The Brownies’ Grand Feast

Hala entered the pyramid and headed to the chamber of the grand kitchen. As she approached, she heard the soft clinking of plates, the low murmur of conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter. 'Hm, seems like they are having fun.'

Hala entered the grand dining hall when she stepped through the second layer. The room was decorated in a rich classical style, with intricate gold accents on the walls, columns, and ceiling. Large crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow across the space. The dining table, which stretched the length of the room, was elegantly set with fine china, glassware, and gold-toned cutlery made from her crystal magic. The table was adorned with a centerpiece of vibrant blue flowers, adding a touch of color to the regal setting.

The chairs around the table were a match to the room's ornate decor, equally lavish with their high backs and golden frames . They were not just chairs, but thrones of comfort and extravagance, inviting one to sit and bask in the grandeur of the hall. Tall arched windows allowed natural light to stream in, enhancing the room's grandeur. Marble flooring, rich draperies, and lush green plants in the background contributed to the overall sense of luxury and splendor.

Hala passed the grand dining hall and entered through the double doors leading to the main kitchen. The scent of something absolutely delicious hit her immediately. Her nose twitched as the air was filled with the aromas of spiced meats, fresh-baked bread, and the earthy fragrance of desert herbs. It was a stark contrast to the dry heat of the desert outside, and her stomach grumbled even louder in response.

The kitchen where the brownies now occupied was a marvel to behold, its ornate architecture and grandeur standing in stark contrast to the harsh desert world outside. The rich, polished wood of the cabinets gleamed under the soft glow of hanging crystal chandeliers. The ceiling was a work of art unto itself, with intricate, golden carvings swirling and dancing in baroque patterns that seemed to tell stories of the cosmos—a nod to Hala's celestial powers.

Every surface gleamed with the light of Lazurite crystal accents that reflected the warm glow of the lamps and torches that lit the room. The counters, made of luxurious stone with intricate veining, were spacious and perfect for the brownies' culinary activities. The layout was fit for both function and elegance, offering enough space for the brownies to move freely and work their magic with the food they prepared.

Small in stature but nimble and precise, the brownies had taken over the kitchen with surprising efficiency. The shelves and counters that once seemed too high for them to reach were now equipped with small ladders and steps, allowing the brownies to scale them with ease. Their natural dexterity allowed them to work swiftly, chopping herbs, stirring bubbling pots, and baking delicious pastries without missing a beat.

The aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the room as they prepared the grand lunch in honor of Hala. The brownies moved about with an almost choreographed precision, their teamwork evident in the way they handed each other ingredients, shared space, and worked together to create the feast. Lardri, one of the more energetic brownies, darted between stations, checking on the progress of each dish while giving enthusiastic instructions.

At the center of the kitchen stood a grand, ornate island, where the centerpiece of the meal was being prepared. Here, a massive roast, seasoned to perfection with herbs from the desert oasis, sizzled in the oven, its savory aroma filling the air. Plates of brightly colored fruits and vegetables from the surrounding desert sat neatly arranged, adding a splash of color to the otherwise golden and wooden tones of the kitchen.

Inna, the orange-haired leader, stood at one corner of the kitchen, her arms crossed and a small smile playing on her lips as she watched the activity. Despite her usual stoic demeanor, she seemed pleased with the way her people had quickly adapted to their new roles. The kitchen had once been an intimidating space, too large and too luxurious for their nomadic tastes, but now it felt like home.

Inna, the orange-haired leader of the brownies, spotted Hala and immediately broke into a wide grin. She rushed over, her face flushed with pride and excitement. "Lady Hala! You're just in time. We've prepared something special for you."

Hala, ever laid-back and amused by the title, waved her hand dismissively. "You don't need to call me 'Lady' anything. Just Hala is fine." She took in the spread of food with an appreciative smile. "But this... wow. You really went all out, huh?"

Lardri, the smaller brownie who had helped carry the wounded Ebin during their escape, approached as well, beaming with excitement. "It's our way of saying thank you," she said, her voice warm. "You gave us a place to stay and helped Ebin. This is the least we can do."

Fearnis, one of the elders, glided with her cane, tapping on the hard glossy floor, stopped in front of Hala, and shooed her with the wooden cane. "Lady Hala, please head back to the dining hall and wait for us to bring in the feast. You have been working hard since dawn, you must be starving."

Hala found her being kicked out by this granny, quite comical. Something told her though, that this adorable old lady could hold her own in a fight. 'She gives off a dangerous vibe. How odd.'

"Alright, alright. I'm going. Geesh, granny." Turning around, she waved lazily at the cooking crew. "Thanks for the work."

Hala, never one to make a big fuss about formality, plopped herself down at the head of the table with a grin. The brownies, clearly thrilled to be doing something in return for their new ruler, eagerly brought her dishes one after another, their small hands moving quickly as they served her with enthusiasm.

As the first bite of spiced meat hit her tongue, Hala let out an appreciative hum. "Mmm. This is fantastic. What is this? Some kind of desert creature?"

Inna, who had taken a seat beside Hala, chuckled. "It's roasted sand hare—a desert specialty. We used some of the herbs from the nearby oasis. We also made flatbread and these sweets called honey drops."

Hala took another bite, savoring the flavors. The bread was warm and soft, and the honey drops melted on her tongue, leaving a sweet, lingering aftertaste. She leaned back in her chair, content and comfortable.

"You guys know how to cook, that's for sure," she said between bites. "Maybe you should run the kitchens from now on."

The brownies exchanged excited glances, clearly pleased by her praise. "We'd be honored," Lardri said, her face lighting up.

As the meal continued, Hala engaged the brownies in casual conversation. They told her stories of their travels, of the Desert of Death and the dangers they had faced before finding refuge in the Lazurite Kingdom. In turn, Hala shared her own stories—her past adventures, her powers, and her vision for the kingdom.

The brownies listened intently, their eyes wide with fascination as Hala recounted her battles with desert monsters, her encounters with nomadic tribes, and her plans for the future of the kingdom. Despite the power she wielded, Hala's easygoing personality made her approachable, and the brownies soon felt comfortable enough to speak freely.

"I have to say," Inna said after taking a sip of water, "I didn't expect a ruler like you. You're different from the others we've heard about. Our last master, he was...unpleasant."

Hala raised her brow at the last comment, resting her chin on her hand. "Different, huh? I'll take that as a compliment." 'The brownies must have gone through some hardships before the pride lions.'

Inna nodded quickly. "It is! You're… well, you don't act like someone who's got all this power. You're just… normal."

Hala laughed, her mismatched eyes sparkling. "I try not to let it go to my head. Honestly, I'd rather be out exploring or getting into some mischief than sitting on a throne all day. But someone's gotta run this place, and I figure it might as well be me."

The brownies laughed with her, and for a moment, it was easy to forget that they were in the middle of a vast and dangerous desert. The warmth of the chamber, the laughter of new friends, and the taste of good food made it feel like they were in the heart of a flourishing kingdom already.

As the brownies continued serving dish after dish of their delicious feast, Hala leaned back in her chair, utterly relaxed and satisfied with the food. The scents of roasted meats, fresh herbs, and sweet honey filled the room, and the air buzzed with the quiet chatter of the brownies, who were excitedly watching her enjoy their handiwork.

She picked up another piece of flatbread, about to take a bite when she suddenly felt a faint shift in the air—a sensation, subtle yet distinct, that tugged at the edges of her awareness. She knew what it was even before Thoth's calm voice echoed in her mind.

"Hala," the ancient voice of the Thoth intoned, breaking through the comfortable haze of her lunch. "The dire lions have passed through the outer barriers of the kingdom. They are entering the southern outskirts."