It wasn't ever difficult to find the kitchen in the Way Station despite its size. The smells of dishes sizzling, bubbling, or baking seemed to waft to any hungry being's nostrils, leading them down the corridors to fill their bellies. It may or may not have been magic, though we all have had a dish that has comforted some ache, cured some ailment. For Maia, this dish was often the chicken stew her grandmother made. It was just the right amount of spicy, and she loved crumbling crackers on top to add a bit of texture. It always warmed her from the inside out, like a fresh blanket from the dryer for the soul.
As they entered the kitchen, Maia inhaled the scent and felt tension melt from her shoulders. A very large person wearing a pink apron tied with a frilly bow stood in front of an expansive stove. A black, shiny high ponytail swung across their shoulders as they hummed to themself.
“Something smells delicious in here,” Clara announced, walking up to the stove. The person in the apron turned and gave Clara a bright toothed smile.
“My pots sensed a craving, and this is what they made. It's a new recipe for me.”
“Zephyra, you don’t give yourself enough credit, dear. You are the one with a sense about these things. I’m sure from the look on her face Maia would agree.” Clara said gesturing to Maia behind her.
“Oh, hello! This must be for you then.” Zephyra said brightly, grabbing a ladle and beginning to fill a bowl.
“Maia, this is Zephyra. She is the best cook in the Between, quite a good seamstress, and my dear friend.”
Zephyra blushed, “That’s too much, Clara. I’m decent at most. It’s nice to meet you, Maia. We haven’t had a human guest in a very long time. I’m so glad I’ve gotten the chance to cook for you. I hope you enjoyed breakfast.” Zephyra had a large square jaw, long eyelashes, and a scar down her left cheek. Her dress and apron might have been considered unusual for her build, but Maia thought it suited her sweet smile.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Zephyra. Breakfast was so delicious, and honestly,” Maia said, tears rising unbidden to her eyes, “This stew.. It was just what I needed.”
Zephyra’s eyes softened knowingly, “You’ll be wanting some crackers with that as well.” She rustled through some cabinets and brought a tin.
“How did you know?” Maia exclaimed.
“That’s easy, who doesn’t want crackers with soup?” Zephrya replied.
“Don’t let Zephi fool you. She has a gift. She always knows how to heal the soul with food.” Clara said while fixing herself a bowl of the stew, “Zephi, I’ve come to ask a favor.”
Zephyra paused in middle of pulling out yet another pot, “Oh?”
“Maia here needs to petition the Parliament, and I know it has been a while, but I thought your other expertise might come in handy.” Clara said, slurping and making an appreciative sound.
As you have likely noticed, Zephyra was not your average cook. In a previous life, she had been a renown warrior amongst a tribe of warriors. However, she always felt more content when she was nurturing the tribe, feeding them, dressing their wounds, and listening to their problems. They loved her for it, but they could not understand her. She did not want to spend her life from one fight to the next, and so she left to explore the world and learn more dishes. It was during her time as a bounty hunter, which was necessary to buy the best cooking supplies and spells, that she met Clara.
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“Clara, you know I haven’t fought in years. I haven’t even left the Way Station in years.” Zephyra replied.
“Yes, yes; but who else can go with this poor child to the House? She isn’t going to know what to eat or what to wear. I don’t want her to starve on her journey. I don’t want her to only have dried meat and cheese on her way, do you?” Clara said with a dramatic sigh.
Maia watched the exchange with amusement, but was mostly taken aback by how perfect the stew was. She would not mind having Zephyra accompany her if she would cook like this; plus, she thought it would be nice to have someone other than a map with an attitude and a poison making critter to keep her company.
Zephyra sighed, glancing at Maia. She could not stand to think of anyone suffering, which was part of the reason she left a life of war. She had a nasty habit tending to any opponent she fought after their battle and reforming bandits with a bowl of soup and a kind listening ear. Of course, because of her appearance, it always started with a fight as it was the only way they would listen afterwards.
“I wouldn’t mind your company. I can’t cook anything myself. I only know how to use a microwave, and I doubt you have those here.” Maia added.
Zephyra looked at her shocked, “You poor thing! Of course, I’ll go with you. I know I look soft and cuddly, but don’t worry, I can keep us safe too.” Zephyra held up an arm and made a muscle. “I still train regularly to keep my strength up to move the large cauldrons and knead dough.” Maia smiled, thinking of how popular Zephyra would have been on Tik Tok back in her world. Maybe she would want to go back with her, but who in their right mind would leave a world of magic, she thought as she took another large bite of stew.
That afternoon, the three of them sat in the garden with Trelli and Thatcher, discussing the supplies they would need to begin the journey in the morning. It was a long journey, and they agreed that they should stay in inns as often as possible to avoid bandits, though they would have to camp on the road much of the time. Maia found herself settling into the odd setting, though she did find she missed Marshmallow. Trelli had taken a liking to her, and sat curled around her neck as they talked. It was a good thing as Trelli had started carrying a small pouch of Tickle Thistle powder around in anticipation, and it could send someone into a gut-cramping laughing fit for hours when only a pinch was inhaled. Maia had started absentmindedly scratching under her chin or handing her pieces of cheese. Even incredibly smart animals such as an Elixie enjoy being doted upon.
Thatcher, despite Maia’s initial misgivings, was extremely thoughtful during their planning in regards to what they might encounter and need during their travels. From how he spoke, Maia was beginning to gather that he had not always been a map, and perhaps that was where some of his bitterness came from. However, Maia was of the opinion that regardless of your circumstances you should still be accountable for your rudeness. Unfortunately, sometimes she forgot that also applied to herself.
Clara was looking at the route on the map wistfully when Maia asked, “By the way, how did you come to be in the Between, Clara?”
“Well, there was once a boy, Clarence. He was always a bit different than other boys, interested in things that other boys weren’t typically interested in. No one understood him, not his family, not his friends, though he didn’t have many of those, if any. And one day, when he was about sixteen, he finally gathered up his courage to say why he thought he was so different. He told his parents, and they were horrified. He was thrown out of the house and was living on the streets. He didn’t think he could go on; he just wanted someplace he could be his true self.”
“It was raining, and he had no place to go. He crawled into the hollow of a tree, but found himself here in the Way Station. And that’s when I was born.” Clara said smiling, tears of mixed emotions filling her eyes. Zephyra put an arm around her, and Clara wiped the tears away with a handkerchief.
“The Between knew who I was and where I should be. I haven’t left since. Of course, there were many adventures that followed.” Clara said with a chuckle. Maia reached over and squeezed her hand.
“I wish I had time to hear about all of them.” Maia said, smiling at her. There are times you don’t have the words to express all the things you would like, but you say them with your eyes. In that moment looking at Clara, Maia said them all in just the right way. Once again, she wondered why she would want to go back to such a world as hers.