Treadway square
As he walked out of the affluent neighborhood, Jasper found himself passing by the very houses where he had once lived, with the people who had abandoned him. Each building stirred a complex mix of emotions that he had long suppressed. He had never forgotten them, and a part of him still hoped to settle scores when the time was right. But for now, he had to focus on establishing himself in the city.
The anger and rage inside him have built up over the years as he has come to understand what his parents did to him. He had become emotionless.
Jasper's mind wandered to the time after the Blatherwicks had taken him in. He was told of his paternal grandparents – Reeve's parents—came to see him. Their visit had been brief, cut short when they learned that he had been adopted by the Blatherwicks and sent away for his magical studies. Despite their quick departure, Theodore had been kind enough to invite them whenever Jasper returned for holidays.
Contrary to what one might expect, Jasper had maintained a connection with his grandparents. During his rare visits home, he made time to see them. He recalled the pain and regret in their eyes as they apologized for their son's actions. Jasper, in turn, had assured them that it wasn't their fault. He had promised to visit them more often when he had the time, a promise he intended to keep.
As he continued his walk, Jasper's thoughts turned to the task ahead.
The streets gradually became busier as he approached the city center. People hustled by, going about their daily lives, unaware of the magical undercurrents that flowed through the city.
Jasper's trained senses picked up on subtle magical signatures – a shopkeeper using a minor charm to keep his produce fresh, a street performer employing a touch of illusion magic to enhance her act.