Chapter Text
Life in the atelier was much quieter than the Great Hall.
Long gone were the days of dark hallways and deep echoing chambers. Now Olruggio's life was once more filled with sun and the sky. He hadn't hated the Great Hall, not as much as Qifrey had, but he had simply longed to remain by his side more than he'd cared to stay. Now, a few years out, he would be lying if he said he didn't prefer this to the bustle and heavy expectations that followed him in the Great Hall.
It was a quiet day at the Atelier. Qifrey had approached Olruggio with the notion of a picnic since the weather was so nice. Needing a break from the contraption he'd been working on, feeling currently uninspired, Olruggio agreed.
Besides, Qifrey needed the break too. He'd been bent over his books for the upmost of a month now, studying for his trial to become an apprentice.
Lunch was gone now and they sat in comfortable silence alongside each other, taking in the view of the plains, strong winds blowing through the grass. Olruggio cared a glance over to Qifrey and noticed his hand was brought up to his face.
"Is your eye botherin' you again?"
"Hm," Qifrey turned to him, almost as if he'd forgotten Olruggio was there. "Oh. No, I was just thinking I suppose."
"That's dangerous… what about?"
"My future apprentices." Olruggio didn't follow and Qifrey seemed to realize this. "Word travels fast amongst witches. No one really to to me kindly, not having my memories and all. It was like everywhere I went the blurry dark cloud of my past followed me. People doubted my abilities due to my eyes so what if…" Qifrey sighed. "What if none students want me as their master because of it? What if my missing eye scares them away? Most people know it has something to do with the use of forbidden magic. I wouldn't put it against an up and coming witch to want to steer clear away from that…"
"Tch," Olruggio interupted. "You're overthinkin' it. You were an apprentice sought out by Beldaruit the Wise. Your water spells stand agaisnt none. You made it to the Tower of Tomes all on your own. Any student would be lucky to have you as a Master, Qifrey."
Qifrey turned away and looked back out at the grass.
"I suppose you're right, dear friend."
"Usually am," Olruggio smiled. Qifrey smiled back and they returned to silence for another beat.
"I guess I better get back to work. No use fretting about my future students if I don't pass the test."
Olruggio watched as Qifrey pushed himself up, adjusted his cloak and gathered up the mess from lunch. Kicking into gear, he helped him clean up and followed him back to their Atelier.
When Olruggio returned to his workshop, he had a whole new wave of inspiration.
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"You're still up," Olruggio asked, walking into the kitchen.
"Couldn't sleep. Tea?"
"Sure," Olruggio nodded and sat down at one of the tables.
"Why are you still up? Fixing up some new doodad?"
"Just finished actually."
"Ah. What did your brilliant mind come up with this time?" Qifrey carried a bowl over to Olruggio, setting it down as he moved to take the seat across from him.
"Take a look for yourself," Olruggio passed a cloth across the table. Qifrey set down his tea and pick it up. Whatever lay inside was small and fragile. With careful hands, Qifrey unwrapped the cloth to find…
"Spectacles?"
"Aye."
"One of the lenses is blacked out."
"There's a reason for that. Try 'em on."
"Me?"
"Well…" Olruggio rubbed the scruff on the back of his neck. "They're for you?"
"Me!" Qifrey turned the glasses over in his hands, holding them up to the light to inspect them. "There's a seal hidden in this lense."
"It's an opacating spell. Meant to help conceal your eye. You don't have to wear it now but if you're worried about it in the future…"
"Olly…."
"I just figured these will help you and I needed a break from my other work. It's only a prototype so if they don't fit or…" Olruggio trailed off. Qifrey was looking down, his face unreadable and… sad. "Qifrey?"
In an instant Qifrey's face changed, he smiled as he placed the lenses on his face. "They're perfect. Thank you, Olly. There is always so much kindness in the things you create."
"So you've said…"
"And I mean it. Truly. Thank you."
"Don't mention it."