The gates of Val'Tharis loomed tall and imposing, adorned with carvings of twisted shadows and creatures that seemed half-alive. Evren felt their piercing stares as he stepped through, trying not to show any hint of the awe that prickled at the edges of his mind. This city, hidden in the depths of the Abyss, was as much a part of the Depth Trials as any labyrinth or trial, its cobblestone streets winding like the veins of some ancient beast.
Evren kept his expression carefully neutral as he walked past bustling crowds, towering spires, and flickering lanterns. Val'Tharis was a place of contrasts: elegance laced with danger, wealth flaunted alongside poverty. The citizens here were hardened, each face veiled by an air of mistrust, yet their eyes gleamed with ambition.
It wasn't long before he sensed he was being watched. His skin prickled as he noticed cloaked figures shadowing him, blending seamlessly into the crowd. He didn't acknowledge them; instead, he focused on finding an inn, a place where he could learn more about the city's power dynamics and the people who controlled them. If he was going to survive the Depth Trials, he would need more than strength—he would need allies, and those with influence.
After some searching, he found a modest but bustling inn, the Lantern's Rest. It was filled with a mix of travelers, rogues, and merchants, all huddling close and speaking in hushed tones. Evren noted the tapestry on the walls and the flickering hearth, adding a strange warmth to the otherwise cold, tense atmosphere. He took a seat in the corner, observing the crowd, letting the noise of the room cover his presence.
A waitress approached him, her face hidden under a hood, eyes glinting with suspicion. "What'll it be, stranger?"
"Just water," he replied, keeping his tone friendly but disinterested. It wouldn't do to stand out too much. As she turned away, Evren's gaze wandered around the room, scanning each face, each gesture, searching for any sign of potential alliances—or threats.
After a few minutes, he noticed a group of nobles at a table across the room. They were dressed in fine silks and adorned with intricate jewelry, but their expressions were wary, sharp. In particular, one noble stood out—a tall, lean man with slicked-back silver hair and a calculating gleam in his eyes. Evren caught a brief glance of his crest: a serpent coiled around a dagger. House Serdran, if he remembered correctly, a powerful family known for their cunning and ruthlessness.
Evren's mind raced. He'd heard rumors about House Serdran—they were known for dealing in secrets, a family whose wealth was built on alliances and betrayals. A plan began to form in his mind. If he could gain the favor of House Serdran, or at least learn something useful, it might give him a foothold in the city's power structure.
Deciding to take a risk, Evren stood and approached the table with a casual confidence. The noble's gaze flickered to him, mildly interested but wary.
"Good evening," Evren said, nodding politely. "I couldn't help but notice your crest. House Serdran, correct?"
The noble's eyes narrowed. "And who might you be to recognize that?"
"Just a traveler with an appreciation for the finer aspects of history," Evren replied smoothly, maintaining his calm. "I've come to Val'Tharis for the Depth Trials, but I'd be a fool not to notice those who hold power in this city."
The noble's gaze softened slightly, his curiosity piqued. He motioned for Evren to sit. "You've got an eye for detail. I'm Varis Serdran. And you?"
"Evren," he replied, taking a seat. He didn't offer any other details, letting the name settle like a quiet threat. "I've been seeking a guide to the ways of Val'Tharis. A place like this must have its own set of…rules."
Varis smirked, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, it does. But they're not written anywhere for newcomers to read. Only those who know how to listen and watch survive here." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Are you one of those people, Evren?"
Evren mirrored his expression. "I've survived worse than a city of shadows and secrets."
Varis's smile widened. "Good. Then perhaps you'll find our little community…welcoming, provided you can hold your own."
As the evening wore on, Varis introduced him to several other members of his circle, nobles and merchants with ties to the powerful families of Val'Tharis. They spoke in veiled phrases, discussing recent 'arrangements' and upcoming ventures. Evren listened carefully, piecing together information that might later be used as leverage. Every so often, he'd offer a vague comment or a nod, giving them just enough to think he was someone worth knowing.
By the time the tavern was quieting down, Varis leaned back in his chair, studying Evren with a newfound respect. "You know," he said, "if you're as resourceful as you seem, there might be a place for you in our…network. But it won't be easy."
Evren allowed a faint smile, one that held a hint of cunning. "I didn't come here looking for 'easy,' Varis. I came here to prove myself."
Varis chuckled, a hint of approval in his gaze. "Then welcome to Val'Tharis, Evren. You'll fit right in—if you survive."
Evren watched Varis and his companions leave, feeling the weight of their regard settle around him like a cloak. In one evening, he'd planted the seeds of influence, slipping into Val'Tharis's web of power and deception. He knew better than to trust Varis or anyone else here, but he didn't need trust. He only needed opportunities.
And in Val'Tharis, he realized, there were plenty.