Days passed in quiet comfort. Zen had settled into Mira's home still silent, still guarded, but now surrounded by warmth and kindness. Yet there was a world outside those wooden walls, and Mira knew he needed to see it.
That morning, she asked her father while helping him stack pears.
"Papa, can I take Zen to see the city today? He's only been around the shop. I want to show him more."
Her father, a gentle man with hands hardened by years of work, looked at her, then at Zen, who stood nearby quietly tying fruit into little cloth bundles.
"You've been careful so far. Just don't stray too far. And be back before sundown."
He handed her a few copper coins with a smile. "Buy the boy something sweet."
First Steps into Virellia
The city of Virellia burst open like a painting.
Cobblestone streets shimmered in the sunlight. Lanterns swayed gently from strings above the alleyways. Vendors called out, selling sweet-smelling bread, herbs, toys, and strange relics. It was a world Zen had never imagined.
And truly he hadn't.
Zen had never once stepped foot outside the grand city walls of Eldoria before its fall. Not once in his five years. The outside world had only existed in stories, seen through high windows and castle balconies. Now, he was walking through it.
Mira pulled him along eagerly, pointing everything out.
"That's the old bell tower we sneak up there sometimes and ring it when the guard's not watching! Over there's the tea lady who always gives free sips if you smile right."
Zen's eyes darted from face to face, stall to stall, soaking in the noise, the color, the life. His small hand clung to Mira's sleeve, unsure, but curious.
They stopped by a bakery first. Mira bought him a small fruit bun and a honey twist.
Zen took the bun, hesitating at first, then bit into it. His eyes widened. It was warm, sweet, and soft like nothing he'd ever tasted.
The moment hit suddenly.
A scream rang out from one of the market alleys. A man bolted from a jewelry stall, clutching something shiny. People gasped and scattered.
"Thief!"
Zen turned, his heart thudding.
From the crowd, a boy barely older than Mira stepped forward. He wore a noble's crest on his shoulder, and his hand glowed with soft white energy.
With practiced focus, he shouted, "Bind!"
Blue chains of pure magic burst from his palm, wrapping around the thief's legs. The man crashed into the dirt, caught before he could escape.
The noble boy stepped forward, muttering another chant. A flash of light shimmered as the chains tightened. Gasps and claps followed. Two armored guards arrived moments later and dragged the thief away.
Zen stood frozen, eyes wide with awe and confusion.
"Mira… what… was that?"
"Magic," she whispered back. "Only nobles learn it if they're over ten. They train in the academies. Commoners like us… we're not allowed. No one teaches us."
Zen stared at the spot where the chains had vanished.
And something inside him trembled not fear, but the feeling of a door cracking open.
More than Just Streets
They wandered farther. Mira introduced Zen to people she knew.
"That's Granny Hila. She makes the best soup. And that's Jorn he once tried to ride a cow through the market."
Jorn waved with a sheepish grin. Mira laughed and elbowed Zen lightly. Zen gave a small smile, just barely.
They stopped near the fountain where children played, chasing bubbles made from enchanted soap (cheap knockoffs sold to tourists, but still dazzling). Mira handed Zen a candied apricot. He licked the sugar off slowly, eyes scanning everything.
As the sky turned orange and the lamps were lit, Mira turned to him with a gentle smile.
"Did you have fun?"
Zen nodded, clutching the leftover twist she'd made him save for later.
"Thank you."
Mira only beamed in response. "You're welcome, city boy."
Hand in hand, they walked home two small figures surrounded by the glowing lights of Virellia, one with a past full of shadows, the other trying her best to brighten his path.