The streets of Callien were vibrant and bustling with activity. The celebrations began closer to the end of the day so there was still a lot of time to waste before the fun began. Lydia and Marcus already left to go do whatever it was they spend the first day doing leaving me with Edwin. Edwin who was currently snoring loudly taking a nap was supposed to be my guardian so I couldn't do anything without him. Not that I particularly knew what there was to do in the city or how to get there. I would read the book Lydia had given me but I had already finished it twice so a third time would have to wait.
After sitting around for a couple more moments I finally couldn't handle it and poked Edwin to wake him up. He groggily open his eyes. "What is it? did something happen?" he was in a daze and still barely awake. "No nothing happened. Im just bored we should go do something." he chuckled for a second "I think that is probably the most kid like thing you have ever said. You are always creepily mature" I didn't know how to respond to that. I didn't think I acted weirdly but I guess I also haven't really been around any other kids my age to know. "Alright then Alex what do you propose we do." Edwin started slipping his shoes on "Well I have some money to spend so maybe we should go look around the Mercantile district." I didn't have to much money to spend but it could probably get something worthwhile. "Yeah we can do that. But first I am starving so we are going to go get breakfast. And lucky for you I know a great place." Edwin got up and stretched for a second then we both made our way out the door.
The inn we were staying in wasn't too bad of a place to begin with but the area Edwin lead me to made the Inn look like a palace. We zigged and zagged through to many back alleys for me to remember. It was like I was in a maze except the maze was disgusting and full of people who looked like they would try to kill me or worse if Edwin wasn't so big and armed. We descended lower and lower into the common district until we were in front of a medium sized stone building. Various sections of it were cracked and crumbling with overgrown weeds sprouting out here or there. The sign above the entrance read *Blue Flower: Bar and Bed* apparently it was pretty popular as the noise coming from inside could be heard very easily out side.
We entered into the rough looking building and took a seat right at the bar. It was very busy but not with a good group of people. You can tell just from looking at them they are a group of cut throats and thieves. A rather attractive barmaid with red hair and a wide smile came up to us to take our order "Edwin! It's been too long!" The barmaid came and kissed Edwin on the cheek who was returning an even wider smile "Isabel! how have you been? I haven't seen you since that night in Seswik." His response made her blush. After her and Edwin caught up she took our orders.
I ordered A plate of eggs, bacon, and ham while Edwin ordered some forging sounding stew. We had some time to kill so we got to chatting for a little.
"So Alex what do you think of the city so far?"
"Its alright I guess I don't really have anything to compare it too but I do think I prefer the village."
"oh Yeah? What makes you say that?"
"There's just to many people here. It's impossible to know everyone so it's harder to trust them. But in the village you know everyone so it feels safer."
The red haired barmaid returned with our food. We were starving so it didn't take long for us to devour our food. Edwin was right the food was surprisingly good. Given the state of the place I expected it to taste just as trashy. Whoever makes the food must be a professional. Edwin paid the bar maid and we headed out.
Now that the sun was starting to get lower the traveling bands of jesters would be out performing and merchants would be peddling their wares. It was going to be a fun night.