Chapter 10
Nahuél
The candlelight shimmers over the curves of her face, and I am not listening to anything our server has said.
“Yes, that is fine, the recommendation will suffice.” I hand my menu over, not breaking eye contact with Lena. Her blonde hair is flowing over her shoulders in waves, set off by the soft blue sweater she is wearing.
“I’ll have the Sea Bass, please, thank you.” Lena throws me a smile as she hands over her own menu.
“I am so pleased to be here with you. Your hair is like spun gold, so beautiful.”
She blushes at my words. “Thank you, Nahuél. You look very handsome as well.” She leans in conspiratorially, “For a human.”
My hand smooths my jacket, adjusting my pocket square, as Lena calls in. My human form is more or less a beiger, slightly shorter version of myself, but Lena was highly amused that I only shortened my height by a “smidge,” as she called it. “I prefer being tall.” I had rebuked.
“So, what will we do now that you are a lead for the project?”
Her fingers tap on the table, thinking. “Well, we definitely can’t live in your cozy cave chamber, that’s for sure. And as much as I like Mrs. Ames, she is too smart for her own good; she’ll know something is up with you.”
“Indeed.” I snort.
“Kate says there are cabins for sale or rent all over this area.”
“That is acceptable. When shall we go see them? I have items of value we could trade for it.”
Her lips are twitching in that way that I have come to know as Nahuél-is-ancient-and-clueless.
“Well…” She draws this out. “Firstly, I will make an appointment, through my ‘abhorrent device’ as you refer to it, to have us see some places. Secondly, it will be my treat to pay because I’m a scientist who makes an excellent salary.
Also, I’m not sure what items of value you might be talking about, but I’m pretty sure they won’t be accepted by the real estate agent. ”
I pull some coins from my pocket, frowning. “These were very popular; I was assured it was a high honor to receive them.” I place them on the table to find that Lena’s eyes have grown round, her blonde eyebrows nearly disappearing into her hairline.
She snatches them off the table, turning the bright gold coins over in her hands, giving furtive looks around the room. I’m completely perplexed by this.
“Is this gold?” She squeals.
“Yes, is that not still used now?” I sigh. “How irritating.”
“Is this- is there more?” She whispers, leaning over the table, revealing the soft curve of her breasts that momentarily distracts me.
“Certainly. Worshippers often gifted me coins, cloth, shells, and gems.” I wave in the direction of the cave. “It’s all in my chamber.”
“This could pay for years of rent for a cabin, easily.”
Our food arrives at the table, causing Lena to jump slightly as she stuffs the coins out of sight.
The delicious smell makes my mouth water, and I have to admit I have missed food.
Not needing sustenance, I would often enjoy it if it was brought to me, but I wouldn’t willingly seek it out.
This steak was making me change my mind about that, now that food was so abundant at this time.
“Well, it will suffice then.” Popping a bite of meat into my mouth, I moan a little as the flavor bursts onto my tongue.
“Yes, it will most certainly suffice.” She says with a chuckle.
As we eat our meal, I listen to Lena’s plans for the cave, and every now and then, I contribute with a tip, but mostly love listening to her describe her work. Toward the end of our meal, a tall, dark-haired man with a white streak at his temple stops by the table.
“Good evening, I’m Sylvain, the proprietor. I just wanted to stop by and ask if you were enjoying your meal.”
My head snaps up at his name, and we lock eyes in the same moment. His more surprised than mine.
“Nahuél? Is that you?” He says my name in a hushed tone. I stand from the table, and we crash into a hug full of claps on the back and guffaws of joy.
“You're here! This is a miracle, brother!”
Lena is looking back and forth between us, as are several diners before I sit down, motioning for Sylvain to join us.
“Lena, this is Sylvain.” I pause, now, not knowing how to proceed. Leaning into his ear, I whisper, “She knows who I am.”
“Ah, well then, Ms. Lena, I’m Sylvain of the Forest. Nahuél and I have known each other for centuries, both forgotten in our own ways if you know what I mean.” He winks at Lena, causing her to smile.
“It’s Dr. Lena Vance, and it’s very nice to meet you. Nahuél has just recently, uh, surfaced.”
“Most excellent, brother.” He turns to Lena. “And Dr. Vance, I would love to know what brings you to our humble town, but first, Nahuél, how does it feel to be free?”
“I am very happy to be back in the world once more.”
“I am sure. Well, my friends, I will let you finish your meal, but come back and see me soon, we have much to discuss!”
Sylvain claps me on the shoulder, kisses the back of Lena’s hand, and moves to another table.
“Wow…he’s excited to see you.”
“Sylvain is…was a forest god. But, now he owns this.” I sigh, reaching for Lena’s hand. “I have hope that all is not lost to me.”
“Definitely not.”
???
AFTER DINNER, WE STROLL the town, darkness bringing out the streetlamps and the glow from each shop’s windows.
This area has changed so very much, but I enjoy it.
I glance at Lena, knowing that there would be nothing for me to enjoy without her, and my heart hurts at the thought of not being with her.
“Lena, how long do you anticipate this project taking?” I ask casually.
“Well, interesting that you asked that since I just revised our proposal now that Martin is out of the picture, and requested that we stay for two years, instead of the original six months.” She pauses to look at me.
“Thanks to you and the unique samples you got for me, we have enough evidence of unique life forms that merit more research. Of course, it all depends on funding, though.”
“Money?” I clarify.
“Yes, always money. Research isn’t cheap. I can definitely secure two years, though.”
“That pleases me.” I swoop her into my arms, dragging my lips along her neck into her sweet-smelling hair.
“Does it?” She says breathlessly.
“Yes,” I growl.