CH750

Getting home led to cooking as he put his thoughts to the side. He had plenty of ingredients now and plenty to test, so before the others came home he devoted himself to making all he could, with piles of food ending up in his rings to be taken out in the next days and weeks while the time passed by.

He made mental notes of what he liked and what he didn’t and since he had all of the time in the world decided he’d go back the next day to grab a few more of the ingredients that particularly charmed his palate. He’d need to see if there were any real standouts for Thera and Sonya as well but that was something he could figure out that night as he put together a tasting menu for them to enjoy for dinner, with the sound of the door opening telling him he wouldn’t need to wait long.

“Welcome back,” He called out as the both of them came in. “You guys worked together today?”

It took a second to notice that something was wrong as he focused on their faces, both of them looking complicated in a way that couldn’t help but worry him.

“What’s going on? What’s wrong?”

It was Sonya who answered, with Thera so against whatever needed to be said that she refused to give it voice.

“Ben, last night Anailia spoke to us both and-”

“Stop,” He cut her off, holding up his hand. “Don’t want to hear it. I’m taking a break from the gods, even the ones I like. Whatever they have to say, well, that can be someone else’s problem.”

“Ben, I really think-”

“Is someone dying?”

“Well, no.”

“Is the world suddenly going to end in the next week?”

“No, but-”

“Then I don’t want to hear it. I’m not mad at Anailia, I know she was on my side but I’m just so tired Sonya. I’m tired of gods and the power they hold over the world and I’m tired of being treated like something less than them for being mortal. I just need a break from this all.”

The answer seemed to perk Thera up at least, more than happy to know he wouldn’t be giving in so easily when a knock came to their door before anyone could say more, with Sonya deflating as she went to get it.

He started plating dinner while she checked, feeling rather proud of the things he’d made and hoped he’d be able to get through the night without any attempt to continue the talk or any notifications from the gods trying to get back in his head but it seemed that wasn’t to be as two more followed her back in, Falk and the far more unexpected Valaria.

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“No.”

“We haven’t said anything yet, boy.”

“Well, Valaria’s here which means Myriad asked her to come which means she got permission to go through Pelenia’s home and through the shop which means both Nare and Anailia are also involved and whatever this is, I don’t want to hear it. I’m always told by everyone to take a break so this is me, enjoying my break. Since you guys came all this way if you want to join us for dinner then fine, I made plenty, but I’m leaving the second anyone brings up the gods.”