As it turns out, burning through my magic and going for a lie down makes it possible for me to just fall asleep. And now that I'm waking up, there's a row of butts in front of me. The only butt I recognize is Lauren's, but the rest of them around her are unfamiliar. The fact that she's wearing the Kirarmor helps, too. As I start moving, she turns around, focusing her sight on my eye.

  "Kira, I need you to be calm and not rush into anything."

  So two things worth noting as I get up. First, my claw is no longer encased in that crystal stuff, so someone must have been able to get it off while I slept. And second, the rattling chains make it hard to hear what Lauren says.

  Why the hell am I in chains? Both my wrists have shackles, and looking back, so do my ankles. I'm pretty sure I haven't done anything to deserve this. Giving the chains a few yanks, they appear to be secured quite well.

  Looking back at Lauren, she looks apologetic. The people around her contain species from all over: scalefolk, furfolk, dwarves, elves, and humans of all shapes and sizes. Most of them look up at my face before turning their heads away as I glance in their direction. They're wearing all sorts of clothes, some armored, but others look like average citizens from all walks of life.

  "What's going on, Lauren? And weren't you in the forest? And why the chains? I'm not into this."

  "The wagon coach told me about the attack, and I came back with him after they delivered the goods. I'm sorry, Kira. The nobility demanded you be restrained to prevent any further damage to the city."

  As I look around at the people here, they seem to nod slightly as they turn their heads away. They're all standing quite close to me, so I'm getting the impression that they don't share the opinion that I'm dangerous.

  "Where's Raya? And Henry? I don't see them around."

  "Henry got arrested for punching a noble when they proposed their first suggestion, and Raya is... somewhere... She wandered off as we passed through the gate."

  Good, then she might cause a ruckus somewhere. Serves them right for being stupid about all of this. The obvious thing to do now is to get rid of these chains and figure out the next plan. Pulling on them a few times makes it clear that they really are secured well. So I might have to try something other than brute force. Dang it...

  I know fire can cut metal, and I can create fire, so by combining these two things, it's time to experiment. Well, it's time to find out how I'm doing with magic, and focusing my mind inward, I see the lake of magic within me. It appears to still not be full, and I should get some food. I'd say it feels about half full, which isn't great, but it should be enough.

  Pulling on my magic and focusing it on my belly, I feel the flames within grow. With a simple request for people to step back, since they seem nice enough, I limit the gap between my lips as I unleash my flames, creating a more concentrated fire. The chains glow with magical energy, and I think the dang things have been enchanted to resist fire.

  It's the right idea, I just need to learn the intricacies of it. Repeating the process, I narrow the gap even more to create a cutting flame. As I begin working, the cobblestone beneath the chain starts bubbling, but I'm only getting a red-hot segment of metal.

  But I'm gonna interpret that as me being correct! And with how little fire I'm letting out compared to the massive bursts I used against the undead, I'm not spending much magical energy on this.

  For my next attempt, I'm gonna try not creating a gap on my own, since I don't seem to be capable of doing that all that well. Instead, I make sure the muscles in my cheeks are tight as I push flames into my mouth. To escape the confined space, the fire presses through the front of my mouth, becoming the intended thin flame of fiery force.

  That's proof of concept right there! The next step is to repeat the process and apply it to the chain. As I do so, the flame cuts into the metal but seems to struggle a little until all of a sudden, it just cuts through like a claw through clay. Success!

  "What in the hells was that, Kira?!"

  Looking at the crowd to spot Lauren again, everyone seems to be paying close attention to me with their hands covering their ears. I should probably tell them to look away, too.

  "Cutting metal with fire. What else? The evidence is right there: cut metal and fire."

  My mouth does feel unusually hot, though, so I'm gonna let it hang open while I take a break before cutting the next chain. Showing absolutely no nervousness, three gruff-looking dwarves wearing leather aprons and tool belts wander up to the chain and start inspecting it. The bearded fellows are quick to start arguing and throwing out ideas about how I might have done it.

  It doesn't take them long to pull out tools and start hammering on the chain. The ruckus is loud enough to attract guards, causing the other people to form a defensive line around us, resulting in even more bickering, but less friendly this time.

  "Kira, look at me, focus on my face."

  Odd request, but I do as she says. Looking her right in the eyes as she rolls them at me! That sassy bitch! She's within range, though, so with quick movements, I rush my head down to her, grabbing her with my tongue and lifting her into the air. She's smiling with smugness, proving that she doesn't think I'll do anything. But I will do something! Giving my head a proper shake and swirling in circles, I move her through the air at great speed, making sure to give the experience lots of twists and turns.

  By the time I feel like she's had enough, I put her down on the ground gently. Welcome to the introduction to biology: inner ear module, Lauren! She's struggling to stand up, and the moment she takes a step, she falls over.

  "By the Gods, Kira... That was too much..."

  That's what she says, but she's laughing as she struggles to even get on all fours without falling over. It doesn't take long for a few people around to move closer and help her up, but that's not enough for her to regain her balance.

  Refocusing my attention on the guards and people arguing back and forth, the topic seems to be me and whether I'm a threat or not. Given the general tone, I'm not getting the impression that the guards are all that invested in keeping me chained up. Which is a thing I still want to do something about.

  The group of now five dwarves has managed to dismantle the chain link I cut, and they're inspecting the damage caused with tremendous curiosity. I have no idea where the two extra dwarves came from. Never mind that; I have things to do. Moving my other wrist a little draws their attention as I prepare to cut it as well. Without a moment to spare, they rush over to see what I'm doing, and, repeating the process, I cut a link in this one as well.

  With the cut made, the dwarves rush in to inspect the molten metal, poking at it with tools and what looks like gauges. Whatever they're testing, they seem to complete it fast as they start hammering on this one as well, earning them some yelling from the guards.

  Giving my lips a quick lick makes it obvious that they're kinda dry and I have to wait some more before I can break another chain, unless I want to hurt myself. Which I don't. At least that gives me an opportunity to focus on what's going on around me.

  From the looks of it, the mix of citizens and adventurers is arguing in my favor, talking about how terrible this event would have turned out if I hadn't destroyed so many of the undead. I'm inclined to agree with the people defending me, I did a good job. I still have the bald spots to prove it.

  The gaggle of dwarves appears to be done with their inspection as they wander toward the guards. Instead of joining the verbal skirmish, they walk right up to the guards, pushing them out of the way as the dwarves make room to leave the area. That seems personal, since the area is huge and open, so they could easily have taken a route through the people willing to move.

  "Lauren, what happened while I was asleep? I'm lacking some backstory here."

  She seems to have regained her balance as she lets out a sigh.

  "The battle was won, but several people lost their lives. Some nobles in power are using this to argue that you didn't try to help, as much as you were simply looking for something to hunt. Other nobles argue that your help was invaluable, and you saved thousands of lives. The consensus appears to be that the plot was accelerated by your intervention, which those against your presence are using to argue your fault in the matter."

  So politicians are doing politics. Standing next to Lauren is an elf of some sort with pale skin and robes with elaborate and valuable decorations. She has an air of authority around her, and she smells quite floral, but as far as I can tell, she isn't a cultist. Despite that, I'm not sure I like her.

  "Lady Cleric, it would bring a knot to my ancestral tree if I did not speak on behalf of the Guild on this matter. I would like to extend my gratitude for your assistance in this matter, Kira the Dragon. It is the opinion of the Guild that our difficulties would have been plentiful had it not been for your intervention. In this battle, we lost few and saved many, though that is not recognized by the nobility at large, bringing dishonor upon us. For that, I ask your forgiveness and that we can meet in the circle of peace as we voice our needs."

  That just sounds like what Lauren said, but with extra politics. I'm very much getting the impression that she's trying to butter me up for some sort of scheme, and I don't like it. In fact, the first thing they should do is treat me as an equal, which means...

  "Do I get paid for my work? I helped the guild and the city, after all. And I'd like hazard pay. Being around adventurers is dangerous for someone like me. Your guild has a history of attacking me for no reason."

  The elf starts laughing, which I'll take as a positive sign, even if Lauren lets out another sigh as she covers her face with a hand. Instead of replying right away, the laughing elf pulls out a piece of paper and starts scribbling something before handing it off to a leather-clad archer.

  I'm not all that interested in being dragged into a political situation between the guild and these nobles, so I might have to look for something to distract me. And look around I do! The crowd around me has a mix of ages, with parents carrying their children on their shoulders and armored adventurers with weapons at their sides. At least none of them appear to be preparing to use their weapons.

  As I continue to look around, the crowd grows with folks appearing from all over. It seems I'm quite the spectacle and I get it, I'd want to go see the dragon too if I were in their shoes. Especially a dragon as nice as I am.

  As my thoughts wander and I start wondering what the dwarves are up to, it occurs to me that I haven't heard any commentary on my affinity for getting distracted. Lauren is just standing there, minding her own business as she chats with a few of her old colleagues. Nudging her, I ask her what gives.

  "I have no intention of being drawn into politics, Kira. Whatever the leadership of this branch of the Guild wants, it's between you and the Guild."

  Dang it. Where's Raya? I have a task to throw at her. I'm just gonna ignore the obvious politician trying to curry my favor and work on cutting another chain instead. My left hind leg is the obvious next target, since my body isn't keen on coiling up clockwise. It won't be a problem once I can move so the chain is in a more favorable position.

  It's tempting to try using my tail blade to bash through the chain, but I'd rather not end up with it wedged in there and be in an awkward position because of it. Fact is, my tail isn't as strong as my arms and legs, it just has more leverage because it's longer.

  Focus, Kira! There are still chains to melt, and the dwarves are coming back with a crucible in a wheelbarrow. Now I'm curious what they intend to do with that. It's big, and the dang wheelbarrow takes two of them to lift.

  As they get closer, the guards attempt to stop them, but two of the dwarves break from the group and distract the obstacles as the rest proceed on their way to me. Whatever they're doing seems a lot more interesting than the politician elf trying to get my attention.

  "Branch Leader Tae'liri, I would recommend trying again another time or enticing her with something she cannot ignore."

  "If you would recommend any such things, I would be most grateful, cleric. I fear I am at a loss for how to approach the current circumstances."

  Taking a moment to compose herself, Lauren pinches the bridge of her nose in clear exasperation. It seems she's falling into the trap of politics and it's already getting to her. I don't have much interest in talking to this person, so I get it. I don't like that the elf seems to look down on everyone around her, though.

  "What could the shackled Dragon whose friend is imprisoned possibly want?"

  The elf's calm expression cracks a little as her smile wavers for just a moment. She doesn't seem all that interested in releasing me or Henry. And Lauren's flippant attitude seems to be rubbing her the wrong way. Rather than letting it show that Lauren got to her, the elf takes a breath and composes herself again.

  She's far too good at giving a friendly impression, and I don't like it. Her friendly attitude felt like a good thing to begin with, but now it feels forced and deceitful. And if she's in a leadership position within the guild, she's gonna know about my history with adventurers. I can't imagine a scenario in which she would be happy to see me except if she wants something from me, and that makes me uneasy.

  At least I don't have to deal with it as the loud clank of metal striking metal draws my attention to the dwarves. Looking to my side, it appears they've set up the crucible and now they're working to break down the chains. The dang links are as thick as their arms.

  "Oi! Dragon! Fire over 'ere!"

  The shouting dwarf directs me to the crucible, throwing out directions for me to follow. It seems he wants me to use my new special flame to heat the metal. He wants me to first heat up the crucible and then melt the metal. I have no idea what they're doing, but I want to find out.

  Making sure to clear folks out, so I don't end up scorching anyone, the dwarves and I get to work on whatever this is, and the crucible is heating up nicely. The six of... It was five earlier. They keep multiplying. Nevertheless, the six of them are paying close attention to the crucible, with one of them guiding me to increase or decrease the temperature with his hand.

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  With a series of hmm's from the dwarves, they seem satisfied with the temperature, and one of them asks me to start melting the chain with my cutting flame. Focusing my magic again, I prep-

  "Lady Kira, the matters at hand must be discussed. The dealings of-"

  Turning to her, I'm feeling quite annoyed, but I have something to say...

  "Let me make something clear. There are exactly two reasons why I haven't broken loose and destroyed my way out of here. First, that Lauren very much wants me not to, so don't you dare look at her with annoyance again. And second, that these citizens haven't done anything to warrant it. But do not mistake my reluctance for unwillingness. If I think it's necessary for my safety or the safety of those who belong to me, I will fight my way out of here."

  Snapping fingers draw my attention to Lauren, and now she's holding out her arms, ready to give me a hug. Nudging her, she embraces my face as well as she can.

  "Thank you for trying, Kira. Please go back to playing with the smiths and I will take care of this."

  To my surprise, no one moves to get in my way, and the dwarves are glaring at the elf, their frustration palpable at the interruption of our project. At least we can get back to it now. The foreman seems unsure of how to proceed, and I have no doubt that my eyes have at least some red in them.

  Ignoring the obvious scent of fear in the air and the extra distance from the crowd, I begin heating up the crucible again. As it heats up again, the foreman grunts, letting me know that it has reached an appropriate temperature. We're ready to start the second phase again. As the work gets going, every interruption is forgotten in favor of doing well and keeping an eye on everything.

  I can't melt much of the metal at a time, but I'm not getting any complaints. As we work to melt the metal, heat the crucible, and take breaks, four dwarves run off into the crowd. It doesn't take long before they return, carrying two large barrels of water. The dang barrels are as big as dwarves!

  The group of laborers put down the barrels near the crucible and three steps away, leaving the last to pull out a pretty gemstone set in golden metalwork. With the piece of jewelry in hand, he plunges it into the barrel and speaks some weird words as he shuts his eyes. The tingle of magic makes it clear that he's casting a spell, and moments later, the water in the barrel freezes, turning to solid ice as wood creaks.

  His hand is very stuck, but he appears to have expected that as his friends start chiseling at the ice to free him. He doesn't seem to mind the drop in temperature at all, as they get his hand out of the ice. With a few flexes of his fingers, he's good as new!

  The prodding of a stick to my cheek makes it obvious that someone wants my attention, and as I look down, I spot the foreman with a spear held upside down. With my attention on him, he starts pushing on the side of my face, moving me closer to the crucible again. I begin melting metal again until the foreman starts pushing on the other side of my face, guiding me to the water barrel.

  With my lips quite close, one of the dwarves pulls a wet sponge from the barrel and starts wiping my lips. The sizzling of steam makes it clear that my fire is being used in a way that my body isn't ready for.

  As the water starts dripping from me instead of turning to steam, the foreman pushes me to the ice barrel where another dwarf waits. With a fistful of ice, he starts cooling me down until the foreman is satisfied again and we return to the crucible. They could just tell me what they want, but it's a little fun watching these very stoic men work with such gentle motions. It's tempting to bring them back to Tuiran, but I'm pretty sure Lauren would be opposed to kidnapping them. She can be such a spoilsport at times.

  As we return to the crucible, we begin by heating it up again and then it's time to melt some more metal. It doesn't take long for me to be heated up again, and I repeat the barrel process. With me out of the way, it appears the foreman wants to inspect the progress. As he stands in the wheelbarrow and leans over the edge of the crucible, he loses his balance for just a moment, grabbing hold of the crucible to steady himself. A shout later and he's cursing up a storm as he joins me by the water barrel.

  "Ya fuckin' novice! 'Course a Dragon-fired crucible's gonna be hot!"

  The foreman doesn't seem to appreciate the helpful input from his friend and responds with a splash of water to the bully's face. I wanna join in, so lowering my head, I suck up some water and spit it at the bully. Wasting no time, all the other dwarves join together to mock the wet guy.

  The foreman gives me a smile as he returns to the crucible, ordering the others to get back to work and prepare the mold. With practiced grace, they jump to it, placing the mold a distance from the crucible and pulling some boards from the wheelbarrow. As they prepare to pour, they use the boards to build a box around the mold, keeping it steady and giving the large crucible a place to rest against to prevent it from tipping over or crushing the mold. I have no idea what they're making. The mold is just a square with a hole in the top.

  "Hey Kira."

  "Hiya Raya!"

  "Why are you in chains? Were you messy again?"

  "I was not, and I'm offended by the accusation. I've been on my best behavior, and I'm making new friends."

  She doesn't look too convinced as she stares at the elf who now refuses to look at me. But more important things are unfolding as Raya unfolds a wrapper of some sort, revealing a tiny square of delicious-smelling whatever it is.

  "You can have this if you tell me the truth."

  "I am telling the truth! Just ask these people, they know I've been good."

  Not minding my defense, Raya moves to my arm and climbs up onto me, taking her usual spot atop my head.

  "Dragon's tellin' the truth, Dragonling. Me crew an' I would love ta be friends. As for them chains, fuckin' nobles think their shit makes peasants cry with joy. Fuckers're fixin' ta make this place extra bright. Pissin' off a Dragon, what fuckin' idjits. 'Least the Guild 'ave cobwebs to fill up their skulls enough ta think that the blasted beast burnin' our enemies might be helpful. Even if they're dense enough ta make Irathic Steel float."

  So I'm getting the impression that the foreman might be an ornery old man. I did catch that he's up for a friendship, so kidnapping may be on the table! With his rant over, his attention returns to the mold, ignoring the glares from the adventurers around us.

  With a few taps to the side of the mold, he seems to conclude that it's ready as he pulls out a hammer and smashes it. From the rubble of the broken mold, he pulls out a dagger with a small hole in the guard. From the looks of it, it fits a gem. Ooh, if he's making magic daggers, we could make so much money!

  All eight of the... There's more now. Where are all these dwarves coming from?! Never mind that. The entire group gathers around the dagger, inspecting it with an assortment of gadgets, mumbling and arguing back and forth.

  "Aye, interruptin' broke it..."

  "Could try again."

  "Nay. Can't. Dragon's near bad magic fill."

  I am? Turning my senses inward, I take a look at the lake of magic within me, and it turns out to be true. I'm not in quite as bad a situation as after the fight, but I should be more careful and conserve what I have until I can replenish it back home.

  That does mean my distraction is disappearing, and I'm gonna have to face reality. After I get my treat from Raya! She told me I could have the candy if I was honest and I was. Moving my head up and down a little gets her to move and climb onto my nose to look me in the eyes.

  "What was that for?"

  "You said I could have the candy."

  Instead of handing it over, she thinks for a moment before pulling out another piece. It turns out the rascally goblin just ate the first one without sharing! As she unwraps the new piece, her face takes on definite mischievous qualities, indicating that she's up to something.

  As she holds a small square of sugared pink candy, the scent of something close to strawberry fills my nose, and I want it. But instead of giving it to me, she turns around and faces the crowd in front of us before making some arm gestures and splitting the tide of people.

  "Of course you can have it. If you can catch me."

  What?! Without any hesitation, she jumps from my nose and lands on the cobblestones before sprinting away. Wasting no time, I try to follow until the yanking reminder of why I'm stuck holds me in place. Pulling on my magic and empowering my arms and legs, I start clawing at the ground, pulling myself forward.

  It's slow progress, but the chains are yielding. Being the cocky little goblin that she is, Raya returns to stand a hundred meters away, taunting me by imitating eating as she holds the square candy.

  The place fills with the sounds of scrambling feet, creaking metal, and Lauren laughing. It seems folks are moving away the more I pull. I need to reach Raya, though.

  "As you can see, Branch Leader, your safety is illusory, and I would recommend having your mages cast barriers very soon."

  After some shouting, the sensation of magic being cast tinkles throughout my body as I continue to pull.

  "Oi! Dragon! Stop yer pullin' an' draggin' for a stare."

  Doing as I'm told, I look back and see Foreman Shouty shouting as he and his crew approach one of the chains. The twelve of them wield large hammers and chisels as they get to work opening a link. It appears I have a couple of fans in this place.

  "You do not have the authority to free it, blacksmith."

  "Fuck off. Damn Dragon's more hospitable than yer Guild's been since we came. We been doin' contracts for ya for decades, so what's me name? And how much you payin' her? Give 'er a number instead of playin' them penfight games."

  It seems I'm not the only one with the impression that this elf is just a politician. Well, I'm just gotta settle in and watch this drama unfold. Foreman Shouty seems to be frustrated and the elf isn't responding. Instead, she's just looking down at him without turning to face him.

  "You lack information, blacksmith. This beast is known in the Guild. It has led dozens of adventurers into the next life. You would do well not to underestimate it."

  "Bah! Y'think the Guild's the only bastards takin' notes?-"

  As he speaks, he turns to face the crowd as one of his friends brings over the wheelbarrow, which he climbs onto to be seen by the crowd.

  "-Fine fuckers of Esfjord, ye've 'eard the stories from tradefolk and merchants. Does that sound like a savage beast or a hurt animal? Is th'bear ta blame for attackin' when the hunter shoots arrows at it? The traders will tell ya. SHE likes treats and gold. She plays with children and she lashes out ta protect 'er own. If you wouldn' do the same, yer a fuckin' coward! And the people of Esfjord ain't fuckin' cowards!"

  "Given the history between dwarves and Dragons and your personal history, I find myself surprised at your vigorous defense of this beast, blacksmith. Would you stand responsible for the resulting destruction?"

  "Look up the history of honor and dwarves. I'll have a scholar write a book for ya to help ya learn the new word."

  Emboldened by the dwarven vigor, the crowd closes the gaps, appearing much less afraid of me. Given that I've been portrayed as a wild animal, that's kinda foolish. Just because an animal looks friendly doesn't mean it is. I am, though.

  Nudging the foreman from behind, he lets out a scream and falls off the make-shift stage. I don't think he was expecting that, but it did earn him some laughter from the crowd, so we can see it as a win! And his friends are quick to help him up again, allowing him to glare at me for a moment.

  "Fuck you, ya sneaky beast! Scared the shit outta me and I'll be needin' some fresh britches..."

  I can't smell anything of the sort from him, so I'm pretty sure he's just being dramatic. Rather than focus on that, he ignores the elf as he stomps away. The sound of metal on metal hammering grows quiet and, with a few movements, it's obvious that I'm no longer bound to anything.

  "Come along, Dragon. I've got shit for y'ta do."

  But Raya still has my candy. Looking over the crowd, I see her standing off in the distance and as we lock eyes, she commits a crime most foul... She eats my candy and smiles at me! Noticing my distraction, Lauren decides to chime in with some helpful advice for the foreman.

  "Do you have any food for her to try? She would likely be interested in tasting some of your cultural dishes."

  With an intense stare, he fixates on Lauren before letting out a guffaw. I'm not that easy to bribe, dang it! I am curious what this shit we've got to do is, though. So, calling out to Raya, I tell her to join us. She wastes no time rushing over and climbing onto me as we set off toward wherever the foreman is leading us.

  "Are you okay to handle whatever mess comes from this, Lauren?"

  "I'll be fine. I know how to handle the Guild, so you go have fun, Kira. But behave yourself."

  I can't help but worry about her, but I also have to trust that she can handle herself. That doesn't mean I won't tell her to call for me if she gets in trouble. We can leave at any time and go home.

  Between the foreman's slow pace and the crowd taking a while to make room, we aren't making any progress at all. A few of the locals are growing bold enough to use the opportunity to touch me. It's probably for the best, considering I'm still wearing the shackles, and if I move too fast, the remaining few chain links might become whips and hit someone.

  "How come you trust me, foreman?"

  "Foreman? That ain't me fuckin' name and who the fuck's sayin' I trust ya? Nay. I trust meself, me eyes, an' me brain. Worked with Dragons b'fore and I'd wager me hammer that ya'd burn ya way outta 'ere the moment some dumb guildie thinks they can get away with attackin' ya. So don't give 'er any reason, ya bullheaded guildies!"

  He's not wrong, but I appreciate his pragmatism. Instead of sitting behind my horns, Raya lies down between my eyes as she plays with the dagger forged earlier. Playing with a dagger between my eyes seems very irresponsible and dangerous.

  "When did you get that dagger, Raya? I thought they had kept it."

  "I just asked for it. They didn't like it, but I do. It's pretty, and if I use magic on it, it lights on fire."

  Not satisfied with simply stating the fiery function, Raya pulls on my magic and ignites the blade. I'm not sure Raya needs more ways to be lethal, but she seems to be starting quite the collection.

  We haven't moved in a while, and as I look down, the foreman is staring up at Raya and her new dagger. As I move my head from side to side, his gaze follows her, and I find myself curious about what he's thinking.

  It seems he's curious as well as he asks Raya to toss the blade to him, which is also unsafe, but she does it anyway. She didn't even extinguish the flame first, resulting in the knife embedding itself a few centimeters into the ground. Well done, foreman! Trying to catch a falling blade is dangerous and it's better to just let it hit the ground unless you're very skilled at catching knives.

  As he picks up the dagger with one hand, he dips the other into a pocket and pulls out a graver and starts focusing on the weapon as he gets to work. As I get closer to look, Raya hangs over my brow as she tries to watch as well. He seems to be writing a series of intricate runes into the handle and guard, and I wouldn't be surprised if that turns out to be a language.

  Finishing up his work, he screams again as he falls over.

  "By Irathmar's arsebeard, Dragon! Not so fuckin' close. Startled me fuckin' ancestors with that one."

  I'm getting the distinct impression that this guy is the kind of person who shuts out the world around him as he focuses on his work. At least he didn't throw the dagger at anyone. With his composure regained and the laughter from his friends settling down with a few glares, he hands the dagger to Raya and tells her to try again. He puts extra emphasis on pointing the blade away from others, and she does so.

  With magic flowing into the dagger, it becomes distinctly sword-like, and Raya now has a dragon-flame sword. What could possibly go wrong? Whoever tries to attack her is in for a surprise when she pulls out a dagger and turns it into a sword. Oh, we might be able to get some other stuff for her, too. This foreman seems to know his craft.

  "Do you forge tools for gathering plants too, Foreman?"

  He seems unsure of how to respond as he strokes his beard, but he looks quite distinguished as he frowns.

  "What'd'ya have in mind? Knives and trowels are sold all over."

  "What about scissors? Those would be..."

  Judging by his frown and intense stare, he doesn't know what I'm talking about. Raya doesn't seem to know either, so I guess we're inventing scissors! I'm sure they have shears, so it's not a long jump.

  Wasting no time, I start etching the general idea into one of the cobble-

  "Stop! Not here! Wait 'til we're at me workshop, damn it! Then we'll get them shackles off ya as well."

  Okay, trade secret it is, and getting rid of these shackles sounds very nice. His determination shines through as he starts prying the stone I carved out of the road. As he gets it loose, he pulls it from the ground and throws it to one of his friends with an order to keep it a secret.

  "What is that thing you want made, Kira?"

  "Oh, it's like shears, but better and easier to handle, and you can make them in all sorts of sizes and for all sorts of purposes. All the way from cutting hair to cutting metal sheets."

  The crowd hasn't thinned out as much as I expected, but the foreman seems to be moving forward with a spring in his step. As we get moving again, it almost feels like a procession, given how slow we're moving. It's tempting to fly, but as I move my wings a little, a sharp pain reminds me of why that isn't a possibility.

  I haven't had time to heal, and my membranes are in tatters, meaning flight is out of the question. I definitely need to get some food at some point to replenish my reserves and heal up. A couple of taps on my head alert me to Raya wanting my attention, so healing will have to wait.

  "Kira, you should let people get closer. All these people are here to see you because you helped them. So say hello to them."

  "But there are so many of them. How do I talk to a crowd like that? It's intimidating, Raya."

  "They aren't scary, they're nice. I've talked to a bunch of people here, and they're curious and welcoming. Nobody told me I couldn't buy things in their shops, and where do you think I got these treats? People gave them to me for free!"

  The little rascal is eating another piece of candy without sharing and she knows exactly what she's doing... She's making it pretty clear that if I want some candy, I'm gonna have to ask these strangers for it. Dang it, Raya, stop making me have to be social! Wait...

  "Did you spend my money again?"

  "Of course not! Ignore that and be nice to people. Lie down and let them come closer now that the adventurers aren't surrounding you."

  I'm pretty sure she's lying about spending my money, but I do as she tells me and lie down. Folks are still keeping their distance, but there's a distinct lack of fear in the area, so that's good. Raya wastes no time as she jumps off my nose and pulls out another piece of candy. Grabbing hold of a kid, she pulls him closer and pushes the candy into his hand, holding it out for me. Lowering my head, I use my tongue to poke the candy, pulling it into my mouth. It's so delicious and sweet! I want more!

  And this kid deserves a nudge for being so brave. It doesn't take him long before he starts scratching my scales. And that's an invitation for others to approach again, resulting in me being flooded by the crowd. Raya is the best at this stuff, she knows just what a situation needs to become friendly.