On Golden Oak Street, the early morning mist had yet to disperse.
The stone slab path was damp with dew, making a soft rustling sound underfoot.
As Aidele pushed open the wooden door of Workshop Number Twelve, her fingertips paused on the doorframe for a moment.
She was wearing a new, deep purple Wizard Robe today.
The cuffs were embroidered with intricate Time Trace patterns in silver thread, and the collar was fastened a little tighter than usual.
The hem of her robe brushed across the threshold, stirring a faint breeze.
The front hall was quiet. Old Finn wasn't around, probably off handling a shipment.
Aidele lightened her steps and crossed the courtyard.
Beneath the half-withered old Golden Oak Tree, a few yellow leaves had fallen onto the stone slabs, their edges gilded by the morning light.
The laboratory door was ajar.
A steady glow from a Crystal Stone Lamp spilled through the crack, along with the faint, characteristic gurgling of a potion being heated.
