Very far from the scarred halls of the Elf Palace and the lingering aftermath of battle, the human lands remained untouched by the chaos.
In a quiet corner of the territory, nestled beside the edge of a winding road that led deep into a forest, stood a modest but well-frequented tavern.
Beside the tavern stood a small inn with wooden sign that swinging gently in the evening breeze. Together, the tavern and inn served as a vital waypoint for adventurers. It is a place to rest, drink, and prepare before venturing into the nearby wilds.
The forest was dense and dangerous, filled with beasts, magical creatures, and the occasional rare herb or alchemical ingredient that drew many risk-takers through its tangled paths.
The skies painted in the soft purples and oranges of twilight, the tavern was already almost full. Most nights, the crowd would peak closer to midnight.
The mood was still calmer now. The kind of peace that came only after a hard-earned victory.
