At dawn, a knock sounded from the door. When Eldric opened it, the courier awaited handing him two letters. Eldric briefly checked on Vespera before going to the living room to read the letters.

 

The Rogue's Guild mentioned that Vespera had a penchant for rare and precious relics, so much so that it made her embittered rivals. Additionally, she liked to stay informed on the activities of other Noble Houses and meddle in local and regional politics. Not only this, but the letter also revealed that she was investing her wealth in numerous business ventures.

 

According to the Merchant's Guild, Vespera had no interest in fancy clothes, but she did occasionally commission custom garments that were enchanted. She also acquired a few rare books on her travels, which made some wealthy individuals furious when she refused to sell them.

 

As Eldric was comprehending this new data, he became aware that finding the party responsible for Vespera's troubles would be more difficult than first assumed. She had more potential adversaries than he had calculated, and so caution was of the utmost importance. He resolved to keep her safe however arduous it may be.

 

After disposing of them, Eldric started to make changes around the house in order to reduce Vespera's stress levels. He quickly got to work on making breakfast, so he could feed her before they both had to rush out for her physical therapy appointment at the medical center.

 

 

***

 

The morning sun bathed the medical facility in a warm, golden light, casting long shadows through the windows as Vespera struggled through her physical therapy. It had been 9 days since Eldric had taken her to his home. He had been kind and taken good care of her, yet she still harbored doubts and distrust towards the human wizard, her pride wounded by her vulnerability and dependence on him.

 

As she gritted her teeth, working through the pain of regaining her strength, she decided to ask her healers and therapists about Eldric, hoping to gain insight into the man who'd been so inexplicably devoted to her recovery.

 

One of the healers, a gentle woman with a kind smile, began to share her experiences with Eldric. "He's a truly wonderful wizard, Vespera," she said, her eyes shining with admiration. "He stayed by your bedside almost every day for six weeks, ensuring that you were safe and well cared for. He even defeated two assassins who'd managed to find you here."

 

Vespera thought, 'planted assassins no doubt to make himself look good.' Vespera said," you said he was by my bedside almost every day, so that means there was days he was not then?

 

"Yes, when we rid your body of the poison, it was too late, and our powers could not repair the damage to your spine. So, Sir Amery journeyed to Thaya and petitioned the Queen lend him the sacred Orb of Helande. He had three of his loyal friends take turns standing watch over you in his absence. After six days looking a bit haggard, he returned with the orb, we used it to mend your spine then he quickly departed again returning three days later. But afterwards, he stayed every day until you finally awoke."

 

Vespera's eyes widened in disbelief as the healer continued. "You're incredibly fortunate to have someone like him by your side. And it's not just you – he regularly donates rare healing items and resources to our facility, allowing us to treat patients who otherwise couldn't afford our care."

 

As Vespera listened to the healer's words, her heart began to soften, the ice that had encased her feelings starting to melt ever so slightly. She turned to her physical therapist, a gruff man with a surprisingly gentle touch, who nodded in agreement.

 

“Aye, that's the truth,” he said gruffly, his bushy brows furrowed. His eyes softened as he spoke of Eldric. “He's a rare sort, a man who genuinely cares for others, even those who might not deserve it.” He held her gaze for a moment longer than comfortable before continuing. “He's a good man, Vespera, and you'd do well to trust him.”

 

***

 

A day after her forth therapy session Eldric decided on a project to help make Vespera's and his life a little easier after being told that her recovery was progressing very slowly, and it could take more than six months just to be able to regain enough arm strength to be able to start the walking exercises.

 

He knew it would be a difficult project so he mapped out the plans for the item, estimating the project will take the next several weeks to complete.

 

Eldric informed Vespera that he was going to construct an extraordinary magical item uniquely for her and invited her to observe him as he extracted enchantments and assembled the magics together. That night after dinner, Vespera watched in awe as she had never previously seen up close the delicate art of enchantment.

 

As Eldric worked, his fingers moved with a practiced confidence as they manipulated the tools of his trade. Vespera watched in awe and admiration, her curiosity bubbling over. "Where did you learn to do this, Eldric?" she asked.

"I studied enchantment under Master Kimbel at the Wizard's Academy," Eldric replied, not breaking concentration on his task. "It took a lot of practice, and experimentation to become proficient, but it has served me well in my adventures." His voice was strong and assured as he spoke.

Vespera hung on every word, her eyes never leaving his hands as they worked with expert precision. Throughout the day, they talked about enchantments and his experiences as an apprentice while Eldric continued to work. By the end of the day, Eldric had successfully extracted the pain reduction enchantment from the ring, preparing it for merging with the bracers.

 

***

 

On the second day, Eldric started working right after breakfast focused on merging the pain reduction enchantment with the strength bracers. Vespera watched intently, asking about the potential risks involved.

 

"The greatest risk," Eldric explained, "is that the enchantment might not hold, causing the item to become unstable and potentially explode. But don't worry, I'm confident in my skills."

 

After her physical therapy They went out for their daily shopping, but as they headed to a gem shop in an area Vespera hadn't seen yet Eldric mentions that it's really close to the Citys Library. 

 

Vespera's eyes lit up with curiosity as Eldrid told here that they would stop there first.

 

The grand doors of the library creaked open as Eldric wheeled Vespera inside, the smell of worn parchment and well-aged oak greeting them. The library was, at this time, a peaceful haven, its towering shelves of books cast long, welcoming shadows, cradling the silence like a treasured possession.

 

Hana, the librarian, was busy reshelving books in one corner of the large room.

 

Eldric, noticing her enthusiasm, smiled warmly and said, "I'll leave you here for a while, Vespera. I have a few errands to run, but I'll be back soon."

 

Vespers huffed," Fine, it's not like I enjoy being dragged along to all your errands."

stammering a bit, " but how will I get to look at any of the books here?"

 

"The Librarian Hana is a nice lady, you'll be in good hands,"

 

After leaving Vespera at the reception deck Eldric casts a ward on the library so none can enter, and an enchantment at the door to make people temporarily forget why they are there.

 

Vespera watched as Hana, a middle-aged human woman, diligently sorted books, her movements methodical and fluid. Seeing Hana finish putting away a stack Vespera called out to her.

 

As Hana turned around, her face froze in a frown as her eyes landed on Vespera. "Lady Valtaris! I... you're..." she stuttered, clearly shocked at Vespera's current state.

 

 

Vespera's eyes widened in shock. "You know me?"

 

"Well, we never talked much, other than when you checked out books," Hana replied, "but you were a frequent visitor.”

 

Vespera fidgets and makes an odd smile. " I was badly injured while on a mission to slay a manticore putting me in this state and costing me my memories or, so I have been told.

 

Hana's eyes softened with understanding. "I'm sorry about the accident I hope you can recover quickly. How did you know my name I don't think you ever used it before."

 

 

"Eldric told me, but if I never asked your name before how did I get your attention?"

 

Hana quickly fixes her hair her voice trembling a bit she says," Eldric brought you? Is he still here?"

 

" He left saying he would be back shortly and that you could help me."

 

Hana sighs" I see" adjusting her dress. "You usually just referred to me as 'librarian'."

 

 Vespera frowned, "I'm sorry for being like that, can you tell me more about what I was like?"

 

 

 

Hana hesitated. Vespera, sensing her reluctance, reassured her. "Please, I really want to know, I've don't recall so much of my life."

 

Taking a deep breath, Hana shared her impressions of Vespera. "You seemed...indifferent to people, Brash, and stoic, you would yell at people to move out of your way, or at me for being too slow, and you would often threaten to use your connections to get me fired if I didn't serve you first."

 

 

 

 "Do you happen know my husband Eldric as well?"

 

Hana gasped in surprise. "He's your husband? I should have known a handsome and skilled young wizard like him would already be taken."

 

Vespera's pulse fluttered for a moment, and the shadows in the room seemed to flicker a bit at Hana's comment.

 

Hana continued, "I do know Eldric. He's always been very friendly. I often run into him while he's visiting the orphanage near my house bringing toys for the kids or donating money. I never knew he was your husband. Your personalities seem very different, but I suppose you do have similar interests."

 

Vespera tries to straighten up a bit. " Oh, really what do we have in common?"

 

 "You both are always late returning the books you borrowed, and you often read the same books and subjects often one of you checking out the book right after the other returned it. "

 

"I used to see you at the orphanage too, occasionally while Eldric was there, but I thought it was just a coincidence at the time" Hana said, her voice soft.

 

"The first few times I saw you were just sitting on the porch, but as time went on, I often saw you with a little half dark elf girl. I saw you teach her magic, pick flowers with her. You were... different with her. Kind, gentle. It...it showed me a side of you I didn't expect with your normal demeanor. "

 

 

As they continued to chat, Vespera and Hana's conversation grew more comfortable, their earlier hesitations disappearing. They discovered a shared love for history and adventure books, exchanging recommendations and discussing their favorite stories.

 

 

Eldric returned to the library; his arms laden with bags from his errands. He was pleasantly surprised to see Vespera engaged in animated conversation with Hana. He couldn't help but smile, noting how Vespera's demeanor seemed more relaxed and open than it had been recently.

As he approached, Vespera and Hana looked up, their eyes bright with shared excitement. "Eldric!" Vespera called out, waving him over. "Hana and I have been having a wonderful conversation about history and adventure books.

 

Eldric grinned, " I'm glad to see you so animated Ves. Hana, it's been a while since we last talked. How have you been?"

 

Hana beamed at him. "I've been doing well, thank you, Eldric. It's always a pleasure to see you. Vespera is going to check out a couple of books so we can discuss them later."

 

Eldric nodded. "That's wonderful to hear. It's good to see Vespera make connections with others, and it's not surprising that books would get her talking."

 

Before they departed, Vespera turned to Hana, her eyes shining. "Thank you for everything, Hana. I hope we can chat again soon."

"I'd like that very much," Hana replied, her smile warm and genuine.

 

 

 

 

After they left the library, as they passed a bakery nearby the sweet aroma of fresh-baked goods filled the air, Eldric noticed Vespera's eyes light up.

 

"Do you want a sweet pastry, Ves?"

 

Vespera scrunched her nose a bit. "I don't know, I'm not really that hungry, and don't call me Ves like were close." she mumbled, her stomach betraying her by growling. Eldric chuckled a bit before making an excuse that he's hungry and is going to buy a couple.

"Oh, I guess it wouldn't hurt to have one," Vespera said.

"Let's go get some pastry then!" He said cheerfully as they made their way toward the bakery.

 

Eldric pointed to a delicate-looking pastry filled with rich chocolate and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. "These looks amazing. What do you think, Vespera?"

Her eyes danced with delight despite her face showing no expression. "Yes, it does look decent."

 

Eldric ordered four of the pastry, and they continued on their way home, stopping momentarily at a nearby park to enjoy their pastries. Vespera savored the sweet treat, while her mind was pondering on her conversation with Hana. She tried to reconcile her past behavior, wondering why she had treated the librarian so coldly. The jealousy she felt when Hana hinted at her attraction to Eldric struck her as odd; perhaps that had played a role in her previous disdain for the woman.

 

Once home Eldric set up Vespera in the study so she could read some of the books before heading off to start dinner.

 

Vespera immersed herself in the book about recent local history, her concentration wavering with thoughts of Eldric and what it could mean if they had a sincere bond. But she fought against her emotions, trying to remain composed and not get ensnared in whatever machinations he was planning.

 

 

Eldric's voice broke through her reverie, announcing that dinner was ready. "Vespera, I've prepared something special for us tonight. I hope you're hungry."

She looked up, her eyes meeting his warm gaze, and smiled. "I am. Thank you, Sir Eldric."

 

He wheeled her to the dining table, where an array of dishes awaited them. The table was set with their finest cutlery, and the warm glow of candlelight added an intimate touch to the atmosphere.

As they began to eat, Vespera couldn't help but appreciate the care and effort Eldric had put into preparing the meal.

 

The flavors were exquisite, and each dish seemed to have been crafted with her personal tastes in mind.

"This is really good, Eldric. It almost tastes like home."

 

Eldric's face lit up with a warm smile. "I'm glad you like it, Vespera. I tried my best to replicate the flavors from your home."

 

Their conversation flowed easily throughout the meal, but it got quiet while Eldric was cleaning up.

 

Vespera broke the silence, " Did we use to visit an orphanage?"

"Did you remember something!?"

" No, but Hana was mentioning that she used to see us at an orphanage near her house."

 

Eldric’s face warmed as he recollected, telling her about the sprawling orphanage ran by a kind Elven woman who is a retired paladin of Lamphetia.

"You started accompanying me about a year into our marriage", he explained. With a thoughtful furrow of his brows, he added, "You were taking fewer missions requests then, and were often organizing missions for us to go on together."

"I always thought you weren’t very fond of the orphanage although you would occasionally tell some of the kids stories while you waited for me to finish my meeting," he admitted, "until one day, we went a bit earlier than usual, and most of the children were playing outside, a chorus of innocent laughter and squabbles filling the air."

 

"It was then that you noticed a young half-dark elf girl, perhaps nine or ten, being bullied. A larger boy had shoved her down, stomping over her meticulously tended flower patch. The crown of flowers she had been weaving was crushed under the bully's heel."

"Your reaction surprised me, you stormed over there so fast, I feared for the bully. But you just gave the boy a stern scolding, although I think the boy peed himself." Eldric chuckled.

"You helped the girl up and tried to console her, the girl opened her hands and gave you a flower she managed to keep from being destroyed."
"As I approached you two, I thought I saw a tear in your eye, but you were adamant you hadn't cried when I asked you later that evening."

"I wonder if she reminded me of the little sisters, did I get to know her after that?"

Eldric continued, "Yes, in fact you tutored Verna in combat as well as Shadow and Ice magic, but she had the affinity for Fire and Spatial magic too. I would occasionally catch you braiding her hair or giving her small trinkets. The staff there told me you often stopped by without me as well."

" She really seemed to idolize you; I was honestly surprised you let her call you Auntie. You even gave her some papers last year guaranteeing her work for your family if she wanted it after she leaves the orphanage."

"Is she still at the orphanage?

"She was the last time I visited but that was a couple of months before your accident, she was disappointed when you weren't with me. We can try to stop by next week so you can meet her if you like.", Eldric said.

"I would like that, Thank you."

Their conversation eventually turned to enchantments, and Eldric's plans for the bracers as the evening progressed.

 

 

***

 

 

Over the next two days, Eldric worked on extracting the dexterity enchantment from a pair of boots. During this time, Vespera asked about his past adventures and how they had shaped his life.

 

He shared stories of daring escapades and close calls, emphasizing how each experience had taught him valuable lessons.

 

By the end of the fourth day, Eldric hit a snag, and had to pause the dexterity enchantment extraction, realizing he would need a stronger conduit since the one he was using was burning away too quickly.

 

He visited several shops in town while Vespera spent time with Hana at the library, but the specific gem wasn't in stock anywhere in Riversmeet, and the local merchants were unsure when they would receive a restock.

Eldric knew that he could find the component a few cities away, but he couldn't just leave Vespera behind, and he worried about the difficulties of the journey.

Using the wizard spires would be a faster option, but they would likely still be gone for an entire day and may draw unwanted attention.

Eldric approached Vespera, explaining the situation to her. "I need a rare magical component to complete the bracers, but it's not available here. We could go to Morda to get it, but it would mean using the wizard spires and leaving town for a day or so. What do you think?"

Vespera's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement. "I'm willing to endure the trip, and I'd like to see another city outside of my homeland. Let's do it!"

Eldric arranged for their departure the next day, He provided the wizards' guild with their names and their reason for traveling putting down a deposit on the tickets.