21 A Therapy Of Sorts (1/2)
”What do you want these iron ores to be used for? Keep in mind that my blacksmithing skills is only up to the intermediate level. I can smith new weapons and armor, but that will take time. Depending on what you want me to do, reinforcing or enhancing can also take some time.” Aima gathered everyone in a small street stall in the market district.
Jotted along the market district were street stalls of various sizes, serving various delicacies as well. When customers were tired from looking around the shops, street stalls stood to wait ever vigilant to appease their tired minds - and unsuspecting wallets. In a way, it served as a good meeting place for the party since they could have a meal together before they went on their own way. The location was also convenient for them to do their own shopping after the meeting.
”Nothing in mind yet? Okay, I'll start so you can get an idea of what I can do.” Aima smiled smugly as she placed a hand on her chest. ”I will reinforce my chest armor and greaves. They're all made of leather so using iron ores here and there will provide additional defense while only impeding my mobility a bit.”
”Question though.” Sebastian found himself raising his hand again to interrupt the discussion. It was an awfully embarra.s.sing habit he wanted to get rid of from his studying days. ”Ahem. You also seem to be wearing leather armor Aima. Doesn't it get in the way of your magic spells? I thought a robe or a cloak would suit a mage or supporter better.”
”That is a very rookie question coming from you. I'm a bit disappointed actually.” Becky crossed her hands across her chest as if to show indignation before she continued. ”Mages and supporters aren't in the frontline. However, if and when the frontline is breached, then what becomes of them? Should they cast reinforcement spells non stop until mana burn?”
”Now now, you don't need to be that harsh Becky. Sebastian's first party was with you, me, and Rivie - who wore a robe. Rivie's a special case, Sebastian. She's so strong by herself that she can even function as a vanguard with me if needed. She doesn't have a spear and s.h.i.+eld but her magick's probably more potent compared to that.”
”It does seem like it. Thanks for pointing that out Jin - I didn't even realise it before you told me.” Sebastian drank the fruit juice in front of him as he looked to Aima. ”In my case, can you please reinforce my armor as well? I would still want it to feel light, but I don't want to lose out on defense. If you know what I mean.”
Expecting a new weapon from Leo's quest, Sebastian didn't want to squander his opportunity at the moment to upgrade a piece of equipment he would soon replace.
”That is a sensible decision dear patron - I mean Sebastian. Leave your armor with me. It should take me a day for your modification. What about the others?”
The party's decisions were to be expected. Jin wanted to enhance his glaive and buckler, Becky also focused on her weapons, while Mel surprisingly wanted to have a new short sword forged. When they pressed for her reason, she simply mentioned that she couldn't use her sword in the cave because of its condition. With everyone's request, Aima estimated to take at least 4 days for the smithing process. After deciding when and where to meet up again, the party went on their own ways.
Everyone except Sebastian and Mel. Sebastian followed Mel to a bungalow in the corner of the market district. It was tucked away through an alleyway. Her house even had a small courtyard, which was a rare sight for a house in the city.
”This is my house. I'm the only one living here at the moment so please make yourself at home. This should be private enough for your treatment.” Mel opened the door to reveal a tidy interior with the basic furniture dotting the inside. Everything was tidy and had its place.
”Thank you for that. Do you have a small couch where you can lie down? I'll just take a seat beside you. This will be our first process - I call this 'talk therapy'.”
”Not even asking for a gla.s.s of water or a bite to eat? You sure get down to business quick.”
”I must tell you beforehand. I'm not an expert in dealing with psychological trauma - I only have the basics patted down. Which is why we might need a long time for this. I'd like to get started as soon as possible please.”
”I was only kidding, lighten up. Please feel comfortable around me as well Sebastian. I know I'm not as cheerful as Jin, but I won't bite. We can use the living room furniture here.”
When they got their positions down, Sebastian immediately started to draw Mel out from her sh.e.l.l. He started by asking for general information about her, how she felt being an adventurer, and even her daily routine. Eventually, they got to the topic where Mel's parents who were both adventurers, were slain while they were on a quest. She was left to fend for herself, but she was already in her teenage years when the mishap occurred. She used her parent's savings to get by while she studied being an adventurer in the monastery. Using her parents' death as her motivation, she was going to be an adventurer as long as she was able to help others through questing. When her previous party disbanded and chose mundane vocations, she continued being an adventurer.
”Tell me what happened during the encounter with the mutated wolves. What do you remember.”
Sebastian used open-ended questions to prod Mel into describing the traumatising battle which allowed them to meet. Every time Mel was about to have a panic attack, Sebastian coaxed her into doing pursed-lip breathing and meditation exercises to calm her down. It took the whole day, but Mel was finally able to reiterate the fight based on her memories. He noted that there were patches left out here and there, but it was to be expected from a traumatic event. After making sure that Mel was stable enough for them to end the session, they finished their talk therapy as he made his way back to the inn. Sebastian was deep in thought as he walked the calm evening streets.
'Being an adventurer here is very difficult. You have to be prepared to give your life, even at the cost of leaving your children behind. The world here is brutal and unforgiving, which would be why there doesn't seem to be any wars or conflicts happening. When you're main concern is your survival, political strife seems petty and a luxury.'
***
”What are we doing here Sebastian? Your armor is currently with Aima for enhancement, will that thing suffice in this place?” Mel pointed to the leather armor Sebastian was wearing. It was an old piece he picked up from the discounted corner in an armor shop. It looked shoddy and unreliable, which made her fears grow as they walked in Trenlant Forest. Sunlight pierced through the green canopy as it provided warmth for the two adventurers cautiously moving deeper into the forest.
”I'm currently using my [Augment] skill to scout ahead of us. There aren't any threats so please rest a.s.sured. We don't have long to go.” Sebastian looked confident as he led the way in front of Mel. She wasn't sure if it was because of his augmented scouting skill, but he seemed to be looking for a specific place. Clutching her bow tightly, she followed him closely.
”Right. It should be here. This is the place where my first party found yours.” Sebastian slowly guided Mel back to the tree where Ellie was holding her, trying to cast [Heal] to stabilise her wound.
Understandably, Mel was rooted in the ground as she blankly stared at the spot. An entire season had pa.s.sed since it happened. However, for Mel who was standing in the same area, it was still fresh. She started panting and hyperventilating. The world felt numb as it started spinning at dizzying speeds.
”Mel, focus on me. Remember the deep breathing exercise I showed you yesterday. That's good. Keep doing that.” Sebastian grounded Mel back in reality as he held her hand. He didn't turn her away from the site, he wanted her to slowly absorb and refocus on the location where the traumatic event took place.
”I'll take the part of the mutated wolf. Take your sword out. I can probably evade you but don't stab me please.” With a smile, Sebastian started the role play session to reenact the scene. They even replayed the fight scene based on Mel's memories. Riddled with pauses and panic attacks, the role play session finally ended. With a pant, Mel laid down on the gra.s.s.