The Red Griffin Inn

It was easy as that.

Karl never thought leaving home would only take a few words. He expected his mother to turn up and become dramatic, but she wasn't. Instead, she gave him something in return—a pocket with gold and silver coins, a few loaves of bread and a skin full of water. When he left, he didn't say anything to his brother—though he had wanted to make a statement, to make him understand that he was better than him, that he was going to become an Archmage—and change the world.

And now, he sitting at the back of a carriage he had come across—driving to their local town: Dale. There were a few boxes that were packed at the back, and straw, bundled. Karl couldn't quite believe that he had actually managed to escape home, and he was now on his own. He bit her lower lip, excitement bubbling inside of him—excitement that was clouded with a little sorrow.

"First time going to town?" the old man driving the carriage asked, his tone a bit gentle under the howling wind.

"No." Karl replied. "It's just my first time to start living in it."

"I see," the old man said, his slightly trembling hands holding a firm grip on the reins. The donkey that drove the carriage walked lazily, prolonging their journey. "Many young folks love relocating to town, but they hardly know how difficult that place is...with all it's politics and gamblings and crime rates."

"I think it's a nice place for someone young like me." Karl said, a smirk playing on his face.

The old man shook his head sideways. "For young people, it truly is a perfect place to live in but recommend the countryside."

"Have you ever lived in Dale before?" Karl cocked a brow.

"Yes, son. In fact, I worked there for three strong years and I almost died when I got caught up in a fight between mages." The old man said, shaking his head sideways. "These blokes were fighting in front of my stall, and one of them used a spell....it struck my stall, and everything exploded into flames.."

"How unfortunate..." Karl mumbled beneath his breath. "...so what happened?"

"I was burned..." The old man said. "....but I recovered after a while..."

Karl couldn't stop his mind from wondering—there were mages in town, people who could teach him magic? He grinned, "So are mages everywhere in Dale?"

"Of course.... what's a town if it doesn't have mages?" the old man asked. "There are mages everywhere, mages and harlots."

"What about elves?" Karl asked.

The old man chuckled. "In brothels, yes, you'll find them there. They give the best pleasures if you ask me..."

"Brothels?" Karl's eyes widened.

"Oh yes..." The old man chuckled. "...how old are you anyways?"

"Sixteen." Karl said.

The old man shook his head sideways. "Sixteen eh? I guess you're still too young to be going to brothels."

Karl chuckled inwardly—he scratched the back of his neck, trying to maintain a steady composure. He wasn't interested in going to the brothels, not yet. He had other things to do first, like finding himself someone who could teach him magic. If the old man was telling the truth about mages being everywhere, maybe it'd be an advantage. He wouldn't have to waste his time looking for someone to teach him magic.

*

It took four hours for them to finally arrive at Dale. As they drove through the gates into the walled town of Dale, Karl's eyes widened in wonder. The cobblestone streets were bustling with people, each hurrying to their own destination. Merchants hawked their wares, from vibrant fabrics to exotic spices, while children chased each other through the crowds. The town hadn't changed one bit since the last time he had been here, and yet it felt like he was still here for the first time. He loved it.

His gaze darted from one fascinating sight to the other, drinking in the vibrant atmosphere. He felt a thrill of excitement, mixed with a dash of nervous, as he realized he was not here for a visit, but actually to start his new life. The old man's warnings about the town's dangers flickered through his mind, but he pushed them aside as quickly as he could. But deep down, he knew it made more sense now that he was here.

The old man finally brought the carriage to a stop, and Karl climbed down, his legs stretching after the long ride. He handed the old man a couple of gold pieces, thanking him for a ride. It didn't take long for the carriage to rattle away, leaving Karl standing all alone, taking a deep breath.

The air was thick with the smells of baking bread, roasting meats, and the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The town square was a hub of activity, with people mingling and going about their daily business. Karl's eyes landed on a group of guardsmen, clad in polished armor, as they kept a watchful eye on the crowd. Nearby, a group of performers juggled clubs and performed acrobatics, drawing a crowd of cheering onlookers.

He pushed through the crowds, until he was at an opening where he managed to look at the buildings that surrounded the square. There was the grand stone guildhall, adorned with intricate carvings, and the nearby market stalls, overflowing with colorful goods. The sign of a nearby tavern creaked in the gentle breeze, and besides it stood an inn: it creaked board written in scarlet letters—Red Griffin Inn.

Its sign featured a proud griffin, it's feathers and fur rendered in vivid golds and reds. The inn itself was a sturdy, two-story building with a sloping roof and chimneys puffing out gentle plumes of smoke.

'Get settled first,' Karl told himself, before he walked towards the inn. He pushed the door open, and a warm glow of firelight and the murmur of conversation enveloped him, immediately making him feel at ease. The air inside was thick with the savory smells of roasting meats and freshly baked bread, mingling with the scent of ale and the sweet hint of pipeweed.

Karl's eyes adjusted to the warm light, and he took in the cozy common room. The walls were adorned with rustic wooden beams, and the floor creaked beneath his feet. A roaring fire crackled in the large stone heart, casting a golden glow over the room. Behind the bar, a stout innkeeper with a bushy beard and a quick smile polished a mug with a white apron, eyeing Karl with a friendly welcome.

"Ah, a new face! Come in, young traveler! What can I get for ye?" the innkeeper boomed, his voice warm and inviting.

Karl walked towards the counter, where he sat on top of the stool. "I need a room, single bed."

"My rooms start at three gold coins per night," the innkeeper said.

Three gold coins per night? That's some bullshit. Karl was silent for a moment, before he broke into a smile. "How about a discount?"

"A discount?" The innkeeper asked. "I don't do discounts. Nothing comes for free in Dale, don't you know that?"

"How about we down scale to two gold coins.....and I swear, I'll be staying here for a week..." Karl said.

"I get rich merchants who come to stay here for less than a week, and they pay me more than five gold coins per night." The innkeeper said, his brown eyes staring calmly into his. "So what makes you so special?"

"I'm special because I'm charming," Karl said with a grin, trying to negotiate.

The innkeeper raised an eyebrow. "Charming? You think being charming will get you a discount?"

Karl nodded enthusiastically. "It's worth a shot, right?"

The innkeeper chuckled, his belly shaking. "I like your spirit, kid, but it's not going to work. Three gold coins per night, or you can sleep on the streets."

Karl sighed, realizing he wasn't going to win this battle. "Fine, three gold coins it is."

The innkeeper smiled, seemingly pleased with himself. "That's what I like to hear. Now, don't worry about the payment, you can start that whilst we wait on Ayaki."

Karl pulled out his pocket and retrieved nine gold coins, placing them on the table. The innkeeper's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, well, well. Looks like you're not as broke as I thought." Just then, the innkeeper yelled, "Ayaki, get over here! We have a customer!"

The door behind the counter swung open, and a young woman emerged. Karl's heart skipped a beat as he took in her stunning appearance. Ayaki was a sight to behold. Her mane of raven-black hair was tied into twin ponytails, and she wore a maid's outfit that accentuated her curves. The dress was a deep crimson, with a plunging neckline that showcased her cleavage. Karl's eyes were drawn to the soft, rounded flesh, and he felt his face grow hot.

Ayaki's eyes sparkled as she smiled, and Karl's heart skipped another beat. "Welcome to the Red Griffin Inn," she said, her voice husky and confident. "I'll be taking care of you during your stay."

Karl swallowed hard, trying to compose himself. "Nice to meet you, Ayaki."

Ayaki's smile grew wider as she took in Karl's disheveled appearance. "I'll get you settled in right away. Follow me, please."

Karl nodded, still feeling a bit dazed from Ayaki's sudden appearance. As he followed her up the stairs, he couldn't help but notice the way her dress hugged her curves, accentuating her waist and hips. He felt a flush rise to his cheeks, and he quickly looked away, trying to compose himself. Get yourself together, Karl..... remember why you're in this town in the first place....

Ayaki seemed to sense his gaze, and she glanced back over her shoulder, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Your room is just up here," she said, her voice husky and confident.

Karl nodded, trying to focus on the task at hand. He followed Ayaki to a cozy room with a single bed, a small desk, and a window that looked out over the town square.

Ayaki gestured to the bed. "This is your room. You'll be staying here for the duration of your stay."

Karl nodded, taking in the simple but clean and comfortable room. "Thanks," he said, trying to sound casual despite the fact that he was still feeling a bit flustered from Ayaki's presence.

Ayaki smiled and handed him a small key. "Here's your key. You can come and go as you please."

Karl took the key, his fingers brushing against Ayaki's as he did so. He felt a jolt of electricity at the touch, and he quickly pulled his hand back, trying to play it cool. Dammit Karl...

Ayaki seemed to sense his reaction, and she raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Is there anything else I can get for you?" she asked, her voice low and husky.

Karl shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "No, that's all. Thanks."

Ayaki nodded and turned to leave, her ponytails swishing behind her. Karl watched her go, feeling a pang of disappointment that she was leaving. As the door closed behind her, Karl let out a sigh and flopped down onto the bed, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the events of the day. He had never felt such a strong attraction to someone before, and he wasn't sure how to process it.

What matters is that I'm finally here.....