Today, Luke decided not to seek work. It wasn't out of laziness or a waning commitment to earn money. Rather, it was Gareth's advice from yesterday about practice making perfect that led Luke to stay at the cathedral and focus on honing his magic tricks. With this determination, he stayed in the boys' room, finding solace in the quiet as the children were off somewhere with Father Wingate and Sister Maria.
Taking advantage of this rare moment of solitude, Luke opened his briefcase to reveal his treasured magic items. Among them lay his tattered suit, a relic from his past, torn and worn from his encounter with the Aerdeich, the deer-like monster. The sight of the suit evoked a wave of nostalgia and a vow to restore it, as it was a tangible link to his previous life. Setting the suit aside, Luke began to reacquaint himself with his magic items: the deck of cards, the playing coin, the stick that transformed into a flower, and more.
He slapped his cheeks gently, a personal ritual to sharpen his focus, and began his practice session. However, the first attempt went awry as the cards slipped from his fingers, scattering across the floor. Frustration surged through him, confirming Gareth's words about the necessity of regular practice. Determined not to let this setback deter him, Luke picked up the cards and started again.
Each repetition brought small improvements. The coins moved more fluidly through his fingers, the stick transformed seamlessly into a flower, and the cards danced with increasing precision. The room became a stage where Luke performed for an imaginary audience, his hands moving with growing confidence. Hours passed unnoticed as Luke immersed himself in the familiar rhythm of his craft, the muscle memory slowly returning.
As he practised, Luke's thoughts wandered to his goals. Mastering his magic wasn't just about personal satisfaction; it was about reclaiming a piece of his identity and finding a way to support himself. The act of performing, the wonder in people's eyes, these were things that connected him to his past and could pave a path to his future.
By midday, Luke's movements were smoother, the tricks executed with a grace that had been missing. Sweat beaded on his forehead, but he felt a deep sense of accomplishment. He knew he still had a long way to go, but this was a start. With each successful trick, his confidence grew, and his resolve to earn his way to the Empire of Virencia solidified.
Eventually, the door creaked open, and the children began to trickle back into the room, their laughter and chatter filling the space. Luke quickly gathered his magic items and tucked them away, not ready to share this part of himself just yet. As the boys crowded around him, eager to recount their day's adventures, Luke felt a renewed sense of purpose. His journey was just beginning, and he was determined to see it through, one step at a time.
With the children, Father Wingate, and Sister Maria back, the usual routines of the cathedral resumed. The children bustled about, tidying their shared space and helping to prepare meals under the watchful eyes of the two caretakers. The communal spirit of the cathedral was palpable as they all gathered to eat together, sharing stories and laughter. The sense of belonging and community was comforting, but for Luke, it was also a reminder of the temporary nature of his stay.
As nighttime settled in and the boys drifted off to sleep, Luke remained awake. He felt an insistent urge to continue practising his magic tricks, driven by the day's progress and the need to reclaim his skills. He moved quietly to the corner of the room, where a small fire lamp provided just enough light for his practice.
Luke opened his briefcase and began working through his familiar repertoire. His hands moved more confidently now, the cards flowing smoothly through his fingers, the coin tricks executed with precision. But he wanted to learn more, to expand his abilities beyond what he already knew.
Pulling out his smartphone, Luke hesitated for a moment, the dim light casting a glow on the screen. This device, a link to his past life, had been a source of both comfort and uncertainty. While most of its apps were unusable and crucial features like the time and battery percentage were hidden, it still provided internet access with full bars no matter where he went. He had deduced that the phone's battery seemed unlimited, which was both a relief and a source of anxiety. What if he was wrong? What if the phone suddenly died? But he couldn't let that fear paralyze him. The smartphone was a valuable tool, and it would be wasteful not to utilize it to its fullest potential.
He searched online for new magic tricks, finding videos and tutorials that detailed various techniques. The wealth of information was overwhelming but exciting. He watched intently, pausing and replaying parts until he understood the nuances of each trick. Following the instructions, Luke practised these new tricks, his focus intensifying as he strove to perfect each move. The lamp flickered, casting shadows that danced around him, but he remained engrossed in his task.
Hours slipped by as he honed his skills, the quiet of the night broken only by the occasional rustle from the sleeping children. Luke's dedication was unwavering, his mind fixated on mastering the new tricks and incorporating them into his repertoire. This was more than just practice; it was a way for him to reaffirm his identity, to hold on to a piece of who he was before he found himself in this strange new world.
Eventually, fatigue began to set in, his eyes heavy and his hands slowing. He carefully packed away his magic items and placed the smartphone back in its secure spot. Looking around at the sleeping boys, he felt a sense of accomplishment mixed with determination. He was making progress, and each small victory brought him closer to his goals. With a final glance at the room, Luke settled down to sleep, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities to further his journey.
Staying up late meant waking up late, and Luke found himself the last to rise from bed for the morning breakfast. Despite his tardiness, none of the cathedral's inhabitants were angry at him. Luke had no formal ties to their lifestyle and routines, and his presence here was primarily due to his seeking refuge. While his connection to Gareth, one of Father Wingate's treasured children, played a role in his being welcomed, it was also crucial that Luke saved Gareth, earning him the respect and hospitality of Father Wingate and the others.
After breakfast, a surprise visit shook the quietude of the cathedral. Gareth arrived, and with him was Eamon, the elderly man who worked on cleaning and furnishing the barracks' equipment. Gareth explained that Eamon was looking for Luke, so he had brought him along. Leaving Eamon to speak with Luke, Gareth decided to entertain the children with his visit. Luke noticed that Gareth's leg seemed fully healed now.
Turning back to Eamon, Luke was met with a direct question.
"Luke, are you not interested in working with me anymore?"
"Of course, I would love to continue working with you. I just wasn't sure how frequent the job would be which is why I didn't stop by yesterday and today. I noticed the knights were using wooden swords and standard garments for their training, not their armour. So, I assumed the equipment wouldn't need daily cleaning," Luke quickly reassured him.
"Cleaning is very much like bathing, Luke. Even if our bodies are still relatively clean, we still take a bath every day, right? The sweat we excrete can be compared to the dust that affects the stored swords and armour. It builds up whether they're used or not," Eamon chuckled and shook his head,
"I'll come by tomorrow and the following days without miss," realizing the importance of consistent maintenance, Luke promised,
Patting Luke on the shoulder, Eamon bid his farewells, not only to Luke but also to Father Wingate and Gareth. He headed back first, leaving Gareth to continue amusing the children. The scene warmed Luke's heart; Gareth's presence brought a tangible joy to the young ones, their laughter and cheers filling the cathedral halls.
As Eamon departed, Luke felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would not only continue to hone his magic skills but also commit to the daily responsibilities that would help him integrate into this new world. With a determined heart, he prepared for the days ahead, knowing that each effort, no matter how small, was a step closer to his ultimate goal.
Luke watched as Eamon walked away, feeling a sense of gratitude for the old man's guidance and wisdom. He then turned his attention back to the lively scene around him, where Gareth's animated storytelling captivated the children. The warmth of their laughter and the familial atmosphere of the cathedral made Luke feel a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced in a long time. With renewed determination, he resolved to balance his magical practice with his responsibilities at the barracks, embracing the dual paths that would define his journey in this world. As the day progressed, Luke found solace in knowing that he was carving out a place for himself, step by step, in this unfamiliar yet welcoming land.