Aduin's Magical Boutique

“Oh, little Sophi!” a cheery voice yelled, “What a pleasant surprise, my sweetie!”

“How often have I told you not to call me in that manner, Uncle Aduin!” Sophia responded sternly standing inside the doorway of an establishment called Aduin’s Magical Boutique, “Especially when I’m working.”

“No can do, sweetie. You’ll always be my little…” Aduin paused when he noticed Kieran coming in behind her, “Who’s he?”

“Work.”

“Huh…”

Kieran felt the scrutinizing look but remained silent. It did not escape his notice, that Aduin’s hand had moved closer to the large fabric scissor on the counter in front of him. Something about the older man seemed off to Kieran and it wasn’t his flamboyant and colorful clothing, standing in contrast to his graying hair. For a short moment, they both just looked at each other. Aduin then began to smile brightly and stepped out from behind the counter.

“You look terrible, sweetie! Did something happen? You’re very pale!” he said alarmed after coming closer.

“Oh, it’s nothing… just a long day at work…” Sophia responded and made a dismissive gesture.

Kieran noticed that Aduin’s gaze lingered on the back of her hand for a bit, before looking back at her.

“Don’t overwork yourself my dear, or you’ll end up with hair like mine…” the flamboyant old man said with a warm smile, “So, what can old Aduin do for you today?”

“We need something for him to wear,” Sophia answered and pointed behind her.

Aduin looked again at the back of her hand, before looking at Kieran.

“You’re definitely in dire need of that!” the flamboyant older man said and lost his smile after looking more closely at his attire, “Where did you pick this one up? The slums?”

Sophia sighed. She had asked the prison wardens for some clothes for Kieran, before they left, but the only thing that they were willing to part with was an old shabby cloak. Sophia had not been in the mood to argue and wanted to leave the prison as fast as possible after the incident in the training hall, so she just took it. It was better than having Kieran walk half naked through the city and attract attention.

“Something like that…” Sophia replied, “Do you have something?”

“Of course I do!” Aduin exclaimed immediately, then paused and sniffed the air, “But I think a bath would be in order first… and a shave.”

“Definitely!”

Aduin clapped his hands two times and a door in the back of the shop opened. Two young women came scudding out.

“Draw a bath for our customer. This… fine gentleman… is in dire need of a thorough wash!”, Aduin ordered.

The two young women did a curtsey.

“As you wish, Master Aduin,” the taller one responded.

“Will the fine gentleman follow us please,” the shorter one said to Kieran.

He looked at Sophia first, who nodded slightly.

“Behave yourself,” she whispered as he passed her and added a few orders in her mind.

Kieran felt his mark react and then followed the two women out of the room.

“Want a bath yourself?” Aduin asked after they were alone, “You look like you could use one too.”

“No… I have some errands to do.”, Sophia answered, “I have to leave the city for a while… for work.”

“With him?”

“Yes.”

“Will you tell me who he is?”

Sophia did not answer and they looked at each other for a moment.

“I understand…” Aduin said, “Just know, whenever you’re in trouble you can call on me. I promised my little brother that I would look after you, if he can’t. I intend to keep this promise until I finally meet him again.”

“I know…” Sophia said with a warm smile, “but don’t hurry with the meeting part, please.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t plan to embark on that journey just yet.”

Aduin winked at her and they both chuckled slightly.

“Any requests regarding his new attire?” he then asked.

“Hm, something for easy traveling… and in inconspicuous colors… maybe a doublet with studded leather for some protection.”, Sophia said thinkingly.

“Leather, eh? I couldn’t see much of his physique, but I bet he would look great in some… leather.”

“Uncle!”

“What? Don’t you want to see your man in some tight leather pants?”

“He is not MY man! He is…We just work together… purely professional.”

“Really? Well, if you say so… I’ll see what I can find. I’m sure there is something suitable here.”

“Good… I’ll come back later for… don’t let him leave on his own.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of him.”

Sophia gave her uncle a suspicious look and shook her head. Then she left out of the door. Aduin looked after her and then sighed.

“Oh, dear little brother… The first man she brings in front of me and it’s a killer… what should I do?”, he said and stared at the ceiling, “Well, firstly… let’s see if I can’t get to know him a bit better.”

Whistling a cheery tune Aduin went to the door, through which Kieran had followed his two employees.