The following day, she woke up with an unknown ball of energy in her veins. It felt like she had this recessive reservoir of constant dopamine.
She stretched out her arms and smiled widely. It was a sunny bright morning, a perfect day for her to visit some friends.
Auden decided to pay the old man Marquise a visit after work. It would be great to use her good mood for something fruitful. She brought the book with her, excited to show what she was reading. Marquise would surely love to hear about this incredible book.
"Waffles and tea, please." Marquise saluted before turning his back. She didn't wait long for the time to pass like bliss.
Her nostrils were instantly invaded by the smell of blueberry waffles; it was a sweet concoction of sugar and fruit extracts. She was almost salivated by the thought of it.
"What brought you here today?" Marquise asked as he serves her food on a platter. Auden's mouth watered as she glanced at the set of food in front of her. Freshly cooked waffles and a dollop of maple syrup.
Aside from the book she's reading, she really wanted to consult Marquise about something from the book. Maybe the old man could help with her curiosity.
"I got this from the library," she then took the book from her bag and put it on top of the table. Marquise examined the book and smiled. "This book is the best I ever read," he commented.
"Does everybody knows this book?" she asked, confused. It seems like everybody has read the book. Was it a pre-requisite for every local? Or perhaps, it was really good that even the people who did not like books read it.
"No, not necessarily. People who know the book are either those who stayed here the longest or simply bookworms. Have you started?" It was an answer to her unheard thoughts. Marquise put the book down and faced her. "I had read the first part. It's just a simple introduction to Middel, most I had known from the book I borrowed before."
"I advise you to indulge yourself while reading this book. This is the best of its finest." Marquise smiled and left when another customer came. She opened the book from where she stopped and glanced through it while eating her meal.
She probably should read a couple more chapters and gather all her questions before asking.
With every word she read was another spoonful of waffles. Auden enjoyed the sensory experience of eating and reading at the same time.
The gods were impressed by the talents and offerings of the living, so they came together and decided to build a place for when the living died, they can still experience life and called it Middel, a place of harmony.
There were anointed people to keep peace and harmony among the lands. The hierarchy starts with the godheads who created every living thing on the ground, water, and air. Followed by the council of judges whose role was to oversee the goodness and happenings in every nook and cranny of the town. They were also in charge of deciding who's soul will reach the reincarnation level and who's are meant to be forgotten. Last in line were the keepers, seekers, and gatekeepers. They were the foundation of function; keepers to keep memories, seekers to seek souls, and gatekeepers to keep peace and prosperity.
However, gatekeepers were a new addition to the hierarchy. It all started when the rebellion happened millions of years back. A story of lovers that forever changed the history of mankind.
Auden's reading was interrupted by a familiar voice. Her blood boiled at the memory of last night, but she didn't let herself react harshly.
How can she forget what Lucas did to her? That was just impossible even in the slightest thought, but unfortunately, she really did forget. Her happiness overshadowed what happened to her last night.
"Old man Marquise, I'll have your special today," Lucas ordered with visible cheeriness in his voice. "One coming right up for Lucas," Marquise confirmed as he prepared the food.
"Oh, look who's here. And for starters, I'm not following you."
Auden's poker face broke into a grimace when she unconsciously rolled her eyes.
"You're still mad at me, I see."
"Just please, leave me be," she said without looking his way. Auden tried to focus her gaze on the book she was reading, but Lucas's intent stare made her not process the words she was trying to understand. "Seriously, what's your problem?" She finally turned to face Lucas, who's smiling arrogantly.
"None. I just enjoy your burst of emotions whenever I'm with you," Lucas said as if genuinely amazed by her.
"Ass," she whispered under her breath. Maybe this kind of soul was those who never passed reincarnation. A soul that is full of arrogance.
"So, you know each other? Not surprising at all, but Aud, you're lucky to know this lad," Marquise said after serving the food and fist-bumping with Lucas.
"You got it wrong this time, Marquise. I can't wait to un-know that soul right there," she said while pointing towards Lucas, who's just laughing heartily. A pang of annoyance hit her. She stopped herself from wanting to murder an arrogant, narcissistic soul.
She was throwing darts in his direction with her mind when the chime on the door sounded, signaling that someone has entered. Lucas was the first to greet the newcomer, "Hey there, my dear brother from the gods."
"Shut up, Luc." Auden's ears perked up as she took a glimpse of Noah from an angle Lucas was not blocking. When she finally saw him fully, she noticed the short exchange of knowing glances between the men. Was was that?
Should she ask him, or she would appear to be nosy?
"Noah?" She caught Noah's attention, and he waved back. Noah walked in her direction and sat just beside her. "What brought you here?"
"Hey people, don't be rude. Include me in your conversation," Lucas interrupted, which made Marquise shook his head while smiling before he left.
"How'd you know Luc?" Noah whispered in her ear just to annoy Lucas who's face was drawing closer.
"Library. He is really annoying. How can people in Middel live in peace with him being here?" she whispered back, and Noah held his laughter, chewing on the insides of his cheeks.
"This is really unfair," Lucas cried out loud like a child throwing tantrums. Auden and Noah chuckled and high-fived each other.
It was due time that she made Lucas pay for what he did. Noah, still laughing, sat beside her stool and glanced up at the menu board. "Marquise, give me fries and some sandwiches, please." Marquise waved his spatula, acknowledging Noah's request.
"Hey, talk to me," Lucas said like a child having tantrums.
Together, Auden and Noah burst into a fit of laughter, gathering attention from around the diner.