Hero departs: To the kingdom of water

Mazuka stirred awake before the first light of dawn broke through the small window of their rented room. The room was still, the air cool with the lingering chill of the night. For a moment, he lay there in silence, listening to the soft breathing of Mayra and Aya, who were still fast asleep in their beds. Today, they would head to Aqaire, the capital of Nefaria—a bustling city that stood as a beacon of wealth, power, and opportunity. The residence of the King and royal family.

Sitting up, Mazuka stretched his arms overhead, loosening the stiffness from his body after days of sailing. He stood, walking over to Mayra's bed first. Her expression was peaceful, something rare for the sharp-tongued warrior. He gave her shoulder a gentle nudge.

"Mayra, time to get up."

She groaned, turning over and pulling the blanket higher. "It's still dark," she muttered, her voice muffled by the pillow. "We can't leave if the sun's not up yet, right?"

Mazuka smirked, already anticipating her reluctance. "We need to be first at the rank if we want a decent carriage to Aqaire."

She opened one eye, squinting up at him before grumbling and sitting up, rubbing her face. "Fine, I'm up."

Mazuka moved to Aya next. She was curled up tightly in her blanket, her staff resting nearby. He crouched beside her and called her name softly. "Aya, time to go."

Aya blinked awake, her eyes adjusting to the low light. She nodded without complaint, pulling herself out of bed. "Okay," she whispered, already reaching for her staff.

Once everyone was awake, they gathered their things and made their way down to the inn's common room. It was mostly empty, save for the innkeeper and a few travelers who had risen early like them. The smell of fresh bread and eggs greeted them as they sat down for a quick breakfast.

Mayra immediately dove into her meal, tearing off chunks of bread and slathering them with butter. "So, Aqaire," she said between bites. "The capital's got some famous food stalls, right? Maybe we can check them out."

Mazuka, chewing thoughtfully on his eggs, shook his head. " We are on a mission, not an eating competition."

Mayra gave him a mock scowl but didn't argue. She knew the drill by now.

Aya ate quietly, occasionally glancing toward the window where the early morning light was just beginning to filter in. "How long will the ride take?" she asked softly.

"At least a full day," Mazuka replied. "If we leave early enough, we should reach Aqaire by evening."

After finishing their meal, they packed up their belongings and headed out into the early morning. The streets of Flowspur were just beginning to stir, with a few vendors setting up their stalls and carts for the day ahead. The chill of the morning air was sharp, though it carried with it the promise of a clear, sunny day.

The rank station was not far from the inn, and as they approached, they could already see a few carriages lined up, drivers tending to their horses. It was still early enough that the crowds hadn't formed yet, giving them a chance to secure a decent ride.

Mazuka led the way, his eyes scanning the available carriages. "That one," he said, pointing to a sturdy-looking one with well-kept horses. He approached the driver, a burly man with a thick beard and a practical air about him.

"We're heading to Aqaire," Mazuka said. "How much for the three of us?"

The driver scratched his chin, sizing them up. "That'll be five silvers. Pay now, and I'll make sure you get there by nightfall."

Mazuka nodded, handing over the coins without haggling. Speed and comfort were more important than saving a few silvers. Once the payment was settled, they loaded their bags into the carriage and climbed inside.

The interior was cramped but comfortable enough for the long ride ahead. Mayra stretched her legs as much as the small space would allow, leaning back with a sigh. "If I fall asleep on this ride, don't wake me unless we're being attacked."

Aya smiled faintly at the comment, settling in next to Mazuka with her staff resting in her lap.

With everything in place, the driver cracked the reins, and the carriage lurched forward, beginning the journey to Aqaire.

As the wheels rolled over the cobblestone streets of Flowspur, the city slowly disappeared behind them, replaced by the open road that would lead them to the capital.