Sizzle!
Big Silly Hum worked with Serious Mouse, lowering the prepared meat rolls into oil heated to just the right temperature.
"We've all tried talking her around. Now it's up to you... These dishes were originally all meant for her. We wanted to lure Aisijin out with fragrant food that could make anyone feel better..." Tuzel said, taking a moment to look away from the chessboard, his eyes wide and rather ferocious.
Ruger raised his eyebrows, though not because of Tuzel's bloodshot eyes. Those merely meant his position on the board was looking very bad.
He was more concerned about Aisijin's unusual behavior. He looked at the others, all meticulously busy, utterly serious and focused, yet something was off. None of them picked up the conversation, not even to offer a brief explanation of what had happened.
He lowered his gaze to Little One in his arms.
"What happened to Aisijin?" he asked her softly.
Little Regna pulled away from the Kobold Wizard's soft, furry chin again and tilted her head up, looking thoughtful. She was just about to speak.
"Quick! Get ready!"
Little Fairy flapped their wings and suddenly darted out of the nearby grass. They had not been there a moment ago, and that was the direction of the Inn.
Ruger watched blankly as the little creature flew past him, even taking the opportunity to salute him, but never stopping or finding time to speak. A whole crowd of Fuzzies followed behind, the Spirit Furs trailing Little Fairy in an orderly procession.
Rustle!
Zhizhi also crawled out along the path through the grass. Everyone was bustling about.
"Quick! Aisijin's opened her door a crack! The Fruit Tea we left beside it is gone!" Little Fairy called eagerly, speeding past the long dining table.
"Oh, my great master! Oh,