The Capital

Arrival in Amberhollow

The vehicle rolled into a new town, and it was immediately clear that this place was a step up from the last few we had visited. The driver, as usual, took the microphone and began his guide-like commentary. "Welcome to Amberhollow, folks! This town is known for its fine craftsmanship, especially in leather goods and jewelry. You’ll find some of the best tailors and smiths here. Amberhollow is also famous for its hot springs, so if you’re looking to relax, this is the place to do it. We’ll be taking a break here for a while to stock up on gear before we head out again."

As the vehicle came to a stop, people began to file out, eager to explore the town. I noticed, as usual, that the kid was up to his old tricks, slipping his hand into pockets as he bid the passengers farewell. I rolled my eyes with a grin, murmuring, "Thieves."

Cal, of course, sidled up to me with his ever-present smirk. "Why not take a look around? It might take a while before we head out."

I sighed, half-tempted to tell him off again, but he was persistent. "I don’t have a watch," I pointed out. "I won’t know when you guys leave."

Without missing a beat, Cal took off his watch and handed it to me, pointing out the time we were likely to depart. "Now you have no excuse," he said, still smirking.

Despite his playful attitude, there was something genuinely generous about the gesture. "Alright," I joked, "if it means not seeing your face for a while, then it’s okay."

He chuckled. "Fair enough."

I stood up, ready to explore Amberhollow, but before I left, I caught the kid’s eye and wagged a finger at him. "No pickpocketing in this town," I warned.

He grinned and gave me an exaggerated bow. "M’lady," he said with mock sincerity, earning a small laugh from me.

As I stepped out into Amberhollow, I was struck by how much more refined it felt compared to the previous towns. The streets were clean, and the buildings, though still rustic, had a certain charm to them. People bustled about, chatting with each other, and the market was alive with vendors calling out to passersby, eager to sell their goods.

"Fresh fruits! Just in from the orchards this morning!" one vendor called out.

"Handmade leather boots, strong and durable! Get them while they last!" another shouted.

"Best jewelry in town, crafted with precision and care!" a jeweler proclaimed, holding up a sparkling necklace.

I wandered through the market, overhearing snippets of conversation as I passed.

"Did you hear about the new batch of herbs from the mountains? They say it’s good for healing wounds."

"That’s lovely, dear. We should get some for the winter."

"And did you see the new dresses at Miss Althea’s shop? They’re simply gorgeous!"

The town had a pleasant, almost cozy atmosphere, with old couples sitting on benches, chatting away about the weather and their grandchildren, while younger folks haggled over prices or discussed the latest town news. It was a nice change from the rougher towns we had passed through.

As I continued to explore, I came across a sign for a bathhouse. The thought of a proper bath was too tempting to resist. I grinned, amused at the idea that even in a world like this, people were willing to pay for the luxury of a bath. The prices seemed affordable, so I decided to treat myself.

I stepped inside, and a servant quickly approached, bowing politely. "Welcome, miss. Would you like to choose a scent for your bath? We have a variety of options—lavender, jasmine, citrus…"

I took a moment to smell a few of the options before settling on a floral scent. "I’ll take the flower scent."

"Perfect choice," he said with a bow, and then led me to a private bath. 

As I undressed and stepped into the warm water, a deep sense of satisfaction washed over me. "Finally," I murmured to myself, sinking into the bath and letting the warmth ease away the tension of the journey. I took my time, enjoying every small detail—the soft light in the room, the gentle scent of the flowers, the feel of the water against my skin. I washed my hair with the provided shampoo and conditioner, feeling cleaner and more refreshed than I had in days. As I looked at myself in the mirror, brushing my hair, I was struck by a mix of emotions—sadness for what I’d lost, and a strange sense of acceptance for what was happening now.

After my bath, I paid the servant, who bowed once more as I left. Feeling lighter and more at ease, I decided to walk around the town a bit more. The people were friendly, and there was a sense of joy in the air, with children playing in the streets and laughter echoing from the market. It was a brief escape from the harsh realities of the world beyond.

I checked Cal’s watch and saw that I still had some time left, so I headed back to the market for one last look before returning to the vehicle. When I finally stepped back inside, Cal was there waiting, as expected.

"How’s the town?" he asked, his smirk as annoying as ever.

"It’s good," I replied honestly, managing a small smile as I looked away. 

"Glad you enjoyed it," he said, clearly pleased.

I suddenly remembered the watch and tried to hand it back to him, but he waved it off. "Keep it. It’s a gift."

I insisted, not wanting to owe him anything, but he showed me his wrist with a grin. "I have plenty."

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. "A thief," I muttered under my breath, though part of me was amused by his antics.

As the vehicle began to move again, I looked out at Amberhollow one last time. It was a beautiful town, and for a brief moment, it had given me a taste of normalcy.