Blue - 5

I clasped open an eye, feeling the shallow breath of Erryn as she meditated. A small quirk that I had not even thought of.

For some strange reason elves, and subsequently Erryn, had no need for sleep. Rather they meditated for some time. Their own equivalent to sleep.

So when I opened my eyes, feeling her shallow breath against my scales - I had transformed back at some point in the night - not that it mattered much. As even in that form I was only maybe the size of a large dog.

Enough to burrow her in my back as I had done before. But that was only because of how short and small Erryn was.

"Why?" I spoke. Finally voicing the doubts… the little quirk that I had only now thought of.

"Why what?" Erryn responded, a small hint of amusement within her voice. 

"You said that dragons were hated. Why then are you fine with me?"

There was a moment of thought. A time in which I took to transform back into that fox I was before. Only a small amount of concentration needed.

"I wonder too…" Her voice was small. Lacking the tinge of amusement she had just a moment before.

"Just as every other being within this realm. I too hated dragons… but…" She stood up, shaking me from her form. I let her. Watching as her nightgown draped over her. Illuminated by the dark shine of the moon.

"But when I look at you" She trailed off, placing her hand over my fur. My polymorphed ears that she found so much joy in playing with. And a moment later… but a moment… she took me in her arms.

Her face nuzzled between my fur.

"I find no hate. Almost destined friendship…" 

I nodded. There was no word nor sound that I could make. The human within me had taken form. Nuzzling her. 

…

It was already morning by the time she let go. Her eyes contained excitement as she strode down the tavern and against the chair. A smirk prevalent on her face as she watched the same staircase we had come from.

Irene emerged. Fiery red hair trailing in a messy fuzz behind her. Bags under her eyes but clear skin. 

"I hate you." 

It was the first words out of her mouth as she sat against that same chair. Leaning in it as she ordered her own food. 

Greed welling within my chest as I saw that pouch of hers. It was almost twice the size of Erryn's. 

I pouted. Pawing at the pouch I was given to play with. Amusement within Erryn's eyes as she looked between me and that larger pouch.

She knew.

"Then you shouldn't have bailed on me." 

Irene spluttered, red in the face. 

"I didn't abandon you. I was merely given a better offer."

"Yes, an offer that made you abandon me. Tell me, was all the money worth my potential death."

Irene looked away, a quiet mutter in her voice.

"maybe…" 

Erryn sighed.

"But it did have better pay. You of all people should have joined."

"And compromise my integrity. I may be whimsical but I know that I won't be hired if I abandon someone for a small raise."

Irene sighed again. Eating the food that had appeared before us. It was as if she knew that she was not going to win the argument.

Most likely because it was one that occurred quite often.

"I trusted you this time too…"

It was a quiet murmur. One Erryn made. And I doubted that she even meant to say it. Only it was thrust upon the world.

Neither Irene nor the barmaid that strode confidently through the tavern. Feeding rowdy people and their own groups.

Neither of them had heard it.

Only I.

I placed a paw over her hand. Nuzzled against it.

She was part of my hoard. And as part. Erryn must be maintained and allowed to grow to her natural potential. Even further.

My first and only tangible treasure right now. She was mine. So to be made a mockery, of her trust. It was a mockery of my own pride.

Only I felt as if I could do nothing. I looked over at Erryn. Then to Irene.

There was no shift within either of their faces.

"Is it time for us to return?"

Irene checked something. Some magic scroll or some such object.

"Yes, we have a week of travel then a couple days for rest. But if we want those days we must leave now."

"Alright. Book the ship and we'll head out immediately."

…

It was a shame. But this merchant… whatever his name was. He apparently had the intelligence to know when not to push something.

But still. 

There was a sting within my pride. I was a dragon. Not some common… common housepet. I would not be propositioned like such. 

And because of that pride. Because of that greed within my soul. I found myself wandering about in the morning. The sun still beat back against my fur. Only to be dissipated by my big ears. 

A function of this race that I quite like. For it was easy to keep cool in this arid environment.

I was sure that Erryn already knew what I was doing. Seeing as she had already left me to do my thing.

She of all people must know a dragon's pride.

As such. When hands came down and grabbed me - no matter how much it hurt my pride - I still let them take me. With little to no biting on my end.

Well there was some… But that was par for the course. I mean they had thought to kidnap a seemingly wild animal. Was it not right for them to expect some bruises and bites.

I snorted as I was given to that same merchant. Not biting. For they had already stuffed a cloth within my mouth. Making sure that their leader was safe.

Leader was stretching it though. After all he probably just paid it off.

"So this is the illustrious fox. I can see why they go for so much. I can imagine a noble lady paying quite the sum to have this as a pet."

"Of course sir, but please remember. Their parts are more valuable."

"Of course… of course…" He responded with a laugh. Waving his arm up and down.

"After all, they wouldn't be almost extinct if not for their parts~"