Ten minutes later, they finally arrive at the Unarmed Willow Inn.
"Well, this wasn't what I expected," says Eva while she stares at the building.
Between two skyscrapers, the Unarmed Willow Inn is like an ant among humans. It's a shabby two-floor building with a brownish color. From outside, the smell of smoke and sweat can be perceived, and the screams and yells of the customers can also be heard. A large neon sign with the name of the place confirms your suspicions.
"Remember, it's all about the mission," whispers Leah at her sister's ear and touches her shoulder.
Then, she approaches the door, but the door opens, and a drunken customer staggers out. So as not to be run over by him, our heroes move away.
They look at the drunkard as he walks away, and then, as they look at each other, they nod in agreement and enter the Unarmed Willow Inn.
The interior of the establishment matches the exterior. The walls and floor are made of wood, just like the exterior. You can see the customers surrounded by the cloud of smoke: some are sitting and others, due to their size, are standing. The two staircases that lead to the second floor, situated on either side of the room, frame the peculiar scene.
Silence is imposed when the trio enters. In fact, every living thing in the bar has turned to see the outsiders.
Lucien, feeling the animosity in the air, starts walking towards the counter at the back of the room without making eye contact. Eva and Leah follow them.
When they are almost at the counter, the bartender, who is trying to ignore them, starts cleaning the dirty counter with an even dirtier cloth. However, Lucien doesn't give up and clears his throat to get the bartender's attention.
"What do you want?" says the bartender as he drops the cloth. He's a dwarf and seems to be in a bad mood. The other clients go back to what they were doing, but without taking their eyes off the outsiders.
"We were wondering if you'd know how to get to the Celnaer Fortress," says Leah, trying to calm the mood.
The room goes silenced once more.
"Are you crazy? Did I do something to you that you want to ruin my business?" whispers the bartender angrily.
"Sorry, we were just—"
"Sh! Don't say anything else! I don't know where that dangerous place is, but I think that if you participate in the Arena and win you may get the answers," says the bartender, whispering the last words. "But if you want to enter, you need an invitation from the clans."
"Okay. Thank you," says Leah as Eva and Lucien turn around to walk away.
When they are outside, they stop in the middle of the road to make a plan.
"I think we should talk with Valzun," suggests Eva.
Lucien and Leah look at her surprised.
"What? He may know how to get an invitation."
"Well, that sounds like a plan," says Lucien. "Okay, I think the Auction House is three streets from here. So, let's move."
As they walk towards the Auction House, our heroes can immerse themselves in the street environment of Dhismiar. In fact, the great diversity of races in the city is surprising. Except for the typical territorial fights, the atmosphere is quite friendly. You can see children running through the streets, families strolling, but also gang members planning their misdeeds.
Finally, they arrive at the place. Or at least that's what the neon sign says.
"What is it with citizens of Dhismiar and neon signs?" says Eva. "Everywhere you go, there's the ugly neon sign to tell you what's the name of the place."
"Come on, take it easy. If you behave, I will let you destroy whichever neon sign you choose," says Lucien at her, as he puts his arm over Eva's shoulder.
"You promise?" asks Eva while pouting.
"He, he. We will see."
The truth is, the Auction House does not look like any other building of the neighborhood. It's more like a big mansion with his long red-carpeted stairway to enter to the establishment and his surprisingly white walls, which stands out above adjacent buildings. The inside matches perfectly with the outside, all dainty and clean. Very clean.
"Hey, I think the owner may be a clean freak," says Eva as they walk inside the building.
"Eva..." reminds Leah to her sister.
"Yeah, I know. I'll behave."
Lucien snorts and Eva silences him with his gaze.
They approach the gargoyle receptionist.
"Hello, I'm Leah Drakos and we would like to talk with Valzun," says Leah smiling.