Food and Potions

“So what happened with your summons?” Birta inquires while I close the door to our room.

“Decided my training route.” I answer shuffling slowly over to my bed. I look over at my roommate and see that she is currently doing sit ups on her bed.

“I thought so, same happened with me.” The teen responds. “I’m joining the fighter course.” She adds stopping her workout.

I slowly lower myself to my bed and lay on it before I realize she wants me to tell her which course I joined.

“I joined the mage course.” I answer her wordless question before groaning.

“Are you feeling bad again?” The ogre questions getting up to her feet.

‘Yeahhhhh.” I sigh as I close my eyes.

A moment of silence falls between us.

“Sit up.” Birta orders as I feel her body shifting my bed. She is sitting on it now. Makes me happy but also annoyed.

“More of that drink?” I inquire her while I sit up. Shifting positions really did make everything feel worse. I open my eyes and put a hand out.

“Yes it is.” She answers. “It’s usually supposed to be two a day. No more than three.” She adds putting a small vial in my hands.

I down the liquid in one gulp. I know the effects are not immediate but still better than nothing.

“It tastes really good.” I mutter aloud unintentionally.

“Glad you like it.” She replies with a smile.

She really is very nice. And she is pretty.

I groan once more at that last thought. It is so messed up! I am over twice her age! I could be her parent…

I flop onto my bed once again. It has to be this pubescent body. I sure hate that…

-- -- --

I sit up in bed, feeling lighter and refreshed. I stretch my arms while I take a deep breath.

The rising sun barely beams its rays into our room. Must be dawn.

I stand up to the window and open the shutters.

“What are you doing?” Birta groans in annoyance. It seems I just woke her up. I cannot believe I forgot about having a roommate.

“Sorry about that.” I say quietly. “I just feel so much better.” I add before begin to make my bed.

The teen groans at me once again.

“Is it?” I begin to ask but am too afraid to actually finish the question.

“Yes.” She answers with a glare.

“Do you want me to get one of those vials for you?” I inquire. She was so nice to me during my time I figure I should respond in kind.

“That’d be nice,” She sighs. “They’re next to the chest under my bed.” She explains.

I grab a vial and hand it to her. She takes it and gulps it down.

“Better?” I inquire.

“I will be.” The teen mutters. “Too bad classes start today.” She adds with a hint of anger.

“Shit, you’re right!” I exclaim. “We should eat first though.” I continue.

“Sure thing old timer.” She replies as she stands up. I hold my tongue at the nickname.

-- -- --

The pair of us sit at a table alone again. This will probably change once we actually have our classes and meet others but until then, I do very much enjoy just sitting with one person instead of a whole group.

I glance at Birta while taking bites of my meal. I am unsure if I should start a conversation or not. Does she want to talk right now? Or does she want to be left alone? The silence between us begins to feel palpable.

“Finally working.” The ogre mutters in between bites.

“What is in those vials?” I ask finally deciding to just keep the silence at bay.

“It’s just a weak healing potion.” She answers bluntly.

“Ahhhhhhh.” I quietly exclaim. “So that’s why it makes you feel better for only a little while.” I continue in between bites.

“That’s correct.” She adds before finishing up her meal. “I’m gonna regret this probably.” She mutters looking at the empty tray in front of her. “I’m getting more food.” She says as she stands up to get more food.

Shortly after, I finish up my meal as well. I look up over at the food lines contemplating getting more food or not. I did not eat much last week so maybe my appetite is just overcompensating. I quickly grab my tray and get up to grab more food as well.

Despite all the people in the line grabbing more food took little time.

“So healing potions taste pretty good.” I say after taking a bite of my seconds.

“Do they?” Birta asks me cutting a bit of food.

“Yes, it’s like oranges and nectarines.” I reply cutting a bit of my own food. “Unlike that mana potion I had.” I add nearly gagging at the memory.

“What did that taste like?” The ogre asks me.

I set down the piece of bread I was about to bite into before speaking.

“Awful.” I answer with a sigh. “It’s nearly indescribable to be honest.”, I add. Before Birta can say anything I continue “It tasted like a mix of ink, marigold flowers, and lemon.”

“That-” The teen responds “-sounds terrible.” She adds “Glad I won’t ever have to take one.”

We finish eating in silence. That is until I finally look up and notice the cafeteria is mostly empty. Are we going to be late?

“We should probably be heading to class.” I explain.

“Oh!” Birta exclaims. “Yeah we should head out.” She continues before grabbing her own gut.

“Do you need help getting to class?” I inquire standing up.

“No, just get going.” The teen answers with a raised hand.

I nod and run off out of the cafeteria.

-- -- --

I run down the empty hallway. Am I late? I really hate not having clocks. I have no idea how to make one though so I definitely could not just invent it here.

I tap my head at the thought. Focus! Just get to class.

I reach the door to my first class. I feel like I should be out of breath yet I am not. I put my small hand around the large knob.