The bitter cold reminded Lukas he wouldn’t have a lot of time before he would have to find a place to stay. He should have gone home. But with the recent job loss lingering in his mind, he dreaded the thought. Even in another world, he could hear Irvin scolding him for his job loss.

Cobblestone streets lead to what Lukas assumed was a palace. Meanwhile, the houses of some aristocrats lined the streets, with a marketplace nearby, a bar, a and then the coffee shop. Apparently, the coffee shop was open still, and Lukas found himself sitting inside of it. He would not be able to pay for anything yet, but with the winds, he was grateful for the change.

He would have struggled to find food, but he had found a few twigs and morphed the sustenance for food. As he sat back against a wall, he would sketch the inside, and then he would also do a sketch of the city.

Despite all of his issues, and his initial fear, there was something about drawing in this world, when he was certain Irvin wouldn’t be able to come find him, criticizing what he was doing.

He told himself he was smitten with his lover. Regardless, the silence surrounding him, when there would normally be a lecture after work, was almost deafening.

The shop has wound down, but I am still hoping to attempt to catch the eye of one of the noblemen here. Maybe, just maybe, I can give him one of my sketches for a few coins. And then maybe I can get some tea, or some coffee while I wait.

The shop would be empty through the night, and he would not earn anything. Lukas slipped out of it, feeling guilty. He should have paid them, or at least attempted to give them some goods. He had to find his way, though, and he had to do it soon.

In the morning time, the nobleman he’d seen the night before stepped into the coffee shop. Lukas’ mind told him to ignore the man. The fewer people he talked to, the less trouble he would be in, and the sooner her could get back home. In stilling the instructions in his mind, Lukas stepped into the coffeeshop behind the man, then as the noble turned around, he gave one brief glance before stepping out of the shop.

Following him, Lukas stepped to his side, pulling out the sketchbook before pointing to the satchel he had seen the nobleman pull his coins from. The man gestured, and Lukas gave him the notebook. He scowled, attempting to speak to Lukas. Lukas pointed to himself and said his name.

The nobleman turned to the page, giving it back to him, before giving him five coins. Lukas, in return, gave the man the picture of the palace. The nobleman reached his hand out, and the two would shake hands before they left.

5 coins, plus a disgruntled introduction with a nobleman.

Lukas would enter the coffee shop once more, then he would offer his painting of the coffee shop, before pointing to his coins. The woman looked at it, arched an eyebrow, then she gave him twelve coins.  Upon asking him a question, which he didn’t seem to answer, she gave a stark nod, before finding a seat nearby and gesturing for him to sit.

17 coins

Lukas sat back, longing to apologize to her. Or to at least want to give some recompense for it. Instead, he waited as she went to the back. Another employee came out of the room, then he sat down next to Lukas. Meanwhile, she would continue her shift before she gestured to him.

In welcoming him into a small hut, the woman would speak quickly to an older man–likely her father. Then, she would make some more tea, give it to Lukas, and then leave once more.

At this point, his curiosity gave way to confusion. Lukas wanted to ask more questions, and at this point, he should have gone home. Irvin would be concerned for him, and if he did go back home now, he would likely face the man’s wrath.

The older man turned to him, giving an ounce of skepticism. He would pace the room, before sitting down across from Lukas and grunting. Lukas flushed, wishing he had something for the man. Instead, he pulled out two coins and gave them to the man. The man pushed them away.

An older woman appeared, of a similar age, before turning back, and then returning with a pink stew. She spoke quickly. Lukas would eat his food quickly, expressing his thanks with a nod.

The stew appears to consist of beets, carrots, celery, and cabbage. On a day like today,  I found it warming. These people have been quite welcoming and kind, and there’s something odd about it. I have felt a warmer reception from these strangers than I did Irvin on some days.

Lukas would leave the last comment to himself. The woman would usher him into the other room, and then gesture for him to sit. Upon sitting next to a wooden fireplace, Lukas pulled his knees to his chest, thinking about Irvin. The slight devastation that his boyfriend wasn’t there, the unspoken things in the relationship, and then the realization that he was more at ease around these people.

When the initial woman returned, she would introduce herself as Roya. Her father was named Nikola, and her mother was named Dina. Lukas would avoid smiling here somewhat consciously; he rarely ever saw these people smile, aside from a few occasions. And while Roya would sit with him curiously, Nikola and Dina would go on to have an argument in the other room.

On the wall behind the sofa, a rug made of many different tapestries hung. The patterns would repeat themselves. The main color in the background was read, while there were several roses in the middle. The fringe on the edge was a consistent gold color, with beads holding it together.

The fireplace would crackle every so often, and Roya would talk to her parents a few times. But even though he couldn’t understand them, Lukas knew they were likely talking about him. He could wish he knew what they were saying, but inside, there was a deep remorse.

Upon closing his eyes, he could be certain he could travel back to his old realm. He knew the energy footprint from previous meditation attempts. But then, as he opened his eyes, a pit filled his stomach. He should have gone home right then and there, thanking these people for taking care of him in what way he could.

Instead, he found the table, pulled out his ink and quill, and continued to paint. Roya would glance every now and again, before talking in a more, hushed, yet more concerned voice. Then, she would show them the picture he had given her.

Nikola would come to stand above him, giving an apologetic look when Lukas caught his gaze. Beneath the implications of his apology, there was the fear within his eyes, and in the creases of his face. Lukas, at this point, wanted to say thank you, or hello to the man.

The man sat down for short periods of time, and then he would pace around the room, still muttering to himself. In the midst of those words, Lukas imagined there were a few swear words as well. He wanted to say something. Anything to this man. Instead, he turned to the Dina’s wilted flowers, took out his stone, and then flexed his hand. The wilted rose soon looked new once more. Dina, who sat in the corner, would give a soft round of applause. Afterward, she would go to a small chest, grab several coins, and bring them back to Lukas.

21 Coins after healing the plant. These people don’t seem to be mad or afraid of me, but for me. I can’t say anything else at this moment for certain.