𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 - 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘱𝘯

𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘟𝘟𝘐𝘐𝘐

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐂

𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 (𝟏/𝟐)
___________

The streets are full with demons, each one busy in their daily grind, the air thick with the hustle as they work tirelessly to scrape together some coins, all to support the families that depend on them.

A subdued silence falls as people collectively turn their attention to a figure. The Night-watcher. Beside him, a shadowy silhouette accompanies him. It's an odd sight that stirs whispers among the people.

"Keep your eyes to yourself." the woman softly instructs her young one, her voice barely above a breath as she gently guides the child away. Their steps quicken, a subtle way of avoidance, as they retreat from the vicinity of the Night-watcher and his unexpected associate, leaving the murmurs of the crowd and the secrets of the night behind them.

Amidst the crowd, you walk amongst them, yet your gaze lowered to the ground as you walk closely behind Salvus and the demon horse.

Your presence amongst the demons is like a shadow flickering at the edge of a flame, you're there, yet not quite part of their world. Every time one of the demons pauses to stare at you and Salvus, a cold shiver races down your spine.

This is your first time coming to a town filled with demons. Salvus hand sewed you garment that hides your frame—a black, heavy gown that drapes to the ground, covering your feet, while the sleeves hang with excess, extending beyond the reach of your arms. A hood attached, designed to hide your head.

Salvus stops in his tracks, his voice cutting through the stillness, "We're here."

You lift your eyes, slowly taking in the sight before you — the blacksmith's shop looms. Its walls, darkened by the soot of countless forges.

You step aside, as you notice the black smith. You watch as the heat emanating from the oven seems to shimmer around him, a moving light and shadow that moves across his muscular back. With practiced ease, he removes the glowing hot steel, its color a vibrant orange against the dim of the shop.

The black smith turns, sensing your presence. His eyes, piercing and sharp, fix upon you and Salvus. "Salvus. Good to see you again." he says, his voice a low rumble. He reaches for a cloth, stained and worn as he begins to clean his hands of the day's labor. "And who's that you've got with you?"

"Its best if we talk inside." Salvys says, his gaze briefly flickering to you as he takes hold of the rope on the horse and ties it to a wooden pole.

"Okay." The demon nods his head as he tosses his cloth aside and walks over to the door, stepping inside as he leaves the door open for the two of you to go inside.

"Come on," Salvus mumbles, his voice barely above a whisper as the two of you make your way into the dimly lit house.

"Good timing," the man remarks. "I've been waiting for you. There's a list of errands with your name on it." He pours himself a cup of water and then settles into a wooden chair that creak in deference to his weight.

As you look around the place, you notice how much bigger everything is. Suddenly, a feminine voice calls out, echoing slightly as it travels from the hallway, "Kolevax, who's here?"

You turn, and your eyes are drawn to another figure, another demon.

The woman's eyes widen with surprise as she sees you, her initial smile blooming into a look of fascination. "And who is this?" she asks, her tone warm and inviting.