As they passed through the town's outer gates, the air buzzed with the sounds of daily life—voices calling out, hammers striking metal, and the scent of roasted meats drifting from a nearby market stalls. The settlement was a blend of sturdy stone structures and wooden buildings reinforced with thick beams, built to withstand the harsh elements of the land. A few townsfolk turned at the sight of the returning hunters, their brows furrowing. "Back so soon?" A Dravern woman calls, arms crossing across her chest. "You finally kill the beast?"
Another, a stout dwarf with a thick breaded beard, narrowed his eyes. "Didn't think you lot would give up that easy." The moment their eyes landed on Nocturna, the atmosphere shifted. Silence stretched between them as their gazes widened, flickering between the three men and the strange woman in their midst. Eirik lifts a hand, gaze steady. "We found her alone in the woods. Figured it was safer to bring her in." The murmurs started, hushed whispers weaving through the crowd. A stranger, alone in the wilds while a beast still roamed? Unlikely. Suspicious.
Taron leaned in closer to the others, lowering his voice. "What do we do with her now?" A brief silence passed between them. Nocturia remained still, though she could feel the weight of their unspoken questions pressing against her. Finally Vael spoke. "I'll take her to my home. Get her a proper meal and let her rest for now. We'll figure out the rest after we meet with the hunting party." Eirik nodded as if he expected that answer. Taron exhaled, but said nothing more. Vael turned to her. "let's go." She hesitated for a moment then followed as he lead the way, ignoring the lingering stares from those around.
As they walked through the town Nocturnas sharp eyes caught glimpses of things she didn't recognize-small glowing lanterns, hanging from wooden posts, their soft glow steady even in the morning sun. The scent of iron and coal still lingering in the air, but some blacksmiths worked with tools and hammers that hummed faintly, their edges pulsing with weak crystal energy. A shopkeeper waved a hand over a smooth stone tablet, its surface shifting with light, tallying up numbers without the use of parchment. These changes were subtle yet they unsettled her. She'd known the world would be different but seeing it firsthand left a strange weight in her chest. It was no longer the place she had once known.
When they reached Vael's home it was a relief to step inside. The air is still and quiet, the furniture simple-wooden chairs, a sturdy table, a modest hearth with neatly stacked firewood. It was a place built for function rather than comfort, though it felt lived in. Without delay Vael motions her to sit at the table going to a small square box-like container where he opens the lid, pulling out bread, a block of hand eaten cheese and a clear see through baggie with what looks like meat inside. He adds a piece of golden-hued fruit from the counter before placing it all in front of her atop the table. "Make yourself a sandwich for now." He said simply. Nocturna hesitated only a moment before obeying. She wasn't in any position to refuse food no matter what it was stored in, hunger gnawed at her stomach. She worked quickly using the knife that kay on the table to slice two pieces of bread and one piece of cheese before opening the clear baggie.
Veal watched her, leaning against one of the other chairs placing his arms atop it. "Once you're done your free to use the cough to rest." Nocturia gave a small nod of gratitude as she ate. "It's none of my business what you're doing here," he says with his eyes serious, "but if you cause trouble there will be consequences." Nocturna meets his gaze, unwavering, her words clear. "I vow to not be of any inconvenience in this peaceful town." Vael studies her a second longer before nodding in approval. Without another word, he straightens exiting the home, leaving her alone with the quiet.
As Nocturna slept, the dreams came in flashes-chaotic and burning.
Flames devoured the round wooden home along the ground and high in the trees. Thick smoke curling into the sky as people screame, cries drowned by the roar of fire. Shadows moved through the chaos-mages atop horse, tbier cloaks billowing as they wielded their power, striking down those who resisted. In the sky above a massive eclipse loomed impossibly large, casting the world in utter darkness, it's dark circle watching over the destruction like an unfeeling eye.
A hand is suddenly on her shoulder. Gentle but real. Nocturna jolts awake, silver eyes snapping open as she inhales sharply. Her body tensed, ready to flee but the presence beside her wasn't a threat. A dwarf woman stood beside the couch, her short brown hair framing a face of soft kindness. "I did not mean to startle you," she says her voice warm ar the morning sun. Nocturna exhaled slowly grounding herself in the present. The dream-memories-still clung to her, the scent of smoke lingering in her mind but she forces it away. Her gaze shifted beyond the woman to Vael who leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching with his usual unreadable expression. "This is Brenna," he said at last. "My friend and the healer here. I brought her here to check on you."
A waves of panic flashed in Nocturna's silver eyes as she quickly pushed herself up from the couch, her movements sharp, almost defensive. "I'm fine," she said hastily, standing straight despite the slight unsteadiness in her legs. "There's no need." Brenna lifts her ha ds in a calming gesture, her soft smile never wavering. "Easy now," she soothed. "I only mean to check for exhaustion or injuries. You've had quite the journey, haven't you?" Nocturna clenched her jaw, willing her heartbeat to steady. She didn't want anyone examining her too closely. Vaels sharp gaze flickered between them, his posture still relaxed against the wall. "No one's forcing you," he said evenly. "But refusing help when it's offered isn't always wise."
Nocturna eyes shifts between them. She knew they meant well but trust was not something she could afford to give freely. She couldn't afford to draw more suspicion either. "I appreciate the offer," she says with her voice calm but firm. "Truly. But I'm unharmed-just tired." Brenna studied her for a moment, as if considering whether to press the matter. In the end she simply nodded, smile never faltering l. "Very well," She said. "If you change your mind, I'm only a few houses away," she points in a direction." It's a blue home with pink trim." Nocturna gives a small nod in response.
Vael, still leaning against the wall, regarded Nocturna with a keen gaze. He didn't argue, though something in his expression told her he wasn't entirely convinced. "Get some while," he said pushing off the wall. "You'll need it." With that Brenna gave a final nod and turned to leave, Vael following her to the door. Nocturna remained standing for a few moments, listening to their footsteps faded outside. Only then did she allow herself to exhale fully, sinking back onto the couch. Just tired. That much at least was true.
The next day, after a quiet breakfast of eggs, ham, and fruit, Vael had left again, saying he would return shortly. Nocturna remained inside, unwilling to face the stares and questions that awaited her beyond the walls of the small home. Instead, she let her curiosity guide her, moving through the space with careful steps. The house was simple but well-maintained. Wooden furniture filled the modest rooms, a woven rug lay near the hearth, its edges slightly frayed. Shelves lined the walls, holding hunting gear, a few books, and jars filled with preserved herbs and dried meat. As she looked closer, she began to notice the remnants of another presence—someone who had once lived here. The second chair at the table-the one she'd been using- is slightly smaller than the one Vael used. A delicate wooden comb resting on a shelf, its teeth carved with intricate patterns. A faded scarf draped over the back of the armchair, its fabric too fine for a man of Vael's build and stature. Her fingers ghosted over the comb before she pulled back. A wife, perhaps. Maybe more. But they were gone now.
She wondered how long it had been since this house had truly felt like a home.
Vael returned just past midday, the scent of the forest still clinging to his clothes. Nocturna, having kept to herself all morning, turned from where she sat near the hearth as he stepped inside.
"I'll be heading out again soon," he said, setting down his hunting gear. "A few of us are going back into the forest, making sure no more travelers got lost with that beast still lurking." Nocturna's expression remained unreadable, but she shook her head slightly. "There won't be anyone else." Vael's brow furrowed. "You're sure?"
"I was alone," she confirmed.
He scratched at his short beard, considering her words. Then, without pressing further, he walked to the table and laid down a folded set of clothes. "These are for you," he said. "They might be a bit big, given your size, but they should do." Nocturna eyed the garments for a brief moment before shifting the conversation. "How far is the next town?" Vael studied her for a long moment. "You planning to leave already"
Nocturna didn't respond, only meeting his gaze with an unreadable expression.
Vael sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "I'd advise against going alone with that beast still out there," he said. " And without a guide, it's easy to get lost in the forest if you don't know you're way around." She remained silent, her silver eyes unwavering. After a moment, he relented. "Let me talk to some people. I'll find out when the next group heads out for trade. If you're set on leaving, that'd be the safest way."
Nocturna gave a small nod, though she didn't look relieved—just resigned. Vael exhaled heavily and grabbed his gear. "Feel free to roam the town If you get bored," he said before heading for the door.