Chapter 4 TALK TO PANDAS TOO
I had no idea when I had slept off on my bed. It was the sound of the dinner bell ringing (going by what was written in my brochure) that caused me to jump from my little slumber. Its loud clang echoing through the corridors of the Signary.
My stomach growled in exhaustion as I followed the crowd to wherever it is they were moving to. I believe it is the dining hall.
This just reminded me that I haven’t had a meal since last night due to panic.
Currently, I had no idea where I was going, but I didn't want to be late. Plus, it seemed like everyone knew where they were headed.
Seems like an orientation was held whilst I slept or everyone just knew how to read maps excellently well except myself.
Which wouldn’t be odd because map reading was one of the greatest skills of Allorna warriors. Many people practiced it before they registered for training at the Signary. I on the other hand, never believed I would need it in a lifetime.
Life really takes a turn fast.
As we entered the hall, we were greeted by the savoury aroma of roasting meat and the hum of conversation. The room was filled with long tables and benches, and the walls were actual plain walls that had been mosaic-ed with colourful stones and glass.
In summary, it was beautiful to look at despite how simple it was.
I found a seat at a table almost towards the corner of the room.
Almost, because the corner was already taken.
I was calmly trying to blend in and avoid drawing attention to myself but my stupid eyes kept drifting to the other end of the hall, where I noticed Ryder sat with a group of friends.
His distinct white hair was enough to fish him out in the sea of heads.
They were all laughing and jesting about something one of them had said. Their camaraderie and ease with each other palpable.
I couldn’t help feeling a pang of anger and released a snort. I didn’t want to blame him for his father’s actions but he seemed to intend on living the legacy cause he should be the one avoiding me for what his father did to my mother and not the other way around.
It felt like they were giving someone who ought to drown in remorse so much power of importance and it irritated me a bit.
As I gazed at him, I felt a sudden chill run down my spine.
Suddenly it went from me observing his beautiful features with a slow brewing anger, to a staring contest. His eyes locked onto mine, and it felt like he was staring into my very soul.
The hairs on my arms stood erect, and I shivered involuntarily.
Now I felt like a rabbit caught in a snare, and I do hate feeling such way so quickly, I looked away. Trying to focus on the conversation at my table.
“I really would love to be able to talk to pandas. They’re amazing! Cute but highly ferocious” I heard a girl say in the brief moment then “pfft” came a reaction that caused everyone to turn in the direction.
A guy who looked like he had spent too much time in the sun earlier that day spoke in response to her words “you could think of any animal on the planet to wish for and it’s a freaking panda? Do you lack dreams? Thank God its not among the beasts of Allorna”
His retort caused the entire table to break out into a laughter and the girl who had spoken earlier cowered her head in embarrassment.
I had no idea what was wrong with pandas, I personally liked them too and wanted to comment but I couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched.
I glanced up again, and Ryder's gaze was still fixed on me. His eyes cold and unforgiving.
He’s oddly turned me into a poet because why do I want to describe the feeling as ‘I feel like I am drowning in their depths, suffocating under their intensity’?
A nitwit he is!
The tempo of my heart began racing as I remembered my sister's instructions. So it was true… they were still after revenge after all these years?
At this point they should just give it up.
‘Avoid him, and you'll be fine’ I whisper as I tried to calm myself down.
“Maybe I’m just being paranoid” hopefully, telling myself that would convince me but the heaviness of his gaze made me feel like I was in grave danger.
“Nope… No paranoia, he’s sick and dammit! cause I should be the pissed one here!” I muttered under my breath, probably a bit too loudly because some people looked in my direction to ascertain if I was talking to myself.
Which, indeed I was.
I forced myself to look away, and I did but the weight of his eyes were still heavy on me. Literally knowing that I am a few seconds away from a panic attack. I could almost choke on the air I was breathing, Talk more the food in my mouth.
I couldn’t take one more second of his eyes on me, hence I stood to my feet. Leaving behind my almost full plate of food and walked out of the dining.
I had already stepped out when I realized that I had no idea where I was going and only followed the crowd to locate this place. Some guards stood protecting the entrance to the dining room and because I didn’t want to be alone in an environment I wasn’t too sure of, I decided to stand with them.
More like opposite them
Take it that I was guarding the guards.
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As the dinner came to a close, I breathed a sigh of relief because I was getting a bit exhausted with protecting the guards. So far, one had sneezed, I believe he has a cold. Another’s eyes had twitched like seven hundred times since I got there and I diagnosed him of schizophrenia. The last guy was stoic and as stiff as a rock. I was certain that if I was in charge of the Signary wages, I would double his pay.
When the crowd began moving, I passed the three guards a salute and followed some girls that I had seen in my room previously. The two who were engrossed in their card games.
They chatted so loudly that it got me wondering if one of them had a slight hearing issue that required the other person to shout. It was a tad bit irritating to me but I was in need of their navigation.
As I was trying to focus on my way back, someone tapped my shoulder to call my attention. I whipped around almost too swiftly that I was afraid I may have sustained a whiplash.
“Did I scare you? I’m sorry” the girl says. I noticed it was the girl who had spoken about pandas earlier “I just wanted to know if you were okay, you left without touching your meal”
The gesture caused a part of my heart to soften. I had no idea that someone would care as much to even ask
“Yeah, I felt a bit sick for a moment. Could be the change of environment” I responded.
The girl only passes me a nod and a little smile that looked reassuring.
“I would love to talk to pandas too” I added, causing the girl’s smile to widen.
