Chapter 1 Press flag to play some nice music, and press the buttons to mute or unmute it. Music isn’t mine. —————| Tarquin POV , I was walking through Atlas with my letter clutched to my chest. Atlas was so appropriately nicknamed as 'The City of Knowledge', because it inhabited countless amounts of libraries, studies, and places to get a good education. I had been living in Atlas for about 3 years, occasionally going out of town to visit my family every 4 months in Nightingale. Yes, Nightingale. Like that small bird. It was basically a breeding ground for those birds, but you could tame the birds and keep them as pets or familiars. Not only were there lots of the Nightingale birds in Nightingale, but the town was fairly small and a lot of musicians visited every summer. I was supposed to be visiting my family later this week, but I discovered an extraordinary place in one of my many maps, it was a underwater cavern that supposedly led to the Lost City of Atlantis, because it had some ancient text written on the walls, and a translator deciphered it to be Atlantean text. I know, not seeing my family because of a place I could explore that may or may not even be real, total jerk move. But my relatives knew how important my exploring and studies were to me, they would understand. After a few snips of thinking and walking, I approached the post office. I slipped the letter to my parents in one of the large baskets that would be shipped the next morning. The letter would explain to my parents why I wouldn't be showing up, so they wouldn't have to worry about my safety. After exiting the office and looking at what would be available in the market that morning, I went on my way back home. I'm not sure entirely why, but my friend-- let's just say acquaintance that I had a strong distrust and dislike for. My acquaintance, Kenneth always doubted that I would ever become an explorer. He always explained to me that I was 'too fragile', or that I 'would get scared of everything'. I always scoffed when he insulted me. Well, I do jump and scream like a teenage girl every time I see a spider, but that's not important. Despite Kenneth and his followers attempts to prevent me from it, I became an explorer. I have trailed various lands, I met all kinds of people. I fulfilled my dream. I soon arrived home, and as soon as I opened my door a wave of warm air blasted into my face. I exhaled in relief and kicked my black leather boots off. I took my coat and scarf and put it on the small hanger-rack-- thing, by my front door. I turned on the light on throughout the main corridor, living room, dining room, and kitchen. I walked over to the fireplace, and just when I was about to light it I felt a tickle on my foot. "Meaow." I looked behind me, to see my roommate, Nova. "Hello, Nova. Can you light the stove for me while I light the fireplace?" I asked him, smiling. Nova went over into the kitchen, going to light the stove. Nova wasn't just a normal cat, he was a shapeshifting demon. 'Who are you to be siding with demons?', you must think, but we had both agreed to work and care for eachother when we needed it. I had needed someone to keep things reasonably tidy, to control the temperature of my home, and to be my roommate, since I had a few extra rooms in my home, and Nova wanted a place to stay, and a friend. I was also looking for more friends, so I happily agreed. I lit the fireplace and threw some more firewood into it. I got up and made my way to the kitchen to see Nova purring away happily on one of the cushioned barstools. I grabbed a pan and a bowl, some chicken, various spices, some fresh lettuce, and various vegetables. (Plus a fruit if you count a tomato, but it's used as both in cooking :] ) I put the chicken into the pan after washing my hands, seasoned the chicken appropriately, and let it cook. While I waited, I washed my hands again, and then washed the lettuce in my sink. Washing lettuce makes me remember hearing a metaphor in a presidential speech about lettuce and how it can be good if you wash it well enough. (cont. in notes and credits)
(cont.) That was a weird dream. I finished washing and cutting the lettuce, so I put it into the bowl I had, then I cut the vegetables I had grabbed. After cutting, I put the cherry tomatoes, sugar peas, and carrots all into the bowl with the lettuce. I put a small amount of dressing in and mix it so that I could add more later after the chicken was done, and it'd be an even amount of dressing. Speaking of chicken, I checked on the chicken to see that it was cooked nicely. I turned off the stove and picked the chicken up onto a clean cutting board. I cut the chicken appropriately, then put it into the salad. I mixed it as a added some more dressing. That should be good. I grabbed two plates and forks from my cupboards and cabinets, and set everything down on the dining room table. Nova walked over and sat at the table, licking his lips, then poof! His raven colored fur turned into hair on his head, and his paws turned into hands. He had morphed into a human. "Bon Appetit!" I exclaimed after pouring some water into our cups and dishing each of us some salad. Nova smiled and nodded as both of us ate in a peaceful silence. —————| INFO ABOUT TARQUIN: Tarquin (tahr•quinn) is a 20 year old explorer. He’s caring, but very outgoing. He would do anything to complete his studies, and he absolutely adores exploring. INFO ABOUT NOVA: Nova is Tarquin’s demon roommate. He is mysterious and quiet, but is extremely intelligent. Behind those walls of mystery and hiding, he is deeply caring and fun.
