Gauntlets

Merc’a, wrapped in several layers of cold-weather clothing, stepped out of the insulated carriage she and three other people had ridden in to reach The City of The Arcane in Po Rae. It had a long name, but it was the city built around the grandest institution of learning- The Arcane, where she and the young noble Hibart, who had been quite unbearable on the journey here, were both headed.

Thankfully, the elder couple they traveled with took it upon themselves to keep him at bay. Kolm and Selda were a kindly old couple coming to The City to visit family. Given that they were Varuundi, both people were armed and guaranteed to know what they were doing with said weapons; Hibart had been quite intimidated by the pair. Meanwhile, Merc’a felt quite at home with them; then again, she had a long knife she had been trained to use since childhood at her mother's behest. They were all shivering in the cold while waiting on their luggage and the couriers. Merc’a and Hibart had given them their Tokens so their things would be taken to The Arcane; Kolm had given them one for an Inn. When the couriers headed out toward their destinations, Hibart followed after them.

“What did that dreadful man call himself?” Kolm asked, his breath fogging up the air before his face.

“Hibart, I believe, dear.” His wife said Selda was a tiny woman, just as wrapped up against the cold as Merc’a, but she was mighty. Merc’a rather hoped she was like her at that age.

“Right bastard, that one.” Kolm spat into the snow.

“Let’s go somewhere warm, please,” Merc’a said as the cold soaked into her.

“Capital idea, this way to our inn. We’ll get you warmed up.” Kolm led the way with his arm linked with his wife’s. She followed them through the well-shoveled streets with ribbons and flags decorating every shop's front. Merc'a liked it as it reminded her of the colorfulness of her homeland, Faereldelen. It was a tropical land of many islands, and she missed its warmth dearly. She felt like she stood out with her dark skin and fiery eyes amid the pale people of Po Rae.

“Why is everything draped in ribbons and wreathes?” Merc’a asked, in awe of this strange snow-smothered world. When she had first seen snow, she thought it was magical. Now, it was just frustrating.

“The Arcane Testing Days Festival. The City celebrates the influx of people and lifts the spirits of those who fail to pass.” Kolm explained.

“You’d be surprised how many people come to place bets on the Tests,” Selda said. “Rather low as far as humanity goes if you ask me.”

“People gamble on everything.” Kolm chuckled as they stepped into a small square amongst the many tall buildings. The City was built on a plateau, so horizontal space was somewhat limited, so vertical was the solution. The idea of being on the top floor of one of these buildings made Merc’a queasy. “There is our destination- The Snow Raven Inn.” Kolm pointed it out across the way.

“Oh, to be warm again.” Merc’a knew better than to hurry due to the constant slipping she had to deal with on the relatively short distance between the carriage drop-off and this square. But, soon enough, they were inside and sheltered from the elements, the wind most importantly.

“Go find a place by the fire, dear, and I’ll get you a bowl of porridge while Kolm checks us in.” Selda gently pushed her in that direction. Merc’a got as close to the fire as she could without getting into it. She studied the crowded tavern, seeing young people from Varuundi and Sorr’Naele. Mostly, they kept to themselves except for two at the bar. The shorter of the two was the Sorr’Naelen, who were stout people renowned for being incredibly clever, while the taller of the two was Varuundi, who had a saber on his hip.

They were an unlikely pair but seemed genuinely delighted with each other's company. When Selda arrived with the bowl of porridge, Merc’a tested its temperature before quickly digging in and enjoying the internal heat that felt like it was thawing her organs.

“Thank you, Selda, but I need to get to The Arcane… how do I get there from here?” She inquired.

“Step out the door, left-handed u-turn up the steps to the wall. Turn right and follow the wall until you get to The Steps. Be careful; the wind is mighty as you cross the Chasm.” Selda gave her simple directions as she finished the porridge.

“Thank you. I best be off to Testing.” Merc’a stood up and gave the little old lady a hug, a gesture that was warmly returned, before heading off to meet with her future.