After the previous customer made a hasty exit following Xavier's fire display, the vendor's attitude underwent a notable transformation. His tone was now laced with politeness and deference as he turned his attention to the masked figure.
Xavier approached the vendor's counter, placing the bags filled with the gory remnants and valuable parts of the beasts he had defeated. The shop's dim lighting cast eerie shadows on the scene, emphasizing the illicit nature of the transactions taking place within.
The vendor took the bags without hesitation and began to inspect the macabre contents. His gloved hands delved into the morbid collection, unfazed by the gruesome materials. Bloodied fur, sharp claws, and peculiar organs were laid out before him. With a meticulous eye, he evaluated each item, well aware of its rarity and potential.
Upon completing his assessment, the vendor looked up at Xavier. His voice was hushed, tinged with a hint of intrigue. "These are indeed valuable. I can offer you five silver zael coins for these goods."
Xavier nodded in response, keeping his emotions concealed behind the mask. He watched as the vendor counted out the coins and handed them to him. The silver zael coins were the currency of the kingdom.
With the coins safely in his pocket, Xavier turned to leave the shop. The vendor's final offer had been accepted without a word of protest, a testament to his experience in the covert dealings of the black market.
As he moved toward the exit, the vendor called out to him, his tone amiable. "You've got quite the collection there, friend. Feel free to come back if you acquire more in the future. We might be able to make even better deals."
Xavier simply nodded in response, revealing nothing of his intentions. He understood that the vendor's business thrived on discretion and secrecy, and there was no need to disclose more than necessary.
Exiting the shop, Xavier blended into the labyrinthine streets of the hidden city. The mask that had concealed his identity in the black market was removed, revealing his determined expression as he navigated the crowd.
Xavier entered the warm and inviting tavern, the tantalizing aroma of hearty food enveloping his senses. The atmosphere was cozy, the soft murmur of conversations weaving through the air as patrons filled their mugs and exchanged stories of their daily lives.
Approaching an unoccupied wooden table, Xavier took a seat and settled in. He signaled the waiter and ordered a steaming bowl of chicken soup, asking for extra bread buns to accompany his meal. The warmth from the tavern was a welcomed contrast to the chilling tales of adventure and danger he'd faced.
As he waited for his food to be prepared, Xavier couldn't help but eavesdrop on the hushed conversations around him. The buzz of voices filled the air, and one particular conversation caught his attention.
A group of men were discussing troubling news of the Riendhend Empire's soldiers launching an attack on the border town of Chavros. Their voices were laden with worry and anxiety, reflecting the concern that gripped their hearts.
Hearing them speak reminded Xavier that war was around the corner and could break out at any moment but it seemed the common person was unwilling to accept this bitter truth.
Xavier listened intently as the patrons shared their thoughts and concerns. It was clear that the news of the attack had shaken the people, leaving many distressed and unsure of their safety. The impending threat of the empire's soldiers had cast a shadow over their otherwise cheerful surroundings.
Despite their anxiety, Xavier sensed a palpable undercurrent of hope and determination among the patrons. They spoke of the strength of the alliance and the resilience of their people. In their voices, Xavier could hear unwavering faith in the unity and camaraderie of their community.
Just then, his chicken soup arrived, and the aroma of the steaming broth wafted up, teasing his senses. The waiter placed the bowl and the basket of bread buns in front of Xavier. With a nod of gratitude, he thanked the waiter and settled into his meal.
Picking up a bread bun, Xavier contemplated the warm, doughy goodness in his hands. Memories of his friend Travis surfaced, and he remembered the times they had shared meals together, often with bread buns just like these. Travis had bought buns for both of them before they'd embarked on their journeys, and the memory of those simple yet cherished moments weighed on Xavier's heart.
A sense of grief washed over him, but Xavier suppressed it, channeling his emotions into determination. Travis had yearned for a better life and had inspired Xavier to dream beyond the confines of their world. He'd shared his aspirations of greater strength, knowledge, and adventure, and he had done so with a sparkle in his eyes that Xavier couldn't forget.
Travis may not be with him anymore, but Xavier felt an unwavering commitment to honor his friend's dreams and memories. His loss served as a constant reminder of the aspirations they'd shared and the need to carry those dreams forward.
As he savored the warm chicken soup and soft, freshly baked bread buns, Xavier knew he was still on the journey Travis had started with him. He would strive for the strength he had talked about, for knowledge beyond their humble beginnings, and for adventure that would bring honor to his friend's memory.
Xavier continued to enjoy his meal in the bustling tavern, the conversations around him acting as a form of entertainment. The discussions of the patrons provided him with snippets of local news, the latest rumors, and shared experiences, all of which enriched the atmosphere in the cozy establishment. His thoughts were occupied by the chatter, and he allowed himself to be momentarily absorbed by the voices and stories that surrounded him.
As he savored the last bite of his warm chicken soup and wiped his mouth with a napkin, Xavier couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the camaraderie shared by the patrons, even in times of distress.
With his meal complete, Xavier paid the bill and left the tavern. He stepped out into the cool evening air and made his way back to the mercenary guild. It was a familiar path he'd walked many times, one that held a sense of belonging and purpose.
Upon reaching the guild, he navigated his way to the living quarters where the handymen resided. It was here that he shared the company of fellow adventurers, each with their own stories, goals, and experiences. As he walked through the dimly lit corridor, he passed by a door that used to belong to Travis. It was a poignant moment that made his steps slow, and he halted in front of the door.
Xavier stared at the door for a moment, remembering the days when he and Travis had shared their dreams and ambitions within those walls. The room was a repository of memories, a place where their camaraderie had thrived. He couldn't help but sigh, a bittersweet acknowledgment of the friend he'd lost, the dreams they'd crafted together, and the adventures they'd planned.
He bowed slightly in front of the door, offering his silent respects to Travis's memory. The unspoken words of gratitude for the shared dreams, the laughter, and the hardships they'd endured hung in the air.
Finally, Xavier turned away from the door and entered his own room. The small space was a reflection of his solitary life as a handyman, sparsely decorated but practical. He closed the door behind him, leaving the memories of Travis behind, and prepared to rest for the day.
Lying on the simple bed, Xavier stared at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts. With a sigh, he closed his eyes, allowing sleep to embrace him. Tomorrow would be a new day, another step on the journey they'd both started.