After only a short while of walking, they finally reached their location.
The girl tossed her head to the side, signaling to Nephyr as if to follow her in. He couldn't help but acknowledge its exterior before entering, however.
The entire building sat directly in a small corner between streets, having a sloping, dusted, tiled overhang cover the front porch leading to the front door. Above was a rather appealing series of tall tinted windows, subtle cracks sliding down each of their surfaces.
The overall composure of the structure appeared old and aged in its nature — dark vines swirling up and down the decrepit wooden beams and railings.
The whole thing looked like it would collapse at any second, yet it never did, standing as a testament to talented architecture he couldn't help but admire.
Even the door leading into the building was something to take note of. It appeared more gothic in design, and upon the girl pressing her weight, it made a rather pleasant creaking and shifting noise the more it gaped open.
Upon stepping inside, his nose was immediately met with the sickly sweet scent of old wood and an unknown, ever-present fragrance — numerous items cluttering the floor, all besides a path leading straight up to the front counter aligned to the left wall.
Nearly as soon as they entered, a woman, appearing in her late twenties, rushed out to greet them.
"Ah, welcome in!" She smiled, though her eyes widened in a mixture of joy and relief as she laid eyes on the young girl.
"Oh, it's you! What can I provide today?"
"Just two stones worth of Roeland dust and a bundle of redfin, please. Oh, and maybe a stick of black licorice, too."
"Yes, yes. I'll get that ready for you!"
Throughout the entire conversation, Nephyr took note of the fact that the woman seemingly paid no attention to him. He watched in silence as she ran off through a door far off in the back of the room.
In his silence, he could feel the subtle gaze of the girl hit into his side.
He slowly turned his head, meeting her eyes with his own. "What?"
She gave a subtle tug against his sleeve before returning her gaze forwards. "The shopkeeper's name is Riza. Try to get to know her well, as you'll be speaking to her often."
"Right..."
Not willing to stand idle and wait in drowning silence, the boy marched to some of the items placed around the room, glaring at and analyzing each object intensely.
An old pile of books, labeled with all sorts of words and terms which meant nothing to him. A slightly torn chart, appearing to be a map of some form, though was far too washed to make heads or tails of its contents.
The item which caught his eye the most was a rather fancy — though partially shattered — mirror placed against a thin wooden beam.
Nephyr, this entire time, had yet to see his own body. With his memory being erased, he had no recollection of even the slightest hint of his appearance.
His hair was a short black, and looked rather unruly and out of place in comparison to the rest of his face — that being soft and untampered by the reality of life. That being said, his own eyes were oddly striking to him.
Shining a dull orange, it immediately drew most attention straight to them.
For longer than he could even comprehend, he was glued to his reflection. A sense of familiarity yet disgust at what he saw. This was him. This was the flesh and blood he walked in.
Something about that realization made his heart sink. Something about it made his stomach churn with indescribable emotions.
The only thing which managed to bring him back to reality was the sudden clamouring of the women returning, forcing him to shut off his own brain and leave his echo in the past.
"Here you are, Patches. All the items you requested."
She quickly grabbed each of the items and responded with a brief "Thank you."
nephyr, however, was shrouded in intrigue. Not due tot he fact that he just discovered his own appearance, but because he just heard the girl's name.
"Wait-" He muttered, slightly walking up to the pair, "Is that really your name?"
The girl seemingly didn't mind his curiosity, giving a kind smile and gently responding. "It is."
"You must be new," the shopkeeper cut in, "I'm Riza, nice to meet you!"
Being put on the spot, he swiftly responded. "Oh, hello. I'm... Nephyr."
He could feel the weight of his new name as it spewed out of his mouth. It was uncomforting to say.
"Well, nice to meet you, Nephyr. I assume you were taken in by the ringmaster as well, right?"
"Ringmaster..? Do you mean Elior?"
"Yes, him. He's practically a celebrity here in Providence."
Nyx, still confused, decided to lie. "Ah, I see..."
"Well, if that's all, then I'll see the two of you later. Be sure to stay safe out there, okay?"
"Yeah," Patches murmured, "We will, Riza."
And just like that, they were out. The fragrance of the interior almost instantly faded and was replaced by the fresh cold air, so cold it sent a slight shiver down Nephyr's spine.
"Come on," she said, quickly walking off down the street and forcing Nephyr to try and catch up. Much to his surprise, the usually quiet and reserved girl spoke once more; "So, did he not tell you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Elior. Did he not tell you he runs the Circus?"