"It must be something embarrassing!" Avin said as he snickers. Gill who was behind me looks away as he let out some muffled laughter.
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I hold on to Daisy's gift tightly. Ignoring Avin's persistent question as we continue walking through the packed street.
Avin spotted a weapons store and quickly pull me towards it. " Little Aust, look! It's a weapon store!!" he could not contain his excitement as he runs like flash in the superhero movie from DC.
When we reach he let go as I stood beside him feeling as if my soul will leave my body. Avin opens the door and walks in with no hesitation.
After calming down I enter the shop followed by Gill. I look around and notice many of the weapons, there was daggers, lances, rapiers, crossbows, spears and many more.
Before I enter, I got a sniff of a stench of smoke coming out from the back of the shop. 'Maybe the blacksmith is still working on his new orders?'
Thankfully, inside the shop isn't as unbearable.
The metallic smell of new weapons in the shop is mesmerizing, the craftsmanship is amazing as all the details are small and refine.
By the time my eyes look away from all the equipment, Avin was already holding on to an old rapier. I ask, " Gill are you interested in any of these weapons? Anything is fine, Gill, anything!"
" If you insist, young master... I wish to get this humble dagger." Gill picks up a thin dagger, onyx handle and dull blade. It seems ancient as the handle was coming out as well as a rusty blade.
Gill stands like a statue imitating a person holding a sword before the king. I furrow my eyes and ask him, " Are you sure you want this worn-out blade?"
"It seems to be junk." Even if I don't know much about swords, dagger or spears, yet I do know that rusted daggers are scrap aren't they?
Gill stares directly at me, " I am very certain, young master."
I give in with a sigh, " Alright, let's go to Avin." Avin was carrying two rapiers. He sees us coming and asks us between two EXACTLY same rapiers.
I rub my eyes thinking that Avin is playing tricks with me, however, he was serious which make the situation funny.
Honestly, it is not that I dislike weapons. It is just that Avin is deeply invested in his rapiers and some plain daggers as if he didn't have any other interest.
Gill swiftly replies, " The one on the right."
'Nice save Gill!' I pointed at his right as well. He nods and went to the wooden desk. A man looking very grimy appeared. " That rapier is of 5 silvers, " he spoke with his five fingers up in the air. "Adding that junk you're holding, 6 silvers."
Gill furrows his eyes as he bargains for us. He bargains successfully and lowers the price to 4 silvers. " That is an entertaining sight, the loyal, quiet and polite Gill starts to bargain for the price to be lowered." Avin starts to laugh.
I started laughing with him. I left the weapons store feeling happier. Avin and I have thought of the same thing, "Freedom is the best medicine!"
I giggle at our telepathy skills. Sometimes reliable like a cellphone, sensing message through our minds. However, telepathy can only be used when we are near each other. That is one of the reasons why talking to Avin is difficult in the mansion.
As we were walking I heard a familiar chirping. I walk towards that sound leaving Avin and Gill was alarmed but still manage to spot me in the while leading Avin.
I walk towards an empty eerie corner. The chirping was getting louder and louder. It reminded me of Betty's familiar, Rainbow Common Bird.
" S-stop i-it!" the bird cry out.
In the corner of my eye, I saw three birds of different species. Two larger birds ganging up on a Rainbow Common Bird.
"No one will come to save you! Even your human summoner died! Who wants to make you their partner if you are so insignificant and weak!" The smaller bird got hit to one side against the wall.
I, who have been watching the scene, felt my heart aching. It feels like Betty's familiar but I was unsure.
I barge in and chase away the other birds. The two birds panic and flew away while I bend down to cup the Rainbow Common Bird in my hands.
" Y-y-you... y-you, what is your name HUMAN!" The bird chirps softly.
"It is Aust, Aust Clades," I whispered as I quickly make the bird's cold body warmer by wrapping my long white blouse around its body.
"A-aren't you that l-little child that Betty was p-protecting!?" I widen my eyes. "S-she was a very w-warm and kind s-soul. M-my s-summoner, I've known h-her for many y-years. I can m-merrily follow h-her now since h-have meet you..." the bird coughs violently. I could feel my clear eyes becoming blurry as I squat down.
My eyes are filled up with warm tears. As they trickle down my cheeks down to the bird. They were endless.
As if on cue, Gill found me. "Young master! Are you alright?!"
"Y-y-yes, G-Gill do me an f-favour, heal this b-bird..." I spoke trying to stop my overflowing tears.
"Understood, young master, give me a second, " he nods and starts to summon his familiar.
A dark and fluffy, slime shape rabbit float out of the summoning circle "Dos* lend me your strength and heal this injured bird!" Dos which initially is dark in a colour transform into yellowish silver. Avin who was beside me trying to calm my nerves, to him all of this is an amazing spectacle of power.
Dos sprinkle some yellow sparkling power on the bird. "Kyuu!" the yellow rabbit start to melt and disappear. Avin picks up the box which Daisy gave me and give me some thicker cloth to wrap around the bird.
"Young master, would you like to change out of those dirty clothes?" I hesitate then nodded.
Gill change my blouse with a thin fabric shirt. Gill uses his super-efficient butler skills and makes my face less puffy from crying.
We proceed to go back to shopping while Avin asks me questions about Gill. I saw some chain up people going into a dark and shady alleyway.
I was wondering why that was happening so sort of wonder towards the alleyway while holding on to the injured bird. This time Avin and Gill were sticking to me like glue, following me so I would not get lost again.
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Dos* - the name of Gill's familiar. Also, means 2 in Spanish.