The second day in the large harbor city of Barydon is already halfway underway. Resupplying wasn't a hard task with the many merchants and salesmen roaming about. Sol also used this chance to explore for a bit, to enjoy the new world. Walking alone through the busy marketplace he tastes different spices and discusses herbs with an alchemist claiming to be from an organization called "Alkyr." Apparently some organization near the southern border of Shif.
Walking through an alley another presence appears next to the shade demon.
"How have you been, Cornelius?" Secessus says as he continues walking.
"I'm alright I've been doing some research on some matters."
"And what brings you here?"
"You're finally alone, so I thought to show up for a while. You might forget me otherwise."
"I'm using this daybreak to shop around."
"For anything specific?"
"A good book wouldn't hurt. It would give me some topics to talk about."
"I know a rather good bookstore here." Cornelius replies as he beckons Secessus to follow him.
"So you've been here?"
"I've been doing research."
Getting no answers to his questions, Secessus simply follows Cornelius. Discussing the next part of his trip and the party he travels with.
"You're not trusted. If they weren't even willing to share the fact that they were going to see an acquaintance."
"It appears so. Pallas did warn me they had some previous encounter with a new member that went wrong. Probably the reason I'm so distrusted. But at least the hostile glares have stopped."
"Does it bother you? That humans do not trust you?"
"To an extent. It's annoying, and I would like to know them better. However, if they never trust me then so be it."
"Even if they knew everything about you, they still wouldn't trust you. Are you aware of that, little Ed? You're different from them and that will inevitably sow distrust."
"Nobody has to know what I am."
"You think people aren't going to question the person living next to them who lives for centuries and has a dark aura?"
"I'll find something."
"And if you don't?"
"Then I'll look harder."
"What is your ideal home?"
"You're awfully curious today."
"It would be helpful to know."
Secessus thinks for a second about the question. Wondering what exactly he always did define it as or rather what the boy he was before would define home as. It's strange he's not the boy anymore but still deep inside the desire lingers. What he missed before in his previous life was a healthy body. A loving family, a house, and the basic need were there. Only a healthy body to act with wasn't there. Then you had the darkness, a place where he finally could move, yet there was nothing. A place that made him realize that a lonely existence is terrifying. Lucille's Light was strange it had both the things he desired for. But in a world of devils and demons, he found himself craving for morals he no longer cared for. It was like having an endless supply of food before you but without anything to keep it fresh. Some day the fresh apple you eat will be rotten. Lucille's Light was the same.
"If I had to choose it would be a place where people live who accept me for what I am. Somewhere I can fly around in peace and do whatever I wish. And a place built to last the ages where I'm proud to be." Secessus finally replies to the question, trying his best to put his feelings into words. Unaware if he failed or succeeded.
"Here is the bookstore." Cornelius says pointing toward a sign that says "Myths and candles." The sign seems old as the words written on it weren't easy to read. Besides the shop doesn't actually seem like a shop. There is nothing on display or anything else to showcase that this house is indeed where you have to be.
Cornelius knocks on the door and a minute passes by. The sound of things falling on the ground and curses could be heard. The door gets opened by this older woman with an abundance of wrinkles, her nose is long and pointy whilst her back is everything but straight.
"Aaah spirit, it's been a while. Have you come to read of Yasha's wares?"
"No, but my friend has."
"You have friends?" The older woman named Yasha asks as she turns toward where Cornelius is pointing his finger.
She walks closer putting her hand on Secessus's cheek who decides to not resist. Trusting that Cornelius wouldn't just let some mad woman do whatever she likes.
"I see, I see. Of course enter." The woman walks inside her book store with Cornelius and Secessus following behind.
The bookstore is disorganized beyond belief even the narrow hallway has small mountains of books stacked upon each other. Looking like they might fall and cause the small house to collapse.
"Please browse around. Grab anything that attracts your fancy." Two cats jump on the elder woman's shoulder. Nuzzling in her neck for her attention.
The woman feels… off. It's something hard to put into place, but it feels like the elder woman shouldn't be here. A ridiculous thought since this is her shop.
Slapping himself across the cheek for feeling so on edge Secessus browses through the pile of books. They're not ordered, and the topics are all over the place. Some titles are especially strange.
"Is it kidnapping if the child is unwanted?"
"Bloodletting of the elves, why and how?"
"Witchcraft tip 1: Don't eat the fucking mushrooms"
Other titles are more focused on theories and research.
"A thesis of whether magic should be regulated."
"Asarius's history of slavery a boon or a detriment?"
"Theorized signs of becoming Invazautari spawn"
And of course, there are titles more aimed at the mythical or a novelization of historical events. Warped beyond belief, probably.
"A romance turned to ash"
"Godwin D'Azar ascension of the demigod."
"He who will darken the sky"
"Seeing everything whilst losing all"
Still searching through the books Secessus gaze always returns to the title "He who will darken the sky." The book has no information and is probably complete fiction, yet it almost seems like it whispers to him. He reaches for the book slowly unsure about this feeling until someone slaps his arm harshly. The old woman stands next to him, looking him straight in the eyes. Her own entirely gray pupils look intensely making him rather uncomfortable.
"I'm reading that." She says as she picks the book from the piles and keeps it tightly locked in her arms. Not reacting to the incident, Secessus takes some books that might contain interesting information.
"All races explained"
"Arcane theories"
"Folklore and forgotten parts of histories"
Opting for books that potentially could have some information. Secessus goes to pay the older woman.
"Those three books? That would be-"
"I will pay for it." Cornelius interrupts the woman.
"Why don't you go ahead little Ed? You've kept your party waiting long enough."
Secessus looks out of the window toward the sun. He indeed has spent quite some time away, and it would probably be best to join them again.
"If you insist, have a pleasant day madam." Secessus says his farewells as he makes his way back toward the party with three new books.