The moment they stepped through the gates of Saint-Aure, Kael immediately noticed how different it was from Velmont. The streets were alive with energy, bustling with merchants, travelers, and adventurers of all races. Stalls lined the roads, offering everything from exotic spices to enchanted trinkets. Vendors shouted to attract customers, the air filled with the mingling scents of roasting meat, fresh bread, and fragrant herbs. The clang of a blacksmith's hammer rang from a distant forge, and the chatter of countless voices blended into a constant hum of activity.
Riven smirked, walking beside her. "Try not to get lost, sweetheart. I'd hate to have to put up missing posters."
Kael shot him a look. "I don't get lost."
"No? Well, if you start wandering, just yell my name dramatically, and I'll come find you."
She rolled her eyes but said nothing, instead focusing on the city. The roads here were stone-paved, different from Velmont's pristine white bricks. The buildings had a rugged charm—wood and stone structures with vines creeping up their sides, the occasional lantern hanging from a beam. Unlike the capital, where humans dominated, Saint-Aure was a melting pot of races. She spotted dwarves arguing over gemstones, centaurs navigating through the crowd, beastmen haggling with merchants, and even a few elves, their refined elegance standing out in the chaos.
Riven glanced at her as they walked. "You're staring."
"I've never been to a city like this," she admitted, not bothering to mask her curiosity.
"Well, take it all in, sweetheart. We'll be here for a bit."
Before she could reply, Riven stopped. "Wait here. I need to handle something."
Kael frowned. "What?"
"I need to put the horses in the stable and find us a room. Unless you want to sleep in the streets?"
She crossed her arms. "Fine."
Riven smirked and left, leading the horses toward an establishment where they could be lodged for their stay. Kael found a nearby bench and sat down, observing the city from a different perspective. She had spent so long being cautious, analyzing everything for threats. But now, for the first time in a while, she was simply watching out of curiosity. The laughter of children playing, the hurried steps of messengers weaving through the crowd, the careful negotiations between merchants—it all felt so different from the world she had known.
A few minutes later, Riven returned, looking satisfied. "Got the horses taken care of and secured a room."
Kael stood. "That was fast."
"What can I say? I have my ways." His grin widened as he led her toward an inn. The building was warm and inviting, with wooden beams, flower boxes hanging from the windows, and a lively crowd inside. The scent of roasted meat and spiced ale filled the air, and the sound of a bard playing a lute echoed through the common room.
They approached the reception desk, where a centaur woman stood, flipping through a ledger. She barely glanced up as she spoke. "Rooms are almost full. You're lucky—we have one left."
Riven leaned casually against the counter. "How many beds?"
"One. But it's a big one," the centaur said with a knowing smile.
Kael raised an eyebrow as Riven hesitated for a second before clearing his throat. "Right. I assume other inns are full?"
"Nearly all of them, unless you want to try your luck outside the city walls."
With a sigh, Riven handed over the payment—fifty bronze coins for their stay. "We'll take it."
The centaur smirked. "Enjoy your stay."
Riven grabbed the key and turned to Kael, who gave him a long, suspicious look. "What?" he asked innocently.
"You're being too quiet."
"I don't know what you mean," he said smoothly, leading her up the stairs.
Kael narrowed her eyes but followed him. When they reached their room, she turned to him before opening the door. "You're acting strange."
Riven only shrugged. "Just tired, I suppose."
She pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was spacious, with a large wooden bed covered in thick furs and blankets, a polished desk near the window, and a small fireplace crackling warmly. A basin of water sat on a wooden stand, and the scent of lavender lingered in the air.
Kael turned slowly, arms crossed. "One bed."
Riven burst out laughing, leaning against the doorframe. "Told you we were lucky."
Kael sighed. "You should have mentioned that earlier."
"And ruin the surprise?" His grin was entirely too pleased with itself.
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. We'll deal with it."
He stepped further inside, dropping his bag onto the floor. "Good. Because I don't snore, but if you do, I'll throw you onto the floor."
Kael exhaled sharply through her nose. "If you try, you'll wake up missing fingers."
Riven smirked. "I'll take my chances."
Despite her exasperation, Kael found herself fighting the smallest twitch of amusement at the corner of her lips. She set her things down and turned toward the window, looking out at the city below. The day was coming to a close, but Saint-Aure remained just as lively.
Riven watched her for a moment, then stretched lazily before flopping onto the bed. "Well, sweetheart, welcome to Saint-Aure. Let's hope we survive the week."
Kael turned her gaze to him, unimpressed. "Try not to get us killed before we even start."
He smirked. "No promises ".