Of Silver Rays and Raven Fur | ONC24

11. Selenophilia.

They soon arrived at one of the spacious dining halls. An expansive, ivory table dominated the center, bathed in the soft glow of a round chandelier hanging low from the ceiling. Its legs were adorned with intricate, silver designs, matching the curved chairs surrounding it.

Alarick hesitated at the entrance until Accalia tugged him forward. She guided him to a seat, assisting him before settling at the head of the table herself.

"So," she began with a playful grin. "Tell me what is it that you crave?"

You.

Her eyes widened, the sudden intrusion of his thoughts taking her aback. It was the first time that Accalia had heard them. Crimson flooded her cheeks as she flushed, while Alarick cleared his throat, looking everywhere but her.

"Meat," he replied after a while.

Azure mist swirled around them, coalescing into a cloud that covered the table. Then, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared when she flicked her wrist, leaving behind a tantalizing array of sumptuous plates.

The dishes were a vision of culinary splendor. Succulent meat, vibrant salads, and glistening fruits filled the table, promising a feast for two or three villages. Steam wafted atop fragrant soups and sauces, while the heavenly aroma of baked breads and golden pastries tempted their senses.

It was a banquet to delight both the palate and the soul.

Accalia nodded, gesturing for him to go ahead and eat. Alarick hesitated, his confusion evident as he bent down slightly before stopping abruptly. It dawned on him that he was no longer a wolf, and the etiquette for dining as a human was quite different.

He straightened up, a sheepish expression crossing his features as he glanced at Accalia. "I...I'm not sure how to proceed," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Amusement glinted in her eyes, and he squinted at her. "Are you enjoying my quandary?"

Accalia shrugged, holding back her laughter. "A little, perhaps." Then, she smiled reassuringly. "It is alright. Just follow my lead."

With that, she demonstrated the proper way to hold utensils and began to eat, setting an example for him to follow. It took several attempts for Alarick to grasp the concept of the various cutlery and get the hang of using it. Initially, he wrinkled his nose at the sight of the unfamiliar vegetables and fruits. However, at her request, he decided to give them a chance. While not as satisfying as meat, they weren't as dreadful as he had originally presumed. So, with a nonchalant shrug, he continued eating, no longer hindered by their foreign taste.

After a while, he dropped the fork and knife.

"Curse this blasted etiquette," he grumbled, chewing ungracefully while mirth shook her shoulders.

"It can be quite bothersome, I agree. But fret not, you shall get the hang of it in time. It is not as daunting as it appears," she reassured him, leaning forward with both elbows on the table. "For now, though, feel free to eat as you please, my dear."

A wolfish grin pulled his mouth. "As I please?"

She nodded, a playful glint in her eyes. "Just be mindful not to soil your clothes, alright?"

Excitement lit up his expression as he eagerly dug in, his enthusiasm reminiscent of a playful pup with its tail wagging behind it.