He wore a finely stitched blue linen shirt, and black jacket, while carrying a wooden crate brimming with fresh herbs. His eyes widened when he noticed Cyrus, and he pushed the glasses further up his nose.
"Goodness. When did you wake, and what are you already doing out of bed? You're in no condition to be walking around yet," The man said. He hurried over to Cyrus, examining him from head to toe.
"I'm sorry. Are you Lewn?" Cyrus asked.
The man stopped, and scratched the back of his head. "Apologies, I suppose introductions are in order. Yes, my name is Lewn, and I'm an alchemist, as well as an old friend of Myrels. It's nice to finally meet you, awake at least."
"Cyrus, and likewise…" Cyrus said, tilting his head. "Were you the one who cured me?"
"You could say that," The man said, waving his hand. "Though your magic did quite the amount of work. To be honest, I've never seen anything like it. You were in quite the shape when Sylven brought you in. Halfway through the petrification process, with your face, and chest almost gone."
"Well, I still feel a bit stiff, but even that is a vast improvement compared to how I was before," Cyrus said. He frowned. "Wait, if you cured me, then does that mean you can cure others? There were people in the village we visited who had turned to stone."
Lewn glanced out the window. "I'm afraid those who are already completely turned to stone won't be able to turn back. But I am closer to creating a potion to help those currently affected. It will still take some time before it's ready to go though."
"I see… At least it's something," Cyrus said. He glanced over his shoulder as the soft chatter of voices carried through the house. "Is Sylven downstairs?"
Lewn nodded. "Yes, if I'm not mistaken, he should be in the east wing, in my study. You can find it at the bottom of the stairs, and across the room. I'd lead you there myself, but I must finish a bit of work before my materials go bad."
"I won't keep you waiting then," Cyrus said.
Lewn spun on his heel, and slipped into the laboratory. The sound of tools clattering onto the table ressounded as Cyrus made his way down the stairs. The bottom opened into a spacious hall, adorned with sculptures and statues set between marble pillars. Sunlight streamed through the windows, gracing the stone floor.
Overhead, an iron chandelier hung from the ceiling, fitted with unlit candles, and clean of any melted wax. Cyrus eyed it, then made his way across the floor, passing by an archway which led into the dining room, before stopping in front of a partially opened door.
He glanced at a second set of stairs to his right, which led back upstairs, and most likely to the living quarters, then pushed open the door. A great study laid on the other side, filled from wall to wall with sleek bookshelves, and glass cabinets. While not as overwhelming as Myrel's library, Cyrus found the number of books to be quite impressive
Across the room, Sylven sat at a desk, encircled by a number of books, with a large glass window behind him, revealing the bustling city of Phislock. A beautiful young woman, who resembled the girl in the paintings, stood by his arm, leaning slightly forward, with her brown hair braided neatly over her shoulder.
With a cough, Cyrus made his presence known, and the young girl quickly straightened her back, her cheeks blushing furiously. As Sylven glanced up, a wide grin spread across his face, and he jumped to his feet.
"So you've finally decided to wake up, eh? You definitely took your time."
"Was I out long?" Cyrus asked.
"Only for three days," Sylven said, making his way around the desk. "Lewn said it may take you another day or so."
"Still… three days is a while to be unconscious." Cyrus said, furrowing his brow. "I can't believe it…"
"Indeed. I've already sent word back to master Myrel, letting him know of our arrival, and what we encountered along the way," Sylven said. He sat against the desk as Cyrus approached, catching sight of a detailed record regarding aetherial beasts, and their habitats. A charcoal drawing of a drake, shorter than the one the robed man summoned, and without a barbed tail took up most of the page on the book Sylven had been reading.
"I see you've been busy," Cyrus said. "Did you learn anything about the drake, or the magic the man was wielding?"
"Not yet. It's strange, but none of Lewn's records speak of a stone drake, with the ability to petrify people. In fact, most have been hunted to extinction, out of a desire to collect their blood for alchemy," Sylven said. He sighed, and shut the book. "The magic is a similar story, with nothing to be found. Lady Swyn here was attempting to give me a hand, but she's at as much of a loss as I am."
At the mention of her name, the young woman stepped forward, and curtsied. "I'm glad to see you awake. My father spent quite some time mixing a potion for you, and I'm glad to see his efforts didn't go to waste."
"As am I," Cyrus said. He shook Swyn's hand. "It's nice to meet you, Lady Swyn. My name is Cyrus."
"Please, call me Swyn. I've been trying to convince Sylven here of it these past few days, but he stubbornly refuses."
Cyrus raised his brow at Sylven, who pretended to study a few scrolls regarding the mountains. Turning back to Swyn, he bowed his head.
"If that's what you prefer. Is there anything I can help with?"
"Not at the moment," Sylven said. He set the scroll to the side and gestured towards the door. "Since you just woke, why don't you rest for a bit, and have a meal. It'd be wise to eat before we meet Lord Verihos."
Cyrus frowned. "Who?"
"My grandfather," Swyn said. "He owns a number of merchant ships and barges, and is willing to discuss travel arrangements with the two of you, when you're free."
"We were waiting until you woke before going," Sylven said. "But I'd rather not wait too long. It's only a matter of time before word arrives from Galeden about you."
"I see. I'll eat quickly then."
"Do you need me to lead you to the dining room?" Swyn asked.
Cyrus shook his head. "I saw it when I passed through the front. Though, I am a bit confused on how to get food. Do I just call for a maid or…?"