Dark & Light – Chapter 10: The First Stop

The dirt road stretched ahead, flanked by towering trees and rolling hills. The morning sun cast a golden hue over the landscape, the gentle rustling of leaves filling the air as Vael and Rai walked side by side.

They had been traveling for hours, their pace steady, neither in a rush nor wasting time. The cool breeze carried the scent of damp earth and distant woodsmoke, reminding Rai of the tavern they had left behind.

He shifted his bag over his shoulder. "So, where are we going exactly?"

Vael glanced at him before looking ahead. "North. We'll be traveling for about a week, with a few stops along the way."

Rai frowned. "A week?"

Vael nodded. "We can't stay in one place too long, but we need to rest when we can. The next town isn't too far. We'll stay there for the night."

A town. An actual town.

Rai had never stepped foot in one before. He had spent his entire life in his Demon stepfather's home, far from human settlements. Then, after his mother's death, he had been wandering, surviving in the wilderness, and later, training in Vael's secluded tavern.

A small spark of excitement flickered in his chest. He was finally going to see the world.

Arriving at Redgrove

As the sun began to lower in the sky, the trees gradually gave way to stone roads and wooden houses. The sound of voices, laughter, and the distant clatter of hooves on cobblestone filled the air.

They had arrived at Redgrove.

The town was small but lively, nestled between the hills with wooden structures and lanterns lining the streets. Merchants called out to passersby, the scent of baked bread and roasted meat drifting through the air. Children ran through the streets, their laughter mixing with the occasional strum of a street musician's lute.

Rai's eyes widened as he took it all in. This was nothing like the quiet, empty life he had lived.

Vael walked ahead, glancing around before stopping in front of a modest lodging house made of sturdy wood and stone. "We'll stay here for the night," he said.

Rai tilted his head. "What is this place?"

"An inn."

Rai nodded slowly. "So… like your tavern, but people sleep here?"

Vael sighed. "Yes."

Rai grinned. "Got it."

But before they could check in, Vael placed a hand on his shoulder. "We need to go to the market first."

The Market Visit

The town market was a bustling maze of wooden stalls and shopfronts, filled with merchants selling everything from spices and fabrics to weapons and trinkets.

Vael led them through the crowd, his gaze scanning the different shops before stopping at one. A clothing vendor.

He turned to Rai. "Pick something. You can't keep wearing my clothes forever."

Rai looked down at himself. He had been wearing one of Vael's old shirts and trousers—both cut and adjusted to fit him, but still slightly loose.

He ran his fingers over the different fabrics before settling on a simple black tunic, fitted with silver embroidery, along with sturdy brown trousers.

Rai held them up. "How about this?"

Vael examined them briefly before nodding. "Looks good."

Rai smiled. It was a small thing, but having his own clothes made him feel like he belonged somewhere.

A Meal in Town

After finishing at the market, they headed to a small roadside eatery, the scent of grilled meat and fresh bread filling the air.

They sat at a table near the front, the wooden benches creaking slightly under them. A waitress soon arrived, placing two steaming bowls of stew and fresh bread in front of them.

Rai took a bite, his eyes widening as the rich flavor filled his mouth. "This is amazing!"

Vael chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "You act like you've never had good food before."

Rai swallowed his bite before replying, "I haven't! At least, not in a place like this. This is my first time in a town, after all."

Vael raised an eyebrow. "Really? You've never even passed through one?"

Rai shook his head. "Nope. I spent my whole life in my stepfather's home. I wasn't allowed to go anywhere."

Vael took another sip, silent for a moment. "Well, enjoy it while you can."

Rai grinned. "That's why I was wondering—can we explore a bit after this?"

Vael exhaled. "Don't get carried away."

But after a pause, he nodded. "Fine. We'll look around."

Rai's grin widened. "Yes!"

Exploring Redgrove

The streets of Redgrove were even livelier at night, the glow of hanging lanterns casting warm light over the town. The shops were still open, and the streets were filled with merchants, performers, and wandering travelers.

Rai's curiosity knew no bounds. He wandered from stall to stall, marveling at different trinkets, tools, and foreign goods.

He even convinced Vael to buy a small pouch of dried fruit for their journey.

As they continued walking, they came across a large decorated board in the center of town. People gathered around, murmuring excitedly.

Rai squeezed his way forward to read the announcement.

"The Redgrove Carnival—Performers, Music, and Grand Fireworks! One Night Only!"

His eyes widened. "Vael, look!"

Vael, still standing a few steps back, glanced at the board with mild interest. "A carnival?"

Rai turned to him, eyes shining with excitement. "Can we stay and watch?"

Vael's expression immediately darkened. "No."

Rai groaned. "Why not?"

"We need to keep moving. Wasting a day here is too risky."

Rai's shoulders slumped, but he wasn't giving up that easily.

"Vael, come on! Just one night! I've never seen anything like this before!"

Vael sighed, rubbing his temple. "Rai—"

"Please?" Rai looked up at him with an almost childish expression of hope.

Vael groaned. "Tch. Fine. But we leave first thing in the morning."

Rai fist-pumped the air. "Yes!"

Nightfall

Back at the inn, their room was simple but comfortable—two small beds, a window overlooking the town, and a wooden desk in the corner.

Rai flopped onto his bed with a satisfied sigh. "This was the best day ever."

Vael rolled his eyes, setting his bag down. "You're easy to impress."

Rai smirked, pulling the blankets over himself.

Outside, the lanterns of Redgrove flickered against the dark sky, the faint sounds of the town still alive with chatter and music.

Tomorrow, they would watch the carnival.

And after that, they would continue their journey.

For now, they could rest.