Reverse Chronicles

Around Jyria

     For a night at this city, I slept quite well. The city noise did not bother me a bit, as I enjoyed a night sleep in a comfortable bed. As soon as I woke up, I did the morning stretch and warmed up. The sun had just shown itself on the eastern horizon. I went to the bath and took a nice cozy warm bath. Then, I went downstairs t order breakfast. This inn is pretty reasonable compared to the city hotels and apartments from my regular world. I mean, people just want to have a place to stay for the night, why raise prices too high? Wouldn’t that drive them away?

     As I got caught up on that thought, the innkeeper served me an omelet, an apple, and a full glass of milk. It was a pretty great deal for the price of just one gold coin. I ate the meal, pausing for moments contemplating about the taste and thinking of an emergency plan if the academy or institute of mages doesn’t have answers. The taste was the same as the normal world, except that the meals here taste fresher. The apple was sweeter compared to the taste of apples from what I remember. The milk is also creamier.

     I finished my meal and exited the inn. The sun has just completely revealed itself. I walked towards the delta of the river. The water was clear and pristine. It was strangely blue even for the city. My thoughts dwelt on a lot of things as I waited for Franz. There was this philosophical inquiry on how Daniel is doing. The freshness of the air and the cleanliness of the water also dwelt within. But the most prominent idea that remained in my head was Franz.

     I can say I am straight, but I cannot help but appreciate how good-looking he is. His eyes are deep and dreamy, the teenage dream of any girl in the ordinary world. But, why can’t I stop thinking that he swings both ways? As my mind contemplated on this matter, I can’t help but appreciate the morning mood of this city.

     The streets were still quiet, people were still waking up. I waited for Franz to show up, until his voice called me from a distance. The voice that makes me thinks of a fresh spring breeze blowing smoothly on my face. I turned to where the voice originated, and he was there riding on a black horse. He approached slowly holding the reins in such a refined manner. His posture was perfect and his face looked like the exquisite stars of the night sky.

     “Good morning, did you sleep well?” he said as he reached out his hand to help me ride on the horse.

     “I had a good night’s sleep, yes.” I replied accepting his hand. He helped me ride on the horse. Because I was wearing a skirt, I was in an awkward position. Now I know why girls sit sideways when riding a motorcycle when they wear a skirt. It surely is not easy.

     “Maybe, that’s why you have that beautiful early morning face.” Franz kept with the conversation, but I was too busy adjusting my position.

     “Thanks,” was the only reply that I could say, “Where are we headed today?”

     “You’re headed for the institute of magic, right? I’m taking you there,” he said those in words in such a gentle and refined way that I can’t help but feel excited for the trip. “Hold on,” he said as he whipped the reins. I held on to him. His back was firm and muscular, I could tell as I leaned against him.

     As we went on our way, the people of the city were opening their shops. There were stalls getting ready for the day and passers-by are now starting to flock the streets. When we passed by them, I could hear the good mornings and greetings that they said to us. It was a nice feeling. City people from where I was do not actually greet a random stranger on the streets. These simple greetings really make me feel welcomed in this city.

     “Umm Josh?” Franz said as we rode. “Can you…?”

     “Yes, Franz? I can what?” I looked in front. His ear was bright red and his entire face was blushing. “Are you alright? You are all red.”

     “Yes, that’s because you are sticking your gifts on me too tight,” he said slowly and in a way that made me realize what he meant. I completely forgot that I was in Alyssa’s body. I slowly distanced myself. I can’t believe this but am I also blushing? Waah, I’m straight, I’m a guy, I’m just in a girl’s body but I like people of the opposite s*x.

     The next moments turned to awkward silence. The streets that we passed were busy and bustling but there was this shy silence between me and Franz. I was too shy to say another word, what is this?

     As we were passing by a street, I saw a familiar figure in front of a shop with a peculiar façade. I realized immediately that it was Daniel. I called out to him, but he did not turn back. Wait. did I just thought that guy was Daniel? Or was it Daniel? It must have been Daniel, if it was another person they could have turned to see who called them.

     “Josh,” Franz broke the silence being the gentleman he is. “Are you hungry? I can treat you to this nice place.” Is he proposing something what I think it is? “We are almost at the institute, so can we make a quick stop here? I promise we will be there the after this stop.”

     “Sure, I trust you,” I said in the calmest manner that I could muster. My feelings inside were exploding like fireworks. Nobody has asked me out before, not that I’m a girl. He got out of the horse and helped me come down.

     We stopped by at this place called La Boulangerie. Is this French? It sounds like French.

     “I haven’t told you this before, but I am Caldian. This is the only Caldian place in Jyria. I wanted to let you have a taste of the food back home.” He escorted me inside a luxurious classy restaurant. I was intimidated because of the deluxe atmosphere that it emanated, but Franz gave me a reassuring look and held my hand with such care. “This is just how Caldians like to decorate, I know that it looks extravagant but trust me.”

     “I trust you,” I sure hope this restaurant doesn’t rob me of my money. We sat down at a table near the left window. When I looked outside, the river scenery was there. The mysterious blue water of the river, even though it flows through the city interests me much. It reminds me of the river back home at the province when I visited.

     Franz broke my contemplation and started to engage me in small talk. He has this aura that makes you fall for him the moment you look at his eyes. I couldn’t help but stare at his teal-silver eyes. Franz made the order and we enjoyed a meal together at a very reasonable price of two gold.