About a half hour later Ria came back with Soren in her arms.
"Mia, you don't have to do that." Said Ria.
"I do, I need to prove I can be helpful. Because I will have to ask a favor of you, and your husband." Said Mia.
Mia explained to Ria why she needed to help. Ria said she understood, and went to take care of Soren. Time passed, and dinner was almost ready. Ria put Soren in his bassinet, and went over to help Mia. When she looked out the window, she seen that the sun was going down, and said that Rion would be back from the fields soon. Mia then asked if she could help set the table. Ria smiled, and said that she'd be glad to. While Ria went to take care of that, Mia knew that she had to make a good impression.
About thirty minutes later, Rion came through the door. He went to the kitchen, and seen that Mia was at the stove. Ria came from behind him, and asked what was for dinner. Ria told him that Mia made dinner. Rion was surprised, and said that he'd go wash up. He walked away, and Ria went to help Mia put the food on the table. Rion soon came back, and they all sat down to eat. Before long; when they were done eating, Ria helped Mia clear the dishes. Rion was going to spend some time with his son, Ria stopped him. Rion was confused, but sat back down. Ria and Mia had started to explained about what Mia needed. When they were done; Rion thought about it.
"As long as she helps around the house, I don't mind." Said Rion.
"Thank you." Said Mia.
Rion just gave a nod, got up, and this time left the kitchen to spend some time with his son.
Meanwhile back at the North Palace. . . . .
The cats that were looking for work at the palace; were coming out of an Inn. They were getting into their wagon. Maro then pointed to the group, and Narn asked if it was the group they were sent to find. Maro said yes, and they went up to the group.
"Excuse us, you were the cats that were seeking work at the palace?" Narn asked.
"Yes, but we were told that they didn't need anyone else." Said Lesten.
"We were ordered by Tia; who was ordered by Lady Angara, to bring you back." Said Narn.
"Please, lead the way." Said Lesten.
Narn and Maro then turned their beasts around, and headed back to the palace. When they got there; Narn and Maro took them to the stables. There they left their beasts and the wagon. Narn and Maro then led the group to the door that led to the kitchen. Narn opened the door, and looked into the kitchen. He seen Tia, and got her attention. She walked over, and waved the cats inside. Tia thanked Narn, and Maro; then went back inside. Tia then turned to them.
"Have you all eaten, yet?" Tia asked.
"We tried, but didn't have enough money for all of us; why?" Lesten asked.
"We're about to have lunch." Said Tia.
They went over to the table, and stopped Elaine; Tia asked her to grab eight more plates, cups, and cutlery. When Elaine returned, Tia got everyone's attention.
"Ok, everyone. We have some new cats that will be joining the staff. I will allow them to introduce themselves." Said Tia.
"I am Lesten. To my left, is Olin, his daughter Balina; then there is Zenno, Alea, Kani, Fuse, and Hizen." Said Lesten.
The staff around the table all said welcome, and made room for them to sit. Once they were settled around table, platters of food were then passed around. Lunch passed by; with subtle conversation. When lunch was finished, Tia got their attention again.
"Once our new staff members are trained, then I will start getting you time off to go to your home villages to visit family. Before any of you ask, you will still have your position when you come back." Said Tia.
There were shocked, but pleased expressions on everyone's faces.