matter!” She then attempts to hold a frown.


    “Princess Pearl. That time was the Lady’s time I was with. Regardless of her character I wanted to make sure all her attention was given. I believe you wanted the same?” Rohan pleads with Pearl.


    The Princess soaks in the Prince’s words as her brows furrow in thought, “I.. yes.. you are right. I would be a little disturbed if you drawn your attention away while we were spending time together.” The princess resigns.


    Prince Rohan smiled and turned to a desk as the Princess quietly observes. Opening a jeweled box, the son of a King fishes out a cloth holding something small within.


    “Prince Rohan?” The Princess asks curiously.


    Without a word and only his charming smile, the Prince unwraps the silk cloth to reveal a partial wishbone.


    A sharp gasp escapes the Princess’s lips and hurriedly dips into her purse to pull out a cloth wrapped wishbone, as well as other trinkets and cosmetics which rattle across the floor. Without any regard for what was dropped, the princess reaches out with her half of the wishbone..


    The Prince smiles warmly and presses his winning side of the wish bone towards the princess. The wishbone becomes one and their hands touch, thumbs caressing each other.


    “I .. I don’t know what to say Prince Rohan.”


    “You don’t have too. By coming here tonight you put my heart at ease for a decision. No other Lady stormed my door. Only letters of gratitude by messengers. You are your own messenger and you are being yourself. I can’t ask anything more from a Lady.”


    The princess blushed as their eyes met, “Prince.. did your wish come true?”


    The prince replies in kind,

    “No M’lady.. not until your lovely lips say.. I do.”



THE END

[Runa Rothgar]

OOC:

I hope you enjoyed! 

Please know that this book shouldn't be fully read by your character unless they bought her book, or borrowed it to read.  You can know of it of course once it begins more production.   Thank you for being respectful ingame. :3


Credits: I would like to thank Raven Credale (Aella!) for the wonderful drawing!   

Also, thank you to all who Role Played with me regarding my book, you know who you are <3.