As they approached the village gates, Luke felt a wave of relief wash over him. Eston was not a grand settlement by any means, but its open gates and the bustling energy of its people brought a sense of safety that the forest could never provide. The villagers moved about with purpose, some carrying goods, others chatting in small groups.
As Luke had been told, Eston's inhabitants were known for their openness to outsiders, so he kept his robe on without worry, though his hood remained down, revealing his face. Ilyrana, however, kept her hood pulled low, ensuring her pointed ears stayed hidden from view. The village folk paid them little attention, accustomed to travellers passing through.
