Lucky stood before The Fool's Carol in her freshly made outfit and apron. Today she wore her hair up high in a messy bun, with side bangs running past her chin. Grinning, she listened to the muffled sounds of people chattering inside. I can't believe I get to have so much fun while working! She swiftly pushed her way into the establishment. Revealing that the seats had already been filled on the lower floor by adventurers.
"Heya sugar!" Lucky's ears perked up at the sound of Karyl's voice.
Lucky ran to the counter, "Manager!"
"Manager?" Karyl tried to hide her smile, "Just call me Karyl like you have been, Lucky."
"Okaydokey! I just wanted to try it. I read about it online." Lucky pointed to her phone in her apron's side pocket.
"Cute, but unnecessary. Since you're here a little early will you clock in and start stocking these?" Karyl motioned to a stack of boxes behind the counter.
"On it!"
Lucky hovered her card over the box on the counter. Beep. After it registered Lucky's information, she got busy slitting the various boxes open to check their contents. As she went through each she would mark a digital ledger she had loaded on her phone. And this one has some shiny bags in them. Hmmmm. Lucky examined the foil made bag that had pictures of beans scattered on it. Oh, this must be the new razzblomb flavor. She scoured the shelves for a place to store them but decided it would be best to put the majority of them upstairs with the overstock for now.
"Oh, you must be the new girl I've heard so much about." A rough voice came from a helmet that barely poked over the counter.
Lucky placed the razzblomb coffee bag down and stood up to greet the guest.
"Hello myaster! Welcome to The Fool's Carol! How may I serve you today?"
"Oh ho~ Aren't you a sweet cookie."
Lucky peered over the counter and saw a member of the dwarven race looking back at her. His frizzled red hair was weaved into impressive knots. Even his giant beard was a work of art. He looks like a capable adventurer with all that gear. Plus he's JACKED! The dwarf pointed at a fanciful looking baked good. It was in the shape of a snapping truffle, a local amphibious sentient fungi. It seemed to have some kind of whipped topping on it and a tag denoting strawberry flavor.
"Great choice myaster! The truffle tarts are scrumptious! Would you like it to go or shall I get someone to accompany you upstairs?" Lucky grabbed a pair of tongs to fish one of the sweets out of the baker's glass.
"To go is fine." The adventurer raised their card onto the counter. "Would you mind?"
"Not at all myaster-" Lucky looked down at the dwarfs card. Oh wow! A Wyvern! She ran it over the box she had used earlier to clock in. BEEP. "You're all set myaster Rogdan! May Calamity bring you fortune!" Lucky bowed slightly as Rogdan thanked her before taking his leave. I'm really starting to get a hang of this. Lucky beamed as she bent over to pick up the razzblomb bag she had set down earlier. After placing it into a box she gathered a few more boxes in her arms to bring them upstairs. A couple at a table looked on in awe as she perfectly balanced the towering stack of coffee. With each step the top box swayed slightly, threatening to fall at a moment's notice. Peering around the corner of the box she navigated the counter skillfully and made her way to the connecting door of the cafe and guild. A familiar voice called out to her.
"Wait up Lucky! Don't push yourself so hard, let me help!" The chipper voice grabbed her attention.
"Good morning Cleo!" Lucky's tail wagged happily.
Lucky felt the load lighten as she looked over to her savior. The woman wore a specially tailored maid costume with dark leather boots and a gothic lolita aesthetic. Her mascara and eyeliner were an onyx shade that matched her hair. The taller foxfolk adjusted the boxes in her arms and gave Lucky a grin.
"Haumph! Alrighty then, let's get to it Lucky!" Her voice danced in the air."
Lucky watched Cleo's bushy tail swish from side to side as they proceeded into the guild hall, "Are you sure you can step away for a moment? I know you're busy with head maid stuff."
"Of course," Cleo exclaimed, "I trust every single one of my maids to be just fine without me. Whether it's for a few minutes, or a few days! Plus, what kind of head maid would I be if I let one of my girls overwork themselves?"
Lucky's eyes sparkled, She's so awesome! I can't believe I was scared of her yesterday.
"Watch your step now." Cleo warned.
The two of them lugged their boxes upstairs and near the storage area.
"Just out of curiosity, why don't we store the extra stuff downstairs?" Lucky wondered.
"Ya know, we used to. Problem was the foot traffic for guild services was so great that it caused a lesser experience for adventurers and customers. So instead, we moved the storage upstairs away from the balcony dining. This way only us maids and employees would be inconvenienced by the layout of our establishment." Cleo explained.
"Wow! you guys really thought of it all."
Cleo chuckled as she gave Lucky a hand with her boxes. "You are also part of 'you guys' now. How do you like it here so far?"
Lucky shelved a bag of razzblomb, "I love it here! I get to meet so many different people with exciting stories!"
Cleo looked down and cracked a smile, "I'm happy to hear that. I think you have a special talent for people, you're going to fit right in!" Cleo brushed off her hands and began heading downstairs again.
"Thank you!" Lucky trilled, "S-so... Uhm..." Lucky fidgeted as she followed Cleo.
"What is it?"
Lucky took a step down, "How does one become... A maid like you?"
"Ohhh!" Cleo turned to look back at Lucky, "Doesn't it look like so much fun?"
Lucky nodded meekly. The two reached the first floor and began walking back to the cafe.
"I had a feeling you'd think so!" Cleo's happy tone caused Lucky to smile. "It's a lot of work but it's so rewarding! And you get to meet so many different people. Regardless of how they felt coming in they always leave at least a little bit happier. Plus you get to look suuuper cute while doing it! Isn't that just the best?!" Cleo's excitement enthralled Lucky, all she could do was give a rapid succession of delighted nods.
The two were greeted by Karyl as they crossed back over to the cafe side of The Fool's Carol.
"Hey hon, I see you've finally spent some time with Cleo. She's the best round here!" Karyl beamed.
Cleo blushed, "Oh no, you praise me too highly, Karyl!"
They all seem to get along so well here. Lucky watched as the two exchanged pleasantries. Even Jamie acts differently here. Then again, so do I. Lucky walked back to her post at the counter and patted out her apron. I need to work really hard, so I can pay Jamie back and stop being a freeloader. Hmmm I guess that means I'll also have to start looking for a new place too. Lucky frowned for a moment but regained her smile as a customer approached. She found herself in a nonstop loop of taking payments for various goods and directing new adventurers from out of town to the back for the next several hours. Just as she was about to take her break a familiar face with freckles and green hair popped up in front of her.
"Stella?" Lucky gasped.
"Hey Lucky! You never texted me back this morning!" Stella pouted.
"Uh, I-uhm." Lucky panicked as she looked at the line behind Stella.
"I got this sugar," Karyl pulled up beside Lucky, "Go on now, take your break."
"T-thank you, Karyl!" Lucky nodded quickly and scanned her phone over the terminal before turning her attention back to Stella. "Wanna grab a bite to eat?"
Stella smiled, "Oh would I ever?!"
Lucky walked around the counter to join up with Stella. Stella reached out for a hug. "Can I?"
Lucky tensed up, "Y-yeah."
Stella embraced Lucky for a moment but quickly let her go. "Okay! I'll take that as your apology for ignoring me!"
"I really wasn't ignoring you, it just gets really busy around here and the trip here is... Involved." Lucky explained.
"I'm just bustin' your balls." Stella waved in the air.
Bustin' my...? Where have I heard that phrase before? Lucky wondered.
Stella pointed towards the ceiling, "How about we order, then go eat upstairs?"
"Mhm, sounds good." Lucky agreed.
The two placed their orders with Cleo and scurried off to the upper level. They took a seat near a painting of a Wyvern and Crowdell fighting.
Stella sat down with her back to the wall, "Sooo, how do you like working here?"
Lucky lazily plopped in the chair directly across from her, "It's funny you should ask, you're the second person to ask me that today. I love it so much! It's really busy, but everyone is so nice and awesome."
"I bet!" Stella lowered her voice, "I mean, everyone is either a well respected guild member, quality entertainer or just straight up model worthy. I can't think of any other place filled with so much raw talent."
Lucky looked down at the table with clouded eyes. And here I am, working with all these amazing people... It's not fair to them, I was only given a chance because Jamie is close with the owner. I'm not like them, I don't deserve to work here or the kindness they've shown me. Lucky's eyes began to well with tears.
Stella leaned forward, "If I were in your shoes, I couldn't handle the workload they rely on you for."
"Huh?" Lucky looked up, perplexed.
"Well, I've been coming here for a long time, ya see? And generally speaking Karyl has two people on the counter. This way they can rotate helping customers and stocking." Stella held out her hands to count. "But it seems like Karyl has been trusting you with so much more. You've been handling those tasks, plus assisting with bussing tables, filling out guild paperwork and even running food. That's like, totally awesome that she trusts you so much already!"
Lucky's eyes widened, "Is it really that much?"
"Yep, plus you're so damn cute people find excuses to come up to you at the counter, causing the line to be longer than normal!" Stella rambled on.
Lucky examined Stella's face while she continued to praise her. She really means it. Lucky's ears wiggled with warmth and she quickly shifted her gaze back to the table. Oh yeah, that's a nice table. It's really tabling, I wonder what kind of wood they used to make this. Lucky tried whistling but all she could muster was some pathetic puttering.
Stella leaned back, "Sorry, I wasn't trying to embarrass you. I just thought you needed a little praise for working so hard."
"Oh, uhm... Thank you, Stella," Lucky stared at Stella for a moment, "So what do you do for work?"
Stella looked to her right casting her gaze out of the massive windows. "Can I tell you a secret?" Stella asked.
"Y-yeah! I won't tell a soul!" Lucky held her breath.
"I work two jobs. The first one, my day job is... How do I say this? Basically management of sorts. It's exhausting! I hate it so much, but I really love the people I work with." For the first time Lucky saw a genuine smile from Stella that warmed her heart. She made sure to engrave that image into her mind.
"Ooooo, that sounds rough, what about the other one?" Lucky's tail dipped up and down.
"Mmm that, it's more of a hobby but I do some live streaming here and there." Stella blushed a little.
"No way! What's your channel name? I want to check it out! Oh, speaking of streaming I remember you had that image of Ankho! She's my absolute favorite streamer! I watch her every night before bed with Jamie, it's like a nightly ritual for us and-"
"Please stop," Stella slinked down burying her face into her arms on the table, "Please..."
Lucky shook frantically, "I'm sorry, I was being insensitive talking about another streamer! I know how hard it is to get to be Ankho's size. I just get excited, that's all!"
Stella peeked over her forearm, barely exposing her amber eye, "That's me..." Stella whispered.
Lucky leaned forward, "What did you say? I couldn't hear you."
"I'm Ankho, Lucky. But don't tell anyone." She said a little louder.
Huh? What? Stella is Ankho? Ankho is here with me right now? How do I not tell Jamie?! Oh man I'm totally going to freak out! Wait, no... This is still Stella, just talk like you normally would.
"Hello masters, are you ready for your meal?" A smaller redhead Laprin girl poked her nose over the table.
"Hi, Valerene." Lucky's voice filled with relief, "I'm ready if Stella is."
Stella nodded and eyed her order of choom-choom chips with a razzblomb coffee. Lucky drooled as her lovecakes with a side of peanut butter were placed in front of her. Valerene rested Lucky's water on a fancy coaster before bowing and taking her leave.
"How are the chooms? I haven't tried them yet." Lucky asked.
"Absolutely delectable." Stella said meekly. "Listen, can we just forget about this?"
"Eating? Awww but I was looking forward to eating with you." Lucky looked dejected.
Stella eyed Lucky's face for a moment, She's treating me like a normal person still. Like nothing's changed. She grinned a bit before giggling. "No you goof, I still want to eat." Her laugh made Lucky's tail bounce. "Nevermind all that, do you know what I want more than anything in the whole wide world?"
Lucky shook her head and leaned in towards Stella, "No, what is it?"
Stella's eyes lit up, "I want my uncle to be able to retire and spend all day spoiling me like he used to when I was young."
"I think you're pretty young still." Lucky raised her eyebrow.
"Well, yeah. I'm only twenty six, but I mean when I was a child." Lucky nodded in understanding, "He used to spend all day with me running around town, playing with toys and animals. It was the best!" Valerene busied about in the background while the girls took their first bites.
"So what changed?" Lucky wondered aloud, stuffing another forkful of lovecake into her mouth. Her eyes studied the disc shaped chocolate covered biscuits in front of Stella.
"When my father passed away my uncle had to take over the family business." Stella slumped in her chair, "It freaking sucks, I always hated it and now it took my uncle away from me." Stella clenched her fist, "That's why I want to become a super popular streamer! Then I can make enough money and my uncle won't ever have to work a day in his life again!"
"Whoooooa," Lucky clapped softly, "That sounds really intense. If anyone can do it I know you can!"
Stella grabbed a choom-choom chip from her plate and placed it on the edge of Lucky's "Ahaa~ Thanks for believing in me... Enough about me, what about you?"
"What about me?" Lucky pointed at herself, a few crumbs were on her cheek.
"Well, isn't there anything you want to do? Any goals or dreams you'd like to reach out and grab?" Stella smiled sweetly at Lucky.
"Well..." Lucky's face darkened as she pondered the question.
Stella reached across the table and wiped the crumbs off Lucky's face, "It's okay if you don't feel comfortable sharing. I won't hold it against you."
"It's not that... It just feels silly in comparison." Lucky admitted.
"Don't you ever feel like your dreams are silly or lesser than someone else's," Stella spun her drink with a spoon and looked out of the windows, "Without dreams we have nothing. Your dreams, my dreams, my uncle's dreams, Jamie's dreams... They are all important and should be cared for properly."
"I like that." Lucky leaned her chin on the back of her wrist, "I want to pay Jamie back for all the kindness he's shown me and..." Lucky twiddled her thumbs, "I really want to get my magic back."
"What do you mean 'get your magic back'?"
Lucky sighed, "Well it's kinda a long story, but basically I only have a fraction of my power right now."
"Have you gone to the doctor? The hospital here is really good and they have experience with cases of The Burning." Stella stated.
"No that's not it..." Lucky's gaze shifted, "Jamie had thought that might be the case, but it wasn't."
"Hmmm that's strange," Stella forced a smile, "Well if you ever want to talk more about it I'll be here!"
"Thank you, Stella."
The two quickly changed the topic and engaged in energetic conversations about Father Frank's and Baldie's prideful Wyvern Delilah. Time escaped the pair and before they knew it Lucky's alarm went off signaling her to return to work.
"Wow! That sure went by fast!" Stella said happily.
Lucky's smile was faint, "Yeah, I wish we had more time."
"There is always tomorrow, plus you can text me whenever you want!" Stella held her phone in front of her face, her Alma figurine danced on the tether that connected it to her device.
"Ya know, Jamie really likes Alma too..."
Stella grinned, "You must really like Jamie. You talked about him more than you talked about yourself today." She teased.
"I-Uh... I got to get back to work. See you later?" Lucky got up and looked away in an attempt to hide her face.
"Uh-huh! See you soon Lucky." Stella watched as Lucky ran off to head downstairs. That girl... She has no idea does she?
Once she returned to the ground floor Lucky made her way to the counter. The line seemed to have died down in her absence.
"Hey hon, is your break over already?" Karyl's rich voice called out to Lucky.
Lucky scanned herself back in and checked her surroundings taking a quick look at what needed to be done. She bent over to pick up some bags that had been knocked over onto the floor.
"Yep! I like to get back a little early but I ran a bit over this time, sorry."
"While I appreciate the extra effort you put in, I also think it's important to pace yourself. I don't expect you to work yourself until the Wyvern's bed, ya know?" Karyl leaned on the counter.
"I understand, I'll keep that in mind." Lucky busied about absentmindedly.
Karyl cocked her head slightly, "Something botherin' you sweetie?"
Lucky kept working, "Nothing too important."
"Wanna talk about it?" Karyl asked.
"No, thank you though," Lucky paused and Karyl raised her eyebrow, "Actually, do we have time to talk about it?"
Karyl smiled warmly and held in a giggle, "Honey, who do you think I am? I pretty much own this place. Let's go for a walk."
"R-really? Walkies?" Lucky's tail bobbed and weaved.
"Yes really. Hey Cleo! Can you take over for a bit?" Karyl called out.
Cleo pranced over to the counter, her face sparkled with joy. "Mmhmm! I'll be super duper on top of it, Karyl! Dontcha worry 'bout a thing!"
"Thanks hon." Karyl winked at Cleo and motioned for Lucky to follow her.
On the way out of the establishment Karyl grabbed a paper bag full of lunabiscuits. They gave off a sweet aroma of hazelnut and razzblomb jam. The two meandered down the street, sounds of merchants yelling and children playing filled their ears. Karyl led them south towards a quaint entertainment block with a small stage and rows of seating centered within its massive opening. Karyl pointed over to an old looking well with a nearby table.
"Why don't we go eat these over there?" Karyl lifted the bakery bag, Lucky nodded eagerly and followed close behind. "So how are you liking working at The Fool's Carol?"
"Hahaha," Lucky giggled, "You're the third person to ask me that today."
"Oh am I?" Karyl laughed with Lucky.
"No really! You are. And I absolutely LOVE it by the way!" Lucky's tail bounced lightly as she spoke, "I meet new people all day long and I'm even starting to make friends with some of the regulars." Lucky began counting on her hand, "Let's seeee, so far I've met Stella, Rogdan, Cleo... But I suppose she's technically a co-worker."
"Haha, well that's good to hear. But what about me?" Karyl teased.
Lucky panicked as they reached the table, "I didn't mean anything by it! You're more like a boss or person I respect. I'd like to be friends one day though!"
Karyl sat down and smiled warmly, "Reelaaax, I'm just teasing you," Karyl watched as Lucky loosened up. "But that makes me happy to hear. I'm glad you're having such a good time with us." Karyl leaned forward and rested her jaw on her right fist.
"Me too!" Lucky beamed.
"So, what's eating at ya?"
"Well... How do I put this?" Lucky pondered.
"Take your time," Karyl pulled out a biscuit, "If we don't make it back before closing, that's okay. Cleo's got this!"
Upon hearing Karyl's soothing voice, Lucky relaxed her shoulders and took a deep breath, "I've been thinking a lot since I came here."
Karyl's eyes lit up, "Oh yeah that's right! I remember Jamie mentioning you came from the southern continent."
Lucky paused for a moment, "Actually... I'm not from this planet."
Karyl's eyes darkened, "Shhhh. I know that! But don't go around telling just anyone about that! It could get you in a lot of trouble." She warned.
"But you aren't just anyone." Karyl's eyes softened at Lucky's earnest response.
"That's sweet, but please remember to use the story Jamie gave you. Anyway, continue."
"I think it'd be nice to pay back Jamie all the money he's spent on me. Not just the food and clothes. But the time he spent caring for me when I came here and the place to stay as well." Lucky's tail thudded calmly against the chair legs beneath her.
"Oh, Lucky," Karyl said, "This probably goes without saying but... Jamie isn't expecting you to pay him back, regardless of the jokes he might make. However, I do think that's a responsible thing to think about."
"Yeah, I know." Lucky frowned, "But I also really need to get full control of my mana again. I feel... Incomplete... Empty." Lucky stared a hole into the table.
"Mana burnt?" Karyl asked.
Lucky shook her head and sighed, "No, Jamie already checked that. He thinks it's a mental block or something."
"That sounds awfully frustrating." Karyl admitted.
"It wouldn't be so bad~" Lucky whispered, her voice trailing off.
Karyl raised her brow, "Wouldn't be so bad if what, hon?"
Lucky's eyes welled with tears, "It wouldn't be so bad if my sister was here with me." Lucky's tail dropped as she hung her head, "I miss her so much more than I thought I could miss anything. It's such pawshit." Lucky's tears began to wet her apron, "It's just bullshit." She whimpered.
Karyl got up and walked around the small table and lifted her arms out, "Want one?"
Lucky dropped her head into Karyl's chest as she balled. Wrapping her arms around Karyl caused her cries to become muffled.
"There there." Karyl hummed as she petted the top of Lucky's head, "Why don't you ask Jamie for help looking for your sister? Or maybe post a request with the guild?" Karyl said quietly.
"I can't ask Jamie." Lucky mumbled into Karyl's blouse.
"Of course you can, Jamie would be glad to help."
"I know," Lucky whined, "That's the problem. He'd just drop everything to help me find her. I don't want to burden him. If I could get my magic back I could easily find her myself." Lucky's voice trembled. "I'm tired of feeling useless."
"Everything okay over here?" A deep voice called out to the pair.
Karyl looked up and saw a towering Demi Oni with dark blue skin, short messy black hair and piercing purple eyes.
"Oh, hey Claude! Everything's okay, we were just talking." Karyl gave him a wry smile.
"Chizu's here too! Chizu missed your fancy baking!" A slightly below average sized human woman with straight blonde hair peeked her head around Claude. Her red eyes twinkled with mischief.
"Silly me, I should have thought you'd be here Chizu." Karyl gave her a wave, "I almost never see you two apart."
"Claude is Chizu's best friend! Chizu wanted to make sure he didn't get lost today!" Her higher pitch voice rang through the square.
"I told you a million times, I won't get lost." Claude grumbled.
Chizu grabbed Claude's arm, "Chizu knows you best, and Chizu says you would."
"I sai-"
"So what are you two up to?" Claude was cut off by Karyl's questions, "Running errands for the shrine?"
Claude shrugged, "You could say that."
"Chizu is going with Claude to talk to someone really important! Chizu was worried about Claude going to meet them alone because, well Claude isn't as good as Chizu at talking to people." Chizu's smug grin caused Claude to frown.
"Oh?" Karyl straightened up, "Might I ask who this important person is?"
Chizu nodded vigorously, "Yeah! Chizu remembers we need to go to the harbor to meet R-" Claude pinched Chizu's cheek.
"Just some business with a future associate." Claude let Chizu go and she rubbed her newly reddened cheek.
"The harbor?!" Lucky piped up, "I'm going there in two days! Are you going to see the celebration event?" Lucky's pupils dilated.
"Oh Chizu would LOVE to go see the celebration event. Can we go Claude? Pleaaassee?!" Chizu tugged at Claude's half plate.
"Sure, but if that's the case we really should get moving."
Chizu nodded and impatiently began marching in place, "Alright, bye bye!"
The two bid their farewells and walked west out of the square. With their absence, mostly Chizu's, the square got a lot quieter.
"Ya know, Claude doesn't show it but he really does care for Chizu." Karyl nibbled on a lunabiscuit.
"Mhm, they seemed really close." Lucky added.
"So," Karyl said abruptly, "Want my advice?"
Lucky cocked her head to the side, "About what?"
"All that stuff going on inside your head. Jamie, your magic and your sister."
"Oh, that." Lucky sighed, "Yeaaah, I suppose."
Karyl looked off into the distance, "Well, for starters. Jamie is going to do what he wants when he wants. So I wouldn't worry too much about him."
"Whaddya mean by that?"
"I mean if he wants to help you, he will. Otherwise he won't. I never quite pinned down how he prioritizes things but I know this... Once he's made up his mind to help someone, he doesn't halfass it." Karyl explained,
"I can see that... My magic?" Lucky asked.
"Oh sugar, you are staff at one of the most prominent guilds in all of the continents. You have sooo many people who would be willing to train with you or figure out why you haven't been able to work your magic. That includes me! I may not look it, but I'm a pretty good teacher."
"Really?" Lucky's ears wiggled, "Then I'd love for you to help me out when you can."
"Swell," Karyl stood up and brushed some crumbs off of herself, "Then we start tomorrow. Come to work early and we'll begin your training."
Lucky stood up and followed Karyl, "Okaydokey!"
"And... When you're ready," Karyl looked back at Lucky and paused. "When you're ready to find your sister, you'll have the resources of The Fool's Carol behind you."
Lucky caught up to Karyl and grabbed her hand, "Thank you so much! I'll never forget this!" Soon after, Lucky's voice was bright and bounced as she told Karyl all about her lunch date with Stella.
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(Uploaded version is the initial draft of the work LxD. The final edited version will be available for purchase in the future and you can check the progress of the book by visiting Lucky's streams twitch.tv/TheLuckyTempest)