About an hour later this nymph led me through the winding streets of Cresthaven and I couldn't help but marvel at the architecture and that nice tropical wind.
The cobblestone pathways echoed with the footsteps of residents and visitors alike, while vibrant flowers cascaded from window boxes, infusing the air with their sweet fragrance.
"So I gotta ask, what kind of nymph are you?"
The girl turned back at me, as she moved her dark green dreadlocks from her face. "I am one of the Meliae, a nymph of the Fraxinus nigra tree. Uh, it is also called the Black Ash."
"So, what should I call you then?"
"Fraxinus Nigra the Black Ash." She responded proudly.
"I'll stick with, Fraxy." I deadpanned.
"Okay!" She grinned.
We continued our walk as she gestured to various landmarks as we walked, the tour was kinda long and Fraxy lead me through the main road of Cresthaven. We soon came to a large open area where a several shops where set up. Some where selling food and others selling clothes or other miscellaneous items.
"Is this a Fleamarket?" I asked looking at the several stores.
"In a way, this is the Agora," Fraxy said, "it is a event that Cresthaven holds where storeowners come and sell some of their items for a cheaper price and try to get more customers."
"Huh, that is actually cool I guess." I said as we moved on, we soon arrived to a temple, where Fraxy explained about the religion. It seemed that everyone here worshiped this Goddess, who created all of the universe. She was depicted as either a serpintine dragon or a woman wearing some king of nun outfit with a veil that covered her face. Something told me that I needed to be careful around the temple.
Fraxy guided me to a charming café tucked away on a narrow street. We settled at a table adorned with fresh flowers and enjoyed a cup of Jasmine tea while soaking in the ambiance of the lively city. This really felt nice, I could really enjoy living here.
"So about the money you guy's use?" I asked as had noticed that at the Agora nobody was using any kind of paper cash. I had seen them use coins so that meant that I will have to learn a whole new cash system.
Fraxy smiled, brushing a lock of her emerald-green hair behind her ear as she leaned back in her chair. "Ah, the Ardents! It's what we use for just about everything here in Ogygia," she began, her eyes bright as she spoke.
"We've got Golden Ardents," she explained, tracing the edge of her cup absentmindedly. "They're the highest denomination. Royal transactions, land, estates, that kind of thing—those use Golden Ardents. The coin features the profile of the reigning Empress on one side and the profile of the goddess Ravanna on the other. Only the wealthiest or the nobility handle those regularly."
"But most people don't deal in those," Fraxy continued, tilting her head with a slight smirk. "The Silver Ardents are used by the upper and middle classes for significant purchases like fine goods, larger shipments of resources, and business deals. On one side, it features the Ogygian royal crest, and on the other, a pegasus or a ship at sea, representing prosperity."
"And what about the everyday stuff?" I asked, genuinely curious now. "What would I need to get a meal or supplies?"
"Ah, the Bronze Ardents!" Fraxy said, snapping her fingers with a playful smile. "The most common coin, used for everyday transactions, such as buying food, clothes, or other general goods. For example a nice cup of tea like this." She lifted her cup in a small salute. "These coins have all sorts of designs. You might see Ogygian architecture, tropical birds, or even palm trees. They're a lot more varied than the others."
I swirled the tea in my cup, thinking about the vast world behind these coins, their weight not just in value, but in history and tradition. "And all of this is controlled by the Pendragons?"
"Of course," Fraxy replied, leaning forward with a conspiratorial grin. "No one else would dare mint Ardents. The royal family keeps a close eye on the currency—it's their way of ensuring order." Fraxy leaned forward, her hand disappearing into the small satchel at her side. She pulled out a simple leather coin purse and placed it on the table between us with a light thud. "Here," she said, pushing it toward me. "Picked this up for you at the Aideonus Bank before we met up."
I picked up the purse and felt the weight of it in my hand—solid, but not overly heavy. Opening it up, I saw a small pile of shimmering coins inside: a couple Bronze Ardents and several Silver Ardents. Enough to get by, but not enough to draw attention.
"Thanks," I said, glancing up at her. "So this is...what, starter money?"
Fraxy chuckled. "Something like that. Any new citenzen of Ogygia recieves a months worth of Ardents to let them get settled in and get a job and earn money. This'll cover meals, a place to sleep, and a couple of things you might need."
I thumbed through the coins, feeling the texture of the engraved symbols beneath my fingers. I closed the purse and tied the drawstring to my belt.
"You'll be fine," she said with a wink. "Just don't spend it all in one place, well, I'll have to cut the tour short. I need to get back to my tree before I end up expiring."
"Alright, thanks alot for the tour and the coins." I called as she ran off, as I finished my tea and thanked the waiter before leaving the little shop. "I am going to need to find a place to stay."
☉☉☉
I walked around the streets and found myself back at the Agora, and after a while I found myself drawn to a stall tucked away in a corner.
The stall's table and walls were adorned with gleaming swords of every shape and size. This dwarven elderly man looked up at me and grinned.
"Behold, kid, the finest blades in all of Ogygia," he declared proudly, gesturing to his array of weapons. "Each one forged with skill and passion, my finest made blades. Trained under the Falor of Hephestus for twenty years!"
I couldn't deny the allure of the swords, each one seeming to be whispering as if begging me to buy them. But as my eyes settled on a particularly exquisite longsword, the swordsmith's voice broke through my thinking.
"This one, young sir, is the jewel of my collection," he said, his eyes gleaming with pride, as he took the sword and held it up for me to see. "Forged from the finest Aetherium Steel, Falor Hephestus himself helped me to craft this blade, though better hurry who knows who will take the chance to buy it!"
"I'm sorry but who are you?" I asked the dwarf.
"The name is Brokkr Falor Brokkr! And I am one of the best blacksmiths under Falor Hephestus."
"Your name is Brokkr and you're the successor of Brokkr the norse blacksmith dwarf?"
"Yeah, my father wanted to make sure that I followed in that guy's footsteps." Brokkr shrugged. "Luckily I love being a blacksmith so I had no problem becoming a Falor."
"Right…" I hesitated, the sword's craftsmanship was undeniable, but something held me back. For some reason I had a really bad feeling about this. "How much is it?"
"20 Gold Ardents!" Brokkr responded proudly.
"I'm afraid I must pass, Sir," I said trying to be respectful, there was no way that I was going to pay that much, I didn't even have that much money.
"Well if you ever change your mind, I will be here." The swordsmith's disappointment was palpable, but he nodded understandingly as I took one last look, my attention was drawn to a barrel in the corner, filled with old, rusted swords. Among the neglected weapons, one caught my eye.
It was barely visible under the pile, its hilt poking out from the heap. I reached in, pulling it free, I struggled a bit but managed to yank it out. The blade, was dulled with age and covered in rust, and was chipped and broken at several places and broken in the middle. The guard was missing one side and even the handle's leather was coming undone and was ripped and shredded in some parts.
"Buy that blade now!" Kalus spoke up out of nowhere. This guy was silent for so long and now he wanted me to by some garbage?
"You want me to buy this garbage?" I asked him quietly enough not to get Brokkr's attention.
"Trust me, boy. You won't regret it." He urged.
I turned the sword over in my hands, before sighing and turned to Brokkr. "How much for this one?"
Brokkr scratched his chin, a hint of a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "That old junk? Honestly, I'm surprised you're even askin'. That thing isn't even a sword just a peice of junk if I'm honest. How 'bout... five copper?"
"Five copper?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Aye, just take it off my hands," Brokkr shrugged. "Been sittin' in that bucket for longer than I care to remember. Truth be told, I'll be glad to make room for somethin' shinier."
I glanced down at the sword again. Its weight felt good, maybe there was more to it than he or I knew, Kalus did seem really adamant that I got it. "Deal."
The blacksmith shrugged and took the coins and helped me wrap the sword in a cloth, handing it over, after I thanked him I left and started to walk through the Agora.
The sun had just started to set when I found an inn. It was a modest place, tucked away on a quieter street, its wooden sign swaying gently in the evening breeze. I pushed the door open, and the smell of roasting meat and fresh bread greeted me warmly. The common room was simple but cozy, with a few patrons gathered at tables, murmuring over their meals.
I approached the counter where the innkeeper, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a graying beard, was polishing a tankard. He looked up as I entered and gave me a welcoming nod.
"Hello," I said, leaning on the counter. "Do you still have a room available for the night?"
"Aye, we do," he replied, setting the tankard down. "It's three silvers for a room for a day, and that includes meals"
"Sounds fair," I said, fishing the coins from my pouch. "I'll take it."
He handed me a key with a small wooden tag. "Name's Ariston. Your room's upstairs, second door on the right. Supper will be ready in a few minutes. Find a seat, and I'll bring it out."
I thanked him and chose a table near the hearth. It wasn't long before Ariston returned with a plate of roast meat, thick slices of bread, and a steaming bowl of vegetable stew. As I dug in, the warmth of the food settled me, and I realized just how hungry I was.
A soft voice interrupted my thoughts. "Would you care for some spanakopita?"
I looked up to see a woman, standing beside me with a plate of what looked like a pastry. Her eyes were kind, and she smiled warmly as she held out the dish.
"Spanakopita?" I asked, unfamiliar with the word.
"It's a savory pie," she explained, her accent lilting pleasantly. "Made with spinach, cheese, and flaky pastry. My name's Helena, by the way. I'm Ariston's wife."
I hesitated for a second, then took a piece. "Thank you." As I bit into it, the layers of pastry melted in my mouth, the spinach and cheese perfectly seasoned. I blinked, surprised at how much I enjoyed it. "This is incredible."
Helena smiled, clearly pleased. "I'm glad you like it. Let me know if you want more."
I nodded eagerly, taking another bite. "I might just have to take you up on that."
After finishing the last of my meal, I stood and thanked Ariston and Helena for their hospitality. They waved me off with warm smiles as I made my way up the narrow staircase, the wooden steps creaking beneath my shoes.
The room was small but comfortable, with a sturdy oak bed pushed against one wall and a single window overlooking the street below. The floor was made of rough-hewn planks, worn smooth by years of use, and a simple rug lay at the bedside. A wooden chest sat in the corner, probably for storing belongings, there was a door to the right that led to a bathroom. The air smelled faintly of lavender, perhaps from the dried sprigs tucked into the windowsill.
I dropped my luggage and sword onto the floor with a heavy thud, feeling the weight of the day lifting from my shoulders. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I ran a hand through my hair, then leaned back, staring up at the ceiling. The mattress was firm, but after days on the road, it felt like luxury.