Chapter 6 - Lantern Light and Laughter
The sound of laughter reached Max before the door opened — familiar voices rolling through the
tavern's low hum. When he looked up from his half-finished ale, he saw them spilling in from the
night air, cheeks flushed from the walk.
"There you are," John called, weaving through the tables. "We thought you'd been adopted by a
fishing crew."
Max smirked. "Almost. But I figured I'd wait for the more questionable company."
They claimed a table near the corner, the kind that let them see the whole room without being in
the way. Coats and scarves were draped over chair backs, the table filling quickly with mugs and
plates as a serving girl made her rounds.
Ren leaned in, still grinning. "So, report time. I saw Elli in deep conversation with a bookseller who
looked like he hadn't seen daylight in twenty years."
"It was an antique map shop," Elli corrected, feigning indignation. "And he was perfectly pleasant."
John raised a brow. "Did you buy anything, or just interrogate him about rooflines?"
Elli's lips twitched. "Both."
Max took a slow sip of his ale, then glanced at the others. "What kept you so late? Thought you'd be
here hours ago."
John chuckled. "Got a little… distracted. Mare Rosso has a way of pulling you in."
Ren shrugged. "Mostly Elli turning this into a history tour. Somehow we ended up in every dusty old
shop between the café and here."
Elli shot them a mock glare. "Research is part of the experience."
John smirked. "Speaking of which — anyone else notice that weird old woman? The one who
appeared out of nowhere, gave some cryptic warning about Vale and a bleeding sea?"
Ren snorted. "Oh, you mean the local version of a fortune teller or one of those 'wise witches'?
Probably just a story to scare off nosy tourists."
Liza's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly hid it beneath a sip of ale.
Max studied her quietly but said nothing.
The table chuckled, and the easy rhythm of their banter filled the air — overlapping stories about
the market, the harbor musicians, the smell of roasted almonds in the square.
Ren raised his glass. "Here's to a week without curses, ghosts, or any of Elli's haunted footnotes."They laughed, the warmth of the moment pushing away the day's odd shadows. Even Elli smiled,
shaking her head.
John leaned forward, eyes bright. "Alright, enough of the spooky stuff for tonight. Tomorrow, how
about we explore the northern part of the city? I heard the old district there has some amazing
architecture—and the views of the cliffs are supposed to be breathtaking."
Elli nodded, her enthusiasm returning. "And there's a famous garden—hidden behind those narrow
alleys—where the settlers' traditions live on in the flowers and statues."
Max grinned, swirling the last of his ale. "Funny you mention that—I chatted with the bartender
here earlier. Said the northern quarter is where the oldest settlers settled after fleeing the civil war.
He mentioned rumors about places that don't appear on any map, forgotten paths, and whispers of
something… lingering."
Liza's eyes flicked toward Max. "Something lingering?"
Max shrugged. "Nothing concrete, just local talk. Old superstitions mixed with truth, probably. But
he warned to keep our wits about us if we wander too far after dark."
Ren chuckled. "Perfect. Vacation with a side of mystery."
John smiled. "Sounds like a plan. We get beauty, history, and a little thrill."
Liza gave a small smile, her gaze lingering on the window as the lantern light flickered. "I think I'd
like that. Something peaceful to balance out… everything else."
Ren raised his glass again. "See? We can have a vacation after all."
John raised his mug. "To Mare Rosso—mysteries, legends, and stunning sunsets."
The group clinked their glasses, their laughter rising over the hum of the tavern. Outside, the breeze
carried the salty tang of the sea, soft and promising.
No one mentioned the old woman again.