Another world, Celeste

Chapter Twenty Seven

A spirit appears in the courtyard after learning of Auntie El's whereabouts. Apparently, Auntie El left in the middle of doing something and has to return. Surprising to know that Auntie El skips on her work too like Lord Sol. Archie and I send her off with an encouraging smile. Now then, while I'm still at the sanctuary, might as well follow Amber and lend a helping hand with her morning task which is separating corn kernels from the cob. The corn kernels will later be used for feeds. Amber and I pair up to fill as many large sacks with corn kernels as we can. Keepers with strong arms will then carry the filled up sacks to the storage room. The task of separating and tossing corns is becoming never-ending until the bell loudly chimes.

Amber toss a corn cob away and cries out cheerfully, "Lunch break!"

On our way to the dining hall, I keep receiving curious stares from the keepers. Mostly everybody in the sanctuary is acquainted with Bane, partly because of Amber boasting to her colleagues, so it is not about him. This time their gazes aren't tracing the Great Wolf's passing greyish-white figure but at the bushy brownish-red fur sitting atop of Bane's head as if its the most natural thing in the world. Thankfully, we arrive at the dining hall right before it gets too crowded. Bane stays outside while Archie jumps down and follows us inside. Today, the dining hall is serving mushroom soup, mashed potatoes with roasted corn on the cob for lunch. Those of us who's been seeing nothing but corn all morning couldn't help but feel trapped. The moment we take a seat at an empty table with our food, Archie leaps on my lap and reaches for the roasted corn. I break the corn in half and give one to Archie which he happily accepts. Not only Amber, but the keepers sitting at the surrounding tables also watch with fascination. Meanwhile, the focus of their attention is gnawing on roasted corn without care. Let's pretend that I'm not bothered by this and focuses on the mashed potatoes.

"While it's distracted," Amber quietly say.

When my eyes meet Amber's, she puts a finger to her mouth and slowly moves her hand from across the table. Her target is Archie who's focused on eating the halved roasted corn. Every elf in the dining hall is quietly and keenly watching Amber's uncounted attempt of laying a single touch on Archie. The halved roasted corn is already half-eaten. Amber needs to pick up her pace or else, she'll miss this chance.

munch, munch

Four

munch munch

Three

munch munch

Two

Every elf is at the edge of their seat and holding their breath, including me.

munch munch

The tip of Amber's fingers almost reaching Archie's pointy ears.

munch.

Archie's pointy ears twitch, slides down on its back and disappear under the table, leaving Amber's stretched out hand hanging awkwardly in front of me. The operation is unsuccessful again. Everyone releases a breath of defeat.

"So close."

"That's too bad."