《The Endless War》Chapter 26: The Last Supper
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The King of Ingram was offering a bountiful feast for the people of Terra and his own. Especially with the trouble, they ran into during their trip to Ingrann. To make up for this King Bram had his chefs whip up a feast.
The known foods of Ingrann delicacies involved a mixture of fried flies, roasted scorpion, and various larvae. Upon seeing these rare and stunning foods the people of Terra grew a bit uncomfortable but didn’t want to seem rude. Well, everyone but Yadon of course.
“I’m not eating any of this! It looks fucking gross!”
“Yadon, show some respect!” Jace demanded even if he wasn’t pleased with the choices in food.
“Why don’t you have a bite of the flies then, Jace. I’m sure they’re super duper yummy.”
“I would if I wasn’t on a strict diet.”
“I call bullshit!”
“Relax guys, my father was only playing a prank on you.” Lamont chuckled.
“So, you guys have regular food as well?” Yadon asked as he looked around the table.
The pinewood table was filled with foods common in this region, but none of the people from Terra wanted to indulge in their cravings. However, the chefs were seen loading up some more dishes filled with common human food.
Much to Yadon’s delight as he saw meat that he was familiar with.
“That’s what I’m talking about. I knew we couldn’t have been sharing our resources with you for nothing.” Yadon said as he immediately stuffed the beef onto his plate.
“Steaks are a favorite for human consumption, though I have to say I enjoy it myself. Especially when it’s really bloody.” The King responded.
“That’s the only way to eat it, sir. Any other way and all the flavor is cooked out. Your chefs know what they’re doing, I’ll tell you that.” Yadon spoke in between chews.
The King of Ingrann was getting up there in age shown by the greying of his hair. Because of this, he opted to have it cut close with the sides being tapered while the top was slicked back. Being of royal descent he wore formal clothes of a red and black color. His eyes were also a common brown color and he seemed to be an inch taller than his son Lamont.
The chefs brought out more food for the humans with cuisines such as fries, chicken, bread and the works all freshly made in the kitchen.
“This is really good, I can’t even taste a difference in the quality,” Isaac muttered as he eagerly devoured his food.
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The long road trip here and the battles they encountered on the way was enough to work up an appetite. Everyone was too busy stuffing their face to really add conversation to the table.
“You guys must have been really hungry! If I would have known that you were in trouble, I would have rushed out to help you guys in a hurry!” Callista admitted.
“Sister no offense, but combat isn’t your strong suit. You know you’re a better fit for the reigns of support.” Her brother Lamont added.
“Quiet brother, I can be useful too! Even if I lack strength in a traditional sense doesn’t mean I can’t be strong.”
“Now, now, Lamont. Don’t tease your dear sister. Everyone has their own set of strength.”
Kiana was the Queen of Ingrann and Bram’s wife. She was an older woman, but still held her own set of charms. She had long flowing black hair and brown eyes.
Callista was just one of her daughters she also had another who sat across from the table though she was distant from the others.
The eldest daughter of Kianna was Estelle Ingram. She had black hair that was well maintained and appeared to be as smooth as silk while her bangs appeared to be dyed white. A few strands of hair could be seen resting over her ample chest while the rest flowed down her back. Her eyes seemed still and appeared lifeless with those grey hues of hers. Today she was wearing a black petticoat along with a corset of the same color. Her nails looked as if they were dipped in black paint and her lips appeared blood red.
“Kiana did Zain not wish to accompany us for dinner/” Bram asked as he licked his chops.
“You know your son. He hardly ever shows up to dine with us. I would have thought he’d be here to greet our guests. Ah, what a disappointment.” Kiana said as if something bitter had entered her mouth.
Hearing this reminded Isaac of the portraits that he saw. Everyone presented at the table was there for the family one expect the man who was shown alone. Was this who Bram was mentioning? Even though he was curious he knew not to ask about it. To him, it was like overstepping his boundaries.
“You know Zain prefers to be alone, father. The most you can do is ask him to join us. It’s up to him whether he follows through.” Lamont could be seen chewing on the flies that his chefs had fried for him.
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Yadon peered at the Basilisk as he did this, wondering how he could eat something so disgusting. Even though he knew he shouldn’t judge he just couldn’t help it.
“Before I go I wish that you all have a wonderful night.” Bram took a stand leaving his plate half eaten. He gave everyone a final glance before heading off through the castle.
“That man can never enjoy a friendly meal with his family. Oh well, such is the burden the Queen of Ingrann must face.” Kiana sighs softly.
“You know how hard father works. Don’t worry, soon I’ll take his workload.” Lamont turns his head to view his mother, showing determination and pride to be next in line in Ingrann’s royal affairs.
“What do you mean by that if you don’t mind me asking,” Isaac said much to the curiosity of his squad.
“Well, since my father is a King that means when he decides to retire, I’ll be the next in line to take over. I’ll become the next King of Ingrann, but fear not that won’t tamper with our alliance.” Lamont addressed.
“That sounds so cool. Over in Terra, everything is done as a whole. Someone would have to be elected to run in a race in order to even have the chance to be voted as the next leader.” Claire chimes enjoying the knowledge that she was given.
“That’s kinda not fair. What if someone wanted to be king, but wasn’t apart of your bloodline?” Yadon looked over at Lamont.
“It’s rather simple. If you wish to truly be the next ruler of Ingrann then you can fight my father for it. If you manage to beat him in a fight, whether he dies or not then you’ll take the throne.” Lamont begins, “but, only our kin has the right to do that. Basilisks will only accept another Basilisk as a leader.”
Keianna could be seen leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed. Personally, she didn't care to know all of this and had nothing to add. She was just trying to finish up her meal before she went off to bed.
“Does Bram get challenged often to these duels?” Claire asks.
“Thankfully not. No one truly wants that responsibility. It isn’t an easy job. But, I know I can handle it.” Lamont appeared ready for this, but would respect his father’s time as the current King and would aspire to learn as much as he could from him.
“Well, it’s getting late! I’m going to head off to bed now. I want to be up bright and early to sing!” Callista hopped up from her seat and gave a friendly wave to the group before heading off.
As Callista left Estelle could be heard giggling softly to herself which brought her mother’s attention.
“What’s so funny, dear?”
“Nothing…” She said with a smirk.
“I know that look. What is it?”
“It’s just that… I feel bad luck in the room.”
Hearing this Jace looked quite intrigued. He didn’t know what she was talking about, but going by what he’s seen so far he wanted to know more.
“Bad luck? What do you mean by that?”
“Well, you see my daughter is quite gifted even though she doesn’t act like it.”
“It isn’t a special gift. I just know when someone will have something terrible happen. I can feel it, I just don’t know who it’s coming from… hehe.” She glanced at the Terraians in the room. “But, I’ll find out soon enough.”
Everyone soon grew quiet as this wasn’t something they wanted to hear. Isaac appeared to be sweating slightly from the possible omen that could represent.
“Has she ever been right?”
“Sadly, yes. Sometimes she’ll be able to predict when one of the guards will die. But it could also be something minor as getting a paper cut or some sand in your wounds, haha.”
“You guys are being scaredy cats. I don’t believe in luck. The only thing I believe in is hard work and determination, it’s how I got this far!” Yadon was metaphorically beating his chest.
After some more casual conversation, the group decided to call it a night and head off to bed. All departed besides Yadon who wanted a few more plates before he turned in and because of his beefy body, he wasn’t satisfied until the plates were nearing the ceiling.
Isaac could be seen wandering through the halls of the castle. He had a hard time falling asleep, so he decided he would just explore before he tried to fall back asleep. This was also the first time he’s been away from his parents. A few sleepovers here and there were fun, but when he was in another region with the chance of dying things just hit him harder.
His restlessness brought him to the balcony. He was expecting it to be empty, but he soon found out that he wasn’t the only one who couldn’t sleep that night.
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