[b]“The capital if full of filth and corruption. It rubs off on everyone here, whoever they might be. I really hope that my visit here won’t take long.”[/b] 
Tobias said under his breath. He was just by the eastern entrance of the capital. The huge towers of the gatehouse fired up into the dark gray skies. It is a windy day and the flags atop of the towers and wall railings are flapping non-stop and guards, patrolling the walls seem to wear cloaks today.
[b]“Seems like a big storm is coming, this does not mean well for traveling.”[/b]
He sighed.
[b]“That much for a short visit for supplies.”[/b] 
The wind did not cut his skin as much inside the city, where he was surrounded by tall building made of stone. But the stone gave the city a cold and bleak look, combined with the horrendously gray sky, in which the first thumps of thunder could be heard. 
As the thunder started booming, the whole city suddenly started to rush around, woman gathering up the drying clothes and calling the children home, men flailing about with their own businesses. The outside market stalls closed up and all the trading only happened inside the respective shops. The world seemed upset for some reason, as if the end was coming. And by the rumors, the end was coming. Something in the forests, ‘Slysari’ was the name Tobias heard mentioned all around. The world consumed by the shadows, the rumors said.  

Despite the feeling of unrest and melancholy around, he marched through the lower parts of the city in his need of supplies.  Merchants gladly sold their wares, even at a little lower rate, because it was getting more difficult to sell everything. 
[i][b]“It is not going well for us, merchants. People do not travel that much these days, trade caravans are not moving, mercenaries are increasing the price of their services and bandits have taken residence along the roads. It’s a bad time for us all. Hopefully, we will climb out of this hole, as I don’t like it one bit.”[/b] [/i]
The merchant went on talking about the problems they were facing recently as Tobias was putting everything into his backpack and pouches. 
[b]“I’ve traveled alone for some time. I haven’t ran into any highwaymen.”[/b] 
[i][b]“Well, I mean, look at yourself. A group of five people would have difficulty fighting you. No wonder they haven’t chosen you as a target. We, merchants, travel with much more valuable resources and items, and we’re much easier prey for them. So taking on us is much more worthy for them, than taking you on.”[/b] [/i]
[b]“Thank you.”[/b] 
Said Tobias and went outside of the shop, to the merchants surprise at this rash behavior of the human.

It has started to rain lightly and Tobias took the example of the people around and increased his pace and found himself a tavern. He was a little bit late, for the tavern was already packed and there was no place to even sit down. He slowly pushed his way through the people to the counter. 
[b]“I take it you’re all booked?”[/b] 
[i][b]“Ya’ sorry lad. The upcomin’ storm got everyone sittin’ ‘ere. Well, that’s good fo’ us, not as good fo’ ye. Ye’ just got into the city? If ye’ really need a place fo’ the night, I offer goin’ to ‘Mossy Jug’ just down the street, they must have a room or two free.”[/b][/i]
Tobias put a few coins on the counter and pushed them towards the man and nodded as a thank you. On his way out, he noticed a fight going on at the end of the tavern, but he had no time to see to it and just went outside.

The rain had started to pour down really heavily already and there were barely any people out in the streets. The streets, who looked rather lively just moments ago now looked barren, with one or two beggars sitting under the roofs that provided them with shelter and dim lights shining through the windows. Finally reaching the ‘Mossy Jug’ he entered inside. He wasn’t surprised to see that this wasn’t exactly a tavern, but more of a brothel. He was welcomed warmly, with few of the girls taking a good look in his direction. Not often a client who isn’t fat or completely ugly would walk in here. To their disappointment, Tobias didn’t come here for the pleasures of lust. Coming to the counter, he put his hand up, before the girl behind the counter could speak. 
[b]“I’m going to pay double the price of your girls, all I need is a room for tonight. Would that possibly work?”[/b] 
[i][b]“No, that’s not exactly how this works, but for a price of three girls, I might just make an exception. And only because you’re a beautiful lad as well. You’re an eye candy for our girls.”[/b] [/i]
[b]“That works for me.”[/b] 

After paying for the ‘three girls’, he went inside of the room and sat down. The moans of pleasure, pain or even disgust could be heard coming from the surrounding rooms, but it was the only warm bed that was easily accessible for Tobias. He locked the door and started taking off his armor, but a feeling in his gut told him that he wouldn’t be staying here for long. So he sat down, with his armor on his body and meditated to rest himself after his travels.