Talk To Dragons

After a short walk through a fancy hall of enormous windows and paintings, Engel and Violet sat comfortably in a large social room upon a couch that could have easily accommodated a dozen people. The amount of frill and shine was beginning to bother the little witch, but she would try to keep her composure. She was aware of how trapped they had become and wanted to make the best of it.

Across from them in a chair that more resembled a thrown than just a fancy seat, Ulriana sat and calmly sipped her first helping of tea. Between them was a short table completely covered in cakes and other such baked sweets. Servants stood nearby, holding fresh tea at the ready. Engel was unable to hold a cup but was more than happy to accept the helping hand of a maid who would hold the cup directly in front of him to l.a.p out of.

"This is amazing," Engel said with much glee.

"Please, eat and drink to your heart's content," Ulriana urged Violet. "No need to hold back on my account. I don't know much about the lives of witches and dragons, but I imagine you don't get to partake in such delights too often."

"I appreciate your generosity, Princess, but I'm a little uncomfortable with all of this," Violet replied. "I don't understand why you have brought us here to your home. Did we do something?"

"You silly, silly thing," Ulriana said. "I owe you two my life."

The witch and dragon gave each other a confused look.

"Without your speedy direction, I'm sure I would have been gutted or worse by those dreadful bandits in the woods," Ulriana explained. "Those horrible, dirty bunch attacked my carriage and held me as their little prize for what seemed like an eternity."

The princess seemed to be a little stressed and retrieved a slice of cake to tenderly nibble at.

"I don't know what my fate would have eventually amounted to, but my men found me with your help and here I am safe and sound," she continued. "It would be a great dishonor and would bring me great shame if I did not reward you for your help."

"I feel like she's exaggerating our involvement, but okay," Engel said.

"Now, tell me, what do you d.e.s.i.r.e?" Ulriana asked Violet. "What is it you're doing? Where are you going? Anything and everything about you two, please tell."

Violet let out a sigh with eyes wide open. For the first time in a while she felt like she was completely at a loss. After a sip of tea and with a cookie in hand, she began to explain how Engel and her had met and their particular situation. It was a short story, but it seemed to fascinate the princess.

"Goodness, you two both sound like me," Ulriana said. "The only reason I was in the forest was that I was trying to start a new life of my own. It was a foolish thing for me to attempt, but the fatigue of my life was becoming too much. However, I feel as if I have a renewed view of everything after paying for my idiotic lack of foresight.

"Although I am not suggesting that's what you were doing in the forest, Violet. A shame that you've no recollection of your past. I would make a suggestion but I've no knowledge of any witch villages."

"Don't worry about it," Violet replied. "I'm not terribly concerned with my past. In fact, any time I try to remember much of anything with purpose, the vision of it becomes blurry. My past must want to be forgotten, so I quickly decided to simply move forward."

"Very curious," Ulriana said. "And what of this business with the book and the other witch? The one that attacked you?"

"I have no idea who she is or why she would want to harm us," Violet explained. "I just assumed she wanted the old book for herself and was so intent on getting it that she would risk open violence."

"Well, she's not getting anywhere near you while you're with me, that's for certain."

With tea and sweets consumed, the three relaxed and enjoyed the comfort of the furniture. Engel looked to be fighting the urge to sleep while the other two approached the same level of lethargy.

"My, I do believe I've had a little too much," Ulriana said with a yawn. "But while I have it in my thoughts, what can I do to help you with your journey? The nearest elven city is beyond my reach, but I'd be glad to direct you there and shower you with supplies. Oh, but I'm not kicking you out. You can stay here as long as you wish. I would enjoy the company."

Violet yawned deeply as she slumped into the soft cushion of her seat.

"Directions would be lovely," Violet said. "But first I think we will keep you company for a bit. I'd like a comfortable place to stay while I read the Wokren book."

"Splendid!" Ulriana happily said. "I shall prepare a room for you both next to mine."

A servant in the room heard the princess and quickly left to prepare such accommodations.

"You have been more than generous to us and I hope that we can become good friends, Princess," Violet said.

"I would love that," Ulriana replied.

"And I'm also hoping that if I'm thorough with this book, I'll have an answer to your problem with the orcs."

The princess opened her eyes wide and smiled big, her excitement curing her of tiredness.

"Take at least a couple days so we can relax," Engel said to Violet, yawning deeply.