Magical moonlight poured the large winder before filtering through the sheer curtains, gently nudging Monica and Von awake as they found themselves curled together in the large canopy bed. The elegant room seemed to cradle them in a cocoon of warmth as the fireplace still lit showed off its particular enchantment. The soft sounds of the waking inn seeped through the door adding a subtle soundtrack to the peaceful awakening.
Monica's tousled hair framed her face as she stirred, her eyes fluttering open to greet the new day. Beside her, Von yawned, stretching lazily as they both basked in the comfort of the luxurious bed. The crisp linen sheets whispered promises of a restful night's sleep, and the shared connection between them.
As Monica sat up, she couldn't help but smile at the sight of Von, her fears from last night retreating as their eyes meeting in a silent acknowledgment of the comfort they shared. The room, adorned with subtle hues and vintage furniture, reflected the serenity of the moment.
After a moment of shared tranquility, Monica rose from the bed reaching to where her clothes were neatly laid out near the foot of the bed. She slipped again into the flowing blue dress, the freshly washed fabric cascading around her in a graceful dance regardless of the holes and tears caused by their journey. The dress accentuated the strange energy she carried from knowing her friend was still alive and with her and the promise of starting the day with shopping for new clothes, something which normally happened only once a year.
Von watched Monica with a fondness in their eyes, appreciating the grace with which she moved, something he had never noticed before. Maybe it was the inn itself, but she looked different today as though better than she had been before he went to sleep last night. There seemed to be a quiet magic lingering in the air as they prepared to face the day and trial together.
With a final glance exchanged between them, Monica and Von made their way downstairs, drawn by the enticing aroma of a scrumptious breakfast wafting through the inn. The promise of a new day, coupled with the delightful prospect of shared moments and delicious food, filled the air with a sense of anticipation and joy.
Moving down to the desk, Monica brought out coins to hand to Thistle, who held his palm in front of them before saying, "Its included." and ushering them to the inn's dining area where they were welcomed Monica and Von with the comforting aroma of a scrumptious breakfast. The table was adorned with a spread that showcased a delightful array of morning treats.
A platter of perfectly scrambled eggs, light and fluffy, beckoned from one end of the table. The eggs were seasoned with a hint of herbs, adding a fragrant touch to the dish. Their golden hue hinted at the freshness of the ingredients, promising a satisfying start to the day.
Next to the eggs, a bowl brimmed with an assortment of fresh fruits, vibrant and enticing. Slices of juicy watermelon, sweet strawberries, and succulent swamp berries created a colorful mosaic that invited the guests to indulge in a burst of natural sweetness. The fruits added a refreshing contrast to the heartiness of the other breakfast offerings.
A basket of warm, flaky croissants sat in the center of the table, their golden exteriors tempting the two of them with the promise of a buttery indulgence. The air was tinged with the irresistible scent of baked goods, and the croissants practically melted in the mouth with each buttery layer.
To complement the meal, a selection of jams and spreads awaited in small, charming jars. Strawberry preserves, orange marmalade, and honey glistened invitingly, inviting Monica and Von to add a touch of sweetness to their breakfast.
The table was completed with steaming mugs of rich, aromatic tea and freshly squeezed orange juice. The tea, a robust blend of mints and roots, promised a comforting warmth to accompany the meal, while the orange juice added a zesty kick to the overall breakfast experience.
As Monica and Von took their seats, they couldn't help but marvel at the thoughtfully curated breakfast before them. The combination of savory and sweet, freshness and richness, created a symphony of flavors setting the stage for a delightful morning of walking and shopping on their way to the academy.
It was barely false dawn as the left the inn and turned in the direction of Bogrunner's Supplies. They arrived just as the halfling proprietor was opening the door on a new day. Entering, they again found themselves immediately drawn to the waterproof leather cloaks and sturdy boots however, thinking ahead, Von first examined some backpacks in order for them to have somewhere to put their belongings during their travels. Asking the prices of everything they wanted made them flinch, knowing they had only nineteen circles, five squares and five triangular coins remaining and purchasing them here would take more than they had.
Something about the three items reminded Von of the early steps he learned about tanning leather and it occurred suddenly Halder was a sales merchant, not a crafter. While there were plenty of good in his shop, none of the goods sold here were made by him, he only bought them and resold them at a higher price to those who didn't wish to delve far from the main road. This is why many of the shops on the main avenue had few people or just merchants from outside of the town. The idea came to Von to move away from the avenue and try to discover other shops whose proprietors actually made goods for sale. "C'mon, Mon, I have an idea."
Leaving the perplexed halfling behind, the two moved into the avenue before asking one of the guards where he purchased his boots. Looking down at the plain leather boots, the guard shrugged before responding, "Over at the Wyvern's Hide." Seeing the two's look of confusion, the guard took them three streets away from the main avenue and pointed down past a small well. "Follow this street to the end, you'll find them. The smell will hit you as you get near. Once past the last of the other shops, you're almost there. It's near the water flow by the wall."
"Thank you, sir. You've been a great help!" The two of them began a run toward the new shop noticing several tailors just past the well in which they could stop on the way back given the time. Receiving looks of curiosity as the two ran past, several of the shop keepers realized they couldn't place whose children they were before shrugging. The two continued their run for about three minutes until they reached an open area before the group of buildings at the end of the street. The pungent scent of urine and other things his them as they slowed to a walk.
As Von and Monica swiftly traversed the enchanting streets of Sungrove, the vibrant tapestry of the real town unfolded before them. Starting at the well they passed which acted as a central landmark between the shops, its moss-covered stones were embellished with glowing runes, keeping the water within it pure and refreshing. The cobblestone streets beneath their feet whispered tales of the Bonechill Bog as they hastened past the well and headed down the bustling thoroughfare. As Von and Monica raced past, a breeze carried the faint scent of the magical waters within, much different from the fountain on the main avenue. This odd smell invoked a sense of connection with the mystical energies permeating the unusual town.
The street leading to Wyvern's Hide Leather Workers was a lively artery of commerce, unlike the main avenue from the gates. It was lined with shops and stalls beckoning both residents and travelers to examine the goods within. Each shopfront displayed its wares, from enchanted crystals to mystical potions, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and textures that danced in the dappled sunlight filtering through the ancient trees.
This side street was not just community marketplace but the place where residents lived harmoniously above the bustling shops. As Von and Monica raced through the streets, they glimpsed quaint windows set with mystical curtains and balconies draped with vines. The soft laughter of children and the occasional melody of a flute echoed from above, creating a symphony of daily life in Sungrove.
They passed many shops along the way as they ran among them, a small boutique whose facade was draped with shimmering silks in various mystical hues. The entrance bore an ornate wrought-iron sign depicting a needle weaving through a crescent moon hinting at the elegant clothing and enchanted fabrics within. A subtle aroma of lavender and jasmine wafted from the open door, inviting customers to explore the soft and magical textiles. They wouldn't have guessed from their earlier explorations there was a whole different city just blocks from the tourist avenue.
Slowing to catch their breath before running on, the next shop to catch their eye was one carrying a vast variety of crystals. From the outside, crystals of various sizes and colors adorned the storefront, catching the sunlight and scattering prismatic reflections across the street. The shop's entrance featured a cascading waterfall made of magically suspended crystal droplets. As they ran faint hints of a crisp, refreshing scent emanated from within, possibly a side effect of the shop's crystalline wares. Von's sight immediately informed his there was something more to the crystals than just pretty rocks as many held a mystic glow. Unfortunately, he didn't want to waste the time to stop just yet.
As their run continued, they were glad to have eaten their fill because a small bakery offered the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, sweet pastries, and the delicate essence of bogblossom nectar filled the air, tempting them as they made their way along the street, just begging for them to indulge themselves upon its treats. Unlike the bakeries near Milltown, this bakery's storefront was decorated with whimsical murals of bogblossom flowers in various stages of bloom while wooden displays showcased an array of pastries and baked goods ready to be purchased by those passing by.
Glistening gemstones and intricate metalwork bedecked the outside of the next building. The signboard on the front bearing a heart-shaped ember, hinting at the shop's specialization in crafting exquisite jewelry likely to be given as gifts for those in love. While passing this storefront, the faint smell of metal polish added to that of the nearby bakery creating a sense of euphoria if one were to linger too long.
After running the better part of five blocks, they neared their destination. The buildings along the sides of the streets came to an end while small alleys acted as cross-streets before the road continued to their objective. The smells wafting along the breeze reminded Von of the puering building in the Wyvern's Scale Armory. As they got closer, the breeze picked up reducing the effect making the air much more tolerable.
Directly ahead, nestled in a quiet corner of Sungrove, far from the other buildings on the street where the whispers of the Bonechill Bog met the gentle rustling of leaves, stood the Wyvern's Hide tannery. This humble yet enchanting leather worker's shop is a haven for those seeking not just practical leather goods, but also works of art that embody the spirit of the mystical realm surrounding town. Looking beyond the main shop were several other buildings much like Grimdon's smithy where the hides could be worked without causing the scent to overwhelm the surrounding area. A stream flowed through the wall and several small waterwheels turned slowly along its edge.
This tannery and leatherworking shop looked more like a manor with several buildings on its property than a single shop devoted to a single craft. In many ways, it reminded the two of the buildings of the academy, but here, one might enroll to learn how to form leather from pelts and turn them into embellished finished goods. With the magnificence of the tannery, the two could wait to see what goods awaited them inside.