A Day in Laotaan

Mira didn’t argue against better judgment. She stayed another day in bed and Albert brought her yet another Flameweed potion. And this time she managed to pay for both, taking thirty Tels out of her purse.

The night that followed was a miserable one. When she passed out before, she was spared the symptoms of using it. She took the potion just before going to bed and regretted it. She felt weakened, nauseous and drained of energy; all of her body was focused on stitching together her wounds. It felt like a sudden, severe flu. She lay in bed, defeated until sleep finally found her.

The next morning, she had her bandage changed and after a few tests, she could walk again. Sure, there was a dull ache whenever she moved, but she could walk unassisted. Waiting turned out to be the wise choice in the end.

And as she was promised, she did take the bath she so desperately needed. The warm bath had done wonders for her weary body and she left it feeling clean as could be. This time she secured her twintails properly, put on the washed, yet still tattered clothes she had and draped the borrowed robes over it.

I can’t wait to wear something proper… she thought to herself.

As Rhys agreed to the other day, they would head for the shops in the lower district today. Albert saw them to the door and opened it for them.

“You two take good care, alright?” he said and stroked his beard.

“We will. And thank you for letting me stay this long.” Mira said in response.

“You needn’t thank us. It was the least we could do. Just don’t overexert yourself. That leg hasn’t fully recovered yet.”

“Will do!” Mira said.

“That goes to you too, Rhys. Make sure this young woman isn’t doing anything stupid around town.” Albert said with his blue eyes fixed on Rhys.

“Oh, naturally. In my presence no maiden should come to h- ACK!” he was interrupted when Albert caned his kneecap.

“Okay, okay… I got it.” Rhys huffed and straightened himself. “I’ll see to it.” He said.

“Good, good.” Albert grunted and once more looked up at Mira.

“We’ll see each other again. If you stay around town, do pay us a visit.” He added with a smile.

Despite it all, the man was still willing to offer her shelter. She felt like a massive burden already, but she realized she had few other options. Reluctantly she gave a sheepish nod and after both had said their goodbyes, Rhys and Mira went on their way.

Mira was quick to take the lead. It was as if all the energy she’d stored while bedridden was bursting out at once. And now she couldn’t quite contain herself. She rounded a corner and hurried down the steps. Rhys caught up to her quickly and fell into step beside her.

“So… What does our wizard need?” he asked.

“Hmm… Well, I need new robes, a new spellbook and uh… Maybe I could fill up on potions, just to be sure.” She said, her hair swaying when she descended a flight of stairs.

They stopped at a road and a carriage drawn by one of those birdlike creatures drove by. It was a gryphon, Mira would notice. The front of an eagle, the back of a lion and remarkable small wings; not enough to let it fly. But she noticed its muscular legs and surmised these creatures were not meant for flight.

Huh… How curious. She thought.

It wasn’t just about the gryphon-carriage but rather the bustling activity all around. She could see people attending to their business, running errands. Some stalls were open, fully stocked with shopkeepers readily advertising their wares. Rhys’ notion of the kingdom’s collapse just l0oked extremely unlikely. But what little choice did she have other than to trust him? She was only left with focusing at the task at hand; buying essentials. Or rather what she considered essential.

“Mhh, I hope I have enough money for all! I could leave out the potions maybe… I do need new robes first, the spellbook is second… Hmm, I hope I can get all.” She muttered more to herself than him and rounded another corner, just past a lamp post.

“Mira!” Rhys called out.

 Mira stopped in her tracks, whirling around, making her lavender hair move with the motion, bouncing in her heels impatiently.

“Yes, what is it?” she asked, bending forward with her arms crossed behind her back.

“Can you tell me where you are going?” he said with a chuckle.

It dawned on her why he asked. She didn’t know this town, yet she sped ahead without knowing where to go. She chuckled sheepishly and pulled her head between her shoulders.

“Whoopsie~” she chuckled and hurried to his side.

“You’re right. Do you know any place that sells these things?” she asked, hands firmly crossed behind her back.

Rhys eyed her for a moment and then rubbed his chin. He watched another gryphon-drawn carriage run by and held his hand before Mira. Possibly to prevent her from running into traffic. And she didn’t know whether that was considerate or if the should feel insulted. But not wanting to assume the worst, she decided on the former.

“Wizards aren’t very common here, but I know one shop…” he said and angled his head.

“There’s one just a few streets from here though. It’s called ‘Velvet’s Sundries’ or something like that.” He said.

 His face twisting into a frown. This time, Mira picked up on it and she bent forward a little.

“What’s wrong? Is there anything about that shop?”

“The owner is a little eccentric. But she’s our best bet.” He admitted reluctantly.

“Oh, she can’t be that bad, let’s go!” Mira chirped and was about to run off.

But she recalled once again how little she knew about the town. And stopped in her tracks. With a thankful nod, Rhys took the lead and she followed. Together they walked along the main street, and into a side alley. Then another one. And then, tucked away in a quiet corner, they found it. There was a rustic shop, half-timbered with a sign hanging above the door labeled ‘Velvet’s Sundries’ just like Rhys had said. Through the windows they could already see a purple light shining from the inside.

Whereas Rhys seemed to have plenty of reservations, Mira had none. And she aimed straight for the door with hurried steps. Something about the gloomy looks and secluded nature of the shop was calling out to her, and she didn’t know why.

“Okay… Let’s hope they’ve got everything.” She said.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed for you…” Rhys said and opened the door for her.