Chapter Text
There is a surly-looking human working at the Golden Goose who paints a pitifully lonely figure forced into a stuffy environment of elfin charm and most bemused at the simple leisures of monsters. And though that is to be expected, it elicits a warmth in the hearts of many, finding this little creature, so utterly fascinated with the inner workings of hybrids, that they wish to coddle him.
Xelqua wishes they would leave him alone.
And yet, for all his ill-bearings towards these soulless creatures, he cannot deny that he has settled into the humble and prosperous kingdom of Dogwarts. Of course there is still much to be desired when it comes to life in this sovereign nation. Still, it is much better than living in Cindervale, of all places; and the creatures here are rather kind.
If only his fellow employees were as kind and understanding as they; for in the weeks he’s worked as a chef for the Golden Goose they’ve taken it upon themselves to make Xelqua’s life a living hell!
Impulse, the emberborne barkeeper, likes to jest, “you need a guardian before ordering!” Xelqua knew his appearance didn't reflect his years, but it still irritated him to no end. Cleo fluffs his pillows; Etho chides him to go to bed on time; Bdubs brings him a pony as opposed to a horse; and Tango takes notice to keep his milk warm as if he were a babe.
And the bard… Just thinking about that allay’s waxing poetry - which were really just gossip disguised as stories - and sharp wit makes his head hurt. Even now as he finishes off the last of the faeberry tarts, Scott’s devilish grin and teasing remarks takes up the forefront of his mind.
With all of these, he is reminded of the saying that goes: “the king acts as a mirror; the people are the reflection.”
And if that is so, then it is no wonder why the Director wants the king of Dogwarts dead.
Three weeks ago.
The new year brings many firsts to others; whether that be something so trivial as love, reuniting with family or catching up with friends. But for Xelqua, the new year brings him one thing and one thing only: his first failure.
That mission, the heavy responsibility of ridding the Southlands of the demagogue poisoning its people, his twelfth assassination, was his first and biggest failure. He hadn’t meant for it to happen, gods above he would never forgive himself if he did, however the situation had barreled down the hill so fast that by the time he realized it, he had already been compromised.
He had only narrowly avoided death by some miraculous feat, and he had stumbled his way out through the forest, clutching his stomach as blood warmed his hands and white-hot pain lanced through his side. He’d walked for miles and miles until the glittering, orange-red pyre of lit iron lamps greeted him and he found refuge in a grimy alleyway with mice as his only companions.
And without any other options, without any way to contact the Overseers, Xelqua settled in this town, Aqua town, called the overhead signs beckoning his attention. There was no doubt in his mind that his failure had already made the rounds, that the masses had begun to lionize the name of that demagogue—that bastard—he knows so, for the winds had picked it up and carried it to Dogwarts. He knows so, for the papers have begun a zealous discussion, snuffing the fear that the name Xelqua carried.
Seething, he stayed his tongue and kept his head low, scurrying about much like the mice he’d been feeding little cubes of cheese.
He quelled the incessant, gnawing want for proper food with water procured from wells, nabbed stale, a little moldy, bread from the quaint bakery near the marketplace to strengthen him, bathed and washed his clothes in the river along the dense forest’s treelines, never once daring to stay for far longer than necessary.
It was a stark way of living as opposed to his comfortable life in Caelifer, but it was more than enough to survive; and that is all he ever needs.
The wrath of winter came and went, and it was around a month into this hermetic life when he found it, a golden goose among the foliage. Truly: the Golden Goose. A tavern that oscillates as an inn. He vaguely remembers the chattering of citizens of how it was both. He doesn’t really care.
What he does care about is this: a weathered notice that had been nailed crookedly against the post near the bridge, half-covered by older scraps of parchment and smeared rain ink.
The handwriting was surprisingly neat beneath the damage: HELP WANTED! No experience necessary.
The Golden Goose Inn and Tavern seeks a chef or capable kitchen hand willing to work long hours in a loud environment alongside occasionally unreasonable coworkers.
No experience necessary, though recommendations are preferred. Above all, steady hands and the ability to follow instructions are valued as opposed to formal credentials.
Duties include meal preparation, stockwork, cleaning, surviving Bdubs and dinner rushes. Meals are provided three times a day. Inquire within and ask for Geminitay.
Beneath it was a rather intricate symbol. The Golden Goose, perhaps. But what drew him in was what someone had added beneath it in different ink and scrawl: If Tango says it “only caught a little fire,” don’t believe him!
No experience necessary, meals and chef position? Sign him the fuck up.
He may have failed in his mission, but if there is a secret to be shared about Xelqua, killer of kings, then it is that his other work experience just so happens to be a good cook. Years of whipping up hearty, fulfilling meals for Taurtis had helped him hone his skills—and, though he isn’t so arrogant enough to brag, the Director himself liked his cooking!
The Director’s technically his boss, so this much was the recommendation he needs, right? It was perfect. Everything was perfect. It all aligned with what he needed: a roof over his head, proper food to warm his belly, and a way to earn money. He can gather his bearings, whittle away at his injuries, and finally, finally contact the Director and return home to Caelifer to his brothers and sisters.
There is no doubt he will face punishment upon returning home, however if there is any chance he’s getting out of Dogwarts then it’ll be the Golden Goose.
Business is going to be booming!