Trouble Brewing

Nina walked around the busy streets. Everyone was doing something. From repairing the houses and other buildings that were damaged from the previous battles to delivering food and other supplies to the workers, the streets were even more crowded than it was during the festival. After Prince Lentis was crowned as king, all the commoners in the kingdom were overjoyed and immediately set out on rebuilding the kingdom for him to rule.

The first thing that Lentis did was abolish the noble's table at Silver Halls and replace it with one that would ask for the general populace's opinion. This way, the commoners would have a voice to speak out on what troubled them and what changes they want. All the nobles that survived were demoted to the middle class for time being and revoked of their right to rule over a section of the kingdom. Instead, several individuals were assigned to each territory to serve as representatives of the area. It was their job to listen to the people and report to the king any problems they have. It was a hastily thought out system since there were a lot of other important matters to attend to such as the new war with the demons.

Nina was glad that turned out well between them and the Otane but she was still down from what just happened. They reasoned that she couldn't stay in her room cooped up all day depressed. Her parents missed Kies dearly as well but there was nothing they could do. Furthermore, they were extremely busy as well since Lentis had appointed her father as one of the representatives of their area. Her father decided that this was a good time for them to go and see what was going on and dragged everyone outside with him.

Nina slowly walked behind her parents who were surveying the city and its damages. Every so often, they would pass by someone who recognized her father. They would greet and thank him as her father was one of the only nobles that fought for the people and not his own selfish greed and ideals.

Nina's mother turned around and saw that Nina was lagging quite far behind them and elbowed her father, telling them to slow down. Her mother waited until Nina caught up to them before asking, "What do you think of the city so far sweetie?" She was trying her best to get Nina's mind off Kies. Though Nina really didn't like it, she couldn't blame them. They were trying to help her brighten up. It's just that she didn't want to.

"What?" Nina nonchalantly looked up at her parents. The entire time she had been lost in thought, mindlessly following them around the city. "Sorry, can you repeat that? I wasn't really paying attention," she told her parents.

The two of them looked at each other for a second before turning back to Nina. "If you really aren't feeling it then we can just go home," her mother offered.

"Oh... No, it's fine." Nina looked around at their surroundings. There were people everywhere. For the first time in a very long time, she saw that there were young men walking around the streets with loved ones and friends. Now that the war had ended, they were spending time catching up with each other. Of course, another war was going to start up soon, but for the time being, the soldiers can finally have their well-deserved rest.

Seeing them caused Nina's eyes to well up again and she turned away and went back to looking at the ground. Her mother sighed and took Nina's hand. "I think we've been outside for long enough today. Let's go back home." Her father nodded his head in agreement and the three of them started walking back home.

***

Beneath the massive city of Silverfield lies the sewers. It is where thieves, murderers, runaway slaves, war deserters, and various other types of criminals go. There, they can hide from those who wish to prosecute them. It is also there that footsteps can be heard echoing the long and narrow corridors.

"Ugh, this place smells terrible," a tall skinny man comments. "If it weren't for that d*mned prince ruining all my plans, I wouldn't have to be forced to flee to this filthy place. Ugh." The man fanned his nose with his hand to try to get rid of the smell but it only made it worse. After releasing this, he stopped, pinched his nose, and just breathed through his mouth instead. "Luckily, I have you vermin to guide me down here," he said in a nasal voice.

"Watch your tongue human!" a voice growled back. "We can always cut off your legs and leave you down here to rot."

The tall man laughed at the threat. "But you won't because you need me," he taunted back. "If you kill me right now, none of you will ever be able to escape this kingdom. "

"Grrr!"

"You better keep your promise human," another voice said.

"Of course!" the tall man confidently said. "I, Toba Ekelle never go back on my word. I will make sure that Lentis and the Trevan family will regret ever messing with me. Hmm, maybe I should start with Counselor Trevan's dear daughter." The man started laughing hysterically at the thought. "Yes, I think that is exactly what I will do. And while I'm at it, I'll deal with that annoying pipsqueak who's always together with her as well, assuming that he's still alive that is."

The four beastmen behind him looked at each other warily. If it weren't for their desperate situation, they would have never agreed to help the fallen noble.

---

Grammar errors, story errors, other errors, and advice, email flightless05@gmail.com

Thanks!