The days of travel had worn them down, and the group was ragged and tired, even with the resting they did traveling such a path for so long was tiring.
The unchanging rhythm of the river and the long stretches of forest or stone paths had dulled their spirits. But as the sun dipped lower in the sky, the sight of Vesta rising on the horizon reinvigorated them.
The city stood as a beacon of life amidst the wilderness.
Towering walls encased a sprawling expanse of stone and timber, and the river wound gracefully through its heart and side. Docks filled with life, with activity, boats of all shapes and sizes lining the waterfront as merchants moved to and from.
As they approached, the details became more vivid: bridges crisscrossed the river, adorned with brightly colored flags, and the streets bustled with swarms of people, each more diverse than the last— saying it was busier than Stonefort would be an understatement.
Seraphina's eyes scanned the crowd, catching glimpses of beastmen with fur-covered bodies, dwarves haggling at market stalls, and even the occasional glint of a vampire's crimson gaze.
Humans and half-elves moved among them, their interactions lively but surprisingly peaceful— it was the most diverse collection of races she had ever seen in one spot.
For a moment, the group paused on the ridge overlooking the city, taking it all in.
"It's... massive."
Samuel muttered, his voice tinged with awe.
Edwin nodded, though his expression remained guarded.
"A bustling city like this can be as dangerous as it is beautiful. Stay alert."
Seraphina didn't respond immediately, her thoughts already racing, it was a sight she never thought she would see in life, a city, one far from home— it was freedom.
This was the city she'd read about, a hub of trade, wealth, and opportunity, but it was also a place where secrets thrived, and shadows could be found if one knew where to look.
"We need to get inside first."
She said, pulling her hood tighter.
The gates of Vesta were a testament to its grandeur, made out of pure metal and decorated with gold and gemstones; they stood like towering giants that protected the entrance to the city.
Unlike smaller towns with watchful guards and thorough inspections, the sheer volume of people moving in and out of the city made such scrutiny impossible.
The group joined the queue, blending into the stream of travelers. Merchants pushed carts laden with goods, families led children clutching at their parents' cloaks, and adventurers with gleaming weapons slung over their backs chatted loudly.
When it was their turn, the guards merely extended a hand for the entry fee, a modest payment of copper coins. Seraphina handed over the fee without hesitation, keeping her head low and her expression neutral.
Once through the gates, the noise and life of Vesta enveloped them entirely— the scents, the sounds, the sights, everything was overwhelming, even for Edwin.
The streets were a chaotic mosaic of activity, colors could be seen blurring up and down the streets. Stalls lined the walkways, bursting with exotic wares— spices from distant lands, intricate jewelry, vibrant fabrics, and even weapons and armor.
the air was thick with the scents of roasted meat, baked bread, beer, and a hint of brine from the river. The freshness in the air was undeniable.
In the far distance, she could see the dock, boats floated along the waterway, their captains shouting to dock workers or negotiating with merchants.
The people of Vesta were as diverse as the wares— some covered in cloaks like them, others trying to buy or sell, families here to visit or live; some rich, some poor.
"This city's amazing."
Samuel said, his head swiveling to take it all in.
"It is."
Seraphina agreed, she was undeniably blown away by the sheer amount of things around them, the sights, the people, the wares; she wanted to partake in all of it, but she had to be cautious.
"But we need to find an inn before we do anything else. Somewhere quiet, not too high-profile, but not run-down either."
Edwin nodded in agreement, scanning the bustling streets.
"I'll keep an eye out. And masks, you mentioned them before. We should look for a vendor."
Seraphina scanned for masks as well as an inn, but she was just enjoying everything she could. She wished she could explore the city, but she had to settle in first.
"If we see any, we'll grab them."
It didn't take long to find an inn tucked away on a quieter street just off the main thoroughfare, it wasn't run down but because of the location, it wasn't as popular either.
The sign above the door read The Amber Hearth, its paint slightly faded but still welcoming. The building itself was sturdy, with a warm glow emanating from its windows and music playing within.
Inside, the common room was modest but clean, with a few patrons scattered at tables nursing drinks or meals, it was clearly a fine place.
A beautiful young woman with long ginger hair, dressed in a modest sundress stood behind the counter, her hands slowly polishing a mug.
As they approached, the woman looked up, her green eyes briefly meeting Seraphina's violet eyes. For a moment, her gaze lingered, a flicker of something Seraphina picked up on crossing her face before she quickly averted her eyes and resumed her work.
Seraphina's brows furrowed slightly but said nothing.
"Welcome to The Amber Hearth."
The innkeeper said, her voice smooth but tinged with exhaustion.
"Need a room?"
"Yes. Three beds, and we'll pay extra for privacy."
The woman nodded, reaching for her ledger.
"Two silvers for the night. Meals included."
Seraphina handed over the coins, her gaze still studying the woman subtly. There was nothing overtly suspicious about her, but the brief moment— or was it curiosity?— stuck in Seraphina's mind.
After receiving their key, the group climbed the narrow stairs to their room. It was simple but comfortable, with a small table, three beds, and a window overlooking the street below.
As they settled in, Edwin leaned against the wall, his arms crossed.
"We should rest and assess our position before making any moves."
"I can scout the docks."
Samuel offered, sitting on one of the beds.
"See if there's any talk of travelers or... us."
Seraphina hesitated but eventually nodded.
"That's fine. Gather what information you can, but be careful."
Edwin shot her a look but said nothing.
Seraphina sat at the edge of her bed, her thoughts already spinning. She knew what needed to be done— this city was her chance to begin building her network, but she couldn't move too quickly. She also couldn't just leave the inn yet.
Edwin would hover, he wouldn't let her go out alone so simply, and she didn't want to do her plans with him watching over her. So she had to wait for the perfect chance to slip away from him.
As the evening deepened, the group settled into their temporary home, the muffled sounds of Vesta's bustling streets a lullaby to them.