The Green Dragon Inn - Part 4

[Ealasaid]

"What is this woman's crime that you stalk her to her place of rest?" demanded Lespheria, as she came to stand before Kaldir, one hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

An ironic smile danced around the corners of Kaldir's mouth as he looked down at the
determined set of the elflady's face. My, what a lot of busybodies there are about this place, he thought to himself. "And what woman would that be, praytell?" he asked mildly. "Surely, a man may check on his horse or the disposition of his saddle."

"By skulking about in the shadows?" asked Lespheria. "What need have you to sneak up on a horse? I saw the way you watched my friend, Miss Vanwe, through the window. And now, here you are, lurking about her very doorstep."

Kaldir crossed his arms in front of him and leaned one shoulder casually against the front of the nearest stall. "Since you ask, Lady Elf," he answered. "My horse, Nico, is a temperamental beast and prone to kick." At least, the kicking part was true. "One should approach him with care."

"And, as for your friend," he continued. "She resembles an acquaintance of mine from the South. I was curious to learn her name to determine if it was she. I was hesitant to approach her directly as the last time we met was under, how shall I say it? Less than optimal circumstances."

"Since you have now obliged me with her name," he finished with a friendly wink of his right eye. "I see that I was mistaken. So, relax, my lady. Put aside your sword." He lounged away from the stall door against which he had been leaning and moved in the direction of Nico's stall. "Your little chicken is safe from me. Now, if I may see to my horse?"