Staring down at the basket sitting on the counter for a long while now, Meilina bore a worried expression on her features as she lifted the lid on the basket âDo you think this is a bit too much?â Mei asked aloud as she glanced to the corgi sitting beside her foot on the floor, his eyes transfixed on the basket where he knew the roast lynx salad in its container was.
Devon simply gave her a begging look which drew a chuckle from Meiâs lips â Iâm sure itâll be alright, heâll probably share it with someone, perhaps Aeviaras. But I wanted to at least send him something in thanks for giving me that brilliant idea. It was a resounding hit.â
As Meiâs sea green eyes drifted back to the basket, Mei gave the contents a final once over before sheâd closed the box and tied the fastenings into the place. The act drew a whimper from Devon whoâd hoped she would reach in and give him the lynx meat from the salad.
Glancing over at Devon again, Mei raised an eyebrow before sheâd chuckled again, reaching over to the side where she had another container of the roast lynx salad and withdrew a piece of meat from it to offer it to Devon. â Here you go, silly boy. I was going to save you a piece anyway.â
As Devon happily dug into the piece of meat, Mei watched him for a moment before she picked up and tucked the envelope into the picnic basket, there was a loud knock on the door, announcing the arrival of the courier. Grasping the basket, Mei quickly made her way out into the hallway and to the front door.
The basket turned up a hour later at the Starsong household, where it sat waiting on the table where the household kept their mail for Maerdan to inspect its contents. Inside the basket he would discover the envelope, a box of six chocolate-stout cupcakes with white chocolate- cream frosting, the container of roasted beef salad, and a wooden box that opened up to display an ornately decorated bottle of the finest whiskey.
Inside the envelope, heâd discover a letter with elegant script:
âDear Lord Starsong,
I hope this letter and basket finds you well on this day, I would like to say thank you once again for the wonderful idea. The bride, groom and the guests loved the barrel-cake with many choosing to enjoy the cake. So included with this letter is the cupcake version of the cake, a roast lynx salad and a bottle of whiskey for you and your family to enjoy.
I will be getting in touch with you personally soon enough I promise, and thank you!.
Your sincerely,
Lady Meilina Autumnshade.â
Maerdan wasnât accustomed to such surprises for in truth, it was generally a role he took on, being the one who sent such gifts. Still, a look of amusement danced across his lips as he read the note and after setting a few things to order, his plan was well at hand. He was a man of action after all. Exactly half an hour later, a courier knocked at the door to Lady Autumnshadeâs residence with a note that was written in a neat and masculine hand.
My Lady Autumnshade,
The letter and basket found me well enough, but the notion of your being pleased was plenty thanks for me. Still, it was an honor to be of aid and in truth, your company was quite delightful. If we are to exchange baskets though, it is only fair that you join me for a picnic. A man eating alone is something of a tragedy, wouldnât you say? And how could I sample your cake without you being there to see the reaction on my face? If you are not otherwise occupied, dear, gather your things and my man will see you the location I had in mind. If you are busy, then allow me to later bring you on a private tour of my restaurant and the Starsong Vineyards. You have my word, it will be most memorable.
Sincerely yours,
Lord Maerdan Starsong
@meilina-autumshade














