Randy rested in the main store of Diana's herbalist shop. The aromas were scented and spicy, yet calming and relaxing too. He watched quietly as Diana went about her work: stringing up plants to dry, reducing liquids into creams, and premixing powdered goods to be packaged and ready. It was restful from the normal life of working in a smithy.
"Randy, have you given thought to what you are going to do now? Your uncle won't be able to care for you without an income."
Startled from his thoughts, Randy looked up at Diana. Apprenticed to his uncle to get him a chance at life out of the slums at an early age, Randy had little other thoughts of what he would do in life. Slowly shaking his head, he replied, "No, not really. I could go back to my parents but life is kinda tight for them right now."
Diana watched him quietly. Thoughtfully. She had a connection, however secret, to the capital and it's palace. She figured that her connection would have use for this boy. But to make it work, he needed training. Brushing her hands against her skirt, she decided, "I'm sending you to the Sun Temple..." she held up a hand to stall protests, "and yes, foreign god and religion I know." "You can live there and do chores to help them out before and after work."
"What? Work?" Randy looked at her bewildered. The smithy was charred rock and burned beams. What work was left?
Diana grinned, "yes, during the day you can sit outside of the nearby inn and be a messenger boy. Honest labor that will physically be good for you. Give your earnings to the temple in exchange for lessons so you can improve the use of the mana magic you have. And maybe, given time, I can get you a job as a bell boy in one of the wealthy homes when you are older."
Realization dawned on Randy. Place to stay in exchange for work. Earnings in exchange for lessons. And a future job when he was older. Not a life's plan, but one that he could work and focus on. With reasonable goals. Not to mention he could better learn to use his earth magic. His mana wasn't that strong yet so maybe he could someday branch out and use more than one element. You never knew. "I'll do it!"
"Do you have anything besides the clothes on your back?"
His head lowered marginally, "Not really, everything was in the smithy. Dirk and Braum's place went up in flames too as they were connected...."
"Then there is nothing to stop you from heading straight to the temple. Remember to go to the one I specificed..." she paused to write out a note. Handing it to him, she reminded him, "Go there and do as they say. Foreign or not, it is probably the best bet for a kid of your talents."
He took the note and carefully tucked it away. Hugging her, he turned and headed outside. Pausing, he saw down the street his cousin Braum finally coming. Turning the opposite way, Randy made haste and was soon lost among the crowds.
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