The city was alive in ways none of them had expected. The air smelled of fresh bread, sizzling meat, and something floral that Elara couldn’t place. Merchants shouted over each other, advertising enchanted rings, rare spices, and glowing trinkets that looked like they were straight out of a video game. Street performers danced, some literally floating in mid-air, while a hooded man juggled tiny flames between his fingertips.
And of course, there were the races.
Elara had expected humans, maybe a few elves or something, but here? Everyone was different. Tall figures with horns curling from their heads, a woman with feathered wings, a group of small, blue-skinned children with multiple arms, and even what looked like a walking, talking fox in noble attire.
Jax nudged her. “Okay, I was prepared for ‘generic medieval fantasy town,’ but this is next-level.”
Kaela was staring at a pair of cat-eared teenagers arguing over a glowing crystal. “We are so out of place.”
Valeria glanced at their clothes again. “Yeah, no kidding. We need new outfits before someone decides we’re aliens.”
Sylas, ever the practical one, was already scanning the market. “We also need money.”
Jax smirked. “Right, so, minor problem—we don’t have money.”
Lucienne sighed. “Well, we could steal some—”
“No.” Everyone immediately shot that idea down.
Lucienne crossed her arms. “Fine. No fun.”
Elara sighed. “Let’s just look around first. Maybe we’ll figure something out.”
After an hour of wandering the city (and almost getting lost twice), they stumbled upon what looked like a job board.
It was covered in parchments of different sizes, some neat, others barely legible. Elara squinted at one.
"Looking for a skilled alchemist. Must have experience in transmutations. Payment: 15 gold pieces.”
Another one read:
"Urgent: Rat infestation in the lower district. Exterminators needed. 5 silver per tail.”
Jax grinned. “A rat-killing quest? Classic starter mission.”
Kaela wrinkled her nose. “Hard pass.”
Valeria pointed at another. "Looking for performers for Lord Avren’s grand feast. Dancers, singers, or illusionists welcome. Payment: Negotiable.”
Lucienne lit up. “Ooh, I can dance! And Kaela can sing!”
Kaela shot her a glare. “I absolutely cannot.”
Jax chuckled. “Could’ve fooled me. You sing in the shower like a Disney princess.”
Kaela turned red. “That doesn’t count!”
Sylas, ignoring them, pointed at a more ominous posting. "Seeking strong individuals for protection detail. Dangerous work. High pay."
Elara frowned. “That sounds… shady.”
Jax wiggled his eyebrows. “Shady pays well.”
“Shady also gets you killed,” Sylas muttered.
Before they could debate further, a voice interrupted them.
“You lot seem lost.”
They turned to see a tall woman in a hooded cloak leaning against the job board. Her eyes—sharp and golden—glowed slightly in the dimming light.
Elara tensed. “Uh… who’s asking?”
The woman smirked. “Someone who knows an opportunity when she sees one.”
Lucienne whispered, “Oh, she’s definitely shady.”
The woman chuckled. “Relax. I run the Nightingale Tavern. You need coin, don’t you?”
Kaela crossed her arms. “What’s the catch?”
The woman shrugged. “No catch. Just simple work. My tavern’s always in need of extra hands—cleaning, serving, keeping drunk idiots from stabbing each other. Do the job, get paid. Sound fair?”
Elara glanced at the others. They didn’t have many options.
Sylas nodded. “Fine. We’ll take it.”
The Nightingale Tavern was not what Elara expected.
For one, it was huge—a sprawling, multi-level building packed with people from every walk of life. There were mercenaries, merchants, adventurers, and even a few nobles drinking in the upper levels. Magic candles floated above the bar, casting a soft glow, while a group of bards played upbeat tunes in the corner.
Jax looked around, awed. “This place is awesome.”
Kaela sighed. “And we’re stuck working in it.”
The woman—who finally introduced herself as Sienna—led them to the back, handing out assignments.
Jax and Kaela got stuck with cleaning.
Valeria and Sylas were put on ‘security’ duty, which mostly meant keeping drunks from fighting.
Elara and Lucienne were assigned bar duty—which, as it turned out, was a nightmare.
The first hour was fine. The second?
Total chaos.
“Another ale!” a dwarf bellowed.
“I asked for spiced wine, not whatever this swill is!”
A burly man slammed his mug down. “Oi! Who put a love potion in my drink?!”
Lucienne grinned. “Not me, but I love the drama.”
Elara groaned. “I am never working in a tavern again.”
Jax—who was supposed to be cleaning—somehow ended up gambling with a group of shady-looking rogues in the corner. Kaela was trying (and failing) to mop up a massive spill while a rowdy group of mercenaries sang an off-key drinking song.
Valeria had already punched someone for getting too handsy.
Sylas, meanwhile, was standing against the wall like a brooding anime character.
“Having fun?” Elara asked, sliding another drink across the bar.
Sylas sighed. “This is a nightmare.”
“You’re not even doing anything.”
“I’m watching. That counts.”
Elara rolled her eyes—just as the doors suddenly slammed open.
The entire tavern fell silent.
A group of heavily armored knights strode in, their crimson cloaks billowing behind them. Their armor was etched with strange symbols, and their leader—a tall, scarred man—had piercing violet eyes that locked onto the group immediately.
Jax muttered, “Oh. That’s probably not good.”
Sienna, who had been watching from behind the bar, stiffened.
The lead knight stepped forward, his voice deep and commanding.
“We’re looking for… outsiders.”
Elara’s heart stopped.
Welp.