Alice in Wonderland

Soon, only Kieran and Alice remained on the top floor of the Godhand Bazaar. 

Practicing runes, whether it be self-taught or guided by a mentor, was a mind-numbingly dull process. And as hilarious as watching Kieran grumble and grouse was, everyone eventually grew bored of it. 

Kieran had no intention of keeping them captive here. As long as they were available at the beginning of their journey, all was good, in his opinion. And that was reinforced by the unbothered grunt he gave everyone when voicing their departure.

Alice, meanwhile, pulled up a chair, closely analyzing the rune Kieran had finally succeeded with after an unknown number of hours. It was mentally taxing, and earned an exaggerated sigh of relief as he deflated into the chair, staring at the dimly lit ceiling of pale magelight.