As they walked, Loden broke the companionable silence. "You know," he said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice, "it's been a long time since I've made this journey. Brings back old memories."

“How long has it been since you’ve been to the capital Loden”.

Loden paused, thinking back on the question and the passing of time. "Oh, it's been quite a while," he replied, his tone taking on a contemplative edge. "I'd say...around three years or so." He chuckled and continued, "Funny how time flies by, isn't it? It feels like just yesterday when I last came through these parts."

“That long, why did you leave if you don’t mind me asking?”

Loden's expression grew more serious at the question. "Well," he began, his voice carrying a hint of contemplation, "it was a combination of factors, I suppose." He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "There were some... personal reasons, and also a desire for change. I felt the need to step away and take a different path for a while."

Kaiden thinks to himself. Maybe this is where Marcus and Loden distanced themselves. He would ask another time. “Is there anything fun to do in the capital?”

Loden nodded, a small smile returning to his face as he perked up slightly at the question. "Oh yeah, there's plenty to do in the capital," he replied. "It's a lively place, full of distractions." He thought for a moment, mulling over the various activities available. "There are taverns with lively music and entertainment, public markets with all sorts of goods and trinkets, and of course, the palace."

Kaiden thinks it over, “It sounds lively. Could we stay at an Inn this time maybe?”

Loden chuckled at Kaiden's eagerness to opt for an inn this time around. "Yeah, sure, we can stay at an inn when we reach the capital," he agreed.

He smirked mischievously. "You're tired of sleeping on the ground, huh?"

“Yes, I don’t know how you can do it. I need a cot or a bed or at least a blanket. The ground is so hard.” Kaiden kicks the dirt. “I hate roughing it.”

Loden chuckled, clearly amused by Kaiden's aversion to sleeping on the ground. "Ah, I guess I've just gotten used to it over the years," he said, shrugging nonchalantly.

He gave Kaiden a small nudge with his elbow. "You're pampered, you know that? Afraid a little bit of nature will ruin your delicate sensibilities."

Kaiden shakes his head, “That’s not it. I’m just use to my life back home. It’s a little more convenient and I’ve gone camping before but at least I had a sleeping bag to use or even a tent.”

Loden chuckled again, unable to resist teasing Kaiden a bit further. "Oh, a sleeping bag and a tent, huh? You're practically a native," he joked, his tone playful. "But I get what you mean, “he added, his smirk softening into a small smile. "It's always a bit of an adjustment when you're not used to the elements. Don't worry, we'll find a nice inn in the capital with a soft bed for you to rest your delicate head."

Kaiden lets the conversation end with that. The two walk in silence until they get to a gate that is the entrance to the capital. As they approach the capital city's gate, Loden and Kaiden are greeted by the sight of men in armor standing guard, checking on the people and carriages entering the city. Loden notices the heightened security and murmurs to Kaiden, "Looks like security's tighter than it used to be."

They continue walking and approach the gate, waiting for the attention of one of the guards. Loden hoping to avoid the guards, quickly walks with the purpose of bypassing the guards and the checkpoint.

The guards spot Loden attempting to bypass them discreetly and immediately step forward to intercept him. "Hold on there! Where do you think you're going?" one of them barks, eyeing the duo with suspicion.

Loden pauses before the guards, realizing that running would only attract more unwanted attention. He turns to face the guards, forcing a smile and putting on a calm demeanor.

"Just passing through," he replies casually, hoping to downplay any suspicions. "My friend and I are heading into the city."

“What business do you have in the city? Do you have a permit to sell goods or just passing through?” The guard barks, his eyes focusing on Kaiden and then falling onto Loden.

Loden feigns surprise at the guard's question about their business in the city, casually shifting his position to partially shield Kaiden from their gaze.

"No, no, nothing like that," he replies, his voice still calm but holding a hint of annoyance. "We're just traveling through, no business to conduct. And no permits, we're just regular folks passing by."

The other guard steps forward, stern and hoarse, “If you have no business in the capital then move along to another town. We don’t need beggars and thieves within our walls.”

Loden's frustration mounts at the guard's harsh and dismissive tone. He takes a deep breath, attempting to mask his irritation and avoid drawing further suspicion.

"We're not beggars or thieves, mate," he replies, his voice staying even but with a hint of irritation. "We're just passing through, simple as that. We can pay for our stay in the capital."

Kaiden sensing Loden’s irritation, steps in and speaks in a nice voice, “We are searching for some friends that could have traveled through. And needing to purchase some supplies for our trip. Could we be allowed to enter for this purpose?”

The guard who previously spoke eyes Kaiden as he interjects. After a momentary pause, the guard nods slightly, seeming somewhat softened by Kaiden's calm demeanor.

"Alright, if you're just here to look for friends and buy supplies... but don't cause any trouble, understand?"

“No sir, we will not cause any trouble at all. Thank you so much.” Kaiden says, grabbing Loden and pulling him away from the guards and gate into the capital.

Loden allows himself to be pulled away by Kaiden, his irritation slowly fading as they enter the capital. "Nice one," he mutters to Kaiden as they move away from the gate. "Your friendly approach paid off."

Kaiden releasing Loden’s arm, says, “What approach were you using? You got so irritated by his questions. You could have just told the truth. We are here to find the other warriors. And get some supplies.”

Loden sighs, scratching the back of his neck self-consciously as he responds. "I don't know... I just didn't appreciate the guard's tone. He was treating us like criminals, and it got to me. I guess I wasn't thinking clearly."

Kaiden lightly pats Loden’s arm and then drops his hand, feeling awkward for that moment. “So, where should we be heading now that we are in the capital? This place is huge.”

Loden gives Kaiden a quick glance, appreciating the gesture before quickly moving on. As Kaiden looks around at the sprawling capital city, Loden ponders for a moment.

"Right, let's focus on our objectives since we're here," he says, a determined expression on his face. "First, we need to gather information about the warriors. Maybe there's a tavern or someplace where people gather and talk. That would be a good place to start."

“Right, lead the way.” Kaiden says confidently.

Loden nods and looks around, familiarizing himself with the layout of the capital. He spots a lively tavern nearby, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses reaching their ears. "That looks like our best bet," he murmurs, nodding towards the tavern. He gestures for Kaiden to follow him as he makes his way toward the tavern, pushing open the door and stepping inside.

As Kaiden follows Loden inside, he feels a pull in his stomach. Hopefully this doesn’t end like it did last time they went into an inn. As they enter the dimly lit tavern, the sound of boisterous conversations and the clinking of glasses fills the air. A handful of adventurers and locals sit at the tables, enjoying food and drinks. Loden leads the pair toward the counter, seating themselves at a couple of open stools. Behind the bar, a middle-aged woman with a friendly expression approaches them.

"What can I get you folks?" she asks, wiping down the counter in front of them.

Loden glances over at Kaiden before turning his attention back to the bartender. "We'll have two ales, please," he replies, resting one arm on the counter.

As the woman nods and goes to pour their drinks, Loden leans closer to Kaiden, keeping his voice low. "Keep your ears open and listen to the conversations around us," he whispers.

Kaiden whispers back, “why”?

Loden maintains his low voice, keeping their conversation discreet. "We're here to gather information, remember? The people here might have information about the other warriors. Listen in on the conversations and see if we can pick up any useful info," he explains.

Kaiden nods, the bartender drops their ales on the table. “Any food for you all?”

Loden pauses for a moment, contemplating the food question. He glances over at Kaiden, silently asking if he wanted something to eat. Kaiden shakes his head, not sure what he could or should eat. He didn’t care much for the ale but at least it was something to drink. Loden notices Kaiden's reluctance to order food and gives a slight shrug in response. Turning back to the bartender, he politely declines her offer.

"No food, thank you," he replies, taking a sip of his ale. He eyes the rest of the tavern as the locals and other adventurers talk amongst themselves, keeping an ear out for any interesting conversations.

As the pair sit and drink at the bar, Kaiden gets sleepy from the journey and ale and drifts off, his head on the countertop. Loden notices but ignores it for a little bit to listen in to a few conversations happening around them. Loden keeps an eye on Kaiden as he slowly drifts off, his head resting on the wooden counter of the bar. He continues to listen to the conversations around them, picking up on snippets of conversations, but nothing of particular interest.

After a few moments, Loden's focus returns to Kaiden. He nudges him lightly, trying to rouse him from his slumber. "Hey, wake up. We're here to gather information, remember? Not take a nap."

Kaiden doesn’t stir from Loden’s nudge. Loden shakes his head. He thinks to himself, I am on my own. Loden tries again, shaking Kaiden's shoulder slightly harder this time. "Kaiden, wake up. You can't just fall asleep here. We're here for a reason."