(Rathiel's POV)
"We are here." the caravan rider said, "Thank you for helping us with the trouble."
I got out of the back of the wagon, "Don't worry about it." I said as I dropped down and stretched, "Thanks for the ride."
He nodded, "Any time." He said, "Are you from Greenspire?"
"No. But I have people here." I said as I looked in front of me, "Anyways, take care of yourself."
I began to walk forward, seeing the large town in front of me. Several stone and brick buildings were set up against a sloped hill that led to multiple buildings at the top with bright green spires on top, which were basically Greenspire.
The town had a small river running by the side of it, and a mill was set up on it. Not just that, it had two main roads that ran through it, one that led to the east, headed to Bleak Rock, and one that led north, to Lorre. Those two were another major town on the southern part of Drahan, a nation known for its vast magical landscape.
While Drahan is full of nice views and nice landscapes, it was full of horrors and dangers that would easily kill anyone who wasn't careful. That is why people don't typically leave the major towns, which were guarded by the Rune Knights who were employed by the Baron of the Town, a member of the Noble houses that are found all over the nation.
Greenspire is one of those towns, with its own order of Rune Knights, who guard the town with utmost authority. It is quite large for a Town, almost becoming a small city, which is quite impressive. It has its own market square, its merchant center, and several other businesses. Surrounding Greenspire are just a group of peasant homes that are around the outskirts, still part of the town's territory.
I had a couple of friends in Greenspire, one who wasn't currently in town. The plan was to meet them here after my "retreat" with Arianne. It's quite apparent how that turned out, having my entire body impaled by Vampires and their attacks.
As I walked, I felt the gazes of the townsfolk watching me as I walked. I suppose having dried blood on the random shirt that Otake gave me was going to get some attention.
I headed to a corner inn, where I was planning to get some food and rent a room. Otake had given me a hefty amount of coin, courtesy of the tributes that the Caravans had given His Stinky Majesty.
I reached the inn, which was called "The Striped Mole", a really stupid name, but it had a decently heartwarming story behind it. The Inn's founder had a pet Mole that had stripes. After her parents were killed by a Bandit attack, she only had the Mole and moved to Greenspire, trying her best to survive when she was a child and eventually became a Merchant's assistant. She rose to the ranks and started up her own inn, having the Mole as her only friend.
The Inn's founder was long dead, but her grandchildren kept watching over the Inn, keeping it afloat. It's quite a comfortable place to rest at, and the Innkeeper makes a nice stew. Her daughter is also quite pretty.
I opened the door and walked in, closing it behind me, and let out a sigh, "Okay...." I said as I walked over to the counter, seeing the Innkeeper reading the ledger as I did so, "Hey."
She looked up at me and frowned, seeing me in this state, "Young Rathiel?" She said, a surprised tone in her voice, "What happened to you? And why do you stink?"
I shrugged, "Some shit happened." I said, pulling out my coin purse, "I need a bath. And a room."
I gave her the payment that would cover what I had just requested.
"I'll have Mary set your bath up right away." She said, taking the coin, "Would you like to eat first or should you bathe first?"
"I'll bathe first." I said with a chuckle
"Good idea." She said with a smile, "There's a room that needs preparation, I'll have it ready by the time you finish eating. Now go."
"Get a bath."
*************
"Ah...." I said with a smile, sitting down at the table, "That was a good bath...."
I was on the eating quarters of the inn, seeing that the barkeep was wiping the bar counter down with the rag. He was giving me a serious expression, as always, but I didn't mind it.
"Here, Rathiel." I heard a voice say, "Your stew."
I turned to see Mary, the Innkeeper's daughter, placing a steaming bowl of beef stew on the table. The amazing aroma of the stew hit my nostrils, causing my stomach to growl almost immediately.
"Thank you, Mary." I said
I looked at her, the beautiful green eyes she had warmed my heart every time I saw her. She was shorter than me, with a curvy and plump body. Even though the simple dress she had, I could see her thick thighs were as luscious as ever. Her nice, wide hips were tempting, wanting someone to hold them nicely. Her short and blonde hair was neatly combed, a hint of a fresh bath was quite apparent.
She had washed up shortly before my arrival, which was quite nice.
She smiled, "What happened to you?" She asked, "Mother said you had blood on your shirt."
"Bandits." I said as I began to eat
She placed the cup of rum in front of me, "Is that so?" She asked, "You best be careful."
She turned around and walked towards the bar counter, saying something to the barkeep as she did so. I saw her large and plump ass from behind, bouncing with every step. Mary was around my age, quite young to be honest. But man, was she a beautiful soul. She had an amazing and tempting body, one that I would like to have in my bed.
I was 20 years old and I had been with women my age and much older, fueling my power due to my Aspect. I had to have sex with others if I want to fuel my power efficiently and it is something that I have become somewhat addicted to.
I cleared my throat, "Hey, Mary."
She turned around, looking at me with a frown, "Yes?"
I gestured her over, "Come here."
She walked over, "What is it?"
I leaned closer to her, "How old are you again?" I asked with a low whisper, "18 right?"
"Yes." She nodded
"You're very beautiful." I said with a slight smile, "You know that, right?"
"A-Are you flirting with me?" She blushed
"Why don't you come over to my room later tonight?" I asked, gently brushing my hand on hers, which she had leaning on the table, "Spend some time together, eh?"
Her face went red, "I..." She said, "I don't know....."
"Come on...." I said with a smile, "Give it some thought. I'll leave my door unlocked."
"Let's have some fun, eh?"