The next morning, Zafron stood before a full-length mirror in the living room, adjusting his new attire with a mixture of excitement and nervousness etched on his face.
"This is it...big day ahead," he said with a smile on his face as he took another look at himself in the mirror. He had woken up early today to prepare to go out job hunting. As he promised Matilda the previous day, he wanted to contribute around the house, carry his own weight and of course that of the two women in his life. What that meant was that he needed to get a job, as soon as possible.
But presentation was everything and he had pulled out all the stops to make sure he looked at least, not a slaveboy. As much as he moved working for Matilda and prior to the Blackthorn incident, he wouldn't have dreamt of a different life, he hoped stepping out today would open doors to new opportunities.
The dress he wore now inevitably was all Matilda's doing as she had sent for it the previous night and had it delivered to the house. It was a flowing tunic of deep blue silk, embroidered with several silver patterns that seemed to shimmer as he moved.
The garment was cinched at the waist with a wide leather belt, adorned with a polished silver buckle. His legs were clad in form-fitting trousers of a lighter shade, tucked into soft leather boots that reached mid-calf. This ensemble alone was probably the most expensive he ever felt and it was all thanks to Matilda who went out of her way to do this for him.
Zafron ran his fingers through his hair. With deft movements, he combed it back, letting it fall in gentle waves that framed his face. The overall effect was striking – gone was the rough-around-the-edges young man, replaced by someone who looked ready to take on the world.
"You look... different," Mara's soft voice came from behind him. She stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with admiration. She couldn't help but marvel at how handsome Zafron looked.
Zafron turned to face her with a shy smile playing on his lips. "Good different, I hope?" He asked with a boyish grin.
Mara nodded with a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she ran her eyes up and down Zafron's body as if to access him once more before coming to a final conclusion. "Very good different. You'll knock them dead out there." She said with a wide grin.
Just then, Matilda bustled into the room, her arms full of papers and what looked like a small glass orb. "Zafron, dear, are you ready?" She asked, her eyes buried in the papers she held.
However, she raised her head to see where she was going and just like that, she stopped dead in her tracks,"Oh my, don't you look handsome!"
She said moving closer with a broad smile of her own to access Zafron's look. He appeared even more handsome to her than she had imagined possible on closer look.
Zafron's smile widened as his confidence was clearly bolstered by their reactions. "Thank you, both of you. I feel ready... I think." He said this with a bit of worry crossing his mind. What if this was all too much? Then again, if he wanted any chance at an employment, whatever that might be, he would have to look the part, wouldn't he?
Matilda approached him with a changed expression. She was no longer admiring him as this was now a more serious topic.
"Now, remember what we talked about. This," she held up the glass orb, "is a map crystal. It's enchanted to always show you the way back home." She demonstrated how it worked, the crystal glowing faintly as a miniature map appeared within its depths.
Zafron took the crystal carefully, examining it with wonder, 'I guess Astoria has a lot of catching up to do, huh,' he thought for a moment as his mind raised back home.
Then he said, "This is incredible, Matilda. Thank you." Eyes still examining the orb.
"You're welcome, dear. But that's not all." She handed him a stack of papers. "I've written down some places you should visit. I know people there who owe me favors, once they see my insignia, they should at the very least grant you audience, you don't worry. One of those contacts should be able to help you find suitable employment," she said.
Zafron's eyes widened as he leafed through the papers. Matilda's elegant handwriting covered the parchment, detailing a world of possibilities he hadn't dared to imagine.
There was Madame Elara's Enchanted Emporium on Starlight Avenue, where Matilda hinted at a past favor involving a charm mishap. Thorne & Sons Magical Artifacts onWillow Lane caught his eye, with a note suggesting old Mr. Thorne was seeking an apprentice skilled in enchantments.
His gaze lingered on The Golden Griffon Inn, located at the corner of Moonbeam Street. Matilda's note mentioned the owner, Giles, needing help with bookkeeping - a task Zafron felt confident he could handle.
Further down, he saw Archmage Zephyr's Academy of Practical Magic on Spellcaster's Square, where assistants were often needed for experiments. The suggestion came with a caution to be careful, making Zafron both excited and nervous.
The last entry that caught his attention was the Drakoria Daily Dispatch on Inkwell Alley. Apparently, the editor, Ms. Quill, had an eye for sharp minds and a way with words - skills Zafron hoped he possessed.
"Matilda," he breathed, looking up at her with a mix of gratitude and awe, "these are incredible opportunities. How do you know about all these places when we've just arrived in Drakoria?"
Matilda smiled clearly she was happy that at least Zafron seemed to find her efforts rather astonishing to say the least.
"You know, being once the wife of a noble has its advantages, right?. I've traveled to Drakoria many times over the years, making connections and, shall we say, leaving lasting impressions. These are people I've met, helped, or simply shared a memorable moment with. In a city like this, such connections can be invaluable."
Well, this was actually true as a lot of her trips in the past most times on business of her own while other times in the company of Blackthorn always ended up with her having to greet certain important people and her on the other hand exploring the area she is visiting.
"Matilda, this is... I don't know what to say." Zafron said almost overwhelmed by the support this woman was giving him. She truly was an angel, wasn't she?
Matilda waved her hand dismissively as if to say "No sweat" but her eyes shone with pride and affection. "Just promise me you'll be careful out there. The city can be overwhelming for newcomers."
"I promise," Zafron said solemnly.
Mara, who had been watching this exchange with unease, couldn't help but get lost in her mind. 'I guess she isn't going easy like she promised. Already she's using her assets to gain an edge,' she thought bitterly but kept an impassive look on her face.
She then stepped forward and said, "I, um, I made you something too," she said, her voice carring a shy and an uncertain tone. Zafron was both equally surprised and thrilled to see what she had for him. Already Matilda had shocked him with all her efforts. It would be too much at this point to accept any more kindness from any of these women.