"First off, I would like to thank you for your help, Miss! My name is Melissa, Melissa Berryswing. But you can call me Mel for short. " Melissa introduced herself.
"You're most welcome, Mel. My name is Vyrena Blackfyre. You can call me Vy. This here is Lycster," Vy introduced herself and Lycster.
Melissa used a ladle and scooped out a bowl each for everyone while the waiter poured drinks for all of them.
"This a family recipe dessert. Please have some! As thanks, all your meals in my restaurant will be on the house," she said cheerfully
"No, I can't do that! You'll go out of business!" Vy laughed.
The dessert was made out of black glutinous rice boiled in water, sugar and coconut milk. It took hours to boil but the resulting bowl was absolutely delicious. Vy and Lycster each ate a spoonful and was amazed by its taste.
While they ate the dessert, Melissa and Vy talked about what had happened. Melissa explained that the Vipers were a small-time thug group that had been terrorising her restaurant. It all started with the incident of the Viper member who came into the restaurant and causing a ruckus.
Due to the commotion caused by the man, Melissa promptly kicked him out of the restaurant and told him to never return.
"Did you notify the authorities? Can't they do something about this," Vy asked.
Melissa let out a sigh as she shook her head.
"I've approached them before. But seeing as how it played out today, there isn't much they can do either."
No world is truly perfect, or at least, perfection is difficult to achieve. Vy continued to eat the dessert while they talked about other topics. Melissa's mother was a human, her father was an elf.
They met in the Elves Alliance when Melissa's mother was here on her first visit as a travelling merchant. They fell in love and settled down. But as the life spans of humans are far shorter than elves, her mother passed on.
"Is your father still alive," Vy asked.
Melissa shook her head, "He passed on several years ago."
Vy realised she had no idea how old Melissa was, nor any of her elven friends.
"If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"
"Vy! How can you ask for a person's age just like that?" Lycster whispered.
"My apologies if that's a rude question. You don't have to answer it," Vy apologized.
"That's quite alright. I'm 264 years old, that's in human years. Elves have a slightly different measure of time. By that definition, I'm about 26 in Elvish Years."
The difference is truly something to be at awe about. Vy wondered if she was truly human and how long she would live to be. From the humans she had interacted with, she knew people do grow old eventually. There were so many questions to be answered.
"You don't look a day over 26, that's for sure," Vy joked.
As it was getting late, Vy and Lycster bid Melissa farewell and went home. As they walked along the streets, Vy was deep in thought. The food Melissa cooked and served was delicious and while it might not sell as well in the Elves Alliance, she was certain the common human folk would love it.
If only she could convince Melissa to work with her, they could build an empire of restaurants all across the world. That would help Vy to bring in a steady income as well, so she would not need to worry about future funds. There were still many things Vy wanted to do and it was good to be well prepared.
~
The next day, Vy left Lycster in the house, while she went to look for Tatiana Springheart at the Grandeur hotel. When she got to the hotel, she was glad to see Rosie at the front desk.
"Welcome to the Grandeur Hotel, Miss Vyrena! How may I help you today?" Rosie asked with a smile on her face.
"It's great to see you again, Rosie. I am looking for a guest who is currently staying here. Her name is Tatiana Springheart."
"Ah yes, Miss Springheart! She has informed us that someone would be looking for her. She is currently waiting for you in the cafe! It's just over there, I'll bring you there."
Rosie guided Vy to the cafe, it was just across the lobby of the hotel. The cafe had modern decor and a chill atmosphere. As it was still early on in the day, there were only a few patrons having their morning cup of coffee.
When Vy met Tatiana for the first time, she did not know what to expect. After having been in the Elves Alliance for some time, Vy knew that all elves look different. Their appearance could vary quite far from one another, depending on what type of elves they were. Furthermore, some of them had enhancements which made them even more unique.
"Miss Springheart, Miss Blackfire is here to see you," Rosie said cheerfully.
Tatiana stood up from her seat and gave Vy a huge hug.