Arden nodded and then as she walked off he quietly replied, essentially to just himself, "It was intended as a compliment."
Even though River was only inside the inn for a very short amount of time Arden had already gotten Rarra and Gin dismounted and ready to go inside. Rarra in particular looked like she was ready to stop riding the horse for the day as her legs were stiff and she seemed to be pretty tired and sore. Gin was a little bit within his own world, as most children his age tend to be, and was just following along with one hand held in his mother's and the other firmly clutching the wood carving.
Arden took a couple steps forward so they wouldn't be as much in earshot. "Fair enough, we could probably sell that act. Just don't be surprised if I have to pretend to give you some commands here and there for show. We'll try it without a leash first." Arden couldn't help but grin at River.
He waited for River to find a good spot to change form and then return before approaching the Inn. A younger man came ambling up to them to take the horse around back to the stables and Arden was very careful about making sure nothing too important was left on the horse. You never knew who might have a bad case of sticky fingers.
Then they all entered the Inn and Arden moved over to catch the attention of the proprietor. He was fairly busy juggling the patrons at the bar and directing his couple of employees. They looked like they were probably his family members. "We need two rooms next to each other," Arden explained as he glanced around, "quiet end of the place if you can."
The man behind the bar laughed at the request. "We got two rooms sure, but ain't much difference in how quiet they are. Rooms are reasonable, food is extra but cheap and i ain't gonna swindle ya. No other guarantees." He then leaned over to look down at River. "Your mutt better not cause a problem or make a mess or you'll be out on the street and I'll keep that horse my boy brought in for you as payment.
Arden agreed to the prices for the rooms. Not that he had much choice if he wanted Rarra and gin to sleep safely that night. It would have been cheaper to get only one room but he wanted to give the mother and son a little privacy. He could get them fed and then tell them to lock the door and not open for anyone but him. then he could finally enjoy a nice drink.
