Theo walked with Samara through the streets, eyes roaming around. It was early morning yet there were many people walking around.
The buildings were giant, taller than any mage tower he had ever seen. The way the city was built was so much different from the cities he had traveled to.
There were also strange metal things with people inside growling on the streets. Theo guessed they were some kind of carriage although they didn't seem to be drawn by carriages.
"They're called cars. People used them like you would a carriage." Samara murmured, noticing his gaze. "Also, don't look so in awe with everything. People are going to think you're strange. If you're curious about something I can explain it when we're alone."
Theo nodded in silence as they continued walking. It wasn't like he wouldn't learn about everything eventually. He would just need to be patient about it.
After a few minutes of walking, Samara came to a stop in front of a corner shop. Theo noticed a sign that read:
Marty Pawn Shop.
Seemed this was the place he could trade his gold coins for paper money.
When they went inside, Theo was amazed by how many things fitted in such a small space. If he didn't know any better, Theo would think this place was run by a mage. It was the only way someone could fit so much in such a tiny space.
Samara instantly walked off to the counter in the corner and rang a small bell on it. "Hey Marty, you here?"
"He's not here." A voice responded with a young man, about Theo's age appearing at the counter. "But how can I help you, Samara?"
Samara frowned. "When will he be coming back? I take it he's at an auction."
"He'll be back in two weeks." The man answered. "Do you need something from him?"
"Yeah but I can wait." Samara sighed. "Tell him to give me a call when he's back in town."
The man frowned but nodded his head. "Alright… See you around."
"Yeah see ya." Samara muttered before grabbing Theo's arm and practically dragging him out the store. When they were a few meters away, Samara huffed, "Can't believe he's back in town…"
"Is something the matter?" Theo asked, a little lost about the whole situation.
"It's nothing much, but you won't be able to trade your coins for money any time soon." Samara explained, letting go of his arm. "I can loan you some money until Marty comes back. He's the only person that'll buy your coins without asking questions."
"I understand." Theo paused for a moment. "That man back there… Things seemed tense between you two…"
"Yeah… things didn't end well for either of us." Samara chuckled sadly. "He's my ex-boyfriend, I mean ex-lover. Was just surprising to see him there…"
Theo stayed quiet, feeling like he had gone into dangerous territory. Samara seemed to sense the tense air too.
"But that's all in the past." Samara smiled fakely. "Anyway, we should head over to the café I work at. There are some books there, so it should keep you entertained until I finish up work."
"That's fine with me." Theo shrugged as they came to a stop near the edge of the pavement.
"Cool." Samara stated before she said in a lower tone, "Oh yeah… if anyone asks, just say you're a friend taking a break from the military."
Theo guessed this was meant to be his backstory for curious people. Not that Theo could blame her for coming up with such a lie. If anyone discovered someone from another world had traveled to his, many would go crazy, maybe even hurt the person.
Things were likely the same here, even if their worlds seemed totally different. After all, the author of his world had to base parts of it on this one.
***
A few hours later, Theo felt as if his brain had exploded. He had only finished reading the second book from the pile of books Samara had brought him and what he had read hadn't even scratched the surface about this world.
There was so much information and knowledge to read through, it seemed almost impossible to learn everything.
Still, Theo was determined to learn everything there was to know about this world. There was so much great knowledge and he found himself drawn to the science and technology of this world.
"Do you want to take a quick break?" A voice asked, making Theo look up from the biology book he was currently reading.
He found himself gazing at Samara who was holding a tray with some drinks and food on it. He recognized some of them from the glass counter display in the back of the cafe'.
"Sure." Theo nodded, pushing the books to one side so Samara could place the tray down on the small round table.
She immediately did so before taking a second across from him. "You didn't seem to like the coffee from this morning so I got you a fruit punch juice and a chocolate milkshake so you can try it out. This place makes the best milkshakes I've even had."
As she spoke, Samara passed Theo two different drinks before handing him a plate with some sandwiches on it.
"These are BLT sandwiches so I hope you're okay with lettuce, bacon and tomato. There's also a mayonnaise dressing that Elisa, the chef, makes which is divine." Samara explained. "She also makes a few of the pastries here along with Quinten, who focuses on desserts."
Theo didn't really care about the food if he was being honest. Food was just something he had to eat to continue living. So, as Samara continued explaining the different foods she had brought over, Theo quietly ate.
Eventually Samara realized he had been quiet for some time and went red in the face with embarrassment.
"I'm sorry for annoying you with all this talk." Samara exclaimed in a nervous tone. "Everyone tells me I'm over passionate about things and I tend to ramble a lot when I get excited over something… Great, now I'm rambling like an idiot."
"Well, it's good to have passions." Theo shrugged, deciding to change the topic as Samara looked almost ready to crumble. "Can I ask you something serious?"
"Um... sure." Samara nodded.
Theo was silent for a moment before he asked, "Why are you helping me?"