Chapter 5 | Red Lights

*Gong! *Gong! *Gong!

Bells tolled faintly in the distance, their echoes rolling across the roars like a slow warning.

Civilians moved along the muddy road, chatting in low voices—minding their own business as they made their way toward the gates of Karion.

"We've arrived, lass!" the ferryman called out as the horse gave a sharp neigh and came to a halt, stopping a short distance from the city's entrance.

Elyn didn't respond.

She stepped down from the carriage with ease

*Clank!

and began walking toward the gates without looking back.

The air grew heavier as she moved with the crowd.

Donkeys snorted, horses shifted in place and neighed loudly—and a strong, unpleasant smell clung to the wind—some mix of manure, sweat, and smoke.

People around her pulled carts, carried baskets, or held children by their hand.

In that moment, no one paid her much attention.

The city gates loomed ahead—tall, worn, and cracked from age.

Two guards stood on each side, dressed in faded and worn clothed armor.

But they made no effort to stop anyone.

Their backs rested lazily against the walls, eyes half closed—faces slacked with boredom.

They didn't check a single person walking in.

Not a question. Not a glance.

Elyn walked right past them, silent as usual—her steps steady against the dirt covered stone.

The city was just as gloomy as Elyn remembered.

The stone houses were dark, stained with dirt and age. The air carried a foul smell she couldn't name, thick and constant.

And, as always, there were the thugs—leaning against walls, their eyes sharp and watching.

Among the crowds were not only civilians but also mercenaries, thieves, and wandering adventurers.

Karion was known for that.

The city was home to several guilds, each offering contracts for coin. It drew in all kinds of people, most of them desperate, dangerous, or both.

The streets echoed with the sounds of metal clanking, heavy boots hitting stone, and countless overlapping voices. Elyn walked through it all, quiet and focused—her eyes moving but her face unreadable underneath her hood.

She kept moving until the surroundings began to change.

The buildings looked cleaner, taller, with fewer cracks. The signs were painted, the streets less muddy.

This part of the city tried to look refined—though Elyn knew better as it was a more "sophisticated" location than the rest.

Red lights began to shine as the sun lowered behind the rooftops, casting long shadows across the road.

Voices filled the air—smooth, practiced, and loud.

Women called out from doorways, their tones both playful and sharp—trying to pull in anyone passing by.

Elyn's ears caught every word —but she kept walking, her face under the hood was expressionless as she continued deeper into the streets.

Eventually, Elyn arrived at a building lit by soft red light.

A weathered sign hung above the entrance, reading Red Rain in faded gold letters.

The glow from the lamps outside spilled across the street, painting the front of the tavern in a hazy crimson color.

Women stood near the doorway, wearing revealing outfits—their voices sweet and teasing as they called out to travelers passing by.

"Looking for a good time, darling?"

"Come inside, we'll take care of you."

"Don't be shy, love—we don't bite… unless you ask."

Elyn didn't pause.

She walked straight in, her steps sure and unhesitant, like she'd been here many times before.

The thick air inside smelled of smoke, sweat, and cheap perfume.

Laughter, muffled arguments, and the clatter of mugs filled the room.

No one turned to look at her.

The regulars stayed wrapped up in their own worlds—drinking, gambling, and talking too loudly.

Her presence didn't draw any attention, as if she were just another shadow in the dim light—since of course, individuals who are draped in dark clothing and hoods are a common occurrence here.

She made her way across the creaking wooden floor, the sound of her boots creaked against the noise around her.

She reached the long counter near the front and sat down on one of the old stools, her posture relaxed but alert.

The bartender spotted her quickly and walked over, leaning on the counter with both arms.

"What'll it be today?" he asked, voice casual but familiar, like he had asked her the same question a hundred times before.

Elyn looked at him without expression.

"The usual," she said quietly,

*Clank! *Shht!

then pulled three silver moons from her pouch and slid them across the polished wood.

"Coming right up," the bartender replied, already turning around.

He reached into the container behind him, grabbing a decently sized bottle of Merekryn White.

.With a quick motion, he popped the cork with a loud

*POP!

and poured the clear liquid into a short, clean glass.

Without speaking another word, the bartender slid both the glass and the bottle across the counter to Elyn, leaving her to her own business.

He moved away without fuss, disappearing down the far end of the bar to attend to another customer..

Elyn reached for the glass, lifting it calmly.

She gave it a light spin between her fingers, watching the liquid inside swirl—then brought it to her lips and took a slow drink.

But the quiet didn't last.

A figure leaned against the counter beside her, arms crossed, eyes fixed on her without shame or subtlety.

"What is it?" Elyn asked flatly, not even turning to look.

She reached for the bottle and poured herself another drink, as if the stranger weren't there at all.

"The lady asks of you, Elyn," the individual replied.

That made Elyn pause.

She turned her head slightly, just enough to glance at the person beside her.

They wore dark clothing—hooded, with a mask that fully covered their face.

She let her eyes trail downward, spotting twin daggers strapped to the chest.

This definitely wasn't some random local.

"I have no business with the Thieves Guild at the moment," Elyn said, returning her gaze to her drink.

"Maybe next time, I'll stop by."

The person didn't argue.

Instead, they reached into their cloak and pulled out a folded parchment, sliding it across the counter until it rested in front of Elyn.

"You should read this," the figure said, voice steady. "It's from Lady Drevyn herself."

They pushed off from the counter and turned to leave, but paused for just a moment.

"You might find it interesting," they added, then walked away without another word, disappearing into the noise and dim light of the tavern.