🍪🏠CRK: A Week in the Republic Slums🏠🍪

Chapter 8

"Who was that?" Wildberry whispered, catching his breath.

"Salted Caramel Cookie," Madeleine replied, still visibly unnerved. "He's quite the character, isn't he?"

"More like a chameleon," Espresso mumbled under his breath, his cape still clutched over his face.

"He's definitely a force to be reckoned with." Wildberry nodded. "His popularity is growing rapidly, especially with his promises to the lower city."

"But can we trust him?" Gingerbrave asked, still feeling uneasy from the encounter.

"It's politics," Madeleine said with a sigh. "You never truly know what's in a Cookie's heart until it's too late."

The group decided to keep moving, the shadow of the encounter with Salted Caramel Cookie lingering over them. They wove through the narrow streets of the lower city, the stark contrast to the gleaming towers of the upper city a stark reminder of the disparity they were facing. The air was thick with the scent of fried food and the sound of children playing.

"We need to be more careful," Madeleine whispered, "if people start recognizing us, it could be trouble."

"You think?" Crunchy Chip snorted, "you're the one with hair dye!"

Madeleine's cheeks turned a darker shade of green, "Thanks for pointing that out."

Espresso looked around, his eyes darting nervously, "We need to find somewhere safe to stay, somewhere that won't draw attention."

The group made their way through the bustling market, dodging street performers and vendors hawking their wares. The closer they got to the docks, the more the air was filled with the briny scent of the sea. The cobblestone streets grew damp, and the buildings leaned precariously as if whispering secrets to each other.

"Here we are," Espresso said, leading them to a shabby-looking building with peeling paint and a crooked sign that read "The Soggy Whisk." "This is where I used to stay when I was a young Cookie trying to make ends meet. It's not much, but it's safe."

They stepped inside, and the warm light from flickering candles washed over them. The tavern was filled with a motley crew of Cookies, each with their own story etched into their faces. The air was thick with the scent of salt, sweat, and hope.

"Espresso!" A boisterous voice boomed from the back. A burly Cookie with a thick beard and a pirate's hat emerged, his eyes lighting up like the sparkling stars on a dark night. "Is that really you?"

Espresso's heart skipped a beat, his disguise clearly not as foolproof as he had hoped. "Ah, Captain Crumble Cookie! How've you been?" He forced a smile, trying to keep his voice steady.

Captain Crumble, the burly Cookie, wrapped his arms around Espresso, lifting him off the ground with a bear hug, "I can't believe it! The legendary Espresso Cookie in my tavern! What brings you to the lower city?"

Espresso coughed as Captain Crumble set him down, "Ah, just slumming it for a week. You know, old times' sake."

"Is that right?" Captain Crumble raised an eyebrow, his gaze drifting over to Madeleine. "And what about your fancy friend here?"

Madeleine stepped forward, his smile plastered on, "I'm just a local fisherman, trying to get a taste of the old days before I get too old."

Captain Crumble's eyes narrowed, "A local fisherman, you say?" He looked Madeleine up and down, "You don't look like you've ever seen a fishing net in your life."

Madeleine swallowed hard, his heart racing, "Well, I've been trying to get into the business, you see. It's all about experience."

Captain Crumble grunted, not fully convinced but deciding not to press the matter. "Alright, I've got a couple of rooms upstairs, if you're looking to lay low. Just don't go causing any trouble, you hear?"

"We're just looking for a quiet place to stay," Wildberry assured him. "We'll be out of your hair as soon as our business is done."

The group followed Captain Crumble up the creaky wooden stairs, their footsteps echoing through the tavern. The rooms were small and cramped, with beds that looked like they hadn't seen a good night's sleep in decades. Madeleine looked around nervously, his eyes adjusting to the dim light.

"Here you go, lads," Captain Crumble said, pushing open a door to reveal two bunk beds. "You'll be sharing with some of the local fishermen, but they're good Cookies, won't cause you any trouble."

Madeleine took in the room with a mix of dread and fascination. The walls were a patchwork of peeling wallpaper and hastily applied plaster, the floorboards groaned with every step. He glanced at Espresso, who was trying to suppress a smirk, "Remember, no special treatment. This is part of the challenge."

Gingerbrave and Crunchy Chip took the top bunks while Wildberry and Madeleine claimed the bottom ones. The fishermen they would be sharing with were already asleep, snoring loudly. Madeleine looked over at Espresso, who was sitting on his bed, his shoulders slumped.

"You okay?" Gingerbrave whispered, noticing his friend's discomfort.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Espresso mumbled, running a hand through his hair. "It's just...been a while since I've been in a room like this."

The others nodded in understanding. They knew that Espresso had come from humble beginnings, but seeing him in his old environment brought a new dimension to his story. Gingerbrave lay on his bunk, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing with the events of the day.

"I'm not sure I'm ready for this," Madeleine murmured to himself, trying to get comfortable on the lumpy mattress.

"You're not backing out, are you?" Crunchy Chip teased, his voice muffled by his pillow.

Madeleine rolled his eyes, "No, of course not. I'm just...apprehensive. It's like diving into a pool of jelly beans without knowing if they're sugar-coated or not."

"Well, you're going to have to get used to it," Espresso said firmly. "This is your challenge, after all."

Madeleine sighed, "I know, I know. It's just...it's so different from what I'm used to."

"You'll survive," Gingerbrave said, trying to sound reassuring. "We'll all be here to help you through it."

Madeleine managed a small smile, "Thanks, Ginger. I guess it's time to get some rest."

The room grew quiet as the group settled in for the night. The distant sounds of the city below provided an oddly comforting lullaby. Gingerbrave's thoughts drifted to the banquet invitation in his pocket. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something off about Salted Caramel Cookie, something that went beyond his showy antics.