Chapter 23: Taking the metal to market
The inn's main hall sang with the scents of freshly baked bread, sizzling bacon and eggs slathered in butter and herbs.
A table sits beside a large window, draped in sunlight and brimming with plates of towering waffles loaded with syrup, spiced fruits, warm, flaky tarts and a selection of jams and toasted breads.
"I think I've actually died, because this is heaven!"
Penelo's eyes beam with anticipation as she surveys the delectable delights being set out before them.
The inn's granddaughter, Arienne, moving with the grace of a dancer, cheerfully loads their table with plate after plate of on-the-house food.
"...thank you." she whispers softly into Pip's audio ports, floating by him as if on a cloud, humming a merry tune as she skips through the inn.
"Hhnnnnnhgh!" Penelo moans, rubbing her thighs together under their table. "I can't waaaaait to get a taste." she squeals as she looks longingly at Pip.
He shrugs with a playful beep.
"Me, too, Penny. Me too." he thinks to himself
"Keep it in your pants, fluff for brains." Vuvi says, barely lifting her eyes from her notebook. "If things go according to plan, he'll be booked up for the next week by the time we're done at the market today."
Penelo groans, gazing at Arienne as she serves other guests, her face aglow with a deep sense of contentment and a new lease on life.