Festival

Adam pushed open the heavy wooden door of the inn that Kair had suggested, stepping into the dimly lit interior with cautious curiosity. The place smelled of smoke, spiced food, and something he couldn't quite place. Approaching the counter, he spotted a woman leaning against it, her eyes half-lidded with boredom, idly twirling a strand of her dark hair.

"Um... excuse me, can I get a room?" Adam asked, his voice soft but clear.

The woman, startled by the unexpected voice, glanced around until her gaze finally landed on him. She blinked in surprise, her brows raising slightly as she took in the sight of the small figure before her. Her clothes, a snug corset that accentuated her curves and a flowing skirt slit up one side, revealed more than Adam had expected.

"Well, what's a child doing here?" she asked, her tone gentle but puzzled.

Adam's irritation flickered across his face. "Hey, can I get a room? I was told this is an inn."

The woman sighed, closing her eyes for a moment, clearly debating how to handle the situation. "Kid, we don't serve anyone under the age of 20 in this establishment. Now, please leave. I'd rather not have to inform your parents."

Adam crossed his arms, a skeptical look settling on his young face. "What do you mean? Why don't you serve anyone younger than 20? What is this place? Isn't it an inn?"

The woman gave him a long look before leaning slightly forward, her elbows resting on the counter, creating a deeper cleavage that Adam pointedly ignored. Her voice lowered as she asked, "Do you really not know? Haah, fine then. Kid, do you know what a brothel is?"

Adam's eyes widened slightly as he processed the question. Suddenly, the pieces clicked together—the revealing clothes, the atmosphere, the lack of other guests. "This is a brothel?! What the hell? I was told this was an inn with good food and hot water!"

The woman shrugged, an amused smile tugging at her lips. "Well, that part's true. But to get said food and water, you have to... actually, never mind. I'm not about to explain that to a kid. Don't want your parents getting mad at me." She paused, her expression shifting to one of mild curiosity. "Wait, you said someone sent you? Who?"

Adam frowned, the situation growing stranger by the minute. "Some guy named Kair told me this place is great. Wait, did you let him in? Lady, that's a child! I'm calling the guards!"

The woman quickly raised her hands in a placating gesture. "Whoa, whoa, wait! No need for that." She exhaled deeply, shaking her head. "Gosh darn it, Kair. No, we didn't let him in like that. He was just some random homeless kid we took in. He lived in a closet where we keep cleaning supplies. Haah, he left last year after he got a job. Good to hear he's safe, I guess."

Her gaze softened slightly as she continued, "But like I said, we don't let anyone under 20 in here. No need to call the guards over. It's just... not that kind of place for you, kid."

Adam hesitated, the strangeness of the situation sinking in. Finally, he sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Fine. Just… tell Kair to stop giving out bad directions."

The woman chuckled softly, her smile now genuine. "I'll pass on the message."

"Actually, do you know where an inn is? Somewhere I can stay? I just arrived in Has," Adam asked, turning back to the woman behind the counter.

She gave him a sympathetic look, her lips curling into a slight frown. "Well, tough luck, kid. The festival's coming closer every day, and most nearby inns are filled to the brim. You'd have to travel pretty far to find a place that isn't full," she explained with a casual shrug.

Adam's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? What festival? I didn't hear anything about this!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with frustration.

The woman sighed, brushing a lock of dark hair behind her ear. "Kid, that's really not my problem," she said with a slight shake of her head.

They stood in awkward silence for a moment as Adam mulled over his options. His gaze darted around the room, searching for any solution. Suddenly, his eyes lit up with an idea. "Wait… you said Kair stayed here in a cleaning closet, right? Can't I do the same? At least until the festival is over. Please? This place is the closest to the Adventurers' Guild!" Adam pleaded, his expression earnest and his eyes wide with hope.

The woman let out a long sigh, clearly torn. "Sorry, kid. That's not for me to decide. You'll have to wait until the boss lady comes back and ask her yourself."

Adam's shoulders slumped in defeat, a weary expression crossing his face as he turned to leave. Just as he was about to step out, a melodic voice called out from a nearby room, stopping him in his tracks.

"Oh, Lydia, what's with all the noise? Is it a customer refusing to pay again? Should I get Ferosa? Oh… and who's this little thing?" The voice was warm and rich, the kind that could make anyone feel at ease.

Adam turned to see a woman emerging from a doorway behind the counter. Her presence immediately commanded attention. She was tall and elegant, with flowing auburn hair cascading over her shoulders. Her deep green eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked Adam up and down. She wore a fitted bodice with intricate gold embroidery that accentuated her figure, paired with a long, flowing skirt that swayed with each graceful step. Her face held a soft, welcoming smile that made her seem approachable despite the commanding aura she exuded.

Lydia, the woman behind the counter, gestured towards Adam. "Boss, this kid here is looking for a place to stay. Seems like Kair sent him our way, but, well, you know the festival situation."

The boss lady raised an eyebrow, her gaze now fully focused on Adam. "Well, well, Kair, huh? Let's see what we can do for you, little one."

____________

"...I see, so that's the situation," Maria said, leaning back in her chair, her hands steepled in front of her. "Well, kid, you said you're an adventurer, right? A Copper-ranked one at that. How about this—our little… 'inn' is in need of a new guard. I've already sent a request to the guild. All you have to do is accept it, work as a guard to make sure no unruly customers do anything stupid or dangerous, and I'll let you stay in the closet for free. But for food and water, you'll have to pay."

Adam, now seated across from her in Maria's modest but well-organized office, nodded eagerly. "Sure, that's perfect. Thanks, Ms. Maria."

Maria raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised. (I expected him to reject the offer since he'd still have to pay for food and water. But not only did he not seem fazed by the idea of facing rowdy or potentially dangerous customers, he seemed like it was all in a day's work. Maybe that Copper badge isn't fake after all...) she mused as Adam got up to head back to the guild to accept the request.

After Adam left, Maria remained in her office, reviewing some documents. Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar knock on the door. "Come in, Ferosa," she called out without looking up.

The door opened, and in stepped Ferosa. Her short, dirty blonde hair was slightly tousled, the scar over her left eye giving her an intimidating presence. Her piercing green eyes scanned the room, and her lean, muscular frame, honed from years of combat, exuded a quiet menace. Even without knowledge of her history, it was clear she was someone not to be trifled with. For those in the know, Ferosa was once a high-ranked Silver adventurer—Polished Silver, to be exact—and had built a reputation that few could ignore.

"I heard there was a situation. Should I get involved?" Ferosa's voice was calm but laced with readiness.

Maria shook her head. "No need. Actually, Ferosa, we might be getting a new guard soon. Great news for you!" Maria's tone turned cheerful, a stark contrast to Ferosa's stoic demeanor.

Ferosa's brow furrowed in mild surprise. "Really? Who?"

"A Raw Copper adventurer from Erak," Maria explained, leaning back in her chair with a smile. "He asked to stay for a while. Still, it'll be good for you to have some extra help."

Ferosa crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "A Copper, huh? Let's hope he's not just another kid looking for a quick adventure."

Maria chuckled. "We'll see. He's got some spirit, though. Maybe more than we're giving him credit for."

________________

"Sir, here's your tab," Lydia said, handing the slip of paper to a burly customer seated at the bar. The man snatched it up, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the amount.

"What the hell is this? Twenty copper? I'm not paying that for some cheap-looking women!" he growled, slamming the tab back onto the counter.

Lydia sighed, her patience clearly wearing thin. "Sir, you need to pay up, or I'll have to call our bodyguard. Trust me, you don't want things to get... uncivilized."

The man scoffed, leaning back with a sneer. "Hah, sure, bring that bitch over. Might be fun to—"

Before he could finish, a quiet voice interrupted him. "Sup."

The man turned to see a young boy, barely thirteen or fourteen, casually sliding onto the stool next to him. The boy's demeanor was calm, almost disarmingly so.

"Not paying your tab? That's a problem," the boy said, his eyes locking onto the man's with an unnervingly steady gaze. "How about this—you pay up, and I'll refrain from cooking you alive."

The man burst into laughter, throwing his head back. "Ahaha, what's this? Your new guard dog? Bwahaha! Oh no, take all my money, little boy! Hahaha! Get lost, kid. This ain't a place for children."

Without changing his expression, the boy—Adam—reached out, lightly tapping the man's drink. In an instant, the liquid ignited, flames roaring up to nearly touch the man's chin. The laughter died immediately, replaced by a look of sheer panic as the heat licked at his face.

"I'll say it one more time," Adam said, his voice as calm as before. "Pay up, or get turned into charcoal. Last chance."

The customer's eyes widened in shock, and he hastily fumbled for his coin pouch. Dropping a handful of coins onto the counter, he shot Lydia a glare before storming out, muttering curses under his breath.

Lydia, now tending to other customers, gave Adam a nod of appreciation. "Thanks for the help, kid. Didn't know you were a mage."

Adam shrugged, the flames on the drink snuffing out as if they'd never been there. "Yeah, well, sometimes it helps to make an impression." 

With that, Lydia returned to refilling drinks for the patrons who, unlike the last guy, actually paid their tabs.

_________

"WHAT THE HELL...I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT ACTUALLY WORKED! HAHA, OH MY GOD, THAT WAS TERRIFYING!" Adam gasped, leaning heavily against the wall of his small room. His heart pounded as he tried to steady his shaking knees. "Thank god my magic still works, even if it's way weaker now."

The adrenaline from the evening's encounter was still coursing through him. His job for the night—dealing with unruly, drunk patrons—was done, but the fear lingered. The memory of staring down that furious man played on repeat in his mind. His little trick of igniting alcohol with his weakened magic had worked, but it wasn't a sustainable solution. He knew he'd have to figure out how to regain his former strength soon.

His room was modest, with a small bed tucked into one corner, a wooden nightstand, and a simple chair. A plate of untouched food sat on the nightstand: a hunk of bread, some cheese, and a bowl of stew still steaming slightly. He hadn't yet mustered the appetite to eat.

A knock at the door startled him. "Knock, knock… Hey, Adam, right? It's dinner time. Wanna join us?" came a new, unfamiliar voice.

Adam took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Yeah, sure, give me a minute," he replied, picking up his plate of food. When he opened the door, he was greeted by a girl who couldn't have been more than a few years older than him. She had bright eyes full of curiosity, her youthful face framed by loose strands of sandy blonde hair. She wore a simple dress, slightly worn but clean, with a white apron tied around her waist.

Adam's first thought was a mix of surprise and concern. (This can't be legal… I know this is a medieval fantasy world, but what the hell? I'll have to talk to Maria about this. If they're okay with someone so young working here… Wait, she did say no one under 20 is allowed here. Maybe she's like me, an exception? I'll ask later, no need to jump to conclusions.)

The girl interrupted his thoughts with a cheerful smile. "You probably don't know me. I'm Suzi, a waitress here. I heard what you did earlier—so cool! I've never seen a mage before. Can you show me a trick? What's your favorite color? When were you born? What's your favorite food? How did you—?"

Suzi's words came in an endless stream, her excitement palpable. She walked beside him as they headed towards the dining area, her rapid-fire questions leaving Adam little room to breathe, let alone respond.

Just as Adam was struggling to keep up, Maria's familiar voice cut through the chatter. "Suzi… maybe don't overwhelm him. We just got him, after all."

Suzi's face flushed with embarrassment, her mouth snapping shut. "Sorry…" she muttered, her previous enthusiasm replaced by a sheepish grin.

Adam sighed in relief, giving Maria a grateful look. Maria, standing in the hallway, wore her usual calm expression. Her dark hair was neatly tied back, and her business-like attire of a fitted blouse and long skirt added to her authoritative presence.

"Thanks, Maria," Adam said, his voice laced with exhaustion.

Maria gave him a small smile. "Come to my office, Adam. Bring your plate. We'll talk while we eat—I'm sure you have questions."

Adam nodded, following her to her office. Suzi trailed behind them, her earlier chatter replaced by an awkward silence. The office was cozy, with a large wooden desk, a couple of chairs, and shelves filled with ledgers and documents. A faint scent of herbs lingered in the air, mixing with the aroma of the stew on Adam's plate.

As they settled in, Maria gestured to the chair across from her. "Sit, eat, and let's get those questions answered."

Adam took a seat, finally starting on his meal, while Maria watched with a knowing look, ready for the conversation to begin.

"Is she... Suzi, I mean... is she working like the other girls, or...?" Adam trailed off, unsure how to frame the sensitive question. His gaze flicked to Maria, hoping she'd understand.

Maria, seated across from him, leaned back in her chair, a soft smile playing on her lips. Her sharp eyes, framed by a few loose strands of dark hair, conveyed understanding. "No, Adam, Suzi's an exception, like you. She's an apprentice artisan. She needed money for materials, so I let her work here as a waitress. I make sure she doesn't interact too much with the customers, and everyone here knows she's strictly off-limits. There's no need to worry about her safety."

Adam let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, relieved. "Oh, that's good to know. I was a bit worried," he admitted, his brow furrowing as he thought about the differences between where he was now and where he'd come from.

Maria continued, her tone calm but firm. "I understand your concern. In Keldr, the rules might be more... lenient or ambiguous, but here in Has, things are different. We have strict laws to protect the young. No one under eighteen is allowed to consent to any form of explicit acts, and any violation of this law is reported directly to the Has Public Guard Unit."

Adam's eyes widened in surprise. "That's... actually fantastic. I'm really loving Has more every day!" He chuckled, breaking off a piece of cheese and bread from his plate, the tension in his shoulders easing.

Maria's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Yes, it's one of the things that makes Has unique. You can thank the Council for that."

"The Council?" Adam echoed, his curiosity piqued. "I've heard of them, but what exactly do they do?"

Maria leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the desk. "The Council governs Has. They establish the laws and ensure the city remains safe and prosperous. There are five council members, each elected by the citizens every eight years. Beneath them are various assistants and officials who help with administration and enforcement."

Adam nodded, digesting the information. Maria's expression softened as she added, "I imagine you might have been surprised by the presence of beastfolk here, given your time in Keldr. But in Has, they're welcomed. They were integral in building the Has Republic, and any form of discrimination against them is strictly prohibited—by both me and the law."

Adam's eyes lit up with genuine admiration. "No worries there. I'm not from Keldr; I just stayed there for a while. And honestly, I've already met a few beastfolk, and they were great!"

Maria's gaze softened further, her smile warm. "Good to hear. It's important that everyone feels safe and respected here."

"One of our cherished sayings in Has is this: 'All are welcome, whether demon or angel. As long as they honor our laws and respect our culture, Has shall be a sanctuary for every soul who seeks freedom.'"

Maria's voice carried a gentle reverence as she recited the phrase, her eyes momentarily distant as if recalling the countless times she had seen it in practice. "Here in Has, it doesn't matter where you come from or what you've been through. If you're willing to abide by our laws and embrace the shared values of respect and harmony, this city will offer you a place to belong—a refuge where you can carve out a life of dignity and liberty."

She paused, her gaze meeting Adam's, conveying a profound sense of pride. "It's more than just words, Adam. It's a way of life. Has was built on the ideals of unity and acceptance, and that's what makes it a beacon for those seeking a fresh start. No matter your past, if you seek freedom and are willing to contribute to the fabric of this community, Has will always have a place for you."

Adam's curiosity deepened, the words resonating with an eerie familiarity, like a distant echo from another life. "Who said those words? Was it a leader? A poet? Someone famous?"

Maria's laughter broke the somber mood, though there was a trace of sadness in her tone. "No one really knows. What we do know is that they were a Beastfolk—one of the lion clans. But beyond that, their name, their history, vanished without a trace. The saying, however, has lived on." She paused, her expression shifting to one of reflection, as though the loss of that knowledge weighed on her heart. "A shadow of their legacy remains, but the person who spoke those words is lost to time."

Adam was struck by the thought, a sense of melancholy rising within him. "What kind of Beastfolk were they? Do you know anything more?"

Maria's smile softened, a touch of reverence entering her gaze as she answered. "A lion Beastfolk. Not just any fighter, but the original protector and founder of the council. The ones who stood at the forefront, ensuring Has's freedom for all. It's said they were fierce warriors—honorable and wise. They led the charge for unity. But, like so many parts of our history, their existence faded into obscurity. No living lion Beastfolk remain to carry on their name."

Adam felt a weight settle over him, the loss of such a powerful legacy cutting deeper than he expected. He had only just arrived in this city, but the remnants of its past—the broken threads of its story—were becoming his own. There was something stirring within him, a desire to understand not just the city, but the people who shaped it and the untold histories still buried beneath its streets.

Adam let out a long, thoughtful sigh, his mind racing with the weight of the conversation. "You seem to know a lot about history... Is that normal for people here in Has?"

Maria's lips curled into a wistful smile, though her eyes carried a shadow of something unspoken. "No, not really," she replied, her voice soft and almost distant. "In this case, it's just me." She paused, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her mug as if lost in a memory. "I used to be a student at the Arhime Academy, back in the day. I spent years studying history—immersed in it, really. The rise and fall of empires, the forgotten heroes, the lost civilizations..." Her words trailed off as her gaze grew distant, her thoughts clearly drifting to another time. "But life doesn't always go as planned. Somewhere along the way, I ended up here."

Her tone shifted, the lightness fading into something deeper, heavier. There was an unspoken sorrow in her words, a longing for something that could never be reclaimed. Adam couldn't quite place it, but the way she spoke hinted at a past she had abandoned, perhaps reluctantly, or perhaps out of necessity.

He studied her face, her expression—one of quiet resilience mixed with a certain sadness. There was more to her story than she let on, and though she didn't say it aloud, Adam felt the weight of her experiences hanging between them like a thin veil.

Maria's voice brought Adam back to the present, her tone gentle but firm. "You should get going," she said, her eyes glancing toward the window where the last hints of twilight were beginning to fade. "It's getting late, and you'll have to wake up early tomorrow." She paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Oh, and just so you know, you'll have two days off—Friday and Monday. You can take a break then, but make sure to stay on top of things until then."

Adam nodded, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion settling over him. The quiet of the evening, the promise of a short respite ahead, and the knowledge that he had a purpose here—it all started to sink in. Still, there was a weight on his shoulders, a responsibility he couldn't shake. But for now, he let the moment pass, standing up and making his way toward the door.

"Thanks, Maria," he said with a small smile, a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes. "I'll see you tomorrow."

She gave a soft nod, a smile tugging at her lips. "Goodnight, Adam. Rest well."

____________________

Sara's room was dimly lit, the air thick with an unsettling stillness. A figure staggered inside, his face pale and contorted with pain. Danmel, battered and bloodied, held a small box in his hands. He stumbled across the threshold, barely able to keep himself upright.

"Ah... you're back," Sara's voice echoed from the shadows, smooth yet laced with a sense of cruel amusement. "What was your name again? Danny? Oh, no, Danmel, right. So, where is it?" Her eyes, dark and gleaming with wicked intent, fixated on the box.

Danmel, his breath ragged and labored, lowered the box to the floor, a faint trembling running through his body as he managed only a strained, "Here... your drink, madam." He collapsed immediately after, the effort too much for his wounded body.

Sara's lips curled into a smile as she watched him crumple, a twisted satisfaction glimmering in her eyes. "Not half bad, this one," she mused aloud. "It only took two days to get my drink right. But, I might have to gouge out his eyes and replace them with the old man's. Then, he'll be ready for his next mission."

Hours passed, though Danmel had no sense of time. When he finally awoke, his surroundings were strange and jagged. He was lying on a cold, rocky surface, pain surging through him. He groaned, feeling the aftereffects of the punishment Sara had put him through. But the most striking sensation was in his eyes. They burned, but not in the way a normal wound might. It was as though the very essence of his sight had been altered, something deep inside him now shifting and squirming like an unsettling presence.

His body stiff, he forced himself to his feet. Stumbling in confusion, he sought out anything reflective—a surface that could reveal what had happened to him. Finally, he spotted a still, dark pool of water. As he bent over it, what he saw shocked him.

His eyes were no longer his own. They were... different. These weren't the eyes he'd known his whole life. They were cold, distant, almost otherworldly, with an unnatural gleam in their depths.

Before he could fully process this, a strange sensation crept over him—a movement, not of his own doing. It was as though something, a shadow, lurked behind him, ready to strike. His heart raced, and in a reflexive motion, he dodged. But nothing came. The shadow dissipated, leaving him standing, breathless, with nothing but the eerie silence.

"Good," a voice broke the stillness. Danmel turned quickly to find Ventrok standing behind him, his presence heavy with an ancient weight. "It seems you've figured out how to use them."

Danmel, still in shock, took a step back. "Master Ventrok... What was that? Who's eyes are these?" he asked, his voice trembling, his thoughts swirling.

Ventrok's lips twitched into something that resembled a smile, though there was little warmth in it. "They're mine, Danmel. My old eyes. They'll help you see what others cannot—a glimpse of possibilities. A projection, if you will. They show you danger before it happens. A way to predict the actions of your enemies before they make them."

Danmel's hand moved to his face instinctively, his fingers trembling over the new eyes. He could feel their power, but he didn't yet understand it fully. His thoughts raced. "But how? How do they work?"

"They're not just eyes," Ventrok continued, his voice low and almost reverent. "They are a gift—a curse, perhaps, depending on how you use them. Focus. Think of the danger, and the shadows will show you what is to come." He paused, his gaze intense. "You'll see everything before it unfolds. All the possibilities. All the dangers." His eyes gleamed darkly. "And when you learn to use them fully... you will never be blind to what lies ahead."

Danmel stood motionless, processing the weight of Ventrok's words. He could feel the power in his eyes, could sense the subtle shift in the air around him, as though the world was no longer quite as it seemed. There was something dangerous—and perhaps intoxicating—about this new gift. But he knew one thing for sure: there would be no going back from this.

"Get used to them, Danmel," Ventrok's voice came again, low and steady. "The world is full of threats, and now you'll be able to see them before they get to you. But remember... seeing doesn't mean you can stop it."