The City 

"Oh, so we won't be going by foot?"

"Duh."

The party made their way toward the awaiting carriages, which stood proudly with ornate details and reinforced wood. 

Aeliana led the way, her infectious energy pulling everyone along. 

'Hmm…'

Cole marveled at the elegant carriages, their sturdy construction a stark contrast to the rustic paths they had treaded throughout the destroyed town of Elyndor.

'I thought these carriages would be just simple ones for soldiers to use on their travels… Is this party of awakeners important or something?'

As they boarded the carriages, settling into the plush seats, the group began to discuss their journey and the state of the world. 

Aeliana, now with a charismatic demeanor, initiated the conversation.

"Alright, team, we've got quite a journey ahead of us to Silvindor. I know it seems that we need a respite first, but we never have enough time. Let's discuss our plans and what we might encounter." 

Aeliana said, her eyes displaying a sense of responsibility which slightly took Cole aback, as the impression of Aeliana being an aloof woman began to sink away.

Brander, seeming exhausted, leaned back with an exasperated sigh. 

"Though I hate to say such simple things, I'll say it again since we have Cole around too. We need to be cautious. There are rumors of increased monster activity along these sides of the kingdom. Based on our encounter with that Corrupted Gargrim, it says enough about the situation."

Thorne clicked his tongue right away as Brander finished his words. 

"And since monsters are spreading even more, bandits and such are making use of these chances to rob people of their belongings, not that they matter at this point, considering the world is doomed."

'He has a point…' 

Cole only managed to nod his head, feeling unqualified and inexperienced amongst these people of status.

Mages, swordsmen, knights, whatever they might be.

The discussion shifted to the broader state of the party. The rations needed to survive till their return to Silvindor, the hunting they might have to do, the formations, and stopping points as they scanned the map sprawled out on a small accommodating table conjured by Thorne's earth spell.

"Then, our first stop is decided. Stonehaven it is."

Aemilia circled the small town on the map of Goldenvale with an erasable pencil, making sure the map could still be used in later instances. 

Everyone needs to be conserving of everything. Nothing can be wasted at this point.

***

Just three days later by carriage which would've been well over a week by foot, they neared their marked town.

As they approached a downhill, the town came into view. 

Stonehaven was nestled between rolling hills and surrounded by a sturdy stone wall. The town boasted well-maintained gardens, vibrant marketplaces, and a bustling atmosphere.

Well, at least that's how it was known before.

'Stonehaven seems to have been quite affected by the eclipse too…' 

Cole trailed off within his mind as he left the carriage, stepping foot on the ground and stretching as if it was the first time in years he was standing again.

'I'm really not suited to stay for long hours in one place.'

He sighed out, and, Aeliana who was in control of the reins stepped next to him.

She turned to Cole, a small twinkle in her eyes. 

"Welcome to Stonehaven, Cole. It used to be a crucial trade hub, but as we planned out in the carriage, we'll be making a short stop here. I can only hope and pray that you'll like the variety this town might offer compared to Elyndor."

"We'll just have to find out."

Cole voiced that small sentence as the two carriages were secured by Thorne who paid an overpriced amount for the space the carriages would take.

The town's architecture was a blend of stone and wood, with narrow cobblestone streets winding through different districts. The air seemed to lack the enticing aroma of various cuisines that it was supposed to exude, and adventurers could be seen moving left and right.

Their expressions slightly leaned to the gloomy side, but, it didn't mean there were no smiles to be witnessed.

It had been three months since the end of the world happened, and people were already beginning to acclimate.

"Since it's still the middle of the day, shall we go for a walk? I've been here on our journey towards Elyndor and other towns, so it hasn't been long enough for me to forget the area."

"I'll be counting on you."

Cole was in need of a change, and so, he didn't reject the offer.

Hell, he was slightly excited to visit a whole new and bigger town compared to the rathole of a place Elyndor had grown to be for him.

Step, step, step.

They strolled through the streets, with Aeliana pointing out notable landmarks, from the renowned building that used to be a mage academy to the fact that Stonehaven which was five times the size of Elyndor even had a black market. 

"I wonder why I knew so less of a place so close to my own town. Can Stonehaven even be considered a town and not a city on itself?"

"Hmm, that's a reasonable question. Stonehaven's situation is rather unique. It was a place that found itself as a battlefield whenever political wars arose. So at times, it was as small as a town and times bigger than a whole city. Now we call it as we wish, a town, a city, no one will deem it as incorrect."

Aeliana rambled on and on to the point the casual listener would instead just get lost in their own world of fantasy and imagination, albeit, Cole kept his attention unwavering and processed everything she said.

'Though Aeliana seems uninterested in things and aloof at times, there must be a reason why she became a party leader and dispatched throughout the kingdom. Her words hold weight.'

After that, they had rather chill conversations as they moved alongside streets, and, like every other adventurer, eventually, they found themselves in front of the Adventurer's Guild, a grand building with a distinct emblem. 

Aeliana turned to Cole with a curious expression. 

"You did mention being an adventurer, right? Want to go in and check our ranks?"

Cole hesitated for a long moment before solidifying his resolve to say it. 

"I appreciate the offer, but I don't have mana. They wouldn't let me register back in Elyndor."

Aeliana grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Leave that to me. We'll convince them otherwise."

"Oh?"

"You just need to prove yourself you're slightly worthy of being registered as one."