___Hof___
"Hof, could you please wake up the young ones?"
"Yes, Mother Meredith."
Hof had been trying his best to become a smarter and more respectable young man. That day when they had their 'little outing', Hof had been the one to suggest that they use the roof to get into one of the rich apartments. It was the middle of the working day, he thought that the homes would be empty, that on-one would be inside, and even if they were he assumed Feln would be able to bail when he noticed them with his superior senses. So, he asked him. Originally, he was dismissive. He didn't think it was a bad idea, he just didn't see why they should do it. But, he readily agreed when Hof mentioned that there might be good food up there. When Feln came back as hurt as he did, Hof felt his heart drop. He had almost gotten him killed.
He vowed to never do it again.
Speaking of Feln, Hof suddenly realised he was nowhere around. "Mother Meredith, do you know where Feln's gone?"
"He's gone out into the plains. He said he wants to be better, so he is making an effort."
Hof could only smile in response. He was happy that Feln was making strides to improve, it made him feel like he should make some effort too.
So that's what he'll do.
Not long after, Hof left the home to go to the city market. He was going to run a few errands for Mother Meredith using some money that she gave him, and he wasn't going to screw it up.
He passed many people on his way there, some old, some young, some strong, some weak. His footfalls fell heavy on the stone paved streets of the city, his hair slightly swaying as he made his way by. The sun was shining down on him, the light a pleasant change from the usual darkness that fell over the city.
'So warm.'
He passed many alleys, making sure to avoid eye contact with the people that lurked inside. He didn't want to be recognised as an orphan. It could get… dangerous.
Even if the military hates criminals, there are always those that go unnoticed and unbothered.
Hof passed many stores as well, they were rather mundane looking. Nothing interesting caught his eye.
That is… until he saw a store with a particularly interesting sign.
"Emporium of all things magic? There was a store like this here?"
He walked up to the windows, peering in. And he could see that there were a lot of gems and books, some herbs and roots.
It caught his interest.
Walking up the few steps that lead to the door, he pulled it open and the melodious chime of a bell rang. Except… there was no bell.
"Greetings, boy! I was beginning to wonder when you would come in!" It was an old looking man, a greying beard of unmatched length fell down from his face, his green eyes twinkled with sparks of many different colours. He was dressed in a robe of verdant green, with a matching pointed hat lopsidedly resting atop his head.
Confused, Hof asked, "Hello, sir, has this store always been here?"
The elderly man's entire face smiled with wonder, "Oh? You, noticed? That is quite interesting."
Hof didn't quite understand what he meant. 'How would someone not notice a new store like this?'
"Was I not supposed to?"
"Well, it isn't that you weren't supposed to. More that… you weren't expected to? But, now that you're here, I might as well do a little experiment! Quickly, boy! Give me your palm!"
Hof felt his mind grow a little foggy as he began to bring his arm up, and before it was even halfway outstretched, the elderly man snatched at his wrist. Hof struggled to pull away, but the old coot had a grip like a vice.
Panicked, Hof snapped out of his reverie, "What did you just do to me? Who are you?"
"Me? I am Nolis, Grand wizard of the realms! As for what I did? Nothing. I just think that you are quite interesting, and I don't want to waste anymore time! What is your name?"
"Hof, just Hof. And if you don't want anything, why are you doing this?" Still wide eyed and fearful, Hof felt he had no choice but to comply and try to figure out what the man's intentions were.
The old man hadn't looked up from his wrist, intently staring at the veins in his hand, flipping his palm over, and over and over again. But, suddenly, he stopped. He looked up at Hof, and as he did... His face seemed to melt.
Hof stumbled back, the screeching of tables sliding across the floor voicing his fright. The man called Nolis' face fell away, and what lay beneath could only be described with one word…
Blank.
It was neither old nor young. It held no joy nor sadness. No anger nor passion. It was like a face of average proportions, thoughts and feelings.
"Much better, now we can speak face to face." He said, even his voice was seemingly monotone, without any character or feeling.
"What was that?"
"A protective measure. The Kingdom does not appreciate when I open up my doors and teach promising youths." He said, outstretching his arms in a grand gesture.
"Promising youths?" Hof meekly asked, his arms held tightly against his sides and his legs shaking like he were on a boat.
Nolis just blankly looked at him, his blank face being momentarily overcome with pity. "Well, yes. But, before I teach you anything we're going to have to fix your pitiful nature. I'm going to teach you how to be confident!"
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