Episode One Hundred and Eighty-Two: Breakfast

His laughter continued as Indigo flew into the kitchen, the Lorestone clutched tightly in her claws.

“Dragon magic!”

“It’s fun asking it questions,” I said as I stirred. Heat turned the strawberries into a thick mash that we’d spread on top of the waffles.

“But where did it come from?” she asked as she slowly flew closer.

“I received it as a gift,” I explained as I turned the heat off under the strawberries. I really wanted to keep the conversation with the Cat going, since he was finally talking about his world and the other Fey Lords there.

The Lorestone thudded into the island before Indigo landed.

“Waffles!”

The Cat leaped from the counter and joined Indigo on the island, ending my hope of continuing our conversation about his family. 

I added more waffle mix to the maker after removing another one. I set the pile on the island as plates appeared in everyone’s normal spot.

Next, I added the pot of strawberry mash. 

Indigo and the Cat both needed their waffles cut up, but it didn’t take any time at all. Well, I wasn’t sure the Cat needed it, but he gave off a better mood when I did.

“Okay, who wants what?” I asked, motioning to the maple syrup and strawberries.

“Strawberries,” said Indigo, her eyes wide.

“Same,” added the Cat.

I poured a good amount over both plates before placing them in front of their owners. Then I buttered my waffle before cutting it up as well. Then, I added lots of strawberry mash.

Silence reigned as we each dug in, me using a fork, while the others didn’t.

My phone buzzed, breaking the comfortable atmosphere.

I blushed at the text from Adam.

Adam: Did you check out the link?

Me: I will! You have a ton of recommendations. You really need to create a book reviewer site.

Adam: blushes

“Who is that?” asked the Cat.

Both Indigo and the Cat stared at me, waiting.

“Adam, the delivery guy. He sent over a list of book reviews for Indigo.” I stuffed a piece of waffle in my mouth, and slowly chewed.

“More books?” asked Indigo between tiny bites.

I nodded, waiting until my mouth was clear to speak. “Yeah, he recommends books to his nieces and nephews. He offered to send the list over for you.”

I’d forgotten to grab coffee before I made breakfast and sipped on a glass of water instead. A warm beverage made everything better, and I ate faster without one.

Surprisingly, Indigo finished before anyone else. “I show Lady Twilight the rock!”

The Cat blinked twice, then narrowed his eyes at Indigo.

“What?” I asked.

“The Lady might stop by after our morning customer,” he said before glancing away.

“Alright, time to get started then.” I finished my plate, while the Cat waited for me, trying  not to twitch every time Indigo poked at the stone still resting nearby.

The dirty plates vanished as I snagged Lorestone, heading to the front. “Thank you, Betty!”

I set Lorestone back on top of Betty, as I pulled out my mug and the Cat’s teacup. Then I did the most important thing.

Make coffee.

That lovely scent filled the air as I ground the beans. I went with a hazelnut vanilla latte for each of us.

The Cat waited for me to finish pulling together my drink after I finished his.

The warm sweet favor made me smile as I sat on my stool. My fingers wrapped tightly around the mug as Indigo leaped on top of Betty.

Again, she started poking at the Lorestone.

“What are you doing?” I finally asked.

“Trying to figure the magic out.” Her tail whipped back and forth as she kept poking it in different locations with her claws. “It swirls weird.”

“Just don’t break it.”

She glared at me. Literally glared at me, before huffing and turning back to the rock.

“Is it okay…”

“Yes, Indigo is fine,” answered the Cat before I could finish the sentence.

The layout of the shop wasn’t the exact same as normal. In the center stood the large table with ceramic mugs with wooden lids, folded maps, and a pile of winter hats.

Otherwise, bookshelves lined the back wall and the children’s area still rested in the same spot as usual. 

I leaned to the side to read the sign on the table

“Get a free coffee with the purchase of a mug!” I nodded slowly. That was a brilliant idea to sell mugs.

“That’s new,” said the Cat, standing up next to me. He inched closer to the edge of the counter, surveying the changes. He huffed and sat down next to me.

“Alright, let’s do this.” I took another sip of my coffee, savoring the taste.

Betty unlocked the door.

The bells rang as a gust of wind swept in, along with two people. Bits of snow covered their shoulders and one forcefully closed the door behind them.

Suddenly, I felt underdressed in my t-shirt as a little of the wind reached me. Warmth blazed from the floor behind the counter, warming me right up.

“Welcome to MEOW, take a moment and warm up,” I called to the two folks.

Both turned to look at me at the sound of my voice.

Green skin, bright golden eyes, and otherwise very human looking faces stared in my direction. The guy glanced at the table and hurried closer, grabbing a hat. He spoke in a low voice to the woman, but she picked up a mug.

“Thank you for the welcome,” she said with a small grin. “The cold weather came out of nowhere this morning.”

“We pulled the mugs and hats out because of it.” 

“Well, I need one,” said the guy. He flashed me a bright white smile and picked up a deep brown knitted hat.

The two of them sorted through the pile, trying to find one that he liked.

I sipped on my drink, searching for the golden outline to show why they were here. Yet, nothing appeared. I’d just have to keep looking.

The door shook as another person entered and fought to close it behind them. The guy leaped into action to help.

My magic bloomed as the two shut the door with a click.

“Thank goodness, that storm came out of nowhere, and most places aren’t open yet,” said a soft voice.

“Nisha, is that you?” asked the woman, who still held a mug in one hand.

“Hello, Lorena.” The newcomer bowed in the direction of the first woman. “I wanted to go pick flowers for the table tonight. I guess I missed my window.”

“Oh, honey, that’s completely fine. I’m glad you made it out of the storm safely.” She glanced around and motioned my way. “Let’s get you something warm to drink.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for any others,” said the guy, pressing his face really close to the glass window in the door. “I hope no one else is out there right now. That snow’s dangerous.”

“It never lasts long, though. Give it a bit and it will blow over.” Lorena hurried in my direction, holding out the mug. “I’d love a coffee, and whatever Nisha wants.”

Nisha smiled at me, then her eyes flickered to Indigo.

“Oh, look at the little dragon!”