Dragon's Fire

She glanced quickly around the room, her entire demeanor changing as she walked over that threshold. With the guard, she had been a nervous, somewhat flighty semi-noble. Now, however, her entire bearing said, "Don't mess with me." Her face, the way she held herself, the way she met the gazes of those in the common room, all were the affections of one who was extremely self-sufficient and did not want to be disturbed. Nothing to worry about, she thought to herself, taking in the few ruffians lounging near the door and the few other me talking over their ales. "Innkeep!" she called, walking to the main desk, "do you still have any rooms?"

"We might. Why do you ask?" the surly innkeeper replied rudely.

"I just arrived in the city, and I need somewhere to spend the night. If you don't want my business, Innkeep, simply tell me so, and I'll take my business, and my gold, elsewhere," Talon replied arrogantly, making a few seemingly random hand gestures.

"Forgive me, Lady, I didn't realize who you were. I believe we have a room still available. Rare for this time of the year." The innkeeper's demeanor changed drastically upon seeing those signals.

"How much?"

"Normally, five gold pieces. But for you, Lady, only three gold," the innkeeper replied.

"Very well." Talon opened her pouch and handed the innkeeper three gold pieces. "Where is the room?"

"Right this way, Lady," the innkeeper stood to lead her to the room. "Do you have any baggage, or a horse that needs cared for?"

"No, I found other stabling for my horse, and I didn't bring much with me."

"Oh. Your business, I suppose."

They mounted the stairs in the corner of the common room, and the inn keep opened the door to the second room on the right. "Here you go, Lady. Will you be needing anything else?" the innkeeper seemed extremely eager to please, which Talon found rather irritating.

"Just ensure that I am not disturbed," she replied. She then walked into the room and closed the door behind her. Once the door was closed, she relaxed her disguise and sat the several bags of gold on the table.