Master of Dragons, Part 1 (complete)
Chapter 6

It was almost too easy to get the things she needed. Despite her odd interaction with the merchant, everything else ran smoothly. She was able to get supplies for her wounds with little issue, the person even gave her a good deal for the poultice.

The market was lively, people chatting among each other and discussing things from gossips to wares. She stood in front of a vender, eyeing the goods. Carefully, she picked up some cheese, surveying it. It would be a good source of food for her while she traveled. The next town was about one weeks walk from her city, so she would need something to last. She looked to the man, then back to the cheese. It was pretty pricey at 4 copper. "I'll give you this too for 2 copper, if ye' buy from me." The man held up a bundle of dried meat. She looked between the two. Dried meat would also be good for her travels.

"5 copper for both." She said, bargaining a bit more. The man scrunched his brow, his eyes dark.

"All 'ight, you got a deal young man." It was odd, being regarded as a man. She was forbidden by her father to wear men's clothing outside of hunting and sparring. This was her first times in men's clothing while being in the city, and she was amazed at how different people were treating her. The weapons booth merchant beckoned her with big smiles and frivolous words, whereas the jewelry merchants no longer paid her heed.

"What a fine blade, is it made of dragon steel?" A weapons booth man called to her. She glanced at him, nodding politely before continuing her stroll. Men no longer ogled her, and woman no longer eyed her with disdain. Her presence was there, but not to be judged. She no longer felt like she was there to be displayed, and it was a breath of fresh air.

If only it was like this when she was dressed as female.

She broke a piece of meat from the bundle and tossed it to her dog. He grabbed it mid air and gobbled it so fast she was sure he swallowed it hole. Silly pup, she giggled as she put the cheese and meat away in her new satchel. Inside was medical supplies, a whetstone, and some other dried meat she had bought earlier.

As she was thinking of what other supplies might be needed, she came across a rather fine waterskin. She paused in her steps, eyeing it. She never needed one before because she knew the forest well, and where water was. That was no longer going to be a thing as she left her known territory.

"How much for the waterskin?" She asked the lady. The lady, cute and wrinkled, smiled at her brightly. Small, wrinkled hands clutched a half finished leather pouch as the older woman's eyes roamed across her wares. She seemed to be hard of sight, as it took her a moment to locate the skin, which was directly in front of her.

"For a handsome young man like you? 2 copper." The woman picked up the waterskin and held it out. She took it, giving the woman the copper with a smile. She snuck two extra copper into the woman's hands. One kind gesture a day, was something her father engraved into her.

Now, the debate on the supplies… She knew it was an excuse to avoid going to the Finch's house. The thought of saying goodbye, and how Elric would respond was terrifying. Just thinking about it made her stomach drop, and her chest ache.

She needed to face them, and stop dawdling. Grudgingly she walked towards their house, which was only a few blocks away. It was the ideal location, Elric's father would say. It was all to quick, and she found herself standing at their front door too fast. The dark wood's dull thud was a strange sound to her as her knuckle rapped against it.

Why was she even knocking? The last time she knocked she was 10, and that was because her father got upset with her for walking into another house unannounced. She took a breath, her chest aching dully as she took a step back. The smooth wood, and swirling patterns comforted her as she took another breath. Why did her stomach flip and twist? It was an odd feeling. She was so confident in what she needed to do… Until now.

A few moments passed, but there was no answer yet.

Were they not home? They were always home at this time. She knocked once more, this time a little harder. Then, without any warning, the door swung open wide, Elric glowered with all his might, that is, until his gaze landed on her. The coldness melted into pools of warmth as he looked at her, a small gentle smile pulling at his full lips. His arms wrapped around her, and she found herself pressed against his chest, her dragon squished between them. She blinked, and blinked again as heat rose to her cheeks in an unwanted blush.

She never had such intimate hug with someone of the other gender! In fact, it was even rare for her father to pat her on the head and say good job. Yet, as he nestled his nose into her hair, she felt it would be okay. His warm breath washed along her scalp, and she could feel the tears threatening to come forth once again. He squeezed, making her whimper as her wounds were pressed against. Her little dragon moved between them, to which Elric pushed back in surprise. Saved by the dragon. Those warm depths questioned her, his eyebrow raising as he looked between her and the squirming pouch.

"Inside?" She asked, cradling the dragon against her. Elric nodded, eyeing her a bit warily.

He must know something was up. The man was a genius, when he wanted to be.