(Elvina pov)
It was the dead of night, and the small town lay ensconced in a slumber undisturbed. Enclosed by wooden fences, Elvina found herself amidst the stillness, her keen eyes scanning the vicinity. In the distance, the glow of torchlight flickered, casting shadows on the fortifications. Leather-clad soldiers patrolled the perimeter, their presence a silent testament to the potential threats that lurked beyond the walls. Occasionally, distant roars echoed through the night, hinting at the dangers that the barriers sought to repel.
A hunch settled in Elvina's thoughts—a feeling that these wooden walls weren't mere embellishments. The soldiers, vigilant in their leather armor, painted a picture of a town under constant watch, safeguarding itself against the creatures that prowled the darkened wilderness. The nonchalance of the town's residents towards the distant roars suggested that such occurrences were not uncommon.
"So, they set up a wall to block those creatures," Elvina mused, her mind involuntarily drifting back to her own village. Her hometown, a tranquil haven, lacked the encircling walls that now defined the landscape before her. Children freely played in the open, unencumbered by the need for protective barriers.
In stark contrast, Elvina realized the rarity of monster sightings in her village. The peaceful existence she had known made the concept of defending against external threats seem almost alien. Recollections flooded her mind of the elf militia, guardians of the village borders, who diligently patrolled to ward off intruders—be they humans or creatures born of the shadows.
As a trainee in the village militia, Elvina had honed her skills battling monsters that dared to venture close. Among these were the elusive skin walkers, deceptive creatures that could assume the guise of animals. Elvina and her comrades had been tasked with the vigilant scan of their surroundings, ensuring no monster slipped past their watchful eyes.
A thought lingered in Elvina's mind as she observed the town's defenses. "Come to think of it," she contemplated, "if we raised walls in our village, we could enhance our protection against monster attacks."
After shaking her head to dispel her musings, Elvina resumed writing in her worn-out notebook.
Earlier in the day, the peculiar contraption they traveled in came to a halt, revealing a town enclosed by sturdy wooden fences. Elvina marveled at the structure, wondering at the human ingenuity that allowed them to assemble such precisely shaped walls.
Her contemplation was interrupted by the young man's approach. He gestured for her to follow, and she nodded in silent agreement. As they reached the town gate, soldiers halted their progress. The old man engaged in a conversation with the guard, eventually retrieving something from his pocket and placing it into the guard's hand. A subtle exchange took place, and the guard's face lit up with joy. Permission granted, they were allowed entry, and as Elvina glanced back, she couldn't help but wonder at the happiness radiating from the guard, while envious glances were exchanged among his peers.
Guided by the old man, they navigated the town's thoroughfares until they arrived at a particular establishment. The old man initiated a conversation, engaging in what seemed like negotiations for something significant. Then, once again, he produced the mysterious bag from his pocket, revealing a handful of silver coins. The individual behind the counter, apparently satisfied, handed them two keys.
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As Elvina followed along, she observed the dining room—a space adorned with wooden chairs and tables where humans silently partook in their meals without engaging in conversation. The occasional glances directed at the trio went unaccompanied by any further interaction.
Climbing a set of stairs, upon reaching the designated room, the old man handed Elvina a key, gesturing towards another door. She nodded in understanding, approaching the door with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. Examining the key, she wondered if there were any hidden magical incantations that would facilitate the door's opening. As she contemplated, a soft click sounded from her side, causing her to glance back at the other door. The duo accompanying her was about to enter their room when they abruptly stopped.
Turning their attention back, they were astonished to find that Elvina's door remained firmly closed, the key seemingly observing her with an enigmatic intent. The old man, observing this strange turn of events, couldn't conceal his frustration. Holding his temple in mild exasperation. While the young man scratches his head in wonder.
-
After settling into their new accommodation, the trio decided to explore the bustling town in search of provisions. Elvina followed along as they navigated through different streets, her eyes absorbing the vibrant chaos of the market. Amid the hustle and bustle, a subtle order prevailed, guiding the flow of people coming and going.
As they traversed the town, the duo engaged in the routine of acquiring various items—potions, food, medicine, and other necessities whose uses remained a mystery to Elvina. The market held a myriad of unknowns, and her curiosity was left unsated as they eventually turned back toward their establishment.
From the vantage point of the market, Elvina cast a parting glance, yearning to uncover the mysteries that lingered within its chaotic allure. With a sigh, she resigned herself to the journey ahead, following the duo back to their temporary haven.
Lunchtime arrived, and they sat down to a simple meal of bread and orange juice. Elvina, her curiosity piqued, examined the unfamiliar bread with a back-and-fort. Intent on scrutinizing the juice, she was interrupted by a discreet cough from her side. Glancing over, she met the stern gaze of the old man, reminiscent of her father's disapproval.
The young man chuckled, lightening the moment. Shaking her head in embarrassment, Elvina proceeded to eat. Taking a bite, she marveled at the softness of the bread, a sensation foreign to her taste buds. With relish, she examined the flavors, engrossed in the experience. Lost in her exploration, she failed to notice the food disappearing until her plate lay empty before her. Blinking in surprise, she glanced at her plate and then to the other.
She suddenly have the urge to grab the bread at the other side, but stop herself. One embarrassment was enough for today. So she stared at them with intent at watch them eat. She subconsciously lick her lips. The young man feeling awkward and embarrassment, cut the bread in half and share it to her. With her delight she grab the half bread and eat it with gusto.
The old man just shake his head and chuckle.
-
While engrossed in her journal, Elvina abruptly stopped and looked up, her senses tingling with the awareness of multiple presences surrounding the inn. Initially inclined to dismiss it, a surge of murderous intent among them caught her attention. Swiftly, she grabbed her journal and retreated to her room.
Approaching the other door, she prepared to knock, but it swung open before her knuckles could make contact. The duo, already awake and alert, beckoned her to follow. Returning to their room, Elvina cast a curious glance around, finding nothing remarkable. They reached the window, where the old man gestured for silence. Crackling the window open slightly, he peered outside.
Assured of no immediate danger, the old man fully opened the window and gracefully descended from the second floor. The young man followed suit, and Elvina, catching the urgency in their movements, swiftly joined them. Echoes of shouts and running footsteps pursued them from behind as the trio sprinted away from the inn.