Ocean changed back into his usual clothes and slipped his coat on just as a knock sounded on the guest-room door.
"Come in," he called, and the door swung open.
A young Dwarf stepped inside — deceptively small and all quick movement: long hazel-brown hair pulled back with a brown bandana, a round, freckled face, and green eyes that caught the light like chips of emerald. For a long, embarrassed second she simply stared at him; when Ocean cleared his throat she flinched as if woken from a dream.
"G-Greetings, Lord Dragon. I'm Kelda Rockguard." She dropped into a formal knee, the single syllable trembling slightly.
Ocean watched her quietly. Nerves, he thought — well hidden beneath a practiced composure.
"You're the one who'll help me enter Elvenland?" he asked, and she raised her head.
"Yes." She straightened, awkward and earnest all at once.
A small, easy smile curved Ocean's mouth. "I'm Ocean Ryujin. It's good to meet you, Kelda."
