The Fall of Benma

As they walked down the streets of Benma, Deyan was awe struck by the architecture of the city. Almost all the buildings had a beautiful earthy red brick finish with rooftops that connected and led to a waterhole, where the rainwater was funneled to. Due to the bricks the streets and city was much warmer than outside the walls which Deyan greatly appreciated.

Iris leaned in and whispered, ”About 70 years ago Delago Porte underwent a massive reconstruction of the city due to major flooding from the rain, hence the spill off system. ” Deyan was impressed.

Due to the water collecting on the rooftops greenery flourished and dropped off the edges of the rooftops giving lush canopy that shaded the sidewalks. Due to the cold however, they were crystalized in a thin sheet of ice, giving them a magical quality. As the lights from the lamps underneath bounce off and reflected, giving the appearance of a glow.

”Ive never seen anything like this up North. ” She whispered to Iris who smiled ”Yes, but Wilam has some beautiful cities itself. ” Deyan shook her head no ”Nothing as spectacular as Benma. ”

The streets were busy, but they weren chaotic or loud, people simply walked and enjoyed their evening stroll or were going into various buildings and stores.

Iris had informed her that they were currently in the NIght Light district of the city, otherwise known as the entertainment district.

It made sense various smells filled the streets from the restaurants along the street, and the occasionally laughter and celebration gave the city a joyous feel.

At least at first glance. It was hard to tell that they were just under siege a few days ago, but if one looked in the faces of the pedestrians you could see the darkness in their hearts, the sadness and bitterness of suffering a near year long siege. Many even looked hungry and malnourished at closer inspection.

Deyan would often see small children in large groups heckle and pester a lone adult until they relinquished their pockets with either bread or coin.

One such group ran up to them and began begging. Iris shook her head no ”I have none to give ya. ” the children turned to Deyan, and she saw herself in the children.

A mix of hatred and disgust filled her stomach as she waved a hand to get away. The kids lingered more before she snapped and yelled ”I said no! ” The kids scurried off yelling insults and obscenities at her.

”No need to be harsh to them Mina. ” Iris said in a soft voice. Deyan felt heated and uncomfortable ”I wasn trying to be. ” she mumbled, she really didn want to yell at the children, but the begging drove her up a wall.

”Must not like children that much? ” Iris said in a low tone. Deyan shook her head ”Its not that its just… ” she trailed off hesitant to divulge so much to Iris.

She decided it be best to wait before further potential bonding and changed the topic. She still was sure if she could fully trust her.

”How far are we from this Inn you spoke of. ” Iris pointed a finger at a mossy covered building, clearly older than the others around it.

At the entrance hung an old sign that read The Fiery Den. Deyan gave Iris a wary look of contempt before they entered in.