I came across more people the closer I got to the town. From groups of armored men and women to farmers with carts and goods to other groups who looked very similar to the typical dungeon party. Were their dungeons in this world? I needed to get to town and get some questions answered as soon as possible. I needed a place to say, and a way to make money and grow. Those two were the priorities right now.
I also came upon another shock when I passed a man and his daughter, both of with had dog ears. I almost stopped and had to keep myself from staring. They had tails as well. I hadn't even considered that there might be other species in this world. I came across more beastkin, or so I assumed they were called something like that, and an elf and another humanoid which was literally a humanoid bear. It got a lot more interesting and I shot glances whenever I passed a nonhuman. I wasnt being offensive, just very curious.
Eventually, the town came into sight after I passed a plain with longer grasses than in the forest. The town was pretty average in all regards, though far more fortified than I imagined. It didn't look like some dingy place. The walls stood tall at what must have been 30ft, and guards stood by two tall gates. I had to remind myself that this wasnt like earth. Construction for these people was easier because of magic and greater attributes and abilities. Back on earth, in history, most places like this had been cramped, and tight. The monuments and large buildings and castles had all been built at staggering expense, and not easily.
The first thing once I was passed the guards was to ask someone for directions to Stoll's Swing. I'd see its prices and quality first then head to the more expensive place. If it wasn't too bad then I might not and just stay there. I didn't need luxury. I could do with just a bed and nothing else. It wasnt permanent. I just need a place to stay.
It only took three times before I finally made it. It was in a poorer part of the town, but not overly so. It was more like lower middle class than urchins, and all that stuff. The Stoll's Swing was a two-story affair that looked… unstable. The second floor was bigger than the first, and the third looked off-balance. It was a bit diagonal, but there were sounds coming from inside so I shrugged and headed in.
The place was not full but it was lively, even though it was only late afternoon. There were still people around though, mostly men in rough stitched clothes, although there were a few shady-looking sorts, some of which sized me up as I passed. I didn't try to lock gazes but if we met eyes, I wouldn't look away, but just stare calmly and raise an eyebrow until they looked away. It was something my dad had taught, only to be done when I thought someone was staring or taking glances at me and not if I wasn't confident. If they knew you knew then they'd be less likely to try something, though not always.
The room was pretty wide and thought definitely not clean, it wasnt too dirty. The man behind the bar nodded as I approached. "I'm looking for a place to stay, any free rooms?"
"5 copper for a night," he said, his voice was rough, and his accent sounded a bit scouse. "Add five and ye get a meal and some drink with that."
I considered it and realized that if I left would it offend him? If I came back afterward would he refuse me? Maybe I was overthinking. I took a glance back, and besides the shady-looking sorts there really wasn't anyone else that looked like trouble. "One night, ten copper."
I pulled the copper from a pocket. I'd put some money in there, and then the purse hadn't gone back into the pack but was now under my vest. I'd been robbed on Earth, and it was probably more likely here to happen here so I wasn't taking chances.
He nodded and asked If I wanted food now or later. "Could you have someone bring it to my room?"
"Sure."
The key he handed me had an eight etched onto it crudely with what had to have been a blade. It didn't matter though. I headed upstairs and wasn't surprised by the room. Plain and only slightly dirty, but not bad. Better than the forest. I took a seat on the bed and just took a moment to relax and take everything that had happened in. I was in a different world with a sword and a system. I shook my head and laughed.
The food arrived ten minutes later, and I decided to tip the middle-aged woman a copper which earned me a gap-toothed smile. The food was just stew with stale bread and watered-down wine. Very watered down. I didn't drink much alcohol, but I could tell the drink was more water than wine. Tasted more like one of those shitty water fruit drinks with the barest kick, if you could call it that. More like a little tap.
I was done quickly, and faced with the bed and going out, I chose the bed. I would have all day tomorrow. There was no rush and I was tired. I wasn't used to walking so much for so long, not with a pack and a sword which wasn't overly heavy, but still a weighty thing.
I left the tray outside my door, then headed to bed. The mattress was rough as were the blankets, but I was too tired to care, and another thing my dad had taught me was there was no point in complaining, bitching, or moaning about every damn thing. It was a slightly dirty and rough bed. That was all. Not the end of the world.
I was out a minute after my head hit the pillow, a smile on my face. I felt more alive and happy than I ever had. I had died, and up until now it had just been indifference, but honestly, I was happy with it. I had nothing for me on Earth. Here, though, I felt free, excited, and motivated to actually do something.
Darkness took me into its gentle embrace.