2. The Adventurer's Inn
"NGGH." Riven groaned as he struggled to breathe. His heart pounded like a drum, and a feverish heat washed over him, bringing a fresh sheen of sweat. Suddenly, his eyes shot open, his chest heaving as he gasped for air.
Above him, he saw a wooden ceiling, its beams darkened and weathered. He was lying on a bed, the pillow beneath his head soft and strange. This wasn't his father's house, nor was it anywhere he recognized.
Riven's head throbbed painfully, and as he brought a hand up to rub his temple, memories of the dragon and the blazing transfer of power flickered in his mind. He felt different somehow, like there was something simmering at the core of his being, yet he couldn't fully grasp it.
He lifted a lock of his hair. "Huh?" It was pure white, like winter snow and had a fluffy texture to touch. His voice sounded deeper, more mature. "Did that lightning bolt do this to me?" he muttered, still half in disbelief.
Pushing himself up, he inspected his hands— larger than he remembered, his fingers roughened with unfamiliar calluses. The room around him was small, with four wooden walls, a narrow window allowing a sliver of daylight, and a modest shelf cluttered with odds and ends. His clothes were foreign too, simpler than what he usually wore.
He swung his legs over the bed, but the moment his feet touched the floor, his legs wobbled, sending him to his knees. "Urgh!" His body trembled as though unused to movement.
Just as he steadied himself, Riven's ears rang, and voices filled his mind— a man's hearty laugh, a woman's flustered protests— though no one was there.
"I can hear everything." His whisper turned into a whimper as he clutched his ears, the sounds around him sharper than ever, overwhelming him. Then, footsteps echoed, nearing the door. The handle clicked, and the door creaked open, causing Riven to recoil in sudden alarm.
"Oh, you're awake!" said a girl of about sixteen with braided blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She held a tray of food and smiled warmly. "I brought breakfast. Wasn't sure if you'd be up, but looks like I got lucky today!"
Riven blinked at her rapid chatter, still tense and defensive. "Who are you?"
The girl giggled, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. "Name's Elise. My parents own this adventurers' inn. They told me to check in on you and I thought you might be hungry if you woke. I'm so happy you did wake up."
"An adventurer's inn?" Riven repeated, his gaze narrowing.
"Yes!" Elise handed him the tray, her expression softening as she took in his bewilderment. "A group of adventurers found you in the mountains two years ago. You've been… asleep, or something like it, ever since."
Her words struck him like a bolt of ice. "Two years?" His voice was barely a whisper, his chest tight with disbelief.
Elise nodded, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. It must be a lot to take in. Are you alright?"
Riven inhaled deeply, then forced a small, shaky smile. "I'll manage. Thank you... for everything."
Elise watched him eat, her gaze curious but patient, her presence strangely comforting. Once he finished, his stomach grumbled, louder than he'd like. She stifled a laugh. "Still hungry? Two years of rest and a growth spurt'll do that!"
Blushing, Riven mumbled his thanks, his mind buzzing with questions. "Um… would it be alright if I left here? I need to... see things."
She nodded with understanding and led him down the wooden staircase to a sprawling tavern below. The main room was bustling, tables packed with adventurers swapping stories, laughing, and clinking mugs. Many wore armor, and weapons of all kinds adorned their sides.
"Hey, Mama! Papa! Sleeping beauty's finally up!" Elise called out, waving to a middle-aged couple behind the counter. The man had a well-trimmed beard and piercing eyes, while the woman bore a striking resemblance to Elise.
They turned, and a ripple of surprise swept through the room. Murmurs broke out as adventurers looked his way, some raising their mugs, others casting curious glances. Elise's mother, a warm woman with braided hair like her daughter's, hurried over, pulling Riven into a gentle embrace. "Oh, it's a miracle to see you awake, dear. You gave us quite a scare!"
Riven, taken aback by her warmth, stammered, "T-thank you for everything. I don't know how to repay your kindness…"
The man laughed, his voice deep and hearty. "Repay? Lad, you've already been taken care of! The fellow who brought you here paid us for four years' care in advance. I wasn't sure you'd ever wake, honestly! Now, tell me—what's your name?"
Riven found it odd that someone would do that to him. He doubted it was it father, it also could not be the dragon. Who on earth would have cared about his safety? He had no knowledge of anyone like that.
"Riven. Riven Zarek." He spoke finally.
Orpheus, the innkeeper, scratched his chin. "Riven, eh? You don't sound like you're from around here. Got a bit of an accent too, don't ya?"
His wife rolled her eyes, playfully smacking Orpheus's arm. "You and your accents! Let the poor boy be. He's probably exhausted." She looked back to Riven, her voice gentle. "Take all the time you need. You're welcome to stay until you're ready."
Riven nodded, a small but genuine smile breaking through his usual guarded expression. "Thank you… And, um… are you adventurers?"
The innkeeper chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Adventurers? Now that depends, lad— are ya one of those folk who think adventurers are just penniless fools who wander aimlessly?"
Riven blinked, surprised. "No! I always wanted to be an adventurer. My dad was against it though, he used to say they're just reckless, but…"
Orpheus laughed heartily, clapping Riven on the back so hard he staggered and almost fell. "Your ol' man sounds like a bit of a stiff! Adventurers are the richest folks in spirit— and sometimes coin, if they're lucky! We battle monsters, explore dungeons, uncover treasures that most folk'll never even hear of. Now, tell me that doesn't sound like a life worth living."
Riven's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Could I… Could I become an adventurer too?"
Orpheus grinned, sliding a tattered pamphlet across the bar. "Join up, and I'll get you your badge right now! Just sign right 'ere."
His wife gave Orpheus a smack on the head. "You daft brute! Don't fill his head with nonsense— he's still a boy!"
Undeterred, Riven leaned forward. "Please… Teach me to be an adventurer. I want to see the world, too."
Orpheus winked at him. "There ya go, love. The boy's got spirit. How can I say no?"
His wife sighed, though a hint of a smile lingered on her lips. "Fine, but you take care of him, you hear? I don't want you dragging him into all that dangerous nonsense."
"Danger?" Orpheus winked, ruffling Riven's hair. "Kid, it's all part of the fun."