Apothecary Adagio

Dear Clovis, Hello, dear brother. How are you and the younger ones holding up? Is Arthur still painting? Is Arlette still practicing her sword stances? Is Lydia still writing about her amazing worlds? I hope so. It's been months since I have seen you all last.  And I hope you all are doing well still. As you know, The Lumiere Theatre has closed officially by the time you all received this letter. I will be okay. My love for singing still lingers even now and I will find a new stage to allow myself to explore and grow as a musician. I hope you all are doing well back in the capital and that all of you are following your dreams just as you all set out to do. I will write to you all soon again,  Clovis, Read this away from the younger ones. I do not wish to alarm them. I heard of the Zokaet attacks happening around Sunmire more and more often and there are rarely any survivors. I’ve done as you asked and have been doing a bit of digging and heard of a recent village Atelier nearby. A lot of the people in this town and the villages nearby tend to rely on it for wounds and to help the survivors of the attacks. I will be heading there soon and possibly get more answers from the Apothecary there on the attacks and the villagers themselves. I will write back soon with what I have gathered about the rise in Zokaet attacks. I will be safe.  I love you all, Floria Faustus As the landscape whisked by in the train, the letter’s words stayed in my head. I wondered how my family would take it.  I’m sure they are rather worried for me as they knew the Lumiere Theatre was my home for 5 years now. But now as I ride the train towards Sunmire village, I focus more on the trailing mountains and the river bank.  A ring echoes out, and a conductor slowly steps out. “Sunmire village is our next stop, well known for its abundance of agriculture and its devotion to the god of the sun, Solthe. As well as Atelier Francesca, if you all need some medicine please hurry there.” Is it even getting recommendations from the local train stops? That’s a surprise. As the train ride continues and the people around me mingle and talk about the upcoming town.  “Did you hear about the Zokaet attack?” an older lady whispers in front of me. “Yeah, didn’t 3 travelers get killed? How could they advertise such a town at a time like this?” Three deaths, so recent. Clovis has asked me since I was already not far from Sunmire to look into it, to see if there is something we can do about it. After all, this part of the land is under the protection of the Fautus. I have to do this for my family.  Another ring and the train slows down to a stop. The stop is covered in cobblestone and wood. People waiting on the stop as the long ringing bells echoes. Slowly the door opens and people rise. Grabbing my luggage and case I make my way over to doors and the crowd, stepping off as I look up towards the sign.  Sunmire Stop. Some of the signs point in a specific direction, one to the right straight to the town and others to a clearing and a lake. I decide to walk up to the nearby stop conductor and tap his shoulder.  “Hi, yes. I wanted to ask for a bit more directional help to find Sunmire.” He nods to me, “Oh yes, ma’am.” He points in the same direction as the sign. “Follow the path from here and you will make it to a small stone statue. From there you go right and keep going, and you should see the town’s sign.” I nod and follow his instructions.  “Thank you.” Before I follow the sign and the conductor’s directions. Following the cobblestone path from the train stop down I find some families and children walking by me. Some of them waved at me as I made my way. Such a nice quiet place, it’s hard to believe that this town is being terrorized and has been for the better half of two months.   Making my way down the road I find the pile of stones the conductor pointed out. On the stones there are carvings of symbols and those carvings are filled with paint. Some symbols ranged from Simple circles with dashes or stars and triangles. Perhaps some creative kids got to this stone pile years ago.  I make a right and find myself quickly facing the path to the small quaint town. Looking up I see a large wooden arch with the name of the town carved into it as well. Yellow paint in the carvings and a small painting on a sun beside the name. It was cute.  When I made my way into the village it seemed kind enough. People walking to a fro, sturdy homes, and plenty of animals roaming around with the people. A few farms near the entrance as the road goes forwards and then splits into 8 directions. In the center of the town where all the roads meet was a singular sundial and a roadsign with plenty of labels for shops or important places.  Going up to the sundial and seeing how it matches the bright beam of light coming from the sun, I could really get a sense of how much this town appreciates its bright atmosphere.  I look at the signs and follow the one that says 'Lockefire Inn'. As I walked the hustle and bustle of the townspeople began to get louder. Travellers and townspeople alike mingle and seemingly living normal lives. This is one of the bigger towns in the Fautus region and seeing it thrive even in dire times like this- Just then I felt a weight against my legs and lower half. Stumbling as I caught myself and grabbing my luggage with both hands. I hear a small groan and look down to a little boy who ran into me.  "Ow, ow…" I couldn't help but giggle, leaning down to his level with my case beside me. "Are you alright? That was quite the collision." He shuffles and slams his small hands into the ground. "Hey, watch where you are goi-" He looks at me, staring silently for a moment as he takes in my feature. His green eyes blinked rapidly. I wave my hand in his face and snap. Only then did his head shake and he crossed his arms and looked away from me.  "I'm fine! Just be careful, the street is really busy! You have weave your way through it! Like a worm!" I giggle again, patting his head with my gloved hand. "I'll keep that in mind, young sir." "Claude!" "Oh, well, Claude. Thank you- my name is-" "CLAUDE BRANDIS!" Claude's head whips backward to a girl pushing her way through the crowd as she calls out for him, muttering an 'uh oh' he scrambles to his feet.  "Gotta go!" Before he rushes past me, "Don't forget what I said"  He called out as I waved to him with a small smile and the girl rushed past me as well. I can only imagine what they are up to. But she didn't seem happy with him.  I make my way forward and come to a larger building.  A small sign beside it with a fire logo that reads the inn name. The building seemed sturdy and with that I entered it. Being greeted with a far more warm atmosphere than even the charming town. A little dining area and a front desk with a lady behind it. She waves at me as I make my way over.  "Hi, yes room for one please." I place my luggage down and she begins to write on her little clipboard.  "Do you have a duration for your stay?" "Not particularly. How much is a night here?" "Per night costs 350 novas, ma'am." "Oh wow, awfully cheap for an Inn!"  She nods at me. "Of course! We pride ourselves on being traveller friendly. So, how will you be paying? Wish for me to start up a tab for living and food expenses?" "No need, I'll pay upfront."  "Of course, ma'am." I kneel to my luggage and rummage a bit through it, taking out a small bag with a golden bird stitched into its side. I stand and count out the novas and novs within it and place down 10 novs and count 50 novas.  "This is for three days. Is this okay?" The lady blinks at me in a bit of surprise before simply nodding and taking the money. Taking the nov bills and looking at them in the sunlight entering from.the windows. "It's real.." "Is there a problem?" "N-nothing ma'am! Please enjoy your stay!" She kneels behind the desk and I hear a few jingles before she hands me a key and points to the right to one of the 3 staircases.  "Up the stairs and down that hall and the final door to the left is your room. Please let us know if you need anything."  "Thank you."  I stopped in my tracks for a moment. "Oh and one more thing. What is the quickest direction for me to get to Atelier Francesca?" She seemed surprised at my question but nodded. "Atelier Francesca is a little bit outside of town. You should head down sundial turned 6 o'clock and head towards Walslet Lake. It'll be beside the Lake." Sundial turned 6? I've never used sundial directions before but I'll figure it out.    Grabbing my luggage and case I make my way to the room. Opening the door to a nice small quaint room. The bed was against the wall and the window above it. A dresser and a bathroom are attached on the far side of the room with a small closet beside. It was cozy and warm. This whole town seemed to exude warmth.  I placed my case on the floor and my luggage on the bed as I unpacked my clothing and placed them in the dresser. Quickly as I finished up and grabbed my case and hurried out of the room. Locking it with the key and hooking it onto my case. Making my way to the front and exiting the inn.  Sundial turned 6. Sundial turned 6. Heading to the town center to that warm sundial again I look at it and try to think more about what the lady meant. The sundial seems to face the direction of the sunlight depending on the time of day. So what would it look like at 6 o'clock?  Last time I checked it was 11am, and looking at the sundial it was pointing diagonally, so I counted the little stone ticks on the sundial until I hit 6. And it leads in the opposite direction. That seems to be the closest I have to realizing what the lady meant.  Turning I make my way out of Sunmire towards the sign near the entrance, reading it. It doesn’t say anything about Walslet lake, so I guess I have to walk until I find it.  Making my way past I run back into the pile of marked stones and keep on my way. The green pasture and clear skies and bright sun make everything almost feel so melted together. Getting lost here wouldn’t be good. I even asked some passing people on my way and they told me I was going in the right direction for Atelier Francesca. Slowly the open cobblestone trail and open field became a small forest with dirt under my boots. Trees and little creatures surrounding me. In the capital there were never any places like this. Even around the Lumiere theatre it was still covered by people and civilization. But a true small slice of wilderness is new for me.  A large bush covers my way as I peek over it seeing clear blue waters. This must be the lake. Shuffling my way through the bush attempting to pull my case through with me as sticks and leaves get caught on my dress and hair, My case gets stuck between a couple of branches in the bush and with a heavy pull I flopped forward.  My side landing on grass as the thud of my case echoes beside me.  I shrieked as I fell, landing on the ground through the bushes. For a second I look back and forth amongst the bushes I fell through, wondering where the hell I ended up. Seeing the shining blue waters and green grass under me, it looked like a scene out of one of Lydia’s books.  I don’t see the Atelier, all I see is the lake and bushes, with trees hovering over them blocking off the streaks of sunlight. I’m guessing this is Walslet Lake. so Atelier Francesca must be nearby. I get back up to my feet and randomly pick a direction. Shoving my hands and splitting them open until I can step through.  “Ah!” a young voice yells.  I finally step past the bushes and look down to see a young boy on the ground. Recognizing those wide green eyes and that voice that yelped in surprise.  "Claude?" I tilt my head.  "Aw, you noticed me!" The young boy rubbed the back of his messy hair as he pushed himself up to sit.  "So it was you! I was wondering who was me…meand-!" “Meandering?” I interject. “Yeah! Meandering around here!” He points at me accusingly, a determined smile on his face.  I giggle, "What? Am I trespassing?" "Well, no but-" he shakes his head and points at me harder. "Actually, yeah! You're interrupting me-" "Brandis." A low voice came from behind Claude. As a large person walks from behind the same shrubbery that Claude came from. Claude looks up at them, gasping and rising up to his feet in a hurry, to which I follow.  "Master! I found the intruder!" Claude says with a proud smile and a straight back and puffed-out chest.  "I'm not your master." They cross their arms as they finally look down to me. Pale skin, far paler than the people in Sunmire. With black shaggy hair that almost completely hides their eyes and falls to their back. They wore simple clothes, a white button-down tucked into a long black skirt with an odd holster across their chest.  "Oh, hello. Sorry to intrude. " I rise up to my feet and pick up my case. Facing them completely and bowing. Standing like this I only reach their chin, a fairly tall person. "So, You're Claude's tutor?" Claude scoffed at that. "No way! Master is-" "Brandis." Their voice was stern and  Claude instantly silenced and stood straight. "And who might you be?"  A hand to my chest. "Floria. A humble traveller and musician. I actually was here looking for Atelier Francesca." The shift in their face was minuscule, their jaw clenching. "Fine. What is it you need?" "Oh, so you are the apothecary?"  "Yes." "Then, actually I have a few questions to ask you if you don't mind. About the recent-" I pause not wanting the young Claude to hear about the attacks going on in his hometown.  He tilts his head and looks between his Master and I. As the apothecary stares at me with barely changing eyes, a sigh leaves them.  "Brandis." "Yes, Master!" "Back to the Atelier. Prepare a pot of tea for us." He seemed stunned by that but nods and runs off. Their eyes followed the young boy for a minute but eventually turned back to me. "I will humor you, but I will not give you more time than I deem reasonable." "A charmer aren't you, ma'am? Or mister?" "Either or is fine." They turn from me, "Come."  I follow after them through a thin passing of shrubbery as it reveals a wooden shack. It was decently large and had columns and plenty of hanging trinkets around and on it. Multiple glass spheres full of different knick-knacks and even some dead insects. It's weirdly pleasing and the slightly crooked sign on the top that shows the name gave it all the more charm. More charm than the apothecary behind it has, apparently. They step up the porch steps and open the door, stepping in and nearly shutting the door in my face until I caught the handle.  "Do remember I am here, 'Master'."  They simply hum in return as I step in. Rude.   The inside of the store was even more unique. The different potions lining the walls and different crystals and random items lining the shelves. A hanging display of flowers in every corner. Baskets of different herbs and stones as well. And in the corner was a register and beside that was a hallway. Behind the register was a door. Seemingly leading to the backroom or the rest of the home.  The apothecary makes a motion to me, as they walk towards the door behind the register. I followed them as it revealed a more normal home. A dining area with a small kitchen behind it and a hallway I would assume leads to bedrooms. In the kitchen I see Claude toiling away as he makes the tea they requested.  "Master! Your tea has started, sugar in the water just like you like!" Sugar in the water? That's not-   "Brandis, it is time for you to go." Claude seemed stunned by that. "But master! It's not even 4pm yet! Can I stay? Please! Please! Please!" They let out a sigh and sat at the table. "Fine, I could use more geode crystals. Go to the lake and retrieve some on the edge." "Geodes? Alright! I'll be right back!" He rushes to the door but pauses and turns back to them. Bowing respectfully. "I'll be off!"  Before he runs out of the door and, I presume, the Atelier.  "Claude really seems to adore you." I smile as I watched the boy leave.  "Sit."  I turn back to them as they point to the chair across from them. A sigh as I place my case down and pull out the chair and sit.  "So, you came to ask about the recent attacks." They start, gloved hands interlocking on the table.  I nod, "Yes, and as the apothecary, you have inside knowledge about all of the injured and dead, do you not?" "Of course. It is my job." "Then, I would like all you know about it. So that Lucitri can properly come to aid Sunmire as much as they can."  They scoff. Leaning back in their chair. "That's a surprise. The capital is actually deciding to do something." I hold back the annoyance in my head. "I am not here to argue with an apothecary of the reliance of the capital. Tell me what you know."  They hum and lean forward. “As known, The attacks have been going on for months now, So far the injured far outweigh the dead but Zokaets rarely allow their meals to go uneaten.” I nod, "What has been the connecting injury amongst the survivors?" “Seemingly, nothing. For all that is known multiple Zokae could be in the area.”  Leaning back, I cross my legs. “That’s impossible. If it was multiple, then the death rates would be so much higher and the capital would’ve been here before.” “So there’s a death quota to be met before reaching for help?” Their hands lay on the table. “That is not the subject we are discussing.” My eyes looking over at them, their eyes barely visible from under their messy bangs. “Hmph,'' they continue, “It only proves my theories.” “Theories?” “None of your concern. Either way, I have been able to provide as much medicinal help as I am able to.” “Have you seen any survivors for yourself? From before this rise or during?” “No, I prefer not to. I give my Reine elixirs to their family and leave it at that.”  I look at them, surprised. "That's-" "What?" "Isn't it an apothecary's job to oversee the patient of their medicine to ensure their safety and that it works?" Their gloved finger pokes the table harshly, almost seemingly a stab. "Do not tell me about my own job." "It’s basic understanding of an apothecary." I spit back as our eyes stared into one another's.  Another stab at the table. "And it’s basic understanding that the capital should protect the people under them. Before disaster strikes." My hand grips my dress as I take a deep breath. "Sunmire is one of many towns and villages under the Fautus family. They cannot be everywhere." "This has been happening for months, are they that blind? Or is it just a problem with laziness?" "Quiet!"  My anger boiled over, standing up from the chair as it fell back behind me just then the screech of the teapot started. Our eyes stayed connected as the screech continued before they rose calmly and walked over to the pot. Gently, taking it off of the controlled heat and setting up a cup of tea.  "I believe this questioning session is over. Leave my presence." They pour their tea and my frown deepens. "I will come back If I require your services." Before I turn and march out of the door.  As I sigh from the frustration I enter back into the front of the Atelier the door closes behind me.  That was a dud. I shouldn't have argued with them but they insulted Clovis! Looking up I see the wall of elixirs and walk over to it. They mentioned one during the talk right? The Reine Elixir? Looking at the flasks of different colors I couldn't even tell they were different elixirs if it wasn't for the color. Then the front door opens, showing Claude with an armful of rocks his pants rolled up and feet wet.  "It's you! Enjoyed the tea?" He asks as he places the geodes on the counter.  "Oh, well yes. It was nice." He smiles as he leans over to see the wall of elixirs behind me. "Need an Elixir? They only cost-" he pauses, "Actually I don't know the price." "Actually, Claude," I waved him over. As he jogs over. "Do you know which one of these is a Reine Elixir?"  His face lights up as he nods. He points to a yellow flask.  "That's it. Master's own twist of the classic Elixir. It works great!"  I nod, picking up the flask. "I'll leave some nova here for your master. Let them know." Claude nods as I pull out a nov bill and hand it to him. Before waving as I walked out of the Atelier.  Walking down the porch and inspecting the flask of yellow liquid that somehow seemed like liquid gold. I'll inspect this a bit more since it was what helped the survivors.   The only thing I can do is now question the survivors themselves or their families.