Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss

Chapter 15: First Endings

  We took a few minutes to discuss our bed preferences before arranging our belongings. Sylvia took the bed closer to the Bathroom while mine was closer to the big windows.
I neatly placed my clothing in the wardrobe alongside the school-provided uniforms and put the rest of my belongings onto the desk next to my bed before heading out. making sure to take my coin pouch with me in case I want to buy anything.
  As I reached the entrance I spotted Pearl eagerly waiting. Not long after I arrive Edger and Jacob swiftly join us, we all agree to go to this small market near the school that Jacob knows about.

  As we strolled through the vibrant city streets, a glimmer of excitement danced in Jacob's eyes as he mentioned an amazing restaurant nearby that his parents and he frequently visit. He says it's not too far from the market if we want to visit after we've done our shopping.
  I thank Jacob for showing us around the city and bringing us to the market that he likes. "It sounds like you and your parents have a lot of fun together, I bet their lovely people."
  "I would love to introduce you guys sometime they would be happy to meet you all, We have a house near Baron Gains estate."
  "That's right, you did mention that your family is a noble knight house and that you are contracted under their house."
  "Yeah, my father is one of the head knights that work directly under him."
"Isn't a knight's house considered to be Nobels?" Pearl asks
  "As a knight family house, we may be labeled as nobles, but our position is far from privileged. We endure the hardships of our low status without the support and subsidies granted by the kingdom.
  It is only upon attaining the titles of Baron or Viscount that any form of assistance from the kingdom becomes available. That's when you begin to obtain any sort of land like the baron's estate."

  After a bit more talking, we finally turn the corner and arrive at this enchanting little opening. My heart skips a beat as I lay my eyes on a small fountain positioned in the center, surrounded by a little garden.
  "This is the spot, guys. There are a few small stores here that sell the groceries you'll need, as well as a store with some necessities and an odds-and-ends shop with just a few random items, have fun."
  We all split into various stores, and I went into the odds and ends shop first to see if anything was interesting, I stumbled across two books one labeled SpellBinder and another with the title Magic Party Tricks.
I take out the first book, its pages remain untouched, completely blank ready to be filled with my precious spells, accompanying each with indispensable details on their purpose.
  The second book is a treasure trove of delightful little spells, each one carefully crafted to captivate the attention of any onlooker. These quaint incantations are woven with a touch of magic and a lot of heart.
  I could tell that these spells were made with the ambition to entertain, bring happiness, and create memories that will forever dance in the corners of the mind.
  As I eagerly purchase the two captivating books, my heart races as I realize the total amounts to a mere six copper and four bronze coins.
 
  I step outside and make my way towards the herb and preserved food shop nearby. As I enter the shop, Pearl is already engrossed in exploring the marvelous array of products on display.
  "Hey Pearl, did you catch a look at anything good?"
"I stumbled across a selection of teas and an array of other things on that shelf. Take a peek, if you'd like!"
  I eagerly make my way to the shelf Pearl had suggested. As I reach out to touch the array of teas before me, a rush of different aromas hits my nose.
  Starting with the rich and invigorating black tea, its strong bold, and energetic aroma pulls me in. I move on to the other teas green, white, and oolong teas, their delicate aromas enveloping me bringing on a sweet yet calming scent to them.
  Amidst this sea of tantalizing teas, one in particular catches my eye, An herbal tea infused with the captivating essences of dragon fruit. I make sure to grab some along with some Earl Gray tea. I make my way to the spices on the shelf beside me grabbing an array of different spices to keep in my dorm room.
  I approached the counter, kindly introduced myself to the clerk, and set all of my merchandise on the counter. It takes him a little bit to calculate the cumulative prices of all the items I have acquired, which amount to a total of two copper pieces and three bronze pieces.

  After paying for my things I step out of the store and make my way towards the fountain. As I reach the fountain, I take a seat at its edge.
  A gentle breeze crosses my face as I take in my surroundings, the vibrant hues of the storefronts and the people entering and exiting the store amaze me.
  Not long after sitting on the ledge of the fountain, Pearl stepped out of the herb shop and made her way into what seemed to be a medicine shop.
  I caught sight of Edger and Jacob emerging from the furniture shop, their eyes filled with excitment, as they swiftly made their way towards me.
  "What did you guys get from the furniture store?"
  "I got a storage box to go underneath my bed," Jacob exclaimed
  "And I managed to get my hands on a small weightlifting set."
  "How are you guys getting your things back to the academy?"
  "I told them we were academy students and they actually agreed to deliver it for us!" Jacob exclaimed.

We peacefully gathered around the fountain as we awaited Pearl to finish her shopping. Once she finished we decided to have dinner the the restaurant that Jacob had passionately spoken of earlier.
  After enjoying a delicious dinner together, we made our way back to the academy and to the dormitories. Parting ways we return back to our rooms.
  As I anxiously stepped into my room, I called out to Sylvia to see if she wanted any of the tea I had bought. I didn't hear her respond so I checked the room to see if she was maybe sleeping.
  I searched the room to see if she was maybe sleeping but couldn't find her, so I eagerly yet carefully began arranging the different teas and spices I bought into the cupboards.
  After putting away the teas and spices, I made my way to my bed and arranged the items I had carefully placed there earlier today. I hastily gathered some clothes while heading to the bathroom for a shower.

  As I stepped into the bathroom, my heart skipped a beat as I laid eyes on Sylvia gracefully lying in the tub. An overwhelming mix of surprise and embarrassment flooded my senses, making me leave the bathroom and hastily close the door behind me.
  I made my way back to my bed, anxiously waiting to apologize. After what felt like an eternity, Sylvia emerged from the bathroom wearing a tank top and shorts, her wings gleaming from the water. She eagerly motions for me to come over, a soft invitation as she sits on her bed.
  "I... I'm deeply sorry. I should have had the courtesy to knock on the door before I entered."
  "You are not at fault here; it was my responsibility to put up a sign on the door, indicating that I was using the bath. I should have considered when you might have returned from being out."
  "I can't help but feel a little guilty about this, but I just bought some amazing tea from town. Would you like to have some with me?"
  "Sure, that sounds good to me."
  I head into the kitchen to make tea whilst still talking."Do you like any milk or sugar in your tea?"
  "Just a bit of sugar will do for me."
  "Here you go, A delicious cup of Earl Gray tea, sprinkled with a touch of sugar, made just for you."
  "Thank you so much! You really didn't have to go through the trouble of using your own tea stash for me."
  "Don't worry about it, we are roommates if I buy something feel free to use it. So, feel free to indulge yourself whenever just make sure to leave me some."
  "Of course, I absolutely wouldn't dream of using all of it!"
  "Alright, I'm going to drink the rest of my tea, have myself a refreshing shower, and then retire to my bed."
  I hope you enjoy your refreshing shower, as for me, I'm going to lay down myself."

  After sipping the rest of my tea I grab my clothing and step into the shower. As I cleanse myself, a sense of vitality flows through me.
  With a refreshed mind and minty breath, I emerge from the bathroom, making my way towards my bed. Sylvia rests peacefully, in her bed already fast asleep.
  I softly utter my goodnight wishes to her as I lay down myself. I conscientiously set my alarm for six thirty in the morning, eager for tomorrow. laying down I gradually succumb to the gentle embrace of my bed slowly sinking into a peaceful slumber.