After a long day at the arena, Kai and Vepice returned to the Roasted Boar, nestled between the Arena district and the merchant square. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, spiced vegetables, and freshly baked bread.
Their meals tonight were no different. Rich, juicy cuts of pork, honey-glazed root vegetables, and a side of garlic-crusted flatbread. Vepice devoured her plate with a gusto that only someone who had known hunger could muster.
"I swear, this pork is better than the last time," she mumbled through a mouthful. "Why does everything taste better after watching people beat the life out of each other?"
Kai chuckled. "Maybe the thrill of it?"
When they stepped back outside, the city had transformed from the last hour since entering the tavern.
The streets around the Arena had come alive with light and colour. Strings of glowing lanterns with multicoloured glass panes hung between buildings like stars caught in nets.
