Chapter 7

The first few hours of travel passed easily.. following the map, they traveled up the coastline to stay close to a water source and replenish supplies if needed. The atmosphere was pleasant and everyone was chatting easily.

Feeling hungry, they stopped at a seaside tavern. After securing the horses, they made their way inside.the residents all turned when they entered. There was no malice in it, they were simply curious as to who they were.

At first Endermon could hear whispers and murmurs. She figured it was just tavern noises. Until she realized no one was speaking. Well at least not out loud. She cleared her throat and introduced the group.

She asked if there was a table available. A large busted woman with teal colored hair that fell in streams down her back stood up and led to one off to the side. As they sat, Endermon went up to the bar to get some drinks.

The woman followed and leaned her elbow on the bar. Endermon thought she saw a shimmer on the woman's skin. The woman asked if she'd ever met a mermaid before. Involuntarily, Endermon looked down at the woman's legs. The woman laughed and said she thought as much.

Before Endermon could ask, the woman pointed to a coral symbol above the bar. She said it allowed merfolk to walk about on land for an uncertain amount of time. Endermon nodded and asked if there were somewhere they could go to talk privately. The woman raised her eyebrow in intrigue, but otherwise pointed to a door near the bar.

As they walked through the door yo the kitchen, Endermon remembered her father had mentioned owing some mermaids a sum of money for something or another.once the door was closed, yhe woman leaned against the counter and waited.

Remembering her princess training, she gave the mermaid a bow. She introduced herself as the crown princess of the fairy kingdom. The woman's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly composed herself. She asked what the scoundrel was up to these days, and did he manage to tie down the wild woman he was seeing. Endermon snickered and gave a brief rundown of how her parents were doing.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

When Endermon tried to pay, the woman kaughed and said that if he wanted to repay her that he could come himself, unless he was scared of being bested in poker again. She also said that Endermon's dad never mentioned courting the princess.

Endermon's eyes nearly bugged out of her face. No one had ever told her that both of her parents weren't royalty. She started laughing and soon the woman joined in. A few moments later, Endermon said she was going to give him such a hard time when she got back home.

The woman asked why she left and Endermon told her of the quest she was on and what had happened so far. The woman said that sounded about right. Endermon asked what she meant, but the woman said she ought to ask her parents. She also said to say hi to one of her relatives that lived near the sea back home.

Her eyes widened in recognition, Endermon used to visit them all the time. She said she had to get back to her friends and the woman laughed. They left the kitchen and Endermon walked back to her table. Dresden and Rutus concluded that Endermon had a 'moment' with the woman. Endermon just stuck her tongue out at them.

They stayed for a bit then paid their tab. Before they left, the woman gave Endermon a wrapped package, and said she might need it later on down the road. She thanked her and they were off on their journey once more.

They rode on for a few more hours until it got too dark to see. They dismounted and got stuff to start a fire. After taking off their armor, they set up their cots and blankets. They sat on them while munching on some dried fruits and meats.

Shiloh stepped up to the fire and nudged Endermon over so she could sit. They discussed what happened during the day. A flash of jealousy crossed Shiloh's face when Endermon mentioned the family drama with the mermaids.