Dinner

Daryn sat in the tub of steaming hot water.

"Haa" he relaxed his body so the water can seep into his body properly. He needed it.

An inn keeper brought the hot water earlier. He knew Darla had not requested for it since they were together downstairs and he has not heard her door open since they entered. Except when the inn keeper came to their room.

The girl worked swiftly. In less than a minute she was gone. They probably got the hot bath in addition to the vip rooms.

The inn room wasn't big. It was moderate sized. It just had a bed, wardrobe and a mini vanity table and window for ventilation. With a curtain to seprate the bathroom from the room.

Daryn sighed in relief. It was not much but it was comfortable enough.

Daryn closed his eyes as the hot water caressed his aching body. He remembered the appointment and groaned then started washing fast. When he finished he put on new clothes and discarded his travelling clothes.

"A leather trouser and an ash fur top would do" he said to himself

Before he was finished putting on the fur top, there was a knock on the door. He wore the short handed fur top completely and open the door. It was Darla.

"Hey, Gorav just sent for us. His family must be prepared for dinner. We shouldn't keep them waiting" she said. She wore loose leather trousers and a light linen top.

"Oh I'm already done too. Just let me button this top." He fiddled with the buttons but could not lock the buttons in.

"Here let me help" Darla stepped closer and collected the buttons from him and pulled it to lock. She was so close that their chests were nearly touching but she was focused on the buttons.

Daryn itched to touch her but he controlled himself he did not want to startle her.

He sighed. When he breathed in air, it was mixed with her scent.

'Darn' his self control was failing.

His hands made small movements to her back almost touching her. But he knew that any sudden change in behaviour from him and she will pull away.

So he used every mental strength he had to control himself to not hold her and kiss her there. His desire was peaked and he thanked the gods that he was wearing a leather trouser for resistance. She won't notice.

After literally fighting with the buttons, Darla managed to lock them in.

"Another reason we need to trade. You need knew clothes."

"If their is no extra money or goods we are selling for it, don't bother yourself. I'll come next time to buy new clothes once i have had enough material" Daryn said

She looked at him then.

"And why would you say that?"

Daryn gave an awkward laugh

"I wouldn't want you to bother yourself....thats all" he replied

Darla shook her head.

"Idiot. Why do you think i came to the market?"

Daryn looked confused.

"Ah-ah_"

"Don't bother answering. Gorav and his family are waiting for us...lets go" Darla said walking ahead. Daryn blinked himself back from the shock and followed her looking at her surprised.

They walked down the hall way to the stairs but instead of going down to the still lively diner, Darla led them upstairs to the last floor.

They climbed the narrow curved staircase till they reached a closed door that must open to the final floor where Gorav and his family stayed.

Darla knocked on the door. Not long after the door was opened by a red haired girl with almond colored eyes that smiled happily when she saw Darla.

"Sister Darla is here!" She shouted happily giving Darla a tight hug closing her eye. Gorav's voice boomed from inside the house.

"We wondered if you would still be coming since you must be tired from your trip....Anya allow the healer and her friend come in"

The girl opened her eyes to look at the friend Darla had come with.

"Huh. Sister Darla you brought a friend?"

"Yes i did. Why don't you let us in so i can introduce you to him." Darla said.

The girl immediately stopped hugging Darla and allowed them enter the house and closed the door.

"Sorry sister Darla"

"Its ok Anya. Hello Gorav" Darla said

Daryn looked in the room and saw Gorav seating at the dinning table. With another of his two children standing around the table.

A youngster. Male. Probably a year younger than himself and Darla. Twenty or nineteen stood beside Gorav. He had almond eyes and red hair. Tall and broad for his age. In all, he looked like a younger version of Gorav. He stood beside his father with folded arms looking at them.

While a girl with darker red hair and older than the Anya that had opened the door for them stood next to one of the dinning chairs about to take her seat. Seemingly less interested in the event.

Gorav's children were indeed young. His oldest only nineteen. The children all had their father's red hair.

Gorav smiled

"Healer Darla; welcome to my humble abode" his voice boomed in the room.

"Thank you for having me Gorav" Darla said

"Good evening" Daryn also greeted.

"Good evening lads. You both come sit."

Daryn picked a chair and Darla sat beside him. Everyone at the table sat on their chairs. The still excited Anya then asked

"How long are you staying?" Darla was about to answer when someone from the kitchen spoke for her.

"Let them sit first Anya" just then a woman came out the kitchen with a tray of food in hand. Darla's smile broadened.

She had dark hair that she had tied in a bun. She had brown eyes and a curvaceous body. Even after having three children she still looked beautiful and appealing. The woman carried the food tray to the table.

"Maria!" The woman got to the table and Darla stood up going for a hug. The two women hugged each other smiling.

"How have you been Darla? Its been a while" Maria said.

"It has indeed. I'm ok. I have missed you Maria and i see you are healthy too"

"I am healthy girl but you don't seem bad yourself. Azra's jungles sure takes good care of you"

Gorav huffed.

"Or is it the patient?" Gorav said and wiggled his brows.

"Oh Gorav. Don't start teasing the girl now. She just got here. Let her eat first." Maria reprimanded

Gorav raised in hands in submission.

"I won't say anything i promise" Gorav said

Everyone laughed. Darla and Daryn glanced at each other briefly, avoiding eye contact.

"Come on everyone lets eat." Gorav said

Maria dished food in everyone's plate and they started eating.

Everyone engaged in small talks as they ate. Mostly about Darla's time in the jungle. Then Gorav asked Daryn

"What did the healer heal you from?"

"Um_me?" Daryn looked at Darla who nodded. "She treated me after an animal attack in the jungle"

Gorav chuckled.

"You went sight seeing in the jungles eh?"

Daryn gave a small laugh uncertain how to say it.

"Actually.....i had woken up in the jungle" Daryn said.

Gorav looked confused. Then Darla said.

"He's a lost one Gorav" everyone looked at Daryn in surprise.

"I see.....so you are one of those transported to Azra eh"

Daryn nodded.

"And Azra's predators gave you a welcome gift" Gorav smiled.

Everyone laughed. Daryn had to. Thinking back at the incident, he laughed at his own bad luck.

"Azra's actually place you will survive here. We have lost ones like you in the village too. Some even have families. Maria said

"Hmm...that's nice to know. Thank you"

"No worries about it"

They continued chatting as they ate. When they were done, Darla and Daryn took their leave saying they would be entering the local market the next day so they needed to rest early.

The family bade them good night as they left promising to talk more the next day