Elvirund | ✔️

Chapter Eight

Chip slowly smiled widely and closed his eyes. The spoon shook gently in his hand as he sighed.

"This is so good. How did you learn to cook like this?"

I shrugged. He didn't have to know exactly how long it had taken me to perfect the nuances of human food. It was difficult knowing what they liked to eat without being one of them.

"I had spare time and a book from Raphael."

"But who tested it? You never eat so I'm assuming human food doesn't mesh with your body."

"Oh, I tested it. I just had to get it out of my body afterwards."

I snickered at his expression, a mix of surprise and slight aversion that didn't fit with the usual Chip. I loved the way humans had such strong feelings and emotions, how they lived so vibrantly. Maybe it was their short lives; the oldest humans I had known or observed had reached just over 100 years. Contrarily, the average angel lived for 600 years before fading and rejoining Elvirund. They literally became a part of their home, Infused within everything in that world. I wasn't about to live just for that; most angels considered it an honor to return to the very place they had originated, but I was rather for living longer. In fact, I had been aiming to be Immortalized. A few angels occasionally were allowed to continue their lives for all of eternity if they accepted, and that was my goal. Well, it had been. I doubted anyone would grant me anything now.

"Well, I had better bring the rest of this to the others."

I picked up the large pot with little effort and carried it into the dining room, where most of the practitioners were gathered, talking softly amongst themselves. As I entered, every head turned, expectantly staring at the pot. I could nearly see the drool slipping down their chins. Surprisingly, almost half of them were there, while usually only eight or nine showed.

"So, Dr. Clover. What is it today?"

"Chicken and potatoes in a mildly spicy curry sauce. Celery garnish on top."

Kelsey sighed, a dazed wonder in her eyes.

"It smells so nice." She gushed.

I set the pot down and passed bowls to everyone, handing the spoons out soon after.

"Napkins are coming in a moment."

The door creaked open and I heard it before I felt it. Perfect timing. Without turning, I let the packet of napkins smack me on the back of my head. He didn't even suspect that I knew. Yet.

"Thanks, Chip."

"Dammit."

I grinned at those in the room and there was a collective laugh.

"Could you pass a couple to each person for me?"

"I guess."

I smirked quietly and stuck a ladle in the curry. Chip wasn't as reluctant as he sounded, and I knew by the hint of a smile in his cheekbones.

"Help yourself, and please leave enough for everyone."

I gave Beckett a long stare until he sheepishly flushed a bright pink. The others laughed, and he chuckled with them. Humans were oddly jovial creatures, spending a large portion of their lives amused. Elvirians were not nearly so happy, as we focused all of our energy into becoming top notch fighters and advisors and healers and whatnot. I found myself aligned with neither group entirely, yet both at once. It was tiring.

"Are you staying this time?" Fay waved her spoon at me.

"I don't know."

Protests followed me through door back into the kitchen, where I untied my ponytail and let my long black waves fall down my back. With a tiny smile, I shrugged. I might as well stay with them today. I hadn't in a while.