The carriage pulled away from the crowded
streets, settling into a steady rhythm. Iron wheels rattled softly against stone, the sound repeating without variation—as if it had always belonged to the city. A faint vibration rose through the floor, traveling into the seat and settling into the body, noticeable but not enough to distract.
Leonard sat upright, not quite leaning back. His gaze rested on the small window beside him, following the buildings as they drifted past. Stone and wood stood side by side, some structures patched just enough to hold together—a city that had grown over time rather than one carefully designed. He didn't react. He simply observed.
Across from him, Julian leaned back with one shoulder against the carriage wall, relaxed—almost too relaxed for someone who had just picked him up off the street. His eyes, however, moved now and then, just enough to show he was never truly off guard.
Leonard drew a quiet breath. There was something he wanted to ask—about the two men earlier, and why they had been there at all. The timing was off, the attention too sudden. He parted his lips.
"Jul—"
The word died before it could form.
Not hesitation. His gaze shifted forward, toward the narrow gap separating the cabin from the driver's seat. The coachman's silhouette sat rigid, facing the road—still, silent, and close enough to make a conversation like that… unwise.
Leonard closed his mouth again, his expression unchanged, as if he had never meant to speak.
Silence settled between them. Julian glanced at him just long enough to notice something had been held back, then looked away without comment—no questions, no pressure, as if he was used to it.
The carriage rolled on, wheels and hooves filling the space in a steady rhythm. Then came the pull of the reins. The carriage slowed, iron scraping lightly against stone before the motion finally ceased.
"We're here."
The carriage came to a full stop, and the faint vibrations faded, leaving a brief stillness behind.
Julian moved first, pushing the door open and stepping down with practiced ease. Leonard followed a moment later. When his feet met the ground, he paused—not out of hesitation, but to adjust—then lifted his gaze.
The air felt different here. Quieter. Not empty, but less crowded, with fewer people passing by at a distance. The buildings had changed as well, less orderly—some still brick, dulled with age, while older wooden houses stood between them, patched carelessly where needed. The road beneath his feet was uneven in places.
Leonard took it in at a glance. Not deserted—but clearly a different part of the city.
Julian lingered beside the carriage, glancing toward the driver before reaching into his coat and pulling out a small pouch. He handed it over without ceremony. The driver took it quickly; coins clinked softly inside.
"Thank you, sir."
Julian gave a small nod. Nothing more.
The reins pulled again, and the carriage turned, rolling away as the sound of iron wheels faded into the distance.
Julian adjusted his sleeve, then glanced at Leonard. "We walk from here. Blackthorn Road isn't far."
Leonard nodded and followed.
The street grew rougher underfoot as they walked. The buildings stood closer now, some wooden structures leaning slightly while the surrounding brick walls looked increasingly worn. Julian kept an easy pace, and after a while, he glanced over.
"You didn't bring your book?"
Leonard paused briefly, his gaze dropping as if confirming what he already knew. "Forgot."
Julian nodded once. "And you're still wearing the same clothes."
Leonard didn't answer right away. He kept walking, and after a few seconds, he said, "A lot happened."
Julian glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips before fading just as quickly. He let it go.
They walked on. The deeper they went, the more worn the surroundings became. Parts of the stone road had been replaced with rough wooden planks, and the buildings looked older—paint faded, cracks left unattended. There were fewer people here, more closed doors, and windows barely open, just enough to watch from the inside. The air felt dry.
Julian didn't slow. If anything, he seemed more at ease here. Leonard said nothing.
Then—
"Julian!"
The voice came from the side, and Julian stopped.
Two children ran out from a narrow alley, their clothes oversized and worn, stained in ways that wouldn't wash out. They approached without hesitation.
"Julian, you're back!" one of them said, slightly out of breath.
Julian lowered his head a little. His expression didn't change much, but his tone softened. "Just a few days."
The other child glanced at Leonard, curious. "Who's he?"
Julian looked at Leonard briefly, then back at them. "A friend."
Simple. Nothing more.
The children lingered for a moment before saying goodbye and running back into the alley. Julian watched them go, then continued walking. Leonard followed.
A few steps passed in silence.
"The kids…" Leonard began.
"They're usually around here," Julian said without looking back, his tone casual. He paused, then added, "I train them a little."
Leonard glanced at him. "Train?"
Julian shrugged. "Basic things. Awareness. Staying out of trouble."
No further explanation—but it was enough.
Leonard fell quiet, then said, "You called me a friend."
Julian finally looked at him. "Problem?"
"It's only been an hour."
A faint smile returned. "If I didn't, they'd ask questions." He looked ahead again. "And I don't feel like explaining."
It made sense. Not entirely—but enough.
Leonard didn't push.
They walked a while longer before Julian slowed to a stop in front of an unremarkable building. Faded brick. An old wooden door. Nothing about it stood out.
He knocked twice, paused, then once more.
A soft click followed.
The door opened slightly, revealing a woman inside. Her gaze moved first to Julian, then to Leonard, assessing in a single glance. Recognition came quickly, and she opened the door wider.
Julian stepped in. Leonard followed.
The room inside was dim and nearly empty. A few pieces of furniture sat without order, just enough to pass as an ordinary home. The door closed behind them.
Julian didn't stop. He walked toward the back, where a section of the wooden floor looked just slightly off. He tapped it lightly with his foot.
Hollow.
He crouched, found a small iron handle barely visible, and pulled. The panel lifted, revealing a narrow staircase descending into darkness. Cool air rose from below.
Julian straightened and glanced at Leonard. "Go on."
Leonard didn't move at first. He studied the opening, then stepped forward.
The wooden steps creaked under his weight. The air below felt colder, faintly damp, carrying the scent of earth and old wood. Julian descended without hesitation, Leonard following close behind.
A dim light appeared further down. Their footsteps echoed softly.
Then the stairs ended.
A room opened before them—not large, but noticeably more organized than above. A wooden desk stood near the wall, with someone seated behind it.
She looked up. "Julian."
Her voice was calm.
Julian stopped briefly. "Sena."
Leonard studied her in passing. Smooth features, untouched by age, and slightly elongated ears visible through her hair.
Sena's gaze shifted to him, measuring. "New?"
Julian nodded.
Her lips curved slightly. "Sena," she said, her tone lighter now.
"Leonard."
She gave a small nod. "Don't see him bringing new people often."
Julian exhaled softly. "Don't start."
Sena let out a quiet laugh. "Relax. Just stating a fact."
Leonard observed the exchange—brief, but enough. They knew each other well.
His attention returned to her. The details were unmistakable. He had seen them before—not here, but in drawings, in stories, in things he once thought were fiction.
The word surfaced quietly in his mind.
Elf.
He looked away. Said nothing.
Sena studied him a moment longer, then reached to the side of the desk. A soft click followed.
A thin line appeared along the wall—a hidden door. It opened just enough to reveal darkness beyond, another passage leading deeper.
Sena stood, brushing a strand of hair back over her shoulder. "Same place as always."
Julian nodded. "Yeah."
Sena glanced at Leonard, a faint smile returning. "Just follow."
The door opened wider. Dim light spilled from within, revealing little more than shadow and depth.
Leonard paused, just for a second.
Then stepped forward.
The door closed behind them.