Dawnhaven II

I cleared my throat, summoning my confidence. "I've come to visit. I have family here."

The guard's gaze sharpened as he studied me, his eyes lingering on my worn, dirty clothes and the scratched wooden sword at my side. His skepticism was palpable, and I could sense that I was not the average person crossing these gates.

He crossed his arms, doubt on his face. "Traveler, are you? Well, Dawnhaven welcomes everyone. Besides criminals. And foreigners." He glared at me. "Just mind the laws and keep the peace, and you'll find yourself welcome here."

The guard's brow furrowed, as he looked closer at me. "Also, where are your parents? Are they with you? Kids like you shouldn't be travelling alone."

The question hit hard. Memories of my mom sweetly beating my dad flooded my thoughts. The sense of emptiness I had been ignoring came rushing back. I hesitated, my gaze dropping to the ground as I felt a lump form in my throat.

"No, they're not," I admitted quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm alone."

The guard's gaze softened, a flicker of pity crossing his features. He seemed to assess me anew, as if he were weighing the truth of my words.

"Very well," he said after a pause, his voice thoughtful. "While your situation is unusual, I'll let you through this time. Consider it an act of goodwill. But, you need to leave your sword with me. I can't let you take it into the city without identification or parents."

Relief flooded through me, mingling with gratitude for the guard's compassion. "Thank you," I replied earnestly.

I unbuckled my battered wooden training sword, preparing to pass it up to the guard. However, before I could, I paused. It was one of the last things carrying with it memories of my times with Kael and Lily. Taking a deep breath, I sighed and passed it to the guard. It was time to move forward.

He nodded, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before he stepped aside, gesturing for me to pass beyond the gate. "Best of luck."

With a nod, I walked past the guard and into the bustling city beyond. A cacophony of sounds rose to hit me like a wave - the rhythmic beat of footsteps, a symphony of conversations in various languages - intermingling and creating a timbre of volumes. It mixed with the occasional vendor's loud, soprano cry that pierced through the air.

The streets were alive with music, a mosaic of faces and cultures that painted a vivid and diverse tapestry of life in Dawnhaven.

As I walked along the polished cobblestone streets, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The buildings around me reached for the sky, their faces adorned with colorful banners and shimmering mosaics.

Nearby, the air carried the tantalizing aroma of various cuisines, from savory roasted meats to sweet pastries.

Towering above it all were intricate, white spires that looked like some kind of academy, or library. Outside its gates, wealthy merchants and traders moved with purpose, their attire a mix of elegance and practicality.

As I continued to stroll through the bustling streets, my senses were overwhelmed by the vibrant life that Dawnhaven presented. The city was a living, breathing entity. 

And it was inviting me to immerse myself in its stories, its challenges, and its triumphs.

....

A growing unease gnawed at me.

I didn't have any money to my name. 

I sighed; in Havenwood, no one really used money, since it was such an isolated village. Everyone helped one another out.

But here? Here everything ran on money.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the city, I found myself on a bustling street named Merchant's Way lined with vendors. People haggled over prices, the air thick with a mix of languages and accents.

As I smelled the delicious aroma of food stalls, my stomach rumbled, a reminder that I hadn't eaten since I had left the farmer behind.

I scanned the area, my eyes landing on a vendor selling savory meat skewers. The aroma wafted toward me, tantalizing my senses. I instinctively reached for the small pouch at my side, only to find it empty. My heart sank; I wouldn't even be able to buy a simple meal.

I had come here for opportunity. Instead, I was homeless.

And unlike on Earth, no one would come help me out. The people here didn't care. All they cared about was money.

Shame washed over me, and I stepped back from the vendor's stall, avoiding eye contact. I turned away and began walking.

I walked aimlessly, the crowds thinning as night deepened. The lively market stalls shut their doors one by one, and soon, the streets of Dawnhaven became quieter, colder.

I was hungry. Exhausted. Uncertain. And lonely. 

I miss home. I miss mom. Dad. Kael. Lily. 

As the night deepened, the streets grew quieter, and the once-lively market stalls began to close for the day.

I wandered until my legs ached, searching for anywhere to rest. Finally, I found a narrow alley between two stone buildings. The walls smelled of damp stone and old refuse, but at least it was hidden. At least no one would see me like this.

I slid down against the wall, hugging my knees to my chest, my stomach growling in protest.

For the first time, doubt crept in.

Had I made a mistake?

Loneliness settled over me like a heavy cloak, and I couldn't help but think of everything I had left behind in Havenwood. Lily, who had been by my side through thick and thin. Kael, whose stories had ignited my curiosity and shaped my aspirations. Even the farmer, whose kindness had reminded me that there were people willing to offer help.

A pang of regret struck me – regret for my stubborn pride, for my eagerness to prove myself, for my refusal to accept help when I needed it most. It was a bitter pill to swallow, and I felt frustration building within me.

As the night wore on, exhaustion finally claimed my senses. I leaned my head against the cold stone, closed my eyes, and let my thoughts drift away from the city's lively streets. Away from this lonely nightmare. It was a restless sleep. A cold one.

....

A sharp kick to my ribs sent me jolting awake.

Pain exploded through my side, and I gasped, eyes snapping open to a blurry figure looming over me.

"Get up," a gruff voice sneered.

Standing over me was a thickset man with greasy, sweat-stained clothes and a deep scowl.

"Oi, street rat," he sneered, his voice low and scratchy. "You deaf or just stupid? Your kind don't sleep here."

I forced myself upright, wincing as a dull ache radiated through my side. I barely had time to process before his foot shoved me again, knocking me over.

"You think you can just sleep in front of my stall?" he spat, jerking his thumb toward the rickety wooden cart behind him. The stall was packed with baskets of cheap produce. Wilted vegetables, bruised fruit, and loaves of bread that were probably stale before they hit the cart.

"I—"

"You look like a damned corpse," he scoffed. "You think customers'll buy from me with you rotting in front of my stall?"

I gritted my teeth, slowly pushing myself to my feet. My limbs felt heavy, sluggish. I had barely slept and the cold was creeping into my bones. I was starving.

"Pathetic," the merchant muttered. His lip curled in disgust as he eyed my dirtied clothes, my empty hands. "Can't even beg properly. GO. GET OUT."

I didn't respond.

I couldn't.

Everything inside me screamed to keep moving.

Without another word, I turned away, my steps slow and stiff.

"Yeah, that's right," the merchant barked after me. "Get lost, brat. And don't you dare think about coming back to steal from me, or I'll make sure the guards throw your sorry ass in the gutter where you belong."

I didn't stop walking.

Didn't look back.

The sun was rising now, spilling soft orange light over the city, illuminating the place I had once dreamed of reaching.

But as I staggered down the cobblestone streets, ribs aching, stomach empty, and exhaustion clinging to me like a second skin…

Dawnhaven didn't feel like a dream anymore.

It felt like a prison.