A tall, slender figure steps into the city limits with a small bag, slung over his shoulder at his side and a book in his other hand. He scans the area, observing the trees and rolling hills surrounding the city. He slowly continues walking towards the city of Blume.
"Oh dear, I hope I make it before the gates close... It's so late!" He said to himself, as he quietly quickened his pace. I wonder when the gates close... If I'm late, I'm sure there will be a way into the city. He made it to the gates, after a little quiet contemplation. Noticing that the guards were in fact awake, he waved to them.
"Hello, there! Beautiful evening, isn't it?" He inquired with a bright smile.
"Oh. Uhh, sure. Good evening to you, too, sir. Please enjoy your stay in Blume."
"I will! Thank you!"
He stopped a few yards away from the guards. He took a deep breath through his nose. It's true what they say about this city. You can really feel happiness just emanating from the air. I've always wanted to visit this city, though I've never gotten the chance. A little vacation won't hurt, now will it? He smiled. Just the thought of a vacation brightened his evening. Quietly moving through small crowds of people, he noticed everyone slowly finishing up their chores for the day and closing up. I'm glad I made it before everyone was away. I'd seem suspicious otherwise! After climbing a large set of stairs, he came across his destination: The Inn.
"Ahh! Brilliant! I've found you at last! After 2 weeks of walking, I'm ready to stay in a nice Inn for a change. No more trees for me! Haha!"
Reaching for the knob, he saw a bright reflection in the silver knob. He turned to see the moon, shining in all of it's glory over the tiers of the castle. Beautiful, he thought, Simply beautiful!
After a few moments, the Innkeeper opened the door. Not noticing, the man stood there gazing up at the moon, watching as petals flew past it's stunning light.
"Hey. Buddy. Are you checking in? We're just going to close up for the night."
Startled by the man, he replied, "Oh, terribly sorry. I'm new here, so I thought I might take in the sights. I do apologize. And yes, I am checking in. Are there rooms with many windows? I'd like to observe the moon a little further before I sleep, if you don't mind."
"Err... Sure. I have one right at the corner. 301. I'll get you the keys in a moment. Why don't you come in and sit down?"
"That sounds heavenly. Thank you," the man said, taking his bag and placing it by the chair he chose to sit in.
"Are you from around here? I assume not because of your dress," the innkeeper asked, grabbing the key from the slot in the shelves.
"No no, I come from a small cottage not far from Sunflown. I have a cottage there where I perform most of my research."
"Research, eh? What kind do you do?" The Innkeeper hands the man his key in exchange for a couple of bills.
"Well I--" He pockets the key, noticing the Innkeepers look of distress. "Keep the change. Your city is most beautiful. You've earned the money. But as I was saying, I study Magic and the forces of the Arcane, as well as the study of Alchemy. I know it's somewhat strange, but I do most of my research by reading old text. This is why I've come to Blume. I'd love to visit the library tomorrow, after my rest." He glanced out the window.
"Ahh, I see. That sounds interesting. I'm too humble for that sort of thing. I don't think an old man like me could really take such a concept that serious."
The man laughed. "Hahaha! Don't be silly! Anyone can use and research Magic! It's very fun and exciting. Maybe when you retire, you'll have time to see what I mean. Speaking of which, I should be retiring to my room about now. I've kept you long enough. Perhaps we can chat again sometime; maybe over a coffee." The man got up, grabbing his bag, to give the Innkeeper a handshake. "My name is Lafayette. You may call me Fay. Pleased to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mister Fay. My name is Edmund. Please, don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. Good night, sir."
"Thank you. A pleasurable night to you, too," replied fay, as he made his way up the winding stairs to his room at 301. He unlocked the door and shut it most carefully, as to not wake any of his neighbors. Laying down on his bed, he left his book on the table beside him and his bag in front of it. Staring out his window, he slowly drifted off to sleep, wondering what sorts of secrets he will discover during his studies tomorrow. I could get lost in the beauty of this town...