The weather became warmer and Zaril'n woke himself, he had adapted to waking up early, but doing so himself was a new step. As he looked around he noticed that Xavier wasn't on his bed. A white paper on the furniture then caught Zaril'n's attention.
He stretched his arms and moved to the paper taking it to his hand. He flipped it open where there were letters written,
'I left early, the tournament starts at 9. Stay out of trouble and do your best. I don't know much about what's happening back at the church so I left with haste to return'
Zaril'n didn't have time to understand each word as he was interrupted by a heavy knock on the door. The door rattled a bit and Zaril'n moved carefully to it before unlocking it.
A woman stood intrigued at the door with a tray in hand.
"Here boy, your little friend paid already,"
'Xavier?' Zaril'n thought taking the tray from her hands.
"Thank you,"
The woman didn't even let Zaril'n finish speaking as she left. Looking at the wooden tray in his hand a bowl of leaf swimming of what he suspect to be soup rested to one side. On the other side was a piece of bread that somehow looked too dry and wet at the same time. And the only thing of suitable human taste was a green coloured apple.
Zaril'n had never felt so withdrawn to eating before, he simply placed the tray down and tidied his sleep space and gathered his things. When he was finished he took up his belongings and the apple.
The Inn keeper dismissively fanned him off and Zaril'n was outside again.
"What a lad like himself here alone?" a man questioned shoving a similar piece of ugly bread in his mouth.
"What ya think these young boys come for? They come every year only for them all to get back empty handed. Not like I care," answer the inn keeper.
Zaril'n arrived through the door taking himself out. It was bright and the sun was as bright as usual. He felt warm inside and everywhere people were setting up their stalls or selling things.
Zaril'n did his best to keep to the shadows, but alas that wasn't easy, he was distracted most of the times and the streets were far too packed. He did is best holding his bag tight to himself as if he was wearing it like clothes, Xavier had taught him this.
Through the bustling and noisy city Zaril'n traveled to where the exams were being held. He showed the attendant his form and he was given a number with the listing of 275.
As Zaril'n completed the procedure successfully collecting his ticket he continued forward to head to the large Colosseum. As he passed by another attendant stand he overheard a boy having problem.
"But I already paid sir, why can't I get my number listing?" the boy stuttered.
"listen here you twerp, it's written here that you haven't paid the full fee, so pay now or leave!" the man lifted a paper to the boy's face, but removed it faster than it went up.
"This isn't fair sir, if I don't get my number listing I can't participate and I really need to this time, I have to take care of my family," the boy plead.
"How sad," said the attendant with no emotion as he rolled his eyes. " NEXT!" He then shouted looking over the boy.
"No! Please wait,"
"Boy you're getting on my last nerve! Get out of here now or else!" the attendant shouting in a fit of fury and shove the boy.
The boy crashed to the ground getting dusty, and for those who was close by laughed at him. The boy felt ashamed and embarrassed as he laid there, his world felt like it was falling apart and he didn't notice that he had started to cry.
"Next!" the attendant announced loudly from his table feeling satisfied that the pesky boy had refused to get up to plea again.
Before anyone could walk over the boy a shadow was cast over him. The boy hiccupped in tears feeling useless. As the shadow covered him even more the boy felt completely useless thinking he was about to be dragged away.
"Hey," a voice called gently as the person carefully shook the boy.
The boy hearing the calm tone stopped crying and looked up immediately. He met the face of a boy with black short hair and fiery eyes, that was mixed with red and orange. Vibrant and beautiful.
He stood up realizing how pathetic he might look. He dusted himself feeling ashamed and turned to the boy.
"Sorry I was probably blocking your way," the boy said wiping his tears away, but because of the tears and dust his face looked a bit muddy.
Zaril'n took a moment to phrase is words in his head before speaking. Other than speaking to the children though he barely did as they spoke far too quickly, he spent most of his time listening and less speaking.
" Are you going in the tournament?" Zaril'n asked.
" I was, but they say I need to pay more money, but I don't have anymore," the boy answered sadly.
Now Zaril'n knew this boy was going to the tournaments too, maybe he wanted to build a big church or get a lot of money too.
Knowing that Zaril'n wanted to help. It seems the problem is him wanting money and he had some.
Zaril'n wanted to get to the tournaments, that's what Xavier had told him. He should wake early, get his number and go to the Colosseum, but right now this boy before him looked as if he needed help, and helping was good.
Zaril'n noticed the line wasn't long yet so he took the boy's arm and pulled him back into the line, the boy didn't even have enough time to protest, he simply allowed himself to be dragged.
Zaril'n helped him back in the line that he was shove from and then waited for their turn, only five persons were before them.
"I can't be in the line, I have to get money," the boy stuttered wanting to leave.
Zaril'n didn't respond as the line grew shorter. Finally it was the boys turn. The attendant's face twisted into a scorn seeing the boy.
"You again?"
"I'll get leaving sir," the boy stammered.
But before he could move Zaril'n who had accompanied him spoke,
" His pay how much?" Zaril'n asked who was standing to the side.