"We'll stay at the Merchants' Inn, its best for traders like us, especially in a big city like Valewind." She said.
The caravan wound its way through the busy streets of Valewind, deeper into the city's heart.
"The Merchants' Inn has private chambers, hot baths, and decent food," Elara explained as they turned onto a wider avenue lined with lanterns. "Most importantly, it offers discretion." She explained.
'Hot baths… surely, not everything is like medieval earth.' Keane thought to himself.
Keane watched the city unfold around them, his enhanced senses cataloging every detail. The architecture was predominantly stone and timber, with ornate facades on the wealthier buildings.
Citizens of various stations hurried about their evening business, servants carrying parcels, merchants closing up shops, and a few nobles he could spot being carried by straining bearers, their backs bent and their muscles strained, bearing the weight of the nobles with aching determination as they trudged through the bustling streets of Valewind.
As Keane shut the window and took his eyes off the street, a question hot him. "Where will you be staying, Keane?" Elara asked, her tone casual yet calculated. "The city has several inns, though some require... credentials, and most especially, money."
With a calculated smile, she continued. "You're new here, no coin, no place to stay…" She allowed a slight pause before adding, "You're welcome to stay with us, of course."
"If you don't mind." Keane said. He accepted the offer without needing to think much on it. "I'll owe you one."
He wasn't entirely sure why she would want him around even after reaching the city, but he too would benefit from it, so he wasn't against the idea, at least, for the night or a few days.
"Please, there's no need for that. It is the least I can offer." Elara said with a soft smile.
They soon came to the Merchants' Inn which stood at the heart of Valewind's trade district, a sprawling three-story building of weathered stone and timber. Its windows glowed with warm light, spilling onto the cobblestones where merchants' wagons clustered like faithful dogs at their masters' feet.
The caravan pulled to a stop before the wide oak doors that had the city's merchant guild symbol on its top, a scale balanced atop a wagon wheel.
Keane stepped down from the wagon, his eyes drinking in the scene both before him and all around him. Valewind pulsed with life even as night descended, so different from the forest's silence.
"Impressive," he murmured, more to himself than to Elara who descended beside him.
"This is merely the outer ring," she replied, a hint of pride coloring her voice. "The inner city, where the nobles dwell, puts this to shame."
As Elara's men began unloading essential supplies and stablehands took the caravan's horses, she guided Keane toward the inn's entrance. Sylvi and Mara following behind.
The inn's common room was lively, yet more organised than Keane had imagined a medieval pub to be. Perhaps it was because the place was filled with mostly merchants and those working under them. He even spotted a bard strumming in the corner, a rather calm melody.
The inn's proprietor, a portly man with a carefully trimmed beard and calculating eyes, greeted Elara with a familiarity that spoke of long acquaintance.
"Lady Elara! A pleasure to see you grace our humble establishment once more," he said, bowing slightly, his voice carrying just enough deference to acknowledge her status without appearing servile.
"Joren," Elara replied with a gracious nod. "I trust you have suitable accommodations ready?"
The innkeeper's eyes flickered briefly to those behind her, probably noting Keane's unusual presence among Elara's usual entourage. Though he maintained his professional demeanor, a flicker of curiosity crossed his features.
"Of course, my lady. Your regular suite and three adjoining chambers are prepared." He then snapped his fingers, and a young serving girl materialized from the bustling crowd as though that was her name. "Lina will show you up." He said, the girl bowing curtly before leading them.
As they followed the girl up a wide staircase, Keane observed the inn's interior with appreciative eyes. Unlike the rough taverns of fantasy stories and games, the Merchants' Inn had polished wooden panels, tasteful tapestries, and well-crafted furniture, he was honestly surprised.
Once they got to the second floor, Lina opened the door to the main suite and handed Elara the key to the other rooms.
"Excellent, Lina. Have hot water sent up immediately. We've had a long journey." She said.
As Lina hurried off to fulfill her request, Elara turned to Keane. "The rooms here are modest by noble standards. You'll find yours suitable, I'm sure." She said, handing him a key to the room right next to hers.
Keane nodded, taking the key as he made a little comment, though in his mind he was a bit surprised, as he thought Elara would invite him into her suite. 'Perhaps I was thinking it too deeply.' He said to himself hiding his grin as he turned to go check the room.
"You should come to my quarters after checking your room, you'll find the bath quite lovely." She said.