Another pesky fellow attached himself to me after that day.

Alaric Thundercry, a clumsy water mage.

Seeing Alaric hang around me constantly, Nix looked at me with suspicious eyes, suspecting some sort of connection between Alaric and I.

He hadn’t pieced together quite yet that I was proficient in magic, just like Alaric.

“Sir ma-” Alaric started, but noticed Nix, “Apologies. Sir Rao,” he corrected, “Shall I shoo away the child?” he looked at Nix.

I puffed a roll of maryseed, not bothering to respond. I took it off my lips, and looked at the sun. I exhaled the mist and sucked in the maryseed once more.

Alaric was just staring at me.

I exhaled the mist, only then bothering to speak, “Do whatever you want. Just don’t bother me,” I said, continuing to smoke the maryseed.

“Old man,” Nix interjected, “You started smoking again,” he accused me of relapsing.

“I never stopped,” I answered quickly, breathing out the viridescent fog of the maryseed, “Did you think I did?”

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“As I thought,” Alaric nodded, grabbing Nix by his armpits, “I should get rid of him.”

He carried the young teenager off, showcasing a more than moderate amount of physical strength.

“Don’t come back,” I said, smoking the maryseed once more, a little smirk creeping on the side of my face.

“He thinks this is funny!” Nix yelled, flailing around in Alaric’s arms like a defiant puppy that was suddenly picked up.

I chuckled.

I wouldn’t admit that I found the sight a little humorous.

Alaric carrying Nix off, I enjoyed the peace of solitude.

Just me and the solace of the maryseed, nothing could be preferable, I thought listlessly.

I puffed again and again, basking in the act and staring blankly at the surrounding village.

On second thought… Solitude wasn’t as relaxing as I remembered it. For the first time in a while, I was sorry to have nothing to do. I lowered the cigarette on my lips, wiping my face clean.

I did the most mundane of things, just trying to pass the time.

I counted the rocks beside my feet, I inspected the strange shape of clouds above my head, and I inhaled the smoke of the maryseed, wondering how long I could keep it inside my mouth.

After a couple minutes of that, my fingers twitched. I felt a little strange.

This is pitiful.

I stood up of my own volition, still holding the roll of maryseed to my lips. I should find something meaningful to do.