Only a day had passed since we planted that massive deer-hide sign by the main road and established our tax system. The sun had just reached its peak when we heard familiar voices cutting through the freezing silence of the forest. When our heavy, double-leaf oak doors swung open, the same four hunters we had hosted yesterday had returned. However, they weren't alone this time; they had brought along a crowded group of their companions, all shivering in makeshift armor with faces etched in exhaustion.
The moment they stepped inside, the leader of yesterday's group shook the snow from his shoulders and turned to the stunned crowd behind him with a proud grin. "See?" he shouted excitedly, gesturing toward the wide stone hall of our underfloor-heated tavern. "This is the exact place I've been telling you about since yesterday!"
The newcomers looked absolutely mesmerized by the unique, sweet warmth hitting their faces after the deadly blizzard and bone-chilling cold outside. The underfloor heating system felt like a miracle to their near-frozen bodies. They shed their weapons and snow-covered cloaks in the corner and settled around the large wooden tables near the hearth.
As the Mayor and innkeeper, I immediately performed my duties. Eliz carried large clay bowls of steaming rabbit stew and Barun's professionally smoked meats to them. When they tasted Lira's fresh, slightly tangy sheep's cheese, they couldn't hide their amazement. They ate, drank, and warmed up to their hearts' content. The cheerful clamor inside mingled with the crackling of the burning logs. Those who had praised the place yesterday watched their friends' expressions of awe with great satisfaction, as if to say, "Didn't I tell you?"
Our twenty-percent tax system was working flawlessly; as silver and copper coins piled up on the counter before Eliz, my Mayor's Fund was growing rapidly.
Hours later, when they were full and completely warmed, it was time for them to head out. However, the steps of some among them were slow as they moved toward the door. As they shouldered their packs, they lingered, looking back at the safe, luxurious, and warm atmosphere of the tavern with a deep, visible longing. It was clear they didn't want to return to the merciless forest and their makeshift, ice-cold camps.
Just before stepping out into the freezing wind, they swallowed hard; it was written in their desperate eyes that they were thinking things like, "If only I lived here too."
The name of Essence Haven was now spreading from mouth to mouth. The popularity of our tavern and settlement was steadily rising, and for this new city we were building, that was a very good thing.
ESSENCE HAVEN
CITY STATUS: POPULARITY RISING
POPULATION: 5 PEOPLE
ECONOMY: MAYOR'S FUND GROWING