They stepped down into the bustling tavern once again, Valeria holding tightly onto Lily’s hand as they descended the stairs. The lively atmosphere of the inn felt overwhelming now compared to the quiet room they had just left. Valeria’s grip on Lily’s hand tightened, seeking comfort and reassurance as they made their way through the crowd.
As they walked down, Valeria couldn’t help but glance over at Dante’s table. His group was still there, laughing and talking. Dante, with his sharp features and commanding presence, noticed them immediately. He stood up as if ready to approach, but the calm mage sitting beside him placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. Valeria saw Dante sigh, still looking their way, but when Lily whispered softly, “Later,” he nodded in understanding, though it seemed reluctant.
Valeria’s attention shifted to Henry, who was standing at the bar, talking to someone. There was something about the way Henry held himself that seemed different—he looked a bit downcast, though Valeria couldn’t quite tell why. But as soon as he caught her gaze, his expression shifted, and the familiar, bright smile returned to his face. He nodded to the stranger he was speaking with and quickly made his way toward Valeria and Lily.
“Hey, you two off to explore the town?” Henry asked, his grin widening as he caught up with them by the door. “You still haven’t eaten anything, right? That pie is waiting for you,” he added with a playful wink.
Valeria’s stomach rumbled in anticipation at the mention of the pie, and her excitement bubbled over. “I can’t wait!” she said, practically bouncing on her feet. The promise of the pie had been in the back of her mind all day, and now, the thought of finally tasting it filled her with joy.
With that, the three of them stepped out into the lively streets of Silverbrook. The town was alive with activity—vendors shouting from their stalls, travelers moving through the streets, and the warm glow of the late afternoon sun casting everything in a soft, golden light. Valeria’s eyes darted from one sight to the next, taking in the busy market, the colorful displays of goods, and the cheerful conversations all around them.
Henry led the way, guiding them through the winding streets toward the bakery. “It’s just up ahead,” he said, pointing to a small, cozy building with a wooden sign hanging above the door. The sign had a picture of a pie on it, along with the name of the shop written in elegant script. The smell of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, making Valeria’s mouth water.
As they entered the bakery, the warmth of the ovens and the sweet, comforting aroma wrapped around them like a blanket. Valeria’s eyes widened in delight at the sight of the display case filled with pastries, pies, and all kinds of delicious treats.
“Ah, Henry! It’s been a while,” a voice called from behind the counter. The bakery’s owner, a friendly-looking older woman with flour dusted on her apron, smiled brightly at them. “I see you’ve brought some new faces with you.”
Henry grinned back. “Yeah, thought I’d show them the best pie in Silverbrook.”
The woman chuckled. “Well, you’ve come to the right place. The usual for you, I assume?”
“You know it,” Henry replied with a wink. “And make sure to bring a slice for my little friend here,” he said, ruffling Valeria’s hair affectionately.
Valeria beamed, her excitement growing as they sat down at a small table near the window. She couldn’t wait to try the famous pie Henry had been talking about for so long.
Lily, ever the quiet one, sat beside Valeria, her hood still drawn over her head. When the bakery owner offered her something, Lily politely declined at first, but after some playful insistence from both Valeria and Henry, she agreed to have something small.
The bakery owner soon returned with two large slices of the apple-berry pie for Valeria and Henry, along with a smaller treat for Lily. Valeria’s eyes widened as she stared at the pie, its golden crust glistening with sugar, the sweet smell of apples and berries filling the air. She picked up her fork and took her first bite, her face lighting up as the warm, rich flavors danced on her tongue.
“This is amazing!” Valeria exclaimed, her voice full of delight. She took another bite, savoring every moment, the taste bringing happiness she hadn’t felt in days.
Henry chuckled, clearly pleased with her reaction. “Told you it was good.”
Lily smiled softly, watching Valeria’s joy. Though she only took small bites of the pastry she had been given, she seemed content just watching Valeria enjoy herself.
As they ate, the bakery owner came over again, smiling at the sight of Valeria’s obvious enjoyment. “Glad you like it, dear,” she said warmly. “Henry here always brings good company.”
Henry laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, I do my best.”
Valeria, still savoring her pie, felt a warmth in her heart that had nothing to do with the food. For the first time in a long while, she felt like things were… okay. Sitting here with Lily and Henry, enjoying a simple meal in the middle of this bustling town, she felt safe.
Valeria’s energy surged after finishing her pie, and she was practically bouncing with excitement as they left the bakery. The moment her feet hit the bustling street, her eyes lit up, darting from one stall to another. Everything in the market seemed new and interesting to her—colorful fabrics hanging from awnings, sparkling trinkets, food stalls filled with the rich aromas of spices and roasted meats. The entire market was alive with activity, and Valeria could feel the energy buzzing around her.
She raced ahead, her small hands gripping the edge of her dress as she tried to take it all in. “Look at all this!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. “There’s so much to see!”
Henry walked beside her, chuckling at her enthusiasm. “This is the heart of Silverbrook for you,” he said, his tone light and playful. “Lots of people, lots of stuff to check out. Perfect day for exploring.”
As they passed through the market, Valeria overheard some sellers shouting about a special sale in celebration of the town’s successful defense. The words didn’t mean much to her, though—her mind was far too occupied with all the new sights. She darted from stall to stall, her eyes wide as she examined everything she could. There were polished wooden toys, necklaces made of shimmering stones, and even small knives with intricate handles on display. Everything was so different from the quiet village life she had known.
Lily walked nearby, keeping a steady but quiet pace, her hood still drawn up over her head. Valeria noticed how Lily kept an eye on her, but she also saw Lily’s hand slip into her pocket, fishing out a few coins. “Do you want anything, Valeria?” Lily asked gently. “I can buy something for you.”
Valeria blinked, taken aback by the offer. She glanced back at Henry, who scratched the back of his neck and gave her an awkward smile. He knelt down slightly and whispered, “You don’t really need any of these things, right?”
Valeria paused, her eyes drifting to the various trinkets and items she had admired. She nodded, remembering her mother’s words about only buying what was needed. Her mother had always been practical, making sure Valeria didn’t waste her money on unnecessary things. Even though Valeria felt a tug of longing for some of the shiny objects, she quietly shook her head.
“No, I don’t need anything,” she murmured, her voice a bit more reserved now.
Lily gave her an understanding smile and nodded. “If you said so.”
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But as they continued through the market, Lily noticed Valeria’s gaze lingering a little longer on a small, intricately carved wooden trinket shaped like a bird. Valeria hadn’t said anything, but the way she kept looking back at it as they passed was enough for Lily to understand. Without a word, Lily stopped at the stall and handed over a coin to the vendor. She picked up the small trinket and gently placed it in Valeria’s hand.
Valeria’s eyes widened in surprise. “For me?” she asked, looking up at Lily.
Lily nodded, her voice soft. “It’s yours. I noticed you liked it.”
Valeria’s face lit up with joy as she clutched the trinket to her chest. “Thank you, Lily!” she exclaimed, beaming.
Henry smiled at the exchange, clearly touched by the moment. “You deserve a little something, Valeria,” he said, giving her a playful nudge. “Especially after how well-behaved you’ve been.”
They continued to walk through the market until they reached a small clothing shop, tucked away on a quieter side street. The window was filled with simple but well-made clothes, and Valeria noticed that for the first time all day, Lily seemed eager to step inside.
“Let’s find you something new to wear,” Lily said as they entered, her eyes scanning the shelves and racks of clothing. “You’ve been wearing that dress since we left the village.”
Valeria hesitated, looking down at the dress her mother had made for her. She felt a pang of reluctance. The dress was one of the last things her mother had given her, and the thought of taking it off made her heart tighten.
Lily noticed her hesitation immediately. Kneeling down, she spoke softly to Valeria, her voice filled with understanding. “We’ll make sure your dress stays in perfect condition,” she reassured her. “But it’s important to have something else to wear to keep it that way. You wouldn’t want it to get damaged, right?”
Valeria thought about it for a moment, then nodded. “Okay,” she whispered. She understood what Lily meant, and though the idea of wearing something else made her feel reluctant, she knew it was the right thing to do.
With that, they began browsing the shop. Valeria’s reluctance started to fade as she looked through the colorful clothes, and soon she found herself smiling again. She picked out a simple tunic and a pair of comfortable trousers, feeling excited about the new outfit.
As they approached the counter to pay, the shop owner’s eyes lit up when she saw Lily. “Oh, it’s you!” the woman exclaimed, her voice full of gratitude. “You were the one who helped protect us a few days ago, weren’t you?”
Lily seemed taken aback by the recognition and blinked in surprise. “I... yes,” she said, her voice quieter than usual.
The shop owner smiled brightly. “We owe you so much. You protected our town from those terrible monsters. Because of you, we’re all safe. There’s no charge for any of this—consider it a small thank you.”
Lily hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. She glanced at Valeria, then back at the shop owner. “That’s kind of you,” she said, “but I can’t accept that. I’ll pay for the clothes.”
The shop owner looked a bit surprised but didn’t argue. “If you insist,” she said with a nod, though her gratitude remained evident in her eyes.
As Lily paid for the clothes, Valeria noticed Lily seemed a bit sad when looking at her earlier. It was only there for a moment, but it made Valeria wonder what had happened. She didn’t understand why Lily looked sad, but the excitement of her new outfit washed away her thoughts.
With their purchases in hand, they left the shop, Valeria feeling lighter and happier than she had in a long time. The trinket clutched in one hand, and her new clothes in the other, she smiled up at Lily. "Thank you for everything today," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Lily smiled back, her sadness hidden once more. “You’re welcome, Valeria.”
The trio made their way into a small equipment store next. The shop was lined with an assortment of weapons and armor, glinting in the afternoon light. Shields, swords, and all kinds of gear hung on the walls, and Valeria's eyes widened as she took it all in. This was the kind of place she had only read about in adventure stories. It made her feel like she had stepped into one of those tales.
Henry, always on the lookout for something practical but fun, rummaged through the shelves before picking up a pair of small leather boots. They looked sturdy but light, perfect for someone as small as Valeria. “What do you think?” he asked, holding them out to her with a grin. “These should fit you nicely.”
Valeria reached out, her fingers brushing over the soft leather. She smiled up at Henry. “I love them! Thank you!”
Before Valeria could say anything more, Lily approached the counter, intending to pay for the boots, but Henry waved her off. “Ah, ah, this one’s on me,” he said, winking at Valeria. “Consider it a little gift from your pal, Henry.”
Valeria’s face brightened even more, and she thanked him earnestly, slipping the boots on to test their fit. They were perfect, and she couldn’t stop tapping her feet inside them, feeling like a real adventurer.
While Henry moved to inspect the swords, Lily approached the shop owner. “Do you have any light armor that would be easy for her to move around in?” she asked, nodding toward Valeria.
The owner, a gruff man with broad shoulders and calloused hands, glanced down at Valeria and scratched his chin. “Not exactly her size,” he admitted, eyeing the small girl thoughtfully. “But I can make some adjustments to what I have. Normally, it would cost more, but… well,” he said, his tone filled with gratitude, “I can make an exception.”
His words hung in the air for a moment, and Valeria noticed how Lily shifted slightly, clearly uncomfortable with the recognition she was receiving. The shopkeeper continued, his voice a little softer, “In fact, I’ve got some armor in your size too. You might want to consider replacing what you’ve got. It’s seen better days.”
Lily nodded, though somewhat awkwardly. “Thank you. I appreciate the offer,” she said quietly, her gaze drifting toward the set of light armor on display. Henry and Valeria nodded along with the shopkeeper’s suggestion, clearly agreeing that Lily deserved something new and sturdy.
The shopkeeper assured them he would have everything adjusted and ready by tomorrow, and with that, they left the store, continuing their exploration of Silverbrook.
The streets were as lively as ever, the sun casting long golden rays across the bustling town. Valeria was practically skipping along beside Henry and Lily, her eyes drawn to everything around her—the colorful stalls selling all kinds of goods, from spices to fabrics, the cheerful chatter of townsfolk, and the clanging of blacksmiths hammering away in the distance.
She couldn’t help but stare at the people too—travelers in long cloaks with stories etched into their faces, children running through the streets playing games, and merchants enthusiastically advertising their wares. It was a bustling but cozy town, alive with the pulse of everyday life.
“I’ve never seen so many people in one place,” Valeria said, her eyes wide as she took it all in. “It’s… it’s so much more than I thought.”
Henry chuckled, walking beside her with his usual easygoing demeanor. “Silverbrook’s always been a bit of a hidden gem. It’s small, but because it’s on a trade route, you get people from all over passing through. Always something happening, and the market’s one of the best for miles.”
Lily, walking quietly nearby, nodded in agreement. “It has its charm,” she added softly, her hood still pulled low over her face as they navigated the streets.
They wandered for a while, stopping now and then for Valeria to admire a trinket or listen to a street performer playing a lively tune. They passed by food stalls, the smell of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filling the air, and Valeria couldn’t help but inhale deeply, her stomach already full but still appreciating the delicious smells.
Eventually, they found themselves near the center of town, where a large fountain stood in a small square. The water sparkled in the fading light, and it provided a peaceful contrast to the busy streets. Lily noticed Valeria’s steps had slowed, and there was a weariness in her eyes despite the excitement of the day.
“Let’s sit for a moment,” Lily suggested, leading them to the edge of the fountain. Valeria sat down with a contented sigh, the weight of the day catching up with her.
Henry plopped down next to her, stretching his arms out. “Quite the day, huh?” he said, smiling. “You’ve seen a lot, but there’s still more to come.”
Valeria nodded, her eyes still bright with wonder despite her fatigue. “It’s all so amazing,” she said. “I never thought I’d get to see something like this.”
Henry leaned back, his hands propping him up. “That’s what makes traveling so great. You never know what you’ll come across. Towns like this are full of surprises.”
Lily sat beside Valeria, her posture more relaxed now as she glanced around the square. “It’s a good place to rest,” she remarked, her voice softer.
Valeria smiled up at Lily, her heart full of gratitude for the adventure they had shared today. “I’m really happy we came here,” she said quietly.
Henry chuckled again, his tone playful. “And we still haven’t tried everything! There’s plenty more to explore tomorrow.”
As the sun dipped lower, casting the town in shades of orange and gold, the three of them sat there, watching the people pass by and enjoying the calmness of the moment. The day had been full of excitement and new experiences, but now, as the light began to fade, Valeria felt the weight of the day’s adventure settle over her.
Eventually, as the streets began to empty and the sky deepened into twilight, Henry stood up, stretching. “Alright, kiddo, looks like it’s about time to head back,” he said, looking down at Valeria with a smile.
Valeria nodded, her eyes feeling heavy now. “Yeah,” she agreed, stifling a yawn.
Together, they made their way back through the now-quieting streets, heading toward the inn. The town that had been so lively just hours ago was beginning to wind down, with only a few stragglers left in the market. Valeria walked between Lily and Henry, her hand still clutching the small trinket Lily had bought for her, and as they reached the inn, the warm glow of the building welcomed them back.