Astra Fracta

Chapter Nine: Let's Get Some Rest, Shall We?

The gates of Luneth towered above us, grand and imposing, but the streets beyond were surprisingly calm. Cobblestones glimmered faintly in the morning sun, and the air carried the faint aroma of bread, spices, and the gentle hum of a city waking up. I tightened my grip on my sword instinctively, scanning the vast open space, but Tiva trotted beside me with an almost casual confidence.

“Woah…” I murmured, letting my eyes wander across the immense city. “It’s… huge.”

Tiva’s tail swished lazily. “Not huge, just… intimidating if you’ve never seen a proper kingdom before.”

Leora stepped ahead, bow casually resting across her back, and shot me a glance. “Welcome to Luneth. Keep your wits about you, but don’t be afraid to enjoy it.”

I blinked at the calm she projected. “Enjoy it… while we fight monsters?” I asked.

She smirked. “Sometimes the battles here are with politics, trade disputes, or stubborn blacksmiths. Not everything is claws and teeth.”

Tiva let out a small chuckle. “See? You might get used to this.”

As we walked deeper into the city, the streets opened into a bustling market. Merchants shouted over one another, selling everything from baked bread to intricate tools. I could smell roasted meat wafting through the air.

Tiva’s ears perked up immediately. “Food!” she exclaimed. “Finally, something worthwhile. Come on, Arin—we need a proper meal before you start drooling on the sword.”

I couldn’t help but laugh as Tiva darted forward, tail swaying, dragging me toward a stall piled high with steaming pastries. Leora’s lips twitched, but she didn’t intervene—yet.

“Wait,” I said, reaching for a pastry. “Aren’t we supposed to—”

Leora waved a hand. “You’ll eat. But keep moving after. No lingering too long. The city has eyes.”

Tiva jabbed me lightly in the ribs. “Yeah, yeah, don’t dawdle. Grab what you like. I’m taking three for myself.”

While Tiva and I sampled the food, I noticed Leora scanning the surroundings carefully, her sharp eyes catching every alley, corner, and passerby. I tried to mimic her focus while stuffing a pastry into my mouth. Somehow, my mind felt lighter—less like the constant tension of travel and survival, and more like… freedom, even for just a moment.

“Not bad, huh?” Tiva said, crumbs on her muzzle, tail flicking as she spoke. “Who knew a city could be this… delicious?”

I laughed, brushing crumbs off my shirt. “I guess I never had the luxury to notice.”

Leora shook her head lightly. “Eat quickly. We don’t have all day.”

Tiva smirked. “All day? Never heard her say that about a meal.”

Suddenly, a splash of water hit Tiva’s flank—her ears flattened in surprise. “Hey! What the—”

Leora’s lips twitched in amusement. “Careful, Tiva. Watch where you step next time.”

Tiva glared playfully. “One day, Leora… one day I’ll get you back in the lake.”

Leora’s expression remained calm but firm. “You’re welcome to try. Water's deep enough.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “I have a feeling that would be… messy.”

After the small chaos, Leora motioned for us to continue. “Enough of the market. We have more pressing matters. Blacksmith first.”

We navigated through the winding streets, each turn revealing more of Luneth’s massive layout. I noticed towering gates, small plazas, and fountains with carved figures of unknown heroes. My eyes kept widening, and Tiva nudged me. “You’re staring too much. We need to get to the forge.”

The blacksmith’s workshop was tucked into a quieter part of the city. Hammers rang against anvils, sparks flew, and the air smelled of molten metal. Leora nodded to the blacksmith, who immediately recognized her.

“This one,” Leora said, pointing to me, “needs his sword repaired. Make it… better than before.”

The blacksmith nodded, setting to work while I watched curiously. “Better than before?” I echoed.

“Exactly,” Leora said calmly. “You’re going to need it. Trust me.”

Tiva leaned against the wall, tail swishing, and whispered, “Don’t mess it up, Arin. Don’t look too excited—it won’t like that.”

I just laughed. “Yeah, yeah.”

As the blacksmith worked, Leora began pointing out different areas of the kingdom. “That district there,” she said, motioning across the street, “houses most of the trade guilds. Food, crafts, metals… anything you need, you’ll find there.”

“And that?” I asked, noticing a cluster of towers beyond the walls.

“Academy,” Leora replied. “Training grounds for young fighters and magic users. They learn discipline… mostly. Some learn humility.” She gave Tiva a sidelong glance, who rolled her eyes.

“Some learn to stay out of my way,” Tiva added with a smirk.

Leora glanced at me. “That region past the river is mostly residential. Nobles, merchants, families. It’s safe, but watch your manners—locals notice everything.”

I nodded, trying to absorb as much as I could while sneaking another bite of pastry.

After a while, the sword gleamed under my hands, polished, reinforced, and humming faintly with warmth. I flexed my fingers around the hilt, feeling its weight, and a sense of readiness bloomed in me.

“Feeling better?” Tiva asked, bouncing slightly.

“Much,” I replied. “I think… I can handle whatever comes next.”

Leora’s gaze softened slightly. “That’s the point. Understanding before action. Observation before impulse.”

Tiva yawned dramatically. “Enough lessons for one day. Let’s see something fun. Who wants to explore?”

I looked at her, puzzled. “Fun… here?”

Leora’s lips twitched, not quite smiling. “She’s serious.”

“Exactly!” Tiva said. “I vote for something a little… forbidden.”

“Forbidden?” I repeated nervously.

Tiva flicked her ears, eyes gleaming mischievously. “Yeah. There’s a place just beyond the eastern gates… the restricted zone. Very few dare to go there.”

Leora tilted her head, expression unreadable. “Restricted for a reason. Dangerous, if you’re not careful.”

Tiva grinned, tail swishing with excitement. “Danger? Please. That’s our next adventure, Arin. Are you in?”

I felt a thrill, and maybe a little nervousness. “Well… if Tiva wants to go…”

Leora’s eyes flicked between us. “Just… be careful. There are rules for a reason.”

Tiva chuckled. “Rules? We make our own. Right, Arin?”

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. The lights of Luneth sparkled in the twilight, and I realized that for the first time in days, I felt… light. Peaceful. Ready for the next step.