Rise of Fire: Dragons Reborn [COMPLETED]

Chapter 18

Talia awoke to the sound of distant songbirds greeting the morning sun. It was oddly serene, she could even hear the far off waves crashing against the shore. If she tried hard enough she wondered if she could even hear the boats rock gently, their ropes singing out with each change of motion. It was a nice way to wake up for once. She almost smiled.

The first thing she did was ensure the satchel was still securely wrapped in her arms with the egg safely nestled inside. She pulled the top open to peer down into it, the eggs shell glowed softly amongst the dark. Her heart raced at the temptation to drag her fingers across the top of it just to feel the jolt of electricity.

'It's not mine... I have no right. Bromyr is the one who went to great efforts to procure this thing.' She thought to herself angrily. Even if the gods told her it was her right it didn't change his sacrifices or his work. If the egg was truly hers it would hatch eventually and the dragon would bond to her. Until then she'd keep it securely within the pouch.

Slowly and reluctantly she left the warmth and comfort of her bed, stretching animatedly once the brisk morning air hit her skin. She noted absentmindedly as she gathered her clothing for the day that she had left the window open allowing the nippy sea breeze to blow into her room. It wasn't unpleasant though, instead she found it to be oddly invigorating. She was in an unusually pleasant mood.

She pulled her travel bag from under her bed and dug through it for some nicer more town appropriate clothes. She had an emerald green silken shirt that she buttoned up over top her underclothes. To go with that she also had a pair of thin leather pants that were a nice dark shade of brown. To finish off her outfit she laced up her leather riding boots with her pants tucked neatly inside, the boots tops resting half way up her calf. Finally she cinched her belt around her waist and fastened on her sword, dagger, and a small pouch full of coppers. The larger pouch of money rest safely in the satchel with the dragon egg.

Once she felt satisfied with her outfit she fastened her hair up into a neat braid, tying off the end with a small strip of leather. With that done she made her way downstairs with a rumbling stomach eager for breakfast.

The dining room of the inn was particularly empty to Talia's surprise. Although considering the hour of morning she had to admit most of the tenants were likely still sleeping off their hangovers. Even Nico was still absent. She sighed while eyeing the smattering of tables. Which to pick? She didn't want to hide herself away in Minnow's private seating area for the morning meal. It would be far easier to sit next to the kitchens. Not to mention she wanted to smell her food cooking.

Slowly she made her way to a corner table and snapped her fingers causing the lantern in the center to ignite to life instantly. As she sat a tired looking woman slowly made her way over to ask her what she was after.

"What can I getcha darlin?" She drawled lowly, leaning her elbow on the table. Talia noted she had silvery hair and a blueish tint to her skin. Her eyes were human enough, but her ears proved she was a halfling. It was odd seeing a sea elf so far from the water. She wore a thin light blue dress with a frilly pink apron over the top. Her hair was pinned up into a neat bun with a smooth sharpened stick holding it into place.

"Anything special this morning? Where's Minnow at?" She tried to peer around but everything was still relatively dark. The woman chewed on her lower lip before answering,

"I think he's still asleep though I can't say for certain. Mornings can be a little crazy with him." Talia was certain it was true, Minnow was an excitable man who enjoyed spending his time chasing his whims. He was either sleeping away the alcohol or off completing some benign task. She waved a hand idly,