Part 5: Learning and Growing

Weeks passed at the Bloody Notch. Indyana and Pierre left soon after Raina Lynn hatched, as Indyana was eager to get the strange egg she carried back to the Refuge. Since then, Krisr had taken to entertaining in the evening only, a change which meant he was only earning supper instead of three meals a day. He and Raina Lynn used their days to travel around the city. Together, they made quite a sight.

*Go over there,* Raina said, pushing Krisr with her mind towards a colorful booth filled with ribbons and charms and jewelry. She was fascinated by beauty, and loved the finer things available in the market. Krisr paused in front of the market booth and watched while Raina stared longingly at the objects from her perch on Krisr's shoulders.

"Someday we'll be able to afford those things," Krisr told her, stroking her tail with a hand. "Until then, we can always make a fine cape for you out of a dyed grain sack." He grinned at the mental picture while Raina rolled her eyes.

*Yes, how dignified...* She said sarcastically. Raina took one last look at the riches in the booth and sighed. *All right, we may leave now.*

Krisr wound through the crowds with ease, hardly anyone taking notice, despite the fact that he had a dragon wrapped around his neck. About a week ago, a man had tried to grab Raina from his shoulders, obviously intending to steal her for his own profit. He had gotten quite the surprise, however, when Raina had twisted around and sunk her sharp dragon teeth into his hand and Krisr had pulled a dagger on him and pushed it to his throat. The man had quickly been apprehended by soldiers in the market, and he was dragged away screaming about 'malicious dragons' and their masters. Since then, no one had bothered Krisr, and he wondered if word had gotten around that the dragon wasn't about to be stolen off his shoulders. Krisr might look, and act, like a fool much of the time, but he wasn't about to lose Raina to a lousy theif.

Finally, the two reached the bridge that spanned over the city's internal river, known as the Little Plati.

"Ah, the majestic Plati, rushing through the streets of Plativa like a tidal wave, crushing all that lay in its path!" Krisr narrated in an exaggerated fashion. Raina turned to stare at the little trickle of water, more like a sludgy stream than anything else.

*Right...* She said, but Krisr felt that she was a bit amused. Raina had turned to look towards the strong city walls and at the mountains visible beyond them. *How long until we leave?* She asked Krisr.

"Hmm..." Krisr cocked and eye to the sky. "Let's see, the green planet is in the constellation shaped like a sick rabbit, and the orange star is inside the giant fishy thing... I'd say about two years, three days."

*Krisr, I'm serious!* Raina said, exasperated. Krisr just chuckled.

"I told you! First off, we aren't leaving here until you are a shrape. Then, we are heading to Bishen Realm, where you were laid, for your Shantel. In the meantime, I'm saving up all the money I can working the inn and doing odd jobs for the customers." He grinned at the little wyrm's impatience.

*You promise we're leaving when I'm a shrape?* Raina asked.

"Promise," Krisr answered. "Now let's get back to the inn. I have that saddle to repair for Master Heinly before tonight's performance, you know. No work, no pay."