She followed him to the front of the store, stopping at the counter. “Oh. It means it’s like a trial run. Like I get privileges but if I screw up, then it’s back to the dungeons or whatever.”

“Then yes. Kind of like that,” he said as he handed the fae manning the desk their purchases. “Have these sent to the castle, beautiful.” He winked at her roguishly, causing her to blush.

“Yes, Captain,” she replied in her mellifluous voice, flustered.

“You’re ridiculous,” whispered Ava as they walked away.

“I’m friendly.”

They exited the store and walked through the street, boughs of leaves rustling overhead from the afternoon breeze. Birds chirped as they darted in between their nests high above and the sounds of citizens permeated the air. Orcs, fae, goblins and other creatures Ava didn’t recognize bustled about on their daily business, occasionally glancing at her with curiosity.

“So,” Ava broke the silence. “If you don’t know the word ‘probation,’ how do we understand each other?”

“Well, that’s how portal magic works. When you pass through, you gain the ability to communicate in the main language of where you land.”

“Are there other languages in Eorhan?”

Raine led them through a crowd of townsfolk, clustered around food stalls in a large town square. Smells of roasted meats and spices filled the air and the shouts of vendors selling their wares cut through the sounds of the city.

“Yes, but most everyone can speak High Fae which is what we’re speaking now.”

“That’s so—” She glanced up at him. “Weird.”

He laughed. “It’s amazing. But there will still be some words we won’t know. Like pro—pra?—”

“Probation.” She laughed. “That is not a difficult word.”

“Maybe not for you,” he teased. “Are you hungry?”

“Starving.”

He led them to a stall where a hobgoblin who reminded her of Remy was selling a variety of foods. Heart aching at the reminder of her friend, she smiled at him as Raine approached and ordered something she had never heard of and couldn’t pronounce. The hob handed Raine two of the concoctions and two ales and she followed him to a small iron table next to the fountain in the center of the square.

“This is called Laïbyêk,” he said as he handed her the paper wrapped treat, setting their drinks down. “It’s a specialty in Mosshaven.”

“Thank you,” she said as she unwrapped it, taking a bite. “Oh, that’s so good,” she moaned.

It was a savory pastry filled with tomatoes, herbs and some type of cheese. The flavors were familiar, but she tasted spices she had never experienced before, complimenting the acidity of the tomatoes and mild cheese perfectly.

“It’s my favorite,” Raine replied in between bites.

“So…” Ava glanced at him. “Why are you doing this?”

“What do you mean?”

“Taking me on a tour, buying me clothes… being so nice to me…”

He tilted his head and scrutinized her. “Because I can sense things.”

“Like you can see into the future?”

He shook his head. “No, not like that. I just know things, or feel them. Not always, but in certain instances.”

“And you sense something about me?” She paused her eating.

“Yes.” His gaze was intense.

“Like what?”