#3
Post
by Devvy » Sun Oct 25, 2020 8:38 am
Devvy was cleaning up the Happy Hearth. Earlier that day she put up a sign saying "Closed for inventory taking". All the corners were scrubbed, the glasses were cleaned and gleaming, the seals of the insulated icecream cabinets checked.
The little gnome stood in the middle of the room with her hands in her side. Looking around her, checking left and right, she smiled and nodded to herself.
"Nicely done, miss Devvy" she said to herself.
Then she opened the cupboard and got a fresh tablecloth. A light green one. She put it on the corner table, and with her hands put is just right. All the corners hanging over the table in equal lengths and all the creases brushed out.
Next was a small plate and a cup-and-saucer. These were light blue.
Last thing Devvy put on the table was a tiny glass vase with a few flowers in it.
She stepped back and smiled again. This was just as it should be.
Now she opened the door and stepped out on the lawn. The sun was setting, casting a lovely warm light over the lake and the establishment. She checked the time on her pocket watch and went back inside, leaving the door open to catch the summerlight on the interior.
On the counter there was a small pile of papers. Devvy picked them up and checked them. On it, in her neat little handwriting were several notes. She went over them. Yes. All was in order. Still a little time before she had to leave. All well planned.
"Ey Dubs"
"Oh, evening Mi.. Syra!"
Even after years of trying, Devvy still could not bring herself to calling people just by their names. (Except Kalanthe. The elf had threatened to inflicht grevious bodily harm to her if she ever called her "Miss".)
Devvy waved to the table.
"Your regular table is ready for you".
Syrawenn nodded her approval and sat down.
"Another year past." Devvy said. "They do go by quickly."
Syrawenn nodded.
"Devvy was kind of counting the days at the end. She misses you quite often." Devvy added.
"Sorry Dubs," Syra answered. "I can only be here once a year, wish it could be more. But yeah, that is how it is."
"Your usual, Mi.. Syra?" The gnome asked.
"Of course, Dubs. Your Cranberry and walnut coupes are the best!"
Devvy beamed at that compliment.
"Coming right up!"
She went over to the side cupboard and took out a tall coupe, made of pink glass. Then she unlocked the display case and dipped a large spoon in a bowl of warm water. She scooped up two bulbs of red icecream, followed by one scoop of lightbrown.
She closed the case again, locked it carefully and put a small paper umbrella on top. It was a blue one with a compass rose in white printed on it.
"One cranberry and walnut for you." Devvy said and put the coupe on the table in front of Syrawenn.
"Aww Dubs, that looks amazing".
Devvy smiled. "How have you been this year?"
"Oh well, you know, Dubs. Time flies, time flies. But always happy to be able to visit you. How is the gang these day?"
They proceeded to discuss the happenings with Starlight, Devvy told syrawenn all the latest gossip, romances, little problems and new members. Also new shops in the trade district, prices at the auction house and the current best place to get good ale and bacon.
After a while Syrawenn got up from the table and said "Sorry Dubs, have to be going again.
Devvy nodded.
"Understood miss. See you again next year?"
"You betcha Dubs. Take care now, and don't get yerself into any trouble right?"
Promise, Mi.. Syra!"
Syrawenn got up, waved and left. Devvy waved back! "See you next year!"
After Syrawenn left, she checked her watch again. Time to go. She took her papers, went outside and locked the door.
She checked if the chickens were all OK and then walked to the harbour. The light was going, but the light of the lighthouse swung over the harbour as usual.
Devvy hailed a small ferry boat and got it.
"Lighthouse please sir."
When the gnome arrived at the lighthouse, most Starlighters were already there. She waved to them.
"Hello nice all, is Devvy! Is all feeling ok today and so?"
"It.. hello Devvy, are you ok too?"
"Best there is."
"Feeling alrright."
"*purrs* Just fine."
Soon, everyone was present. They formed a half circle around Nomine, who was standing with his back to the door of the lighthouse."
"Right, let's get this show on the road"
He looked around to the group in front of him.
"Welcome to the seventh annual memorial gathering for our dear Syrawenn. She is still dearly missed. Several of you have asked to speak some words, either memories, or to express their sadness on her passing away at that young age. And we will of course honour this and I would like to ask Devvy to be the first.
"Right-o sir.
Devvy took her notes from her bag and walked to the centre of the half circle.
“Auri," I asked slowly, "are you joking with me?"
She looked up and grinned. "Yes I am," she said proudly. "Isn't it wonderful?”