Kai and Vepice wandered around the city. He chose to find a place for them to stay while the tournament was going.
The inn Kai chose was modest but clean, nestled between a spice shop and a cobbler's workshop near the outer ring of the Citadel. A wooden sign hung over the door: The Crooked Rose. Inside, the walls were paneled with warm oak, and the scent of baked bread and cider lingered in the air. It felt... safe. Or at least safe enough.
He paid for a week in advance, flicking a few silver coins across the counter to the innkeeper, who accepted them without question.
"Room upstairs. Third door on the left. Two beds," the man said, sliding over a pair of iron keys.
Kai handed one to Vepice. "Stay here. Rest. I'll be back later."
She gave him a sidelong glance. "You're not leaving me again, are you?"
"It's just to sign up to the tournament. It won't take long."
Vepice crossed her arms. "Are you sure? Last time you left, it was for over a year..."
