The sun dipped lower over the Crossroad settlement, casting long golden beams across the cobbled streets. Market stalls packed up for the evening rush. Players laughed and traded loot fragments, their voices mixing with the distant clang of blacksmith hammers and the rhythmic thud of hammering down tent stakes.
Kieran walked with the group towards the main plaza, his steps quiet as he absorbed the evening glow. Arianna bounced beside him, clutching a small bag of candied nuts she had just bought. She held one out to him, eyes bright.
"Here, eat," she said. "You always look like you're starving."
He blinked at her, then reached out, taking the small crystalised almond between his fingers. It crunched softly under his teeth, flooding his mouth with warm cinnamon sweetness. He swallowed, the taste grounding him back into the moment.
"Thanks," he said softly.
She beamed at him, ponytail swishing as she skipped ahead to join Jack, who was busy teasing Erren about her healing output.
