They head for the stables to settle the horses for their stay. Their group was not the first to arrive but by no means the last group. David was talking to the stable master about the length of their stay as well as what had happened in the last town they stayed in. He also made it clear to Belam the horses and cart were not to be handled unless the person was here in this group at this moment.
Belam listened and sighed, sad to hear that one of whom he considered a friend would do such a thing to a group that looked like they could take almost any of the competitors that were here. He agreed to the terms that this dwarf had given him. He preferred not to anger any of his customers. It was not good for business if that happened. “I will take care of your cart and horses myself. So that I will know if something is amiss. Does that meet with your satisfaction master?”
David laughed at being called master. “Yes, that will be acceptable. I did not expect you to be the one to handle this. I thought you had someone under you that you would hand this to.” Belam said, “I do not wish to anger you so that is why I will handle this. I am upset to hear that you had to deal with that ass. I had considered him a friend but no more.”
David nods in understanding. “Our stay will be the length of the tournament or longer. We are not yet sure. How much is the price for this?” Belam thinks for a moment and says “Two silver pieces for what you are needing. If your stay is longer than this we will go to a copper piece per day. If this works for you master?” David smiles knowing he will make that up in sales easily. “That is acceptable. Here are the pieces. Do you know an inn that still has three rooms available?”
Belam smiles and calls Therm over to him. “Yes, sir what do you have need of?” Therm says. “Does the Dancing Wolf still have room or are they full up?” he asks. Therm thinks for a moment. “They have but 4 rooms left that are not taken yet. Would you like me to lead this people there?” “Yes that will do Therm. Tell the innkeeper I sent them there. Have a good stay masters and mistresses.” Belam says as the group follows Therm out of the stables.
Sunny looks to Annoce and smiles before asking Therm, “What kind of inn is Dancing Wolf?” Therm looks over the group before saying, “Well the inn is run by a mated pair of dragon shifters. They prefer other kinds to their own. I do not know what happened and try to keep them happy. They do not mind elves, half elves, dwarfs, or shifters of any kind. They are good folk to those who mind their manners. Your group should be fine there.” Sunny nods before looking at Latsol. “You little friend will do well to remember this. Or have you not been listening?”
Latsol looks at her and sighs, “Yes, I have heard every word that the fire element in human skin has said. You know I will behave.” She looks at him with the look saying we will see if this is true, before turning to Therm. “Is what he said true? Are you really an elemental in human skin?”
Therm laughs softly, “Yes, I am. It has been many a year since one has realised this. How did you know little one?” Latsol looks at him and humps, “I am no more little than the half elf. Thank you very much. I knew what you were due to your eyes. They tend to give elementals away by swirling different colours.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Therm stops and truly looks at him. “You mean to tell me that you are not a child, but an adult?” Sunny laughs softly before saying, “Yes, he is an adult. May I tell him what you are Latsol?”Latsol looked at Sunny to see if she trusted this man. He nods to Sunny not saying a word.
She looks to Therm and says, “He is a kender and we will keep an eye on him to ensure the rules of the inn are followed. We do not want to anger the innkeepers.”
Therm nods and starts walking again. “This is the main street. We have a blacksmith, two taverns, three inns, two stables, and of course a shop. We are almost to the inn now. The area used for the tournament will be at the end of this road. It starts the day after morrow, but of course you know this.” Sunny chuckles and nods. “Yes, we do but thank you for letting us know. Oh, the inn is beautiful. The carvings are perfect.”
Therm smiles and nods. “That they are. Is there anything else your group will need before I take my leave?’ David smiles while looking at the wooden carved dragon above the door. “No, we are good. Thank you for taking us to this inn.” Therm bows and leaves them there. They walk into the inn and are met by the innkeeper and his mate.
“Welcome, welcome. How may we be of service?” Ember the innkeeper asked. “We are in need of three rooms for the stay of the tournament.” David said. Opal thinks for a moment. “We have four rooms and I know the perfect rooms for your group. The one is elven in make with a beautiful view of the forest. The second one has a balcony that goes down to the forest so your wolves can be let out without having to use the front door. The last one is dwarven made to make you feel more at home I hope.” she nods to David.
“Those all sound wonderful. We will take them. How much will the stay be?” David asks. Ember nods and says, “It will be six gold pieces for the stay. This will also include breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is served at dawn and dinner is served at dusk. Will you be paying now or at the end of the stay?’ David takes out the gold and pays for the tab.
“Thank you sir. Opal would you be so kind as to show them to their rooms? I will keep an eye on this floor and work on the stew we have cooking.” She nods and waves for them to follow her up the stairs.
Once they are up the stairs and around the corner she walks to the first door and says, “Here is the elven room. Please let me know if there is anything you need please let me or my mate know. Come I still have two rooms to take you to.” Sunny and Annoce go into the room smiling at one another.
Opal takes the rest of the group to the next room. “Here is the room perfect for the wolves.” Jess and Zane smiles before saying “Thank you we will retire for now.” Opal nods and smiles. “Well the last room is for you two.” She takes David and Latsol to the last room. The door is dwarven made and has to be opened with a special key. She hands it to David. “Here you go I will leave you two to settle in. Dinner is in a few hours. Just come down and sit near the fire.” She says and bows before leaving.
David looks at Latsol before opening the door with the key. Once the door opened David thought he was back under the mountain he had left. The decor was exactly like that of his old room. The stone beds, the mine like ceiling, the walls that looked like stone walls, and the lanterns on the walls. David about wept looking at this. He slowly walks into the room. Latsol followed slowly, watching the dwarf wondering what was going on.
“What are you thinking David? You look as if you have seen a ghost or something from your past.” Latsol asks. David shakes his head and takes the bed nearest to the door and closes his eyes.
Sunny is smiling at the room they are in. The room looks and feels like a forest. The furniture is made out of living plants as if they grew into the shape. There is a small waterfall that flows into a small river that goes out the window. Annoce wraps his arms around her and smiles into her hair. “Is this how true elves live? In rooms like this?” Sunny asks. Annoce chuckles softly, “Yes, those whom are of higher rank. My parents had a place similar to this. But it takes magic to ensure the house stays standing. Not all elves can use magic.” Sunny nods and nuzzles into his neck. “Shall we lay down and nap before dinner or are you in the mood for something else?’ He grins softly at her before kissing her lips. “I think we shall nap for now. You do need to keep up your strength.”