Another world, Celeste

Chapter Twenty One, pt 3

"Blissful morning."

Elves passing by on the white stone pavement bow their head slightly with a polite smile and exchanging simple elvish greeting before going on their way. Occasionally, an elf wearing a scholar robe over their tunic would stop to greet not just me but Bane as well. That simple action really does make me feel accepted and comforted by their kindness. When Bane and I arrive at the gate, the guards posted by the main gate greet me formally in elvish simultaneously moving their right hand to the left side of their chest then slightly bow their head down.

I mimic their greetings with a smile in elvish, "Blissful morning!"

It takes me some getting used to, but I'm no longer bothered by the reserved and politely stiff treatment from the guards and rangers. Actually, it's all thanks to Lorelai and the guard captain treating me in a more relaxed manner that I'm feeling less intimidated by the others.

Roy is already at the guard post talking with a ranger, looking very serious. I don't want to interrupt their conversation, so I stop and stand a few feet away, remaining silent until they're done. I know Roy and the ranger notice my arrival without even looking my way. It's hard not to with Bane's undeniable presence.

Roy eventually looks at me and asks, "Why are you standing there for?"

"Waiting for you," I answer, stating the obvious. "Maya has a meeting to go to and I can't enter the sanctuary on my own."

After explaining myself to Roy, the ranger he's talking to shifts his body to face Bane and me. Oh, it's Stefan.

"Blissful morning, Stefan." I greet him first.

Stefan replies in the same polite manner as he always does, "Blissful morning, Miss Iris."

Out of nowhere, Roy suddenly says, "You didn't go running this morning."

"I sometimes go running late in the afternoon," I reply, shrugging my shoulder. "Today, I chose to sleep in a bit."

Following my respond, Roy stares at Bane with a challenging glint in his eyes and his next words catch me off guard. "In that case, let's have a contest and see whose faster. First one to arrive at the entrance is the winner."

I stare incredulously at him.

Roy further adds, "It'll also benefit your training. When roaming through the forest, eventually you either find yourself chasing after an evasive target or being chased by a swift monster."

Narrowing my suspicious eyes at him, "Is that so? Then, why do you keep looking at Bane all excited?"

"Won't it be more effective to have Mint be the capture target?" Stefan comments.

Roy ignores my question and answers Stefan's instead. "We can do that another time."

"You know Bane doesn't do it seriously when I'm running against him," I tell him so.