The towering gates of Feysreach creaked shut behind Kael and Elowen, the sound lingering in the cool evening air like a finality Kael wasn't ready for. Inside the gates, the city unfurled before him—a sprawling blend of nature and civilization, the glowing lanterns casting long shadows over cobblestone streets. Towering trees intertwined with the architecture, wooden bridges spanning from branch to branch, connecting homes and shops that seemed to grow straight out of the massive trunks.
Kael felt a tight knot of anxiety in his chest, a familiar discomfort he couldn't shake. The sheer number of people bustling about, talking, trading, and laughing was overwhelming. After the stillness of the Grey Area and the solitude of his trials, this bustling world felt almost foreign.
He turned to Elowen, unsure of what to say. She seemed so at ease here, walking with her axe slung over her back, drawing occasional respectful nods from passersby. Kael had to remind himself that this was her world. He, on the other hand, still felt like a stranger.
"You're looking like a lost puppy," Elowen teased, casting him a sidelong glance.
Kael forced a smirk, though he knew it didn't reach his eyes.
"I've never been to a place like this before," he admitted, his voice quieter than he intended.
"I don't even know where to start."
Elowen stopped walking and turned to face him fully, her expression softening just a fraction.
"Well, you're not alone. That's a start. Just stick close, and don't make any sudden moves that make you look more clueless than you already are."
"Great. Thanks for the confidence boost," Kael muttered sarcastically.
She chuckled, then her eyes scanned the street ahead.
Elowen led him through the bustling streets, pointing out different landmarks as they passed. Feysreach was unlike any place Kael could have imagined. Every corner they turned revealed something new—an open food market bustling with vendors shouting their wares, stalls overflowing with fruits, meats, and strange dishes Kael couldn't begin to name. The air was thick with the scent of cooked food and spices, making his stomach rumble despite himself.
"That's the open market," Elowen explained, gesturing casually.
"If you need food, this is the place to get it. But mind your coin purse. Plenty of thieves lurking about, especially around newcomers like you."
Kael's gaze darted around the market, his wariness growing. It hadn't even occurred to him that someone might try to rob him. Not that he had anything of value—he was practically penniless.
They continued walking, and Elowen pointed to another row of shops.
"Blacksmith's down there. Armor, weapons—you'll find it all here. And across the way, there's a leathersmith if you need lighter gear. The Tower grants us boons, but there are also ways of creating them, albeit of lower quality."
Kael's eyes trailed along the blackened anvils and racks of gleaming weapons on display, a pang of curiosity gnawing at him. He had survived on a crude, blunt sword, and even though he was no master, it wasn't lost on him that a better weapon might just mean the difference between life and death.
Elowen didn't pause, guiding him further through the streets as they passed a few random shops.
"You'll also find some more specific places—medicine, potions, supplies. Feysreach is a hub for Fatewalkers, so it's well-stocked for anyone passing through."
Everything Elowen pointed out was valuable, Kael realized, but each new establishment reminded him of the one critical problem he hadn't yet figured out how to solve.
He had no money.
The moment hit him harder than he expected. Surviving the trial had been a feat on its own, but now, shoved into civilization, he faced a whole new set of problems. What good was the Rusty Lantern Inn if he couldn't afford to stay there? He turned to Elowen, a sheepish look crossing his face, and asked,
"So, how does one—uh, get started here?"
Elowen raised an eyebrow, instantly recognizing his tone.
"Don't tell me you're broke already," she said, the amusement clear in her voice.
Kael offered an awkward smile, not denying it.
She sighed, shaking her head.
"Of course you are."
He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Elowen reached into a small pouch on her belt, pulling out a few coins and tossing them his way.
"I'll cover you for the next few days. Consider it an investment… in your sad little existence." Her lips curled into a smirk, though there was something warmer behind her teasing tone.
Kael pocketed the coins, grateful but embarrassed.
"Thanks. I… I'll make it up to you."
"Don't worry about it," she said with a wave.
"You'll pay me back when you're not so useless."
Kael laughed despite himself, grateful for the lightness of the moment. His spirits lifted slightly as they approached a large, central building near the main plaza. It was a tall, rustic structure that looked as though it had been carved from the trunk of one of the massive trees surrounding the city. A wooden sign hanging by the door read, The Rusty Lantern, and a soft glow of light spilled out from the windows, accompanied by the low murmur of voices inside.
"This is the Rusty Lantern," Elowen said, pointing at the building.
"Most Fatewalkers stay here if they don't have a place of their own. It's a decent inn, and it has one strict rule—only Fatewalkers allowed."
Kael eyed the place, intrigued. The Rusty Lantern seemed alive with energy. There was something comforting about seeing so many people gathered in one place, Fatewalkers sharing stories, laughing, drinking. But as the warmth of the inn called to him, so did a lingering feeling of unease. He was still new to this world, still unsure of his place in it.
Just as he stepped forward, following Elowen's lead toward the inn's door, something strange happened. In the span of a heartbeat, Elowen's arm shot out, grabbing Kael by the collar and yanking him backward with startling force.
"Careful now—" she hissed under her breath while yanking him.
Kael barely had time to react, his pulse quickening as he saw a glint of something sharp flash in the corner of his eye. A dagger—a slim, deadly blade—whizzed past the space where his head had been only moments before, embedding itself into the wooden wall beside the inn's door.
Cold sweat broke out on his forehead as his body froze in place. The realization of how close he'd come to death hit him like a hammer.
Elowen didn't move, her eyes scanning the surrounding area with dangerous calm. Kael could feel the tension radiating from her as she slowly released her grip on him. His mind raced, trying to process what had just happened.
"Welcome to Feysreach," Elowen muttered darkly, her eyes still studying the multitude of people. "Guess I forgot to mention—it's not always so peaceful."
Kael swallowed hard, his throat dry as he stared at the dagger embedded in the wall.
"So, I almost just died. Fantastic."