Chapter 8: Moo More Magic!
"Top notch, I say, it's really the Runiverse's finest!" Jim took a long swig of the jug of milk before slamming it back on Uvlius's ancient wood desk. Milk sloshed over the rim, dribbling onto a stack of delicately-penned scrolls and staining the timeworn wood. The peculiar cow creature, adorned with a hotdog head and a blue wizard hat, wore a triumphant smile as he awaited the Chronicle's response. Illusionist Uvlius of the Belfry blinked back his surprise, pushing back his chair to avoid the onslaught of milk. He eyed Jim and the miniature cow that had followed him into the Athenaeum. It was not an uncommon occurrence for strange creatures to seek him out, given his reputation for cataloging the magical antiquities of the Runiverse1.
Uvlius glanced at the jug of milk, then back at Jim, his usual friendly gaze slightly clouded with bewilderment. "Well, Jim," he began, trying to maintain his composure, "I must say, I've cataloged many peculiar items in my time, but this..." he gestured vaguely towards the jug, "...is quite a surprising addition." Jim burst out laughing, slapping the table so hard that the jug wobbled. "All the creatures battling in the Cumberdome need to grow up big and strong like Jim! That's why they need this milk, best in all the Runiverse!"
Uvlius looked from the jug of milk to the toast in Jim's hand, which the strange creature was now dipping into the milk. "I... see," he managed, though it was clear he did not. The absurdity of the situation was almost too much, even for Uvlius.
After a moment of contemplation, Uvlius raised a hand and shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Jim," he said firmly, "I appreciate your... enthusiasm, but I think I've seen enough for today. Perhaps we can reconvene another time?"
With that, the Chronicle of the Athenaeum made a polite, if hastened, retreat to his desk, leaving Jim and his cow standing in the middle of the library. The memory of this peculiar encounter would no doubt bring a chuckle to his lips in the days to come.
As Jim swaggered out of the Athenaeum, Uvlius could only shake his head in bemusement. "The Runiverse," he mused aloud, "is certainly full of surprises."
Entered by: 0x6809…e343
Chapter 9: The Chronicle and the Craftsman
"Wood. Yes, Wood. But no ordinary wood. Something with a good heart. Something with style."
Illusionist Uvlius of the Belfry looked up from his ancient tome, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he took in the sight of Wizard #6379 standing in front of him. Not only was Lux known for his outstanding craftsmanship and style, but he was also a vision of flamboyant fashion with his flowing red cape and notorious brown hat. "Ah, Lux, always on a quest for the extraordinary, aren't you?" Uvlius chuckled, eyeing the humble brown paper bag filled with groceries that Lux had brought along.
The Archmagus merely grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just trying to keep up with you, old friend."
Uvlius hummed, his hand sweeping over the pages of his magical tome. With a swift incantation, he summoned forth a very special log from the Athenaeum. The log shimmered, the grains moving like liquid under the soft glow of the library's lamps.
"Here,” he said, passing the magical log to Lux, “the heartwood of an ancient Treant, grown in the sacred forest of The Emerald Forest. It has been blessed by the moonlight of a thousand midsummer nights. Perfect for your staves, wouldn't you say?" Lux's eyes widened in surprise before a slow smile spread across his face. "Perfect indeed, my friend. You never cease to amaze me." He ran his fingers gently over the log, feeling the magic pulsating beneath the bark.
As Lux turned to leave, Uvlius called out to him, "Wait! You forgot something." Lux turned around, his brow furrowed in confusion. That's when Uvlius, with a flourish of his hand, summoned a small jar of mustard from his shelf.
"I believe the store was out of this?" Uvlius said, handing him the jar with a grin.
Lux laughed heartily, accepting the mustard with a grateful nod. "Uvlius, you really do think of everything." As Lux exited the Athenaeum, leaving Uvlius to his chronicles, they both felt a sense of camaraderie and warmth that only old friends could share. Another ordinary day in the Runiverse, filled with magic, friendship, and the occasional mustard jar.
Entered by: 0x6809…e343
