The sun had just begun to burn off the morning fog, revealing the jagged cliffs and bustling docks of Port Scab. Merchants called out prices, fishmongers displayed their fresh catches, and the aroma of sizzling street food drifted through the narrow alleys. For the first time in days, there was no urgent mission, no monster to fight—just the lively rhythm of a town scraping by, alive and chaotic.
I adjusted the strap of my pack and slung my sword over my shoulder. In my pocket, the copper coins I earned from yesterday's monster hunt jingled softly. One silver coin equaled a hundred copper, and one gold coin equaled a hundred silver. Enough for me to enjoy a small treat, maybe a few meals while I explored the town.
The first stall I approached belonged to an elderly woman, smoke curling from a small grill. She was roasting skewers of fish and drizzling them with fragrant spices. "Ah, a new face!" she called out, smiling. "Here to try the best fish skewers in Port Scab?"
I handed her five copper coins, and she passed me a skewer, the fish perfectly caramelized on the edges. The smoky, salted flavor was simple but satisfying. I took a bite and let the wind carry the taste and the aroma across the docks.
Further down the alley, a young man was selling sweet buns filled with honey and nuts, their steam rising in the cool morning air. I bought two with another handful of copper coins, savoring the soft, sweet contrast after the salty fish. Around me, the town was alive: children darting between legs, stray cats weaving through stalls, and merchants shouting to attract attention.
It was while I paused to watch a street magician perform minor illusions for a small crowd that I noticed her—a girl crouched behind a stack of crates near the docks. She had keen, observant eyes and a small dagger at her side.
"Hey!" I called, approaching slowly. "You shouldn't be wandering alone here. It's dangerous."
She straightened, meeting my gaze with an unflinching stare. "I'm not lost. Just… observing," she replied. "I saw what you did at the docks yesterday. Impressive."
I studied her stance. Confident, alert, and capable enough to handle herself if needed. "I'm Kaelen," I said, finally giving my name. "I handle trouble like that around here. And you are?"
"Liora," she answered, offering a faint smile. "I wanted to watch someone skilled… maybe learn something. Maybe help next time."
I nodded. "Alright, then. If you're serious, come with me. Let's explore the town and its food stalls—you'll see why surviving here isn't just about fighting monsters."
She fell into step beside me, and together we meandered through alleys filled with small stalls:
Grilled squid with a smoky glaze that made the air taste like the sea.
Spiced meat pies, hand-sized and golden brown.
Roasted nuts and dried fruits, sold by a cheerful old man with laugh lines etched into his face.
Sweet honey cakes, sticky and fragrant, perfect to follow the salty dishes.
Every stall told a story: a vendor who had survived pirate raids, a family trying to make ends meet, a small mage shop offering minor charms to fishermen. Port Scab was rough, but every corner pulsed with life, magic, and resilience.
By evening, with a belly full of street food and pockets still jingling with a few copper coins, I returned to my small room above Marwin's tavern. I hung my sword on the hook, laid out the coins neatly, and realized something important: I had a name now, and someone—Liora—knew it. For the first time, I didn't feel completely alone in this town.
Outside, the wind carried the distant crash of waves and the faint calls of fishermen packing up for the night. Inside, the lantern flickered, casting warm shadows on the walls. Port Scab wasn't perfect. It was messy, chaotic, and dangerous—but it was alive. And for now, it was my home, my playground, and the start of a partnership I hadn't known I needed.