Intermission - Lab Tour

Hello, I just wanted to let you all know I am taking a short break from publishing. My next chapter will be published 31/08/23.
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“Make yourself at home,” Ellie said, ushering the huntress into her lab. “Sorry for texting you so late to meet up.”

Cyn laughed. “Don’t worry about it. Not the first time I’ve been asked out last minute. Plus, it’s not uncommon for us to have night hunts, so I’m used to skipping a day or two of sleep.”

The huntress took off her leather jacket and slipped off her shoes, kicking them close to the door while hanging up her jacket on the back of the door.

“Oh, okay, good,” Ellie said smiling. A thud hit the wall as she kicked her shoes in the direction of the door.

“So, where’s John?” Cyn asked, looking around the lab.

“On the way to find out what it’s like to share a bed with a MILF,” Ellie said, giggling.

“You’d fit in so well back at camp,” Cyn laughed, “no mundanes allowed, though, even if you’re involved in the Abyss.”

“Oh, there has been so much that’s happened since we last met. Like this for example,” Ellie said. “Hey guys, we’re home, you can come out now. Just keep your excitement in check.”

The wyrmlings all crawled out from under Ellie’s hair. Cyn took a step back before moving forwards, inspecting the little dragons. “Let me introduce you to my babies,” Ellie said smiling.

“Compensating for your lack of magic with Abyssal creatures? I won’t lie, I’m quite impressed especially since it’s usually really difficult for mundane people to do,” Cyn praised.

“Oh, well, that’s another thing,” Ellie said, holding out her hand. Cyn extended her hand, curious. “I promise I’m not doing anything malicious, just relax and don’t push back.”

Ellie inhaled. She felt Cyn’s magic as she drew a small amount back into herself. A ripple of pins and needles travelled up her arm first, much quicker than the other parts of the magic she’d just drawn out. Next was a gentle and flowing feeling, like someone lightly blowing on her arm, tickling the fine hairs. Finally was a slower feeling, it still flowed but with more resistance; it also felt cooler. This final wave seemed to be roughly the same amount of magic as the previous two combined, and once it reached her centre, she took a deep breath.

“Oh, that felt weird,” Cyn exclaimed. “It was kinda like giving blood, but different and odd.”

“Sorry.” Ellie laughed. “So, I just pulled a small amount of mana out of you. I think there are three. Two felt a little similar but definitely distinct, I think air and water. The third stood out because it was so prickly. I have a guess what they could be but would you mind telling me?”

“Uhh. The third, I’m not sure, lightning maybe? Elements don’t really seem important for my magic, I just do it,” Cyn explained. A second passed and she tilted her head looking at Ellie. “Wait, you have magic?”

Ellie didn’t answer, just smiled. “Lightning sounds right, it did feel quite like static. I think the others might have been water and air, just from the feeling of them.”

“Never mind my magic, come on! I need more details. You just suddenly became a latebloomer after being in the Abyss as a mundane for like a week. What have you and John been doing? Have you been intentionally trying to awaken your magic? That’s super dangerous,” Cyn said, with a slightly worried tone.

“Well, I can’t say we haven’t been getting ourselves into trouble and a little danger, but I promise we weren’t trying to give me powers. I was content with alchemy and magic items, but after the wyrmlings hatched, something happened and suddenly I had magic,” Ellie explained. “How about I tell you more about this past week while I show you around my lab?”

“Sounds good, lead the way,” Cyn said, smiling.

Ellie led Cyn around the lab, showing her the equipment, her desk, and the supply closet where she showed the scorch marks from the wyrmlings hatching. She told Cyn about the barriers they’d been in and some of the things they’d done while keeping some information back.

“So that’s the lab, how about I show you my living space next?” Ellie suggested.

“Trying to get me in your bedroom already?” Cyn joked.

The tour around the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom was short but Cyn seemed to like it and happily teased Ellie for her nerdy additions.

“Okay, the final place to check out is the greenhouse. I recently got an upgrade so I haven’t actually seen it since,” Ellie noted. She led the huntress back into the lab and to the door leading to the greenhouse.

Going through the door, Ellie paused. The planter beds had vanished, as had the bright windows, humid air and heat.

As Ellie stood in the doorway, she felt a sense of awe looking at the serene interior of what was once a greenhouse. Soft moonlight diffused through small windows, and twinkling lights above made it quite easy to see the room.

The walls were thick rough-hewn timber which gave it a more natural and rustic atmosphere. As she took a step forward, she felt the cold but sturdy brick flooring beneath her foot.

Immediately her attention was drawn to the heart of the room. A butcher block workbench dominated the centre, serving as a focal point which had easy access to any tools or materials she might need to use. Sitting on the bench was a small trowel and garden fork, as well as several plants which were already sprouting. Along with this were a few established common herbs, the vibrant scents of basil, rosemary, thyme and mint hitting her nose.

Something that caught her eye, though, was a brightly coloured gift box, roughly fifty-centimetre square and thirty deep. It had a nice bow and a letter sitting atop it. Ellie moved closer to the bench, initially intending to open the gift, but as her hand touched the butcher block, she looked down seeing years of wear and tear across the wooden surface.

She looked up and her eyes wandered, quickly drawn to a large stone basin sink positioned on the right side of the room. A shelf hung above a window and the sink with several plants cascading and hanging down. The rough cut and patina of the sink spoke to its years of service, despite only existing for a matter of hours. A hose connected to the tap which hinted at the practicality and convenience of the offered space. Nearby, a collection of terracotta pots of various shapes and sizes were stacked in orderly rows, waiting to be utilised.

Opposite the sink, on the left side of the room, a bench adorned the wall. Boots and other outdoor footwear sat under it, while on the wall behind cloaks and overalls hung. Adjacent to the bench was an outdoor tool rack, proudly displaying old but well-maintained tools such as shovels, hoes, rakes and the like. Small and large succulents were smattered around the cloak and tool storage unit, bringing a little more brightness to that side of the room.

Finally on the far side of the room sat a stable door, the top half very slightly ajar and allowing in a streak of moonlight. Each side of the door had a few decorative plants as well as a cast iron boot scraper and brush immediately next to it.

Ellie smiled and took in a deep breath. Herbs mixed with both the wood and earthy scents were to be expected but very welcome.

“Huh, not much of a greenhouse, looks more like a fancy potting shed or mudroom to me. Don’t think you’d grow the yield you’d want in a space like this,” Cyn commented, following the alchemist.

“Yeah… Well, it’s a little different than the last time…” Ellie said, marvelling at the new room, feeling the excitement build. Her attention snapped back to the gift box, and now that she’d been able to take in and appreciate the new room, she moved around the workbench, standing in front of the box. She looked down and pulled the short letter from under the ribbon.

Ellie,
You did well during my challenge. Call this upgrade both a reward and my thanks for the years of support you have given me.
The greenhouse which was once inside of this room is gone. In its place I have set up a workroom which leads into an environment I think you will find quite pleasing.
Most of the plants in your workroom aren’t meant to be harvested for food or alchemy, so feel free to replace any you wish.
I am sure you’re eager to see what is inside the box and I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise but I must give a suggestion. Only plant one of them at a time, I have placed a small flag outside in a spot I think would be suitable for you to plant but feel free to choose another location, just ensure the area is clear.

Yours Sincerely, Hemet the Hunter.

Cyn moved up beside the alchemist, sliding her arm around the girl's waist. “Wow, a letter from Hemet. I know John has a connection with him, but it’s still kind of wild to think he’s so buddy-buddy with non-hunter humans, especially ones fresh into the Abyss…” Cyn made her thoughts known.

“Yeah, it’s weird thinking he’s an actual god, or that deities exist… Now, let's see what’s in the box,” Ellie said, her excitement evident. She placed the letter on the bench before lifting and pulling off the lid of the box.

The inside reminded Ellie of a chocolate box, though the contents definitely weren’t chocolate. She reached inside and pulled out one of the gnarled balls of wood. As she touched it, a faint green glow emanated from within. She was quickly reminded of Taproot from Skyrim, though these were smaller and tighter, roughly three centimetres in diameter.

She placed the wooden object on the bench before casting Observe, summoning her tome which opened to a new page.

Verdant Haven Pit

(Seed)

This seed can be planted in any fertile soil.
If planting directly into the soil, it is recommended to have between three to five metres of clear space to give room for the plant to grow.
Planting this pit alongside another seed will change the shape and style of the Verdant Heaven to best suit the plant. Planting the pit like this will take up less space, needing only up to two metres.
Research is required for more information.

Ellie nodded before she palmed the pit and turned to look at Cyn, who had gotten slightly closer without Ellie noticing.

“I’d be careful getting too close, I might bite.” Ellie laughed, leaning in and nipping at the hunter's nose.

Cyn giggled. “Don’t worry, I know how to bite back,” she retorted, quickly moving forward and softly nibbling the alchemist’s lip.

Ellie let out a moan. “Want me to show you my room again? I don’t think you got a close enough look at the bed.”

The hunter let out a laugh. “Maybe a little later.” She gave the alchemist a peck on the lips. “I’m still intrigued with what’s behind door number two.” She nodded towards the stable door.

Cyn gave Ellie a couple of gentle pushes towards the door, and Ellie responded by grabbing the huntress's hand and pulling her in that direction.

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