Traditional Goblin Fare

Lids came off trays to reveal traditional Goblin cooking. Hot trays steamed in the night air. Arthur didn’t recognize any of it, but Mata scooped him up a hearty serving, smiling, while whispering in his ear. “I promise you’ll like it.” Arthur inspected it closely. It looked to be made of layers of some kind of thin pressed dough, sandwiching a soft, almost sweet smelling cheese with salty aftertastes, and covered with a thick blood red sauce with various chunks of unidentifiable meat and mushroom. Coated again with a different type of cheese, finely shredded. It was surprisingly good, tangy and sweet.

“Oh, Mphf, this is delicious.” He covered his mouth to give an immediate response, to Hama’s immediate delight. Light conversation resumed after everyone had filled their plates, although to Kena’s confusion looking at Arthur for too long filled her with a heat she didn’t understand, and every time she looked away or at Nick she was filled with a sudden sharp sense of disgust.

Dinner passed and Arthur helped Mata and Hama carry in the leftovers and dirty dishes. Kena wandered into the kitchen as Arthur was loading the dishwasher, hunched over in the small goblin kitchen. Hama and Mata chatted while they packaged up the leftovers some of which would of course go home with Mata and Arthur. “Hey, we’re heading out. Arthur it was nice meeting you.” Her ears burned with a confused mix of lust and shame. Arthur gave her a grin. “Likewise.” Hama pulled her into a hug. “Drive safe you two!” As she gave her daughter a peck on the cheek. Nick and Kena filed out.

She turned back to the other couple. “I’m so happy you could come! I swear we haven’t had such a lovely family dinner in ages.” Then lower in a stage whisper to Arthur. “Normally the girls can’t get through a meal without ripping each other’s heads off.” Mata rolled her eyes. “Still it was so lovely to see you both.” With no warning she wrapped herself around Arthur’s leg in a bear hug. A blank look covered her face and she made no move to disengage herself. Aww fuck. Before Mata could freak out he looked her way. “Trance.”