The guild worker gave a curt nod. "It'll be ready in twenty minutes. Wait by the eastern gate."
******
Outside, Kai found Lina and Elina sitting at a small open-air stall under a patched canopy. The old vendor served them hot buns filled with spiced root vegetables, a specialty of the region.
Vex sat obediently by Elina's side, but her eyes never left the bun in her hand.
"You're not getting this," she said seriously to the lynx, then immediately caved with a giggle and tore off a piece for her.
Kai sat down beside them, watching quietly as Vex munched it.
The cub from earlier, now named Puff by Elina, was dozing inside her satchel, only a green vine-tail poking out.
"This is nice," Lina said, stretching her arms behind her.
******
Not long after, a worn but sturdy wagon pulled by two steady-looking beasts rolled up by the gate.
The driver, an old man with a straw hat and a toothy grin, tipped his head.
"Capital trip, yeah? Hop on, young'uns."
