Xavier and Naomi stepped out into the morning air, greeted by a wall of cold that made Xavier's lungs ache. The narrow streets of Vykengard was coated in fresh snow that crunched beneath their boots. Smoke rose from chimneys in lazy spirals, disappearing into a sky the color of old pewter.
"The eastern gate's this way," Naomi said, pointing down a sloping street. "We can get supplies there before —"
"Nessa! Good morning!"
An older woman called out from a doorway, her gray hair tucked beneath a woolen cap. She stood in the entrance of what appeared to be a bakery, wiping flour-covered hands on a stained apron.
Naomi tensed momentarily before offering a smile. "Morning."
"Haven't seen you about this early in days," the woman continued, squinting at Xavier. "And who's this handsome fellow? Don't think I've seen him around these parts."
Xavier gave a small nod, keeping his expression neutral. "Just passing through."
