Riven sits there looking still and calm. "Don't do anything rash, they're Shinori guards, Eryndor, they're real bad news," Riven says quietly. As he leans back in his chair, taking only a glance at the guards, who scan the room.
The chatter in the establishment becomes dull as the guards stand in the entrance. The restaurant's pipes hiss, and the ambience fills the air.
What are they looking for? A person? A core? Whatever it is, it must be important... Eryndor doesn't dare to turn; instead, he stares at Riven, looking with confusion and nerves plastered all over his face.
Eventually, the scrawny-looking guard leans into the other guard's ear, whispering something before they turn to leave the building. The clanging of their boots that fills the silent air serves as a reminder of how much they oppress the citizens.
Eryndor and Riven sigh in relief from the encounter, knowing how troublesome the guards are.
"What do you think that was about?" Eryndor asks. "Nooooo idea, but whatever it is must've pissed them off," Riven says, preparing to pay and leave. So they're already on the move, are they…
Riven finishes paying, and he turns to Eryndor. "It's high time we get out of here, c'mon." The two exit the building and enter the bustling streets once again. "Where to next?" Eryndor asks, "Well, we need to turn in that core of ours before it dies, obviously." Riven says in a calm voice.
"Yeah, I guess you're right, my mask is only at 23% as of now," Eryndor says. "I'm at 27%" Riven said. They begin to walk over to the train station. "So what's up with that arm of yours?" Riven asked in curiosity."
"This hunk of crap? Apparently, I got it after a work accident, or so they say. But I can't recall that day for the life of me." Eryndor says, looking at the ground. "Ever since then, I worked as a scavenger."
I doubt it was an accident; knowing the nobles, they probably covered up the real story. Riven looks to Eryndor with an expression that feels sorry.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Eryndor says, "Like what?" Riven responds, "You know, like, uh, ah, forget about it. Eryndor now looks forward. Hey, look, the station's close!"
Riven turns his head to look towards the station, seeing it. "That's the station, alright."
After a few minutes of walking, the two reach the station and head to the platform, where they are confronted by a guard working there.
"State your business here, you rats!" The guard yells, pulling his rifle from his back. Carefully looking into both of their masks. As if he were measuring how much life is behind it.
"Relax, relax, we're here to turn in our ash-core for new respirators," Riven says while looking in the eyes of the guard.
"Let me see the core then," the guard demands, still clenching his weapon tightly. "Alright, alright, here." Riven looks to Eryndor, who pulls the ash-core out of his bag, showing it to the man.
"Give it here," the man demands, reaching out his hand to take the stone.
"Stay here, and don't move. I'll be back with your respirators, you bottom feeders." The guard shakes his head, annoyed at having to deal with lowlifes.
This feels off, like the air got a whole lot heavier here for some reason; it's way too quiet for a train station.
"Hey Riven, is it just me, or do you also have a bad feeling about today's transport?" Eryndor says while looking towards the stationed train.
"Just you. I don't think I've ever heard of a transport failing its delivery."
The guard comes back with the respirators in his hand, tossing them towards Riven and Eryndor without giving them a single thought. "Now get out of here, you damm mask leeches."
Riven begins to walk away from the platform, but Eryndor stays inspecting the train from a distance.
"What are you doing? Let's go." Riven says, turning around.
"Yeah, coming." *Eryndor turns to walk away from the platform, now heading to where Riven is standing.
"Hey, isn't there usually a loading crew that inspects and restocks the trains when they get stationed? Where are they?" Eryndor says as he continues to walk away from the station with Riven.
"Beats me, it's not like I was given the duty," Riven remarks, stuffing his hand in his pockets.
"That train has been stationed there for a while now and has more guards than usual. Something has to be going on."
"How would you know that?" Riven says, looking at Eryndor.
"If you recall, I used to have another duty before becoming a scavenger; It was rough, sure, but I used to work for the Commonwealth Logistics and Services department," Eryndor says. Stopping dead in his tracks.
"And if I recall, that train over in the station should constantly be having people running in and out of it." He says, pointing to the train.
Suddenly, the train whistles, and the steam rises out of its chimney. it slowly began to move, heading its way above the crowded, ashy city.
"See nothing to worry about," Riven says as he begins to walk away.
"Yeah, maybe all this ash has me going crazy or whatever," Eryndor says, catching up with Riven.
Suddenly, a thunderclap ripped through the city, and the ground shook; the ashes once on the city rooftops began to cascade to the ground below.
And for a second, I swore my arm hummed in response.