Tansy of the Wilds

Chapter Fourteen

Tansy was exhausted. The negotiations with Grektix went on for nearly two hours, with both sides presenting their offers and coming to an eventual agreement on the terms of the lumber exchange, per pound because after Tansy explained what she meant when she said quantity was unfair because lumber was less expensive than iron. In the end, everything was settled satisfactorily, and the mine boss gave Tansy a nod of approval.

"You good negotiator." There was a grudging respect in his voice as he led her out of the room, the trade agreement written out and tucked into her pack. "It not often we deal with outsiders like you, but I'm glad to meet you, little female."

"It was very good to meet you too, Grektix!" Tansy smiled at him, despite the exhaustion that made her legs feel wobbly. He grunted but she could see he was trying not to smile, just a little bit. She turned back to Xer'tal with an exhausted sigh. "It's far too late to start travelling back and if I need to walk anymore I might just cry. Do you want to stay here for the night?"

"You come stay with us, Tansy. My family would be excited to host you. We have good food, good conversation, and soft beds." Flixom grabbed Tansy's sleeve and tugged, chittering at her in kobold. With her exhaustion it took a bit before Tansy was able to translate it in her mind.

She looked up at Xer'tal, her gaze almost pleading, "Flixom says we can stay with her and her family for the night. They will provide food, some pallets to sleep on, and good conversation." She clasped her hands together, pressing them to the underside of her chin as she looked up at him. She couldn't take another long journey at the moment, she just couldn't.

He looked down at her, his expression slightly impassive, the lanterns from the mine making his dusky green skin look darker amid the shadows. "Babe kobolds chewin' on toes, dancin' through the gates, sleepin' on pallets. What next? Singin' bloody lullabies?" Xer'tal's voice was a mere grumble and Tansy's expression almost fell before he gave a heavy sigh. "But if yer that exhausted..." He gave her a quick once over before nodding more firmly. "It would be better than sleepin' on the damned cold, hard ground outside. And... food and conversation don't sound bad either." He said it almost a bit reluctantly and Tansy couldn't help but beam up at him.

He turned to Flixom, "I guess ya have yerself a few guests for the evenin'." He turned and pressed a large hand to Tansy's back as if to get her moving. She inhaled sharply at the touch as the heat of his palm moved through her cloak and her dress.

Flixom grinned, "You and your mate could even have a bath if you would like!" The prospect of a bath had Tansy giving a low groan of pure delight, ignoring Flixom's other comment. She could feel Xer'tal glancing at her and she smiled.

"Flixom says we can have a bath as well. I don't know about you but a bath sounds..." She gave a heaving sigh of relief. "I would cry if I could have a bath." She trudged along beside him and his hand moved up to her shoulder, tugging her close to his side.

"Save yer tears for a more worthy cause, lass. I'll make sure ya get yer bath." His voice rumbled out of him and she shivered slightly at the feeling of him so close to her. She leaned into him more. His presence was solid beside her, enveloping her in this bubble of safety that felt like nothing could touch her.

Tansy smiled at him gratefully as Flixom chittered happily and led the group through the winding streets of the stronghold until they reached her family's home. The interior of the home was cozy, if a bit dimly lit, with a fire crackling in the hearth and numerous kobolds gathered around the room who cheered in excitement when Flixom walked through.

"We have guests! Tansy of the Wilds has come to visit with her mate." Flixom clapped her hands and the other kobolds ran around in excitement, trying to get things gathered and shifted around to accommodate her and Xer'tal.