Aldrich hurriedly headed in the direction Josephine had indicated and took a quick shower. The bathroom was a small, stone-walled chamber lit by a single iron sconce holding a flickering candle. A simple wooden basin stood on one side, filled with tepid water from a bronze jug. The space reminded him of the bathing quarters in his old manor, though far more modest and practical. After finishing, he donned the oversized pants provided, hid his cloth armor beneath them, and draped the coarse woolen blanket across his shoulders.
Still dripping wet, Aldrich stepped into the lobby. The timber-framed walls bore signs of age, with beams darkened by years of smoke and use. The girls hadn't given him a towel, and he was too shy to ask.
Drip. Drip.
"Sorry for the mess," Aldrich said, running a hand through his wet hair. Water dripped onto the stone floor, forming small puddles. "There was a towel in the bathroom, but I assumed it was yours, so I didn't use it."
Josephine and Shaminah both facepalmed at his antics, though for slightly different reasons. Josephine couldn't help but laugh at how oblivious he was, while Shaminah's reaction stemmed from secondhand embarrassment and mild disbelief that anyone could be so clueless. Josephine retrieved a towel from beneath her sturdy oak desk and tossed it to him.
"Here! Consider it a gift for being a first-time customer," Josephine said with a chuckle. Then, with a playful smile, she gestured for him to follow her to the fitting room. "Let's measure you for your new clothes."
Josephine examined him with a critical yet approving eye in the cramped fitting room, lined with bolts of fabric and tools of her trade. "Hmm, broad shoulders, a thin waist. You might not look like it, but you've got a tight physique. I like it!" she exclaimed, giving him a thumbs-up, her eyes sparkling.
"Hehe, thanks," Aldrich replied, blushing but trying to keep a straight face.
Shaminah stood nearby, crossing her arms and giving an air of composure. "Are you going to keep ogling, or can we get this done?" she asked, her tone light but firm. Despite her attempt at maturity, her expression softened whenever she glanced at Josephine's enthusiastic antics.
Josephine smirked but focused back on the clothes. "I recommend this white linen shirt, these sturdy brown breeches, and a pair of leather boots. Walking barefoot is unpleasant, after all," she said, presenting the items.
Aldrich, not one to fuss over clothes, agreed quickly. "This works," he said, then turned to Shaminah. "Hey, don't you think I sold the potion to you for too cheap?"
Shaminah gave a knowing smile, brushing off his comment. "You're not wrong, but a deal's a deal."
Josephine handed Aldrich a canvas bag containing three pairs of breeches, shirts, and undergarments, her smile warm and proud, as if she were sending him off on an important journey. "Take care of these," she said, her tone teasing but gentle. "I expect you to look at least halfway presentable from now on." She also packed the boots he had selected into a small wooden box. "That'll be one gold," she announced with a cheerful nod.
"Is there a discount for this?" Aldrich asked, his voice pleading as he checked his pouch. He only had 15 gold coins on him.
"No can do. That's already the discounted price," Josephine replied, shaking her head. "It was supposed to be three gold."
Shaminah nodded in agreement, her calm demeanor unwavering.
With a sigh, Aldrich handed over the coin. "Can I use the dressing room? I'll put these on now."
Josephine gestured to the small room curtained off at the back of the shop. "Sure! Take your time."
As Aldrich disappeared into the dressing room, Shaminah announced, "I'll be heading back to the pharmacy. I can't leave it closed for too long." She hugged Josephine before leaving, a quiet determination in her step as she exited the shop.
Aldrich emerged a few moments later, dressed in his new clothes. He examined himself in the full-length bronze mirror, its surface slightly tarnished. His reflection showed a lean, athletic figure in a white linen shirt, brown breeches, and sturdy boots. He looked like an ordinary townsman, though his build hinted at hidden strength.
Josephine whistled. "Looking good! You clean up well."
Aldrich chuckled. "Where's Shaminah?"
Josephine shrugged. "She went back to her pharmacy. Her mother's ill, and with her father gone, she's managing everything on her own."
Hearing this, Aldrich felt a pang of guilt. He had taken up her time for his errands. "If she passes by, can you tell her 'thank you' from me?"
Josephine nodded. "Of course."
Aldrich thanked Josephine and left the shop, his bag of new clothes slung over his shoulder. The sun hung high in the sky as he wandered the cobbled streets, contemplating his next move. The buildings around him were a mix of timber and stone, their thatched roofs sloping low to shield against rain.
"Time to find a place to live. Hopefully something affordable and long-term," he muttered.
Spotting a child playing nearby, Aldrich approached and bent down. "Hey, kid. Can you point me to the nearest inn?"
The child turned, revealing a familiar face. It was Wyle, the snot-nosed boy from the pharmacy.
"Oh! It's you, the weirdo from before! What do you need, Mister Pants?" Wyle teased.
Aldrich smiled wryly. "Can you help me find an inn?"
Wyle wiped his nose and pointed. "Go straight, and when you see a sign with a mug, that's the inn. Ask the innkeeper. They'll know."
Aldrich thanked him and followed the directions, arriving at a place called "Jolly Inn." The establishment's sign depicted a frothing mug, hanging from a wrought iron bracket. Inside, the air was a cacophony of noise. Laughter, shouts, and drunken singing filled the smoky room. Townsfolk and mercenaries crowded the wooden tables, some slamming their mugs together in rowdy toasts while others argued boisterously over card games. The scent of spilled ale and roasted meat mingled in the warm, stuffy air.
At the counter, a young man dozed off, slumped over a ledger. Aldrich tapped the counter. "Good afternoon."
The man stirred, blinking with irritation. "What do you want?"
"I need a room. Are any available?"
The man yawned loudly, rubbing his face. "Two. Second floor or the attic. Which one?"
"What's the price?" Aldrich asked.
"Second floor's fifty copper a night. Attic's ten. Same size, but the attic's hotter in summer, freezing in winter," Ivan said, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance, as though explaining this for the hundredth time. He crossed his arms and leaned against the counter, his posture radiating impatience as he waited for Aldrich's response.
"Name's Ivan, by the way."
"Raymond," Aldrich introduced himself. "I'll take the attic."
Ivan squinted at him, clearly unimpressed. "You sure? The attic's a sweatbox."
"It'll do," Aldrich replied firmly.
Ivan tossed him a key with a lazy flick of his wrist. "Here."
Aldrich handed over a gold coin. "I'll pay for a year in advance."
Ivan straightened slightly, his irritation fading into mild surprise. "A whole year, huh?" He grunted and began counting out change. "Sixty-five silver back. I'll knock off a bit since you're paying upfront. But don't expect any luxury, got it?"
"Got it. Thanks," Aldrich said, pocketing the silver.
Ivan leaned back against the counter, his expression returning to its usual gruffness. "Enjoy your attic, I guess."
Key in hand, Aldrich headed to the attic, climbing the narrow wooden stairs to the top floor. The attic was small and sparsely furnished, with a straw-filled mattress, a wooden chest, and a single window offering a view of the bustling street below. Despite its simplicity, it felt like a place where he could start anew. The unadorned walls and rough-hewn furniture mirrored his own state—a bit worn, but full of potential for rebuilding. As he set his bag down by the chest, he felt a strange mixture of relief and determination. This was no manor or grand chamber, but it was his for now, and it was enough to start piecing his life back together.
Sighing to himself he lays down on the mattress and sleeps on it the whole afternoon.
Author's note:
Copper = 100 = 1 silver
Silver = 100 = 1 gold
Gold = 100 = 1 platinum