It was a few days later that a storm finally rolled out of the mountains and I could leave. As I ate breakfast, Sebastian disappeared into a deeper part of his cave for a few moments. He seemed upset that the storm had let up. When he returned he held a small bundle, which he tossed onto the floor next to me. I set down my bowl and picked it up seeing a heavier shirt, breeches, furs that were made to line my boots, a cloak and gloves.
"Thanks," I said.
He shrugged as if it was no big deal. "Just don't want to have to save you again. It's colder here than where you're from, she wolf."
I could see the hurt hidden in his eyes. What was his problem?
"Are you alright?" I asked.
He forced a smile. "I'm always alright, Thorn."
When I finished the oatmeal, I went back to the back room and changed into the clothes he had given me and instantly felt warmer. I was indebted to this sarcastic ice half dragon that frustrated me to no end. Part of me was sad to have to part ways with him so soon. I enjoyed his cooking and knowing I was somewhere safe. Also he was breathtaking, but if I stayed here… Well, I was sure I would pull my ears off in frustration.
His face lit up when he saw me come out wearing his gift, but I saw the hidden hurt in the depths of his eyes. Wasn't he ready to be rid of me by now? We always seemed to be ready to rip each other apart with his sarcasm and my lack of it.
Part of me wanted to invite him, but I needed to get away. I needed an adventure and if he joined me, I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to focus on forgetting my brother's death.
"Thought they would fit. They my sister's clothes. I never understood you female Halflings-having to have an adventure before you can even begin looking for a mate and won't even start considering the idea till you are good and ready."
I smirked, but was surprised. He knew exactly what I was adventuring for then. It also surprised me he that had a sister.
I folded my arms uncomfortably. "Don't you do it too?"
He looked at me confused, his eyebrows knitted together. "Do what?"
"Go on an adventure before you find a mate."
He chuckled. "My little she wolf, living here alone is enough of an adventure without going out to find my mate. Don't you know we all sit here waiting for the right one to stumble in?"
I couldn't tell if he was joking or being serious. Either way, I wanted to pull his horns out. He acted as if the female Halflings were being silly, going around stumbling into a man's home and getting all giddy about it. It wasn't as easy as he made it seem. My friend Luna had once told me how you'd know you found your mate and not some guy who would end up just hurting you. The men really just had to be … well there. We really did all the work of finding them and here Sebastian was acting like he found the whole idea rather idiotic or below him.
"Man you look like your face is on fire, Thorn. Where's the fire?" he asked.
I growled angrily. "Thanks for everything. I'll be on my way now."
With that, I turned on my heel and began my adventure anew. I only allowed myself one last glance at the breathtaking ice dragon Halfling before walking down the rocky mountain trail.