The journey had been arduous; the dangers had left them weary. But as they finally arrived at the outskirts of Halmore, a modest town far removed from the politics and machinations of the royal court, relief washed over both Maze and Reinhart. The very sight of the peaceful settlement inspired tranquility that they hadn't experienced in what felt like forever, and they couldn't help but reflect on their newfound wanderers' lifestyles.
Clad in a hodgepodge of simple clothing they had scavenged along their journey, Maze was virtually unrecognizable as royalty. Reinhart was back in his inconspicuous and oddly comforting form of an instant dinner package, tucked neatly inside Maze's small rucksack.
"What's the plan now, Maze?" Reinhart asked, his voice emanating from the enchanted packet.
"Simple," she replied. "We replenish our supplies, rest up, and leave before dawn."
As they stepped through the quaint town's gates, their hearts eased. The villagers appeared to be simple, hard-working folk, busy with their trades and absolutely devoid of any Mana. It felt comforting, in a way, to be around normalcy.
Halmore buzzed with cheerful chatter, lively commerce, and simple camaraderie. Bakers peddled their goods, fabrics rustled in the gentle breeze, and children played around unguardedly. It was a world untouched by the magic-infused chaos they had fled from.
Yet, something felt wrong, a nagging worry tugged at their minds. "Everyone in the world should possess Mana, right?" Her question hung in the crisp air growing colder as the evening approached.
"Yes, you're right but... let's not pry too much. It's best to maintain a low profile," Reinhart cautioned. "We can't afford to draw attention."
Nodding in agreement, Maze weaved through the marketplace, purchasing essentials, while keeping an eye out for possible threats. Reinhart, listening to the various chatter around them, gathered insights about the common folks' lives.
As night fell, they settled in a small inn with squeaky floorboards and quaint charm. The lanterns shimmered as they were left alone in their room, a stark reminder of their adventurers' life.
"Are you doing okay, Rein? I mean, you haven't turned human in a while..." Maze asked, her gaze drifting to the package in her hands.
A light chuckle echoed from his package form. "Well, it's not like I can go out and enjoy a walk in my current form, right?"
"I suppose so," Maze responded, her mind still cluttered with concerns about Reinhart's well-being and the strangeness of Halmore. "I worry about this place, Rein. I can't shake off the feeling that things don't add up."
Reinhart remained silent for a moment, before speaking, "Yes, it's a curious puzzle. Magic should be prevalent, yet none of them seem to possess Mana. Perhaps, we should investigate…"
"No, we can't," Maze interjected, her eyes filled with concern. "We're still too close to Belgrath. The capital must be on high alert, looking for us. If we attract attention, it gives them a trail to follow."
Reluctantly, Reinhart agreed with Maze, acknowledging the dangers involved. "Okay, for now, we'll keep our heads low, but we'll keep an eye out for anything unusual."
Throughout the night, their peaceful respite was punctuated by soft whispers of worry and caution. And as dawn approached, they prepared themselves to leave Halmore, its mysteries unanswered, their futures waiting to be unwritten.
The town of Halmore, in its serene repose, had offered them temporary respite. Their stay had been short, a mere whisper in the sprawling pages of their journey. Yet, as they embarked towards their unknown destination, the shadow of the quaint town trailed behind them, stitched tightly to their varying tapestry of experiences.
No matter what their future would hold, they'd always remember the taste of tranquility they experienced in Halmore, a sweet respite savored before they sank once more into the prevailing uncertainties. The taste lingered a reminiscent echo, an undeniable reality that was all too fleeting, much like their stay in the quiet town of Halmore.