Falling Dragons

Temptation

Kelsey and Boros arrived at their destination with the help from their escort. They stand in front of a massive inn. It doesn't look like it's in as good shape as the inns back home, but it is large enough to accommodate many travelers. Boros remembers all of the buildings on the way to the inn. Each one was dirty or covered in cracks and broken bricks. He wonders when the last time anyone repaired the buildings in the town was.

Before they enter, the dragon man accompanying them speak frankly. "I know it's nothing compared to what you're used to, princess. But I hope you enjoy your stay." He turns around after he speaks. "If you need me, just ask anyone to find me. My name is Gerald. I'm well known in town." He begins to walk away, resuming his duties.

As Gerald starts to walk away, Boros shouts. "Thank you, Gerald!" Boros turns his face to Kelsey. "So I guess we should go in and rent a room."

Kelsey responds without moving her face to meet his in return. "Yeah." She walks through the door without hesitating a moment longer, Boros following beside her.

They see a few dragons sitting at a couple of the tables, and they can almost feel the eyes watching them as they approach the front desk. The woman behind the counter greets them. Even though she's a woman, she towers over most dragons they've met. Boros is a tall dragon, but even he has to look up to meet her gaze. She smiles kindly, her lip ring plainly visible as she does. Once she speaks, they notice a tongue piercing as well. It impedes her speech slightly. "Welcome to the Golden Dragon Inn. Would you like to rent a room for the night? Or maybe have our bartender mix you a drink?" She motions over towards the bar to their left.

The bar is beautiful and maintained well. It's obvious they take great pride in it's presentation. There's etchings of dragons on the surface. Above the bar, the inn's name is posted. They can see a petite male cleaning the countertop. He is unremarkable other than his dark swooping hair. Kelsey doesn't delay as she responds, turning back to the awaiting clerk. "Yes, we would like a room, please." She pulls out a small pouch of gold. "How much would it be for a night?"

The clerk smiles again before she talks. "It's just ten silver each night, if that's okay."

Kelsey hands over a gold coin as the woman's eyes widen. "Here, we'll take the room for a week. Feel free to keep the change." The clerk takes the coin hesitantly.

"Are you sure? That's a lot of money for just a week." She says, holding the gold coin out to Kelsey in case she decides to change her mind.

"Of course. I don't think we will be getting drinks, too. So can we have the key to our room so we can head to bed once we're done?" Kelsey answers her in a way that leaves the clerk stunned, staring at the coin.

The silence is brief as she returns to her senses quickly. The clerk reaches under the table and pulls out a key. She hands the key to Kelsey. "Your room is number thirteen. Hope you're not superstitious."

Kelsey almost chuckles a bit. "No, that room is fine. Thank you." After she receives the key, they both walk to the bar. The man behind the counter looks up from his cleaning to greet them.

"Yo, what will you two be having?" He speaks casually, making the two feel at ease and welcome.

Kelsey and Boros are more than ready to share a relaxing evening together after such a long journey. "Two of your finest." Kelsey responds with a slight smile. After some time, the man returns with two large mugs filled with beer, topped with a thick layer of foam.

The bartender hands them their drinks. "That'll be 5 silver." He says frankly. Kelsey begins reaching for her gold pouch, but Boros stops her.

"Let me buy our drinks. You bought the room after all." Boros says while he reaches for a few silver from his own bag of money. He hands the bartender the money and eagerly drinks his beer. Kelsey doesn't get to enjoy her own drink for long. She feels a hand on her shoulder and quickly whips around to face the unknown person, holding their wrist tightly. She pulls a dagger out and prepares to defend herself.