The soft morning light filtered through the worn curtains of Adrian's modest house, casting a golden hue across the wooden floorboards. Birds chirped outside, and the distant sound of the ocean waves could be heard beyond the town. Inside, everything was calm—except for the room where Violet lay in an unbroken sleep for the last month.
Adrian is cooking in his humble kitchen, the smell of his favorite breakfast filling the air as he flipped the eggs with practiced ease. His hands worked on autopilot, but his mind was elsewhere—specifically on the figure lying motionless in the next room.
Violet had been asleep for an entire month. In his mind he's thinking "I can't believe that a witch can sleep in months just because of a mana depletion" He still couldn't wrap his head around it. He poured himself a cup of coffee, its rich aroma mixing with the scent of the breakfast. Taking a sip, he leaned against the counter and sighed as he found out something.
With his plate of bacon and eggs in hand, Adrian made his way over to wherex Violet lay, her breathing soft and steady. "You know," he said, as if she could hear him, "you're really missing out. Bacon, eggs, coffee—it's the perfect breakfast. But hey, keep on sleeping if you want."
He set his plate down on the small table beside her bed, smirking. "Maybe I should start keeping track of how long you can sleep. One month's impressive. Think you can hit two?"
He chuckled to himself, but just as he reached for his coffee, he noticed a slight movement. Violet stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she stretched, blinking in the soft light of the room.
Adrian grinned, crossing his arms. "Ah, so Sleeping Beauty finally awakens."
"I had to explain to the crew why our guest here decided to sleep through an entire expedition debrief," Adrian continued, more to himself than to her. "They were beginning to wonder if you'd ever wake up. Even Loden started placing bets."
As if on cue, Violet's eyes fluttered open. Her violet gaze swept across the room, landing on Adrian with a mixture of confusion and weariness. She tried to sit up, wincing slightly.
"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," Adrian teased, his grin widening. "Or should I say, Sleeping Witch?"
Violet blinked at him, then narrowed her eyes, recognizing the mocking tone. "A month…" she murmured, her voice hoarse. "I've been out for a month?"
"Yeah," Adrian said, crossing his arms. "I was starting to think you'd never wake up. I mean, who sleeps that long?" He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I know you're powerful and all, but I didn't think that extended to breaking records for naps."
Violet sat up straighter, her annoyance growing. She lifted her hand, and in an instant, several glowing magic circles materialized around her. "Care to mock me again, Captain?" she asked sweetly, though the threat was clear in her tone.
Adrian quickly raised his hands in surrender, though the grin never left his face. "Alright, alright. Easy with the light rays. That will cost me a lot of crown to repair this house"
Violet lowered her hand, the magic circles disappearing as quickly as they appeared. "What happened while I was asleep?" she asked, her voice regaining its strength.
Adrian leaned back, his expression becoming more serious. "Well, a lot, actually. After we returned to the Samarian Sea, the crew disbanded for a bit. Everyone's been recovering and adjusting back to life. Loden was reassigned, and I've been keeping an eye on things here in the Principality of Kansas."
Violet raised an eyebrow. "Kansas?"
"Yeah, that's the name of this town and the country we're in—Principality of Kansas. Quiet big country near by the sea. At least it was until we stirred up some trouble," Adrian said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Speaking of trouble, the Commodore's summoned both of us. We're heading to Sunshine Cove, the Grand Navy's naval base."
"Summoned?" Violet's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why?"
Adrian shrugged. "Probably wants to hear about our little 'expedition.' Or maybe it's about the whole 'witch' thing. Either way, it's going to be fun explaining all this to the higher-ups."
Violet sighed, swinging her legs off the bed. "Well then, I suppose we shouldn't keep them waiting."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Wait!, wait!. Not so fast. You've been asleep for a month. You should at least eat something before we head out."
Violet, still groggy, gave him a dismissive wave. "I'm fine. No need for that."
"Come on," Adrian insisted, picking up the plate of bacon and eggs. "You have to be hungry after all that sleeping."
"I said I'm fine!" Violet replied, not even looking at the food.
"Are you sure?" Adrian asks him once again.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I don't need food?!" Violet said with anger in her voice
Adrian narrowed his eyes, then grinned mischievously. "Alright. I didn't want to do this, but you leave me no choice." Without warning, he grabbed a piece of bacon and, before Violet could react, shoved it into her mouth.
"What are you-- "
Her eyes widened in surprise as the crispy slice of bacon met her lips. The instant she bit down, her initial shock gave way to something softer, more curious. The smoky, salty flavor enveloped her senses, and her usually composed demeanor shifted. For a moment, she appeared almost vulnerable, savoring each bite as though it was a foreign experience.
"What... what is this?" she mumbled, her words slightly muffled by the bacon still between her teeth. The question lingered in the air, half wonder, half disbelief, as though she were tasting a secret long withheld from her.
"Bacon," Adrian repeated, now thoroughly amused. "It's pretty standard around here."
Violet looked at the plate as if she had discovered a treasure. "This didn't exist in my time," she muttered, then took another bite. "This is… far better than anything I've had in my homeland."
Adrian watched in surprise as Violet grabbed the plate and began devouring the rest of the breakfast. "Wait, seriously? Bacon didn't exist before?"
"No," Violet said between bites. "We had our own cuisine, but this…" She paused to savor another mouthful. "This is far superior."
Adrian blinked, barely able to contain his laughter. "I wasn't expecting this reaction."
Violet's focus entirely on the remaining pieces on her plate. Before Adrian could say another word, she reached for another slice, her initial hesitation now entirely gone. "More," she said, her voice firm, though her eyes betrayed the eagerness behind it.
Adrian chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "You just ate a whole plate, and you're asking for seconds?"
Violet nodded, her expression deadly serious. "I need more."
After Violet had her fill of breakfast, they both began to prepare for the journey to Sunshine Cove. Adrian strapped his sword to his side, making sure his uniform was tidy while Violet adjusted her cloak and robe, which still bore the faint signs of her long slumber. The air outside was crisp, and the salty breeze from the ocean stirred the curtains as they stepped out of Adrian's house.
The town was just waking up. Fishermen were preparing their nets, shopkeepers were setting out their goods, and the low hum of the morning filled the streets. Adrian glanced at the distant port, the towering masts of ships swaying gently with the ebb and flow of the tides.
As they moved through the bustling streets, Adrian couldn't shake the feeling that something about Violet's robe was different. He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the fabric as they walked side by side. The once plain, deep black fabric had been simple and unadorned when she first awoke—perfectly functional but otherwise unremarkable. It hung loose around her figure, its weight almost concealing her movements, save for the occasional flicker of light that hinted at its magical properties.
But now, something had changed. The previously smooth surface of the robe was no longer featureless. Faint symbols and intricate patterns had appeared, seemingly woven into the fabric itself. The designs were subtle, almost invisible at first glance, but in the daylight, they shimmered ever so slightly, casting a delicate glow with each step she took. The symbols appeared to shift and flow, their meanings elusive, like a language spoken in whispers.
Violet's hand traced the shifting symbols, and she smiled softly. "This is the normal state—it's passive, you might say. These symbols you see now are protective wards, though they're mostly dormant when I'm not in danger. They reflect my attunement to the surrounding magic and energy. In this state, it's lightweight and doesn't restrict my movement."
Adrian leaned in slightly to get a closer look. The symbols resembled ancient runes, delicate spirals and angular shapes intertwining in a rhythmic pattern that seemed alive. The lines were faint but traced in shimmering gold, fading into the deep red fabric like a pulse—alive, but quiet.
"And when you're in defensive mode?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
"The patterns grow more pronounced," Violet replied. "In defensive mode, the wards become more visible and active, forming a barrier that can absorb or deflect attacks. The robe itself thickens, becoming almost like armor. And in attack mode—well, that's when things get interesting."
"That's impressive," Adrian remarked. "So, you're telling me you've got battle gear disguised as comfy clothes?"
"More or less," Violet said with a chuckle.
As they approached the port, the sounds of the ocean grew louder, with seagulls squawking overhead and the steady rhythm of waves crashing against the docks. The patrol boats were anchored along the piers, their sails furled. Several sailors milled about, tending to their ships, while a few caught sight of Adrian and Violet and nodded respectfully.
One of the patrol boat captains, a grizzled man with a bushy beard with a nameplate named Ensign Avery, approached them before saluting. "Lieutenant-Commander Adrian Nicolas, sir do you need a ride to Sunshine Cove?"
Adrian sighed dramatically, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I could use one. Too lazy to untie my own sailboat today.
The ensign chuckled and gestured to his ship. "Hop aboard then sir. It'll be quicker this way."
As they boarded the small patrol boat, Adrian leaned back against the railing, enjoying the cool breeze. After a moment, he glanced at Violet's thick robe and cloak once again, curiosity getting the better of him. "So, I gotta ask… why do you always wear such a thick robe with a cloak, even in this weather?"
Violet raised an eyebrow at the question, clearly amused. "It's practical."
Adrian tilted his head, narrowing his eyes at Violet's thick robe. "Practical? Doesn't it get hot? I mean, it's like wearing a tent," he teased.
Violet raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. She pulled her cloak a little tighter around her shoulders, though not out of discomfort—more out of habit. "It's enchanted," she replied with a small smile. "I don't feel the temperature the way most do. And besides, it's not just about the heat. It helps me conceal my identity when I need to. In places like this, I don't exactly blend in."
Adrian nodded, understanding the logic behind it, but he couldn't resist prodding her a little more. "Okay, fair. But, don't you think you'd look a bit less suspicious in something lighter? Most of the mages I know wear much less… well, much less of everything."
Violet glanced at him, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?" she asked cautiously.
Adrian smirked, enjoying her reaction already. "Most of the mages I've seen? They're either in these fitted suits or—how should I put it—wearing barely anything. A lot of them show off a lot of skin, especially their cleavage." He gestured loosely with his hands, trying to imitate the flamboyant styles he'd seen. "It's like they're using magic to keep their clothes from falling off half the time."
Violet's expression twisted in shock, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. Her usually composed demeanor cracked as she stared at him. "W-what?" she stammered. "Revealing clothes? For a mage? That's… that's absurd! Absolutely ridiculous!"
She crossed her arms over her chest as if the very idea offended her. "Mages are supposed to be sacred! We study ancient arts, control forces beyond normal understanding, and they're parading around—like that?" Her voice grew more indignant as she went on. "I would never! Wear something like that in my life! What kind of mage goes around flaunting their—"
Adrian couldn't hold it in any longer. He cracked a loud, booming laugh that echoed through the street, bending over slightly as he tried to catch his breath. Violet shot him a sharp look, but it only made him laugh harder.
"I'm serious!" she protested, her cheeks flushing with indignation. "It's disgraceful! What kind of mage would do that? There's no dignity in it!"
Adrian wiped a tear from his eye, still grinning. "I don't know, Violet. Maybe you'd start a trend. The 'mysterious, fully-covered mage' look."
Violet huffed, still clearly upset, but her mouth tugged upward in a reluctant smile. "There's power in being hidden, Lieutenant. But no, I'll leave the fashion experiments to someone else."
Adrian leaned back, enjoying the feel of the wind on his face. "You'll like Sunshine Cove," he said casually. "It's not just a naval base—it's a whole town built around the navy. Ships come from all over the world to dock there. If you want to get a sense of the power the Golden Navy holds, that's the place to see it."
Violet nodded, though her eyes were fixed on the horizon, lost in thought. "And it's strategically placed in the Samarian Sea, right? To protect the last uncontaminated waters."
"Exactly," Adrian replied. "The Samarian Sea is one of the few safe havens left, and Sunshine Cove is the center of it all. A place where sailors, merchants, and soldiers alike gather. And a perfect spot for the Golden Navy to assert its dominance over the waters."
As the boat sailed closer to Sunshine Cove, the naval base began to come into view. Massive ships with golden sails lined the harbor, their towering masts casting shadows over the docks. The town itself sprawled along the coastline, a maze of bustling streets, market stalls, and stone buildings with colorful banners flapping in the wind. At the heart of the base stood a grand fortress, its high walls glinting in the sunlight. Golden Navy flags flew from every corner, and the entire harbor was abuzz with activity—officers giving orders, crews preparing for voyages, and merchants trading exotic goods.
Violet observed it all, her eyes scanning the horizon. "It's impressive," she admitted. "The Golden Navy certainly has a firm grasp on the Samarian Sea."
Adrian grinned. "Wait until you see it up close. Commodore Ellington's headquarters are right in the heart of it. They don't call it the Golden Navy for nothing."
The boat pulled into the dock, and the crew expertly tied it down as Adrian and Violet prepared to disembark. Adrian stretched his arms, cracking his knuckles as he stepped off the boat and onto the sturdy wooden pier.
"Welcome to Sunshine Cove," Adrian said with a grin, gesturing to the sprawling naval base and town ahead of them. "Our next stop, the Commodore's office"