“You have any money?”

“Of course I do,” Greg responded in mock hurtfulness.

“And it isn’t from Wilson’s stolen stash?” asked Taylor.

“Not at all. Its all mine. Wilson had no hand in it. His money as well was collected rightfully. Most of it at least.”

“Whatever.”

“Where are we shopping today?” Greg asked looking around at the shops.

“First I’ve got to sell some stuff for Ash. I’ll be able to sell her stuff and by the seeds she wants at the same place. After that a treat would be nice. Maybe a new book as well.”

“That would be expensive. You must have saved up for a while. I’ll get something for Jack.”

“Isn’t he the one who is always sword fighting and wants to join the military?”

“Yeah he helped me out after my first military day. I need to prepare for the next one or else Priest Damon will get mad. It is also fun to practice with the wooden swords. I’ve gotten a bit better, but nothing like him.”

As Greg and Taylor approached the herbology shop, the air was thick with the scent of dried herbs and the faint aroma of earth. The wooden sign above the door creaked softly as they pushed it open, stepping into a world of bottled potions and hanging plants.

“Hello there! What can I do for you young folks today?” greeted the shopkeeper, a wiry woman with spectacles perched on her nose.

“We’re here to sell some items on behalf of a friend and to buy some seeds,” Taylor explained, unloading a small sack onto the counter.

The shopkeeper peered into the sack, her eyes lighting up. “Ah, Ash’s goods! Always top quality. Let me see... Yes, these will fetch a good price. And what kind of seeds are you looking for?”

“Just the usual herbs, but she mentioned wanting something rare this time... something called Starlight Bloom?” Taylor replied, hoping the shop had what they needed.

“Starlight Bloom, you say? Tricky to grow, but incredibly valuable. I have a few seeds left. They’re not cheap, though,” the shopkeeper warned, fetching a tiny, shimmering packet from behind the counter.

Greg, who had been browsing a shelf of colorful potions, turned around, his interest piqued. “Starlight Bloom? What’s so special about it?”

“It’s said that the flowers glow by the light of the full moon, and their petals can be used to brew visions of the future,” the shopkeeper shared, her voice dropping to a whisper.

Taylor exchanged a look with Greg, excitement flickering in their eyes. “We’ll take them. And Greg, did you find something for Jack?”

“Yeah, I found this ointment. It’s supposed to help with bruises and muscle recovery. Perfect for after his sword practice and it isn’t too expensive,” Greg said, holding up a small jar.

“Excellent choice! Your friend will appreciate that, especially after a long work out,” the shopkeeper chuckled, ringing up their purchases.

As they stepped out of the shop Taylor turned to Greg. “Do you really think that Starlight Bloom can give visions of the future?”

Greg shrugged “I don’t know maybe. What does it say in your books?”

“It wasn’t’ in the book at the orphanage. Maybe that is why Ash wanted it. Imagine if we could actually see the future, Greg. What do you think we’d see?”

“Hopefully a world where I finally beat Jack in a sword fight.”

Taylor laughed, nudging him playfully. “Keep dreaming, Greg. But maybe someday.”

“We off to the bookstore next? What kind of book are you looking for?”

“Maybe another potions book if Ash is going to be delving into these exotic ingredients. Though realistically I’ll just look for something in the used section that catches my eye.”

Greg nodded. “Sounds like a plan. I might pick up something on sword techniques. There’s always more to learn, and maybe I’ll find a secret or two to finally outmatch Jack.”

“Keep dreaming.”

The streets of the market district were bustling with activity as they made their way to the bookstore. Vendors shouted their wares, children darted between stalls, and the occasional street performer added a splash of music or magic to the air. The scent of fresh bread and spices mingled with the less pleasant but equally vivid smells of livestock and leather.

As they entered the bookstore, a bell tinkled above the door, announcing their arrival. The interior was a cozy chaos of stacked books and narrow aisles. The walls were lined with shelves that reached the ceiling, filled with books of every size and subject.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Hello, Taylor, Greg! Back for more reading material?” called out Mr. Albridge, the elderly bookstore owner, from behind a pile of books on the counter.

“Always,” Taylor replied with a smile. “Looking for something on potions and maybe something a bit adventurous for myself.”

“Ah, potions! Let me see…” Mr. Albridge disappeared into an aisle and returned with a couple of dusty tomes. “These should serve well. ‘Elixirs of the Ages’ and ‘Herbal Concoctions for the Curious Mind.’ And for adventure, you might enjoy ‘The Chronicles of Eldoria.’ It’s a tale of knights, dragons, and quests.”

“I am unfortunately looking for the used books in your collection.”

“Ah, I see. I’ll keep looking.”

Greg, meanwhile, had wandered to a section dedicated to martial arts and warfare. He pulled out a slim volume titled ‘Swordplay Strategies: Techniques from the Great Masters.’

“Found something?” Taylor asked, walking over to him.

“Yeah, this looks promising. It might just give me the edge I need,” Greg replied, flipping through the pages.

“You just like the fancy illustrations. I’m not sure that it is of any real substance,” she said bluntly.

Embarrassed, he set the book down and put it back in its place. “Maybe I’ll get a book another time. I’m not sure if I have the money today. Might have to steal from Wilson,” he said with a smile.

Greg's smile was met with a playful roll of Taylor's eyes. "Don't even joke about that. We're doing things the right way, remember?"

"Of course, I remember. Just trying to lighten the mood," Greg replied, his voice tinged with sincerity. He glanced back at the bookshelf, a hint of longing in his eyes, but he shook it off. "Let's get your books and head out. We've got seeds to plant and potions to brew."

Taylor nodded. She turned back to Mr. Albridge, who had returned with a small stack of used books. "These should be more within your budget," he said, his eyes twinkling behind his glasses.

She sifted through the titles, her fingers brushing over the worn spines. One book caught her attention, its cover faded but the title still legible: 'Mystical Flora and the Secrets Within.' "This one," she said, holding it up. "It might have something on the Starlight Bloom."

"Excellent choice," Mr. Albridge approved. "That book has been here for ages, waiting for the right reader."

With their purchases tucked under their arms, Greg and Taylor stepped back into the bustling street, the afternoon sun casting long shadows on the cobblestones. They walked in comfortable silence, each lost in thoughts of future endeavors.

“So, what’s next? Head back and start studying our new finds?” Greg suggested breaking their silence.

“Actually, I was thinking about grabbing something to eat. All this shopping has worked up an appetite,” Taylor said, her stomach rumbling audibly.

“Great idea. I’ve got to spend my left-over coin somewhere. There’s a new place just opened up around the corner. They serve traditional dishes with a bit of a magical twist. Heard they have a stew that’s supposed to make you feel like you’re breathing fire. Want to try it?” Greg asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Breathing fire? That sounds intense. Let’s give it a shot!” Taylor agreed enthusiastically.

They made their way to the eatery, a quaint little establishment with a sign depicting a dragon curled around a cauldron. Inside, the decor was warm and inviting, with murals of mythical creatures adorning the walls.

After ordering the infamous fire-breathing stew, they settled into a cozy booth. Taylor started to read over her new book in detail.

“Mystical Flora and the Secrets Within,” she murmured, flipping through the pages. The book was old, the pages yellowed with age, but the information was fascinating. She found a section on the Starlight Bloom and read aloud to Greg, “The Starlight Bloom is not only rare but requires a specific kind of care. It thrives under moonlight and is sensitive to the emotions of those around it. It’s believed that the plant can sense the intentions of its caretaker.”

Greg listened intently, his curiosity about the plant growing. “That’s incredible. It’s like it has a mind of its own. Do you think it’s true?”

“Maybe,” Taylor shrugged. “Plants are more aware than we often give them credit for. Who’s to say some aren’t sensitive to more than just sunlight and water? They definitely require more care at times and often thrive under specific environments. That is why they are usually grown in greenhouses where everything can be carefully controlled.”

Their conversation was interrupted as the server brought over their stew, steaming hot and smelling strongly of spices. Greg took a cautious sip and immediately coughed, his eyes watering. “Wow, that’s hot!”

Taylor laughed, taking a more careful taste. “It’s good though. Really clears the nose.”

“What do you think now? Will Ash really be able to brew a future-sight tea?”

It is seeming less likely that it will happen. Not that she doesn’t have the crafting capabilities, but this isn’t the right ingredient. She must want it for something else.”

“The book doesn’t give any hints.”

“The Starlight Bloom can create a variety of effects. It changes based on how it is prepared and what it is mixed with. The bloom seems to be an amplifier or dampener of whatever it is mixed with. If prepared wrong it just causes no effect.”

“Hopefully she can do something with it. Ash will definitely like that book.”

“Yeah she will.”

After finishing their meal, they paid and left the eatery, the taste of the stew still lingering on their tongues. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the city. They decided to head back.

As the golden hues of the setting sun painted the city in a warm glow, Greg and Taylor made their way back to the orphanage, their steps light with the satisfaction of a day well spent. The streets were quieter now, the vendors packing up their stalls and the children running off to their homes, their laughter echoing in the distance.

The building stood out on the street. Its finished sign hung above the door. The walls no longer held peeling paint and the construction tools were no longer out.

They entered the common room to find it bustling with activity. Children of various ages were scattered about, some engaged in games, while others were huddled over books. In the corner, Ash was tending to her small collection of potted plants, her concentration unbroken by the surrounding noise.

"Look who's back!" Jack called out, spotting them from across the room. “How was your day?”

“It was great,” Greg replied with real enthusiasm. The older boy shook him tightly. “I got you this.” Greg grinned, pulling out the jar of ointment from his bag. "For the best swordsman in the orphanage," he said, tossing it to Jack, who caught it with ease.

"Thanks! This will come in handy," Jack replied, examining the jar with interest. “Thanks man. It is great.”

Taylor approached Ash, the book on mystical flora clutched in her hands. "We found something you might like," she said, offering the book to the plant enthusiast.

Ash's eyes widened as she took the book, her fingers tracing the title. "This is perfect," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Taylor. And Greg."

Taylor and Greg settled into the room enjoying the last of their time before bed with friends.