The carriage wheels rolled over cobbled stone as the city gate of Percival Barony creaked open under the morning sun. Christina Percival stirred from her seat, the gentle rocking of the vehicle causing the soft velvet curtains to sway. She reached out and slightly pulled the curtain aside, her careful eyes narrowing at the familiar—but unexpectedly vibrant—sight.
"…This isn't how I remember it," she muttered to herself.
The streets were alive. People bustled about with cheerful energy. Vendors shouted joyfully as they sold fruits, iron tools, and warm loaves. Children ran laughing through alleyways, and even the once grim-faced miners—their clothes soot-stained and worn—were now smiling and laughing among themselves. Some even carried their pickaxes over their shoulders like heroes returning from victory.
"It's like… someone washed away the dust and sadness," she whispered in awe.
