Dragon's Fire

As she approached the thieves' guild headquarters, she began to get a little nervous. People were watching her, she could feel their eyes on her, but she couldn't see any of them. She pulled her cloak tighter about her, hoping to hide the fact that she was heavily armed. She entered the inn, and after giving a recognition symbol to the innkeeper, went upstairs to the attic. When she reached the top of the stairs, she broke into a huge grin.

"Marcus! How have you been?" she exclaimed, forgetting in her joy that he wouldn't recognize her current costume.

"Who are you?" the question came suspiciously.

"Clear the room, and I'll show you, my friend," Talon replied happily.

"Why should I trust you?" Marcus was inspecting her closely, trying to figure out when and where he had met this gorgeous looking woman, with red hair and somehow familiar gray eyes.

Suddenly, recognition dawned, and he signaled that everyone should leave. As the last beggar hobbled down the stairs, he saw Marcus come around the table and embrace the mysterious stranger warmly.

"Rynna!" he exclaimed. "How have you been?"

"Not bad," she replied, smiling at him.

"Well, where have you been? I've had people looking for you, trying to see if you were alright, and you just dropped off the face of the world," Marcus accused.

"Just here and there." Talon shrugged.

"Oh, come on. Indulge your old friend, and tell him some tales."

"Very well, Marcus," she replied, settling down into a comfortable chair. "Once upon a time, there was a woman who ran away from home. She had received some very unique training as a girl, and she decided that she might as well use it in the real world, since she was out there anyway. That woman began to develop quite a name for herself, becoming known the world over. She was the most infamous rogue in years, and some of her other abilities simply added to her fame. Then, she came home, was cast out by her family, and forsaken by her King."

"Oh, Rynna, that's horrible. But what's this about 'the most infamous rogue in years'? I haven't heard your name mentioned since you left." Marcus looked confused.

"Well, you wouldn't have. Who was it that taught me never to use my given name, unless I absolutely trusted the people I was with?" Talon smiled slyly at him. "Does the name 'Talon' ring any bells?"

"You're Talon?" Marcus exclaimed. "I can't believe it... well, maybe I can, since I thought I recognized your touch on some of those capers... but still... who would believe...?" Marcus trailed off.

"Well, now you know, Marcus. Now you know why my family has cast me out, and why the King's men are searching the streets for Talon. I need a favor."

"As I told you before, if it's in my power, it's yours," he replied without pause.

"Can you circle some rumors for me that I was here, and that I said I was staying in town? Pick a physical description or six, and circle that that's what I was seen looking like."

"Okay, Rynna, but what are you doing?"

"I've found someone who needs my help, or rather, he found me... so I'm going to give him a hand. And from the sounds of it, I'll be at the far reaches of the world for a while, so I won't be in town." Talon stood to leave. "I have to leave now, my friend. I have some other things to do tonight, and we're leaving tomorrow morning."

"I see. Well, I wish you luck. Remember, you can always come back here if you need anything."

"Thanks, Marcus. It's nice to know someone still cares." She impulsively hugged him again, and then went downstairs, waving to the innkeeper as she left.

Upstairs, Marcus mused to himself. "That girl will go far, if she keeps her head. But what am I thinking? She's already doing a better job of it that I could ever do. Talon..." He shook his head, and went downstairs to start to do what she had asked of him.