The private dining room on the second floor of the restaurant was quiet and comfortably. Outside the grand bay windows, a secluded courtyard garden bristled with greenery, blocking out the noisy bustle of the marketplace below.
A waiter set down a polished brass tray of roasted spiced lamb, warm crusty bread, and a carafe of sweet plum wine before bowing politely and pulling the heavy oak door shut behind him.
Derrick poured wine into both of their brass goblets, passing one across the dark oak table to Cherion. "To be completely honest with you, Cherion," Derrick began, leaning back against his cushioned seat and taking a small sip, "never in a million years did I think there would come a time when you and I would be hanging out like this, having a casual lunch in a restaurant."
Cherion took a sip of the warm wine, letting the rich, fruity flavor settle on his tongue before setting the goblet down on the wooden surface. "Honestly? I didn't think so either."
