Fire in our veins

Too good to be bad, even for the enemy

When Eira opened her eyes she took a moment to understand where she was. The room was lit by candles, and their largest concentration was on the desk where Viggo was sitting. He paid no attention to her even when she stood up and approached him. Instinctively she reached for her leg where she usually kept a small dagger. The scabbard was empty, however Eira herself did not remember removing the knife. Sensing her confusion, Viggo raised his head and looked into her eyes.

- I assume you are looking for this? - he raised a small dagger with very sharp edges in his hand. - I could easily kill you with this while you were sleeping.

- And then what? My dead body would not warm your bed. - She reached for the cup that stood next to Viggo's left hand. With a small smile she drank most of it. She was surprised by the sweet, delicate taste of fruit with a hint of alcohol. - You don't look like someone who starts the day with wine.

- Some people think that the day begins with sunrise. So we still have some time. - He took the cup and drank the rest of the wine.

Eira didn't have many things she could do, although she was glad she didn't have to sit tied up in a cold cell. She sat down in the chair that continued to face the desk. She took a piece of parchment and the pencil that Viggo was not using and slowly began to write down the things she needed to buy in the near future. When she was satisfied with what her list contained, she put it in front of Viggo, interrupting his work.

- What is it? - He lifted the paper and quickly looked through its contents.

- A list of things your hunters have destroyed. Don't look at me like that, some of these herbs are damn expensive. - She crossed her arms over her chest.

- Do you want me to take you shopping, my dear? - he was amused.

- Pay for what was destroyed. You're not poor, so losing a few gold coins won't kill you. - She got up abruptly and went to the window. - Not to mention that my favourite corset and several pieces of underwear have disappeared. So feel free to add that to the list.

On the floor next to the bed she found her shoulder pads. She put them on, making sure the leather stripes on her chest weren't too loose. The door suddenly opened and one of the hunters walked in carrying a tray of steaming bowls. He placed it on the edge of the desk where there were no parchments and left rather quickly closing the door behind him. The room was filled with the pleasant smell of spices.

- If you are hungry, don't be creeped out. - Viggo continued reading one of the parchments, at the same time pouring himself something from the jug he had brought.

- Aren't you eating? - she sat down in the chair again, moving to the side of the table. On the tray besides the pitcher there were two bowls with steaming stew and several thick slices of bread.

- Being a chief is a rather humiliating job, but as I said, if you want to eat, don't be shy. - After a moment's thought she took the bowl that was in front of Viggo.

The food was tasty, whoever prepared it knew how to use spices. In the jug there was more wine, which she poured into her own cup with pleasure. When she felt full, she put the bowl back on the tray. Having nothing to do with herself she started to look at Viggo.
When she first heard about him, she expected someone more like Ryker. The man who sat in front of her was the opposite of what she had imagined. Of course, Viggo was just as tall as his brother and probably just as strong. However, his body was more slender, less erect. In addition, even with his dark hair and beard, she had the impression that he was not much older than her. If she did not see it for herself, she would not be able to believe that the chief of the Dragon Hunters was sitting in front of her.
Viggo was aware that he was being watched. At first he did not show it, but at some point he raised his head and looked at Eira for the first time.