The weekend had arrived, bringing with it a sense of relaxation and joy throughout Shaernaen Castle.
Evelyn Mordos, usually surrounded by her friends and the bustling life of the academy, looked forward to the rare and precious time spent with her extensive family. Today was a grand lunch, a celebration of family bonds, love, and the rich culinary traditions of Asiendal.
Morning Preparations
Evelyn awoke to the pleasant sounds of bustling preparations in the castle's kitchens. She stretched and yawned, the thought of spending the day with her family filling her with excitement. She quickly dressed in a comfortable yet elegant outfit, befitting the casual yet grand nature of the day's gathering.
As she made her way to the grand hall, the delicious aroma of various dishes wafted through the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation. The hall was beautifully decorated, long tables set with ornate platters and bowls, ready to be filled with a feast fit for royalty.
Family Arrival
Evelyn greeted her siblings as they arrived, one by one, each bringing their unique energy to the gathering. Her sister Rin arrived with Tirri, both of them smiling and chatting animatedly. Soon, her mothers—Akira, Avienna, Yukino, Sia, Rikki, and Kaiya—entered, their presence commanding and warm. Finally,
Eremon Mordos, the
King himself, made his entrance, his aura of authority softened by the joy of being surrounded by his loved ones.
"Morning, everyone!" Evelyn called out, waving to her family as they gathered around.
"Good morning, Evelyn," Yukino replied, giving her a warm hug. "Are you ready for the feast?"
"Absolutely! It smells amazing," Evelyn said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
The Feast Begins
The grand hall was filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation as the family took their seats. The long tables were laden with a stunning array of dishes, showcasing the culinary richness of Asiendal. The main cuisine featured an array of meats paired with various vegetables and fruits, a testament to the kingdom's diverse agricultural bounty.
Roasted venison, marinated in a blend of sweet and savory spices, took center stage, its skin crispy and golden. Alongside it were platters of grilled fish, seasoned with exotic herbs and garnished with vibrant slices of citrus fruits. A special dish of sweetened pork, glazed with a honey and berry reduction, glistened invitingly.
There were also hearty vegetable stews, filled with root vegetables and tender greens, simmered to perfection in rich broths. Colorful salads, made with a mix of fresh greens, nuts, and sweet fruits, provided a refreshing contrast to the savory dishes. Exotic sub-dishes, like spiced phoenix tail and griffon wings, added an adventurous touch to the feast.
For the more casual eaters, there were large, stone-baked pizzas topped with a variety of meats, vegetables, and cheeses, their crusts perfectly crisp and golden.
Conversations and Bonding
As the family began to eat, the room filled with the sounds of satisfied murmurs and lively conversation. Evelyn sat between Rin and Tirri, enjoying the company of her sisters.
"Evelyn, did you try the sweetened pork? It's incredible," Rin said, passing her a plate.
"Thanks, Rinnie. It looks delicious," Evelyn replied, taking a generous portion.
Tirri leaned in, her eyes twinkling. "I can't believe how much food there is. It's like a banquet fit for a king."
"Well, we do have a king here," Evelyn said with a laugh, glancing over at Eremon, who was deep in conversation with Akira and Avienna.
Eremon looked up, catching Evelyn's eye, and smiled. "Evelyn, you should try the roasted venison. It's one of Kaiya's specialties."
Kaiya, sitting nearby, beamed with pride. "I used a new blend of spices this time. I hope everyone likes it."
"Oh, we will. As long as Eremon didn't cook it," Sia teased, earning a chorus of laughter from around the table.
Eremon chuckled, taking the jest in stride. "Trust me, Sia, I stayed far away from the kitchen today."
"Good thing, too," Avienna added with a grin. "Last time you tried to cook, we had to call for reinforcements."
Eremon laughed along with them. "I'll stick to what I'm good at and leave the cooking to the experts."
Desserts and Delights
After the main courses, the tables were cleared and replaced with an array of desserts that made everyone's mouths water. There were pies filled with sweet fruits, their crusts flaky and golden. Plates of delicate pastries, filled with creamy custards and drizzled with honey, beckoned temptingly.
A large bowl of fruit salad, featuring an array of exotic fruits like starberries, moonpears, and sunmelons, provided a refreshing end to the meal. And, of course, there were slices of rich, decadent chocolate cake, topped with fresh cream and berries.
Evelyn couldn't resist the temptation and took a slice of the chocolate cake, savoring the rich flavors. "This is amazing," she said, her voice filled with delight.
Rikki, who had baked the cake, smiled warmly. "I'm glad you like it, Evelyn. It's a new recipe I tried."
A Special Moment with Eremon
As the meal wound down and the family began to relax, Eremon stood up, drawing everyone's attention. "I just want to say how grateful I am for each and every one of you. This family is my greatest treasure, and I cherish these moments we share together."
Everyone raised their glasses in a toast, and Evelyn felt a surge of love and pride for her family. She caught Eremon's eye and smiled, feeling the unspoken bond they shared.
After the toast, Eremon walked over to Evelyn and Yukino, who were discussing martial arts techniques. "Evelyn, Yukino, how about a little demonstration for everyone?"
Yukino's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Why not? Evelyn, are you up for it?"
Evelyn grinned. "Always."
The family gathered around as Eremon and Yukino demonstrated a series of complex martial arts moves. Evelyn watched in awe, her admiration for her parents' skill evident. Finally, Eremon performed a powerful finishing move, his speed and precision leaving everyone breathless.
The hall erupted in applause, and Evelyn felt a swell of pride for her father. "That was incredible, Father," she said, giving him a hug.
"Thank you, Evelyn. And remember, you have that same strength and skill within you," Eremon replied, his voice filled with pride and encouragement.
"Just don't try to cook with it," Rin quipped, earning another round of laughter.
"Don't worry, Rinnie," Evelyn said, joining in the laughter. "We'll keep him out of the kitchen."
Evening: Relaxation and Reflection
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the castle, the family moved to the grand hall's lounge area. They chatted, played games, and enjoyed the lingering taste of the feast. Evelyn found herself surrounded by her siblings, each eager to share their stories and experiences.
Rin leaned against Evelyn, looking content. "Today was perfect, Evelyn. I'm so glad we could all be together."
"Me too, Rinnie," Evelyn replied, wrapping an arm around her sister. "It's days like these that remind me of how lucky we are."
As the night grew darker, the family gradually began to retire to their rooms. Evelyn lingered for a moment, taking in the sight of her loved ones, feeling a profound sense of gratitude and happiness.
She made her way to her room, her heart full. The day had been a wonderful blend of delicious food, meaningful conversations, and cherished family moments. As she settled into bed, Evelyn knew that these memories would stay with her forever, a reminder of the love and strength that bound their family together.
And with that comforting thought, she drifted off to sleep, eager for the new adventures that awaited her in the days to come.
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