[SE] Midnight Snack

yet my blood renders me a King

As soon as they entered the café, a buff woman came scurrying out from the back, “Sah! Hello, darling. Here for your usual?” She spotted Zen beside him and her smile widened, “And you brought a new friend! Come in, come in. Take any seat that you’d like.”

Sah laughed, “Hello, Ms. Risley. Yes, please. Two hot chocolates.” He let Zen choose a table and then sat across from the man. “Ms. Risley is a sweetheart. If you’re ever in need of a pick-me-up, she’ll have something for you.” The Wild Thunder followed Ms. Risley to retrieve their drinks and catch up with the woman.

Sah

Minor powerplay allowed without permission.
Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him. 

Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30)
Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded

We are all stardust

Zen went wide-eyed at the sudden flurry of motion, managing a small wave at the energetic woman. While Sah ordered, he scanned the cafe, relaxing as he took in how cozy it was. There was the bar for ordering and spread out throughout were colorful tables and chairs. Each chair had a hand-sewn pillow resting against the back with phrases related to various café drinks. Candles were lit in various corners, casting a warm glow on the potted arctic plants scattered about.

Choosing a table in the back with a clear view of each exit, Zen sat down and waited for Sah to join him. When he did, the Demi-god shook his head at the question. He only knew of hot chocolate in theory, alongside most other things, actually. Cold was a lot sharper than he had thought it would be.

Reflections of the cosmos and the passage of time

Zenith

yet my blood renders me a King

Sah noted Zen’s choice of table as he brought over two mugs of hot chocolate. The wolves found spaces around the table to curl up as their bonded sat down. He pushed one mug towards the Demi-god as he took a sip of his own.

He watched through one eye to see the man’s reaction to his first sip. Sah was confident in his own hot chocolate recipe, but Ms. Risley’s was always better somehow. He’d tried to get the recipe from her, nearly begged even. But she held strong, and eventually the Wild Thunder had been forced to admit defeat.

Sah

Minor powerplay allowed without permission.
Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him. 

Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30)
Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded

We are all stardust

Zen cautiously eyed the dark drink for a moment before taking a sip. His eyes went wide. It was hot but incredibly sweet. Maybe a little too sweet but overall, incredibly delightful. He took another sip, relaxing into the cushion behind him as his stars formed in the air. (It’s good.)

The shopkeeper, Ms. Risley if he had caught the right name, approached as his magic faded. In her hand was a plate of cookies, each with a purple jam center. She placed them down on the center of the table with a wink, “Here, boys. Blackberry thumbprint cookies. Fresh from the oven. On the house.”

The Demi-god eyed the cookies warily but as Sah took one, he relented and retrieved one as well. Taking a bite, Zen found that he much preferred these. They were less sweet than the hot chocolate and the slight tang from the berries was nice.

Reflections of the cosmos and the passage of time

Zenith

yet my blood renders me a King

Sah smirked as Zen clearly enjoyed his drink. The cookies were a surprise but the hybrid easily accepted them with a ‘thank you’ , enjoying the added treat. Before Ms. Rislely could get too far he called out. “Ms. Risley. Do you know if any of the inns have an opening for the night?” He gestured to the Demi-god, “My friend needs a room.”
The shopkeeper lit up with a wide smile, “Oh yes! The one above my shop is actually available.” She turned to Zen, “You can stay here for the night, hon. I’ll make you breakfast too.”

The Wild Thunder popped another cookie into his mouth to hide his grin. That was one problem solved.

Sah

Minor powerplay allowed without permission.
Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him. 

Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30)
Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded

We are all stardust

Zen glanced between Sah and Ms. Rislely for a moment, face neutral as he studied them. Taking a bite of his cookie he nodded. Lavender stars formed in the air, (Thank you.) The shopkeeper seemed to startle at their appearance but quickly smiled, “Perfect! Just let me know when you want your key.”

The Demi-god nodded, eyes tracking the woman as she left. The people in Halo were vastly different from those in Torchline. So far, every single citizen he’d met had been kind and willing to help in even a small way. Zen could only guess it was a result of having to work together to survive the dangers of their region.

Reflections of the cosmos and the passage of time

Zenith

yet my blood renders me a King

Sah took a sip of his hot chocolate, sighing contentedly. “Perfect.” When Ms.Risley left, he tilted his head curiously at the Demi-god before him. “Are you planning to stay in Halo for a while or just passing through?” Noah was Halo’s sole Demi-god and they were incredibly lucky to have him. Both of Frey’s were in King’s End, but the vast majority of Demi-gods seemed to congregate in Torchline.

The hybrid wasn't sure why that was the case. Perhaps it had to do with her individual tasks or goals. He was curious to know what this new Safrin Demi-god had planned for himself.

Sah

Minor powerplay allowed without permission.
Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him. 

Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30)
Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded

We are all stardust

Zen finished off his cookie as he contemplated Sah's question. Stars shimmered in the air, casting a soothing blue on the table as he responded. (Passing through. I don’t have a set region. Tell me about them?) He'd heard just yesterday that Halo was starting a new regional quest with his mother. It seemed that the snowy region was still resoundingly loyal, and the Demi-god had nothing to worry about. With Torchline and Halo secured, Zen could focus on the other regions.

Sah seemed inclined to offer his assistance and so his view on them might be useful. Particularly given the hybrid's loyalties. He'd likely know just what kind of information Zen was after.

Reflections of the cosmos and the passage of time

Zenith

yet my blood renders me a King

Sah's brow quirked at the question as he placed his mug down. "Sure. Torchline is a vibrant place full of trade. Hadama, a Safrin Demi-god is one of the rulers. I believe that Fora, the other, is also loyal to Safrin. King's End is beautiful and starting to truly develop under the rule of Frey's Demi-gods. The Hollowed Grounds are the home of the Ancients. Their Goddess, Dyrgra, is considered to be their mother in some ways.”

A recent conversation came to mind and he added, “The Greatwood is actually in the process of being revitalized. The two people responsible are Maea, an Ancient, and Liam, a Dragoon. I suspect that if they succeed, that region will worship all deities. They could certainly use the help.”

The hybrid grimaced as he got to the last region, "Stormbreak is currently under the control of the Family, but the people haven't given up."

Leaning against the table, Sah contemplated his words for a moment. "With everything going on, it might not be a bad idea to choose a region. Even if you spend the vast majority of your time traveling. That way, you have a home base and known allies to back you up." It’d be crucial, especially for a new Demi-god who was only just beginning to come into their power.

Sah

Minor powerplay allowed without permission.
Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him. 

Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30)
Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded

We are all stardust

Zen listened silently, munching on a cookie as Sah spoke. Just as he suspected, King's End had all but forgotten Safrin. But he wasn't sure if there was anything that he could do at the moment. He hadn't been aware that the Ancients considered Dygra to be their mother, so that location was marked off as well. Zen could never judge someone for worshiping their mother.
The Greatwood caught his attention. He might be able to help establish the region and ensure that Safrin kept a hold on it as it grew. Perhaps he'd only briefly stop in King's End and then make his way to the Greatwood instead.

The Demi-god paused at the unexpected advice, studying Sah's face for a long moment. There was merit in his words, and he found himself nodding. (I'll consider it. Thank you.)

The two spoke until the cookies were gone and their glasses were empty. When it was time for the shop to close, Zen made his way upstairs to his temporary abode after saying goodbye to the hunter.

-[FIN]

Reflections of the cosmos and the passage of time

Zenith