While the fire hadn't done much to warm her up, a draw from Isaac's bottle of wine helped the woman feel better all the same. Once she was more comfortable, she began to talk again.
“Apologies – I'm afraid my manners have deserted me,” she said, as she wiped her mouth with a corner of her ornate cloak. “My name is Nalira, what's yours?”
“I am Sir Isaac,” said Isaac. “What brings a young lady like yourself out into the wilderness, alone like this?”
“Not to worry, Sir Isaac,” said Nalira, smiling playfully, “I know how to handle myself out here. You seem to be a discreet enough man. The truth of the matter is, I've run away from home.”
“Really?” said Isaac.
“It was a nice enough home, luxurious, comfortable, surrounded by family, the whole bit,” said Nalira, shrugging slightly. “But I've had a serious falling-out with my father.”
“Have you?” said Isaac, feeling a growing sympathy.
“The fact is, Sir Isaac, the time had come for me to marry. In my country, a father chooses any man he pleases to match with his daughter, without regard to her feelings on the matter. My father has been making some... political alliances lately, of a less than savory nature, and using my sisters as his pawns. I wanted no part of it, but he wouldn't listen, so I left as soon as he announced my upcoming nuptials. I fled in haste, which is why I have no provisions, and I came to Chane, because I hear it is a country that encourages personal liberty, and the minding of one's own business. Are the rumors true?”
“...Well,” said Isaac, “I must confess I am new to the country myself.”
“Are you running from oppression as well?”
“Not quite,” said Isaac. “Actually, I was very respected among my countrymen. Commander of their armies, in fact. But our king became corrupted with greed and power, and began to command us to do wicked things to the neighboring lands. I couldn't stand for it any longer, so I deserted and came to Chane, to evade his spies. They may still be hunting me, but so long as I only travel by day, they cannot find me.”
“Is that what you came in here for?” asked Nalira.
“Exactly so,” said Isaac. “So, Miss Nalira, now that you've escaped your doom, what do you plan to do?”
“Well,” said Nalira, considering, “I thought I might have a look at that town at the bottom of the mountain. Perhaps I could find work there, and make a life for myself among the hu- the people. What about you?”
“I've been thinking of similar things,” said Isaac. “Having a bit of military prowess, I thought perhaps I could wander the countryside and help defend it from marauders and other, more foul, assailants. The Count from Farenze has asked me to investigate a recent disturbance on this very mountain.”
“Really?” said Nalira. “I've been up here a day now, and it's been rather peaceful.” She yawned.
“I thought so too,” said Isaac, passing her a blanket from his pack. “But the Count says there have been sightings of a dragon up here. Farenze has a lot of business in flocks and herds, and they're worried the dragon may make off with their livestock.” He eyed Nalira. “You haven't seen any dragons up here, have you?”
Nalira hesitated. “Can't say that I have,” she finally said with a shrug. She smothered the fire with the blanket, then curled up in it. “Sorry, Sir Isaac, I can't keep my eyes open. Good night!”
“Good night, Miss Nalira,” said Isaac. He sprawled on the other side of the cavern and tried to go to sleep... it was always hard for him, especially when his head was full of thoughts.
There's something not quite right about Miss Nalira....