[table][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/MrFrT8O.png[/img][/cell][cell][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/241224/2dff96a131a2215857bd81cacd3d277e.png[/img][/cell][/row]
[row][cell][sub]Location: Eye of the Beholder[/sub][/cell][/row][/table][color=DBA73D]“You’re very kind, thank you.”[/color] Nyla said warmly as she accepted the room key from Sya and watched as the snake-woman refilled her glass of wine. Sya’s cheerfulness was infectious, reminding her of the many other tavern owners she had come across in her travels. The cheerful ones had always been the most successful. 

As Sya excused herself to tend to the other patrons, Nyla’s gaze wandered to the people gathered around the bar. A sea of unfamiliar faces. Yet, one figure drew her attention, causing her eyes to linger over the edge of her wine glass as she took another drink.  

He stood out effortlessly—dark hair and amber eyes contrasting beautifully against his muscular and caramel-toned skin. For a moment, she entertained the idea that he might be from her homeland in the southeastern deserts of Aurelia. Nyla tilted her head slightly, curiosity piqued. Her eyes lingered on him, her mind weaving possibilities as she watched his interactions from across the bar. 

The man exuded confidence, that was plain enough, but the Lunarian guard he spoke to with such familiarity broke her hopeful idea of a shared origin. A pity, she mused, coming to the conclusion that he was simply just a strikingly beautiful man. 

Losing interest, the weight of exhaustion pressed down on her shoulders. It had been a long journey, and an emotionally exhausting day already. Deciding it was time to rest, she drained the last of her wine and slipped away from the bar, heading for the stairs.  

On her way, her eyes caught a red-haired woman weaving through the crowd, headed straight toward Aldrick. Nyla couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. She paused, watching as the bard easily turned his charm on the woman, leaning in to hear her words. 

For a moment, Nyla allowed herself a flicker of warmth at the sight. Despite everything, women still swooned over the bard who could weave them sweet melodies. [color=DBA73D][i]‘Good for him’[/i][/color] she thought—some things never changed. 

Spotting one of the inn’s workers at the base of the steps, Nyla hurriedly approached. [color=DBA73D]“Excuse me,”[/color] she called out over the noise of the tavern to grab their attention. [color=DBA73D]“Would it be possible to have a bath prepared?”[/color] she asked, desperate for the answer to be yes. She’d been dying for one. 

The brunette woman nodded, agreeing to her request, and Nyla excitedly followed her up to the room she’d been assigned.  

Once inside, Nyla took a moment to absorb her surroundings as the woman headed towards the bath. The room was simple, a far cry from the luxury she’d enjoyed in the Astaros palace walls, but cozy. At the very least, a reprieve from the chaos of the tavern below and a shield from the frigid air outside. 

Mercifully, the woman worked quickly, using a spell to heat water, and she was gone just as soon as she had come. [color=DBA73D]“Thank you,”[/color] Nyla said softly, offering a small smile before seeing her out, locking the door securely behind her. 

As the latch clicked, a sigh escaped her lips. She leaned back against the door for a moment, feeling the illusion she’d worn for too long finally dissipate. If she continued like this, she’d need to find another soul to feast on sooner than expected. But how? Dawnhaven was meant to be a sanctuary, a place where people were protected from the likes of her. 

Crossing the room, she shrugged off the coat she’d been wearing, letting it drape over a chair. Briefly, she wondered if Sya’s inn offered a laundering service—something she’d need to ask about later. Stripping off the rest of her clothing, she left them in a pile on the floor, and excitedly padded over to the tub. 

The water was perfectly warm, and as she sank into its depths, Nyla let out a soft moan of relief. Briefly, her bliss was interrupted by the reminder that her body had changed. Her wings fit awkwardly against the tub's curvature, and she let out a small huff of irritation as she adjusted herself. A minor inconvenience, but something she wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to.

Despite the annoyance, she finally allowed herself to relax, letting her head fall back as she closed her eyes. She savored the moment as heat enveloped her, soothing sore muscles and melting away the cold that had clung to her for weeks.  In the water, the world’s troubles felt distant.

She could stay here a while. 

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[Sub][b]Mentions:[/b] Sya [@PrinceAlexus], Elio [@c3p-0h], Aldrick [@SpicyMeatball], Thalia [@Qia][/sub]