Finally, after days of being completely separated from Human society, I glimpsed Mariquus. Living up to its name, the water city was located on a huge river, balancing on wooden pillars. The city looked like one of those old central European towns, with small alleyways weaving through the city with no apparent order, giving it a cozy, safe atmosphere. There were food stalls and shops everywhere. The main city center was directly connected to the mainland by two bridges on either side that were wide enough for two horse carriages to pass each other easily. Food, weapons, clothes, jewelry - you name it, it was all here. I could have just walked through these streets for the rest of my life and never get bored. The ground was paved with a white stone, giving the small city a brighter glow. A beautiful temple dedicated to Lydia and to the Guardian Aurelia crowned the market center at the heart of the city.
Ferras looked over at me wearing his black mask again. We were riding through the streets eating the soft, freshly-made dumplings we had just bought. They were amazing! A perfect combination of cooked vegetables and something similar to glass noodles. I was wolfing down mine, while Ferras was riding in silence next to me, looking concerned. Kimba had nestled himself down in my hoodie and hadn't stirred for the last 3 hours, sleeping like a little kitten.
"You might want to slow down a bit. At that rate, you will choke and die." Ferras randomly said, out of the blue, after a long silence. Covering my stuffed mouth with my hands, I answered: "Yeah, yeah. Takes a bit more than just a dumpling to bring me down." Ferras wasn't convinced. "You know, one of the greatest warriors ever died because he choked on a piece of bone."
I choked and looked at him in disbelief. "You're kidding. Right?"
"No. I'm serious." He insisted. "He was a general in the great dragon war. He commanded the Werehumans in battle."
"Wow. That's pathetic."
"Yes. So don't join him there if you can help it."
"Hey! What do you mean "if you can help it"!?" I seriously wanted to throw a dumpling at him, but that would have been a waste. I knew that he knew I was thinking just that.
I scowled, Ferras laughed. "Glad I could amuse you," I grumbled and continued eating my dumplings.
Awakened by the smell and the commotion, Kimba crawled out of my hoodie. Nene, I'm hungry. Can I have some? Kimba asked drowsily. "Yeah sure." I broke off a piece and held it up to Kimba. Thanks, Nene. Kimba's eyes lit up, as he took the dumpling piece and started nibbling at it on my shoulder. His tail draped down my back. Ferras stared ahead smiling. He's so weird sometimes.
Shortly afterwards we found an Inn. "The Blue Horse" had a great location in the city center and was cheap, too. We decided to stay there for the time being. Ferras brought the horses to the Inn's stall while I checked in. This time it was a Human that greeted me. I tried to book two rooms for two nights, but he smiled apologetically and said: "Sorry, but we only have one room left."
"Does it at least have two beds in it?" I asked quickly.
"Yes, it does. It also has a sink and shower. Also a very nice view of the main square." Kimba snickered from the back of my hoodie. "Ha ha, Kimba," I said with annoyance. The receptionist looked at me a bit confused but didn't say anything.
I debated a bit.
"Could I have a look at it please?"
"Of course, right this way Ma'am" He gestured me to follow him up the flight of stairs, on the right from the reception.
Our room was at the very top with, as promised, a lovely view onto the square and the temple of Lydia and Aurelia. The only thing that wasn't that great was that the two beds were actually one large bed for two people.
Why??
I didn't mind sharing a room with him. But a bed? Seriously? No. The chances of finding another Inn were pretty small. Plus, if we stay, we get a great view of the square. But I just felt so embarrassed and awkward. At least there was a sofa in the room. Just in case.
In the end, I took it. I didn't feel like searching for another place to stay. After he gave me the room key, I left.
When I walked out into the blinding sun, I nearly ran into Ferras. "You got them?" He asked.
"Yeah." I swung our key around my finger.
Ferras took off his bag and rummaged around for a bit. I looked at him, puzzled. Finally, he found what he had been looking for: A beautiful silver dagger in an ivory case. Decorated, to match the weapon inside. The hilt was bejeweled with gorgeous violet stones and flames were carved into the blade. I gaped at it. "Wow, Ferras! Where'd you get that? It's beautiful!" He grinned. "Never underestimate me!" He held up the masterpiece for me to look at before wrapping it away again in his bag. "I have another one, look." He unraveled a simple silvery metaled hunting knife. It was sheathed in a brown inconspicuous holder. Ferras held it out to me. "Here, take it."
I gave him a shocked expression. "No way! I can't take this." I tried to hand it back to him, but he deflected it.
"No, no. I insist. Seriously, just take it." "Now you can at least defend yourself with that until I come rushing in to save you again." He grinned.
I was too awed to even give some kind of a witty response. I held it like it was a fragile crystal glass. "You know it's meant to fight with. It's not going to break just by touching it." He smirked. I attached the dagger to my belt. "How can I ever repay you for this? For all of this. The food, the shelter, this dagger. I don't know what to do! I don't have anything." I felt so bad.
"No, you don't have to. It's okay. I like the company. It's quite refreshing to have someone travel with me for once." Nervously he scratched the back of his neck. "How about I go and buy some supplies while you go and look at the city? I can see that you are itching to do so. We'll meet up here in about two hours okay?"
"Yeah sure," I answered only half listening, too occupied with studying my new dagger. It was perfectly balanced and sharp. "Make sure to give your weapon a name.", he said, giving me an encouraging nod as he turned away.