The morning air was crisp, carrying the distant murmurs of the bustling city preparing for the festival. Kael stirred awake as the first light seeped through the wooden window, illuminating the room with soft golden hues. The distant sound of hammering, laughter, and the occasional burst of excited chatter filled the streets below. The preparations were nearing completion, and the festival would soon begin.
She stretched and carefully slid out of bed, leaving Riven sprawled out, tangled in the sheets, clearly enjoying the last moments of his sleep. Suppressing a chuckle, she made her way to the window, settling onto its ledge, her eyes taking in the sight below. Lilith, sensing her movement, fluttered from her perch and landed gracefully on Kael's lap.
Kael ran her fingers through Lilith's soft fur. "You're always so quiet in the mornings," she murmured, watching as the little Aelith's ears twitched in response. "I take it you're excited for today too?"
Lilith let out a small " Kyuh" in response, nuzzling against her hand. Kael smiled faintly. "I guess even you like the energy of this place."
The city below was a vibrant spectacle. Lanterns of varying colors swayed gently in the morning breeze, their silken fabric catching the sunlight. Children ran around, playing in the open streets, while vendors arranged their goods in preparation for the evening's festivities. In the center of the plaza, a massive iron pot was being positioned over a large fire pit, the city's tradition of preparing a communal feast for all. Wood was stacked nearby, ready to fuel the grand fire that would light up the night.
Behind her, Riven stirred with a groan. "Good morning, sweetheart," he mumbled, voice still thick with sleep.
Kael turned, giving him a smirk. "Morning."
Riven sat up, rubbing his face before stretching with a satisfied sigh. He glanced at her, then at the window, then back at her. "What's this? No early morning drills? No kicking me out of bed? Miraculous."
Kael scoffed. "There's nothing to do today. Besides, you're a grown man. You can wake up on your own."
Riven grinned lazily. "And yet, I clearly needed the extra sleep."
Kael shook her head, but before she could respond, Riven leaned against the bedpost, his expression shifting slightly. "We have a bit of a problem. Our funds are running low. We need to pay the inn and stable, but after these extra days, we're running short."
Kael frowned. "Why didn't you mention that yesterday? And why not just take more money? You're a prince—you must have plenty."
Riven chuckled. "I forgot to tell you, and besides, that would ruin the adventure. I didn't want to make it too easy. I wanted it to feel more... real. More immersive."
Kael rolled her eyes. "So now, because of your sense of 'immersion,' we have to go hunt while the eclipse is already starting to form?"
Riven shrugged. "We just have to be quick. You're fast. We'll finish in no time."
Kael sighed. "So that's why you insisted we collect all those beast parts in Seryndel. I thought it was just on our path. I didn't realize it was because you had no money."
She let out a small sound of frustration before heading to prepare for the hunt. Lilith, perched nearby, shot Riven a side-eye, as if judging him. He chuckled. "Kael's rubbing off on you," he muttered, before getting up and making the bed.
Once both were dressed in their hunting gear, Kael in her sleek, fitted attire and Riven in his dark ensemble, they set out. They moved through the city without stopping, bypassing the preparations as they made their way to the open plains just beyond Saint-Aure's outskirts.
The fields stretched out endlessly, a sea of golden grass dancing under the soft light of the morning sun. It was a stark contrast to the dense forests of Seryndel, offering little cover but allowing them full visibility of their prey.
Riven scanned the landscape. "We need at least a couple of good kills to make enough coin. Let's aim for high-tier creatures."
Kael nocked an arrow, scanning the horizon. "I see a pair of Fenroks up ahead. Big ones."
Riven whistled. "Good eyes. Fenroks have valuable pelts and claws. Let's get them."
They split up, moving in a coordinated manner, Kael circling to take a vantage point while Riven moved in closer. As soon as the creatures took notice, they roared, their massive feline-like bodies rippling with muscle as they prepared to charge.
Kael loosed an arrow, striking the first one in the leg. It let out a sharp cry but kept moving. Riven dashed in, twin swords glinting as he maneuvered swiftly, dodging a swipe before slashing at its side. The second Fenrok lunged at Kael, and she barely managed to roll aside before firing another shot directly into its chest.
With a coordinated effort, they took down the creatures, panting slightly as the battle ended. Riven wiped his blade clean. "Not bad. Let's skin them quickly and get back."
They gathered the materials and returned to the city, heading straight for the Exchange Point. The same vendor from their previous visit greeted them with a knowing grin.
"Back so soon?" he asked.
Riven smirked. "Ran into some coin trouble. Needed a quick fix."
As they completed the transaction, Kael noticed a group of adventurers nearby, engaged in conversation. One of them, a woman with striking yellow hair and piercing brown eyes, was watching Riven. Her gaze was sharp, calculating, as if she were sizing him up.
Kael narrowed her eyes slightly, a feeling she couldn't quite place settling in her chest. But that would have to wait for another day.
After collecting their payment, they made their way back to the inn and after the stable to settle their dues before heading to a restaurant for a much-needed meal.