The moment Auren stepped into the adventurer's guild, a wall of sound and warmth hit him. The place was alive with chatter, laughter, and the heavy clatter of mugs against wooden tables. The air smelled of spiced ale and sweat, the distinct musk of a hundred adventurers who had either just returned from quests or were gearing up to leave for one.
Dozens of parties filled the large hall. Some sat hunched together over maps and parchment, discussing strategies in low but urgent tones. Others leaned back on benches, their armor clinking as they laughed boisterously, mugs sloshing as they celebrated. Near the walls, loners in cloaks leaned against the shadows, watching silently, likely waiting for the right group to recruit them.
