"Hey, hey, Asabe, Xyrene, look at this!" Rain called out, her excitement unmistakable as she pointed toward a Tokatoka food stand.
Asabe and Xyrene turned their heads to follow Rain's gesture.
"Let's eat there!" Rain exclaimed, practically bouncing on her heels.
Xyrene and Asabe exchanged amused smiles before following her to the stand.
When they reached the counter, Rain wasted no time. "Three Tokatoka, please!" she exclaimed with enthusiasm.
"Alright then, let me heat them up for you," the vendor responded, his hands already moving to prepare the food.
As Rain eagerly awaited the food, Asabe stood beside her, letting out a lazy yawn, while Xyrene leaned against the counter, eyeing the bustling market around them.
"Here you go! Are these three Tokatoka for your comrades?" the vendor asked, handing Rain a bag filled with the fragrant dishes.
The Tokatoka resembled a burger in size, but they were a fusion of rice, curry, meat, and fish, each one cut into three portions. The three Tokatoka Rain ordered made for nine pieces in total. The savory aroma wafting from the bag made Asabe and Xyrene's mouths water.
Asabe and Xyrene reached toward the bag to grab a piece, but Rain pulled it away with a mischievous grin. She pointed at something behind them.
"Let's eat there!" she declared, gesturing toward a vast picnic field filled with families enjoying the day.
The field stretched on for what seemed like miles, a vibrant and lively space of greenery dotted with picnic blankets and cheerful chatter.
"Shouldn't we get more food if we're planning a picnic?" Asabe asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That's why we should!" Rain exclaimed, her tone decisive.
"I guess she's right," Xyrene agreed. "Master gave us enough currency to buy as much as we want anyway."
"Then let's do it!" Rain concluded, leading the charge.
The trio strolled through the bustling town, scanning for more food options. Asabe's eyes suddenly caught sight of another stand, and she froze mid-step.
Rain and Xyrene quickly noticed and turned to follow her gaze.
"What's wrong, Asabe-san?" Rain asked cheerfully.
Asabe remained silent, her gaze fixed on a stand labeled Lambchop. Xyrene followed her line of sight, realization dawning.
"Eh?" Xyrene muttered, intrigued.
Rain looked as well, and the three found themselves captivated by the stall. The vendor, noticing their interest, called out to them.
"Hey! You young ladies want to try some?"
Without hesitation, Asabe approached the stand, her usual calm demeanor betraying a subtle anticipation. Xyrene and Rain followed her lead.
The vendor grinned and held out a plate of sliced, freshly cooked lamb meat. "Here, have a free taste. On the house!"
"Really?!" Rain gasped, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
The vendor handed the plate to Rain, who offered it to her companions. Each of them took a piece, though Xyrene studied hers for a moment before eating. Rain and Asabe, however, wasted no time.
"Nyaaa! This is frickin' delicious!" Rain exclaimed, her tail practically swishing from joy.
"It's good," Xyrene agreed, nodding with approval.
Asabe, however, remained silent. Her face dipped low, her hair falling forward to obscure her expression.
Rain, Xyrene, and the vendor all turned to look at her. A brief hush fell over the group as they waited for her reaction.
Finally, Asabe raised a trembling thumb in the air, signaling her approval.
Unbeknownst to the others, behind her curtain of hair, Asabe was in pure bliss.
The taste, the juiciness, the warmth, the saltiness—it's all perfect, she thought, her inner monologue filled with delight. I feel like I'm in heaven right now. It's so good, I need more. More, more, more!
Her thoughts were alight with excitement as she realized the truth behind the taste. This has to be lamb meat. And lamb meat is every dragonborn's favorite food.
As the trio wandered the bustling grounds of Mistigans, their senses were constantly tempted by the aroma of various foods. It was Xyrene's turn to pause as her eyes lit up at the sight of a stall selling squid barbecues. A sly grin spread across her face as she made her way to the counter.
"Excuse me, can I have some of those squid leg barbecues?" Xyrene asked politely.
The vendor, a strikingly beautiful woman, glanced at her with clear irritation. "Go away. I don't give away free food, asshole," the vendor snapped.
Xyrene blinked but maintained her composure. "Do I look like a beggar to you?" she asked coolly.
"Oh, so you're actually here as a customer?" The vendor's tone turned mocking. She then shouted, "ZANDOYA! Get over here!"
Xyrene stood at the counter, unfazed but visibly unimpressed by the woman's attitude. Meanwhile, Asabe and Rain stood a little farther back, observing the scene with curious expressions.
"HEY, ZANDOYA! SELL THIS BITCH SOME SQUID BARBECUES!" the vendor, whose name tag read Hailie, shouted impatiently.
Xyrene arched an eyebrow. "Who are you calling a bitch?" she asked, her voice cutting through the commotion.
"You, of course," Hailie spat back, smirking.
Before Xyrene could respond, a man's voice from behind the stall barked out, "You're at the counter, Hailie. Why don't YOU sell her the damn food? You're the vendor right now. It's my break time!"
"I don't care," Hailie shot back. "I'm not selling her anything. You do it!"
Zandoya, clearly irritated, groaned audibly. "Then why the hell did you even take this job, Hailie?" he asked, his voice rising.
"Blah blah blah," Hailie mimicked mockingly. "Look, I'll just tell the boss that you made me do your part and didn't let me take my break. Maybe I'll even throw in that you threatened me."
"That's a lie!" Zandoya shot back, his frustration boiling over.
"And who do you think the boss will believe?" Hailie said smugly.
Defeated, Zandoya walked around to the grill, muttering curses under his breath as he began preparing the squid barbecue.
"That's right. Just stay quiet and do as I say," Hailie added with a self-satisfied smirk.
Xyrene, standing at the counter, was clearly growing tired of the drama. Her lips tightened as she tapped her fingers impatiently.
When her food was finally handed to her, she snatched it and walked away without a word. Her cold expression spoke volumes as she returned to her companions.
"Let's go already! Xyrene, what took you so long nyaw?" Rain asked playfully, holding up a large bag of snacks she and Asabe had gathered for their picnic.
"Don't worry about it," Xyrene replied curtly, her annoyance still lingering as the trio made their way to their picnic spot.