I was lying in bed, unable to sleep. It had been two hours since I had gone to bed. It seems the fruit was still working. I rolled from one side to the other, trying to find a comfortable position that at least let my body get some rest. Catherine was lightly snoring and my mind became restless while listening to the monotonous breathing.
I lifted up the pillow and laid it on top of my head, trying to press out any outside sounds. After a short time I rolled to the side, still keeping the pillow around my ears and tried to find a comfortable position that way.
The seconds ticked away, but they felt like minutes. I finally got up and silently sneaked out of the room. I sat down in the dark of the main room and stared blankly into the room. Putting down my arms on the table and resting my head on them I looked to the side. The position didn't last 30 seconds until I became restless and sat straight up again. Then I laid down across three chairs, crouched down on my knees and alternated back and forth.
I doubt I was able to kill another hour until I couldn't take it anymore. I slipped back into the sleeping room, grabbed some proper clothes and sneaked out again. After putting everything on I left the house and sat down close to the stream. I had my arms slung around my legs and just listened to the splashing of the water.
It was a relaxing sound and I could finally relax a bit, but I was slowly getting cold, so I headed back inside and sat around there again. And after warming up I left again for a little walk. It might not be the best idea at night, but I couldn't bear sitting around waiting.
I somehow managed to overlay my aura sight over my normal one. Normally I just got impressions unless I directly directed my gaze at an object like a mana construct. Then I was able to see it clearly. But because the normal sight was very dominant it weakened the impressions my other sense gave me. Right now I let all of that come to the foreground and was able to see well again, with some additional support of my physical eyes.
Of course this was not the first time I had experienced this vision. But now I was substantial, the experience more definite. The excitement brushed away my boredom.
As I began to stroll through the forest I saw some beacon not far away from the hut. I became curious and approached it. It was difficult to make out its true form in the dark, but the aura was strong and after analyzing it I came to the conclusion that it was some psychic deterrent against animals. I had never considered why there had never been any wolves close to the hut. It made sense of course, that there was something at work.
It didn't affect me and I would certainly not remove it, so I just walked past it and further into the wood.
Naturally it didn't take long until I saw a group of wolves ahead of me, quite a bit further away than I was used to. They didn't rush at me. Was I still outside of their detection range? I realized I had forgotten to take my sword with me, so I preferred to avoid them. I steered clear of them and then continued forward.
I was somewhat lost in the experience until I realized that I had wandered far out and could come across much more dangerous creatures at any time. I might be best to head back now, but I didn't actually know where I was. If I left my body and flew around a bit it shouldn't take long to home in on Catherine and then simply head in that direction. My speed was far more limited while I walked normally, so I should be able to quickly scout out that distance in my energy form.
I looked around until I found a fitting tree and climbed up. There was no chance I would leave my body behind on the ground where every moment a wild animal might come by to eat me.
Once I found a comfortable branch I leaned against the tree in a way that I wouldn't fall down even without using any strength. Then, after taking a look around that nothing dangerous was already close by, I slipped out and lifted off into the air.
From up above it wasn't difficult to find the way back, I had only been gone for an hour after all, and that was no great distance. I flew back down and sat down further out on the branch. I watched my body calmly resting there. The situation was a bit absurd. Could I even feel anything happening to my real body? I focused my energy and lifted up the right arm. There was a light tingle in the back of my mind, but the sensation was distant. I was really far out.
I drew close enough to my body and grabbed both arms and played around a bit, lifting them up and swinging them a bit. It didn't look very enthusiastic with the rest of the body sitting around without motion. I wanted to try some more things, but this wasn't really the place and I might regret it if I fell down because of it. Just when I wanted to slip back in and go on my way back a bearlike creature was coming up to the tree and looked up.
Without any idea how it had found me, probably by some pure dumb luck, I had to interfere when it began to climb up. I decided to use my better perspective and high movability to fight off this threat. From this perspective I could easily see where the bear was putting its weight and I took light telekinetic stabs right at those appendages. The effect was great and the bear plumped down to the ground time after time.
These animals are not very bright, but at some point the bear got the message and left again. When it was out of sight I finally took possession of my body again. I climbed down the tree and returned to the hut without any further interferences.
It was still dark night when I arrived, and I didn't feel any more tired than before. I decided to try some experiments I had thought of before. Somewhere inside the protection wards, but a bit away from the house I left my body behind and took on my energy form. Then I flew into my body, overlapping with its form, but not really entering.
I created some telekinetic connection and pulled the body along when I stood up. The movement was very awkward. I had to concentrate very hard, because any part of the body I didn't control would just slump down immediately. It was like controlling a puppet. Quite fun, but far from great control. The best I could do was keep it in an upward position and move the legs along with my energy form. The arms and the head just hang down while the body staggered along.
Sorceress has increased to level 9.
In just a short time I felt more and more faint, until I had to set my body up on the ground again. I hardly had any energy left and consisted of almost nothing but my floating mind now. The puppet show had certainly been fun, but cost a lot of energy and I doubted there would be any use in doing this instead of just controlling my body directly. There might however be possible uses with different objects.
Once I was in physical form again I took note of my empty mana pool. This source of entertainment had run dry. Still no sign of light, not that it had been long since I last looked. I sighed and decided on doing my morning practice a bit early, perhaps even prolonging it a bit.
Even though I wasn't tired, I was still feeling weak after being up and about for so long. Once I finished training I would find myself something to eat. I was already hungry, but it was no fun to practice with a full stomach.
I stretched my sore body and got it ready for some more movement. Then I went through a whole regimen of techniques, forms and strength training. I didn't really have the motivation and often took breaks, but whenever I was just sitting around the sun was still hiding and I didn't get any inspiration other than just doing some more of the same.
Strength has increased by 1.
Endurance has increased by 1.
Warrior has increased to level 8.
By the time a faint light appeared on the horizon I had exhausted myself and had long since stopped doing any more exercises. I went to the stream and washed off my sweat. I was shivering even before, because whenever I stopped training I was cooling down quickly.
The cold water got some life back into me, but could only hide my exhaustion for a short time. I went inside, snuck into the sleeping room for new clothes and then prepared breakfast before Catherine was even up. She joined me a bit later.
“You were up all night?”
“I didn't sleep well.”
“You are crazy.”
I didn't ask for any healing or recovery potions. It wouldn't surprise me if Catherine had something like that around, but I wanted to avoid complete dependency on supplements.
It was some effort to drag myself back to the town in the morning. I wasn't looking forward to the day, but after avoiding boredom for an entire night any activity seemed fine.
The day was spent with some more instruction about creating constructs and then some menial tasks, mainly enchanting duty. It kept me busy, so I didn't mind today. The day dragged on and on and then Mr. Heart entered the workshop again.
“I am closing now. I really appreciate it if you work this long, but there is enough time again tomorrow.”
Getting thrown out of the shop by this man was something I never expected to witness. It was certainly late compared to when I usually left.
Doing mental work while sitting had helped me recover a bit, but I was still pretty down. And wide awake. I feared going back right now and waiting through the entire night, so I went to the guild yet again, searching for a diversion. Walking home at night was no concern for me at this time, so cutting away a few more hours seemed to be a good idea.
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I was actually glad when I saw Arienne sitting in the bar tonight. There was hardly a person more suitable for long time entertainment.
I ordered some random beverage and took place next to her.
“You look a bit tired.”
“I'm not tired, that's why I am here.”
“You sure look tired to me. But since you are here we can both have a drink. Hmm, don't you usually go home at this time?”
“Usually. I didn't expect to get chased away by you.”
“I didn't mean it that way! We are going to drink until neither of us can get back! Which drinks have you tried out so far?”
“Nothing really, just that black wake up brew a week or so ago. I definitely don't want that today.”
“Then we are going to work through the whole stock today! You will regret the day you challenged me to a drinking contest. I might not be the best one around, but I can keep my share. I had planned to do some request tomorrow, but I can just delay it. We can do it on Sunday if you want to!”
“I am moving into town on Sunday. That reminds me...”
I checked my pocket and actually had the key with me, I could just stay here for the night, if it came down to it.
“You found a room? You have to show me! Have I told you already that I am staying in the old town right now? It's a nice place, although a bit costly....”
The time passed by and so did the drinks. Arienne had taken a short nap while I was sitting there, enjoying oblivion. If I had passed out I might actually be able to get something akin to sleep, but I hadn't crossed over there. Yet.
It had gotten very late and only one other table was still loudly celebrating. The barkeeper had already begun to clean up. Arienne had long since recovered and was babbling on about something while I just let it wash over me. We had stopped drinking alcohol, because we were both smashed at this point.
Arienne: “Do you ever miss home?”
“Hmm?”
“When was the last time you thought about home. Do you miss it?”
“I haven't really thought about it for a while. I do miss it, I guess? It's just so far away that I didn't even consider it.”
“I try not to think about it too often, but you remind me a bit.”
“Why did you leave? Are you an exile or do you have some other reason?”
“No, I can go back whenever I like. I am a misfit, I think you could say. I tried going back, but couldn't stand it. All these norms and expectations. It isn't really different from here, but without anyone you know around, you are somewhat free.”
“Mmh.”
“Why does it always come back? I know it isn't any nicer there, but I still remember it differently than it is.”
“Lamenting doesn't suit you.”
“I know, I know, sorry to bother you. I guess I better get back to my apartment now. Can you make it home?”
I pointedly clapped on my pocket.
“I can stay in town now.”
“Ah yes, I forgot. See you around.”
Arienne left and I kept sitting until the barkeeper finally chased me out. I was completely hammered, and didn't care about what to do. I could stay in the town this night, but there didn't really seem to be a point to it if I just sat around.
I decided to pass time by taking the usual stroll through the forest. My sight allowed me to easily avoid any packs and after a long time I arrived. Still heavily drunk I laid down in bed. It was more comfortable to pass the time while intoxicated, and so I waited until the sun rose up again.
One thing I really hate is waking up before having slept off the alcohol. Today I was up and still drunk, but not tired. Didn't feel much better though, the after effects were still there.
“You're worrying me a bit.”
“Don't be, there is nothing you can do about it.”
“You can talk to me, if you want.”
Sharing my misery went against my nature, so I declined. I would somehow get through this on my own.
I dragged myself to town again, but didn't avoid the wolves this time. I wasn't angry, I cut them apart apathetically. This day I had skipped exercise as well as any magical experiments on the way. This was certainly no way to go on. I almost welcomed the short visit of the massive aura of the mother.
“You will visit tonight.”
The alcohol was still very active in my veins and gave me a bit of courage.
“Is there a way I may address you?”
“You may address me simply as Parangante, that is my name and title.”
After a short moment of silence she added: “Sober up before coming.”, and simply disappeared again.
I hoped she hadn't taken offense in any way, but I was still as well as I could be and another whole night of playing around was punishment enough. Although in my current state it could also be a welcome diversion.
Mr. Heart was unhappy with me, but I was working and produced good enchantments and components, even though I was not sober. It took a bit longer, but it is very possible to do work while drunk. At least I didn't have to fight against sleep. Only after noon did I begin to sober up.
Scribe has increased to level 10.
I was mainly filling up component stocks in various scrolls without any final goal. Once I was in proper condition I even got some more instruction.
Sometime in the afternoon while Mr. Heart was still explaining things the noise level from outside began to pierce through.
“What's up now?”
“I think they want to see the prince entering the city.”
“And what good does that do? Here, I will show you something I am a bit proud of.”
He led me to the counter where he pointed out a crystal that was attached to it. I took a closer look, and from the back of the crystal small metal wires stretched out into different directions. There were connection components attached to them.
They are more durable if the entire length is stuck to an item, instead of just floating through the air. The wires connected to different corners of the shop and I followed along to inspect some of their end points. It was a whole network of noise dampeners. I had an enchantment for the same purpose back in the guilds workshop, but this construct covered more than just a small room and should also be more effective, since the effect was in the outside walls instead of a center crystal.
“The best part is that each part can be activated on its own. That is if you can sense the single components.”
With that he began to activate different parts of the walls and the noise level dropped significantly until they were all blocking the sound and the shop was silent again. With constructs like these I should be able to simulate basically every function electricity offered, and more. The only constraint I had was time!
I suddenly realized that time had been a problem lately, but in the way that I had too much of it. If I started working on some constructs at night I might be able to pass the time. I only feared that working day and night on nothing but constructs would burn me out very soon. Should I work from home and use the days for some other activity? Most of the time spent in the workshop was without any need for my employer anyway. I decided to keep up my current schedule until I was sure how long the fruits effect lasted.
With the interfering noise gone we went back to the instructions and this day also ended later than usual. When I left the ruckus had long since died down and I could easily pass through the streets.
When I walked through the forest I had to drag myself along. The day of work hadn't felt that difficult in comparison to another two hour walk. My legs felt really weak. It might just be a good thing that tonight my body would find some time to rest.
Endurance has increased by 1.
When I arrived at the hut I almost crashed, because I could hardly move any more. It took an hour long break and dinner to get some activity back into me. It was getting late by then, but Majal would be able to wait one or two more hours.
I picked out the advanced inscription book and began to study it. It covered a lot of the topics, which Mr. Heart had instructed me in lately. In person instructions had their advantages, but I should be able to learn most of this in self study. There was no reason to pass up on Mr. Hearts teachings, that was after all what he paid me so little for, so I could just increase my advancement by reading books.
It was a strange feeling to lie in a bed for the last time. From tomorrow on I would have my own room again and be independent. Free to do whatever I liked. Sure, I was low on money and continuing my apprenticeship seemed like a good idea for now. I could now begin to make whatever I wanted out of my new life. Well, I was exaggerating, there were still duties that I had to do, like tonight. I was hardly free if some monster child threw me around at her whim. I gave out out a sigh and went on my way.
The first part of the night went by just as expected. Majal chased me around or taunted me while keeping out of reach. At some point I got really annoyed:
“Do you not know any other games?”
“Other games?”
“Yes like...”
I didn't really have any idea what other games children might want to play, aside from computer games, but those were out of the question. Would be a nice option to have though, just putting her in front of a console and relaxing out of her way. Then I remembered at least one 'normal' game.
“Hide and seek! One of us counts to ten without looking and the other has to hide in that time. Then the one who counts has to go searching.”
“That sounds boring.”
She didn't even consider it and just wanted to continue poking me around. I was curious how well I could hide from her. If it worked it might be a bit more relaxing, too. So I provoked her:
“You are just afraid to lose!”
“I am not afraid to lose! I can find you whenever I like!”
“Ok, then look away and count to ten.”
She began counting, but I felt her intent almost boring into me. This brat didn't have any sense of honor at all.
“You are cheating. You mustn't look.”
“I can do whatever I like!”
“Because you can't find me otherwise.”
“I can find you. Just watch.”
She actually didn't spy on me this time. I hid my aura as much as possible and quickly dashed away into another direction than the one I had been in from her perspective. I disappeared into the leaves of a tree at number 6 and then only concentrated on my aura.
“Seven, eight, nine, ten. I am coming now!”
Her searching intent swept over the area, but it was nowhere near as sharp as her mothers. She kept at it for a while and then quickly grew restless.
“Where are you? You didn't run off? Come out or I will call Mommy!”
That escalated quickly. I released my aura and she immediately located me. As if to show me who was boss, she grabbed me and shook me a bit.
“Serves you right. Stupid game.”
We were back to playing tag, but something must have stuck to her, because after a while of brutally abusing me she said:
“I bet you can't find me if I hide.”
I played fair and really kept my senses to myself while counting. At ten I flew up into the air and looked around. She was as strong a beacon to me as ever. I had a direct view of her with my aura sight and another feel for the strong emission of energy that she gave off. I simply flew over and tagged her. She was furious and after some accusations she let it all out on me again. Why did I have this glorious idea?
The remaining night was funny in a strange way. She would switch between extreme annoyance and growing ambition to succeed at hide and seek. I strictly refused to give her an easy game by having my aura visible, and so we continued switching between the two games.
At first light Parangante came over and did the one dutiful thing I had seen her do: Wrest me away from her daughter to let me return to my body. She was heartless and her daughter would probably follow in her footsteps, but at least she had the common sense to understand the needs of us pitiful weaker beings.
Back in bed I stretched out a bit to see how much I had recovered. My strength was back again and even my aura wasn't completely drained this time. I was ready for another day.