It's been a week since I woke up...but-
[Booooooringgggg~~] I laid on my back, staring at the familiar sight of the infirmary's ceiling.
They say the longer you stay in bed, the sicker you get. I believed that, and it was enough to get me moving. Despite the splints on my arm and leg, I decided to take a walk around the city.
[Is she out for a walk too?] I was looking for the healer, Kiria, but it seems she is not here at the moment. Nice.
That means I can go out without any trouble in mind. But there's a bigger question to this-
Why would I, injured and all, wander the streets even though it's a struggle? Well... I missed the hustle and bustle of the city.
[That's way more like it!]
As I stepped into the open air, the familiar scents and sounds welcomed me back. Now that's more like it. The rich aroma of grilled meats, the blend of spices in the air, the shouts of vendors haggling with customers—this noisy, lively world was far better than the sterile-herb smell and eerie quiet of the infirmary.
The city's heartbeat thrummed through the streets, filling every corner with life. Street performers juggled flaming torches, earning scattered applause from passersby. A musician played a lively tune on a flute near the fountain, drawing a small crowd of onlookers who tapped their feet to the rhythm.
The laughter and chatter of children echoed around me, and I couldn't help but smile. All this... this was why I loved this place.
Ah, Kiria's probably going to knock me out for this one when I get back. A scolding from the healer was almost guaranteed, but I'd deal with that later.
Right now... I craved something tasty, something that wasn't bland hospital fare.
And for the first time in a while, I could actually afford to buy something good. That thought struck me as I watched a few ragged children linger near a food stand, eyeing the skewers roasting on an open flame.
They looked to be about the age I'd been when I'd scrounged the streets myself. The sight of them gnawed at me, stirring up memories I hadn't visited in a while. It wasn't that long ago that I was like them—begging, scraping by for any bit of food I could find.
Back then, I drank muddy water and slept in stables or, if I was lucky, under the eaves of the Adventurer's Guild, where no one bothered me. That's where Sherry, the guild master, had found me and offered me a chance to turn my life around. Without her, I'd probably still be out here, hungry and desperate.
[Hey, mister, give me 15 rabbit skewers] I called to the vendor.
He looked up and sized me up.
[That'll be three silver coins.] (??)
I dug into my pouch and handed him the coins, savoring the feel of real currency in my hand. The vendor nodded and handed me the skewers, wrapped and hot.
[Here you go, lad. Careful—it's fresh off the grill.] (??)
I nodded, taking three for myself and slipping the rest into my magic bag. Then, with the three still in hand, I turned to the kids who'd been watching the stand.
[Here, these are for you] I said, crouching down and handing the skewers to them.
Their eyes lit up with surprise and excitement. For a moment, they just stared, like they couldn't believe it was real. One of them, a boy with dirt-smudged cheeks, broke into a grin
[Thanks, big brother!] (??)
The others chimed in, "Thank you!" before they all darted off, each one clutching their skewer as if it were a precious treasure.
I could not help it, a gentle smile form at my lips as I watch them disappear into the crowd. I felt a warmth in my chest I hadn't expected. It was strange... remembering what it was like to be in their shoes, and realizing I had something to give back now. I might not be much yet, but I wasn't the desperate kid begging for scraps anymore. Thanks to Sherry—and a bit of luck—I'd come a long way.
As I continued down the winding streets, I felt my heart grow lighter with every step, despite the dull ache from my injuries. It wasn't long before I wandered into the market district. Here, the air was thick with the mingling scents of spices, fruits, and freshly baked bread. I could see merchants shouting their wares to attract the crowds—bolts of vibrant cloth, polished trinkets, bags of grain, and exotic herbs from far-off lands. The sights were almost overwhelming, a reminder of just how much I had missed while I'd been laid up.
Passing a small fountain, I took a moment to sit and rest, watching the world move around me. People walked past—young couples, mothers with their children, and merchants hauling goods at their carts. Life, in all its noise and chaos, unfolded around me, and for the first time in a long while I felt truly at peace.
Then, my eyes caught sight of an old beggar sitting near the edge of the fountain. His clothes were tattered, his hands trembling as he held out a small tin cup, hoping for a few coins. I remembered being in his place once, feeling invisible as people passed by. I dug into my pouch, pulling out a few extra copper coins and took out a skewer, and placed them gently into his cup.
He looked up, surprised, his tired eyes filled with gratitude. He nodded, and I returned a silent nod before continuing on my way.
After all the walking and eating the sun began to dip below the rooftops, painting the city in shades of amber and pink, I knew I should head back to the infirmary. My body ached, and fatigue was catching up to me, but I didn't regret a single step of today's journey.
As I made my way back, I thought of the kids, of the beggar, and of the life I had found in this city. This place had given me so much—a fresh start, a purpose of sorts. And today, in my small way, I'd given a bit of that kindness back.
I am glad that I am alive and well, as for the questions that linger in my mind...that's for after I fully recover.
By the time I reached the infirmary, I could see the green-haired healer and practically feel her murderous glare boring into me from the guildhall. She crossed her arms, tapping her foot as I hobbled in.
[Well, well, look who's finally decided to come back,] (Kiria) she said, a smirk hiding the worry in her voice.
I grinned sheepishly
[Sorry, couldn't help it. The city's calling--Ow! Ow!]
The sight was embarrassing as the other adventurers were laughing their asses out from the sight of my plight.
She led me back to bed while pulling my ear off, muttering under her breath about stubborn adventurers. As she fussed over my injuries, I felt that warmth in my chest again—a mixture of gratitude and a quiet happiness that I hadn't felt in a long time.
Today had reminded me of the things that truly mattered. I may be battered and bruised, but in this city, surrounded by life and laughter, I knew I'd found a place where I belonged.