Kael and Riven stepped out of the inn, their disguises still in place, blending into the bustling city with ease.
Their first stop was a nearby eatery, a modest establishment where the scent of grilled meat and warm pastries filled the air. They found a quiet corner and ordered a meal—thick cuts of seasoned steak with eggs and buttered toast, accompanied by a steaming cup of herbal tea. The moment was peaceful, almost domestic, as they ate in comfortable silence, broken only by Riven's occasional teasing about Kael's habit of cutting her steak with precise, almost military efficiency.
After their meal, they made their way to the central plaza, the heart of Saint-Aure, where all districts converged. It was a place of vibrant energy—merchants hawking exotic goods, messengers darting between couriers, and performers gathering a crowd with displays of magic and acrobatics. The towering statues of Saint-Aure's founders loomed above, their stone visages weathered but imposing.
Their second destination was an apothecary, a shop nestled between a blacksmith's forge and a bookseller. The scent of dried herbs and alchemical brews filled the air as they stepped inside. Shelves lined with bottles of various potions, healing salves, and bundles of medicinal herbs covered the walls. A centaur alchemist, the store's owner, greeted them with a knowing nod.
They purchased a supply of bandages, anti-venom, and general medical herbs, ensuring they were well-stocked for their journey. Kael examined a few small vials of elixirs, impressed by the craftsmanship. As they finalized their purchase, Riven handed over the silver coins, and they stepped back into the busy streets.
Next, they found themselves in front of a massive forge, where blacksmiths—dwarves and beastmen alike—worked tirelessly, hammering molten metal into weapons and armor. Sparks flew through the air as forges roared, and the rhythmic clang of metal against metal was almost hypnotic. Riven marveled at a set of finely crafted daggers, but Kael's attention was drawn to the archers practicing with custom-forged bows.
They lingered for a moment before moving on, but not before Kael cast one last, thoughtful glance at the archers.
As they continued walking, they arrived at an armory. Riven, feeling the morning tea working its way through him, excused himself, leaving Kael to enter alone. The armory was a well-kept establishment, its walls lined with weapons of all kinds—bows, daggers, swords, axes, and shields of varying sizes. The store's owner, a burly lion-like beastman, noticed Kael inspecting a set of finely crafted arrows.
"You have an eye for good craftsmanship," he said, stepping closer. His deep voice rumbled like distant thunder.
Kael turned, nodding slightly. "I've been using bows for a long time. My mentor taught me."
The beastman's eyes gleamed with interest. "A good mentor leaves their mark. May I see your bow?"
She hesitated for a moment before handing it over. The beastman inspected it carefully, running a clawed hand over the polished wood and the intricate carvings along its frame. He let out an appreciative whistle. "This is excellent work. The wood is from an Eldertree, reinforced with the sinew of a high-ranked beast. It's not something you see often."
Kael nodded. "It was a gift."
The beastman handed it back. "Whoever gave it to you must have seen great potential in you."
Kael smiled slightly. "He saved my life."
The beastman chuckled. "Then you owe him much." He then noticed the daggers strapped to her sides. "And these?"
Kael handed them over, watching as he inspected the elegant yet deadly weapons.
"These are excellent, too. Another gift?"
Kael hesitated before answering. "From a… very good friend."
The beastman grinned, a knowing look in his eyes. "You're well surrounded, young one."
At that moment, Riven returned, finding Kael deep in conversation with the shopkeeper. He approached, tilting his head. "Making new friends?"
The beastman chuckled. "Your friend here has good taste in weapons."
Riven smirked. "She has good taste in many things."
Kael rolled her eyes but didn't argue.
As they were about to leave, the shopkeeper stopped them. "You plan to leave soon, don't you?"
Kael nodded. "Tomorrow morning."
The beastman frowned. "You may want to reconsider. The Eclipse Veil is approaching. Travel beyond Saint-Aure will be impossible for two days."
Kael's brows furrowed. "Eclipse Veil?"
The shopkeeper nodded. "It happens once a year. A strange, magical phenomenon blankets the routes between here and Reilhim*. No one can pass through safely until it fades."
Riven sighed. "So we're stuck?"
The shopkeeper shrugged. "Think of it as an opportunity. There's a festival during the Eclipse Veil—a grand celebration that fills the city. You might as well enjoy it."
Kael and Riven exchanged glances before thanking the beastman and stepping outside.
Kael crossed her arms, clearly irritated. "This ruins everything. Two days wasted."
Riven leaned against a wall. "Nothing we can do about it. Might as well enjoy the festival."
Kael exhaled sharply, but before she could argue further, a group of small children approached. They were a mix of races—centaurs, dwarves, humans, and beastfolk. One of the smallest, a young girl with fox-like ears, held up a delicate crown of woven flowers.
"For you, miss!" she chirped. "Because you're very pretty!"
Kael blinked in surprise as the child placed the crown on her head. A chuckle rumbled from Riven's throat as he watched Kael, who was clearly caught off guard.
The children beamed up at her, and for a moment, the irritation melted away from her face. She touched the flower crown, a rare smile forming on her lips.
"Thank you," she said softly.
The children giggled and scampered off, leaving Kael standing there, looking almost peaceful.
Riven smirked. "See? Maybe staying here won't be so bad after all."
Kael sighed but didn't argue, her fingers still lightly touching the delicate petals.
As the sun began its slow descent, the two of them turned back toward the city, ready to face whatever the next two days would bring.