Where are the two of you headed?" asked one of the merchants. He was an older man with a thick beard and a jovial smile.
"Just visiting family in the town nearby. We've been away for a while, and we thought it was time to reconnect." Raven easily lied
The merchant nodded knowingly. "Ah, family reunions. Always a good excuse for a journey."
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "And a good time for business too. Not many travelers these days, but you'll find the town bustling soon enough. Harvest season, you know."
Seraphina, despite being unfamiliar with such casual conversations, smiled politely, trying to match the merchant's enthusiasm. "That sounds lovely. It must be quite a busy time for you."
The merchant waved a dismissive hand. "Busy? I thrive on busy, lass. It's the slow days that kill me." He let out a hearty laugh that echoed through the group.