Nyx stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat.
Alinthor was beautiful—almost unreal. Towering trees with silver leaves swayed gently in the breeze, their branches woven together like an intricate canopy above the city. Soft golden light filtered through, casting a warm glow over the pristine stone pathways. The air carried a faint floral scent, crisp and sweet, as though the very essence of nature thrived here.
As much as the kingdom’s beauty captivated her, unease stirred in her chest.
What am I doing here?
She had no ties to this place, no reason to stay. Yet, something about Alinthor tugged at her. Would leaving too soon be a mistake? Staying too long a risk?
For now, she decided, she would watch. Observe. And perhaps, somewhere in these foreign streets, she’d find a reason to take her next step.
Elves of all sizes and colors passed by, their presence effortless yet captivating. Nyx couldn’t help but be dazzled by their beauty—their ethereal features, the way they moved with quiet grace. Some even had silver hair like hers, shimmering under the light.
For a brief moment, she felt like she belonged. But did she?
She wasn’t like them. No pointed ears, no otherworldly glow—just her silver hair, a mere resemblance at best. The thought made her sigh, the weight of uncertainty settling deeper in her chest.
“Scan complete.”
Uriel’s voice cut through her thoughts.
“No enemies found nearby.”
“Thanks, Uriel.”
Nyx replied telepathically, her gaze still lingering on the elves around her.
“What should we do now?” Nyx asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“What do you want to do, Nyx?” Uriel countered.
Nyx frowned. “I don’t know. I don’t know what to do or what to think.” A wave of exhaustion settled over her, leaving her feeling aimless and adrift.
Her stomach, however, had no such uncertainty. It let out a loud grumble in protest.
Uriel chuckled in her mind. “Well, for starters, you can get something to eat. Then we’ll check out the guild and see what we can do from there.”
Nyx sighed but nodded. “That works.”
With food now on her mind, she let Uriel scan the town for a nearby inn.
Nyx followed Uriel’s instructions, her boots tapping softly against the grey brick roads. She weaved through the bustling streets, passing by lively shops and vibrant stalls overflowing with goods. The air carried the scent of fresh-baked bread, roasted meats, and the faintest hint of flowers from a nearby vendor.
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Elves and travelers alike moved about, chatting, laughing, and going about their business. Some had pointed ears and elegant features, while others, clearly outsiders, stuck out with their heavier armor and worn traveling cloaks. No one paid her much mind, and for once, she appreciated the anonymity.
After some time, she finally reached her destination—a warm and inviting inn with a wooden sign swinging gently above the entrance. Glimmerglow Inn was etched into it in elegant silver script, and the faint glow of enchanted lanterns flickered along the edges.
The building itself was charming, made of dark oak with carved vines decorating its beams. Soft golden light spilled from its windows, accompanied by the hum of music and cheerful voices. A set of sturdy double doors stood open, welcoming guests inside. The scent of savory stew and fresh ale drifted out, making Nyx’s stomach tighten in anticipation.
She took a deep breath, adjusted her veil, and stepped inside.
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Nyx stepped inside the inn, and the warmth of the space wrapped around her like a thick cloak. The scent of fresh bread, sizzling meat, and ripe fruit filled the air, mingling with the faint spice of mulled wine. Laughter and conversation buzzed all around, voices overlapping in a lively hum.
No one spared her a second glance. Travelers came and went in Alinthor all the time—she was just another face passing through. The inn was a haven for wanderers, a place where stories were exchanged over tankards of ale, where tired bodies found rest before continuing their journeys.
The wooden floors creaked softly beneath her boots as she stepped further inside. The walls were lined with lanterns that gave off a soft golden glow, making the space feel inviting despite the ever-moving crowd. A bard strummed a quiet tune in the corner, his fingers dancing over the strings of a delicate silver harp.
Nyx exhaled slowly. For the first time in a while, she felt like she could blend in.
Now, she just needed to find something to eat.
Nyx approached the counter, her footsteps soft against the wooden floor. The warm, golden glow of lanterns flickered overhead, casting a cozy light over the room. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the rich aroma of roasted meat and herbs, making her stomach clench in anticipation.
Behind the counter, a young female elf turned towards her with a welcoming smile. Her amber eyes shone with kindness, and her long chestnut-colored hair was carefully braided over one shoulder, adorned with tiny silver beads. She wore a simple yet elegant tunic with embroidered ivy along the sleeves, marking her as a worker of the inn.
“Welcome to the Glimmerglow Inn,” she greeted, her voice lilting like a soft melody. “What can I get for you?”
Nyx’s gaze lifted to the wooden menu hanging above the counter, its finely carved script listing various meals. The choices were simple yet hearty—perfect for a traveler who had been walking for days.
“I’ll have some meat, vegetables, bread, and milk,” Nyx said, her voice steady, though exhaustion still clung to her.
The elf nodded, reaching for a notepad and quickly jotting down the order. “Good choice. We have roasted venison today, paired with honey-glazed carrots and spiced potatoes. Would you like fresh or toasted bread?”
“Toasted,” Nyx replied, shifting slightly as she felt the weight of the journey pressing on her shoulders.
Just then, a soft chime echoed in her mind.
Check your pocket, Nyx. I placed some coins in there, Uriel’s voice murmured.
Nyx subtly slipped her hand into her cloak, her fingers brushing against the cool metal of the coins resting inside. A small relief settled in her chest—she hadn’t even thought about how she would pay.
Thanks, Uriel.
She withdrew a few coins and placed them on the counter. The elf glanced down, then nodded approvingly.
“Take a seat anywhere you like. I’ll bring your meal out shortly.”
Nyx gave a small nod in return before turning away, scanning the inn for an empty table. The air buzzed with quiet conversation, the occasional clink of cups and utensils filling the space with a sense of normalcy she hadn’t felt in a long time. For the first time in weeks, she wasn’t just surviving—she was simply existing.
And for now, that was enough.