As the villagers gave their offerings to the winter soup and allowing it to simmer for a while, its delicious, mouth-watering aroma filled the cold night air; dinner was ready for serving!
Along with it, many people prepared other colorful dishes which made the festivities into a lively banquet with the tables now filled with various breads, vegetables, fruits, and braised meats that were pulled away from the bone.
There was even a table filled with gorgeous desserts! Among the sweets were assorted jams, biscuits, cakes, and even pudding. Someone was also serving the Taraji specialties of cocoa!
Firion was still bewildered by how easily the elves and devas in Junai live in harmony with each other and how warmly they treat outsiders.
He thought to himself, ("I am starting to understand why Kaida's always echoes her mother's word that everyone is the same. Here in this town, everyone is the same in each other's eyes.")
In his 400 years he has never witnessed such a bright and festive experience, but there was very few seldom occasions where he was ever invited to such gatherings in Aldenburg, and even then the nobles would constantly remind the lower caste of what their opinions were of them.
"Firion...Firion...I think its our turn." Kaida voice suddenly brought him back from his train of thought.
She was nudging him as one of the cooks was signaling them to come get their share.
As they approached the cauldron one of the men smiled, "Jambo! I was informed about you from Emani! Your that man from Aldenburg who killed the beast that terrorized us! Here my brother, have some of the life broth made with the love of the town!"
Firion was handed a generous helping of the colorful soup and Kaida was handed a bowl of the vegetarian option that left out the heart meat.
Firion and Kaida went and sat next to Jaheim and Alima who have not touched their food yet.
They still seem bothered by the fact that this meal was prepared with the flesh of their former pet Acro.
Jaheim in particular was just staring at it...unsure if he truly wants to consume the soup that was made from the flesh of the animal he raised.
His hands began to shake until the forest elf put his hand on his shoulder, causing him to recompose himself.
Firion then took a generous sip of the soup first, and the flavors that hit his tongue were incredible to describe! His eyes lit up with amazement!
The broth had a rich, oily taste that was reminiscent of a well cooked roast. The other ingredients were like gourmet side dishes that highlight a grand feast! Overall a single taste from this incredible soup was like drinking a luxurious meal!
"This tastes amazing! I don't know if I had anything this delicious before." He stated as he drank more of the soup.
Kaida smiled as proceeded to drink some of hers. Even though this version lacked meat, it still had a rich mineral taste that danced on the pallet.
"Its really yummy! I can taste the truffles in here too!" She said with a bright smile.
After watching them, Jaheim and Alima took a gulp of their portion, and both of their eyes lit up!
"How could this taste so good?!?!" With tears in the corner of her eyes, Alima wailed as she marveled the wholesome meal.
Jaheim was silent, then a calm smiled formed on his face as he eyes softened while looking his bowl.
He carefully spoke, "I cannot believe how good this tastes!"
His wife smiled back at him as she affectionately brushed her head against his shoulder.
While Acro may have become something that had to be eliminated, it was becoming more clear that his existence had a purpose as his flesh became nourishment for the townsfolk that he once terrorized. Even despite what he became, there were always gonna be bittersweet memories from the time when he was a harmless baby that was immensely loved by those who raised him.
Despite how big the cauldron was, the soup was devoured within the hour with everyone getting their share. Soon everyone was just talking while enjoying the other prepared meals.
Kaida decided to sample some of their biscuits while Firion decided to try their coconut rum, he offered some to Kaida, but when she tried a sip her face turned red.
"Doesn't this stuff taste like fire? I'm not sure I like it." She asked as she handed the cup back.
He couldn't help but chuckle, "Well it is considered a poison to many, but an occasional drink can offer health benefits."
Eventually they saw Emani walking around with stick and Firion approached him to see how he was fairing.
"Oh, how have you two been doing? Unfortunately I don't know if my walking will ever return to normal." He said with dismay. "Other than that I hope you appreciate the use of my clan's villa for the time being, but just understand its only temporary lodging."
Firion calmly replied, "I understand, me and Kaida are aware we cannot stay permanently in the village, but regardless we have been treated with nothing but kindness so far, so we have no intentions on imposing on the community. We are just trying to figure out on how we can get a boat to Eurelca and hopefully find place to settle in."
"When you speak with my grandmother tomorrow you could ask her, but be warned, if the future is not definitive she may not be able to see it, but regardless I am sure she will try to help you in any way she can for saving my life and my underlings." Emani revealed. "Eurelca, its a massive country, I have only been through there a few times in my life to go visit family, but it has many vibrant communities with elves and devas from different tribes and countries that have built their own communities over time. I am certain you and your wife Kaida will find something."
Firion eyes widened as Emani revealed he had knowledge Eurelca and what is possibly had to offer.
"Could you tell more?" He pressed on.