There were more demons set in the other tables, pockets of strange creatures clustered close together in the sea of grey skin and pointed ears. They kept to themselves, sending furtive, untrusting glances around them between taking cues from their queen. She was well protected sitting between Goshnar and Ranuk but they were still uneasy with so many enemies close to their mother. This was the first time a female demon had left her nest in a century and for good reason. They would not be completely at rest until they were long gone from this place.<br/><br/>Their wariness though was momentarily forgotten as the food was brought out. It was bountiful, many of the dishes the demons had never even heard of before, let alone tasted. The swamps were plentiful in fish and insect and root vegetables but not in fruit and proper game, those available went directly to the females. None here had ever known these animals they were about to eat, save for Minas and Ranuk.<br/><br/>While the elves set out the dishes, demons servants were among their number, not holding plates of food but rather bowls of clean water. They went to every demon at the table so each one could wash their hands or appendages.<br/><br/>Ranuk stared ravenously at the boar as he took his turn at the washing bowl, his mouth watering with the memories of fall hunts when the hogs were fat with mountain yams and truffles. It was a taste that he had missed dearly as grubs and crickets could never sate his appetite for proper meat. The demon servants disappeared with the elven ones and finally the king signaled the feats to begin. But Ranuk and every other demon did not start. They waited, anxiously, as Minas cut herself a portion of goose.<br/><br/>She did not bother with the provided utensils, her claws were as good as any blade. The roasted golden skin split neatly under her talon and she tore it away with her fingers. Minas remembered goose, fat and oily and delicious. She relished the moment as the brought the glistening meat to her maw, inhaling the heavenly smell of it before placing it on her tongue.<br/><br/>The moment the morsel had made it past her lips, the demons fell upon the food, ravenous as any animal. Ranuk was not exempt, and he took a great leg of boar all to himself, tearing into it with gusto.