Chapter 12 "Arrival in Liras City"

The port of Liras City bustled with life, the air thick with sea salt, fish, and the exotic spices of distant lands. Crates, barrels, and sacks were stacked high along the dock, and the rough wood was warm under the touch of the setting sun. Sailors, with sleeves rolled up and brows sweaty, shouted orders as they unloaded goods from the large ship docked nearby. Above, others walked along the ropes, adjusting sails that fluttered gently in the breeze.

Following Rina, Caelan stepped down from the gangplank, his boots landing softly on the wooden dock. Behind him, Van, Jason, and Niro followed closely, their eyes quickly scanning the lively scene before them. The ship that had brought them swayed gently in the water, its anchor securely in place.

Merchants dressed in colorful, elegant clothing moved through the chaos, their voices rising and falling as they bargained and inspected goods. Some knelt beside open crates, running their hands over fine silk and polished metal, while others shouted at porters to handle their cargo with care. Horses panted as they pulled carts laden with wares, their iron shoes clattering against the stone roads beyond the docks.

Seagulls circled overhead, their sharp cries blending with the creaking of wood and the murmur of countless conversations. Every corner of the port was alive, driven by the constant flow of trade and prosperity.

Caelan wiped his brow and took a deep breath, the mingling scents of the harbor filling his lungs. Despite the noise and crowds, he couldn’t help but admire the energy of the place.

Van nudged Caelan with a grin. “Way different from Sanderson port, huh?” His eyes flicked to the merchants haggling nearby.

Caelan smiled. “Yeah, it really is.”

As they left the docks behind, the group was swallowed by the bustling city streets. Towering buildings with decorated facades and large windows lined the cobblestone road. Awnings hung over the sidewalks, shading market stalls brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, and trinkets. The air smelled of baked bread, spices, and the faint hint of sweat.

Carriages rumbled in both directions—some heavy with goods from the harbor, others carrying passengers deeper into the city.

“Where are we going?” Jason asked, his voice barely audible over the noise. His eyes darted nervously around. “Wow, there are so many people here.”

Van, who was usually the most excited about new places, seemed uneasy. “It’s... too much,” he whispered, scanning the surroundings.

“I know where we’re going. Just follow me,” Rina said, glancing back at them with a reassuring smile.

The group trailed behind her, taking in the chaos around them. Jason, Niro, and Van couldn’t help but marvel at the scenery. Their wide eyes reflected the enormity of Liras City, alive with the constant motion of merchants, travelers, and residents. It was dizzying. Yet, no one paid them any mind—newcomers were a common sight here, each trying their luck in the bustling metropolis.

“I don’t blame you,” Rina said, her smile widening. “I felt the same when I first came here. Liras really is massive.”

“Yeah,” Jason replied, still in awe. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

It wasn’t just the size of the city that was striking the diversity of its inhabitants was astonishing. They passed groups of dwarves, stout and sturdy, haggling over weapons at a market stall. Nearby, a group of tall, muscular women with bronzed skin caught Caelan’s eye. Their revealing outfits left little to the imagination.

Rina noticed his gaze and smirked. “Those are the Amazons,” she said casually. “A lot of them work here as adventurers... and some as prostitutes.”

Jason perked up at that. “I’ve heard of Amazons before, but this is my first time seeing them.”

Rina nodded. “Liras City is the most prosperous and cosmopolitan city in the world. You’ll see all kinds of people here, from every corner of the continent.”

She turned to Caelan, her smirk turning playful. “You stand out, you know—handsome faces like yours tend to draw attention. Be careful around the Amazons. They usually prefer strong men, but every now and then, they take a liking to handsome ones too.”

Caelan blinked, caught off guard. “What? Why me?”

Before he could process her words, Van chimed in, concerned. “What about us? Wouldn’t we attract their attention too?”

Rina giggled, and Niro playfully smacked Van on the back of the head. “Don’t worry, Van. We’re not exactly handsome enough to catch their eyes,” he said with a laugh.

The group burst out laughing, the tension easing as they continued down the winding streets.

“We still have a long way to go,” Rina said. “If we walk, it’ll take us two hours to reach the western district of Liras City. Let’s take a carriage instead.”

Carriages lined the side of the road, coachmen calling out destinations.

Rina approached the first one in line. “We’re headed to the western district,” she told the driver.

With a nod, The coachman gestured for us to climb into the carriage. As it set off, i couldn’t help but observe my surroundings with keen interest.

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When I glanced at Sister Rina, I noticed her looking at me.

"Hmmm, is there a problem? Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing, really. It’s just that your reaction when we arrived in Liras City wasn’t ordinary," Rina replied with a small smile. "When someone from the village comes here for the first time, they’re usually in awe, like Jason, Niro, and Van were." She gestured toward the others. "But you... you were calm, almost indifferent. It’s like you’ve seen a city even grander than this."

Rina’s perceptiveness caught me off guard, as usual.

"I was just nervous," I said with a shrug. "Also, I’m not the type to show my emotions on my face. Isn’t Liras City supposed to be the largest and most advanced city in all of Yedon?"

"You’re right," she admitted. "But maybe that calmness of yours is why you seem more mature than the others, even though you’re the youngest."

As the carriage rolled onward, I noticed the scenery changing. The streets became narrower, and the buildings grew older and smaller. Simple houses, clustered together, replaced the grandeur of the city’s entrance.

When we first entered Liras City, it was as if we had stepped into a dream. The towering buildings of stone and timber were pristine, their clean facades reflecting the prosperity of their owners. The cobblestone streets were smooth and orderly, alive with the bustling energy of confident, well-dressed people. It was like a scene from a painting.

But as the carriage rattled further, following Rina’s directions, the illusion began to fade. The lively energy gave way to a somber stillness. The buildings here were cracked and weathered, their surfaces streaked with grime. The cobblestones became uneven, some sections nearly impassable. The air was heavier, damp and clinging to everything.

The quiet alleys were lined with small, worn houses, their walls bearing the marks of time and hardship. Yet, the area was far from lifeless. Women in simple yet tidy dresses gathered in small groups, chatting as they carried laundry, baskets, or jugs. Nearby, a group of women worked together around a large clay pot, perhaps fetching water or preparing for a communal task.

Children ran between the adults, their laughter cutting through the heavy atmosphere. A boy chased a girl through the cracked streets, their joy undiminished by their surroundings. A younger child knelt by a puddle, poking at the water with a stick, completely absorbed in their game.

Men in armor, weapons at their sides, walked past, some exchanging curt nods. Others carried tools, their hands busy with repairs. Despite the visible weariness on their faces, the people here kept moving, their resilience evident in every step and every interaction.

Though the hardships were clear, so was the unshakable spirit of the people who lived here.

Finally, the carriage came to a stop in front of a large, old house with two floors. The second floor jutted out over the first, creating a shaded overhang.

The lower floor was made of stone, with arched windows that suggested a mix of residential and possibly commercial use. A small wooden door was seen on the right. The roof was covered with red tiles, and smoke rose from the chimney above, indicating a working hearth. The setting was on a paved road.

"We're here. I know the owner, and I'm sure it fits your budget. The room here is where Mrs. Soyen is usually at this time," Rina said.

"Rina knocked, and the door opened to reveal a woman in her early 40s, with short dark hair and soft kind features.She wears a white apron over a light brown blouse and a darker brown skirt. Her light pink slippers and socks complete her modest, practical appearance. She has a calm and caring demeanor.

Rina!" the woman exclaimed, her hands pausing mid-wipe on a mug. "It’s been too long, dear. How have you been?"

"I’m doing well, Mrs. Soyen ," Rina replied warmly. "These are my friends, and they’re looking for a long-term stay. Do you have anything available?"

"Go inside first," she said.

The inn’s exterior was unimpressive, but inside, it was well-kept and inviting."

When we entered, the place was neat, clean, and welcoming. The wooden floor added a warm and inviting atmosphere. There was a staircase on the right leading to the upper floor, while at the back, there was a bar counter with hanging dried meats, some vegetables, pots, and utensils, suggesting it was a kitchen or cooking area. The tables and chairs were simple but sturdy, with smooth, polished surfaces that matched the natural theme of the room.

Mrs. Soyen ’s gaze swept over the group, her smile widening. "You’re in luck. I’ve got a room on the second floor with four beds. It’s spacious, has a good view, and no noisy neighbors."

"How much would it cost for, say, one month?" Caelan asked, stepping forward.

"Mrs. Soyen tapped her chin thoughtfully. 'Pay upfront, and I’ll give you a discount—thirty silver for the month, meals included. Deal?'"

Caelan glanced at his companions, already reaching for his coin pouch. "It’s a good deal. I’ll put in ten silver."

Jason nodded, pulling out his own pouch. "Same here. I’ve got ten silver covered."

Van and Niro exchanged a quick glance. Van smirked and jingled his pouch. "We’ll handle the last ten together. Five each sound good?"

With the payment settled, Caelan turned to Mrs. Soyen . "That’s thirty silver. We’ll take the room."

Mrs. Soyen’s smile widened as she gathered the coins. "Wonderful! You’ve made a good choice. Here’s your key." She slid a brass key across the counter. "Your room’s on the second floor, last door on the left. Dinner is served every evening, so don’t miss it."

"Thanks, Mrs. Soyen," Rina said with a grin.

The group climbed the wooden staircase, the sound of their boots echoing in the quiet hallway.

The room is a simple sleeping space with four separate beds neatly arranged next to each other. The wooden floor adds warmth to the otherwise simple room, and each bed has plain bedding, including white sheets and pillows. At the foot of each bed is a personal trunk or storage box for belongings.

There are two large windows that let in natural light, framed by green curtains, though the room still has a somewhat dim and quiet atmosphere.

"This will do," Caelan said, placing his bag on one of the beds.

Jason immediately flopped onto another bed, stretching out. "Finally, a place to call home for a while."

"It’s a good setup," Niro remarked, inspecting the window. " quiet, and affordable."

Van grinned at Rina. "You weren’t kidding about knowing the best spots."

Rina chuckled. "I told you, didn’t I?"

Caelan leaned against the wall, a small smile on his face. "Thanks, Rina. We owe you one."

Jason grinned. "Thanks, Sister Mira. You’ve been a huge help to us."

"Yeah, thank you, Sister Mira!" we all echoed.

She smiled warmly. "You don’t have to thank me. It’s just a small favor. But if you’re really grateful, you can always come to the tavern where I work. Order some drinks when you’ve earned enough coins so I can get a nice commission." She winked playfully

"we definitely visit," I promised. It was the least we could do after all she’d done for us.

Rina left after we settled, but before she left, she gave us the name and location of the tavern where she is working.

"Finally, we're here. I thought my legs were going to give out," Jason said as he lay down on the bed.

"Same here. But we still need to eat. Come on, let’s head downstairs," Niro replied.

"I'm not waiting. I can already smell the food from here," Van said, heading for the door.

We followed Van downstairs, where Mrs. Soyen had prepared roasted chicken, fruit, and bread. After finishing our meal, we returned to our room right away.

Back in the room, we quietly prepared for bed. Van’s soft snores filled the air first, followed by Jason’s steady breathing. I couldn’t tell if Niro or I stayed awake longer—at some point, sleep quietly claimed me.