Page 87 of Black Onyx
He then immediately starts to lead the horses away, and I wonder how a small boy barely over fifteen is going to convince Revel especially to do as he asks, but instead of going to Storm’s horse and grabbing the reins to lead him, he just turns back towards the stables and starts talking asking the horses to follow him, and he’ll get them fed and warm. They simply follow after him eagerly.
“I don’t think I will ever get used to seeing a fae with the true gift of animals communicating with them,” Rival says from beside me, and I nod in agreement.
It doesn’t take long for the novelty to wear off though, and I practically run to the tavern to get warm. I really hope the kid was right; I think as I follow the guys through the door.
The place is small, cosy and warm. I instantly let out a breath of relief. There are only a couple of patrons in here who pay us absolutely no mind as they try to find the answers at the bottom of their pints.
“Oh my, you must be freezing!” a plump woman with a kind face suddenly exclaims.
“Yes, ma’am, we were wondering if you had some rooms spare and if the cook is still about?” Storm asks pleasantly.
“Yes, of course,” she grabs some keys from under the bar and then calls over the shoulder, “Ted, I need eight bowls of soup, bread and cheese!”
“Thank you,” I reply.
“Let's get you up to the rooms so you can change into some dry clothes. Your food should be done by then.” She smiles and leads us further into the building and then up a set of stairs, “now, this is only a small place, so you’re all going to have to double up.”
“That’s fine, anything to not sleep in the rain,” Loki grins.
She nods and then hands over the keys. I don’t bother asking who’s going to room with me because I wouldn’t mind if any of them did.
“You guys pick who’s in my room. I’m going to get changed, so give me five minutes.” I say, turning around and opening the closest door.
As soon as it shuts behind me, I strip. I grab one of the towels in the room and dry off quickly. Even my underwear is wet. I change that and then pull on some thick fur-lined leggings and a long-sleeve top as I wish I had brought a jumper. Highly aware that someone is waiting to get changed, I quickly lay my fighting leathers out to get dry and then nearly curse myself when my brain kicks back on, and I realise I could’ve avoided that and dried everything with my magic. I use it to dry my leathers so they’re ready for tomorrow and then pull the door to the room back open; shaking my head; I open it to a very bemused looking Loki.
“Ah, so you remembered that you had magic then,” he teases, bone dry and then looking past me to see the room.
I turn back around since I was so concerned about getting dry that I didn’t even really acknowledge the room. It’s a decent size and well decorated, although things are slightly worn. You can tell that it's well taken care of, someone clearly taking pride in the space. There’s a washbasin in the corner; the fire is already blazing and warming the room nicely. Off to the right is a dark wood chest of drawers, and the bed has matching side tables on either side.
One bed.
I turn to Loki, “Did you draw the short straw and get to share a room with me?”
His smile turns from innocent to decadent in a blink of an eye, “I don’t think I’d call it drawing the short straw. We had to play for it, and I won.”
“You look very pleased with yourself,” I chuckle.
“I am. I’ll sleep in the chair though, don’t worry.” He finishes on a serious note, and there’s no hint of a hidden agenda, and I can’t decide if I’m pleased or disappointed by that.
“Don’t be silly. The beds big enough for both of us,” I scoff and then start to walk out of the room, the smell of food calling to me. I pause as I go to brush past him and pat his chest, “don’t worry, I’ll keep my hands to myself.”
I giggle as he sputters and quickly catches me up in the hall. None of the guys are out here, but I figure they either realised they could all use the magic or at least those that could helped those that couldn’t and are already downstairs, or they can meet us down there. I’m too hungry.
“Hey now, Love, who’s to say that I want you to keep your hands to yourself?” he asks just as we get to the table of the others.
“Loki!” Rival snaps, looking at me to make sure he hasn’t offended me.
I burst out laughing. “He’s fine. I was messing with him.”
The conversation is quickly forgotten as the food and drinks arrive in a flurry of movement, and it smells divine. Storm must’ve already used the coin that we got out of the Fae Realm delivered bag. When the last bowl is laid down in front of Storm, the cook also hands him an envelope, a knowing glint in his eye.
“Thank you.” Storm’s confused voice rings out in the now empty tavern as the previous people must’ve decided to get home before the weather worsens even more.
“No, thank you, all. We’re closing up since it’s unlikely we’ll get any more visitors tonight. If you leave your plates on the table, one of my boys will clear it.” He replies and then moves back around the bar and into the kitchen.
“Read it then,” Loki urges, already tearing into his bread.
Storm sighs as Loki practically inhales his food and gestures to everyone else, “Why don’t you all start eating while I read?”
