Kapitel 102: Next steps
The next morning dawned with a harsh light that pierced the cracks in the wooden shutters of their room. The chirping of birds and distant sounds of the city waking up drifted in through the single, small window. Lila was already dressed, her hair tied back in a neat bun.
"Aldwyn," she whispered, nudging his shoulder gently. "It's time to wake up."
He didn't stir.
Lila's gentle nudge was met with the inertia of a man lost in the throes of a deep slumber, oblivious to the impending chaos of the day ahead. The sun's early light painted the room in a stark, uncompromising palette. She watched him for a moment, his chest rising and falling steadily beneath the thick fur blanket, a testament to his untroubled sleep.
With a sigh, she tried again, this time with a bit more force. "Aldwyn," she murmured, her voice carrying the urgency of their mission.
He stirred, the fur blanket slipping down to reveal the silver glint of his eyes opening. "If there's one thing I hate, it's people interrupting my sleep," he mumbled, his voice gravelly with the remnants of sleep. He sat up, the blanket pooling around his waist, and ran a hand through his disheveled black hair.
Lila's gaze was steady. "We have much to discuss," she said, her voice firm.
Aldwyn nodded and as he slowly woke up, he told her everything that he had experienced the previous day. He also told her that he had given up the contract, because it had become too dangerous for him.
After lila listened, she described what she had learned from her contract and also told him that she had another meeting today with a certain Eileen Wilson, who could probably give her some answers.
After mentioning everything important, they decided to have breakfast first before discussing the next steps. The smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon came from the inn's kitchen. They descended the creaky stairs and entered the lively common room. The warmth and light of the crackling fireplace enveloped them, a stark contrast to the cool air outside. The chatter of early risers filled the room, a mixture of languages and dialects from all corners of the Empire.
Lila scanned the menu, her eyes lingering over the various options before settling on a hearty dish of eggs, sausages, and toast, accompanied by a steaming cup of tea. "I'll have the 'Traveler's Breakfast', please," she said, placing her order with the plump, jovial innkeeper.
The price was a reasonable fifty Lexus, a small fortune for the locals, as well as for Lila, who was left with only seventeen Lexus.
„I really need to finish this contract today..." Lila thought to herself with a sense of urgency.
Aldwyn studied the menu, his gaze scanning the options. "I'll take the 'Hunter's Delight', fifty-five Lexus," he said, his voice calm and measured. The innkeeper nodded, scribbled something on a wooden board, and disappeared into the kitchen, the scent of frying eggs and spices following her.
Their breakfast arrived promptly, a steaming platter of food that looked more like a feast than a simple morning meal. The eggs were cooked to perfection, the yolk a molten sun atop a mountain of crispy bacon and golden toast. Lila's tea steamed gently in its porcelain cup, the scent of Earl Grey wafting up to mingle with the rich aromas of their food.
As they ate, they discussed their findings from the previous day.
Lila spoke up first, her eyes shining with excitement. "Aldwyn, I think the woman I'm meeting with, Eileen Wilson, she might know something. Do you want to come with me? You've got nothing to do anyway."
Aldwyn took a sip of his coffee, the warm liquid doing little to thaw the ice in his eyes. He set the cup down with a clink, the silver in his gaze unwavering. "No, I have something else in mind," he said, his voice a low murmur that seemed to echo in the quiet room. "I need to visit the Library of Worlds."
Lila's eyebrows shot up. "Why?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Aldwyn shrugged, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Information gathering," he replied vaguely, taking a bite of his eggs. The yolk burst, sending a river of warmth down his throat.
After they had finished eating, Lila gathered her cloak around her and stepped out into the crisp morning air. The city was slowly waking up, the early risers hurrying about their business, hunched against the cold. She walked with purpose, the cobblestones clicking under her booted feet.
Meanwhile, Aldwyn retreated to their room, his thoughts racing. He stripped off his shirt and splashed cold water from the basin onto his face, the shock of the chill jolting him fully awake. His reflection in the small, warped mirror above the washstand was grim. He combed his hair into a semblance of order and trimmed his beard with a straight razor, each stroke precise and deliberate. The silver glint of his eyes seemed to pierce the very fabric of the room.
Next, he donned a fresh white shirt, the fabric crisp and starched, buttoning it meticulously up to his neck. A black vest followed, adorned with intricate silver stitching that glinted in the candlelight. The charcoal-gray hooded coat, a silent testament to the fires it had withstood, was slung over his shoulders, its folds settling into place with a quiet dignity.
Aldwyn's pants were made of a tough, yet flexible material, perfect for both stealth and combat. They were black, the color of the night that seemed to be his natural habitat. His boots, shined to a mirror finish, reached mid-calf and were laced with leather that was as dark as a moonless night. Each stitch and buckle spoke of the meticulous craftsmanship that went into their creation.
„I can't thank Lady Roxanne enough..." He thought to himself as he admired the clothes.
Once he had finished dressing, he took a hairband that originally belonged to Lila and tied his shoulder-length hair into a loose bun. It was a simple, utilitarian look, but it was in stark contrast to the wildness he usually displayed. The Black Elemental revolver found its place in his holster, hidden beneath his cloak. Each chamber loaded with a bullet imbued with the power of shadow, fire, frost and lightning.
Aldwyn stepped out into the cold morning air, the chill biting at his skin like a thousand tiny teeth. He pulled the hood of his cloak over his head, the fur-lined fabric wrapping him in a cocoon of warmth. His breath hung in the air like ghosts escaping his lungs as he surveyed the sleepy streets of Choucsea.
„Man I hate the winter..." Aldwyn thought to himself as he made his way to the carriage stop.
....
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein