The town was buzzing with life as Ash and Riven made their way through the marketplace. The air was filled with the scents of fresh bread and the chatter of townsfolk. After their recent dungeon delve, the calm was a welcome change.
Ash glanced at Riven, who seemed more alert than usual, his gaze darting around. "You good?"
Riven shrugged, adjusting the strap on his shoulder. "Just... haven't been around this many people in a while."
As they moved past a small herbal shop, a commotion drew their attention. A girl, no older than ten, was crouched by the fountain, tending to a wounded man's leg. Her hands glowed faintly as she wrapped a clean bandage around the injury.
Riven froze. Ash raised an eyebrow. The girl was slender with shoulder-length blonde hair, her eyes a bright emerald green. Despite her worn clothes, her focus and care were evident.
A stern-looking woman, likely a merchant, leaned down to speak to the girl. "You've got good hands, Mira. You really should consider joining the local clinic."
The girl, Mira, shook her head, smiling softly. "Maybe someday. I just... I still need to practice more. Besides, I can't afford the training."
Riven stood rooted to the spot, mouth slightly open. Ash nudged him. "You good?"
Riven snapped back to reality, cheeks flushed. "Yeah! Just... just thinking."
Ash chuckled, catching on immediately. "Thinking, huh? More like staring."
Before Riven could retort, Mira noticed them and offered a shy wave. Riven practically stumbled over his own feet to return it.
Ash sighed. "We'll be here all day at this rate."
Curiosity piqued, Ash approached the girl. "That was some impressive healing back there. You a trainee?"
Mira nodded. "I'm learning on my own. I want to become a saint one day, but... I don't have the resources. The temple offers training, but it's expensive."
Riven finally found his voice. "You... you're really good at it already."
Mira smiled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Thank you. I just... wish I could do more. My parents always wanted me to help people, but they... they're gone now. A robbery while I was at the hostel."
Riven's fists clenched. Ash placed a hand on his shoulder, steadying him. "That's tough. You're strong for pushing forward," Ash said.
Mira nodded, her smile a little sad. "I have to be. They wouldn't want me to give up."
Ash glanced at Riven, who looked both determined and awkward. "We're adventurers," Ash said. "Maybe we can help out sometime."
Mira's eyes brightened. "Really? That would be amazing! I usually help out at the clinic during the afternoons."
Riven nodded eagerly. "We'll be there. I mean—if that's okay."
Mira giggled. "I'd like that. You guys seem nice."
Ash gave Riven a knowing look. "Yeah, real nice."
As they walked away, Riven's mind was clearly elsewhere, his usual bravado replaced with a rare silence. Ash couldn't help but smirk. For the first time in a long while, Riven looked genuinely happy—and maybe a little bit in love.