Gloom in Gold: The Awakening

Chapter Six

Another way to show.

Wrem and Lilith just got back to the residence after their trip to the nature. Maddox seemed to await them as he approached the women.

"Maddox," Lilith greeted happily, "I hope I didn't make you wait."

"Not at all."

The woman turned to where Wrem stood, wanted to thank her for the lovely time, but she was nowhere to be found.

"Wrem already went to her room," the man informed her.

"Oh, I see. I wanted to thank her for the nice time we had," she mumbled sadly.

Maddox smiled, her eyes finding his as she noticed he looked at her. "Consider the message delivered."

Remembering what she had learned from Wrem she smiled again, nodding. "Thank you. It's fascinating you're able to communicate like that."

"One grows accustomed to it. Would you like to accompany me now for dinner?"

"Of course."

Maddox and Lilith walked towards the dining hall in a silence that had her wondering whether everything would be alright.

"Say, Maddox," she began and looked at him, "is there something you want to talk to me about?"

Somehow his expression seemed as if he felt caught, looking ahead. "There is, yes. But that is not the only reason I invited you for dinner." There was a hint of shyness on his face as he looked at her sheepishly. "I enjoyed the idea of spending more time with you."

Warmth spread in her chest and she placed a hand on his arm, smiling wide. She was a little hesitant to touch the others just like that, but he felt somewhat different. Though she did not know why. "Me too!"

His heartbeat shuddered, as he reached forward quickly to open the door for her. She smiled her thanks to him and stepped inside, heading towards the tall table. She halted and glanced at the man.

"Please tell me we're not gonna sit on each headsite like 20 feet away from one another."

"If you don't wish so, we won't," he reassured and she let out a reliefed breath. "How would you like to sit then?"

She thought for a moment before heading to a certain seat close to the right end of the table. She sat down, tapping on the seat beside her with a smile. Maddox nodded, grabbed two serving bells, walking over to Lilith with a polite smile. He placed them on the table and followed her plea, standing to her right site.

"Wow, this sure feels fancy," she giggled as she watched him pull the serving bell away from her plate.

Her eyes went wide as she stared at the beauty in front of her. A round piece of meat, brown surface with grill strips. The filet was cut in half, pink and read streaks flowing through the juicy center. Besides laid a handful of halved brussel sprouts, a brown sauce with a red touch on the side.

"I prepared one of my favourites for us. Filet Mignon with grilled brussel sprouts and red wine sauce reduction." Maddox glanced at her, hoping to find a satisfied expression on her face.

"I'm at a lack of words." She met his eyes and smiled. "This looks marvellous and the smell!" She took one of his hands and squeezed it. "Thank you so much."

After hesitating a moment he raised her hand up, brushing his lips over her fingertips. "You're most welcome, Lilith." Her cheeks darkened slightly, smile increasing as he let go of her hand and took his seat. "Please, enjoy."

She smiled at him and nodded. For a moment she pondered whether she should try to eat in a fine looking way, but decided to screw it. There is most certainly a way one should hold his cutlery adequately, but Lilith did not care and just ate like she felt comfortable with.