Redriver Run seemed to definitely lean into the color theme of this region. Even the roofs were made of red terracotta tiles. People wore red dyed clothing, grew red crops, and preferred red jewelry. Ulgrin found it a bit gaudy to base an entire city around a singular color, but who was he to judge? Then again it was impossible for everything to be red, so it wasn’t entirely monochromatic.

It and the surrounding towns seemed to favor being placed along the riverbanks. A rich lumber industry seemed to take advantage of the tall growing maples, allowing this barony to thrive. Cut off from the rest of the continent, it was an island unto itself.

The captain of the Blessing docked within short order. Ulgrin and his allies had the rest of the day to enjoy a peaceful city’s amenities. Rather than join his friends in getting drunk on the local syrup-liqueurs, he had to make a stop at a blacksmith for some precision work. It took a bit of coin, but he needed it to fix the rest of the enchantments on his armor. While Ulgrin was proud to call himself a proper dwarf, he still was little more than a journeyman at most smithing practices.

Repairing the enchantments required heating the metal and chiseling the new runes in. He found a beastfolk blacksmith with a steady hand willing to follow his instructions. From there it was as simple as channeling mana into the runic system and ‘filling up’ the added and repaired sections. Kind of like pouring molten metal into a sand-casting mold. Once that was done he joined his friends in tasting the local flavors. They stopped at a dining parlor specialized in dessert. Ulgrin was introduced to the wondrous world of pancakes. He was instantly hooked, drawn to the sweet smells and sugary liquids.

“So fluffy…” He marveled, chewing a forkful of the stuff, having drowned it in maple syrup. The price would have made him throw up a few months ago, but now he was more than willing to treat himself. And his friends. The five adventurers made quick work of the ordered flapjacks. Their crew received quite a few stares from the locals as they ate, but the staff were glad to have them eating so much. He and his party made sure to tip heavily.

Saezz covered his mouth, belching. “Now… Saezz will miss such delicacies when he returns to his homeland. If there is one thing the outside world is not lacking, it is sweet things.” He paused, patting his stomach. “Will he become fat?”

“On our regiment of intensive battle every other day? Probably not.” Raelza shrugged. “But it’s a close thing. We definitely shouldn’t eat this unhealthy food all the time. I was speaking to one of the maids back in the castle and they said this sugary stuff will ruin your teeth if you eat too much.”

“Food can ruin your teeth?” Ulgrin asked, confused. He knew that keeping one’s mouth clean was basic hygiene, but that sounded odd. Healers had knowledge of the tiny mundane organisms that filled the world alongside the magical ones. Keeping wounds clean was simple enough, but sugar being bad? I’ll keep brushing regularly. Don’t want to have one pulled out.

Alder blinked. “Won’t I just grow new ones back? I already lost my baby teeth.” He gave a quick smile to show off the pearlies.

Ulgrin’s eyes widened. “Humans lose their teeth as children?!” This was… News to him.

Their resident physician sighed. “No, your adult teeth will not come back unless you have a strong enough regenerative formula. Yes, Ulgrin, humans have teeth that they lose as juveniles. It’s similar to how sharks have another row of the stuff growing constantly, but humans only have the one.” Alyss definitely knew her stuff. Ulgrin would probably need to read an anatomy book one of these days.

The dwarf paused, shocked. “I suppose our bone structures are different enough for that to be the case.” He pulled his gums down to expose stout and square molars. Unlike humans, dwarven teeth were designed to crunch down rather than biting. Their canines were far less pronounced and more bluntly shaped.

Saezz cocked his head. “He sees, he sees. Beastfolk like himself are always growing back teeth as well. At least, most reptilian types. Saezz never really learned how the amphibian-kind works.” He shrugged. “You really only have one set, Ulgrin?”

“As far as I know.” He replied, pulling his hand out and wiping it on a cloth. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of one of my relatives even losing a tooth in the first place. Cracking one, sure, but they always fill themselves back in. How fascinating. Alyss, open your mouth!”

“No.” She replied, scowling. “Just finish your pancakes, it’s getting cold. I don’t want to think about teeth right now.”

Raelza snorted. “Now that’s suggestive.”

“What do you mean, ma’am?” Alder asked, confused. “He just asked her to open her mouth. People open their mouths all the time.”

“You’ll learn when you’re older.” Alyss snapped. “Quit corrupting the boy, Rae! Eat.” She quickly adjusted her glasses, blushing lightly.

The party finished off their meals and began wandering the streets. The city had a cheerful atmosphere despite the gaudy colors. Owing to the fact that it relied heavily on trade there was quite the melting pot of cultures gathered. They hit up the local bazaar to investigate the wares on display.

One of the most popular and inexpensive trinkets were ones made of amber. The yellow colored crystalline seemed to be a big hit amongst travelers visiting the city. Ulgrin decided to purchase bracelets for his group, easily handing over the required silver coins. “Looks nice, aye?”

“That it does,” Raelza said with a smile as she put hers on. “It’s good they had one in your size, huh Saezz?”

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“It is nice to not have to order it tailor made,” the large lizard replied. “Saezz’s size has its disadvantages.”

Moving on, they found a street theater had been set up. A handmade stage had been constructed and people gathered around to watch, seated on logs and chairs dragged out into the street. Streetwise vendors had already moved to this location to earn some extra business.

He and his fellows paid the fee to get proper seats and sat down to watch. Saezz had to sit on the ground, else the people behind him would be rather upset. The play seemed to be centered around a noblewoman and a fey princess. During the course of it, he watched as the two enemies-to-lovers verbally dueled and sparred, always fighting for dominance. Magical lights weaved between actors, and conjured spells made the scene all the more immersive.

At the end of the show they set aside their differences and fought together against a rival, ending the play with both their blades embedded in the villain. “That was pleasant.” Ulgrin mentioned, clapping along with the rest of the audience. “I’ve never watched a play. Didn’t really have any back in Dun’kagoth.”

“Kind of straightforward,” Alyss mumbled. “The second act was obvious from the get go. Sarania should’ve followed her father’s advice. It was sound.”

“You missed the point. She was stuck following her heart.” Raelza said with a grin, watching the actors bow. “Sometimes you have to take a risk in the game of love and war.” The drow sighed, casting her gaze up in the evening sky and speaking in a wistful tone. “But us adventurers don’t really have the time for that kind of stuff. Too busy.”

“Saezz would enjoy finding a mate one day, but he is far too inexperienced to support a clutch.” Their friend said sagely. “How does courting work amongst your kind?”

“It’s really complicated.” Raelza shrugged. “Elvenkind live for quite a long time. For a relationship to truly begin you need to be set on them or make it a fling. Well, I guess ‘flings’ is a bit of a misnomer since you can still date someone for twenty years. But for proper marriage or bringing up children it’s one hell of an investment.”

“Amongst my tribe it seems far more simple. You ask your loved one if they wish to begin courtship. There isss not much room for indecision amidst the jungles. Though there are specific rituals one may partake in down the line. Saezz is partial to the conjoined hunt rite. You and your lover must work together to take down the most impressive prey you can.” He paused to find the right word. “Romantic.”

“Heh. Reminds me of the Artisan’s Love.” Ulgrin replied. “You and your special one need to make something for the other for them to keep or wear for the rest of their life. I suppose it has less bloodshed.”

Alyss frowned. “My father wanted me to marry this asshole Duke’s son. I could tell the moment we met that it was never going to work.” She stood up now that the show was properly over. “It was a big reason why I left when I did.”

“Suppose we’re married to the job now, aren’t we Alyss?” Raelza joked, patting her on the shoulder. “What’s next, boss? Seems like daylight’s a-wasting. Is it time to drink now?”

“Aye.” Ulgrin replied. “Let’s go try the local vintage.” The party made their way through the streets and to a popular seeming bar. They’d be stopping at ‘The Knightly Bee’ this evening, and it proved to be a wise choice. Not too crowded and with a pleasant atmosphere. One of the few places where the interior wasn’t dominated by red.

Maple syrup liqueur was the recommended drink of choice. Ulgrin definitely appreciated the almost sickening sweet yet smooth taste. The spirits agreed with him, and soon enough the whole party had a pleased buzz. Or was flat out wasted in Alder’s case, as the young man had never properly drank before.

From there the night was filled with merriment. They all played a few card games, lost a bit of coin, won a bit more, and listened to the local bards play their music. All things considered it was a nice day, finally a moment of peace. They retired to their rooms, content and full.

Ulgrin lay in bed, a smile on his face. For a while he forgot he was missing his eye. It was good to be with friends.

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The dawn came and brought with it few regrets. His less fortitudinous companions groaned and complained until Alyss passed out her foul tasting concoctions. Hangover blunted, they quickly gathered up their things and made their way to the riverside docks. Captain Venn watched them board and grinned.

“Siren’s call is not too strong, is it? It’s wise you didn’t drink yourselves into a stupor. I would’ve left you all and been on my way.”

“We have a few advantages that less us drink more than we should.” Ulgrin said, crossing the gangplank. “But I’m thankful that we’re not left to rot in this odd city.” He cast his gaze into the horizon. The spring day was clear for the time being, but distant dark clouds promised a downpour.

Their lizardfolk friend stepped next to the red-haired elf, grinning wickedly. “Saezz would also swim after this barge and make you turn around.”

“R-right. Anyway, your cabins are still empty. Go ahead and use the same ones you used on the ride here.” Venn took in a deep breath. “We’ll be on our way in a few minutes. There are several new passengers boarding shortly. Or at least they said they’d be here soon.”

“Anyone of note?” Alyss asked, sitting down on the barge’s handrail.

“Mmm. A hooded figure, probably a human of fey descent. Him and his daughter paid for passage.” Venn shrugged. “Goes by the name of Lark. Why, you know him?”

“I’m afraid not.” Ulgrin replied. “Is the deck still open for sparring?”

“It is,” Venn replied. “Just keep it a bit less violent, yeah? I know you paid for cracking the boards yesterday, but everytime I hear you all smash into the ground it makes me jump. You never wanna hear those kinds of sounds on a ship.” He shook his head. “Even if I know you’re sparring, it’s still quite uncomfortable.”

“Saezz will… try and hold back.” The lizardfolk looked a bit mollified. “He enjoys throws and grapples quite a bit.”

“Good news for you and me,” Ulgrin said to Alder. The boy grinned widely in response.

The party settled in for the ride. After a few minutes they watched as the new passengers arrived. Ulgrin watched the two exchange words with their captain before being allowed on.

Beneath the hood he could see a pair of iris-less eyes, marking the man as one of changeling-descent. From what he had read, Changelings were fey who possessed the natural capability to shift their forms. Tales told of their playful nature in causing confusion amongst mortalkind. Other stories were of tragedy and loss as they commit horrible acts under the guise of an innocent person.

At this side was either a halfling or a human child wearing a similar hood. The girl’s eyes widened as she watched their group put on armor and begin the spar.

Asking her guardian a question, she was allowed to approach. Now that he had a closer look she was definitely a youngling. He didn’t have much of an eye for human ages, but her youthful face couldn’t be older than ten. Probably. Green eyes stared curiously at their group. She watched from a closer distance, sitting down.

“Want to put on a show?” Ulgrin asked. “We could do a free-for-all.”

“I hate those.” Alyss said with a sigh. “Fine. But I’ll be throwing the paintballs.” She’d recently started making quick and easy dough-like balls of paint that burst upon contact, covering a person in harmless paint. It was an easy way to determine spars without actually using explosives.

“Fine by me. Just don’t get hit.” Raelza replied. “Alder, you wanna team up? We’d probably gang up on you otherwise.”

“Sure, ma’am.” The boy replied, casting glances to the girl. He quickly strapped his shield on and hefted his mace. “This is going to suck, isn’t it?”

“Not really. Saezz and Ulgrin kinda get hyper focused on each other most of the time. It’s easy to interrupt them with a few sneaky blows. Now, you need to watch for Alyss because she’s the squirreliest. Give her a chance to fight back and you’ll be covered in that stuff. It’s a bi- err, pain to get out of your hair.”

Ulgrin turned to his ally. “That seems like a challenge to you, my friend?”

“It did.” Saezz grinned, sharp teeth exposed. “How about we settle our differences and deal with those two first. We can have our duel once they’re dealt with.”

“The pact is made,” Ulgrin said, knowing he’d be betrayed at the opportune time. He was planning to do the same. That was what friends were for, after all.

Today's chapter is a bit of an R&R session. Ulgrin and his friends have more than earned a break. Thanks for reading!