The tall warrior leaned against the stone wall of the dwarven kingdom’s entrance, yawning as she stretched her long arms wide. She blinked against the sun, scratching her head as she stretched her tall, lean frame. She enjoyed the scratching and continued down her neck to the front of her throat. Soon, she’d scratched every inch of her body and was now thoroughly enjoying a deep itch on her backside, her face contorted in bliss.

“Dear love, while we’re on guard duty, maybe we could try for a bit of dignity?” Britina said, shaking her head at the warrior’s unladylike behavior.

“Aw, Bri, come on! This is a side entrance. No one even uses it, and there’s no one around!” the warrior whined.

“Regardless, we should be taking this position seriously. It was kind of the king to lighten our sentence and allow us community service.” The mage muttered, appalled she was delegated to community service. Her father would be ashamed.

“But we still have to stay in the jail. I like the beer, but it’s too small.” Prunhiline continued her whining.

“Better the jail than the high-security cell we were in.” That part added more shame to the mage, but at least she was dangerous enough to be in a high-security cell. Or maybe that was just because of Prunhiline.

“The view was nice,” Prunhiline said, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yes, dear love. Nice view of the lava pit we were suspended over.” Britina glared at her companion.

Prunhiline resumed her scratching exploration as Britina peered down the road from the mountain fortress. Britina squinted, trying to get a better view of the movement she thought she had seen.

“Dear love, please stop.” Britina pleaded.

“Why? No one is here.” Prunhiline complained; she was enjoying herself.

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“I am.” Britina couldn’t help but snarl at Prunhiline. “Besides, I think I see someone on the road.”

Prunhiline squinted, shielding her eyes from the sun. At first, she didn’t see anything, but then she saw some movement far down the road. It was a man, a human-like figure, walking slowly toward them. Prunhiline's palms began to itch with the hope of battle.

The long road leading up to the mountain stronghold’s back gate was mostly straight. The trees and bushes had been removed centuries ago to deter any ambushes. This entrance was mainly used by a few merchants and guards returning from patrol.

Prunhiline eased her hand down the handle of her long war hammer. Britina watched her curiously. The warrior was known to sense danger, but this appeared to be a lone traveler. An especially slow lone traveler.

“Relax, Prun,” Britina murmured. “It’s just a lone merchant.”

“A lone merchant, traveling through dense forest with no support, wagon, or horse?” Prunhiline whispered.

Britina glanced back to the spec, which was the figure in question. Prunhiline made good points, as always, when it came to protection. Few would travel this road, especially alone. She relaxed her body and began channeling a bit of magical energy, just in case, as they waited.

“Maybe we should go see if he needs help?” Prunhiline said, breaking the silence between the two women.

“No, dear love,” Britina said quietly. “We need to stay at the gate.” She, too, was becoming anxious as the strange figure approached.

Eventually, Prunhiline grew bored and relaxed against the stone wall. This was just one person walking very slowly. Britina, too, released her magical focus and leaned against the cool stone wall. It felt good on the warm day.

“Hey, Bri?” Prunhiline asked.

“Hmm.” Britina was on the verge of sleep.

“How long do we have to guard the gates?” Prunhiline asked softly.

“Until dusk.” Yawned Britina.

“No, I mean, how many days?” Prunhiline also yawed.

“Until the guards we wounded are well enough to return to duty,” Britina smirked. It was terrible they had attacked the guards, but she was also proud they held their own against them.

Prunhiline scrunched up her face in disgust, “I still can’t believe I was ‘the dragon.’”

“I can,” Britina yawned again. The sun was warm.

“I don’t snore that loud,” Prunhiline whined, crossing her arms.

“Yes, you do.” Britina gave a small giggle.

“Still not fair," She frowned as she crossed her arms.

Britina responded with a quiet snore as she drifted off, the warm sun finally lulling her to sleep. She hadn’t slept well in the jail, and now the birds sang her into a peaceful nap.

Prunhiline humphed. “I’m not the only one who snores.” She smiled at her sleeping companion, settling in to enjoy the warm sun.