9 Chapter 9: Stars within a Lamp

Elim observed how the crowd got thick by noon time. The feast was noisy and merry. He noticed the Mayor sticking on Tirzah's space. Elim knew that this Vopshi man fancied their Chief ever since he heared the story from Mahli.

Due to his assigned task and commitment he was unable to peek a moment to be in Tirzah's side. Plus, Elim does not want to bother Tirzah who is doing her best in accommodating the officials.

After his chat with other officials who accompanied Vopshi. He caught a glimpse of the two climbing up on the hill. When the sunset had it rays retreating, Elim can't take his eyes off from Tirzah. She looked like a single pure flower spread on the tissue like hill. And his senses does not miss how the Mayor stared at Tirzah. He had the same gaze with him. The romantic atmosphere is starting to get hike up.

When Vopshi frankly delivered his desire, Elim heared his heart create a piercing noise.

Elim does not want to duplicate the actions he watch and read on novels. He won't walk away without hearing Tirzah's answer. He won't be sulking because he assumed the answer. And definitely he won't back down if he have the chance be on Tirzah's side.

He silently wait for Tirzah to say something when he heared a heavy breathing behind him. When he looked back it is the old man Eshcol with his damp forehead and shaky knees.

"I saw the three of you on the terrace. Since I am curious I rushed here."

The old man whispered in between breathes. Elim supported him to duck and conceal their eavesdropping. They were like a frog waiting for the insect to fly in their direction.

"I am sorry, Mayor but I am not interested in marraige yet." Tirzah replied as she tucked a strand on her left ear.

"I see, for some reason I expected that line from you." Vopshi assured as he giggled then he added.

"If you are ready to get married, Don't forget to look for me."

Tirzah just laughed at his cheesy lines. For a moment Elim's face crossed her mind. Which she immediately erased and pay attention to the person in front of her.

Elim was surprised to see her laugh at other's punch line toward her especially on the romantic area. He recalled his passed approach and he never really tried that route. He would always bargain with her just to have her sit near him. Eshcol pat his back and whispered.

"You still have a chance Pastor, I will be rooting for you. Oh and can you help me stand I wanted to pee."

Elim snorted and aided the old man to carefully get down the hill. After escorting the old man to a comfort room. He spotted Tirzah and Vopshi.

Vopshi entered their wheel and wave his hand as to which Tirzah gratefully returned. Elim can't help but frown.

"Jealousy is a dangerous emotion Pastor. The only way to get rid of it is to be self aware and admit it." Eshcol voiced out as he lead the way to the feasting site. When Elim did not dare to take a step. Eshcol look back at him and asked "Your not coming Pastor?"

Elim nod at him and slightly smile. Eshcol started walking apart from him and shouted.

"Go and visit the back of the hill, it will calm you Pastor. Take a lamp with you."

Elim took a glance at Tirzah from the distance and agreed to do what the old man recommended. Since it's a foreign feeling to him. He is still ignorant in dealing about the emotion. He went to his office grab a lamp and lighter and he went down at the place where the old man instructed. Upon entering the unfamiliar area. He can only see a lot of wooden trees and mosquitoes.

Elim can't understand old men sometimes. Eshcol reminded him of Nahbi. When he started to walk deep within the woods he saw a circular lake hugged and enveloped by rocks. The rock was like a cone with a narrow opening. When he gaze down at the clear and steady water, It twinkles as it mirrored the starry night.

He folded his pants upward below his knee and he stepped in the water. The water was warm and is shallow. His feet made contact with the flat rocks under the water. It was like the water just got earned their from the rain. He stayed their for a moment as he forgot the feeling he cannot deal with.

Tirzah greeted every person who approached her but Elim Quil was absent on the area. She entered the museum and directly stood at the terrace to check if his office is still open but the light were switched off.

"Looking for something Chief?" Eshcol asked aware of who is she trying to find.

Tirzah need to think of an excuse and said.

"The.... stars? .."

Eshcol tilt his head at her and asked.

"Is that a question Chief?"

Tirzah bit her lip and gazed at the hill.

"I.. mean.. I... was.. wondering if the white hill would reflect the stars..."

Tirzah said with her intonations rising.

Eshcol tittered at her lame excuse and teased the young Chief.

"That is a silly answer. You can't see any reflection from a far Chief."

Tirzah blushed at the old man's remarks as he bow her head in shame.

"But Chief, I can see someone holding a lamp in the middle of the white hill." Eshcol grinned as he gestured Tirzah to look at what his pointing. It's their village Pastor walking down on the hill with his lamp. After some time his office lights switched on. Tirzah sighed in relief when she checked out that he was just at the hill with his lamp.

"Your not going to look at the star that came down from the hill Chief?" Eshcol commented before walking down and joining the people.