The river water was cold, however the new exercises that Aurelia had put her through had drained her body of any sweat she had. Her training clothes were drenched and discarded on the banks as she pushed her body into the river. It was an odd, nostalgic feeling however, the cold was familiar to her. For a moment she enjoyed the feeling of the water rushing past her. The river wasn't that deep. Ravina had to sit in the water and even then it only came to her waist.
The cold stream felt good against her burning skin, her aching muscles welcomed the feeling and she sat there long enough for Aurelia to come looking for her. “Relaxing is fine, but shouldn't we get going?” Ravina turned to look at her guard.
“It's okay, today is a lazy day,” she admitted. Still, she rose from the waters and walked out of the stream with Aurelia's help. Pushing off the water with her hands she picked up her simple outdoor dress and put it on. Aurelia helped her and soon enough she was presentable enough. The remains of her bath clung to the fabric and her hair was soaking wet; however, after leaving the forest they were dried by the sun high in the sky. Of course, stopping at every little plant and picking the forest bounty did help. The ten-minute walk became 30.
Only her hair was a mess as it wasn't brushed after the quick bath, it was still darkened by water but was gaining its color back. It bounced behind her as they passed through the gate. Thanks to Aurelia’s knightage they were able to pass through it quickly. Walking down the main street they soon arrived at the main square. Here Ravina’s eyes fell on the magnificent fountain.
The beautiful piece of intricate stonework rose a pillar of a beautifully sculpted woman holding a vase that poured out water. The model was the goddess of Minuu, the god of creation and guidance. She was the mother of all things and had sown the seeds of humanity while her husband created life of both monsters and demons. The depiction showed the goddess pouring the waters of life into the world, mixing the essence of life into the world's waters creating humans in the image of her husband. The myth went that the goddess wanted children and as such stole a little power from him to create humans. She made man and after she was caught by her husband he pulled the second heart from their chest, planting the seeds of woman.
However, the husband, Daymos, was a being of evil and syn. As such, the people tended to fear him, praying to the goddess instead. Over the years the common people soon forgot about the goddess’ husband. As such, this goddess was at the center of the world. Yet Ravina didn't stare at the statue of the beautiful woman. Instead, she stared at the waters surrounded by shops. It was another familiar scene, something that caused her heart to ache.
“My Lady?” Aurela broke into her thoughts.
Ravina shook her head, “I just thought… we should relax by the fountain.”
Aurelia shrugged, “Alright, if we are doing that I'll get us something to eat and have the guild send us a runner.”
With that Ravina was left alone to find a bench by the fountain. She sat down and enjoyed the cool breeze of the air and the warm sun on her skin. She watched as people milled about the city. The scene, though light in terms of the day, seemed to be way more active than what she was used to. Still, she bemused herself by watching the people. A dwarf with a crimson beard yelling at a tall human who kept apologizing as they walked by, a thin woman nervously waiting on her date. A couple of kids playing around with a ball and a storyteller trapping many in his elegant tale.
“Here,” Aurelia returned, sitting by the young girl as she handed her a paper cup. There was red liquid inside, and it smelled faintly of alcohol.
“What is it?” Ravina asked as she took the cup.
“Dragon's blood. It's a favorite drink of some adventurers.” Aurelia answered, taking a sip of her own cup. “It's sweet,” she commented as she joined Ravina in watching the people around them.
“Is it?” she sniffed at the liquid, her nose flinching at the alcohol. “Is this drink alcoholic?” she finally asked.
“Alcoholic? No, it's just juice.” she saw the girl look at her suspiciously and added, “Well, there is some alcohol in it but that's normal. After all, they don't boil the water to make it." She took another sip of the drink, enjoying the smooth, but robust flavor the liquid had to offer. “Ahhh, besides, it's too expensive to try and drink as alcohol. You’d need to buy about a hundred of these to even get started.” she laughed at the ludicrous idea. “Oh!” She then turned to Ravina. “That's right, you have access to safe water because you live in the manor, however most water in the city, while clean, is sometimes dangerous. Whenever you leave or go on an adventure on your own, never drink the water straight out, either boil it or mix in one part alcohol to every three parts water. That way it will be safe to drink. You can trust me here because this is what the church tells everyone to do!”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“Everyone?”
“Yes, apparently demons poison the waters or something? Honesty I don't know, the important thing is that standing water can be dangerous.”
“Dangerous” Ravina repeated. “Because… bacteria.” she placed the puzzle while looking at the drink in her hand.
“Bacteria? No, it's strawberries and apple juice. Come on and drink it all, it cost three silver a cup” Aurelia encouraged, “Besides it will get hot in this sun so drink up.” with that the swordswoman downed the rest of her drink, crumpled the paper cup, and tossed it aside.
Raising the cup, Ravina tasted the warm juice. It was sweet, and there was no real taste of alcohol but that didn't mean it wasn't there. However, the girl felt that she knew why it was there. While magic made life easier there was still a lack of scientific discovery. These demons that poisoned the water could be little more than bacteria that grew inside. Alcohol would kill the bacteria, or any other microscopic dangers that live in the water and make it safe for human consumption. It was an old practice, one that led many to believe everyone was drunk during the Middle Ages.
Still, the liquid was good, a faint taste of strawberries tickled her tongue as the liquid hugged her with a fruity taste. “It's delicious!” she exclaimed. She hasn't had anything to drink but water and tea. While the tea was good in itself, there was no substitute for the sweet taste of juice. Ravina was so enthralled by the taste she finished it all in one sip.
“Mhmm, so good!” her face washed with the warm glow of delight. “Oh,” however, the drink was gone now. Finished off with one sweet sip. “It's done.” The dejected child finally looked her age as she mourned the loss of her drink.
This enticed a giggle from the woman who was guarding her. “Oh it's fine we can get more.” She started to stand up but Ravina stopped her.
“Wait, it's fine.” She held the cup in both hands and looked up. “We don't overindulge in a good thing.”
“I see, well then,” with that Aurelia walked away. Ravina didn't notice because she was staring at the empty cup, that's why she was surprised when her guard pushed another one in front of her. “Here, it's okay. Isn't today a lazy day? Come on enjoy it. You have been working too hard recently.”
Ravina was tempted as she looked at the second cup of red liquid. She was already salivating in anticipation of the taste. “f-fine, I guess it's good to indulge today as well.” taking the second cup she slipped it into her empty one and took a slow, quick sip of the juice. Drinking it slowly to savor the taste. She made sure to pace herself as she continued watching people mill about.
“Hey pretty lady, I hear you might be the one who requested a runner?” a young man stepped over to them. He seemed to be in his 20s and wore a linen shirt and pants, a simple leather cap on his brown head. He smiled with his brown eyes as he looked at Aurelia, giving her a playful wink.
“Yes,” ignoring his flirtation, the sapphire warrior pulled the small pack they used to collect Ravina’s herbs and handed it to him. “Sell the herbs, leave the cash in the bag. We’ll pick it up from the guild later.” She instructed giving him five silver coins.
“Ouch, okay I got it. Let me know if you need anything else, I'm quite good at cooking,” he said as he put the bag he received in the large leather carrier bag he carried. It was large enough to fit a small human child and was stamped with the guild’s logo.
“No thanks, my employer hires a renowned cook, his meals are simply to die for” Giving him a hint of truth the woman sent him away. He was disappointed, but it wasn't the first time he was rejected. It was actually why he learned to cook. Most men could be strong and reliable, few however, could cook for their ladies. It didn't always work but when it did, he poured his heart and soul into the food.
“I understand, alright, well if you need me again just ask for Everest. I’ll even bring you a homemade snack you can compare to this chef of yours.” with that he ran off with a wave. Disappearing into the crowd.
Ravina watched him go until she couldn't see him anymore. She finished her drink as she watched other people and was basking in the sun. Her eyes closed at the peaceful scene. She enjoyed the sun. the noise of the busy people and the atmosphere of the city.
Then a sound tore into the air, burning her ears. Her heart fluttered as her eyes snapped open. It was a simple sound. An off-tune click of wood on stone. The cup spilled out of her hands as her eyes fell upon an elderly man in black robes, walking past them while using a wizardly staff as a cane. His long grey beard was the only thing protruding from the cloth that hid his entire body.
A chill chased away any warmth the young girl had received from the sun, even bathed in its light she was unable to feel its rays.
“My lady?” Aurelia called. When she didn't answer she followed her purple eyes with her own blue, until they fell upon the old wizard walking into one of the shops. She turned her eyes back to Ravina who was holding herself and shaking slightly. her breath was uneven and she stared at the cobblestone floor. Aurelia put a hand on the small child's back. “Let's go home,” she said. While she was curious about what caused that reaction she recognized the fear playing in her eyes. Gently she lifted the girl to her feet and held her hand as she guided her home.