I managed to get into the new clothes, simple but clean, a dark tunic and pants that someone had left folded on the chair.
After getting ready, I stepped out of the room, closing the door behind me, and immediately had to pause and blink against the bright afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows of the hallway.
The building I'd been recovering in was apparently near the center of Oakmere, I could hear the sounds of village life clearly now that I was paying attention.
Hammering. Sawing. People calling to each other. The normal rhythms of a community going about its day.
I made my way down the narrow stairs, gripping the railing for support, and emerged into what looked like the main street.
The village was busy.
Everywhere I looked, people were working. Repairing damage from the beast wave, replacing broken shutters, patching holes in walls, reinforcing the rebuilt gate with fresh timber and iron bands.
