Serah was able to get a feel for the layout of the town after an hour of walking around. She also spotted an inn where she would probably head to later.

Thinking that enough time had passed, she walks back to the town gate to meet the guard she talked to previously.

“Hey? How was it?” Serah asks as she approached.

“Oh, wolf lady. Yes. The wolves didn't seem too bad. The town guard authorized 50 coins for each of the 5 wolves. Here; 250 coins.” The guard says, handing over a coin pouch.

Serah smiles. “Thanks. Still want the toll?” She asks, not minding the lose of 2 coins.

“Nah, keep it. Thanks for the wolves. And if you hunt anything else, let us know. There are a few things the town guard is interested in purchasing.” The guard says.

“Sure! Have a good day!” Serah says before walking off.

…

…

Serah opens the door to the inn, and was welcomed by a rowdy scene.

People in armor filled the place, all having a drink to pass the evening. A few people looked like travelers or passing merchants.

Serah approaches the bar and sits on a stool, before being promptly greeted by an inn worker.

“What can I get ya?” He asks, pencil and paper already ready.

“Some meat and a drink.” Serah says, her shoulders loosening.

“We got a pot of beef stew ready to go?” The man says.

“Yeah, that works. And to drink? What do you guys have?” Serah asks.

“We got ale, whiskey, and we got milk. Or water.” The man responds.

“I’ll take some water, thank you.” Serah says, pleased with the interaction.

“Alright. Should be ready in a moment. That’ll be 12 coins.” He says.

Serah takes out her coin pouch and picks out 12 coins. “12 coins, good sir.” She says, leaving the money on the counter.

The man sweeps the coins into his hand and places it in a jar. “I’ll go get your food.” He says before walking off.

Serah smiles and looks around. Look at me, a proper adventurer! I should grab a beer while I’m at it. She thinks, amused.

Eventually the inn worker came back with Serah’s food and a glass of water before moving to speak with other customers.

Serah gladly begins to eat.

…

…

Serah lets out a burp and wipes her mouth with her hand. That was awesome. She thinks, satisfied. It’s been a while since she’s had a proper meal.

Serah raises a hand, calling for the inn worker to come back.

“What’s up?” He asks.

“Do you guys have a room available?” Serah asks, hoping to rest in a bed for once.

“Yup. Ten coins for the night.” The man responds.

“Awesome. Ten coins.” Serah says, picking out 10 more coins. “Also, a question. Was just curious. Why do you guys live next to a forest with a dragon?” She asks, hoping to learn more about the town, or maybe this world.

The man smiles as he swipes the coins into his hand and into the jar. “The dragon’s not so bad. We give him some livestock once a month and he doesn’t give us trouble. Also he keeps the other monsters away. Other places in the kingdom, they get attacked by monsters once a week! Daily even!” The man says with a shake of his head.

Serah smiles, thinking it was a little weird. “Say, you wouldn’t happen to know of the nearest city in… What kingdom were we in again?” Serah asks, probing for more information.

The man smiles. “Foreigner, eh? You must’ve come from pretty far. This is the great bastion of the North! Ironwall! Without us, those pansy Southerners would have been overrun with barbarians by now!” The man says with some pride. “As for the nearest city, that’ll be Greenspire. If you follow the road of town Southwest, it should lead you right there. Say, a merchant caravan was headed there in a couple days; I could introduce ya. They’ll pay a commission if I can gather enough guards for their trip.” The man says, grinning at the opportunity.

“How much they paying for guard duty? I ain’t cheap!” Serah says, trying to sound like an experienced adventurer.

“100 coins before, 100 coins after. It isn’t too bad if you already headin’ for Greenspire anyways.” The man says, trying to sound convincing.

“Alright. That’s not too bad. I’ll come find you tomorrow.” Serah says, satisfied with the exchange.

“Alright! That’s the spirit!” The man says excitedly. “Here’re your room keys. Just find the matching door number.” The man says before unhooking a numbered key from the wall.

“Awesome. Thanks for your help.” Serah says, taking the keys before walking away to find her room.