Oakhaven, seen up close, was even more idyllic than it first appeared. Flowers bloomed in window boxes, children laughed as they chased chickens through the cobblestone streets, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from every other doorway. It was the kind of place that made you want to settle down and forget the world outside existed. But Haku wasn't here to settle down. He was here to survive, and maybe, just maybe, thrive.
Tiberius's shop was a cozy haven filled with bolts of colorful fabric, spools of thread, and the gentle hum of a spinning wheel. The air hung heavy with the scent of lavender and beeswax. He led them through the shop and into a small, attached cottage, the walls lined with shelves overflowing with trinkets and whatchamacallits.
Elara lay in a narrow bed, her face pale and drawn. She looked impossibly frail, her dark hair spread across the pillow like spilled ink. Her breathing was shallow and raspy.
Haku approached the bed cautiously, his mind racing. He needed to buy time, to assess the situation, to come up with a plausible diagnosis, and ultimately, a "cure." He remembered a video, something about iron deficiency... but that was a long shot.
He knelt beside the bed and gently took Elara's hand. It was cold and clammy. He closed his eyes, pretending to concentrate.
"Tell me, Tiberius," he said, his voice low and serious. "What are her symptoms? Everything, no matter how insignificant it may seem."
Tiberius, his voice thick with worry, began to list her ailments. Constant fatigue, loss of appetite, a persistent cough, and a general weakening that had been slowly progressing for years.
As Tiberius spoke, Haku ran through the possibilities. Iron deficiency? Maybe. Tuberculosis? Possibly. The problem was, he lacked the diagnostic tools to be sure. He needed to be creative.
"Has she been eating enough greens?" Haku asked, remembering the importance of a balanced diet from his ex's constant lectures about health. "And has she been getting enough sunlight?"
Tiberius looked confused. "Greens? Sunlight? She spends most of her time indoors. The healers said... said it was best for her to rest."
Haku frowned. These medieval healers... they were probably doing more harm than good. "That's the problem," he said. "She's been cooped up away from the sunlight and greens! The sun is what brings life and nourishes its being."
"Is that true?" Tiberius asked, hope flickering in his eyes. "Is there really a chance she could be saved?"
Haku smiled. "There is always a chance, Old Man. I think I've got a solution to save Elara from her disease, which will take some of my time."
"I will do anything to save my daughter. What must the solution be?" Tiberius asked
"Well..." Haku began, stalling for time. The solution was to scam him. "The solution lies in a specialized diet. We need to get all the rare ingredients in order for her to recover, as well as a well-decorated space to do so. I have to ensure that the space is proper and ready for her to recover."
"Then what do we do?"
"There is one thing that you could do, though. I need to make myself the proper outfit that I would need to save your daughter, it could inspire her too! But the outfit is quite complex and takes a lot of patience to make."
'I know he's hussling me, but what can I do?'
Tiberius contemplated for a while before saying, "If that is what it takes to save my daughter from her disease, so be it."
"Do not worry, I'll make sure that Elara will be healthy again in no time!" Haku said, smiling.
"Thank you, Master Haku." Tiberius said.
Haku smiled. "Of course, what are friends for?" He then walked out of the cottage and went back to the Shop.
"So, Old Man Tiberius, what kind of clothes are you thinking of for me?" Haku said, smiling. He had successfully tricked the old man, and he could not wait to see the result.
Tiberius, his face still etched with worry, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Something...distinguished," he said, his eyes scanning the numerous fabrics that lined the walls. "Something that conveys...authority, wisdom. Something befitting a...healer of your caliber."
Haku suppressed a grin. Authority? Wisdom? He'd take it. "I was thinking along those lines myself," he said smoothly. "Perhaps a dark, rich blue? It symbolizes knowledge and tranquility. And some intricate embroidery, something that speaks of the natural world, of the life force that flows through all things. Like a dragon swallowing the sun for all I care."
Tiberius's eyes widened slightly. "A dragon swallowing the sun...ambitious. But I like it. It speaks of power, of overcoming the darkness." He turned to a rack of silks. "I have some fine silk from the Eastern Kingdoms. A deep indigo, almost black in the shadows. It would be perfect."
As Tiberius began to pull bolts of fabric, Haku noticed Alexander standing awkwardly to the side, his gaze fixed on the cottage door. It was obvious where his thoughts were.
"Alexander," Haku said, drawing the young man's attention. "Why don't you help Tiberius with the measurements? You have a good eye for detail, don't you?"
Alexander blushed, stammering, "I...I don't know the first thing about measuring for clothes, Master Haku."
"Nonsense," Haku said, clapping Alexander on the shoulder. "It's just numbers and strings. Besides, it'll keep your mind occupied. And maybe you can even strike up a conversation with Elara when no one is around."
Alexander's face flushed even brighter. He glanced back at the cottage, then back at Haku, his eyes filled with a mixture of apprehension and hope.
As Tiberius started taking measurements, Haku leaned back against a table, observing the scene. He still didn't have a real plan for Elara, but he had time. He needed to learn more, observe more. And maybe, just maybe, he could actually help her. After all, he had access to knowledge that no one else in this world possessed.
"So, Old Man," Haku said, interrupting the measuring session. "Got any of that amazing Baruga Bar Ale on hand? All this talk about saving lives is making me thirsty."
Tiberius, ever the accommodating host, perked up. "Ah, the Baruga Bar Ale! Of course, Master Haku. Nothing warms the soul like a good brew. Alexander, fetch us three mugs, will you?"
Alexander, relieved to have a task, hurried off to the back of the shop. As Tiberius poured the ale, the rich, malty aroma filled the air. Haku took a long draught, savoring the taste. It was surprisingly good, even better than some of the craft beers he'd had back on Earth.
"So, Tiberius," Haku said, setting down his mug. "Tell me more about Elara. What are her talents? What does she enjoy doing when she's not... resting?"
Tiberius's face softened. "Elara... she's always been gifted. She can sing like an angel, weave the most intricate tapestries, and even read and write, something most women in this town don't bother with. She had a sharp mind, and she was quick to pick up any new skill I gave her."
Haku raised an eyebrow. "Read and write? That's impressive. Maybe she could help me with a few...research projects I have in mind." He already had an idea brewing. If Elara could read and write, she could be his research assistant. He could use her to transcribe his ideas, to conduct "experiments" using locally sourced ingredients.
The possibilities were starting to take shape. He just needed to make sure that "cure" would keep Old Man Tiberius happy and hopeful.
Suddenly, Alexander returned, his face flushed and a little breathless. He set down the mugs of ale carefully, avoiding Haku's gaze.
"Everything alright, Alexander?" Haku asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Yes, Master Haku," Alexander stammered. "Everything's fine. Just... I think Elara might need something else. I forgot to ask."
Haku grinned. "Go on, then. See what she needs. But try not to stay too long. We need to discuss this amazing outfit."
As Alexander hurried back to the cottage, Haku winked at Tiberius. The old man chuckled, shaking his head. It was all falling into place. A free outfit, a potential research assistant, and a lovesick young assistant who was completely devoted to him. Life in Oakhaven was starting to look very interesting indeed.