A Mage's Robes

Pulling the robe out of the box, Theodore immediately tried it on before Yulian's watchful eyes, putting it on over the clothes he was already wearing.

The robe was a little larger than Theodore's size, likely made this way in anticipation of him being in his growth spurt. As for the color, it was dyed in a dull shade of grey, a color that blended in with almost any background. Theodore felt as if he was being told to stay inconspicuous by the maker of this clothing. Personally, he found it to be a little drab. He would have liked something more vibrant, perhaps red, or yellow.

Appearance aside, what caught Theodore's attention the most was the Aether weaved into the fabric. Spun along the fibers that made up the article of clothing was a flow of Aether, all of which pass through a small crystal embedded at the back of the robe. The crystal was a 'behavioral matrix', a body of crystallized Aether that contained a collection of 'instructions' that determines the behavior of the Aether around it.

To be able to weave such a variety of functions into such a small crystal, there was no doubt in Theodore's mind that this was a work of a master. With the thread-like Aether as signature, this was undoubtedly the work of the master enchanter known as Annaliese, just as Yulian had said.

"While there are no regulations in regards to what you wear inside of Lancea, it is advised that you wear your robes when out and about regardless," Yulian began to explain after seeing that Theodore had gotten comfortable with his new apparel.

"Why's that?"

"A mage's robes are made not only as a uniform but also as protection. The robe you wear on you right now will react to physical trauma and extreme changes in temperatures amongst other things, protecting you when needed. In a city of mages capable of some dangerous feats even with their bare hands, it would be wise to have some protective wear, don't you think?"

"Fair enough, I suppose."

"Also, if you spot signs telling you to pull your hood up, do so. It might just save you from having your head cracked open. Finally, do wash your robes every now and then. Otherwise, you might find yourself being doused with water magic while walking down the streets."

"I didn't realize that you can just fire your magic at someone like that."

"The rules state that you shouldn't, but trust me, if you are foul enough, no one is going to mind, aside from you maybe."

"I see. I think I get the general attitude around here. Though, I doubt I have anything to worry about."

After all, Theodore was going to be stuck in the workshop grounds for an indefinite amount of time, if the elders have any intention of letting him leave at all.

"Good to know. Now I've done my job, I ought to be leaving. Is there anything you'd like from me before I leave?"

"Anything? Well, for one, I have a letter I like delivered. I already asked Fiana, but she said that she had to get permission first. Also, some books would be nice. I heard from Annaliese that there's a big library in the tower, so I'm wondering if I can't borrow something from there."

"Very well, I'll put forth your request to the Archmage. You'll be notified in time of the decision."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

"I was only doing my job, but you're welcome."

With a few more sips of the herbal tea put out by Theodore, Yulian left the workshop grounds and began to make his way back to the tower. As he left, he could feel a few discreet gazes cast towards him. They were the same gazes that bore into him when he had arrived.

(Hm... I am catching a whiff of the dust from the training grounds, the oils from the forge, and a thin trance of disinfectants, likely from the hospital. The new apprentice sure is popular. I should report this back to the Archmage as well.)

Cracking a wry smile, the youthful looking mage made his way back to the tower with a speedy gait.

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End of Chapter 36

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