At first, the beast started to shift, feeling uneasy. In response, it released a low rumble. Answering its rumble, was a small noise from the arms tucked against its stomach. More blue eyes appeared, showing a much smaller version of the creature, offspring. The little one started to release a soft hum, which turned into a wail.
The much larger beast's blue eyes seemed to start to glow brighter. It's jaws opened, "Stop."
That was all it said. Its gaze glared straight at the female, "Bad energy…hurts…little one not strong…bad…"
The wailing of the little creature continued. It was almost pitiful and sad.
He eyed them up and down. "Tell that to the smoldering crater that once was the demon camp."
Aurae immediately stopped, heart breaking at the little one's wailing. "I'm sorry," she whispered to the creature, hand covering her mouth in horror at what she was doing. Ebony, now free from the grasps of the Wendigo, answered the little creature's wails with a comforting sound of its own. Ivory, the other snake stayed silent, but wished it could do the same.
They shrugged, unfazed. "We've got two lives, in a matter of speaking," Stardew said. "We'll be fine."
"Why does everyone treat me like I don' know what I'm fucking doing? How much more do I need to do to get some fucking respect?"
Aurae glanced back at Runner, "Ditto, honestly," then returned her gaze to the beasts
The Alnaschari bowed our heads.
"Forgive us. We allowed our natures to get in the way. If you want to fight it out yourself, then, be our guest. We understand. We'll be within call, if you find yourself overwhelmed."
They sheathed their swords and Stardew put away her pistol. With a deep, elaborate bow each, they each disappeared silently into the shadows.
Stardew and Trouble went off to collect their items, while Foxglove remained in a place where Runner couldn't see him but Foxglove could wait to see if Runner needed the Alnaschari's help.
The massive beast suddenly leaned back, sitting down on its haunches. It lifted the crying little one upwards, hugging it close to its shoulder. The small offspring hid its head into the large one's shoulder. The beast started a soft rumble, comforting its young to the best of its degree.
The wailing quieted down as tears ran down the sides of the small creature's muzzle. Its body was trembling uncontrollably. The larger beast continued to hold the little one close. Though its horned head turned, blue eyes cold as ice as they landed on the woman settled in the tree. It ignored the serpents as they approached, but it was clear, the beast was not pleased.
The giant beast's once curious nature was gone, replaced by an overbearing will to defend and protect. Blue eyes had hardened into ice.
"Strong magic hurt little ones….they not strong…not gain power to hunt like parent…little one fragile…easily hurt…"
A blue mist seemed to be exhaled by the creature's nostrils as it continued to sit back, glaring, "I called 'bad monster'…but I never hurt…only hurt to survive and protect…"
"Foxglove. You forget my skillset. Please, leave. No one else needs to fight my battles for me anymore."
Foxglove bowed his head again and went to join his friends.
Aurae held up her hands. "I understand. I have a friend who is exactly the same way. It won't happen again, I swear on the River Styx." The ground seemed to tremble at the oath. She turned to Runner. "And now to get the little fucker somewhere safe…"
The giant draconic beast almost didn't seem convinced, but listening closely, it seemed to pick up some sincere tone in the female's voice. It remained in place cradling its offspring close.
The little creature turned its head, seeing the serpents nearby. A few tears remained in its eyes, small body still aching. It gave a questioning chirrup, continuing to cling close to its parent's body.
"Understand…good…"
Both snakes slithered over to the beasts, also peering up at the offspring in curiosity.
She nodded at the beasts, then smirked at Runner. But let's put a little fear in his heart. She held up her pistol, clicked off the safety, and shot a bullet mere inches from his feet.
He blinked at the noise, but grit his teeth. "Quit trying to scare me. Tell me what you want or leave me the hell alone."
She jumped down from the tree, returning the pistol into its holster. She spread her arms out so that he could see she was unarmed. "Fine. That daemon camp you blew up? Its general fled and is on the hunt for you." She stepped forward, though not much. "And believe me when I tell you he is not someone you want to mess with."
"And you think I am?" He asked, pointing to the bullet hole at his feet.
(Told you, badass mode engaged)
She pointed at him, unamused. "He'll crush you like a grape, kid."
"And I'm supposed to believe you? A child of a trickster god?"
(@Your_Local, I didn't mean to shove you out of the roleplay, but its what my character would've done. Once he's out of this bad mood, you're welcome to come back in!)
She flung her arms in the air, exasperated. "Judge me all you want! I don't give two shits. Stay here and die, I don't care! I'd bet you'd just love a bucket of helfire tossed at you just for funsies, just like he did to Viper." Her accent was thickening each second that went by. "Let's see how well that turns out for you, Mr Badass."
He looked down at his feet for a moment, then looked up again. "Why attack me, then?" he asked, but the edge from his voice was gone.
She raked her fingers through her hair, snagging on the braid and proceeding to rip it out. "Establishing dominance, I guess. I don't know! I was going to explain the situation eventually but then you brought a fucking Wendigo on Ebony! That I will not let go easily."
"I brought nothing. I can't control a fucking Wendigo. We had buried its heart there a while a go, but apparently we didn't do a good enough job."
She glared. "You smiled."
