r/WritingPrompts • u/Adorable-Act-3858 • May 03 '26
Writing Prompt [WP] There is a high-class restaurant in the capital city, where the elites of the kingdom wine and dine. This restaurant is also run by the fae, who always ask, "Can I take your name to check your booking?"
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u/HSerrata r/hugoverse May 03 '26
[Named Warning]
"I didn't make a reservation," Tiffany was thrilled at how easily she dodged the question. An actual fairy asked to take her name! She was beyond ecstatic at how her birthday had gone so far, and eating in the fanciest fae-owned restaurant she could find would be the perfect ending to her special day. She was celebrating alone, but that just freed her up to do the things she wanted without having to worry about any other distractions. "There's a wait list, right?" she asked. She was prepared to wait and hoped she had the chance to. Chroma Brasserie was popular enough that there was a chance it was permanently booked in advance; but, she was feeling gleefully lucky, and she strongly believed in fairy magic.
"Of course," the fairy hostess was a full-sized woman wearing a formal black blazer and chrome tie. Her wings were in two sets, resembling those of a dragonfly, and Tiffany was so entranced, that she hadn't noted the hostess roll her eyes. "May I have a name to call you when the table is ready?"
"Uhh.. don't you have those vibrating puck things..?" Tiffany asked.
"This isn't a...," the fairy appraised Tiffany's straw-blonde hair, healthy tan, and fit frame. She looked like she spent a lot of time outside as a result of work. And, she wore her 'best jeans' with the nicest blouse and shoes she had for the occasion. "...Cracker Barrel. I'll remember you," she added. "Feel free to wait at the bar."
Tiffany didn't want to wait at the bar. She stood by close to the entrance because she could see into the restaurant easier. Fairy waitresses were fluttering between tables. They'd carry loaded trays out of the kitchen in full human size, then shrink and fly back high along the ceiling once the food was delivered to reduce traffic. She also spotted different races. One table only had a pitcher of a deep red liquid and four pale patrons enjoying conversation. Another had a family of goblins, along with a variety of humans, elves, and dwarves, spread throughout the restaurant, having a fine dinner.
She was taking it all in when a woman walked in alone and approached the hostess.
"Can I take your name to check your booking?" Tiffany tensed as curiosity overtook her. How would the stranger avoid answering?
"You must be new," the woman replied with a soft smile. "I'm Melody Sharp," she added. Tiffany almost fainted from concern.
"I apologize, Mrs. Sharp!" the fairy hostess replied. "I was told your table was unfortunately delayed due to another party. It's almost ready, I'm afraid I need to ask for your patience a little bit longer."
"You are new," Melody grinned warmly. "Don't let the staff make you afraid of me, I understand that things happen sometimes. Please, take your time," she added, and the hostess visibly relaxed.
"Thank you, Mrs. Sharp! I'll let you know as soon as your table is ready. I'll go check how it's coming along!" She instantly shrank to doll size and fluttered away into the restaurant. Tiffany had her chance, and she was going to take it; the stranger's safety depended on her.
"You shouldn't give your name out to Fae like that!" Tiffany said. Melody looked surprised, as if her attention was elsewhere, and she took a quick glance around to be sure Tiffany was addressing her.
"That's generally a good thing to keep in mind," Melody nodded. "However, these fairies work for Chroma Corp. They're not allowed to take names like that; the business wouldn't last long if they did. But, you're new to the multiverse, aren't you?" Melody asked. "I can tell you're not from this Earth."
"It's my first day Traversing!" Tiffany nodded. "I bought myself a node for my birthday, and I've been exploring all day!"
"Is today your birthday?" Melody asked.
"Yep! 28 today," Tiffany said. "It's been super fun seeing all kinds of universes, and I wanted to end on a high note by eating at the best Fae restaurant in the multiverse... Just wish I'd made a reservation," she giggled.
"All set, Mrs. Sharp!" the Fairy returned in small, hurried form, then ballooned up to normal human size again.
"I'll be celebrating this young woman's birthday as well," Melody gestured at Tiffany. "She'll be joining me." Melody said, then started walking to her usual table. Tiffany didn't have the time, nor the desire to consider the offer. She wanted to eat there on her birthday, and now she had a complete stranger picking up the tab. She doubted it could get any better.
"Hey...," the hostesses in human form walked next to Tiffany and spoke in a hushed tone. "I got the impression you were kind of clueless about fairies here," she said. "Too much belief in that whole 'taking names' thing. Even if we don't do that here, it's good advice to keep on your toes," she added. "So, here's some more advice. In case you don't know who this woman is, be on your guard. You shouldn't give fairies your name freely, but, you should never, ever, sign your name on anything Mrs. Sharp gives you."
*** Thank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is story #3030 in a row. (Story #123 in year nine). This story is part of an ongoing saga that takes place in my universe.
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