<strong>Eshalu - considering a new ally</strong><br/><br/>She had always found it odd how humans and, now, Reliyian, took a particular affection for small, apparently delicate creatures. Large eyes, small bodies, and a passive disposition meant prey to her, rather than something to be indulged. Still, the dragon called Khell was nothing short of extraordinary. The first living dragon that Eshalu had ever seen and she could only think how relieved she was that Khell was the first dragon she had met, and not the monstrous, serpentine creatures of the Loreweaver's stories.<br/><br/>"If she can help, she is welcome. In the wild, it is foolish to turn down allies, even if they do bear a marked resemblance to the Cold Ones. But beware. This place is full of hidden dangers. I would expect you to assist in making sure that they never cross our path."<br/><br/>Khell had wings, which was a very good start and there was something very appealing in Reliyian's proposal that the winged dragon act as a scout of sorts.<br/><br/>"I was injured yesterday," Eshalu said matter-of-factly. She rose and pulled on her breeches, reaching for her jerkin. "I will do my best not to slow you down until the strength returns to my leg."<br/><br/>She bit into a dense, violet tuber and ate all she could. It was a pleasant enough sweet yam, of the kind which could never be foraged anywhere there were frosts, but was occasionally traded to her Caern by the tribes which lived closer to the Waist of the World. She preferred the bitter iron tang of turnips, but there was no use complaining.<br/><br/>Drinking her fill of river water, she finished dressing and slid into her boots. Her leather jerkin still had the tear under the shoulder, her biceps exposed. Eshalu decided that it wasn't a fatal flaw. In time, she and Reliyian would repair it.<br/><br/>"<em>When you are ready, Kin-Sister, let us depart.</em>"