70 - Getting Started

It was the day she had to meet Aster. Annie was waiting in the plaza. Since the event had cleared, stalls had filled the area. She leaned on one of the buildings that surrounded the plaza, near the alleyway. It was where she had met Aster last time. She had been waiting all morning and now it was noon. Aster was late. She realized he never specified a time.

Annie had been trying to talk with Vivi every night before for ideas. They hadn't talked since that one night. She can only assume Vivi was still mad at her. She looked at her hand and thought back to Vivi's words. She hadn't had a chance to use her healing powers.

Magic was in her body. It was one of the reasons why she knew she was a noble. Annie knew some spells. Someone had taught her... A lady... She winced at the small pain in her head. Annie could almost visualize who it was. Was it her teacher?

"Annie? Why is it when I see you, you look like you are in pain?" a familiar voice greeted her. Looking up, she saw the twinkle in emerald green eyes showing his amusement.

"It's because I dread seeing you at times," she replied, straightening her posture. "How long were you going to keep me waiting?"

Aster smiled charmingly at her. "I don't think I ever said the time, only when."

Annie grimaced at him, crossing her arms. Poppy had told her to wear a dress to meet him. She wore the same blue dress she wore last time. Her shoulder length hair was loose. Part of her bangs were braided down the front of the right side, tucked underneath. She had hoped she looked nice enough to negotiate an agreement with Aster.

"Well, Aster... Did you find a building?"

He smiled brightly. "Yes, I did! It's in a great location too. Come with me!" He lifted his hand towards her. She stared at it strangely. Was he expecting a tip? When she didn't make a move, he laughed awkwardly and ran his hand through his hair. "You seem just like him..." he muttered.

"Who?" she asked.

"A friend," he laughed again. "Come on." He led the way. Following him, she made sure to look around at the buildings. They were still going around the plaza, the huge fountain in sight. Afterwards, he moved towards an alleyway.

The path was wider than the other alleyways, more like another street. The street had no stalls, just buildings. There was a book store across and a bakery. The other buildings seemed to be housing units or closed down. Annie didn't think this place would be able to bring in people.

"Here we are, Annie!" Aster gestured to a dark brick building with vines climbing all over. The windows were wide and dirty, cobwebs clearly seen. The small three step stairs seemed to be covered with dirt from the ground uncovered nearby. "Isn't it great?" he enthused.