Nidhogg remained leaning over the table for a few moments, that mischievous glint in her golden eyes still lingering as she watched Elion over the steaming rim of her cup. The warm light of the lanterns reflected off the small scales scattered across her neck and collarbones, making her seem simultaneously welcoming and dangerous. There was something almost childlike in her curiosity at that moment, but Elion knew, from enough experience, that the creature before her could alternate between domestic sweetness and mythological catastrophe as easily as one changes clothes.
"Before any agreement," Nidhogg repeated, drumming her nails on the wooden table, "I want full context."
Elion took another sip of tea, deliberately calm.
"Full context usually comes at a high price."
"I am the payment," the dragoness replied with immediate pride. "I am offering my undivided attention."
"That worries me more than it should."
