NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Arriving In A Town!
Himmel walked through the throng of people bustling toward the Winter Shelter Market Town.
Unkempt women carried woven baskets filled with wild berries, guiding their children by hand as they trudged forward.
Merchants sat atop creaking wagons, shouting commands for the peasants to clear the road as their horses plodded onward.
Farmers herded animals—sheep bleating, cows lowing, pigs grunting—all blending into a cacophony that filled the air.
Amid this noise, chickens squawked, children laughed or cried, and vendors called out their wares, creating a lively yet chaotic scene.
Emerging from the desolate wilderness into this vibrant marketplace, Himmel couldn't help but feel invigorated.
For days, he'd wandered alone in the quiet expanse of the North, a land of biting winds and vast emptiness.
But now, surrounded by people and their bustling energy, it felt as if he'd entered a completely different world.
As Himmel strode into the crowd, his foreign appearance drew curious glances.
His clean, well-made clothes and confident demeanor were a stark contrast to the tattered rags and rugged faces of the northern common folk.
The chatter quieted as people stole glances at him, then quickly looked away, as if afraid to meet his gaze.
Himmel noticed the hushed whispers and the way they stepped aside to give him room.
It wasn't hard to guess what they were thinking. To these peasants, he must have seemed like a noble lord, far removed from their meager lives.
In Westeros, nobles were a world apart, eating well, dressing finely, and holding an almost godlike authority over the commoners.
And Himmel, with his pale skin, upright posture, and the air of someone unburdened by hard labor, fit their image of a lord perfectly.
He wasn't used to the way they shrank back in fear, their eyes cast downward as though his mere presence was intimidating.
Trying to avoid the uncomfortable stares, Himmel quickened his pace, weaving past carts and livestock, eager to reach the town.
The crowd parted before him, farmers leading their animals off the road and mothers pulling their children out of his way.
One farmer, in his haste to clear the path, tripped over a pig and fell face-first into the mud. Himmel bit back a chuckle but couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at his lips.
A merchant driving a cart nearby reined in his horse, removed his hat, and bowed deeply in respect as Himmel passed.
Himmel found their deference unsettling but reminded himself that this was how the world worked here.
In this feudal society, nobles held all the power, and the peasants were little more than dirt beneath their boots.
"Adapt," Himmel thought. "This is their reality, and you'll need to navigate it."
The market town itself sprawled around Winterfell like a rough wooden halo.
Small wooden houses lined the outskirts, built to shelter farmers during the harsh northern winters and keep them safe from the occasional wildling raid.
The streets were teeming with activity, as merchants and farmers gathered to trade goods.
Wagons groaned under the weight of their loads, and animals brayed and snorted, adding to the lively din.
The smell hit Himmel like a slap—stale sweat, animal droppings, and the unmistakable reek of unwashed bodies.
He pulled his scarf tighter around his face and forged ahead, eyes scanning the chaos.
Stalls lined the dirt streets, merchants shouting loudly about their wares.
"Finest steel from King's Landing! A sword to rival any lord's—only 30 silver stags!"
"Grain from the Riverlands! Full and golden—just 2 copper stars a pound!"
"Kippers from White Harbor! Salted to perfection—only 10 copper stars apiece!"
Farmers spread rough blankets on the ground, displaying small piles of apples, onions, and carrots.
Children darted through the crowd, giggling as they weaved between legs and carts.
Himmel sidestepped a pile of fresh cow dung, grimacing as he narrowly avoided a piglet that bolted across his path.
The market was alive, chaotic, and utterly fascinating.
Himmel found himself drawn to it, a world so different from the cold isolation of the wilderness.
For now, he'd explore, observe, and gather as much information as he could. Winterfell, with all its intrigues, lay ahead—but for now, the market was a treasure trove of life and culture waiting to be unraveled.