Daughter of Hauk (The Raven Chronicles Book 1) by KateMarie Collins Page B

Steaming plates of sausages and eggs reminded them both how hungry they were.
                  About halfway through the meal, Arwenna took note of the time. “I was beginning to fear you were going to sleep all day. It’s at least three hours past dawn.”
                  “Eh, vas tired.” Y’Dürkie muttered between mouthfuls. “Vhat time are ve going to see this elf that the servink vench mentioned last night?”
                  Arwenna swallowed some milk before answering. “Grenda told me this morning that she’s arranged to introduce us. We just have to let her know when we’re ready to go.” She scooped up some more eggs.
                  Y’Dürkie’s sideways glance betrayed her concern. “You goink to go out vithout dyink your hair again?”
                  Leaning back in her chair, Arwenna considered her options. “I’ll put the hood up on my cloak and keep it off my face. It should be fine. Grenda noticed this morning, but didn’t say anything. I’m hoping that garnet I gave her will keep her quiet. Either way, we could just say it was something from travel that got into my hair. Something tells me we’re not going to be able to hide who we are, anyhow.” She leaned back, hoping that would be enough to put Y’Dürkie at ease.
                  Nodding in agreement, Y’Dürkie turned her attention back to her breakfast. “Vhat is in there?” she asked, gesturing towards two small bundles at the foot of Arwenna’s bed.
                  “Our clothes. Grenda brought them back up for us. She’s got a friend who’s a seamstress. We may be able to get some new clothes before we leave town if necessary. Something a little less worn would be nice.” She got up and started to unwrap the bundles, tossing Y’Dürkie’s clothes onto her bed.
                  It didn’t take long before they were heading downstairs. Arwenna took care to ensure that her hair, and the comb, remained hidden within the folds of her hood. Master Ian looked up from his cleaning as they walked down the stairs. Turning his back to them, he disappeared through a side door. The muffled sound of his voice calling for Grenda barely reached their ears.
                  The common room stood empty, some of the chairs still rested on top of the tables. Master Ian must have opened up a short time ago. The bard slept on the stage, a cloak pulled tight about him. If her luck held, Arwenna would be out the door before he stirred.
                  Grenda emerged from the back room, followed by Master Ian. She pulled a cloak around her shoulders as she entered. “All ready, then? Great! I’ll take them to meet the elf and come right back, Ian.” She smiled at the innkeeper and gestured for them to follow her as she walked out the front door.
                  “They’re wood elves, not river elves like you are, but really nice people. It’s a good thing that wandering bard didn’t show up tonight. He was good enough for last night, but I’ll be happy if he’s gone when I get back. He kept watching women all night, even the married ones, like he was looking for someone in particular. And he didn’t even sing well!” Grenda’s chatter continued as they walked down the cobblestone street.
                  The town, while fair sized, remained small enough for Arwenna to be certain she could find her way back to the inn. The building Grenda led them to was a small one, with a sign promising a variety of goods. There seemed to be living quarters on top of the shop itself. Arwenna and Y’Dürkie exchanged looks of caution as Grenda opened the door.
                  A small bell announced their arrival. “Just a minute, I’ll be right out,” called a deep male voice from a hidden corner. Arwenna looked around, taking in everything. The shelves were well stocked and maintained with a