For now

For now

The day had reached its height in Solcarys. A light breeze slipped through the windows of Laura’s house, carrying warmth across the wooden floor. Outside, the city moved in a steady rhythm, voices and footsteps blending into the afternoon.

Nyssa sat at a small table, holding a cup of warm tea in both hands. Thin steam curled upward. Laura moved casually around the kitchen, glancing at her from time to time.

“So,” Nyssa said at last, tone light, “is it easy to find a part-time job here?”

Laura paused, then gave a small smile. “In Solcarys? Not that simple.”

Nyssa raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

“Yeah.” Laura took a seat across from her. “In the capital, most jobs go through official institutions. You have to register. There’s screening too. It’s strict.”

Nyssa let out a quiet breath. “Sounds complicated.”

“It is.” Laura nodded.

Nyssa offered a faint smile but stayed silent for a moment. “What if you don’t go through the official route?”

Laura tilted her head. “There are ways. Connections. Or places that need someone fast and don’t ask questions.”

Nyssa nodded slowly. “Hmm…”

“Why don’t you just apply to the Royal Forces if you want work?” Laura asked.

“Just temporary,” Nyssa replied quickly. “Just some extra money.”

Laura shrugged. “Temporary jobs like that are more common in Ravenhold. They post notices on public boards all over the city.”

“Ravenhold…” Nyssa murmured.

“Yeah. It’s where travelers gather,” Laura continued. “The Adventurers Guild is there too.”

Nyssa fell quiet, staring into her cup. The surface of the tea trembled slightly as her fingers shifted.

The wind stirred again, brushing the thin curtains. Outside, the city carried on, while Nyssa sat considering a small step that might lead her somewhere else.

***

Afternoon light slanted through the tall windows of the Guild meeting room. Fine dust drifted through the air.

Alex sat at the end of the long table, posture composed, hands resting on the surface. Several reports lay open between them.

Across from him, three men in matching dark coats reviewed the documents in quiet focus. Their silver nameplates caught the lamplight on their chests. John, Bernard, and Brandon, the guild’s three vice captains.

“Renovations for the western medical post are finished,” Alex said calmly.

John nodded. “Guards increased. Supplies have arrived.”

Brandon leaned back. “What about that sword hilt?”

“Dense traces of magic,” Alex replied. “Confirmed it wasn’t a beast.”

“Whoever did it is scary,” Bernard muttered. “Destroying a magic sword of that quality.”

“Unlikely they were part of the Royal Forces,” John added.

“If they’d handled our problem, it would be in the papers by now,” Brandon said.

A soft knock came from the door.

Alex lifted his gaze. “Come in.”

Edwin stepped inside, carrying a sealed envelope.
“A letter for the Guild. From the Royal Forces.”

The room grew quiet.

Edwin handed the letter to Alex, bowed briefly, and left. The door closed softly. Alex broke the seal and read without expression.

“An invitation,” he said. “Opening ceremony for the new Royal Forces recruitment. At the Colosseum.”

John folded his arms. “They don’t give up.”

“They just want to show off,” Brandon added.

Alex folded the letter. “We will attend.”

“Anything in the north?” John asked.

“Nothing at all,” Brandon said, letting out a long breath.

Alex fell silent and lifted his cup.

The room settled into quiet again. Afternoon light shifted slowly across the table while an unspoken decision lingered in the air.

***

Afternoon light touched the riverbank gently. The water flowed calmly, reflecting a sky warming toward dusk. A light breeze carried the scent of fresh timber and damp soil from the edge of the plantation.

Zio walked slowly from his old hut. A simple bag hung over his shoulder, one hand guiding the horse at his side.

The small cabin by the river stood complete. Clean wooden walls. A neatly set roof. A short porch facing the water. Beside it, a new horse stall, simple and sturdy.

Several builders tidied their tools in the distance. The sound of hammers and low conversation faded.

David stood near the cabin, looking over the finished work. When Zio approached, he turned and gave a faint smile.

“I hope you like the new place,” David said.

“Thank you,” Zio replied with a nod.

“No need to be formal. This is yours. Sorry if it’s too close to the river.”

“It’s not a problem. Being near water is important,” Zio said calmly.

“Oh, and you don’t need to pay tax for this cabin. This land is still part of Uncle Bob’s property. We’ll cover it.”

“Sorry for the trouble.”

“Tomorrow the garden begins conversion into a plantation using magical equipment,” David continued. “A tall fence will likely be installed. We’ll also make a path from your cabin to the main road.”

Zio nodded. “All right.”

“Once redevelopment is finished, if you wish, you may apply for work here.”

“I’ll think about it later.”

“That’s all, then,” David said. “I’ll return to the city. Thank you, Mr. Zio.”

Zio gave a small nod. “See you.”

David glanced once at the river, then walked away. His footsteps faded until only water and wind remained.

Zio led the horse to the stall, secured it, and closed the wooden bar.

He stood before the cabin for a moment. His hand touched the handle. Then he stepped inside.

The room was quiet. Evening light entered through the window and settled across the wooden floor and the unused fireplace. Zio placed his bag against the wall and stood without moving.

Outside, the river continued to flow.

***

A small fire crackled in the hearth, holding back the cool air slipping through the seams of the new cabin. The wooden walls still carried the scent of fresh timber, faintly mixed with charred embers. Orange light wavered across the boards.

Zio sat near the fire, back resting lightly against a rough chair. A single sheet of paper lay in his hand, one corner slightly folded from being touched many times. He had not read it again. There was no hurry.

Outside, the river moved steadily. Night wind drifted from the plantation, carrying the scent of damp soil and leaves warming as the season shifted.

He looked at the paper for a moment, then lowered it. Firelight brushed the side of his face, casting soft shadows along his temple and jaw. Tonight did not ask for a decision. Tonight only waited.

Zio remained there, still. Settling for the first time in a long while.

On the other side of the distant city, a window at an inn stood half open. Thin curtains moved in the night air of Solcarys, carrying faint footsteps and fading voices from the street. Cool city light slipped inside.

Nyssa sat at the edge of the bed. The room was spacious and orderly, part of an expensive, well-kept city inn. Smooth wooden panels lined the walls, carved with fine detail. A mana lamp in the corner cast a steady glow.

Her bag was nearly packed on the bench at the foot of the bed. A few small items remained on the side table, as if postponing a departure that could no longer wait. The rental period had ended. The money left in her hand was no longer enough for another night here.

A single sheet of paper rested in her hand. An address was written clearly across it, yet she stared at it as if its meaning might change if she looked long enough. She had read the line many times. Each time, hesitation rose, eased, then returned again.

The curtain shifted. Night air entered, carrying the scent of a city beginning to quiet. She let out a soft breath, not from fatigue but from knowing there was no longer a reason to delay. Her belongings were ready. The choice in her hand felt just as close.

Nyssa looked at the address once more. Then she lowered it and let her thoughts settle. Not a grand decision. Only the next step.

The inn room felt temporary. Like a pause that had reached its end.

***

Night moved forward without haste. The fire in the cabin remained small. The river kept flowing. In Solcarys, the curtain shifted softly. The city held its breath before morning.

Two different places. Two people still awake. Each holding a sheet of paper that pointed somewhere ahead.

No one moved tonight. Nothing needed to be decided yet.

Night continued.