The next morning, Rion woke up, fresh off a training session with Specter. Over the past week, Rion had started to grow attached to the 'spirit.' It didn't feel so much like a master-student relationship, but more like a brotherly one. Rion had no basis for what a brotherly bond was like, but he assumed it'd be something like this. Plus his training really was having quite the effect on his ability as a mage.
Rion stood up and threw on his cloak when suddenly he smelled something good coming from outside...
----
Ezra's mother prepared a huge breakfast for the party: eggs, sausages, rolls, pancakes, jam, butter, and fresh squeezed juice. It was incredible.
"Ma, can you really afford to use up so much food!?" Ezra asked
She simply smiled.
"My son is retaking the mines today. I'm sure the village can pay me back in groceries at the very least, ."
Ezra caught a slight hint of pain behind her smile, but the fact that she could still joke about reassured him just a bit.
"You're right! Let's dig in, guys—"
Both Maria and Rion were already halfway through their meals.
Ezra stared at them with a flat expression before letting out a sigh and beginning to eat himself.
----
"So," Ezra said, washing down his food with a gulp of juice, "what time are you guys ready to attack?"
Rion glanced down at his hand.
"My magic should be fully restored sometime tonight. I say we wait until then, if that's alright."
Ezra nodded before turning to Maria.
"How're your fingers?"
Maria held up her right hand. Each finger was neatly wrapped in bandages.
"Your mom patched me up last night. They still sting a little, but nothing I can't handle."
"Great. Alright then, tonight it is." Eezra said.
"Thanks," Rion said. "Sorry about this."
Ezra shook his head.
"Don't be. It's better to wait until you're at full strength than rush in and get ourselves killed."
Rion smiled appreciatively.
"Now then." Ezra stood.
"Let's hit the town. We've got a whole day to prepare, so we'd better not waste it."
Rion and Maria stood as well.
"Don't worry about the dishes," Ezra's mother said. "I'll take care of them."
"Thanks, Ma."
Ezra walked over and kissed her on the forehead before the three of them headed into town.
----
"So, what should we buy?" Rion asked.
Ezra rubbed his chin in thought.
"Well, first and foremost, the three of us need masks and Colizard cloaks."
"Colizard cloaks?" Rion asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ezra nodded.
"They're woven from Colizard scales. Colizards are naturally resistant to heat, so the cloaks help protect against burns. I'm sure you can see why that'd be useful. As for the masks..." He shrugged. "That speaks for itself."
Rion and Maria nodded in agreement.
"Other than that, I just need to stock up on nails. You guys need anything?"
Maria shook her head.
"Nah. I already restrung Marie, so I'm all set."
Ezra turned to Rion.
"You?"
Rion thought for a moment.
"Not really."
Ezra studied him for a second before snapping his fingers.
"Actually... how about we get you a magic item?"
"A magic item?" Rion asked, curious. "Oh, like a wand? I'm good. I stopped using those on purpose."
Ezra tilted his head slightly. "Huh. Well, it doesn't have to be a wand. How about a ring that helps you circulate your magic easier?"
Rion's eyes widened.
"Those exist?"
Maria laughed.
"Of course they do."
"But I bet they cost a fortune." Rion said.
"You'd be surprised how cheap they get," Ezra said. "Granted, I can't exactly say the quality is outstanding for cheap, but hey, any extra help is more than welcome."
Rion grinned.
"In that case... why not?"
"Alrighty then!" Ezra said, grinning right back.
They continued to walk through the village until they reached a broad wooden staircase leading up to a wide plaza.
At the top, they were greeted by a quaint marketplace, it was time to shop.
(And thus, Lost Keep's adventure continues…)