Compared to the excitement of the day, nothing noteworthy occurred in the hours of the night. Starin was his usual wonderful self and graced the mother and son with his plethora of obscene language and violent actions as he tore through the meal.
Food particles collected in the gnarls of facial hair as the monster devoured it unsuspecting prey. Lea flinched and held bit his tongues as remnants of the attack flew across the wooden table and landed before him. He would never look like that.
As the last piece of meat guzzled down Starin's throat, which expanded slightly to accommodate the massive load, the teen slipped from the table, placed his plate on the counter, and bolted up the stairs. Finally away from the pungent stench that was the lard below him, Le allowed himself a full breath that filled his lungs and rejuvenated his limbs. The day had been long. Nothing ever occurred in Lea's life and this crazed exposure to other worldly things had taken its toll.
Pulling back the sheets of his bed, Lea simultaneously slithered out of his clothes and left the heap on the floor. Wrapping tight in the wrinkled fabric, he covered his head with the sheet and enveloped his thoughts in darkness. What was to become of his new friend? Ven had come and gone in almost a breath but Lea was assured by his midsection that the events and the boy were indeed real.
Finally past the point of exhaustion, the smooth darkness of sleep pulled him under.
The sun rose and caught on Lea's exuberant hair, he must have tossed in his sleep. Piercing the slits of his eyelids, the sun slowly convinced him to return to consciousness. Groaning and rolling to bury his face deep into his pillow, the boy tried to pass back into the peaceful slumber but without luck.
Giving in he tumbled out of the mass of sheets and sat up on the floor to survey the day. Dawn had just broken and the haze of night had not fully parted from the atmosphere. With another resolute grunt he twisted and propped up to his feet and made for the shower.
Refreshed and still slightly moist Lea donned his garments and sneaked down to the ground floor. At this early hour Starin and Teleaf would still be in rest and though it gave him a slight twinge to leave without informing his mother he did not wish to remain for the slumbering animal to arise.
Leaning his weight on the door and minutely turning the knob it quietly opened and he slipped through and out into the morning air.
There was no question, Lea would arrive early for training. His teacher would not mind through. Lea was not entirely sure that he slept in the first place. Rounding a few alley corners he reached the center that held his place of study. A crude sign with multi-colored swirls swung precariously over the door but provided no insight as what truly took place behind the slightly tarnished walls.
Lea peaked through the window and confirmed his suspicion. The lanky man bounced around the room clearly immersed in his work without the faintest indication of exhaustion. His tall blue hat threatened to jab the ceiling with each step the man took while his beard swept the floor as he maneuvered the room.
Tearing himself from the view, the boy continued along the wall until he reached the door and fiddled the handle to enter.
A flash burst forth as Lea entered followed by a stream of smoke that originated from a cauldron. Waving his arms like a bird, the elder desperately moved to disperse the soot and relieve the room of the smell. Smoke clearing, his eyes found Lea and pure delight gushed through his wrinkled features.
Lea had always liked the old man. In response to the warm welcome he nodded and greeted him, "Good morning Merlin."