Into the Inferno

5 - The Inn

The fields of the countryside looked like patches of a quilt, their different colors creating a beautiful palate.

Her long hair was whipping across her face as she held tightly to Thane's spikes. Even though it was cold up so high, she didn't feel anything but that of Thane's body heat. The scales were warm underneath her palms, surrounding her in a bubble of warmth.

They had been up in the air for hours, and she was beginning to feel the pangs of hunger.

"Thane?" His ears twisted towards her, indicating that he was listening, "I'm hungry. Can we stop to eat?" Their descent was the only answer, before he stealthily landed on the ground, hidden in a clump of trees. By that time, night had descended, and Lilja had begun to feel exhausted. Her limbs and bottom were sore from hanging on for so long, and she wanted a warm bath to get rid of the lingering chills, which she had started to feel even with Thane's fiery body heat.

She untied the bag of clothes and then herself, before sliding off his scaly back. The bag hit the ground next to her blistered feet, and she untied it, taking out Thane's clothes.

With a sound of cracking flames, Thane had changed back into his normal self, albeit clothes.

Lilja's eyes widened as he approached, before she made a surprised noise, and turned around, her cheeks bright red. His husky chuckle and the rustle of clothing were the only replies to her embarrassment.

"There's an inn in a little town not too far from here. We can sleep there for the night."

Lilja looked worried, "but, we don't have any money."

Thane smiled, a secret shining in his eyes," the owner owes me a favor." Lilja opened her mouth, ready to question him, but thought better of it when he silently walked past her, indicating the conversation was over.

🐉

They had been walking for a while before the lights of the tiny town became visible. There were only a two shops, a post-office, a doctor, a schoolhouse, and an inn, plus a few scattered houses. Bit, at this time of night, it was practically vacant. The only sounds were the soft snickering of horses tied to posts, and the lights from the Windows were covered by cloth, barely letting any light onto the muddy street.

They walked through the town, and stopped at the door of the inn, which was called The Red Raven.

When Thane opened the door, instantaneously, the smell of food assaulted Lilja's senses, her stomach made a lurch in protest against its emptiness, wanting the delicious food that was permeating the air with its aroma.

The light from the fire and the hushed whispers and clanks of forks greeted them as they stepped inside the warm room, a shiver racking up Lilja's body with the change in temperature.

A beefy man was wiping his hands on a cloth, and watched them as they approached, his eyes widening when he recognized Thane.

"Your Hi-highness..." He stuttered, dropping into a sloppy bow. A slight smile curled onto Thane's face.

"Nice to see you again after all these years, Ragnor."

"What can I do for you and the Lady? We have plenty of beds, and my wife just finished making a fresh pot of stew."

Before Thane could answer, Lilja butted in, her tiredness forgoing all her manners and her acknowledgment of Thane's higher class, "A place to sleep and a meal would be most welcome."

Ragnor's eyebrows raised in mild interest, especially because he didn't acknowledge her misstep. He knew that the King would not allow anyone to take charge.... ever. Thus, this little firebrand must have been important.

"Right this way, my Lady," Ragnor said, gesturing with his hands. Lilja took the lead to an empty table, Thane following silently behind.

"Two bowls of stew coming right up."

Thane nodded wordlessly at Ragnor before sitting across from Lilja, who had been gazing around the room with curiosity.

Thane picked up the mug that had been placed in front of him, and stared at Lilja, taking in her wandering eyes, her slightly-winded hair, and her face, which was glowing in the light of the roaring fire. Messy, slightly winded, and exhausted, to Thane, she looked absolutely beautiful.

When her eyes met his, she looked alarmed, and subconsciously ran a hand over her face.

"Is there something on my face?"

The only answer was the sound of him sipping his beer, his amber eyes still eerily watching her.