The two make their way through the bustling streets.
The market district hums with activity, vibrant stalls lining the streets with merchants calling out their wares. The aroma of roasted meats and spiced breads fills the air, mingling with the scent of leather and iron from smithing stands.
Eska walks close to Valen, her nerves heightened by the bustling crowd.
"There's a shop ahead—Gilded Snare—that should have what we need for your arrows and maybe other gear if you need it." Valen says, keeping his eyes forward.
Out of nowhere, a hooded figure steps in front of Eska. The stranger moves aside but glances at Eska, their movement slowing as if something caught their attention.
Eska follows the figure with her eyes, curiosity flaring as she notes the peculiar cut of the cloak and their movements.
The figure pauses, turning fully to face her, their head tilting slightly.
The figure raises a hand in a slow wave and Eska instinctively waves back, her curiosity outweighing her hesitation.
The crowd flows around them like a stream divided by rocks but the moment is broken when Valen's voice cuts through.
"See someone you know?" he asks, oblivious to the exchange.
Eska glances at him, startled. "No, I… someone waved at me, but they're gone now," she mutters, looking through the crowd for the hooded figure who has vanished as if into thin air.
Valen shrugs. "Probably someone who recognized you. Don't forget, a lot of people here know who you are now and you're not exactly easy to miss."
He gives a light laugh before resuming their walk, leaving Eska unsettled by the strange encounter.
In her mind, Marina's voice is sharp. "That presence was cloaked—deliberately hidden. I'm impressed you noticed her, but do not engage next time. She's dangerous. Very dangerous."
Eska nods faintly, her unease growing as they continue through the streets. They finally reach Gilded Snare and Valen pushes open the single door.
"Welcome to the Gilded Snare!" a woman calls from behind the counter. Eska takes in the shop, her eyes darting to displays of knives, arrows and traps scattered across the room, where a few customers browse.
"Thanks," Valen replies, walking straight to the counter.
Without asking, he pulls an arrow from Eska's quiver and places it in front of the shopkeeper. "We need to replace these."
Eska pouts, clearly not a fan of her arrows being scrutinized.
The shopkeeper picks up the arrow and gasps. "Oh my! This is…" she mutters, examining it closely. Without another word, she hurries into the back, calling for someone named Camila.
A moment later, an older woman with scars marking her face and arms emerges, holding the arrow. Her gaze immediately locks onto Valen and Eska.
"Whose arrow is this?" she asks in a gruff tone.
Eska hesitantly raises her hand, shrinking slightly under the woman's piercing stare. Camila inspects her closely, her eyes scanning Eska's gear before softening just slightly.
"Welcome to the Gilded Snare, young lady. What can I do for you?"
Valen speaks up. "We're here to get her arrows replaced. Iron arrows, please."
Camila narrows her eyes at Valen but eventually nods. She twirls the arrow in her hand before calling back, "Millie, bring me my quiver."
The shopkeeper returns moments later with an intricately crafted quiver filled with arrows. Camila places it on the counter and gestures for Eska to approach.
Eska steps forward cautiously, her eyes wide as she admires the craftsmanship. She gingerly takes an arrow, her breath catching at its balance and quality. "I can't ta—" she starts to protest.
"You can," Camila interrupts firmly, "as long as you honor the deal. From now on, you come to me for your gear." She extends a hand toward Eska, signaling for her old quiver.
Eska nods, handing over her worn quiver and replacing it with the new one. As she straps it on, Camila offers a small smile. "Name's Camila. I'll be expecting you again."
"Thank you!" Eska says brightly, her excitement bubbling over as Camila retreats into the back. Valen exchanges a quick glance with Eska, smiling faintly as they leave the shop, her new quiver bouncing lightly against her back.
As they make their way back to the hunting group, Eska feels the weight of several gazes from the crowd, particularly from hunters.
The tension becomes palpable when a towering hunter steps directly in front of her, his face twisted with anger.
"I don't think you need that quiver, young lady. How about I—" he begins, his tone dripping with hostility.
Before Valen can even react, another hunter grabs the man's arm and slams him against the wall of a nearby building with force that silences the crowd around them.
"What the—" Valen starts but a third hunter approaches him calmly. "Just keep moving, Valen. We've got this," he says with a reassuring smile, his gaze shifting to the pinned hunter.
Valen opens his mouth to protest. "But—"
The hunter's smile fades, his voice turning firm. "Just go, Valen."
Though hesitant, Valen nods and turns back to Eska.
"Let's go," he says, his tone low. Eska glances back at the commotion but quickly falls in step with Valen, her heart pounding in her chest as they leave the scene behind.
Valen and Eska finally arrive at a small but bustling restaurant near the city gate, its warm glow spilling onto the cobblestone street.
The air is filled with the scent of grilled meats, a comforting contrast to the cold breeze drifting in from the gate.
Hunters crowd the outdoor seating, their laughter and clinking tankards creating a lively atmosphere. Valen scans the tables before spotting their group in a quieter corner.
He gestures for Eska to follow, weaving through the crowd of patrons and ducking under a banner that flutters above the entrance.
The hunters waiting for them wave, their smiles welcoming as Eska feels excitement bubble up inside her as she sees them.
The group's smiles quickly shift to surprise as their eyes fall on Eska's quiver.
"Eska, that quiver..." Osvald says, his gaze lingering before Valen and Eska settle into their seats.
Valen leans back slightly. "Someone almost picked a fight with her over it but a few hunters stepped in. Honestly, I don't know what that was about."
The hunters exchange knowing glances before Osvald chuckles softly, shaking his head. "That's Camilla's— The Tiger's quiver," he says with slight disbelief but increasing admiration.
"Camilla's retired now but she was part of the Hellcats. She took over the Tiger's warden spot after that werewolf attack at Yaniyè. She's well respected by veteran hunters. If she gave you that quiver, she must've seen something in you—"
Osvald's eyes widen as the pieces fall into place, his voice rising with sudden realization. "You ARE the Tiger's daughter!" he exclaims, his gaze darting between Eska and Valen.
Eska blinks, startled by the outburst. "The Tiger… was my mom's title?" she asks hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
He looks back at Eska, clearing his throat. "I guess you wouldn't know but," He pauses a bit before continuing. "Oblea—the Tiger—was a legend among hunters. She wasn't just a warden; she was a force of nature. Unstoppable." He says while looking up, remembering.
Eska looks down, the memories of her mother flooding back. Remembering her mother's love and not a fierce combatant.
"I didn't know that's what people called her," she admits, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of the table. "She never talked much about her past."
Osvald leans back, a knowing smile on his face. "Well, now you've got a piece of it with you," he says, nodding toward her quiver.
Eska's eyes light up, a glimmer of happiness breaking through her thoughtful expression. She holds the quiver's leather strapping a little tighter, feeling its weight in a new way.
For the first time, it feels less like a tool and more like a connection to a part of her mother she never knew.
Valen's gaze lingers on Eska as she clutches the quiver, his head tilting slightly.
His eyes trace her features—the way her hands hold the quiver with care, the subtle movements of her fingers, the soft lines of her face framed by her hair.
His expression shifts, softening imperceptibly as if something about her presence eases a tension he didn't know he was holding.
"Ehem." A voice from ahead snaps Valen out of his thoughts. He nearly jumps, his gaze darting forward to find Osvald watching him with amused eyes.
"So, where are we headed, Valen?" Osvald asks, his tone tinged with teasing as a faint smirk plays on his lips.
Valen blinks, taking a moment to fully shake off his distraction, before responding nervously.
"Y—Yeah—Right!" he stammers, clearing his throat. "We're heading south of the city to start our hunt."
Standing abruptly, he adjusts his shirt with a deliberate motion before striding forward, determined to refocus.
Eska glances at Valen, confusion flickering in her eyes, unaware of the subtle shift in his demeanor. The team regroups and heads toward the city gate, their pace steady as they exit the bustling streets.
As they step beyond the towering walls, Eska stretches her arms wide, a breath of relief escaping her lips. The cool breeze greets her and a bright smile spreads across her face.
"It's been weeks!" she exclaims, her shoulders visibly relaxing with each step away from the city.