Kali took the mug, gave it a sniff and sat it down on the rail beside her without even pretending to take a sip. Food could be drugged, and though she did not smell anything, it was better to use caution for the conversation that was sure to follow.
She eyed the woman warily, suddenly understanding her father's friendship with her. She was a clever human, something her father had always valued just as much as strength in combat. Very astute, frustratingly so, considering the situation and the danger she was very well aware of. "You are friends with the Lord-Governor, Eva? Did he tell you stories of our race?" She quieted, legs swaying. "When I was a child, he told me a story. There was a patrol of draconians and they came upon a village filled with elves. The elves were unafraid and seemed eager to assist. They gave them food and drink and welcomed them into their homes. The mage was suspicious, but could only feel an eager want to help." She glanced at the mug, then back at Eva. "They started to feel ill, and to change, but whatever had been done to them was not strong enough to complete itself and so they lingered, stuck between forms, even more twisted than we ourselves are. The elves were not elves at all, but dragons disguised to look like something they were not. They had tried to change their lost children back again, and when that failed, they killed them all. They were kind, and helpful, they offered every friendship and even as they slaughtered them they thought it was a mercy to do so."
She paused again, tilting her head to the side. "A dragon can take the appearance if anything it wills, so long as it has the skill to do so. You have all been helpful and kind, you have said you know the Lord-Governor and you have taken me into your home and offered me food and drink and a place to stay." She made eye-contact for a long, lingering moment. "If you are correct, why should I trust you with that information?"
In other words, you're completly right, but good luck getting her to admit it.
She eyed the woman warily, suddenly understanding her father's friendship with her. She was a clever human, something her father had always valued just as much as strength in combat. Very astute, frustratingly so, considering the situation and the danger she was very well aware of. "You are friends with the Lord-Governor, Eva? Did he tell you stories of our race?" She quieted, legs swaying. "When I was a child, he told me a story. There was a patrol of draconians and they came upon a village filled with elves. The elves were unafraid and seemed eager to assist. They gave them food and drink and welcomed them into their homes. The mage was suspicious, but could only feel an eager want to help." She glanced at the mug, then back at Eva. "They started to feel ill, and to change, but whatever had been done to them was not strong enough to complete itself and so they lingered, stuck between forms, even more twisted than we ourselves are. The elves were not elves at all, but dragons disguised to look like something they were not. They had tried to change their lost children back again, and when that failed, they killed them all. They were kind, and helpful, they offered every friendship and even as they slaughtered them they thought it was a mercy to do so."
She paused again, tilting her head to the side. "A dragon can take the appearance if anything it wills, so long as it has the skill to do so. You have all been helpful and kind, you have said you know the Lord-Governor and you have taken me into your home and offered me food and drink and a place to stay." She made eye-contact for a long, lingering moment. "If you are correct, why should I trust you with that information?"