Eventually the training has to come to end. Just like the night as I notice to my great surprise. Have we really been at it all night, from dusk till dawn? It seems hard to believe. Yet, as I lie there in the grass once more, I can see the sky lighten in the east as morning inevitably approaches.

This isn't the only surprise either. At least not in my book. In the confines of my mind I quietly admit to myself that this actually was a pretty fun experience. Sure, it was grueling and exhausting as well. My whole body aches. But nonetheless it was fun as well.

It almost makes me wish I had done this before. Except, I doubt my parents would have been able to arrange an experience like this. It simply wouldn't have been in their nature. They wouldn't have been fond of the idea that I could go out and have fun on my own either. Ah, never mind, I'm my own woman now!

Thanks grandma!

I don't say it out aloud, but I think of her anyway, as I gaze up at the slowly fading stars. Then, just as I turn to face the direction of the rising sun, it actually peeks above the horizon and a divine whisper tickles my mind and my breath catches for a moment.

[From dusk till dawn you dedicated yourself to learning something exciting and new! Under our watchful eyes you gave your all until exhaustion claimed its toll. The Dusk Maiden, The Moon Father and The Dawn Maiden are your witnesses and gift you 5 points for The Stars Arcana and 1 point for the Strength Arcana as a reward.]

The whispered message is almost immediately followed by another and as it hits me I slump back onto the ground overwhelmed.

[Under the tutelage of others you have acquired the Dance skill at apprentice level. The Dawn Maiden is your witnesses and gifts you 3 points for The Sword Arcana as a reward.]

Those are a lot of rewards all at once and it is already the second time within just a few days. In the end I decide to just lie there and enjoy the sunrise for a moment.

“Congratulations!”

It is Rafal who addresses me soon after. He extends a hand to help me back up as well.

“Oh? You too?”

“Yes, Me too. Agnieszka as well if I'm not mistaken. Being a teacher can be quite rewarding. Especially if you have a student willing to thoroughly dedicate themselves to the task of learning.”

I let him help me back onto my feet, as I'm still feeling a little dizzy.

“That almost sounds like the future king of bards might become the headmaster of a bardic college first.”

He doesn't seem to mind the teasing.

“I have to admit, the thought crossed my mind. Becoming a teacher, and possibly later the headmaster of such an institution of learning wouldn't be the worst thing a retired adventurer could aim for.”

He pauses and snorts in amusement before he finally continues.

“That is in the future though. Hopefully many exciting and rewarding years from now.”

While we talk Agnieszka gathers up our few belongings. Then we head back to the village, following the same path we used to get here.

We walk in silence, except, no, we actually don't. We don't talk. Rafal keeps playing a happy little tune on his lute though.

As we reach the outskirts of the village we finally part ways.

Rafal heads back to the inn to get himself some breakfast.

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Agnieszka in turn accompanies me a little further. She stifles a mighty yawn as we walk back home along the creek instead of using the dirt road.

“Do you have any plans for today? Or rather do you have any immediate plans?”

I shake my head after thinking about it for a moment.

“No, no immediate plans.”

“Good! Lets grab a change of clothes and some fresh towels and have a nice long bath.”

I look in the direction of the rising sun. The time would be about right for a bath, thus I don't protest. Maybe it will help soothe my aching muscles. And even if not, my dress may be self cleaning, but I'm not. After this night I most certainly need to wash off some sweat.

We stop by her place first.

“Fine. Be with you in a moment.”

I hurry to get home myself. Not just to get that towel and the mentioned change of clothes though. I have one more responsibility after all.

And, as I reach home, she is already sitting in the window, fixing me with a stern glare.

“Meow.”

I wince a little at this plain meowing sound. Together with the look it cuts right to my heart. I bend down and kiss Sour Cream on the forehead.

“Sorry Sweety. It seems I was out all night as well for a change. Now, why don't you come in so I can fix you a snack. How about it?”

As I slip in through the backdoor, she takes the window.

And while she might still have some misgivings about me not being there to welcome her in the morning, they seem quickly forgotten once I pour her some sour cream. Cats!

I watch her eat while getting my things. Only when she is curled up on my bed, and after petting her a little, do I dare to leave.

As I return, my neighbor is already waiting for me. She seems to have an idea why I'm late though.

“Had to take care of some other responsibilities first, eh?”

I nod and sigh.

“Not being home to welcome her back seems to be an issue for her.”

Agnieszka pats my back.

“It might be due to your grandma's passing. It could be that returning to an empty home is a little upsetting to her as a result.”

I nod again, as we walk along.

“Maybe. She was sitting there in the window, waiting for me.”

I receive another pat on the back, then we are at the bathhouse. The place is already pretty busy, but after taking our time washing up we can properly soak in the warm water afterwards.

Oh, what a relief! What a great relief!

We both let out a long sigh at the same time and break into silly giggles right afterwards.

After enjoying the relaxing warmth for a little while I speak up again.

“I might just visit the temple again later today to upgrade the dancing skill. I should have just enough Karma for it, thanks to today's rewards.”

The older woman doesn't even open her eyes as she nods.

“I'll be leaving for Barter Town and should be back some time tomorrow. Say, could I get another vial or two of that potion you gave me? I might just need it. Wouldn't want to drop off the cart because I fell asleep.”

“I still have some. I could brew a fresh batch as well though. That way you can have a cup before you get going. Believe me, it might be effective when bottled up, but it is much better when fresh.”

She nods and gets up and out of the water.

“I'll take your word for it. I'll stop by your place before I get going. Is that alright with you?”

I nod and she gets dried off and dressed. Soon after she is gone. Finally I get out of the water as well. I would have really liked to stay a little longer, but I fear I would turn all wrinkly if I did.

Thus I return home, now back in my comfortable overall.

Elzbieta is already waiting for me, when I reach my house. She has a quest paper with her, but I wince anyway. It isn't the same quest as yesterday after all. No it is the leftover single dosage mana mill quest I initially posted.

I bow my head to her.

“Sorry! I forgot to post the new quest yesterday and I kind of just came back after receiving some dance lessons by Agnieszka and Rafal.”

She waves me off with a smile on her lips.

“So you were out dancing all night?”

“Yeah. And I can feel it in just about every muscle and bone. Say, I'm about to make some fresh coffee of the mana spiked variety. Would you like a cup as well?”

She gets up from the bench under the window and we go inside together.

“Sure, please!”

As she starts working one mill, I grind some freshly roasted coffee beans with the other. And by the time Agniszka stops her oxen cart out front the smell of fresh coffee is already filling the workshop.

I'm pleasantly surprised to find out that she brought a few small cup sized sweet cakes to go with the fresh coffee. As far as I'm concerned this day is started to shape up nicely!