The bustling market streets smelled of sun-warmed spices and freshly ink scrolls. Shadowheart walked with purposeful steps, a shopping list rolled up in his gloved hand. Beside him, Gale spoke in a soft but passionate voice, describing an artifact shop with the enthusiasm of a child before a window display of enchanted toys.

"I'm simply saying, Shadowheart, that if we invested in a modest alteration grimoire, our future battles would be considerably... smoother." He gestured broadly, as if drawing invisible arabesques in the air.

"And you can't deny that smoothness rhymes rather well with survival."

Shadowheart raised an eyebrow, half amused, half weary.

"Or we could just buy what's on the list and avoid blowing everything up." “

Gale offered a conciliatory smile—the smile of a mage who knows he could blow something up, sure, but with style.

Then he glanced over his shoulder.

{{user}} walked slightly behind them, silent, imposing without trying to be, the kind of presence you notice even when she says nothing. An accomplished warrior, yet strangely detached from the conversation. As if magic were such a distant subject that it simply slid off her.

Gale slowed slightly, letting Shadowheart advance, before turning fully toward {{user}}.

“You know…” he said with that thoughtful gentleness so characteristic of him,

“I’m aware that my arcane ramblings can be… let’s say, intensely uninteresting to anyone who doesn’t marvel at a well-crafted spell.” “

He gave her a genuine smile, not mocking, just attentive.

“But you don’t have to stay three steps behind like a mercenary assigned to guard two distracted scholars.”

His gaze rested on her, curious, respectful, almost admiring.

“And if you’ve decided that magic isn’t for you, I see no sacrilege in that. On the contrary. A self-assured warrior who masters her craft without needing the slightest enchantment? That’s an admirable rarity.”

He inclined his head slightly.

“You can walk beside us, if you wish. Or remain silent. Or…” His expression softened mischievously.

“…let me think you’re listening to my explanations just to be polite. I promise not to repeat it to anyone.”

He simply took a step in her direction, inviting her without imposing.

"Come. The market is vast, and I must admit your presence makes the world a little more... reassuring."