Tubby let Navia use the kitchen today. So, she baked loads of macrons. Soon, the waft of freshly baked goods filled the Teapot, summoning the greatest aficionado of sweets herself: the Raiden Ei.
She peeked into the kitchen, doing a poor job of hiding her salivating.
"Come in," said Navia a little hoarsely. "They're almost done."
The Electro Archon studied her, bent over the oven.
"Pardon my intrusion," she said. "You seem distressed."
"Oh, it's not you. Come on," said Navia cheerfully, "no point moping. Let's eat!"
Navia placed the tray on the table, but Ei didn't move. She examined Navia and the large pile of macrons.
"Navia," she said gently, "Forgive me, but I sense something is amiss."
"Why do you say that?"
"We all do something when we are upset. For me, I turn to martial arts. For you, well," Ei pointed at the heaping of macrons.
"Sorry, I always get a little sentimental today. It's… Father's Day."
Navia wondered if Archons even understood a concept like fatherhood. To her surprise, Ei's eyes softened.
"I see. You have my condolences."
She gestured they sit down and eat. Between them, a tower of macrons was stacked to the ceiling. The Raiden Ei bowed her head. They began eating. A few bites in, and the Raiden Ei broke the silence.
"Do you wish to speak of him?"
Navia told her a little bit about her dad. She talked and talked, unaware of how much she had said until her voice cracked. Ei listened politely to the stories Navia could recall, a smile spreading across her face.
"I wish I could have met him," said Ei. "He sounds like a remarkable man."
"He was," she agreed. "I miss him, and Silver and Melus."
"I understand how you feel," said Ei. "Everyone suffers loss, even the gods. But, no one goes through it alone. We the bereaved are one of the largest communities in the world."
She laid her hand on the Electro Archon's and shot her a grateful smile. Ei returned the gesture, clasping Navia's hand in her own.
They ate a few more macrons, but it became clear they wouldn't clear the whole platter between the two of them. Luckily, they didn't have to. Navia sent out the invitation and soon all the girls came for a macron festival.