8 new friends

"Hello young ones, welcome to my humble tea room. My name is Vox. What would you like today?"

In front of Sophie stood a tall woman, with black shoulder-length hair with a platinum streak at the temples. Her hair was quite curly and the platinum streak had a pretty contrast with her dark skin tone. She was wearing a black cloak, with a high-collared button-up and flared pants. Her all-black outfit gave the girls *witch* vibes.

"Not sure? Have a seat and I'll hand you our menu."

Seated, Sophie saw the woman magically manifest two green menus from her hands. Unable to control herself, Sophie softly gasped. [That's amazing!]. Vox smiled.

"In my small tea room, I specialise in North-Eastern cuisines and teas. My soulmate Nnie also runs his potions and magic place here, in case you need his services. He's just at the back now. If you need a recommendation, my specialty is the Xiao Long Bao and the Koikuchi Shoyu Udon."

Sophie was delighted to see she could recognise the names of the foods said. [They have Asian food here? Fuck yes!]. Internally, the girls fist-pumped.

"Thank you for your recommendation, Vox. Will have a look at the menu and decide soon." Sophie said.

[I know I'm definitely getting that Udon...but how about teas?]. Having a look at the tea menu, Sophie was surprised to see so many varieties of teas, all with eccentric names. [Oolong, green, black...that's the usual...how about something more unique?]. Scanning through the chilled section, she found one that looked and sounded pleasing. [Rose petal iced tea infused with Heria...].

"Lucy, do you know what you're gonna get?" Sophie asked.

"Yes. Zaru Soba with hot jasmine tea."

"Okay, let's order."

In a click, Vox magically appeared in front of them, making Sophie squeal in fright.

"I apologise, young one. Have you decided?"

"Oh no, it's my fault, sorry," Sophie said, embarrassed. "I'll get the Koikuchi Shoyu Udon with rose petal iced tea and Lucy will have the Zaru Soba with hot jasmine tea, thanks."

"Excellent choice, and may I ask for the customer's name?"

"Oh, my name is Sophie and this is my friend, Lucy."

"It's lovely to meet you both. Knowing your names ensures better service. I'll be out shortly with your meals." Vox gave a little bow.

In a flash, once again she disappeared. While waiting for their meal, Sophie and Lucy talked about what to do next.

"We got watches and clothes, we're still going to need a house and then there's a whole lotta stuff we gotta do then."

"Let's have lunch first. I want to see what potions Vox's friend has."

"Not just a friend...soulmate," Sophie emphasised the last word.

A minute later, a tall man walked out. His hair long and straight than Vox's, with glossy white hair with black roots. He was wearing a matching navy two-piece, with button-up collared shirt and long pants. His make-up was impeccable, with heavy eyeliner and sharp brows. Levitating above his hands were their meals.

Carefully placing their meals in front of them, he introduced himself.

"Hello, Sophie and Lucy. My name is Nnie, Vox's soulmate. It's a pleasure to have you here as our dear customers. If you wish to use my services, the door is open and located at the back. We hope you enjoy your meal." Ending with a small bow.

The girls gave thanks. Sophie peered through to see the door. Hidden slightly by a back wall, she could see an arched black door. [We'll see later, for know my tummy is rumbling]. In front of her was a steaming bowl of hot Udon on a wooden bowl, filled with naruto, tempura prawns and wakame seaweed. Her iced tea was in a beautiful tall glass, filled with fuschia rose petals in pink tea and there was a slight gold shimmer as she swirled the ice cubes. Lucy's meal was soba noodles on a wooden plate, with a dark soy sauce in a small bowl accompanied by hot jasmine tea. The aroma was tantalising and Sophie drooled. [If only I could have my phone, the amount of likes I would get for this food porn...incredible].

**

With their meal done, they headed off to the mysterious back door to Nnie's services. Through the arched door, they walked through a dark narrow hallway, covered in curtains and string beads. Unveiling another curtain, Sophie could see it was a fairly open space. There were shelves of different coloured glass bottles of several sizes, with labels on them, there was a table that had crystals and gems of all colours and shapes and another table filled with herbs and flowers. It looked like a stereotypical witch den.

"Welcome to my small shop. I sell potions, magical artefacts and anything to do with witchcraft. Are you interested in anything particular?" Nnie said, appearing behind them.

"No, not really. Lucy wants to have a look though."

"What potions do you sell?" Lucy asked.

"Anything you desire," Nnie said, her voice laced with temptation.

"But most people buy healing or beauty potions. However, there are occasional travellers that ask for a particular potion. But that comes with a price of course..."

"That's fine. We'll take a healing potion." Lucy said. Sophie looked at Lucy, giving her a stare. [Lucy...what? Why are we getting this...?].

"Sure. A traditional healing potion will be 10 bronze. The more potent it is the more expensive. But the low tier will still last, especially if you're not fighters or doing any hard labour."

Nnie handed a small blue bottle towards Lucy.

"We'll take two," Lucy answered.

Sophie paid a silver coin to Nnie, as she gently placed the healing potions into their bags.

"A pleasure doing business with you two. If there's anything you need, please let me know." Nnie gave a small bow once again.

Leaving the dark room, Sophie paid Vox a silver coin for lunch. While being given change, Vox asked them a question.

"Are you young ones staying here for long?"

"Yes. We've decided to live here. It's a beautiful town." Sophie replied.

"I see. Then I hope we get to see you often."

"Of course! The food was fantastic. We can't wait to eat more." Sophie excitedly said. Lucy nodded.

"Since you're staying here for good, I hope you two prepare..."

"Yes! We're very excited about buying a home and such!"

Vox curtly smiled.

"Well, Sophie and Lucy. Enjoy your day."

**

The two girls thanked Vox before leaving. Once the girls were gone, Nnie appeared beside Vox.

"Those two don't know do they...?" Vox asked.

"No...but their fate is sealed. We must do everything to prepare for the worst." Nnie solemnly said.

"I pray that their fated ones treat them well...for now we must take care of them." Vox stared, sighing.

"There is still time, we must do our part and prepare...for the war," as Nnie held Vox's hands.

The two swore to do everything in order to protect Sophie and Lucy from their unknown fate.