A joyful giggle escaped Ravina’s lips as she almost skipped all the way home. The small bag clutched tightly in her hands chimed harmoniously with each exuberant skip she took. She never realized that the odds were set at 6 to 1, nor that they counted to the little bet she made with them. Now, her hands felt heavier with the unexpected weight of 60 coins, but she held them aloft, cradled against her chest, her heart beating out a staccato rhythm of delight in response.

After a few more matches, the games were done for the day. The point of the tournament was more for tourism and local fun, a seven day festival centered around knightship and the honor that accompanied them. As such the games were usually short bouts stretched over the week.

The inclusion of commoners in this year's competition had added a certain vibrancy to the event, transforming it into an all-day affair. Yet now, the games resumed their standard length, for the most part. The influx of participants naturally translated into more bouts, thereby lengthening the overall games.

As the sun began its descent, disappearing behind the fortress wall, the streets came alive in a riot of colors, laughter, and song. Everywhere one turned, a festival was in full swing, peddlers hawking an array of goods at a discount or boasting of some rare find. The air vibrated with music, the spontaneous performances of anyone with an instrument and a will to contribute to the jovial atmosphere. All the while, the mouthwatering scent of food wafted through the air.

"I still think I should hold that for you," Varis reiterated his earlier suggestion, his eyes narrowing at the swelling crowds. "It's more congested than usual."

"I'm fine!" Ravina countered cheerily, reluctant to relinquish the comforting weight in her hands. Then, as if her defiance had invoked divine retribution, she tripped over a protruding stone and careened towards the ground. Swift as a hawk, Varis reached out, halting her fall. However, her bag of coins clattered to the ground, its contents scattering across the well-trodden pathway.

"No!" Ravina wailed, flailing her arms and legs in a futile attempt to recover her spilled treasure. Varis held her firm, preventing her from diving into the throng.

"Elysia," he called out to their companion.

“Battle Mage!” the woman huffed, weaving her hands in the air. “R.E.D. B.A.T.T.L.E. M.A.G.E” the scattered coins reversed course, spinning back into the bag, which then cinched itself closed. The bag zipped through the air into Elysia's waiting hand. She weighed it thoughtfully. “Seriously, we have pamphlets and everything.”

Varis gently set Ravina back on her feet as Elysia handed her the magically restored bag. "Thank you," Ravina murmured, her hand closing tightly around the soft pouch. A sense of loss welled up within her as she felt the weight of the bag – definitely lighter. Her eyes scanned the busy street, searching for any glint of her missing silver.

Recognizing her desperation, Varis nudged her onward, plucking the bag from her hands. He felt the weight of it and said, "You won't find anything more. On streets this busy, coins disappear quickly. You're lucky you got this much back."

Ravina faltered a little. It was true, the crowd was quite large. It made a lot of sense that some of the coins would go missing in the hustle of the crowd.

"We should head back now," Varis declared, assessing the swelling crowd. The games had ended shortly after the blue woman's battle. There wasn't really anything to note and everyone performed as expected. Well, to the knights at least.

"What? But I finally have some spending money!" Ravina protested, her gaze swept across the festive stalls, absorbing the joyous energy that saturated the air. Yet, the celebratory atmosphere was illuminated by the soft glow of tall street lamps and twinkling festival lights, casting a playful dance of colors onto the cobblestones as the sun dipped behind the city's monumental wall.

"It's getting late, Ravina. There's always tomorrow for shopping. Besides, that money wasn't given to you for frivolous spending," Varis reminded her.

“But I'm not going to spend it! I'm using the money I earned in a very skillful bet!” Ravina retorted.

“Skillful, you say? That was sheer luck," Fraven grumbled. "Tell you what, hold onto it for next time. I'll happily prove that it was nothing more than a fluke."

“Indeed, though I have to admit I was not watching their match, no doubt that fighter she faced was of lower quality.” Jarona Madeen added.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Their pride was somewhat bruised, losing a bet in such a manner, but neither seemed genuinely upset about their monetary loss. "Shameful," Jarona Madeen muttered, shaking his head.

“Hmph! Fine, I’ll bet it all on her again tomorrow.” Ravina declared. Elysia chuckled at her declaration.

“Sounds good, shall I join in on it as well.” she mused, shaking her head.

“Ah!” but before anyone else could reply, Ravina spotted something resting on a stall, she sped off but was caught by the ever vigilant Varis.

“Where do you think you're running off too?” he asked.

“Ah, but I need that! Before tomorrow,” she replied, pointing to the stall.

“We can shop tomorrow,” Varis Repeated, “before the tournament.”

“But,” she started, unsure of how to convince the stern knight.

“Come on, Sir Varis, One little shop couldn’t hurt.” Elysia chimed in, “but after that it's right back to the manor, isn't that right little Rina?”

“Yes!” Ravina hurriedly agreed.

“Fine,” Varis relented, “but keep a tight grip on that bag,” grabbing the bag he handed back to her she clutched it with both hands.

With a, “yes! Thank you,” she sped off again, no lesson learned from tripping over the broken floor. With that the party moved to the stall.

Meanwhile, Falkurs watched them wide-eyed and whispered in disbelief, "Wait, is that really the captain's kid?"

They reached the bustling market stall, where a rotund, jovial man with thinning brown hair welcomed them. “Welcome!” he cheered as they approached. “What can I get for you?” His smile was reddened by a drunkers hue. The alcohol, fresh on his joyful breath. As he spoke he held onto his stall as if worried either it or he would fall.

"This!" Ravina excitedly pointed at a small hair accessory.

The hairpin had a certain vintage allure. Its centerpiece, a blue sapphire about the size of a fingernail, bore a subdued glow from over-polishing. Despite its inferior quality, the gem held an entrancing, cerulean charm. It was nestled within two strips of silver, tarnished from iron contamination, fashioned to resemble an eye, with the sapphire as its tear. The silver bore minute scratches and minor dings, narrating a long history of use.

The vendor's eyes widened, "Ah!" He quickly regained his professional demeanor, "Now that's a choice! Been trying to find a new home for that beauty. How about a fair discount for the young lord's daughter.” he turned to face Varis, his eyes smiling. “I can lose it for about, mmhm,100 silver coins?”

Ravina felt as if a bucket of icy water was dumped on her enthusiasm. "Oh..." her voice trailed off. She gently placed the jewel back onto the counter, "Thank you for your time," a phrase all to familiar of her past life found its way into her new one. The weight of her coin purse felt insignificant, as if it was empty.

Varis held her back as she tried to retreat. "100 for that? Isn't it rather worn?" he protested.

The merchant laughed sheepishly, "Perhaps a bit, but it's a quality piece. Let's knock off 10 more."

"Only ten? I could find better quality for that price - I’ll give you 40.”

“Ouch” The man winced, “I would lose a bit of money… let's say 70?”

“56” Varis responded, his tone dripping in finality.

“Alright, damn, I'm losing a lot but deal!” the merchant nodded.

Ravina’s mouth fell open at the exchange. “But,” it was still too expensive. She had expected 40 silver at most, expecting the coins to be akin to a standard dollar. Sure the clip wasn't a cheap thing but even then, simple jewelry like that would only go for 29 bucks. Varis had already purchased the pin and handed it to her. She stood dazed. "I..." she attempted to voice her inner thoughts.

"Don't worry about it. You needed this, right?"

She responded automatically, "I did." but it wasn't for her.

“Good, I'm sure she would be happy to receive it.”

“Huh, you knew?”

“You’re more obvious than you think.” he responded matter-of-factly. “Come, strength home.”

He guided her away from the stall and she followed him, clasping the pin tightly in her hand.

“I’ll pay you back for this,” she said.

“Don't bother, it's a cheap ornament anyway.”

Varis ushered her away from the stall, and she followed him, clutching the pin tightly in her hand.

"I'll pay you back for this," she promised.

"No need. It's just a simple trinket," Varis dismissed her concern.

A trinket? The thought of 56 silver coins being referred to as such incensed her. A wave of indignation and desolation washed over her. She shook her head. No, that wasn't her problem. It was Ravina who was upset, not her. This wasn't some remote village; this was a city, one filled with the wealthy.