Ember didn't need to be told twice. He reached for a croissant, the pastry warm and buttery between his fingers. As he bit into it, the crust gave way to a soft, airy interior that seemed to melt in his mouth.
"This is amazing," he said between bites.
"Try some of the fruit," Carasan suggested, pointing to the platter.
Ember picked up a piece that looked like a cross between a strawberry and a star. "What's this?" he asked.
"That's a starberry," Carasan explained. "It's quite rare outside of certain regions."
Ember took a bite, and a burst of sweet and tangy flavors exploded on his tongue. "Wow," he exclaimed. "I've never tasted anything like this."
Carasan chuckled. "I thought you might enjoy it."
They continued eating, and Ember tried a bit of everything. There was smoked salmon that was rich and delicate, served with a creamy dill sauce. A bowl of oatmeal studded with nuts and drizzled with honey. Fluffy scrambled eggs that were perfectly seasoned. Each dish seemed better than the last.
As they ate, Carasan began to speak. "Ember, I wanted to talk to you about your future."
Ember looked up, his mouth full of eggs. He swallowed hastily. "My future?"
"Yes," Carasan said, sipping his coffee. "I know that everything must seem overwhelming right now. You've been through a lot in a very short time."
"That's sure a way describe the events of the past night," Ember said with a wry smile.
Carasan nodded. "Indeed. But I believe you have great potential. The abilities you've manifested are extraordinary, and with proper guidance, you could achieve remarkable things."
Ember felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. "I still don't fully understand what's happening to me."
"And that's perfectly natural," Carasan assured him. "In time, you will learn. For now, we need to get you prepared. Which is why I thought we'd start by getting you some appropriate attire."
Ember glanced down at his borrowed clothes. "Is there something wrong with these?"
"Not at all," Carasan replied. "But you'll need clothing that can withstand the unique demands of your abilities. Regular fabrics won't suffice."
"What do you mean?"
Carasan leaned back in his chair. "You have the a wind affinity of the highest calibre."
Ember hesitated. He remembered the warning from the system about revealing too much. "I really don't know, if you say so." he said cautiously.
"Then you'll need garments that are resistant resistant enough to crushing forces, friction and magic," Carasan explained. "Otherwise, you'll find yourself in quite a predicament should your powers flare up unexpectedly."
"That makes sense," Ember agreed.
"Excellent," Carasan said. "After breakfast, we'll head to a specialized clothier who can provide exactly what you need."
Ember's eyes lit up. The idea of having clothes made just for him was thrilling. "That sounds great."
"Wonderful," Carasan said, finishing his coffee. "Now, do try the pastries filled with cream. They're a personal favorite."
Ember obliged, biting into a pastry that oozed with rich vanilla cream. He couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh. "This is incredible."
Carasan couldn't help but give him a soft chuckle.
They continued their meal, and Ember felt a sense of ease settling over him. Despite the uncertainties, he was grateful for Carasan's guidance.
After they had both finished, Barhar appeared to clear the table. "The car is ready whenever you are, sir," he informed Carasan.
"Thank you, Barhar," Carasan said, standing up. "Shall we, Ember?"
Ember stood as well, his face covered with a gleeful smile, feeling more confident with each passing moment. "Lead the way."
They made their way to the entrance hall, where Ember noticed a grand staircase and a chandelier that sparkled like a constellation of stars. The front doors opened to reveal a sleek car parked in the driveway. It was unlike any vehicle Ember had ever seen.
The car was long and elegant, its body a deep midnight blue that seemed to shift hues in the sunlight. The chrome accents gleamed, and the wheels looked like they were crafted from polished obsidian.
"Wow," Ember breathed. "Is this your car?"
"It is," Carasan said with a hint of pride. "A bit ostentatious, perhaps, but it serves its purpose."
Ember walked around the car, admiring its sleek lines and intricate details. "I've never seen anything like it."
"It's a custom model," Carasan explained. "Enhanced with certain features that make travel more... efficient."
Ember raised an eyebrow. "Enhanced how?"
"You'll see," Carasan replied with a mysterious smile. He opened the passenger door for Ember. "After you."
Ember climbed in, sinking into the plush leather seat. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior. The dashboard was illuminated with soft, ambient lighting, and the controls looked more like something from a spaceship than a car.
Carasan got in on the driver's side and started the engine. Instead of a roar, there was a gentle hum, and the car seemed to glide forward effortlessly.
As they pulled away from the mansion, Ember gazed out the window. The grounds were expansive, with manicured gardens and towering trees that lined the driveway. Soon, they were driving through a landscape that shifted from lush countryside to urban streets.
Ember pressed his face against the window, taking in the sights. "I've never been out here before," he admitted.
Carasan glanced at him. "You've never been outside the city?"
"Not really," Ember said. "I mean, I've been around the orphanage and the nearby streets, but that's about it."
"Then today should be quite an experience for you," Carasan said.
They drove through bustling streets filled with people going about their day. Ember watched as vendors sold their wares, children played in parks, and street performers entertained crowds.
At one point, they passed a towering building with ornate architecture. "What's that place?" Ember asked, pointing.
"That's the Hall of Mirrors," Carasan said. "A place where artists and scholars gather."
"It looks amazing," Ember said, his eyes wide.
They continued on, and the scenery began to change. The buildings grew taller, and the streets became narrower. Ember noticed that some people seemed to vanish into alleys that didn't appear on the main road.
"Are we in a different part of town?" he asked.
"In a manner of speaking," Carasan replied. "We're entering an area that's hidden from the normal world."