Devon's Tour

The next morning, the sun streamed into the inn's humble rooms to wake the group. After days of tests and preparation, they resolved that they had finally come to the time to explore the capital city of Rakllan. Having spent several days there, their focus on the entrance tests had left little room for leisure or discovery. Devon Vasti, having already spent much more time in Rakllan than any of them volunteered to be their guide.

And now, with his feet up, Devon relaxed his head back and slumped into the chair. He was waiting patiently in the common area of the inn for Melch and Leif to arrive. And as they walked in, he grinned up at them with a wicked glint in his eye. "You haven't seen much of this city yet. Today, I'll show you what Rakllan is made of.

His arms drooped, and with a yawn, Leif replied "If this means long walks and long walls instead of stories, then I am definitely not up for it."

Devon encouraged him by saying, "There are lots of things in this city for someone like you who gets bored as easily as breathing in air."

Starting their expedition from the city gates, which dwarfed the current tower structures as well as the streets that ran underneath them. The city's age-worn walls reminisced about bygone battles against the demonic beasts and told a story through legendaries and impressive carvings on stone. While Melch looked for all of the statues depicting the city's history. Leif was quietly unimpressed.

"I didn't come up here to learn a history lesson?" Leif said, slightly annoyed as he shifted a pebble near his feet.

Devon laughed accusingly "It's not just about the gates but if you want to understand the rest of the city, then it is equally important to know where you are. These walls have seen it all – wars, celebrations, the rise and fall of multitudes of merchants. Now, follow me. The exciting part begins further inside.

They were headed to the Worker's Market. The wild ambience of the market reached them long before they got there. Blistering merchants yelled at each other in a multitude of tongues and dialects, selling their wares. Stalls, shanty stores, and carts filled with goods were seen along the roads.

"This is where you find the soul of Rakllan", Devon muttered, expertly manuevering them through waves of people rushing past in this frenetic marketplace. "Worker's Market". He shrugged with an air of disappointment. It wouldn't carry anything too grand. But one in the know may pick up good bargains from it.

Melch was immediately caught up by the variety of the goods. Herbs of every color and texture lay on wooden tables, weapons and armor glinted in sunlight, and odd trinkets piled high in baskets. The smell of leather, metal, and spices hung together in the air.

"What's with all the bartering?" Melch asked watching a vendor trade a pouch of herbs for a small intricately carved dagger.

"There is no fixed price here," Devon replied. "It's all knowledge and wit for the buyer and seller. If you are shrewd, you can take away a precious item for practically nothing. If you are not…. well, you might pay an arm and leg for something useless."

Melch looked at several bottles of the stuff, but it didn't take him long to realize that in quality, things were far short of what its sellers claimed it was. Beast material, however appeared to fly from the shelves-people haggle over claws, scales and other components that make up various beasts.

Meanwhile, Leif roamed about, at another selling carved forms. "This is a charming place," he remarked, choosing up a wooden little dragon from there. "At least, if for nothing else, it's exciting.

Devon continued to keep talking with an increase of the level of his smirk. "You have yet to experience everything, just wait until the adventure guild opens".

The guild was a huge, throbbing building that edged the market. Inside its walls, the air vibrated. Everywhere were jests and boisterous sounds of laughing and chattering adventurers filling up every corner. Others drank and recounted stories of exploits, and there were others engaging in hot matches of arm wrestling.

The moment Devon entered, he was spotted. A gang of adventurers motioned him to join them. They challenged him to a series of contests.

"Dude, he is a legend here," one of them said softly smacking wide Devon on the back.

Melch and Leif watched as Devon took on challengers, defeated them with ease, and received cheers from the crowd. The camaraderie of the guild was infectious, and even Melch found himself smiling at the lighthearted competition.

After completing the victory lap around the guild, Devon stopped and introduced Melch to the ropes. "If you ever need rare materials, help with a quest, or anything else, this is the place to come. Just be clear about what you're looking for and negotiate wisely. These people may seem friendly, but they're still adventurers-they won't hesitate to take advantage of you if you're careless.".

Taking them from the guild, Devon leads them to the Church of Beginnings. For even in bustling Rakllan streets, its spires appear to pierce the sky of this massive construction. The entrance wall was carved up with faceless god carvings-a god in whom there isn't any distinguished feature but this presence that had depth.

Inside, the air was very still. The air was heavy with incense smoke, and stained glass windows cast a ghostly light throughout the hall. A priest stood beside the altar, beads in one hand and a book in another, saying prayers under his breath.

Devon motioned for Melch and Leif to get down. Melch hesitated, his curiosity outweighing his awkwardness. Leif rolled his eyes before begrudgingly following suit.

When their prayers were finished, the priest came over with a warm smile and handed each of them a small vial of liquid.

Leif eyed the vial suspiciously. "This isn't water.

Devon smirked. "It's an elixir. And no, they don't give it to everyone. The priest knows me, so you're lucky. For most people, this stuff is nearly impossible to get."

Leif took a sip and immediately felt a surge of energy. "Alright, I'll admit it. That was worth it."

Melch drank his elixir in silence, feeling his fatigue melt away. He glanced around the hall, taking in the quiet majesty of the place.

Devon took them to their last destination