The journey through the foggy forest had been uneventful, and now the group of travelers found themselves journeying across the plains. Lith was grateful for the change of scenery, as the oppressive darkness of the forest had begun to weigh heavily on his mind. With the sun shining bright overhead, he felt a renewed sense of energy and optimism.
As they rode on, Lith found himself struck by a sense of curiosity about his ultimate destination. Stonewall had been their goal from the outset of the journey, and he realized he knew very little about the town beyond its name. Turning to Arin, he asked, "Hey, can you tell me more about Stonewall? What's it like?"
Arin grunted in response. "Ye'd be better off asking Niall about that."
Lith nodded, feeling a little disappointed but understanding the reasoning behind Arin's answer. "Okay, I'll ask him when he gets back."
It wasn't long before Niall returned from his scouting mission. As he joined them around the campfire that night, Lith couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by the grizzled hunter's presence. But he swallowed his nerves and asked, "Niall, can you tell me about Stonewall? What's it like?"
Niall took a sip of water from his canteen before responding. "Stonewall is a magnificent city surrounded by a towering stone wall with intricate carvings and sturdy iron gates. It's divided into four sections: the Commons, the Lower Quarters, the Merchant Quarter, and the Citadel."
Lith turned to Niall, who had just stopped speaking, and asked, "Seriously Niall, can you at least tell me more about these sections?"
Niall smiled and said, "Of course, Lith. The Commons is the busiest and most diverse part of Stonewall. You can find just about anything you need there. The markets are always bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and spices. You can even find exotic goods from far-off lands if you know where to look."
Lith's eyes widened with interest as Niall continued, "The streets are filled with people going about their daily lives, merchants haggling with customers, and children playing games. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and the locals are always happy to help a stranger in need."
Niall took a deep breath and added, "The Commons is also home to the town hall and healing house, where the citizens gather to discuss important matters and receive medical care when necessary. It's a place where everyone is equal, regardless of their social standing or wealth."
Lith nodded in approval, impressed by what he had just heard. "Sounds like a great place," he said "What about the other sections? "
Niall cleared his throat before continuing, "The Lower Quarters is home to the lower nobility and wealthy traders. The buildings are made of the finest materials and the streets are well-paved, making it a stark contrast to the Commons. In this area, you can find high-end boutiques, exquisite restaurants serving the finest cuisine, and a small theater where plays and operas are performed."
Lith thought about Niall's description. He had never seen such luxury and extravagance before. He wondered what it would be like to live in the Lower Quarters, to have access to all these amenities and live in such grandeur.
"And what about the Merchant Quarter?" Lith asked, eagerly.
Niall grinned, clearly enjoying sharing his knowledge of the city. "The Merchant Quarter is where the city's commerce takes place. It's the hub of trade and where the finest goods from around the world are bought and sold. You can find anything from rare spices and herbs to exotic silks and precious gems. The Adventurer's Guild, which hires brave souls to explore the dangerous unknown territories surrounding the city, is located here. The inns in this area are luxurious and cater to only the wealthiest of patrons."
Lith couldn't believe what he was hearing. The Merchant Quarter sounded like a place of great excitement and adventure. He couldn't wait to explore it himself.
Niall looked at the scenery, thinking, "As for the last section, at the very heart of the city lies the Citadel. It is not accessible to people like us, but it is supposed to be last line of defense against any threats to the Stonewall. Because it is surrounded by a second, even more formidable wall I never seen what exactly is inside."
As Niall finished his description, Lith was left in awe of the grandeur and beauty of Stonewall. "It sounds amazing," Lith said with a sense of excitement in his voice. "I can't wait to see it for myself."
Arin, who had been quietly listening, chimed in. "Aye, but don't forget, laddie, there's also the less fortunate side of Stonewall. The shantytowns outside the walls where people live in squalor and poverty. It's a stark contrast to the wealth and luxury within the city."
Lith nodded, understanding the harsh realities that existed beyond the walls of Stonewall. "I see," he said, a sense of empathy in his voice. "I hope we can make a difference for those people too."
With that, the group continued on their journey towards Stonewall, eager to see what adventures and challenges lay ahead.