ALL - Book 1

𝟖 - Blue Eyes

♋︎ Calix ♋︎
My weary eyes succumbs to exhaustion as I gently massage them, a result of an all-nighter spent delving into the depths of herbology, courtesy of Velia's relentless assignment. Gulping down a third cup of coffee, desperately seeking a jolt of energy to kickstart my day at the shop. Meanwhile, Velia is fervently getting ready for the upcoming day, fully immersed in her multitude of responsibilities. To which I use as an opportunity to snatch a couple of precious moments to unwind and catch a few Zs. Rebelliously planting my feet on the table that doubled as our sanctuary for concocting remedies and performing intricate procedures for the most injured patients. Allowing myself to sink into the weathered wooden chair. Tilting my head backwards, surrendering to the embrace of the chair, I gently close my fatigued eyes.

BANG.

Abruptly awoken from my tranquil slumber, my senses jolting back to reality. "W-w-Woah... h-huh?" Groggily rubbing my eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep that clung to my consciousness. "Really, Calix?" Turning my attention over to Velia, her voice effortlessly cutting through the air with a sharpness that demands my immediate attention. Her commanding tone fills the room, shaking off the remnants of drowsiness and electrifying my senses to a state of complete alertness. "The day hasn't even started, and you're already sleeping on the job." As Velia's words continues to drown my ears, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at her perpetually stern demeanor. It seems as though she was always on the lookout for an opportunity to be disappointed and scold me. With a frustrated sigh, I roll my eyes at her, begrudgingly sitting up in my chair. "Well, excuse me, miss perfect, but you forced me to study herbology all week long. So, you can suffer the consequences of your actions by watching me sleep in the back room of your shop."

Velia's response to my remark was accompanied by a deep sigh full of bitterness. Of course, while observing her intently, a mischievous smile slowly creeps upon my face. I couldn't deny the satisfaction any longer as I notice the muscles in her jaw twitching, a clear indication of the frustration she's currently experiencing. It was almost as if my mere presence was enough to agitate her, and although I knew I shouldn't take pleasure in it, I couldn't help but find amusement in her visible irritation. "I'm too tired to deal with this today, and this early in the morning, for that matter. So, if you would rather not help around here, I advise you to help by going to the neighboring village and picking up the parcels you forgot to get from the previous week."

Rubbing the back of my neck, a well-known anxious gesture, as I find myself muttering the word in a perplexed fashion. "Parcels?" My brows furrowing, trying to make sense of what she was saying.

"Yes, parcels." Velia's composure fractures, a semblance of tranquility masking the relentless grinding of her teeth. "So, go pick it up."

Expressing a frustrated sigh, to which it transpires to a grumble. "Ugh, that's going to consume so much of my time."

"Then it would be perfect for you. Since you do nothing around here, anyway." She sneers, disdain evident in her expression, she leisurely makes her way towards the door that divided the back of the shop from the front. Reacting swiftly, I abruptly jump from my chair, my face contorting into a scowl that mirrors my growing displeasure. "Fine, I will!" Exclaiming, my frustration fueling my actions as I storm out of the shop through the back door. As the refreshing breeze caresses my face, it warmly embraces me, offering a much-needed break from the heated atmosphere inside. With a steadfast resolve, I stride towards the spot where my horse, anxiously awaits, tethered to a sturdy post. Her tail swishes with graceful elegance, accompanied by a gentle neigh that resonates in the tranquil surroundings of the elven town of Silva. Drawing near to her, a serene calmness overcomes me, delicately unfurling the knots of tension that has taken residence deep within my body.