As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling streets, Eldric found himself standing before a modest yet inviting inn. The building was made of sturdy wood and stone, its windows glowing warmly in the fading light. A simple sign, depicting a mug of ale and a loaf of bread, swung gently above the entrance. The sound of laughter and clinking dishes wafted out from within, drawing Eldric closer.

The door creaked slightly as he pushed it open, stepping into a cozy interior filled with the comforting aromas of food and the chatter of patrons. The inn was well-kept, with wooden beams supporting the ceiling and a large hearth crackling at one end of the room. Eldric's eyes quickly found the innkeeper, a tall beast woman with rabbit ears and a commanding presence. Her ears twitched slightly as she caught sight of him, her sharp eyes assessing the newcomer.

"Welcome to the Moonlit Haven," she greeted, her voice warm but with an edge of authority. "Looking for a room?"

Eldric nodded, feeling the weight of his travels settle in. "Yes, I'd like a room for the night."

The innkeeper's ears perked up as she motioned for him to follow. "We have a few rooms available. You'll find the accommodations comfortable, and the food here is the best in the city." She led him up a wooden staircase, the steps creaking slightly under their weight, before stopping at a simple but clean room. "This will be yours for the night. Dinner is served in the dining hall."

Eldric thanked her, dropping his belongings in the room before making his way back down to the dining hall. The room was lively but not overly crowded, with patrons seated at wooden tables, enjoying their meals. The waitstaff, consisting of three beastmen and two beast women, moved efficiently between the tables, serving food and drinks with practiced ease. Eldric took a seat near the hearth, the warmth of the fire seeping into his tired muscles.

A beastman with fox-like features approached him, holding a small slate. "What can I get for you, sir?"

Eldric glanced at the menu written in neat chalk on the slate, deciding on a hearty stew and a slice of freshly baked bread. As the waiter left to place his order, Eldric allowed himself to relax, taking in the atmosphere. It was a peaceful change from the cold, ominous halls of the castle he had left behind.

The waiter returned shortly, placing the steaming bowl of stew and bread before him. "Enjoy your meal, sir. If you need anything else, just call."

Eldric nodded his thanks, taking a bite of the stew. The rich flavors burst across his tongue, the warmth of the food grounding him in this new reality. As he ate, he listened to the conversations around him, snippets of local gossip and news reaching his ears.

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Curious about the city, he waved the waiter over again. "Excuse me, could you tell me more about this place?"

The beastman smiled, clearly pleased to share. "You're in Ravenwood, one of the larger cities in the region. It's a hub for trade, so you'll find all sorts of people here—humans, dwarves, beastmen, and even the occasional elf. The city's known for its craftsmen and bustling markets. The Lord of the city, Baron Varrick, keeps things orderly, but you'll still find a few unsavory types here and there."

As they spoke, the peaceful atmosphere was abruptly shattered by the sound of loud voices at the entrance. A group of young men, led by a tall, arrogant-looking youth, barged into the inn. The leader, dressed in fine clothes that marked him as someone of status, was clearly accustomed to getting what he wanted. His hair was slicked back, and a sneer curled his lips as he surveyed the room.

The innkeeper's expression darkened as she approached them, her demeanor still calm but with a hint of tension. "Lord Varric," she greeted, her tone respectful but firm. "What brings you to the Moonlit Haven?"

Varric, the son of a baron, gave her a dismissive wave. "Oh, just a little fun with my brothers here. I've heard good things about this place, and I thought we'd see if it lives up to its reputation."

His "brothers"—a group of lesser noble youths who followed him around like ducklings—snickered behind him, their eyes roaming over the inn's patrons and staff with a predatory glint. It was clear they were looking for trouble.

The innkeeper's eyes narrowed slightly, her rabbit ears flicking in annoyance. "We're a respectable establishment, Lord Varric. If you're here to dine, you're welcome. But I won't tolerate any disturbances."

Varric's smile widened, a cruel edge to it. "Oh, come now. We're just here for a good time. Surely you can accommodate that?"

One of his followers, a lanky youth with a mean streak evident in his eyes, sidled up to one of the waitresses—a young beast woman with delicate features. He reached out as if to grab her, but she deftly sidestepped, shooting him a glare.

The innkeeper moved to intervene, but Varric stepped in her way, blocking her with a casual hand on her arm. "No need to be so uptight," he drawled. "We're paying customers, after all."

Eldric watched the scene unfold, his hand tightening around his spoon. He had seen enough of people like Varric in his previous life—bullies who used their status to torment others without consequence. A part of him bristled at the thought of simply letting this play out, but he also knew that drawing attention to himself could be dangerous, especially in a new city.

The innkeeper stood her ground, her voice firm. "Lord Varric, if you and your companions can't respect the rules of this establishment, I'll have to ask you to leave."

The baron's son raised an eyebrow, clearly not used to being spoken to in such a manner. His expression turned cold, and he took a step closer to the innkeeper, looming over her. "I think you misunderstand your position here. Do you really want to make an enemy of my family?"

A tense silence fell over the room as everyone waited to see how the confrontation would play out. Eldric's mind raced, weighing his options. He had no desire to start trouble, but allowing this to continue was equally unacceptable.

Just as Eldric was about to stand, a loud crash echoed through the room as one of Varric's followers knocked over a chair in a show of intimidation. The innkeeper didn't flinch, her gaze steady on Varric.

In that moment, Eldric made a decision. He couldn't stand by and let this happen. Slowly, he rose from his seat, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.