Irrational Summoning

The coin I carried plopped to the ground for the fifth time as I took quick strides back from my outing. My little magic experiment was an absolute success. But despite my elation at my achievement, this coin which I decided to keep, was irritating me.

Or rather I was irritated with myself for being unable to roll it through my fingers while walking at a speedy pace. I frowned as I stopped in my tracks and picked it up. 

The best decision was to put it in my pocket and stop futzing with it. Doing this made me stop thinking about my terrible coin skills and made my walk more efficient. 

Out of sight, out of mind as they say. Being in a new world out in the country brought back fond memories of literature sayings I used to love to read as a kid. I could read those one-liners for hours on end. Back in those days that would drown out the buzz of the world around me as I focused on the sayings with my full attention. 

Nowadays the buzz would never stop no matter how hard I tried. That was until I arrived here, ever since then my mind has felt so alive in indescribable ways. Everything about this world feels so new yet nostalgic at the same time. Almost as if I always knew this place existed and always knew this was going to happen to me. 

After about 5 minutes I was back in civilization. Georgis's property loomed on the horizon looking more and more like my own house as time went on. Well, not really, but my brain had started associating this place with my house as I had lived here for the past 3 days. 

As I got close to the gate, I saw something that caught my eye. Something that would go unnoticed unless you were keen on details or had a wandering eye. It was a little piece of parchment paper situated down near the right corner of the gate almost hidden by a bush. I squinted my eyes and could just barely make out the scribbles written on it. 

The paper said, " I will be out for almost the entire day with a few old friends. I wanted to notify you of my absence."

The handwriting was quite messy and difficult to read. Naturally, I suppose that is to be expected of commoners in this period. In fact, it is quite amazing as a common folk that he can write. 

Once I had read the note, I opened the gate and waltzed in planning to take a 2-hour long nap at minimum. I felt tired and accomplished and knew this was a well-deserved rest. To be honest, I was so tired my body was on autopilot, and I didn't notice that I had opened the door to the shack, walked down the main room, and into the bedroom until I was already in bed drifting off.

The last thought in my head, before I was finally dragged into sleep, was about my stability. I could only feel this tired because of my location and safety. This kind of tiredness is an enjoyment rarely experienced, and so I was going to treasure my rest.

I would like to say I woke up feeling 100% refreshed, but that would be a lie. I did not feel well-rested at all. I sat up, rubbed my eyes, and let out a ginormous yawn.

Opening up the window cover told me that I had slept for several hours. The suns were setting outside, and the sky was fading to black. I stretched myself over the edge of the bed and rolled over onto the floor. 

I didn't want to get up, but it wouldn't be right to go back to sleep and ditch my plans for the night. Groaning I lazily got up and trudged into the main room of the shack. I checked the magic circle which acted as a clock sitting on the back wall of the room to know how much time I had to get there. 

It was currently 6:51 P.M. If someone was in the room, they would be able to see the visible scrunching of my face as I saw how much time I had to get there. I was lucky not to have overdone my sleep because I would be late or worse, missed it! 

No time was left to waste as I rushed out the door and slammed it behind me. If I ran, I would make it with a couple of minutes to spare. I knew the reason I slept for so long was because my body could feel the effects of stress even if my mind felt completely unfazed. No matter what I could push away from my mind my body would take the full brunt of the effects of the current events and the future anticipated events.

I slowed my fast-paced stride as the building came into view, and the sign that told me it was the tavern loomed in the distance. It seemed I had made it in time with no problems. Knowing tonight was a night to take it easy and hang out with a new friend, I caught my breath and prepared myself for the fellowship.

As I entered the building, I noticed it was very crowded. Surveying the large open room, I spotted Aaron almost instantly. How could I miss his sturdy figure and chopped brown hair?

Shortly after I spotted him and put my hand in the air to call him over, he caught sight of me and quickly maneuvered around the crowd to reach me. 

"Hello," he said greeting me excitedly and extending his hand for me to shake.

"It is good to see you," I said pleasurably taking his hand.

"I suppose we should go grab a small table to sit at before they all get snatched."

I nodded my head in silent agreement. I followed right behind him as we pushed our way through some of the guests standing around talking. I knew I had already acknowledged the variety of humans in their sizes ranging from dwarven size to absolute giants, but tonight I noticed that species of other races were also hanging in the bar. I could make out a lizard-looking demi-human, a person with cat ears and a cat tail, an ogre, etc. 

I couldn't help but goggle in amazement watching these fantastical creatures. They didn't seem to be much different than any humans I have ever witnessed whether it be in speech, mannerisms, or intelligence. 

We quickly arrived at our table while I was observing these species. The table I now stood in front of was small and made for two people. It was right up against the left wall of the large open space in the perfect spot to stay out of any attention and enjoy the night in peace.

"You seem to be lost in thought," Aaron spoke up breaking the silence.

"Such peace among differences is enjoyable," 

Aaron gave me a puzzled expression unaware of what I was talking about.

"The peace in this tavern," I said clarifying my statement, "Is enjoyable and refreshing. It is amazing that despite something even as divisive as a different species such cooperation can be formed and maintained."

"Oh, that," he said pounding his fist against his open palm, " You are indeed correct, but it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. We can indeed all maintain amiable relations and get along. However, many are only out for their own gain and selfish wants. Some people are even willing to throw away and backstab anyone, if need be, for their purposes. You must always stay cautious; especially in the professional world of doing business."

I listened to his warnings silently. I knew he was right, and the world isn't so simple. However, just being able to cooperate and maintain face was still a remarkable achievement. If this was the Middle Ages on Earth, I knew none of this would ever be possible.

" I believe you. But even so, it is nice to have the opportunity for such a community to exist."

When I finished speaking, we both noticed a server approaching to ask what we would like. I quickly sat as our server came closer. When she reached the table, I couldn't help but notice her cute appearance. She had a small frame and beaty green eyes. Her light silky brown hair seemed to highlight the stunning color of her eyes and the way she carried herself gave off the aura of a small animal that needed protection. 

Thinking back on it, this is the second person I have met with green eyes in this village. Lily, the library girl, also had bright green eyes. However, unlike the timid library girl, this girl seemed to be sociable. 

While flashing us a sweet smile she asked us, " What would you guys like to have tonight?"

Aaron spoke up and said, " We will both have the barnyard beer with a diced-up potato on the side."

"That will be coming right up," she replied in a calm and soft tone. 

The girl then turned around and disappeared into the back room of the tavern.