Princess Daenya's Chambers

There was a light rapping upon the arched window to her chambers.

Trajan was perched outside on the ledge, a precipitous drop below him. He was clad in black leather armor with a matching overcoat which concealed an assortment of weaponry at his belt.

He hopped in through the opening window, lightly dusting himself off.

"Are you ready?" he asked in a nonchalant manner, as if he had entered through the door. He looked into her eyes to see which Daenya he would be dealing with this evening.

"What is it you think I do for our father, sweet sister?" he queried. "We're killing a man. Perhaps more."

Trajan inspected her in silence for a moment.

"I hope so." he said. "He runs a tavern in the city."

A shadow passed across the window, blotting out the light of the moon. It was Zyraxes, called the Stranger's Shadow by the smallfolk. The beast was think an agile. It was the color of charcoal, with white scales running along its spine and ribcage, giving it the appearance of a dragon's skeleton.

Trajan leapt from the window sill onto the dragon's back with practiced ease, landing in the saddle. He offered his hand to aid Daenya in doing the same.

"Not from me he wont." Trajan said, slipping the mask over his face which had earned him his byname. It was black as onxy with the ghastly image of a skull, the Stranger's own visage used against their foes. "His name is Bert and he might have information of some value."

"You ask, I make him answer." Trajan said, as Zyraxes soared over the city. "Simple enough?"

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After the job was done, Zyraxes deposited Princess Daenya at the window to her chambers.

"I will pass word of your aid in this matter to father." Trajan promised. "They will think twice before they relegate you to scouting duty."

"Just half the time." he quipped with a sly grin, Zyraxes flying off into the night sky.

She sees only flames, the heat soon becoming unbearable on her face.

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After the party, Daenya returned to her chambers with Leona and several servants, carrying her things. When they arrived she took the sword she had received from her brother and unsheathed it.

"It's a good weight," She said, more to herself as she gave it a few practice swings, slowly regaining the strength in her arm.

"A bath? Yes, why not," Daenya said, swinging the sword again before re sheathing it. She took her new comb and mirror and pulled the former through her hair. "Use the bath salts I got, if you will."