They make it to the city of Sassafreud, once the northern capital of the Serpensius empire. The outer walls are 4 lengths high and battle scarred, but outside of it several small wooden houses are placed. The city has grown beyond its borders, thanks to the more recent influx of refugees. The architecture is mismatched, as this city grew slowly over centuries, originating as a mere farming and trading hub in the valleys, owing to its fertile flatlands and moderate climate, compared to other areas this far north in the valley it is located in, it is usually shielded from the worst weather.

  It is by far the largest city they've visited, after Hazzlefrust that is.

  Look at these walls, have you ever seen anything like this? Zad and Foley are amazed.

  The walls on my castle are at least twice as high, Alina brags. And ours are a pristine white colour.

  Wow really, I'd love to see them.

  Let's go find an inn Mona, I desire to rest and read some literature.

  I'm going to look around for some quests, Zad says.

  Ennius decides to find a local musicians store. He is running out of strings for his guitar-like instrument, and who knows, maybe they have something interesting to catch his eye. After asking around he makes his way to a store on the edge of the central market. Like anything in Sassafreud, the store is quite large. They have all sorts of instruments, but nothing quite exotic, just the usual.

  The shop clerk is a pretty young girl, as is usual. She's got long dark blonde hair which flows freely and a slender, somewhat tall figure. Just his type. Also as usual, Ennius decides he must charm her. Behind her are the various musical supplies.

  So what can I get you?

  Ennius looks around, pretending not to notice her. Hmm let me think... Then he looks at her, and feigns an impression by first seeing her face. How about a dance with the prettiest clerk in Sassafreud?

  It's a lazy opening line, but Ennius gets away with these sorts of things.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  She blushes and smiles, well I'm afraid I only dance to music.

  I'd play some, but unfortunately my strings have been worn out. Can you suggest me some new ones?

  These are the best, they're a little more expensive but all the best bards swear by them.

  She hands him a pack of strings. He quickly affixes them to his instrument and starts to play one of his more recent love songs, it's cliche and about love at first sight, but cliches work for a reason. The clerk smiles and starts to dance, moving closer to Ennius. However, after only a few lines his music is interrupted by the loud cries of a little girl.

  Oh sorry, my little sister needs to be fed, the clerk says.

  She goes to the back and reappears seconds later with a small girl on her arm, around 3 or 4 years old, wearing pigtails. She looks adorable, but the expression on her face is that of horror. She feeds her some sort of porridge with a spoon, which finally calms her down.

  This is easy Ennius thinks to himself, all I have to do is make that toddler laugh and she will be all over me.

  What is your name, little girl? The toddler doesn't reply. Instead she gives Ennius a mean look.

  Her name is Estrid, the clerk replies, whom he still doesn't know the name of.

  Ennius starts playing a children's song, it's about a mouse who makes friends with a cat, it always does well with kids because of its upbeat tempo and comedic tone.

  But not this kid, the moment he starts to play she starts whaling again. Why is this kid so upset over music? Her family runs a musical instrument shop, you'd think she'd be more used to good music.

  Ennius stops playing, he can tell the clerk is now annoyed by his music. The clerk gently sways Estrid to calm her down again. Eat your porridge, it's good for you, you will grow big and strong.

  This one is a tough nut to crack, he thinks to himself. Usually kids are easy to entertain. But if he can't keep the kid happy, he won't have any chance to seduce this clerk.

  Thankfully I have more tricks up my sleeve, Ennius reveals a toy from his pocket, it's a small wooden bear, a souvenir from the Halipawa island. Look at this beary bear, isn't it cute! He moves the bear up and down to mimic movement and brings it closer to the toddlers face.

  Estrid looks at it and starts crying again, she grabs a tiny fistful of porridge and throws it at the bear. I think you should leave, the clerk says, somewhat annoyed.

  This is making him look awful in front of the clerk. He's embarrassed. Alright then, I'll be taking my leave, by the way, come see me in your local pub tonight. He winks at the clerk but she doesn't even look at him and is busy trying to calm down her little sister.

  Estrid looks at Ennius and sticks her tongue out. Ennius just leaves.

  Well that was awful. You can't please every crowd I suppose. At least she forgot to charge me for those strings.