Majai Presents Pagan Hills: Beige

CHAPTER 3: Yardenima: Part 6

The peppers, plump and vibrant, were filled with a hearty mixture of minced meat, rice, herbs, and spices, topped with a melted cheese that stretched enticingly with each movement. The aroma was intoxicating, a blend of savory meats, aromatic herbs, and the sweet tang of tomato sauce enveloping the peppers. Overcome by the delicious scent, Mika nodded eagerly, barely containing her anticipation.

"Coming right up!" Giovanna exclaimed, quickly assembling a plate for Mika. Gratefully receiving it, Mika couldn't resist the temptation and took an immediate bite. The flavors exploded in her mouth - the rich, savory filling perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the pepper and the tanginess of the sauce. It was a harmonious blend that sent a wave of delight through her, igniting memories of warmth and comfort.

"This is incredible!" Mika exclaimed, her eyes alight with newfound wonder. "What inspired you to set up here, sharing your cooking with us all?" Her question was genuine, driven by a curiosity to understand more about the woman who crafted such a memorable dish. Mika's experience in Yardenima was shaping up to be a journey of delightful discoveries, each taste and scent unveiling layers of a world she was only beginning to remember.

"This isn't merely a job for me, dear," Giovanna explained with a warmth that felt like a hug. "Cooking for my family has always been my greatest joy. Now, at my age, the outside world offers little allure." She gestured vaguely beyond the confines of Yardenima, her voice tinged with a mix of contentment and nostalgia. "Here, though, I am blessed with an endless family. A stream of souls always eager to partake in the meals I prepare with love." Giovanna's smile was radiant, yet Mika caught a fleeting shadow of sorrow in her eyes.

"Are your family still with you?" Mika ventured cautiously, picking up on the delicate thread of sadness in Giovanna's expression. The question seemed to take Giovanna by surprise, and for a moment, her jovial facade wavered.

"My family?" she echoed softly, her laughter masking a deeper, unspoken ache. "Well, my family is..." She trailed off, and Mika watched, fascinated and a bit concerned, as a subtle light-blue hue began to illuminate Giovanna's face, her smile waning. The warm browns of her eyes gradually shifted to a cool, light gray, mirroring the sky just before dawn.

Giovanna's expression momentarily faded to a pallor that seemed to drain the very essence of life from her, casting a shadow that only Mika seemed to perceive. The vibrant woman before her appeared momentarily as if from another realm, her vibrant eyes dimming. Just as Mika's concern deepened, Corvus's voice cut through the tension. "Hey, Giovanna!" he called out with enthusiasm. The sound of his voice seemed to act as a beacon, calling Giovanna back from the brink of whatever abyss she had been teetering on. With a few rapid blinks, the color bloomed back into her cheeks, and the liveliness returned to her gaze.

"Hello, Praedicator! And how fare the Witana?" Giovanna inquired, seamlessly resuming her cheerful demeanor as if the moment of otherworldliness had never occurred.

"The white cloaks and I are well, thank you," Corvus replied, his attention briefly flicking to Mika. "Ah, I see you've encountered Mika." He nodded towards her, an introduction hanging in the air.

"Oh, yes. Is she one of yours this evening?" Giovanna's question painted a deep shade of red on Mika's cheeks.

"Indeed, she is. She seems to have been charmed by your stuffed peppers," Corvus remarked, turning towards Mika with an approving nod. "A splendid choice!" His smile was a beacon of reassurance, as it had been throughout the evening.

"Then, you're here for your usual treat?" Giovanna teased, her gaze softening in a manner both playful and maternal. Corvus responded with a look that solidified the bond of affection and respect between them. With a knowing smile, Giovanna reached into a cooler, retrieving two glossy, red candied apples. Their surfaces gleamed under the market lights, the thick, sugary coating promising a crunch that would lead to the sweet and tart flesh of the apple beneath. These treats, a simple delight, held a special place for Corvus, a comfort tied to memories and moments shared with Giovanna. "For our vigilant Praedicator," she announced, presenting the apples with a flourish. Corvus's face lit up with a joy reminiscent of a child's glee, a stark contrast to his usual composed self, as he accepted the candied apples with heartfelt gratitude.

"Much appreciated!" Corvus exclaimed jubilantly, holding aloft two candied apples. The apples, impaled on sticks for easy handling, gleamed with a sugary coating, one hand balancing them effortlessly while the other grasped a plate brimming with birria tacos. These tacos, a culinary delight of tender, stewed meat encased in soft tortillas, emitted a tantalizing smell that blended spices with the rich, savory scent of slow-cooked beef. His plate was a generous serving, nearly rivaling the heap on Ralph's dish. "Let's head over; our friends have snagged us a spot already," he said, moving off after a quick goodbye to Giovanna. As Corvus led Mika towards their companions, Mika cast a lingering look back at Giovanna. The woman's face was a portrait of joy, her eyes disappearing into crescent moons as she waved, her smile conveying wishes of enjoyment for Mika's inaugural adventure in Yardenima. Yet, the fleeting glimpse of a mysterious blue hue that tinted Giovanna's departure lingered with Mika. "Giovanna has devoted years of service to both the Bhelpyra and the people of Yardenima," Corvus said as Mika pondered the depth of Giovanna's commitment.

"You noticed that peculiar change as well, right?" Mika asked suddenly. Corvus pressed on, threading his way through the throngs of people that filled the radiant streets of the city. Illuminated by the soft glow from the celestial bodies overhead and the shimmering light cast from the towering, ornate structures, the place buzzed with life. He hesitated to share with Mika the full extent of what they'd witnessed, wary of overwhelming her with revelations. "The transformation of her face—did it catch your eye?"

"Through your eyes, yes," Corvus responded. Mika stayed close on Corvus's heels as they navigated the bustling crowd. His enigmatic statement hung in the air, leaving her puzzled. The things she perceived—were they real or a trick of the light? And Corvus, how did he share in this vision?

Together, they wove through a tapestry of inhabitants and visitors alike. The city's vibrant energy pulsed around them, each citizen moving with purpose or pausing to savor the night's wonders, their white or burgundy cloaks dancing behind them. Their journey took them past grand spires and through lively plazas until they arrived at a medium-sized table set amidst a clearing. There, the remainder of their seven-member ensemble engaged in lively banter, their laughter mingling with the clinking of utensils, already partaking in the evening's feast amidst the city that soared under a symphony of planets.

After Corvus and Mika joined the others, everyone happily engaged with their meals. The Cruz pair couldn't hide their delight as they savored their Batangas Lomi, smiles wide on their faces. Louie, having nearly finished his plate, wore his black sunglasses, gazing at the celestial bodies while casually holding a toothpick in his mouth. Oliver left a few chili sausage rolls untouched, feeling too content to continue. Ralph surprised everyone except Corvus by consuming his entire heap of assorted dishes. Having polished off his birria tacos, Corvus eagerly moved on to one of his candied apples. Meanwhile, Mika was still enjoying her stuffed peppers when Mr. Dubois got ready to speak to Corvus, clearing his throat to capture attention.

"So, Praedicator, now that we've arrived, I find myself with quite a few unanswered questions," Mr. Dubois commented, meticulously cleaning his mouth with a napkin.