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 Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 1:13 am
who | Ethiriel, Henry and Phoenix
when | Roughly noon on a Saturday, early September
where | Durem, at Ambrosia
weather | Clear and crisp after a rainy night, starting to become colder
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It really wasn't that often that Henry and Ethiriel left Gambino -- sure, it was nice to get out and stretch your legs, but most of what they needed was near home; work, parks and several different shops that the two of them frequented. However, today was special. The older of the Knight brothers had heard of Ambrosia from a couple of Lab friends, and if he remembered quite right, the owner also happened to be a Guardian-in-waiting. Figuring this was as good an excuse to expand his contacts (and potentially friends), on his first available day off he made sure to pack up Ethiriel and make the trip.
"This seems to be it," Henry announced, glancing between the outside of the building and his phone from inside the car. The address was right, having told him to pull into the parking lot just beside. "You ready?"
The nurse had been sure to wear plenty of silver.
Far from asleep, Ethiriel allowed her head to remain relaxed against the back of her seat. She still wasn't fond of cars, not trusting such a fast moving metal death trap, but over the last five years it was certainly easier. "Yes," she said plainly, though her voice was light and pleasant. More than anything, she wanted to get out of the car.
After piling out of the car, Henry stopped just around for Ethiriel to follow -- with his silver, he was sure to let Ethiriel guide herself in her newfound independence as she seemed to prefer lately. He did hold the door open for the Sigel, though.
Upon entrance, Henry gawked at the interior of the restaurant; it was quite beautiful! Decorated in blues, whites and browns, photos all over the walls and just a general feeling of calm floated in the air. Ethiriel enjoyed the light music playing, as well, and floated forward as they both waited near the door, unsure of whether they were to be seated or to sit themselves.
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 10:43 am
Lunch hour on a weekend was never slow. Ambrosia was a busy joint to begin with, but days like this were always more chaotic. Upon the entrance of the pair no one was manning the front, but this didn't remain the case for long. Hardly a minute had passed before a young hostess hurried back to the front, looking slightly frazzled from the hurrying back and forth. The servers were likely in even worse condition, but they wore it well. One thing seemed to be a constant here: no matter how insane it got no one ever stopped smiling.
The girl stopped at the podium and gave Ethiriel and Henry an enthusiastic wave. "Welcome! I hope you weren't waiting long." She scrambled to get together a couple of menus. "Table for two? You're in luck, there's no wait. One just opened."
The last of her words were almost drowned out completely by a howl of laughter as the owner himself, accompanied by a very small, pink-haired employee, rounded the corner deep in discussion. "I knew I shouldn't have left you in charge," Phoenix was saying with a dramatic shake of his head.
When he saw the hostess helping their latest guests he stopped in his tracks, his mouth making a small O. "Emilia!" Phoenix broke his gaze before he could be considered rude for staring, turning to the hostess with a grin ear to ear. "I'll take care of them, yeah?" He was hands on and personable enough a boss to begin with, but these guests were special.
Taking the menus from the girl, who turned to question the other employee about their conversation when they'd entered, Phoenix swept up to the man and Raevan pair. "Good afternoon! If you don't mind, I'd love to show you to your seats personally." He spoke eagerly, gesturing towards the main dining area with the menus he held in one hand. "I'm Phoenix, I own the place," he explained.
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 2:04 pm
The bustle was a good sign and Henry definitely took comfort in it. With it being this popular, the food must have been amazing! As the girl approached and began her greetings, fetching menus, the nurse perked up and shook his head with a large, lopsided grin. "It's no biggie! It seems like the wait would be worth it, anyway!" he cheered, his voice sing-song.
For Ethiriel, the dull murmur of the room surrounding her was both comforting and stressful. There were a lot of people -- and with her lack of vision, the staring never bothered her, but it was easy for things to get drowned out or muddled. Perhaps once they were seated it wold be fine, however.
Phoenix's outburst not so far away wasn't unnoticed by the pair, but given the fact that they were in a new place and didn't really know anyone, neither particularly paid attention until the man approached fully.
Both became more attentive when the man suggested he take care of the two of them, himself, and even though he had no clue as to why, Henry was happy as Phoenix explained and introduced himself. A glimmer shone in the nurse's eye upon recognition of the name. "Phoenix! Just the man I wanted to see!" he said, exuberant as ever. "I've heard a lot about this place from one of the other Lab guardians! I hear you're waiting on one?"
The nurse, however, couldn't take his green eyes off of Phoenix; the man was extremely handsome -- gorgeous tan skin, golden eyes, beautiful silver hair and such a shapely face... and his body was quite nice from what the nurse could see from his clothes hugging his form. His heart skipped a beat or two. Raised brows were offered as Henry examined quickly, but he was careful not to stare too long before gently grabbing hold of Ethiriel's wrist to guide her through the tables.
"I'm Henry! Henry Knight! And this is Ethiriel--"
The Sigel offered a polite bow once they were stopped at their table. "A pleasure to meet you, Phoenix. I must say, the restaurant smells wonderful."
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 2:50 pm
Phoenix blinked in surprised, not having expected that this stranger had specifically sought him out. "Ain't that somethin'," he said, voice barely audible. It made sense though, the contacts being shared between all guardians, even the new ones. It wasn't the first time he'd run into someone who unexpectedly knew he was involved with Lab.
Before leading them away, Phoenix hurried to check the book on where the hostess had been about to seat the two. That out of the way, he took them through the aisles of individuals and groups dining.
"It's great to meet you both!" Phoenix gushed enthusiastically, glancing over his shoulder to smile at them. He noted the way Henry guided Ethiriel, but quickly averted his gaze to show them the booth. It was at the back of the restaurant, set up against a window spanning the entire wall and overlooking the outdoor area.
He waited until they were seated before setting the menus down on the table and looking between them with a curious smile. "I hope it tastes as good to you both as it smells," he said, winking. He didn't add that he was certain, as long as they had a taste for Greek, that it would be just fine. He was more than confident in the quality of food served at Ambrosia. "So what brings you in?" Not a question he'd usually ask, but as Henry said he was looking for him, it was obviously about more than food in this case.
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 3:40 pm
Henry was sure to make sure Ethiriel was seated and comfortable before sitting, himself, as he beamed up at Phoenix -- the man was taller than him by a few inches. The murmur wasn't caught by the nurse, but with her sensitive hearing it wasn't missed by the Sigel.
"I'm sure it'll be great! You do have fruit, right?" Henry asked, passing a glance to Ethiriel. "And hot water or tea?" --Just to cover their bases. The Raevan hadn't cared for any meat or dairy that she'd tried so far but fruits and vegetables were fine. She still greatly preferred tarnished silver and water over anything, but now that she had a stomach she might as well make the best of it.
With a smile, the older of the Knight brothers leaned back in his seat, reclining lightly -- though he was mindful not to accidentally damage the chair. "Well, I already mentioned you having a Raevan to be born soon; that's the main reason. I also heard amazing things about your restaurant so I was really curious!"
The man had hoped for a chance to speak with Phoenix in length, both excited for his future Raevan, their information and an underlying reason being that they were close to the same age -- while Henry appeared to be in his late twenties and Phoenix a tad older (it was the facial hair that added a couple years, not to mention his beautiful, silky silver hair). The nurse was always wanting to make new friends. However, for now, he couldn't ask a busy man running his own restaurant to sit and chat... at least, not in good conscience.
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 5:00 pm
Phoenix wasn't surprised by the curiously particular requests. He was well versed in the unique dietary requirements of individual Raevans by now. "Of course! I can bring out a fruit plate, if that's suitable for you?" He directed the question to Ethiriel. "We have green and black teas, hot or iced, sweetened, unsweetened..." He listed off the teas, hoping whatever they had would be acceptable.
The reason for their visit stretched his grin even wider, if possible. "Came to welcome me to the club, huh?" He laughed, folding his arms across his chest. "Well, I'm grateful. And it's an honor to have such a lovely Raevan in my restaurant, as well." He would have offered Ethiriel another wink, but he had gathered enough to determine she wouldn't see it.
"Can I get you something to drink as well, Henry? I can go for that and the tea while you look over the menu. Please, order anything you'd like, it's on the house." He certainly wanted to come back and converse with the two more, but he didn't want to keep them waiting on drinks and food. If they weren't opposed to it, and if things slowed down a little, maybe he could get away from working for a few minutes before their food was delivered.
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 5:10 pm
With a smile, Ethiriel nodded in Phoenix's direction. "Unsweet, hot black tea, if you would. Thank you." Her smile met her eyes as she closed them genially.
"You know it!" Henry laughed, resting the palm of his right hand flat on the table, his fingers lightly drumming its surface. The tablecloth muted the thumping, to which Ethiriel was admittedly thankful for -- softer sounds weren't so much of a problem but when they were repetitive it would become a bother. "It's really no problem! Anything for part of the family!"
"I thank you," said Ethiriel as she bowed her head. "If you would allow, I would like to compliment your voice in return. It is quite appealing, to say the least."
Henry chuckled and confirmed with a nod -- to be honest, he found basically everything about this man rather attractive... but his thoughts of Candice and the slight ping of guilt that followed swallowed up compliments of his own. None of these concerns crossed his expression but he did give a short, admiring stare between looking at Ethiriel and the menu.
Humming, the nurse flipped through the menu until he found the listed drinks and looked them over. With a moment's thought, his smile softened. "How about some iced unsweet tea?" he responded, running a large hand over the glossy lamination that protected the menu. His expression faltered for a brief second at Phoenix's next statement, but it returned at full force -- with a slight tinge of embarrassment. "Aw man, you really don't have to do that! I really don't mind paying! You're here to run a business and I know that's not easy!"
"It is a very kind and appreciated gesture," Ethiriel offered, sliding her hand across the table to rest her fingers gently on Henry's. "Perhaps next time we can treat him, instead?"
Hopefully his Raevan would grow soon, as well. Lord knew Ethiriel had been interested in the prospect since learning of the man.
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 8:52 pm
At the compliment Phoenix gave a tiny gasp and covered his mouth playfully. "You say that now, but you wouldn't think so if you heard me sing," he teased, though he was half serious.
At Henry's insisting they pay, Phoenix chuckled. "Oh, pish posh," he said lightly. "Anything for part of the family," he parroted back at the man. He meant it. He wasn't worried about a couple of free meals. It was something his father had done when the restaurant was under his rule as well. Special circumstances were always a bit more special when there was free good food.
"I'll be right back with your drinks, and I'll let them know about that fruit right away, yeah?" He turned and briskly walked away, back to the kitchen so that he could see to filling the drinks personally. While he filled a coffee cup with piping hot water he peeked further into the kitchen to shout at the nearest chef. "Hey man, can you get me together a nice pretty fruit plate with everything on it asap?" He batted his eyelashes daintily at the bald man, who gave him a firm salute.
With a tea bag brewing in the cup and a tall glass of iced tea in his other hand, Phoenix started back toward the dining area. He sat both drinks on the table, then straightened up. "A fruit plate for the lady, and what will you be having sir?" Phoenix mimicked perfectly the voice of a dutiful butler serving his masters, feigning a very dull, serious look and crossing one arm in front of his body.
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:10 pm
Phoenix's playful response blossomed Ethiriel's gentle smile further, easily meeting her eyes as she chuckled at him. She covered her lips by pressing the backs of her knuckles. "I bet you make up for it with charisma," she teased in return.
Leaning back in his chair once more, Henry laughed and held his hands up at chest level, palm outward as if to surrender. "If you insist! We'll make it up to you one of these days! How about that?" Leaning closer to Phoenix, he grinned. "I make some pretty mean pasta if you ever want to come over for dinner."
While the invitation was sincere, Henry almost slapped himself for his tone -- he hadn't meant for it to sound like flirting; he was a faithful and happy man, but boy did this guy have him flustered on the inside. At least he was good at masking it.
As they waited for Phoenix's return, the nurse and his Sigel companion spoke lightly -- much like Cesc used to do for Ethiriel when they were able to spend more time together, Henry was putting effort into describing the restaurant for her. The ceiling, photographs, walls and booths, tables and their adornments; anything the man saw, he attempted to put into words. Ethiriel was grateful of this, though it did put the gnawing sadness back in her stomach over the stag's rejection. No, they were just friends -- good friends -- and it was to stay that way.
She needed to move on...
Henry had noticed Ethiriel's fading smile as the Raevan lost herself in thought, but she was quick to fix her expression as soon as Phoenix had returned with her meal. Strawberries, grapes, blueberries -- you name it, it was available. The tray also carried a row of broccoli, carrots and, Ethiriel's favorite: cucumber. Despite the fact that fruit and vegetables usually had a very gentle scent, she could smell each little thing and was eager to start. However, protocol and politeness required Henry to have his meal, as well.
"This is truly wonderful. Thank you, Phoenix," she said softly, her eyes wandering to the ring on Henry's hand, traveling up to find a similar ring, though a different style, snug on Phoenix's hand. This made her eyes soften -- she knew where he was.
"Hrmm..." Henry hummed, bringing a hand up to stroke his soul patch in mocking thought, using his fingers for dramatic effect. "I think I'll have the chickpeas and spinach... Is it possible to get grilled or blackened chicken with that?" He flashed his pearly whites and batted his eyes like Phoenix had with one of the cooks. The nurse resorted to using a snooty, snob-like voice with his request.
Ethiriel chuckled again.
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 10:26 pm
Phoenix narrowed his eyes and nodded solemnly while Henry ordered. "I think that can be arranged," he said, giving a small bow. He once more took his leave, but not before giving another wink. He was pleasantly surprised at the playfulness of the pair. Phoenix often goofed off with his customers, especially regulars, but they weren't always playful back. A lot of the time they just laughed at his antics and went about their meal like normal. It was always nice when someone joined in on the fun.
He put in the order with a note to make sure it was out in as timely a manner as possible without hindering the progress on any existing orders. The staff at Ambrosia was always as efficient as was even possible, so he knew there wouldn't be any absurd wait time. But he wanted to be sure that Henry and Ethiriel had the best service he could provide them.
It wasn't until he returned with a basket of hot bread for Henry while he waited for his meal, scolding himself for forgetting to bring it with the drinks, that Phoenix addressed the offer of dinner. "Ethiriel," he began with a sly smile at her guardian. "Wasn't this guy ever taught it's dangerous to invite strangers over for dinner? I could be a dastardly villain, for all you know. Or worse! A terrible house guest. I might have horrid table manners."
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2016 1:24 pm
Again, Ethiriel and Henry were left to their own devices -- the nurse had switched gears from talking about the restaurant to attempting to explain the plate in front of the Sigel. Even with her short stint with sight, it was hard for her to understand the concept of color as she hadn't much of a chance to learn which ones were which.
At this point, she couldn't even remember what they looked like.
Phoenix had approached without Henry's attention, but as soon as the man spoke the nurse turned to look with raised brows -- much like Ethiriel. Her eyes and ears perked as she locked onto Phoenix's ring, and a playful smirk spread across her features. Both she and her guardian laughed simultaneously.
"It is a bad habit of his," Ethiriel chided teasingly, her eyes flicking to Henry's ring. "Perhaps, if you are correct, the experience would be a good life lesson for him."
Another laugh escaped Henry, this time a bit louder and drenched in happiness. Leaning back once more, he retorted, "Just don't murder me in my sleep is all I ask!" Winding his arms back to fold behind his head, smirking. "I'm sure you can't compare to Ethiriel's terrible eating habits. She makes such a mess on the table and floor!" He then winked.
In response, Ethiriel chuckled, "Ah ,yes... I have such terrible manners, as you can guess."
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2016 3:40 pm
Phoenix gave a little gasp of mock horror. "I'm so sorry Ethiriel, he's a liar too, isn't he?" He shook his head slowly, clucking. "I can't believe you'd tell such terrible stories about such a lovely lady. I don't believe a bit of it!"
He grinned at the two of them, shifting away from the act finally. He was glad the two had come in. It was always pleasant to meet fellow guardians and their Raevans, especially now. While he didn't know when it would be exactly, he knew the birth of his own Raevan was drawing ever nearer. Meeting others from the Lab eased his mind. He needed it. He was beginning to feel the same new dad anxiety that he'd experienced when Zoe was on the way.
"In all seriousness though, you can certainly let me know if you'd ever like to get together!" Phoenix beamed. "But a fair warning! If you show me up with your pasta, Henry, I'll never admit it even under pain of torture. I have a reputation to uphold with my own cooking." He was only half serious.
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2016 4:55 pm
This resulted in a burst of laughter from Henry, though he was conscious enough to not let it ring through the restaurant -- there were other people here after all. "I've been found out! What will I ever do?" Much like Phoenix, the nurse dropped his act as well and got comfy in his seat.
"Sounds like a plan, then!" he confirmed, giving his new friend a firm nod. Another laugh rang from Henry's chest at Phoenix's warning and again he held up his hands in defense. "I can't make any promises! But you will have to tell me your favorite kind so I can at least butter you up!" Perhaps he could make a special meal among his favorite people and friends if time and availability permitted it -- it'd been a while since there had been any special get togethers in the Knight household. "You're able to keep a restaurant going so I'm sure there's no competition!"
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Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 10:10 pm
Phoenix scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "That's only partially my success. My parents are the ones who started this all. If it weren't for them I wouldn't even know how to boil water, much less keep all of this running." He gestured to the restaurant around him. For decades the restaurant had been first under the rule of his parents, and then him. It was really generations of recipes that contributed to the extensive menu. Sure he had made his own changes when they were his to make, but he never could have done it on his own.
But for the record," he said, stroking his beard in deep thought, "anything with cheese or chicken is sure to have me banging down your door." Okay, so really any food in general that wasn't completely loaded with grease would have him drooling. It was a miracle he managed to keep the figure he did, with as much as he loved food. He had a great metabolism and a rigorous workout routine to thank for that.
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Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2016 9:29 am
"It's still impressive! I mean, you've been keeping this place going, right?" Henry said with a cheery smile, making sure to keep eye contact while they spoke. Giving a thumb's up and a hearty laugh, the nurse nodded. "I'll definitely keep that in mind! Chicken's generally a staple in my house -- gotta eat right, ya know?"
This time, Ethiriel chimed in, "I do not eat meats or dairy products, so I cannot offer my opinion on Henry's cooking in that respect, but I do know that his brother quite enjoys his pasta. Even if it's not tomato based, I'm sure that Henry can make something you would enjoy." The last statement was decorated with a smile that easily met her closed eyes.
"Shucks..." Henry responded, feigning bashfulness. "My cooking isn't exactly a passion but I do make sure to prepare healthy meals when I can."
While his shirt wasn't exactly form fitting, it was easy to tell that he was rather fit -- especially looking at what was exposed of his arms.
"If you've got something in particular you'd like, I can definitely try to make it!" Guests, especially Lab associated ones, Henry loved to make comfortable and hoped that anytime they were in his household that they felt welcomed. He looked up at Phoenix with a wide smile.
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