Ebongrasp
1031 Words
They came to the bend at the Ivory River and dismounted their horses. Tyran started doing stretches to limber up for the rest of the ride. Wordlessly, Lavender grabbed the reins for both horses and led them down to drink. They happily gulped down water. Even though the temperature has been mild throughout the day, they've been riding hard to reach the town before nightfall.
"So, we're what, about halfway to Ebongrasp? Maybe a little closer?" Tyran was squinting his eyes and looking into the distant up the road.The trees were providing them some relief from the sun. The sun was bright in the sky and Lavender could feel the tops of her ears and nose burning. She bent down and scooped some water up to splash on her face and neck.
Lavender could feel Tyran's eyes on her as she cooled off from their ride. Even though they still had a little less than a half day left on the ride, she was excited to get some much needed sleep and call it a day. Her mind felt clear, and she liked having a partner for once but her body was screaming with exhaustion.
"Yea, we can make it to town with plenty of time to get some rooms, eat dinner, and sleep for a good couple of hours before we have to get back on the road." Lavender was looking in the same direction of Tyran.
"Maybe we could even hang out for a day or two, really rest up and just take a minute. I understand we just started this trip but you are clearly burning the candle at both ends and I am not fairing much better. Lord Blackburn doesn't have any sort of time expectation and doesn't want us showing up to this fight already dead."
Lavender considered him for a moment. She has always been going since she was 15 and kicked out of her parents house. Once her training was done, and they fulfilled their duty of training her, she was out. They made it very clear they didn't believe in hand outs and for some reason they always viewed Lavender as a great burden. Maybe taking a break would be nice, even if they were still technically passing through.
"If you want to stop in town, then we can. I won't request it."
Tyran's face broke into a sly grin. He knew she was tired and she in an effort to appear tough, just gave him all the power. Maybe he'd make her beg for it.
"Well we could stop for a few days, just for the night, or maybe we just ride through all together. The quicker we slay this dragon, the quicker we can live our lives like kings and queens."
Lavender's face dropped at his mention of them just riding through town. "I mean we should probably stop at least for the horses' sake." Lavender gestured to them, helplessly.
"I don't know, I think they pretty well conditioned for the road ahead and we can take a break later when they really need it."
"NO....er... I mean.. your's might be okay, but Briarwave needs a little rest. We just finished Lord Blackburn's previous bounty and she was ridden hard."
His eyes narrowed at her, "I'm sure she likes to be ridden hard."
Lavender knew what he was implying and she could feel the heat rise to her face. She swiftly walked the horse back up the bank and threw his horse's reins at him.
"We've spent too much time here! We should go ahead and get back on the road to make it to town before nightfall."
He grinned and nodded in agreement. For someone who wouldn't request it, it suddenly seemed like she was demanding it. He threw his foot into the stirrup and mounted his horse. He looked over and saw Lavender's frame swing into her saddle too. She was tall and lithe. She moved with practice and purpose. She was never careless with her energy. Lavender was never silly or fun. She had a purpose, she had a mission to complete and nothing would deter her from that.
They were back on the rode and riding at a fair pace.The wind was wiping through their hair and the evening air was cooling off quickly. The setting sun was painting the sky a brilliant array of purples and reds. In the distance Lavender could see the town glowing. She looked over to Tyran and allowed herself a brief smile. Just soaked up the moment of joy.
They made it into town just as the sun dipped below the mountains. It was a nice little town, nothing too grand but more than shacks. It appeared they had a few inns, a tavern, a blacksmith or two, a butcher, a tanner, and a few other businesses.
Tyran nodded towards the left and she followed him. He was obviously more familiar with the town than she. They made their way to nice inn and handed their horses off to a stable hand. Hopefully this would go better than the last time.
They walked through the door and were greeted with smell of stew simmering over a fire and pleasant conversation. They approached the front desk and Tyran casually leaned against it, clearly well acquainted with the woman. He raked his fingers through his hair and smiled at the woman at the desk.
"Hello Bridgette, it's been a minute, but you look great." She began to giggle, clearly loving the attention he was giving her. Lavender rolled her eyes at the desperate display and sighed. Tyran shot a look her way and she shrugged it off.
"Anyways Bridgette, me and my travelling partner here need a room and some dinner, what can you do for me?"
"We have one room available unfortunately. Ugh there's only one bed." Bridgette spit the word one out like it left a bad taste in her mouth. She looked over at Lavender with clear distate.
"That'll be fine Bridgette, we'll take it!"
- Writer
