Loic: Starting/Prologue

Another day, another... larder?

My eyes fluttered open to the same room I had fallen sleep in. So... I'm really stuck here then...

Sitting up I could see a tiny ball of fur at the edge of my bed. I almost screamed.

The thing stirred awake and tilted its head at me with confusion before crawling onto my lap and falling asleep again.

"You and me both buddy," I murmured to the creature, stroking its fur out of habit.

I looked around again. There was something on my dresser.

I tucked the creature in one arm before making my way over.

Here, as a welcoming present. I'm sure this must be stressful for you.

H.E.

Gently setting down the creature, I attempted to assemble the pieces on correctly. It took me roughly 45 minutes.

"Hmm... not too bad," I commented, inspecting myself in the mirror. The creature woke up and made excited chirps.

"I'm glad you like it too bud," I stroked its beak, "now what exactly are you..?"

It tilted its head at me. We stared at each other until there was a knock at the door.

Unbreaking eye contact, I invited the knocker in.

"Ah, becoming acquainted with your familiar? She's a cute little luca, isn't she?" If my memory is right, that should be Rae. I turned my head and saw golden hair. Yep, Rae.

"A luca?" I asked.

"Yeah, they do amazing in the wild due to their ability of adapting. Yours happens to feel comfortable enough to be in it's true form. Usually luca are green," she explained. I nodded.

"They sound really interesting," I commented. Rae raised an eyebrow.

"Are they not native to your sector?"

That's right, Rae thinks that I'm from this world.

I went with the safe answer, "no, unfortunately. I'd love to learn more about them, that way I can take care of this little one properly."

Rae brightened up and took my hand, leading me out of the room. I followed in silence as we winded down the halls.

Eventually we winded up in a library covered with books. The ceiling looked like a starry night sky, most likely enchanted to do so. Either way, this place is beautiful.

Rae pulled me out of my wonder. "Ah! Let's ask Lyn for help finding the book, she's in here a lot," Rae spoke to me before flagging down Lyn. She was in a casual high-collar dress with a jean jacket, unlike the white one from last night.

"Hey Rae. R... you look nice. I can feel that you're impressed by the library, yes?" Lyn asked. So many tangents... Remus was right, she's always like this.

I nodded my head, "it's incredible. In fact, we came here for books on luca."

She grinned and pointed down to an aisle three columns down.

"Thanks Lyn!" Rae thanked before whisking me off. I waved goodbye.

-------------------------

After grabbing three books about luca, Rae and I returned to my room.

"So... they need night flights to keep happy, then they eat absinthe..? Isn't absinthe a drink??"

"I mean yeah, it is. But it's also a fruit native to many places. There's a field just off the island," Rae informed me. I nodded. God, I really need a dictionary.

We both read through the books.

"Aww!" Rae exclaimed, "look!"

I looked at the photo.

"That's it. We need a pot for her to sleep in," I demanded. She flew over to me, curling up on the page again. I smiled and pet her.

"Got a name for the cutie?"

"Hmm...Mari," I decided. Rae agreed and we put the books on my bookcase.

"So...when am I supposed to return these?"

Rae shrugged, "technically you don't. The library has many copies of each book. Usually students are allowed to keep books, so long as they stay on the bookshelfs in the dorms."

"Don't people steal any sometimes?" I asked. Rae shook her head.

"Not that I know of. Not with books anyways."

I nodded, looking down at Mari. She peaked up at me, blue eyes glittering. I smiled.

"That reminds me, we've got to get you some more clothes. Grab your larders and let's get go-"

"Larders?" I asked.

Rae stiffened and shot up an eyebrow, "are you serious? Have you been living under a rock? Where exactly have you been living that you don't know about-"

"Excuse me?"

I felt pressure being lifted off my chest as we focused our attention away from the argument and towards our guest. In the doorway stood both Lyn and Remus. Lyn's outfit had changed yet again, a deep blue petticoat of sorts was over the high-collar dress. Remus was in a casual outfit too, a dark red trenchcoat over his usual shirt and pants.

"Sorry to interrupt," Lyn added quickly.

Remus continued for her, "we thought it'd be more suitable for us to take R. Headmaster Ether tasked us with making them comfortable after all."

Rae reluctantly nodded before turning to me, "it'll take a while, so you should take Mari with you."

I nodded, picking up Mari and putting her in a side pocket.

We all walked out together, saying goodbye to Rae as she went off to work.

"Here's your key by the way," Lyn handed me a silver key as well as a jacket.

"You mean that my room has been unlocked this entire time??"

Both of them nodded. I locked my door.

"Now then, let's go to Inigo," Remus stated as we walked out of the castle.