The village looked peaceful.
Too peaceful.
After the chaos outside Asphyxia, the sight was almost comforting.
Warm lanterns illuminated dirt roads.
Small homes lined the streets.
Smoke rose from chimneys.
People chatted outside buildings as if the world wasn't falling apart.
Children ran through the fields.
Farmers carried baskets filled with freshly harvested carrots.
Everything felt normal.
Yet something bothered Kai.
He couldn't quite explain it.
Maybe it was because everyone wore hoods.
Even inside the village.
Even at night.
---
Harun guided the carriage through the main road.
Several villagers waved.
He waved back.
---
"Friendly place."
Kai commented.
---
"Looks that way."
Harun replied.
---
The carriage eventually stopped near a small inn.
The building looked old but well-maintained.
A wooden sign hung above the entrance.
The paint had long faded away.
---
Harun climbed down.
Stretching his back.
---
"I'll stay here tonight."
---
Kai nodded.
---
"Same."
---
The two entered together.
The innkeeper greeted them warmly.
A little too warmly.
But Kai ignored it.
He was tired.
Hungry.
And still sore from getting thrown around by the Red Imp.
---
Several villagers sat at nearby tables.
All hooded.