The gate guards, dressed in river-blue tabards emblazoned with Riverdale's crest, stepped forward with a cautious professionalism. One guard, a broad-shouldered man sporting a scar across his jaw, raised his hand in greeting instead of challenge.
"State your purpose," he called out, his voice steady but his gaze lingering just a moment too long on Valeria's calm, inscrutable expression.
Business," Boren interjected smoothly before Valeria could respond, offering a polite smile that softened the roundness of his features. "We come from Greyvale and will be staying for some time."
The guard's eyes flicked from the leather-bound book Boren carried tucked under his arm to the impressive mounts and then back to Valeria again. Something about her demeanor made him stand up straighter. After a brief pause, he nodded and stepped aside to clear the gate.
"Welcome to Riverdale," he said. "Keep the peace here, and Riverdale will treat you well."
