Re: The Eyes of Avo
Continuation of Chapter Six-
Outside, rays of sunlight peered through the trees, giving off a clear reflection in the small stream under the bridges. Gareth found himself in a sudden awe once more, stunned by the magnificent beauty that lay before him.
People moved around him, going about their duties. He could see not to far away several Apprentices sparring in one of the enclosed training areas. The Guild remained serene, with the sun heating up Gareth's skin, but allowing a soft cool breeze to past through.
He was solely out here to try and find Lily, as well as maybe exploring the Guild Halls. He knew he needed to begin studying to try and obtain any valuable information that he might find or need, but he wanted to see her beautiful face before doing so. He skimmed the outside briefly, not finding what he most desired to see. Gareth had only the basic knowledge of the Guild, and he was unaware of where certain places were, not having a map with him.
He walked to his right and came across a well-kept gardened courtyard. To his surprise this peaceful courtyard contained some of the burial sites of many brave Hero's and well known figures in the past. Browsing the headstones quickly, he decided to leave the small secluded courtyard and venture out towards the training area, and a small building, which he thought to be the servants headquarters. Perhaps he would find Lily there.
Crossing one of the large bridges, built over a calm stream of water, Gareth stumbled upon a young gardener, who appeared to be planting some sort of blue mushroom into the ground. He noted that he was placing several of them, in a small circle. Gareth approached the gardener, but the man, quickly sensing his presence, turned and greeted Gareth with a warm smile.
"Good day", he said.
"Good day", Gareth said in reply.
The gardener stood up, holding a tiny wooden shovel, used to dig up earth to plant the mushrooms.
"Well, I suppose you are the young man everyone has been talking about, aren't you", the gardener said, folding his arms across his chest.
Taken a bit by surprise by his comment, Gareth's eyebrows raised and he struggled to get his next few words out.
"Well...I suppose I am, but I really don't know. I mean I hardly know why I am here...I mean I am here to gain information, lost information...I hope...", his words trailed off as he stared towards the ground.
The gardener just gave a soft chuckle and said, "Don't hurt yourself, trying to find the right words. There's no rush around here, mate, so don't worry, no pressure."
He unfolded his arms dropping the shovel, then wiping his hands on his already dirtied shirt.
"Most of the people around here have just been talking, that's all. Everyone knows pretty much that the Guildmaster, and of course Maze, has been trying to contact you for some time. I suppose you're of some importance or something, I don't know. I'm just the caretaker of the grounds here", he said, his eyes wandering towards a few of the servant maids passing bye. He gave a grin and winked a couple of times, the maids giggling and rolling their eyes. The gardener, eyes now back on Gareth, held out his hand.
"I'm Jakob Whittbury. I am The Guild's caretaker and head-servant, and it is my pleasure to meet you and to see that your stay here is most comfortable", the gardener said, Gareth shaking his hand.
"Gareth Stomcor, honor to meet you."
Jakob's eyes immediately widened as soon as Gareth told him his name.
"No, it truly is an honor for me to meet you at last!", Jakob replied happily, releasing his hand from Gareth's grip.
Curious, Gareth pointed towards the blue mushrooms that had just been planted into the moist earth. Before Gareth could ask, Jakob was well on his way to explaining.
"Oh, I see you've discovered the classic Blue Mushrooms, eh? Growing some around here, only for healing purposes, although it's sometimes a mystery about the affects of the fungus."
Gareth just nodded, eyes still transfixed on the blue mushrooms, before a moving hand came in front of his face. Gareth looked up to see Jakob laughing.
"Don't lose yourself to them now. Might go a little out of it if you do. I have a bit of a green thumb, so that's why I'm planting and feeding the earth with some fresh seeds. Plus, with winter coming soon, it'll need a bit of caring. Well now, can I help you with anything Gareth?"
Jakob's hand now lay on Gareth's shoulder and as Gareth began to reply he noticed that Jakob was probably a little bit older than him, maybe in his early twenties. He wore a busy beard, which he thought he should cut off, and his hair was tied back into a tight ponytail. Jakob, in Gareth's opinion, would probably be considered a handsome man back at home.
A bit shy in his reply, Gareth mumbled his question to Jakob. "Well, um...I was wondering if you could help me find someone. I'm sure you know of her: the Guildmaster's granddaughter, Lily."
Jakob grew a huge smile upon his face, showing his very white teeth and, as Gareth noticed, a pair of fangs as well.
"Taken a fancy to her now have ya?", Jakob asked, Gareth still staring at his fangs.
A little shaken, but more focused on the thought of Lily, Gareth brushed aside the sight of Jakob's fangs.
"Um...well I would like to see her very much, that's all."
"Well, then, young sir, I think you may find her in the servants quarters, in that building just over there, as you may have already guessed. I believe she's preparing some ale for some of the Apprentices. Hopefully she's not too busy", said Jakob.
"Yes, well thanks very much Jakob, for your help."
"Always happy too", he said giving a wink. Jakob turned and kneeled back down to the ground, taking the shovel in his hand and placing more of the blue mushrooms into the ground. Gareth turned towards the direction of the servants quarters, slightly disturbed by his acquaintance with Jakob, a moment ago.
Reaching the building, he saw several women, and a couple of men who appeared to be moving dishes around, and carrying other objects in and out of the building. One of the older women noticed Gareth, walked up to him and asked him if he needed something.
"Oh, uh, yes, is Lily around?", Gareth asked.
The older lady smiled and nodded, calling Lily's name. Lily came out from one of the doors leading into another part of the building, and saw Gareth standing there in the doorway, a smile forming upon her face.
"I believe you have a visitor", said the older lady servant. Lily, turned and nodded, her smile disappearing a little.
"Alright, well please hurry child, you still have work to do", the lady servant said then began to walk off, returning to her duties.
"Yes, madame", was Lily's reply, curtsying as the lady servant passed.
Lily turned to face Gareth, smiling once more at seeing him. All Gareth could do was stand there and blush, until Lily spoke. Calmly she asked "Well, can I help you with anything, Gareth?"
Inside Gareth's head there were so many answers to that question, rumbling through his mind.
Yes, well more to come later.