"The secret to making perfect pies, my dear Epalti, is in the way you-"
"Athur! You're back!"
Athur's head snapped up at the sound of his name,"Beti!"
The avian anthro approached the pair with a grin and a swagger, he flicked his eyes between Athur and the pale-skinned boy at his side,” We’ve all been desperate to see you back in the kitchen. How was your trip?"
"Quite pleasant, thank-you,"Athur sank a hand into the boy's slightly blond-ish hair. The little fellow was nearly the size of him as it was, when he grew up...Well, he'd tower over hi bond as both dragon and human, wouldn't he,” Say hello, Epalti. This is Beti, one our paleontologists."
"Hullo Beti!" said Epalti cheerfully, he offered up a hand for shaking. Beti took it happily.
"Epalti wants to become a cook, don't you dear boy?"
Epalti nodded his head vigorously, "Athur was telling me how to make a perfect pie."
"Well,” said Beti with a softened smile,” I hope he teaches you well, then. Then we'll have two excellent cooks in our kitchens,” he let out a bark of laughter,” And the whole crew will get fat." He patted his belly and stepped away from them.” It was nice bumping into you, Athur. I can't wait 'till your back in the kitchens."
Athur shot him a grin and a nod,” I’ll try to make something special for you."
Beti tossed him a wave and sauntered out of sight.
"Speaking of special dishes,” said Athur, returning his attention to Epalti,"I believe it's about time you tried some of my pies, Hm?"
Epalti's lips split into a grin.
.:.:.::.:.:.
It was absolutely perfect! The pies, the creams, the cakes, the little chocolate wafers drizzled with vanilla and strawberry icing and stuffed with some sweet sugar-substance. Epalti nibbled on each and every dish passed in front of him, licking his sticking fingers after each delicate bite of strudel and bun. Athur seemed all too happy to keep producing dishes for him, everything from the moistest cheesecakes, smothered in rich, glazed strawberries, to the simplest forms of chocolate smothered cookies. It was simply perfect.
He devoured the cream filled buns, the little butter tarts with their delicately spiced raisins, unbearably sweet and rich Nanaimo bars. He lapped up creamy banana milkshakes, cherry-topped sundaes with a fair helping of quickly warming fudge, waffle cones and frozen yogurt made of freshly picked raspberries, the cone dipped in chocolate and fine, white sprinkles.
Epalti pinched the last crumbs of black forest cake from his plate and licked them off the tips of his fingers before pressing a napkin to his lips,” Will I be able to cook like that one day, Athur?"
"Of course!" said Athur, smiling, a slight blush painting his cheeks,” I’d be more than happy to teach you. The other cooks as well, I'm sure. We're always looking for new protégés."
Epalti grinned,” When do I get to start?"
"As soon as you want to, my dear boy,"Athur moved toward the counter and began collecting the dishes. There was little left on them to worry about scrapping and running through the garbage disposal, so he simply dropped them off inside the sink, pulled up his sleeves, and began to wash.
Epalti scurried to his side and whipped out a rag to do the drying,” I’d like to start right away then! As soon as you're not busy, that is,” he grinned sheepishly. Didn't want to be an inconvenience, after all.
"Perhaps tonight after dinner, then,” said Athur, passing a dish to his bond,” We’ll start with soups, I think. I feel soups are always best after sweets." He shot Epalti a smile.
Epalti ducked his head and grinned.