LRAB Chapter 54 Where can I learn magic?
Chapter 54 Where can I learn magic?
Ignoring the restless streets of the city, Ethan and Lia kept their heads down, weaving through the throngs of people who lingered near the gates. Whispers of the portal's collapse and the kingdom's mage buzzed in the air like static. They both did not engage in any of it and headed straight for the inn.
"Aye! You are still here? Good. Good." The voice came from a scruffy, middle-aged man leaning against a wagon near the inn. His weathered face broke into a relieved grin when he saw Ethan and Lia approach. "I was about to vacate the city myself, but thank the blessed heavens that portal business is done."
The man then noticed how the two of them were battle worn and his eyes softened. "Go upstairs and grab any room you want. Its on me. Thanks for protecting the city."
"That's kind of you," Ethan was surprised at the generosity. "But we didn't—"
The man waved a hand dismissively, cutting him off. "Spare me the humility, lad. You two look like you've been through hell and back. Don't think I don't notice the ichor on your boots or the burns on your gloves. You fought, and that's more than most could say."
The man grinned, stepping aside to gesture toward the inn. "Go on, then. Top floor's quietest, and you won't be disturbed. I'll make sure no one bothers you."
Ethan offered a small smile of gratitude. "Thank you."
As they stepped into the inn, the warm glow of the hearth and the faint murmur of patrons greeted them. Ethan led the way up the creaking stairs. The top floor was, as promised, quiet and empty. He picked a room at the far end of the hall, away from prying eyes and ears.@@@@
Once inside, he locked the door and leaned back against it, exhaling a long breath. He was tired. He went straight for the bed and collapsed.
Lia beamed and quickly retrieved a small basin of water and a cloth from the corner of the room, likely supplied by the innkeeper.
Ethan watched her move about with efficiency, setting the items on a small table near the bed. He felt an odd mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "You really don't have to, you know," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.
"It's no trouble, Master." Lia replied firmly, wringing out the cloth. She gave him an earnest look, her hazel eyes unwavering.
Ethan sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Alright, but don't make it a habit."
Lia chuckled softly. "Understood, Master."
She began dabbing at the smudges of dried ichor and dirt on his hands and arms, her movements gentle but precise. Ethan flinched once when the cold cloth brushed a particularly tender bruise, but Lia quickly apologized, her touch softening further.
"Shall I get the water warmed up, Master?"
Ethan shook his head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "No need. This is fine," he said, his voice still rough from sleep. "It's refreshing, actually."
Lia tilted her head, her hazel eyes scanning his face for a moment before nodding. "As you wish, Master," she said softly, her focus returning to cleaning the grime off his hands. She worked with a quiet diligence, her movements precise and almost meditative.
Ethan watched her for a moment, the awkwardness between them slowly dissolving. "Say, where do you think I could learn magic like that?"