A Different Kind Of Love (Loke x OC)

Chapter Eight

Alana's POV

I was currently sitting in a guest suite. Yukino had actually had it specially prepared for me. The walls were a beautiful lavender, while my bed was a lovely shade of dark purple. It was four poster, with curtains that shimmered in the light. There was even a separate sitting room! The furniture was simple, yet elegant, with a few engravings here and there. The bookshelves were full of my favorite books, but the thing I liked most about my rooms were definitely the window seats.

'She must have really wanted me to be her teacher...' I was glad that I was able to make her so happy, but at the same time, I knew I would really miss the guild. My thoughts drifted back to how I got the request...

*FLASHBACK*

"Miss Porlyusica?" I stepped cautiously into the home of my mentor, which was actually a small home built into a tree. I always loved the natural feel of the place, and the large windows, making it feel like you were right outside in nature, yet protected from the harsher conditions. Looking around, I placed my keys carefully back into my bag. "I'm leaving on another request." The elderly woman slowly entered my field of sight.

"So you remembered to tell me this time." Ever since I started learning about medicines and herbs with Miss Porlyusica, I always enjoyed her distinct appearance. Although rather intimidating at first, it's a lovely change when she lets her guard down a bit. She sported her signature long red cloak, accented with a long collar with what appeared to be dragon claws. The cloak was accented with a large arch-like white design on the edges. Under the cloak, she had on a green blouse with a dark blue tie and a dark magenta skirt. Her light pink hair was pulled up into its usual bun with long bangs framing her face. Two long pins with crescent moons on the end held it in place. Although elderly, she is full of spirit, even though she is calm, collected, and responsible. This usually came out when she had to deal with humans, as she didn't like most of them. I was one of the very rare exceptions. This didn't stop her from staring at me with a very stern expression, however.

I blushed and hung my head, embarrassed. Her face softened, and I could detect traces of a rare smile.

"I was kidding child. However, as you usually forget to tell me, I'd assume that you're planning on being gone for a while?" I nodded, my blush fading away a bit.

"Yes, but it shouldn't be longer than a month." Miss Porlyusica frowned slightly and made her way over to where she stored her herbs.

"Judging by your expression, that's not long enough, is it?" I stared at her, shocked. She took out a herb kit and started restocking it with a few of her herbs. "I may not like people, but I'm good at reading them." I sat down on a nearby stool and folded my hands tightly in my lap.

"Yeah. I just need to get away for a while." She sighed and reached into the back of one of the cupboards, grabbing an envelope and holding it out to me. 

"I guess it's time to give you this then." I gingerly took it, slowly opening it up and looking inside. As I read, Miss Porlyusica continued preparing, finishing the herb kit and grabbing textbooks, as well as taking out the special package I entrusted to her a few years ago. When I was done, she spoke.

"I received a letter a year ago, asking for my assistance in getting you to go. Normally I would've ignored it, but this seems like a really good opportunity. Yukino even asked about you, so that she could make sure you were comfortable. I was just waiting for you to get your keys back, but I didn't think it would be so soon..." She trailed off, looking at my blank expression as I held the letter limply in my hand. "I know you'll be gone for a long time, and it's far away, but this really is good for you," she said gently, walking over to me. "You'll be able to teach a young celestial wizard to respect her spirits, and this is a perfect time to introduce your next step of training. There are a lot of rare herbs in that area that I'd like you to study, and Yukino agreed to letting you have a herb garden there." She handed me a couple of bound field journals filled with detailed descriptions and diagrams of plants, as well as a few empty ones. "Record your research in those, and if you want, even keep a journal. I'd love to know all about your adventures. If you think about it, we'd almost be closer even though you're further away." I nodded slightly, shocked by the sincerity of her words.

"Well, you've always done what's best for me. If you want me to go, I will." Miss Porlyusica gave my a sad smile and handed me a heavy bag.

"Seeds, a new herb kit, books and everything you need to learn and to teach are in there." Pointing to a trunk in the corner, she continued. "That trunk is filled with more personal things, like stationary and clothes. I know going through your things would only make this harder for you. I'll send the trunk once you leave so you won't have to carry it." I nodded and stood up as tears started to well up in my eyes.

"Thank you! No one has ever done something so kind for me!" She pulled me into a quick hug. After a while, she just as quickly pulled away.

"Now stop crying. You know I hate crybabies." I laughed slightly and nodded, before making my way to the door.

"I'll study hard and make you proud!"

"I know you will." I heard Miss Porlyusica whisper behind me, as I thought I saw a single tear roll down her cheek.

*Back to the present*

'In a way, I guess it's kind of creepy that Yukino practically stalked me...' I mused to myself as I got up and started unpacking my bag. I placed the herb kit in the back left-hand corner of my desk. I then sorted my old smaller one into it. After that, I sorted my seeds into the old kit and labeled it. It took a lot longer than I thought it would, because along with the usual ones she gave me, there were many rare ones! I had worked with a few of them before, but most of them I had only read about. Some of them I had never even heard about! It took me a few hours to identify them and to double check my work. I also started taking notes so I could quickly remember what the herbs would do. Once I was done with that, I continued by organizing my books onto the shelves above the desk. I also laid out my writing tools and paper.

I was interrupted when my trunk arrived. The maids that brought it told me dinner would be ready in two hours. Deciding that that was a good amount of time to take a nap, I hurriedly finished unpacking my bag and crawled into bed.

'I hope I like it here...'