It was mid afternoon by the time he had left his house. Lumen had bathed off the sweat from the night before and put on fresh clothes. He was heading back into the city today to speak with the local expert. Someone who might have a better idea than him on what was wrong and how he could get to Astradel.

Lumen quickly made his way through his familiar dirt roads, meeting the same stone as yesterday he felt anxious, he hadn't wanted to return so fast but his pain, the episodes were too much to bear, he couldn't take it. He needed to leave earlier than he had planned. He sighed as he entered the unwelcoming city once more. A few glances from Humans, a few glares. One small child jumping beside her mother, outlining her ears as if they were long like an Elves.

Lumen averted his gaze; he hadn't realized, he had forgotten to raise his hood, but he felt as though doing so now would be pointless.

His shoes clicked across the stone as he hurried through various streets, always keeping an eye out for the men he saw yesterday. Always checking over his shoulder and any dark alleys he may pass.
Lumen finally appeared in front of a large building; it looked a bit more advanced than the ones surrounding it. It had a certain shine around it that caught his attention. This was the hall for studying various things from herbs and mushrooms to various illnesses, different cities and landscapes too. He was here to talk to the locale expert on the best route to Astradel from here.
He felt a twinge of anxiety as he stepped into the building. The person at the front that was meant to direct and greet people looked at Lumen with confusion, almost harsh enough to make Lumen turn around and give up.
He cleared his throat before attempting to speak

"Good afternoon.. I Uh, I was wondering if I could speak to the local expert for just a moment"

The woman behind the front counter looked at Lumen, almost condescendingly. She had a sharp voice that matched her scowl.

"Well, I don't think he has the time to speak with you, why exactly do you need him? This is a place of study not children running around"

Lumen clenched his molars, feeling the sting of her words. He spoke in an unwavering tone, demanding respect. He hadn't even done anything wrong

"I need to speak with him on something related to Astradel, so if you could possibly find the time to inform him that would be appreciated"

The woman looked slightly shocked and cast her gaze off to the side; two men chatting with each other exited through a large door that probably led to some sort of library given the brief glimpse Lumen saw. They were both in white robes; most teachers wore something like this. Lumen couldn't remember, but he knew the color was related to the subject. At least that's what he could remember. Suddenly one of the men spoke up, his voice echoing through the halls.

"Did I hear Astradel?" He said with genuine curiosity, he scanned the room as he walked closer, his comrade parting ways down a different hall. His eyes caught Lumen's and he gave the boy a curious look.
"Interesting, did you mention Astradel?" Lumen couldn't sense any hostility, maybe surprise, at an Elf asking about the largest city of Elves in the entire region. But no malice. Lumen quickly straightened up and went to answer. Before he could, the squirrely woman behind the counter began

"I'm sorry sir, I tried to tell him he can't be here he ju-" She was cut off rather abruptly.

"That's enough now Caroline, he's just a boy and he's got some questions. We should never shun the pursuit of knowledge."
He spoke smoothly before beginning to walk towards a long, warmly colored hallway.

"Come this way, boy"

Lumen looked at the dejected, probably embarrassed girl behind the desk. She avoided eye contact with Lumen as he walked by, following the older man ahead of him. He began to finally speak once he caught up
"I'm sorry for the intrusion, I did have some questions about Astradel.. And well, how to get there."

The older man raised an eyebrow before speaking in a rather lively tone.

"How to get there! Goodness that is a request. For what purpose did you plan to go if I may?"

Lumen examined the walls that had rather old paintings on them, before the man ahead of him opened the two large doors leading to a room that was surprisingly warm. A fireplace tucked off to the side and a large desk in the middle of the room. A spinning globe on the far corner of the desk and a sprawling shelf of books behind it. Lumen suddenly remembered the question; as the man gestured to him to sit; he did with slight hesitation.

"I- Well, I'm sick. And I've heard Astradel is leading in medicine. So I was hoping they could help me.. figure out what's wrong. I figure since I'm, well I'm one of them they would be more inclined to help."

Lumen felt his words start to trail off a bit towards the end as he pondered them. The older man in front of him rolled out a map across his desk, showing the entire country. Lumen scooted closer, taking it all in as he heard the Teacher answer thoughtfully.

"Well, that may be true. Elves tend to be unsure of outsiders." He thought for a moment more "It is true they lead in known medicine, and are infinitely skilled in healing magics, it's quite a long way from here. one that isn't exactly safe at many points. Would you by chance have a plan for that?"
Lumens gaze shifted around the room. He felt slightly embarrassed to answer, as he knew he physically couldn't fight off thieves on his own, and he could potentially lose his way. But he was determined. His browns creased as he looked the older male in the eyes.

"Not.. exactly. But that's not going to stop me from going. I need to get there no matter the cost"
Lumen jolted suddenly at the booming laughter from the man.
"Now it doesn't do you much good if the cost is your life, now does it."

Quickly the older man stood and spread the corners of his worn map on his desk, smoothing the corners that coiled on themselves.
"This is where we are, down here"

He pointed a bony finger at a cluster of trees off to the south-east part of the map. Lumen watched with intent as he listened to him speak.
"Up here, a long this river, if you follow it for several days you'll reach a larger city called Tas'gala"

Lumen only vaguely heard the name of this city before, it was a hub of sorts and had many trade routes connected to it. He watched as the older man in front of him dragged his fingers across various lines mentioning many small villages a long the way and a larger city further north tucked close to water. Finally his hand landed on a large mass on the map.

"This is Astradel, up here. at least two weeks away on foot."

Lumen glanced up, seeing eyes full of wisdom, staring down at him.
"Do you see now child, how perilous your journey is alone?"

The man quickly folded up his map before sitting back down in his well used chair.
"In all good faith I can't suggest doing this alone."

Lumen understood where he had been coming from, but he couldn't let this stop him. He will reclaim his life, somehow. He spoke earnestly.
"I.. I understand, and I appreciate your concern, but this is my life. I must go regardless of anyone's warnings."

The older man let out a low chuckle as he crossed his arms, seemingly in thought.
"There's something you could try, but I couldn't condone such an idea"

Lumen sat up, leaning in close as the older man spoke in a low tone. Lumens eyes fell to the ground as he listened, considering his words carefully. He hadn't thought of this idea before, and we wasn't even sure he could go through with it. But perhaps having safety would be best.

As Lumen was escorted out, he turned back to thank the older man, who departed with a smile, disappearing into the grand halls of the building. The bitter woman side eyeing Lumen said nothing as he walked through the doors, greeted by the evening air, not yet dark. The world hung in twilight as the streets calmed.

Lumen continued on his way home, down his familiar dirt path. He felt a pull in his stomach as he realized he was finally going to go. He had to. His plans are finally coming together.
A number of hours passed; Lumen sat in the stillness of the forest with Biyo, content in the moment his eyes shifted down to the ball of fur on his lap.

"Biyo, I don't think you can come with me when I go.."

He stroked the cats back, watching it raise with each swipe of his hand across the feline's fur.
"I'll be back though! I promise"

He knew Biyo couldn't understand him, but the simple conversation helped ease his addled mind. Eventually Lumen shifted, feeling his body growing heavy. He decided to head for his bedroom. He sank into his bed after undressing. He hadn't had an episode of pain tonight.. It's best to sleep before it comes. Lumen's eyes drifted closed, and he was soon in a deep slumber.