Riverhearth, Crodeux
Nestled along the slow curve of the Varenth River, Riverhearth is one of Crodeux's oldest residential quarters. The district takes its name from the stone hearths once built into the quay walls, where riverfolk lit fires to guide boats home during the city's darker days. Those hearths no longer burn, but the name—and the sense of quiet vigilance—remains.
Riverhearth is mostly row houses, narrow courtyards, and dock-facing balconies, with laundry strung between windows and watchful cats on every sill. It is home to retired bargemen, small tradesfolk, and minor civil clerks, many of whom have lived here for generations. At dawn, the stones of the quay shine pale gold, and the smell of fish, river-silt, and old pipe smoke clings to the mist.
The district is considered safe—watch patrols are regular, and the residents keep to themselves—but strangers asking too many questions may find shutters drawn and doors bolted. Something always stirs near the water in Riverhearth, especially when the tides are wrong and the old stones emit the feel of frost.
Used to be you’d hear lutes from the balconies and see candles in every window on feast nights. Now it’s mostly quiet—just the river and the wind, and maybe an old song if someone’s feeling brave.
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