ROLEPLAY HQ - feast

I look around at the people watching. Knights, gaurds, villagers, nobles, everybody who wanted to join the procession out to the offering stone. All come to see the princess weep and beg for her life. I refuse to give them the satisfaction. My father, the king, steps forward and dabs at his eyes with his handkerchief. "Princess... Kendal... daughter --" I cut him off by trying to spit in his face. I missed, but he blusters and stammers like a fool anyway. "Damnit Kendal! Can't you behave like a princess, even to save your own life?!! Don't you understand, this is why we chose you!! Out of all 9 of my daughters, you are the only one who causes problems! Bah! To hell with it! Good riddance!" He shouts, to the shock of most of the crowd. I droop, at least, as much as I can, bound the by coils of rope from my shoulders to my ankles to a single marble pillar on the side of the mountain. On the side of *mount Ikiyoka *. The single marble pillar that was built here for the purpose of making sacrifices to the dragons. I sigh as I watch the crowd disperse. Nobody looks back. Nobody cares. I'm just the errant princess, the problem child. Now that the dragon has returned, I'm just a convenient sacrifice to appease the beast. If it even comes for me. Hours pass. I had stayed up all last night, locked in my room, crying because I knew I was going to die. They had advised my father that only a maiden princess could satisfy this dragon. He hadn't even had to think about it, he just said my name and I was locked in my room until they came for me with ropes and a wagon. Now I'm here. It's bull crap. If this dragon ever shows up, I'm going to tear into him for taking so long to get here. What is the point of making me wait this long? Kill me already! "Hey you scale-faced lizard brain! Don't you know how to read a clock?! Come on, time for lunch! You lazy overgrown gecko! I've met chameleons with more manners! Don't you know it's rude to leave a lady waiting?" I cry out, listening to my voice echo down the mountain. I keep it up for a while, until my voice goes hoarse. It starts to get dark, and I wonder if the dragon is going to even get here, or it intends to leave me for a bear or jadecat to tear to shreds. It gets cold up here at night. I'm scared of the dark.

As the night fully takes over the sky and the stars begin to shine a figure begins to come into view. Hard to see at first, but when it glides into the line of sight to the moon it’s silhouette is clearly defined by the dim moonlight. It rumbles out a barely audible retort about being called an overgrown gecko as it circles to land just outside the clearing and scattering a pack of wolves waiting there. A moment later there was a flash of dim neon blue and purple light and a young man with dark purple skin and bright purple and pink hair stepped into the clearing. Veilucevus, or Veil as he preferred for his human-ish form, strutted up to the princess with a big sly grin on his lips. When he was nearly to her he lit a small pink flame in the palm of one hand so she could see him better. His wings were the same shade as his skin and neatly tucked up to his back. His tail was gently swaying behind him with every step, the tip barely brushing the ground. And just barely poking out from under his hair were two twisted purple-grey horns, each hardly bigger than a finger in size. He was wearing a lightweight white, though it looked pink in the firelight, hooded vest that just reached the bottom of his ribs with the hood laying against his back under his wings and baggy almost harem style short made of the same fabric. The whole ensemble left very little to the imagination. Just above the shorts was a belt who’s sole purpose was to hold a small pouch and a very ornate scabbard for a equally ornate dagger with a wicked looking blade which he now wielded with his free hand to gesture at the Lady’s predicament. “If I cut you loose Princess, are you going to run?“ His voice was deep and rough from unuse but still infinitely smoother than the growling voice of the dragon. @reddeR (edited)

@reddeR saw you were on so a gentle boop from the dapper dragon for you

I watch the fearsome creature as it comes closer and closer, eventually landing on the ledge and smoothly changing shape to a more human, but decidedly inhuman, form. I stare in shock. I had expected I'd be eaten by now. I didn't know the dragon could take another shape. But his question seems ridiculouse. "Where am I going to run to?;it's dark, I'm alone on a mountain with a dragon. I'd say you have the advantage here. My own father put me here. I'd appreciate if you could just eat me and be done with it. Will you cook me first?" I ask bluntly. I see no reason to mince words. I struggle with accepting my fate, and being angry with my father. My attitude waffles between resignation and determination. Honestly it's been the most stressful thing I've ever been through, and I don't have the patience for whatever game the dragon is playing.

@Baz

“I take a day trip to the beach one time and everybody thinks I want to kill them whenever they see me. No I’m not going to eat you.” Veil huffed as he fitted his dagger into a groove in the marble and in one swift motion sliced through each coil of rope like butter. “Humans are as bitter as their personalities. My sweet tooth is far too demanding for that.” I’m another single motion he sheaths his dagger again. “And no, I’m not going to cook you either. I prefer raw.” he finished with a mock snobby air about him. “Now, are you going to come with me or take your chances with the wildlife? Because you pretty much said it yourself, you don’t have a home to go back to anymore.” @reddeR

I stumble as the rope is cut. Blood flows back into my hands and legs. I move around, helping to restore feeling to them. I keep my eyes on the dragon, not trusting him in the least. "Then what do you want me for, if not to eat?" I ask warily. "Where are you going to take me?" I consider braving the mountains and wildlife. It couldn't be that bad, the dragon is the most terrifying thing out here, after all. Fortunately, I would rather be dragon food then be mauled by a bear and eaten. "Sure, humans are bitter. Sounds about right," I laugh, still keeping a vigilant watch on him

@Baz

He shrugs “Company. You’re mine now regardless. A dragon never gives up a piece of his hoard. Couldn’t even if I wanted to. Instincts are a bitch like that.” Considering that answer enough to both questions, he took a step back turning slightly and raised an eyebrow still looking at her, silently asking if she was going to follow him. Having a sentient piece in his hoard was a novelty. He had had a few before but they were few and far between. He held no bias or preference; men, women, nobility, and peasantry alike had at one time been his but this was the first time he managed to wrap his claws around royalty.

@reddeR

I reluctantly follow him, not seeing myself having much of a choice in the matter. I wish I had the nerve to just run away from him, but as much as I hate to admit it, I'm afraid of the dark. I keep myself close to him, or, as close as I dare. A dragon is a fairly intimidating thing as well. I don't understand what he wants me for if I'm not going to be eaten. I suppose I'll find out soon enough. I stay quiet as I follow, except for the occasional sound as I stumble, trip, or otherwise make a fool of myself trying to walk through the woods in heels.

@Baz

Veil leads the way being sure the princess has enough light to navigate by for the first quarter mile picking the berries that had been left on the various bushes and small trees, eating them and offering to share as they went, before he takes pity on her and comes to a stop before a particularly rough patch of land just before the entrance of his cave. He claps his hands once and the small flame still in his hand bursts into a dozen or so smaller free floating lights leaving both hands free. “Come here. We’re almost there, I’ll carry you from here.”

@reddeR

instantly suspicious, I shake my head and keep walking. I open my mouth to say I'm fine, and end up biting my tongue as my heel slips into a mousehole and I fall flat on my rear. Blushing, I pick myself up and try to brush the debris off my skirt. My heel is broken. Now I'd be lucky not to fall every other step! "I suppose I don't have a choice!" I grumble. I limp on my broken heel over to him, still leery of his intentions. "Just don't drop me, ok?" I ask softly, averting my eyes. My cheeks are almost crimson, and I can feel the warmth radiating from them.

@Baz

”Good girl. And I wouldn’t dream of it.” he stated. He hadn’t moved an inch at her refusal and was very pleased with himself when she ended up accepting the help anyway. He picked her up bridal style and began the last leg of the trek, the new set of lights bobbing along around them, expertly dodging the entrances of mouse colonies and rabbit warrens. Without having to stop and check on the princess every few minutes, now that she was firmly in his arms, they made great time getting home. And soon the cave was in sight. He only let her down again at the caves entrance where it was a much smoother walk and took her heels off her as he did so she would have to hobble in. He had carved the cave out himself many ages ago and it was smooth enough to walk barefoot then and has only gotten smoother over time. “After you, Princess.” @reddeR

I won't be able to go anywhere without my shoes, so there's no real risk of me running right now. However, I peer into the dark, unlit cave and step back instinctively. I look around frantically. "I c-can't see in there! I need a light!" I say, on the verge of panic. I have been afraid of the dark since I was a child. I couldn't make myself walk into that cave without a light if my life depended on it. It just might, right now, and I can't do it. @Baz

Veil chuckled “That won’t be a problem for long. Give me your hand.” He held out his hand for her to place hers into and he would wait for her to do that, unmoving. He had all the time in the world. Once he had her hand he traced a small symbol on her palm that glowed for a second once finished. After, he blew a few sparks into her palm, mimicking his action to produce his own flame back in the clearing. When one caught he nursed it into a small flame that danced lightly in her palm. “Now, that thing I traced on your hand is a protective rune. It will keep you from getting burned for one hour. Just you. Not your clothes or anything inside. Fire is still fire no matter how small or magical. If it gets too hot for you just close your fist, it will go out”

@reddeR

I stare at the flame, then look up at him. He looks quite impressive in the light of the pink flame. He looks powerful and attractive and magical. I pull my eyes away and look into the cave, holding the flame up above my head. "I understand, thank you." I stammer, then start forward hesitantly. The floor of the cave is smooth, and the cave seems to go on for a long way into the rock before opening out into a cavern. I pause here and look around curiously, keeping the flame held high to chase away the dark.

@Baz

The main cavern was piled high with mostly junk and mildly valuable items he had taken a fancy in over the years. A decoy hoard if you will. If one could name it, it was probably here. Each pile was organized chaos having there own themes like trunks piled high with various styles of clothes from all over the world and throughout time so far, coins that no longer held value in today’s currency, even figureheads from old shipwrecks. The real hoard and his primary living space was farther in. The farther into the cave the more valuable the piles became until suddenly there were no piles at all just the cavern wall with a crack in it just big enough for a human to shimmy through. On the other side of that wall was the real hoard. And the space was much more meticulously decorated with displays for all his favorite things and much smaller piles of much more valuable items like gems and jewelry, weapons so ornate they are more of a display piece or talking point than an actual weapon, and on one wall in a smaller alcove of the cavern there were again a dozen or so trunks carefully placed and all of them securely locked except for the last which waited open and empty. Next to that alcove was another crack that lead to a smaller cavern fully furnished with everything a human might need and next to that room was another, larger alcove that was completely occupied by a huge dragon nest. “Mi casa, su casa. You’re free to make use of whatever you like, so long as it doesn’t leave this area of the cavern.” @reddeR

I look around at everything with the light from the flame. It's an impressive collection of treasures. I could spend days and days in here and still not see everything. It raises one rather obvious question. "How old are you?" I ask, immediately followed by, "what do I call you?" These treasures are fascinating. I pause to admire many of the weapons with their ornate hilts and jewels and carvings. I run my fingers over the fancy clothing, admiring the materials. When we reach the crack and shimmy through, I admire the gems and jewelry as much as anyone might. It's the chests that pique my curiosity. Especially the open one. "What's in those?" I ask, for some reason dreading the answer. @Baz

Veil keeps an eye on her as she explores his things, enamored by her curiosity and what draws it out further. “My predecessor named me Veilucevus. Or for you, if that’s too much of a mouthful, you can call me Veil, princess. I had a different one before all this, a different life, but it was so long ago I hardly remember it. All I have left of it was what I cared enough about to put in this.” He walked over to his nest and pulled from a small shelf next to it a very old and worn leather bound journal, half filled with writing and drawings. “I kick myself every time I look through this thing, I never once wrote my own name down. Most dragons now a days, and for a long while before that, aren’t true dragons. We were made. There’s only one true-born dragon left now. Both types are so long lived that I’ve lost track of the years. But I’ve seen your kingdom rise and fall from family to family of monarchs a total of four times. My age in this form depicts where I am at in my lifespan. The last time I saw my reflection I still had a long way to go before I get old and decrepit.” He hands over the journal filled with tidbits of his human life, and continued to follow her around as he allowed her to give herself a tour. “Those are my most prized possessions, the only thing I’m not ok with you going through without supervision. Keepsakes from my er-previous victims” he chuckled at his own joke. “The open one is yours. You can put anything you like in it. Anything you want to claim as yours while you’re here.” @reddeR

I am honored when he hands me the journal, thinking it to be a great treasure. It will tell me more about this dragon than anything else here. Then he answers my question about the chests. I drop the journal from numb fingers. There are a dozen or more chests against the wall. A dozen or more! I look at the beautiful dragon in horror. Is this my fate, then? To be reduced to just a box of keepsakes? A box of things to rest forever in a dragon's lair? "H-how long... How long will I be here?" I ask quetly, thinking it looks like a fairly large chest. He calls them his victims and laughs. I am just his next victim. How long does he play with his victims before growing bored? How long will I be the mouse in this game? @Baz

Veil jumped to save his book as she dropped it, tucking it into the waistband of his shorts as he straighter when it was safely in his hands again. He furrowed his brow at her ready to berate her for her carelessness but when he met her eyes he saw nothing but fear and was reminded of how she came to him. It was too soon for jokes about her situation, they had only known each other a short time, not even a whole day yet. He took a moment to collect himself and school his expression, gently placing his hands on her shoulders and letting them continue down her arms in what he hoped was a comforting way. When his hands reached her wrists he felt the heat of the flame and how the temperature of her hand was warmer than he would have liked, the rune was fading. Still silent he turned slightly and made a motion at a candle set in the cave wall. In a wave all the candles in the room lit, pink at first then fade-in to the natural orange as the magic wore off. With some proper light now he pressed her hand closed extinguishing the magic. “It was a bad joke, made in poor taste. Everyone of these people that these trunks represent were happy in their time here. Same as you the majority of them were sacrificed to me but not all of them chose to stay. Some of them left to raise their own families.” @reddeR

I look at him with little understanding, just frowning at him until the end, when he says some of them left. I can't help but feel it's a trap of some sort. "Some of them left? You let them leave?" I ask quietly, "you'll let me leave?" It doesn't make much sense, but it can't hurt to ask. If he let me leave, where would I even go? My own father, the king, had chosen me to be the sacrifice. If I go back it will be in violation of his orders. He will most likely have me tied to the stupid pillar again, with a guard to make sure I don't escape again. And why would I go back anyway? To be the 8th daughter of the king? Destined to me married off to some noble, to spread my legs and pop out babies for him? So he can have the priveledge of telling others his wife was the kings daughter? Where else would I go? I'm not able to take a job and live like a serf. I'm a princess, raised as a princess, I don't know any other way of living. I have my doubt about living here, with a dragon! My best bet is to be eaten, honestly. Otherwise I'm just going to be a burden on somebody. @Baz

”I… will have some stipulations, but yes, if you wish to leave you may do so. Those that have in the past did so because they longed for the one thing I couldn’t give them. Their *melancholia in turn made me miserable, I never wanted for my home to feel like a carceral place for them. Nor do I want that for you. I’ve never been very ostentatious, I never went out looking for emolument, but I’ve found I genuinely do enjoy the company. They each pulled at my heartstrings in their own unique ways, and I love each of them still. Their feelings and needs were never trivial to me, I take care of what’s mine. I’ve sanctioned it before and I will again, although, to be honest I’d rather not if I don’t have to.” Veil hoped he put her mind at ease if only for the moment. His own feelings were *nebulous about the potential of losing new company so soon, but perhaps he can use the stipulations he mentioned to his advantage to alleviate his latest desire on the subject of the kingdom that lies just beyond his mountain. That would certainly * validate* his dragon sized ego for centuries. “But all of that can wait for tomorrow. I’m sure you’ve had a long day, you should rest now. You have your own bed through there, everything is ready for you.” He indicated the crack in the cavern wall that opened up into a human sized living space, fully furnished and uncluttered by his things, but dotted with the remnants of the lives he looked after before her. (I’m so sorry

) @reddeR

(oh damn, the effort! Good job! XD) I go into the room and look around curiously, noticing the few dusty things here and there. I shake the dust off the blanket on the bed and look at it, wondering how many people have slept in it. It looks comfortable enough. I lay down, but sleep eludes me. I should be dead. I have literally nothing in mind for my future. I had resigned myself to never waking up again. I was ready. Now... I'm alive. My own father chose me as a sacrifice. I have nothing, and nobody who would even care. Not for the first time since I was told I'd be the sacrifice, I just curl up in a ball and cry. I was always the problem, I was always in trouble. I knew I wasn't the favorite daughter, but I never thought my own father would just... Sacrifice me. So quickly, too! He didn't even consider another option! No list of names, he didn't even ask the noble families what they thought! I was chosen, without hesitation, to be fed to a dragon. So much for family. I cry myself to sleep, feeling more alone than I've ever felt, and wishing I'd just been eaten instead of having to continue after all of this.

@Baz

Sleep abandoned Veil completely at the first echo of quite sniffles. He knew the first nights were hard and not just on them. It broke his heart to listen to his princess be upset, same as it had done with all the others, but he figured she would rather have the space to work through it herself. Plus his been pretty good the last few times about not entering his humans space without permission and he was pretty proud of that. He would hate to break that streak now. At some point he transformed and crawled into his nest to get comfortable for the long night of listening while keeping vigil over the entrance to his humans space. When morning came around, not that anyone can tell by any kind of light source, he started poking through his food storage looking for something that would be appetizing to a princess. @reddeR

I wake feeling like I had just barely closed my eyes. My face feels puffy, making me wonder how much of the night I'd spent crying. I had hoped I wouldn't wake up, but I'm awake now. Awake, with a dragon to... What? Deal with? Handle? The idea is laughable. With no way to tell what time it is, it's easy to take much longer than necessary getting up for the day. There is a dressing table with a mirror, and I sit in the chair and look without really seeing myself. An oppressive numbness creeps over me, slowly, almost comforting. I catch myself giving in to it before it's too late. I'm not dead. I'm not worthless, and if I'm unloved, all the better! I don't have to worry about disappointing anybody, or being a problem for anybody that way! My life is still mine, it's not over. I can make it into something worth living, and damn that asshole for thinking he could just throw me out! When I come out of the room, it's in search of a place to relieve myself. I look around cautiously for the dragon... Veil, his name is Veil. "H-hello?" I say quietly. When I don't hear a response I start to look for another crack or something that might lead to a toilet. Then I realize I'm in a cave, I doubt there is piping installed. I'll have to go outside. I resign myself to pissing outside for the first time and head down the long tunnel toward the exit.

@Baz

22:38

Tul!auto "Kendal Arridien" #feast

Now automatically proxying messages in channel #feast with 'Kendal Arridien'. To disable autoproxy, use tul!auto off.

Tul!auto Veilucevus #feast

Now automatically proxying messages in channel #feast with 'Veilucevus'. To disable autoproxy, use tul!auto off.

Veil got a waft of the princess’s scent but when he looked toward the main cavern, arms full of possible breakfast items, she was nowhere in sight. Not letting the dragon get the better of him just yet he calmly placed the food on the table and curiously looked around, poking his head into her room and any cubby hole area he came across methodically until he reached the entrance to the first cavern with the dummy hoard. Did she take his temporary distraction as a chance to run? He sniffed the air and found fresh scent, she definitely went this way. His dragon instincts demanded he follow and bring back what was his so that’s what he did. As soon as he was through to the next space he transformed. With the better vantage point he scanned each pile as he went, maybe she was looking for something to decorate with? As he approached the entrance of his cave he called out with a soft growl, not that he was actually angry yet, the dragons voicebox was only capable of so much. “Princess? Where did you go?”

@reddeR

A muffled squawk and some rustling from behind a bush give away my location. I hadn't gone far, as I'd taken my time getting out here and had to go by the time I spotted the bush. After a moment I come out from my hiding spot, blushing as red as my hair. "I was just... Um... You know..." I stammer, looking anywhere but at the large, intimidating, beautiful creature that came to find me squatting behind a bush. "I couldn't find anywhere else to go." I add as an explanation.

03:08

@Baz

Veil chuckled in dragon, which was really more of an hurmph letting out a strong gust of air, and down shifted to communicate better. “As much as I appreciate your willingness to ruff it princess, you didn’t look hard enough. Having to go out in the rain is a pain. I build the cave around an underground river and hot spring. If you come back inside I’ll show you. And there’s breakfast.” He did want her back inside but he didn’t want to scare her and be possessive about it.

10:51

@reddeR

I pause, looking around and enjoying the warm sunshine and fresh air while my blush fades. I sigh softly, stalling as long as I can. Finally I can't really put it off any longer and I go back inside with Veil. "Breakfast sounds good. I did look, but I didn't see anywhere that looked like a toilet might be hidden, and I thought, as it is a cave..." I trail off. It should be fairly obvious what I thought. I follow him silently as he leads me to the proper place, not making a sound.

“It’s ok. It’s a new space. I guess I forgot to include it in the tour.” He walks her to space just on the other side of his nest. There’s a slow moving river with a cut out for a tide pool that can be blocked to increase the water level and surrounded by runes to keep the water warm on one side and down stream on the other is a door that leads to a stone ‘throne’ that empties into the water, a bucket for flushing, and a mound of toilet tissue because well dragon. After that he takes her to the dining table set up in the ‘living space’ situated in front of his nest and gently sits her down in front of an array of dried fruits and oatmeal. There would be plenty of time to bathe later he wanted to make sure she ate something.

11:45

@reddeR

Feeling much more on top of things, I eat with enthusiasm. My eyes follow every move the dragon makes, but he seem to be doing better nothing but watching me! My eyes keep roaming back toward him as if drawn by a magnet. Every time I glance at him he is watching me. I make a sort of game out of it, trying not to be seen looking while trying to catch him looking away. After a moment I can't help but grin, then chuckle. I cover my mouth with my hand when I smile.

12:54

@Baz

Veil didn’t eat much, remembering the wolf he had landed on the night before that would hold him over for a day or two, but he did sit at the table with her and picked at the fruit. He didn’t care that he was caught staring. As typical as that reaction was to him, to being forced into this new life, he was worried about her after last night. And this morning, as much as he tried to give her the benefit of the doubt he thought she had run away. It wouldn’t have been the first time. When she started laughing at him he smiled back and quietly placed his journal on the table and pushed it across the table to her. He had started writing when he first met the dragon that made him what he was now, under circumstances not unlike this one. He had been his village’s greatest warrior sacrificed in penance after a villager had raided the dragon’s hoard. It was a small shard of his life consisting of three years of sparse and at time very angry entries about his struggles and denial that gradually shifted to acceptance and detailed the relationship that had been forged between the two of them. The last entry was a single paragraph about the offer to become a dragon and his skepticism about weather or not he would accept as he would have to meet the true dragon for judgement before the transformation could even take place. Obviously it all worked out in the end. “Try not to drop it this time? It’s the only thing I have of my life before… all of this. And Princess, my offer still stands, but I would appreciate if you made an attempt to coexist before you make a final decision.” @reddeR

"I won't drop it." I take the journal and set it beside my plate, then regard him curiously. "So... You weren't always a dragon?" I ask. Somehow knowing that makes him seem less intimidating. "I didn't know it was possible to... Become a dragon." I don't think I've ever been as curious about a book as I am about this journal. I know I'm not going to leave until I've read it. After that, who knows. I guess I will figure it out then. "I don't understand, why do you want me here? What am I going to do? What... What am I? Your captive? Slave? ... Pet?" @Baz

Veil chuckled at her question and shook his head “I was human once. And I was sacrificed like you were. Eventually I was given the opportunity to be something greater. The whole process was created out of necessity. The dragon population had dwindled down to a single individual and at the time humans weren’t as prolific because predators roamed freely in cities and villages alike. Bahphamet, the only true dragon alive today and something of a king of dragons, created a way to make others to control the predators and give room for humans to thrive. Or at least that’s the story I was told. It started long before my time.” He looked at her quizzically for a moment before answering her next question. Pet fit at the moment but he wanted more than that. He wanted to take her kingdom for his own, to scorn the monarchy that sent dozens of raids to his lair several generations before. He was perfectly content to play the long game and now he had a golden opening to do so, if only he could earn her trust. “A dragon doesn’t give back gifts. And we hardly ever give anything away. I was hoping you would be my friend and we’d see where it went from there. It gets lonely up here, and while that’s paradise to most dragons, they don’t crave company like I do. Animals are too short lived and aren’t capable of holding a conversation. I’ve tried and it got complicated when I got hungry.”

15:03

@reddeR

(so sorry, I missed the tag! Feel free to ping me again if it's been over a day since I posted, I don't mind!)

(Wasn’t a full day yet lol no worries)

I chuckle, thinking "complicated" is an interesting way to put things. I open the cover of the book, taking note of the neat rows of handwriting. I already know I want to stay long enough to read this book. It's not like I have anywhere else to be. But what's going to happen to me when he gets hungry? I look at the food in my hand, then set it down. I've lost my appetite. I look over at him again and pick up the book. "I... I'm finished eating. If I'm going to... Stay here... What do I do? I mean, I can't just sit and do nothing all day, I'd get so bored so fast. What's the point of surviving being sacrificed if I'm just going to be useless?" I ask skeptically. I've never been content to be idle. It's gotten me in most of the trouble I've been in.

He had noticed his mistake as soon as the words had come out of his mouth but in the effort of not sticking his foot in his mouth again he decided to keep quiet about it. When she put down the food that had been in her hand his wings drooped but he again didn’t say anything about it. She hadn’t eaten as much as he would’ve liked but… foot, mouth, he was happy she had eaten anything at all. He moved to clear the oatmeal from the table, leaving the dried fruit as those won’t go bad in a hurry. Maybe she would pick at then if she decided to hang out in the main cavern. “Well, sitting around and looking pretty has its merits. I am a dragon after all. But if you want to be busy there’s plenty to do. I have a collection of books and instruments, you can redecorate… your space go through and select what clothes you want to wear. Whatever you want really. If you want to go outside I’ll escort you… for your protection. There’s some neat spots up the mountain and a small village that’s familiar with me.”

13:14

@reddeR

"... I see." I say quietly, suddenly feeling very closed-in. I'd spent the better part of a year when I was 13 trying to convince my father that I was capable of being allowed out of the palace unescorted. After many screaming fights, and once being thrown in a cell in the dungeon for three days, he had finally relented in a fit of exasperation. Now, it seemed I'd found myself an escort I don't think I would be able to sway. Despite the rebellious flash of resistance I feel, I don't think it would be a good idea to argue with Veil just yet. "Would it be possible to have a window in... My room?" I ask, knowing the likely answer. I've always enjoyed waking up and feeling the fresh, chill morning air, and the smell of thunderstorms. It seems like, now that I'm being told I cannot have outside, I'm remembering everything about outside that I love. @Baz

“Princess, it would end up being less of a window and more of a tunnel. I don’t want a bear deciding it would make a good home and have direct access to you. If you want a view you’re free to pick out a painting or twenty. There’s plenty to chose from, or make your own. Or if it’s ventilation you’re after… that I may actually be able to do something about. I’ll need to conscript some help though, if you want to go for a walk with me?” he asked a little hesitant. He knew she wasn’t too fond of him at the moment but he wanted her to be comfortable here. If that meant poking holes in the cave walls he could do that. He dug out the bathroom for the last one. He was mildly worried about mice tho. Most animals are scared off by his sent but he doesn’t enter his human’s room much and not without permission when he does. Not that the last human spent much time in there after a while, preferring to share his nest for warmth… and other things. @reddeR

"oh, if it's going to be a hassle, it's fine. I was just... No. It's fine." I say hurriedly, "I knew it was a long shot, just figured I'd ask." I look around the cave we are in quietly for a moment, thinking things over. It certainly seems to have been designed with a human sized occupant in mind, in some places. I wonder how long it's been since a human actually lived here? "When was the last time you had... Someone here? What was she like?" I ask absently, my curiosity getting the better of me. That, and it's something to talk about. I don't know if anything I might be able to talk with a dragon about that would actually interest him. @Baz

“Its really not that big of a hassle. I just need to find a few moles, give them a little magical strength and set them on their way. I’d still like to go on that walk though, if you change your mind.” He watched as the princess re-evaluated the cave, taking it all in again, his curiosity piqued at what could be going through her head now. When she changed the topic to his favorite subject he lit up, literally the natural highlights of his purple and pick hair glowed ever so slightly in the candle light. His enthusiasm making his magical energy swell. Some of the closest candles, candles that have not melted at all during the night, were burning pink now. “Well, she was actually a he, and it was a little over a century ago. His name was Jonah. His mother had been the sacrifice but she had been beaten for resisting. By the time I got to her she was beyond my capabilities of saving. When she realized I wasn’t going to eat her she asked me to look after her child. So I did. It was the only thing I could do for her. But not before enacting a little revenge on the castle. It took me a bit to find him but when I did he was just a baby, barely out of diapers. So I raised him up. He had no fear, ran me ragged, but that’s what made him beautiful. He became an excellent hunter, avid bookworm, and master tinker. He taught himself how to play the lute and wasn’t horrible at it… for long. He lived a long and happy life.” @reddeR

I stare in shock. That was not what I'd expected. Not at all. Trying to picture a dragon raising a baby is... Difficult. It goes against everything I know about dragons. This story makes me realize how little I actually know. Seeing how enthusiastically he talks about it, I find myself reevaluating my own knowledge on the topic. "Have you raised many children?" I ask incredulously, trying to make sense of this. "How many people have you lived with?" So many questions fill my head it's impossible to make sense of them all. I can't take my eyes off of the luminescent man sitting across from me. None of this makes sense! I'm so confused! @Baz

“Jonah was the only child I raised, although I had babysat before that. One of the ones that got away used to bring her children to visit. Her family has always been close with me. Most of her descendants live in the village up the mountain that I mentioned last night. And the total number of humans I’ve lived with long term is 13, there were more but things just didn’t work out with all of them. They wanted families and I couldn’t give them that. The total number of sacrifices made to me so far is 18, including you.” Veil stared right back, he could see the wheels turning in her head, trying to comprehend this information and rationalize it. He knew the look and if previous conversations are anything to go by he knew it would take some time to fully sink in. It ok tough he had all the time in the world. @reddeR

"but you..." I begin, then stop and try again. "isn't there..." No, that's not quite right either. I don't know what to say to him. One thought does occur to me, and it escapes my mouth before I can stop myself. "But they're all dead now?" The insensitive remark shocks me. I clamp my hand over my mouth with a startled gasp. "I'm sorry!" I say, my voice muffled by my hand. I don't know how he will react to that. It was a perfect example of what my father called my inability to be a real princess. Tact. Couth. Not my strong points by a long shot. It was just one more thing to make my father hate me enough to sacrifice me. Now he just might have his wish, if my un-princess-like mouth has anything to do with it. @Baz

At the question Veil deflated a little, the candles went back to burning orange but his hair still had a glow to it. His smile never his face but now there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Its ok princess, dragons live a very long time. They each came to me about a century apart… with one exception. I once received two in the same year from neighboring kingdoms. But that’s beside the point. Like I said I don’t seek out the attention but when it does come I welcome whoever it is I get. Try to make them at home.” He reached across the table to take her hand. “Don’t feel bad about it, I’m a recluse by nature. A lack of formality doesn’t bother me. You can ask me anything you want.” @reddeR

ask me anything you want are powerful words. Here I sit with a creature who's lived through centuries, offering me all the knowledge he has with my hand held in his. It gives me a heads sense of power. To know I could have the answers to anything. But there is only one thing I can think to ask at the moment. "Why, though? What's the point? Why do you keep doing it? Doesn't it become tedious? Burdensome? To live so long, to watch people you care about die? Doesn't it get to be... Heavy?" @Baz

“That… is a complicated answer.” Veil took a moment to think about how best to explain it. “Bear with me but, the first thing a dragon starts collecting is very telling as to the reason behind why they collect anything else. Mine was books. I fell in love with the stories, the characters, sometimes the setting. But mostly the characters. I’d imagine what it would be like to have a conversation with them. What their life was like after their adventure ended. When I received my first sacrifice I didn’t know what to do with her so I let her go but she refused to leave. She didn’t want to go back to a society that had betrayed her but she couldn’t take care of herself out there on her own. She was a princess too, and to used to people caring for her needs for her to be the hermit in the woods. So I carved out a room for her, and we developed a friendship. It wasn’t until her death that I realized that everyone is the hero of their own story and I had lived out my fantasy. She stood up to a dragon, forcing herself into my life, and created a life for herself that she enjoyed. After being around for a while her death was hard to take in but it was a happy ending. She was happy here. Happy being mine. And I took joy in taking care of her. It was bittersweet but … still good” @reddeR

13:41

https://tenor.com/view/stitch-lilo-and-stitch-disney-cute-good-gif-5607238

My eyes widen at this story, and I squeeze his hand slightly at the surprising similarities. My situation, exactly. She was happy here? With him? "I can absolutely relate to her not wanting to go back. After all, my own father... And it's not like I would even have anything to go back to. I'm the 8th daughter. My life is sold to the highest bidder, I mean, best suitor, and I'll be condemned to pump out as many babies as possible for some royal ass who happens to have a pedigree." I snort derisively. " But... I mean... How am I going to... I mean, I don't want to be..." I hesitate, blushing, and look away from him. I wouldn't be alone, I'd be here with a dragon. With Veil, who, so far, is intensly fascinating, makes me think, makes me question my understanding of the world. I just want to be with someone I love, eventually. Is it even possible to love a dragon? In a way, I suppose, it must be. I never found any of the men that paraded before me to be the least bit interesting. "Nobody wants to be alone..." I say quietly, realizing why veil would want to have me stay. It's not for love, no. He wants to collect me. He wants a pet, a companion, a plaything. He wants company. Would it be so bad? "What if I make you angry? What if I steal from you? What if I break your things?" I ask, wanting to know how dangerous this situation would be. @Baz

Veil nodded along and let her sort through her thoughts without interruption. When she seemed to be having ‘The Breakthrough’ that almost all of his others had when they finally put the pieces together that in fact the bare bones of what he wanted was company, even though he’s explicitly said so a few times now though he couldn’t blame any of them for being skeptical at first, his smile turned somber. “Is it really stealing if it never leaves the cave? I’ve already said you can pick out anything you like for yourself while you’re here. If you decide you can’t make this place your home then that’s a different story but I hope it doesn’t come to that. And if you break something well I have magic. I can mend almost anything. I may be upset in the moment, maybe I’d take a walk or a flight to calm down, but if it’s an honest mistake I wouldn’t take it out on you.” @reddeR

"what it if wasn't a mistake?" I ask, knowing I have a defiant streak and a temper that have gotten me in trouble many, many times before. My temper hits without warning, and my defiance has led me to do things that actually impeded me in obtaining my goals. I'm trying to figure out if I would just be getting myself killed by this dragon. Not that it would matter. I don't really have any options. Frustration at my situation begins to settle in. Here I am, alive when I fully expected to be dead. I can't go back home, I can't survive on my own. I've got a dragon who wants me to keep him company, but against all odds is willing to let me go as well. But I have nowhere I can even go. No place to call home. Nobody but Veil wants me. And veil will probably just end up eating me. @Baz

Veil squinted and cocked his head to the side, not fully understanding the question. “The object would be… mended… perhaps there would be some kind of punishment… but why would you intentionally break something of mine, princess?” Has he already done something to offend? Sure he stuck his foot in his mouth a few times but he didn’t think that that would warrant any vindictiveness. @reddeR

Not wanting to go over details of every defiant tantrum I've thrown, I just casually shrug off the question. I don't really want to know the answer. I'm sure I'll find out in time. May as well put it off as long as I can. "I guess I wouldn't, I'm just... Trying to, you know, look at every possibility." I think for just a moment, wanting to change the subject. "Uh, you mentioned going for a walk? I don't have any shoes, though." I point out, hoping it will distract him from the uncomfortable line of questioning. @Baz

Veil watched her quizzically while she stumbled through an explanation for her line of questioning. On one hand it was understandable to be wary of life along side a dragon, but on the other… it could prelude to a very interesting life indeed. When she asked about going for a walk he perked up again. “Yeah, absolutely. Let me just put together some lunch to take with us. And as far as shoes go there’s plenty to choose from, though I might recommend a pair of Jonah’s old boots, those will probably be better for the terrain than another pair of heels.” @reddeR

"oh... Alright..." Honestly, I've never worn shoes without heels. Or secondhand clothing.this will be interesting. I manage to find a pair of boots, though they are to big. I wear them anyway, figuring I'm going to look ridiculous stumbling around in them anyway. I wash up at the underground stream and try to make myself presentable. Overall, I didn't do to bad, all things considered. It's not anything like what I'm used to, but it will have to do. I feel like I look terrible, though,and my dissatisfaction only adds to my irritability. I try to just forget about it, after all, who am I trying to impress? But I only have the ability to stuff so much before it all comes spilling out. Fortunately, I'm not at that point yet. Once I ready I present myself, felling fairly apprehensive about the idea, despite my having brought up the suggestion. @Baz

Veil took his time packing the fruit some bread and cheese for lunch later as the princess got ready. He didn’t think washing up before a hike was strictly necessary but perhaps she had a morning routine… to each their own. He waited for her at the cavern entrance leaning against the cave wall, a small drawstring bag with a long strap hung over his shoulder and tucked safely under one wing. Another slightly larger and empty bag hung from his belt alongside his dagger and small pouch of magical accoutrements. He smiled softly when she finally emerged from washing up. But as he looked her over he noticed just how big Jonah’s boots were on her. Trying to hide his smile at the comical sight he spoke. “I … uh … my apologies, princess. I must have miscalculated the size difference between you and Jonah. Those boots look rather large on you. Do you have enough socks on to fill the gaps? That will help prevent blisters.” @reddeR

"how many socks is enough to prevent blisters? I've never had blisters before." I admit. My shoes were custom fit, I'd never worn missized shoes before. There are a lot of things I've never experienced, which, now, I will have to adjust to. Dressing myself least among them. Once I have the required number of socks, we can set out. I present myself one again. The boots no longer clump with every step. As far as I can tell, I'm ready. @Baz

“Enough to make it feel like the boots fit should do it. We’ll swing by the village to get you some shoes that fit you.” Veil waited again and when the princess was ready he led her outside and to the right following a game trail into the woods. Again he started picking the ripe berries and other fruits that the woods had to offer as they went, eating and offering some to the princess and the rest went into the sack at his hip. The path was long and winding but it eventually opened up to a meadow with a large apple tree in the center. @reddeR

We come to the clearing and I look around curiously, then walk over to sit with my back against the tree. My legs feel tired after the hike. I'm not used to this sort of thing, but I've enjoyed it so far. It's helped improve my mood considerably. "I don't think I've ever been out in the woods like this, this is nice! Much better with these shoes, too!" I comment, letting my head rest against the tree and closing my eyes with a smile. @Baz

Veil smiled softly back at her as she rested. “I should hope so. I’ve been told heels are practically torture. I’ll get you a pair of flats and some boots that are your size when we get to the village.” Veil tried not to make it obvious he was watching over her by picking some apples from the tree.

10:42

After a while there was some movement in the tree line and it immediately caught Veil’s attention. When he moved to investigate he caught a familiar scent. @reddeR

I notice his attention suddenly grabbed by something I don't see. I get up and peer after him as he investigates whatever it is, a trickle of fear running down my spine. "Veil? What is it?" I ask quietly, wondering if I should follow him or stay at the tree. @Baz

Veil, in answer to the princess’ question, simply turned to grin at her before turning back to the woods and stepped into the brush. He re-emerged a moment later with a semi large something in his arms and his wings wrapped protectively around his cargo. When he got closer a small blonde head of hair popped out from under Veil’s wing and bright green eyes stared out at the stranger. “Looks like this little rugrat wandered too far away from his family at the falls by the looks of him. Princess, this is Jonah. The fourth. My Jonah’s great-grandson.” @reddeR

A dragon's grin is a very discomforting thing. I don't know if I should be more or less concerned. When a child emerges from his arms, I gasp. A human child?!! I look from the child to the dragon and back, shocked. Finally I do the only sensible thing. "Hello, Jonah, I'm princess Kendal Arridien... It's very nice to meet you." I wonder how far he has wandered from his home. How far the village is. Veil must come here often, if the boy knew he would be here. It's lucky that we went for a walk when we did, to find him here. "Did... Did you know he would be here, Veil?" I ask cautiously. @Baz

Veil made a mental note of his princess’s name as he sat with the boy beneath the tree, beckoning the princess to sit back down. Young Jonah had discovered their lunch so Veil doled out portions for all three of them happy to have packed too much. “Here specifically, no. But I did know his family frequents the waterfall another mile or so up the mountain, and this little one has the tendency to wander… and with the path of least resistance on a mountain is down… it was an educated guess. His father is an excellent tracker though, he should be here soon.” With the food division complete Veil turned to speak to the boy, “You’re lucky I was the one to find you and not the Fae, little man… unless… they did get to you first and you’re a changeling” Veil began mock examining the child in his lap, tickling him and getting a few healthy giggles in response. @reddeR

I feel like this is some surreal alternate version of reality. Watching Veil play with the child in his lap, and the child being so perfectly happy to be with Veil, can't be real. I just can't shake the feeling that it's all a dream. The child laughs and plays with him. They look like... Family. All I can do is watch in stunned silence. @Baz

“Eat, Princess. You’ll need your strength if we are to reach the village before nightfall for your shoes.” Veil commented when he noticed her staring. He was very well aware the princess wasn’t used to this kind of exertion, and he was more than happy to travel at her pace, but they’ve barely been gone from the cave for an hour and there were still several miles to go. It wasn’t long before two voices could be heard in the distance, one male and one female. Veil recognized them as the voices of Jonah’s parents but instead of calling out and startling the boy who hadn’t yet heard them, he produced a flame in his hand and sent it floating to the woods to greet the pair and guide them this way. @reddeR

I pick at the food that's in front of me, watching the pink flame float away. I frown, wondering what that was all about, but soon dismiss it. I hardly touch my food. Watching Veil and the child is much more fascinating, much more interesting. He's an adorable boy, and knowing he's so friendly with Veil is... Reassuring, in a way. If the boy doesn't fear him, maybe I have nothing to fear from him. I quickly become preoccupied with my thoughts, and when Jonah's parents reach the clearing, they startle me. @Baz

When Kendal starts at the parents appearance so does the boy but more so at the princess’s sudden movement after being still for so long. When he followed her gaze and saw the pair at the woods edge he jumped for joy making Veil groan at the bouncing. Veil let the boy go and he ran for his parents, all smiles, and dragged them back to the tree. Where Veil made more introductions. “Princess, this is Jonah and Rosemary, Jonah’s parents. Jonah and Rose, this is my princess, Kendal. We we’re headed up to the village for some better fitting shoes when we stopped for a break and were shanghaied into babysitting.” Rosemary seemed a little more hesitant around Veil, still friendly but she hadn’t grown up around the dragon like Jonah’s family had, but Jonah, the elder, was all smiles and greeted Veil like an old friend. Both bowing respectfully to the princess once introductions were done. “Thanks for looking out for him, Veil. I don’t know what’s been getting into him lately, he’s always taking off nowadays.” The woman spoke as she picked up her child. “We turned our backs for half a second at the falls and the boy was gone.” “We might have to put him on a leash if he keeps this up. He’s driving us mad.” Jonah said running a hand through Veil’s hair playfully to catch one of his horns like he used to as a child. “Careful Jonah, those are still as sharp as they were when you were 5. Or have you forgotten how you got that scar on your hand. As for the boy, he takes after his father’s side. None of them have a fearful bone in their bodies. He knows he’s always got someone looking out for him. Makes him comfortable enough to try things most kids wouldn’t.” @reddeR

Now I feel like an intruder in this happy family scene. I watch Veil and his family quietly. I've never felt so much like an outsider. I can see how happy they are, how familiar. How much care they have for each other. I look at the woman as she holds her child, checking him over to make sure he made it through the woods uninjured. I hear Veil talk about his family as though he knew them most personally, and realize he does. Veil has known this family for generations. The love and devotion that shows is so unexpected from such a fearsome creature. How can this family be blessed to have the lovee of a dragon that last through their generations, when I, a princess, supposedly priveledged, blessed, wealthy, born with a silver spoon in my mouth, have only know a family that would as soon sacrifice me to my death before they would find it in them to accept me for who I am? It's not fair! "Excuse me, please." I say, standing abruptly to walk across the clearing. Once I am a ways from them I pause and cross my arms, refusing to let any more tears fall over what my heatless family did to me. I don't want to waste any more time hurting over them. I don't want my new aquaintances to think I am ungrateful, or unappreciative, either. I just step away to try and compose myself a bit. @Baz

When the princess left the group Veil swore under his breath at his carelessness. Given what little information he had of her he should have know family would be a touchy subject. The ever gracious Rosemary came to his rescue with some parting words, “When you get up to the village don’t be a stranger, there will always be seats at our table. For the both of you.” Of all the things Veil knows, a woman’s intuition for other women and her children will probably never be something he fully understands. The elder Jonah seemed confused that they had just sat down and now where leaving again until Rose whispered some words to him and guided him along. Veil took the opportunity for what it was and went to the princess, standing beside her and wrapping a wing protectively around her shoulders. “Im sorry if all of that was too soon, but they’ve invited us to dinner. We don’t have to go if you don’t want too, and the shoes can wait for another day if you’d rather go back.” @reddeR

My eyes widen as Veil puts his wing around me. I turn toward him and step closer, almost reflexively. Finding myself being comforted by a dragon is unexpected, but having seen him with his family, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that he would be the type to offer comfort. I lean against him, resting my forehead onto him as I struggle to get myself under control. That wasn't fair, I shouldn't have cut their visit short. I'm sure they think I'm just a selfish, spoiled brat like my sisters. I'm angry at myself for my behavior, and angry at my father, and even angry at those people that they should have so little, and yet so much more than I ever had, when I was supposed to have everything. Even with all the things in the world, I never had a family. My sister's were sisters in name only. They didn't even live with me. I hardly knew them. "I'm sorry, Veil, I didn't mean to cut your visit short, I just... I'm sorry, that was selfish and childish of me." I try to explain, but I don't know how to. I'm only grateful he doesn't push me away. @Baz

“It was mature of you to recognize that you need some space. I can see them anytime I want, they can wait.” Veil corrected and when he saw that the princess was receiving of his attempt to comfort he wrapped an arm around her waist as well as his other wing and tucked her hair behind her ear to keep it out of her face. “Take all the time you need. But in the meantime I do have a question… I’ve been told that dragon hugs are the warmest but I’ve never been sure if they were just stroking my ego or telling the truth. What do you think?” He asked with a small smile and light squeeze, trying to lift the mood a little. @reddeR

Being wrapped in Veil's arms, with his wings around me, is an experience in itself. Warm, definitely. His wings are as warm as the rest of him, and having them encircle me creates a pocket of warmth and safety with just myself and Veil inside. I hesitantly turn my head and let it rest against his shoulder, my hands come up to rest against his chest, and I step close as his wings keep everything else in the world away. "Yes, I think they must be the warmest hugs in the world." I say quietly. I don't understand how I can feel so safe right now, how I can forget about everything else and just be right here in this small, warm space created just for me. I feel like I belong in this space. After a moment, or two, or three, I lift my head and step back just slightly, blushing. I feel awkward, like I was doing something inappropriate. It was just a hug, why do I feel as though I'd been indecent. Have I really had so few hugs? @Baz

Veil held her in his arms, wrapped in his wings, for as long as she needed. Poor touch starved thing, he made a mental note to make physical contact with her more often. When she started to pull away he drew her in for just another second to drop a soft kiss on her forehead before he dropped his arms from around her and tucked one wing against his back again leaving the other around her shoulder. He took her hand in one of his and spoke, “So princess, where are we going?” @reddeR

I look down at our hands, then let my eyes travel up Veil's body, all the way to the wing extended around me. My eyes return to his face, and I am struck by how strange, and how beautiful, he is. I know he wanted to go to the village, and I've already ruined his visit with his family, so I attempt a smile and look down at my feet. "I... I do need shoes that fit." I say quietly, then look back up at Veil. "I am sorry I ruined your visit." I say again, wanting to explain what had happened, and understand more about what I saw. "You... You're very important to them?" I ask, "who are they? What do they do?" @Baz

“Like I said, I can see them whenever I like. They are my Jonah’s descendants. Some of them anyway, they’re a big family. Part of the agreement I make with my people that leave my cave is that they live in this village. That agreement for Jonah’s family ended when my Jonah passed away but his children and grandchildren decided to stay. Everyone in this village are descended from one or more of the people that were sacrificed to me. They are all just as important to me if not more so as I am to them. I provide for them when times are hard. I’m there shortly after every birth and I attend every funeral. I visit for the holidays. They are all farmers and hunters mostly but they dabble in other trades too. The elder Jonah we met today is a carpenter, Rose is a weaver. They have normal lives outside of my visits. And because most of them grew up with me being around as a normal thing they treat me as one of their own. Those that didn’t grow up here, like Rose, just kinda follow along with the rest where I am concerned until they take the time to get to know me or I prove in some way I’m in their corner looking out for them. There are a few hold outs but nothing’s perfect.” When the princess admitted more or less that she did want the shoes he promised he gave her a soft smile and began leading her in the direction the young family had left. @reddeR

Then this village is... What, exactly? Part of his hoard? His collection of people? I don't know how to feel about that. It seems like the dragon maintains his hold on people, even after he "lets them go". I've never heard of this village, out in the mountains where, I'd thought, nobody lived but those foolish enough to come out here alone. I study Veil as we walk, taking in the way he holds himself, his stride, his habits and tendencies. Whether his eyes roam his surroundings or if he is more focused inward. If he has any quirks, what his expressions are. I start to learn to read him by observing him. @Baz

Veil was content to walk in silence with the princess. Content to let her watch him, try to figure him out. He kept pace with her, not pushing her to walk faster and certainly not slowing her down, just guiding her through the woods and up the trail picking easily accessible berries as they went. He rotated between looking for berries, checking on the princess and making sure they went up the correct trail when the path forked. It took about an hour but they eventually reached the waterfall he had mentioned to her before. It was also where Jonah’s family had been when the boy scampered off. “Do you want to take another break?” @reddeR

My feet hurt, though I haven't complained. I've slowed down some as I try not to limp. When we get to the waterfall, I'm more than ready to take a break. I find a rock to sit on and work at getting the boots off. My feet are not doing well, I think I might be bleeding. "Ok, I'm sorry, but I have... Soft... Sensitive... Princess feet!" I say, finally getting the boot off. I carefully peel the socks off one by one, and sure enough, my foot isn't looking to good. A large, deep blister covers the entire back of my heel, and another the outside edge of my foot. Yet another covers the side of my big toe. I whimper when I see them. They've pooped, and the skin is red and inflamed. I whimper and quickly start working the other boot off frantically. @Baz

Veil stills her frantic hands with his own and sets to work getting the second boot off being painstakingly gentle about it. He peeled off the socks as well and got a good look at the damage. The blisters were large but there didn’t seem to be any bleeding which was a good thing. Only the top layer of skin had been rubbed off. “You could have said something sooner, princess, but since we’re by the water now we’ll make use of it.” With that he scooped her up easily and carried closer to the water’s edge, placing her on a different rock that was low enough to let her feet dangle and soak in the brisk mountain water. Before he helped her set her feet in to soak he traced out a small healing rune on the top of each foot to speed up the process and the water should help with that too. With the blisters being as bad as they are it shouldn’t take the magic more than a few minutes to heal her but something in the water caught his eyes and he fixated on a point just beneath the waterfall. “If you don’t mind…. I think I’m going to go for a swim… while the magic does its work.” He didn’t wait for her answer, just started stripping then and there unashamed of his nudity, not that his clothes were hiding much to begin with. He looked around, scenting the air and listening for lurkers in the woods, and when he sensed that the coast was clear and the only risk to the princess was herself in his brief absence he waded into the shallows. @reddeR

I blush when he strips down, and turn away to be polite. I'm burning with curiosity, though. I can only resist the urge to look for so long. As he wades into the water, I can't help but discreetly steal a glimpse. It just makes me blush even harder. The water feels nice, and whatever he did with my feet rapidly makes the pain fade. I gently kick my feet through the water and take in my surroundings. The waterfall is a beautiful place. It would be a lovely place to visit sometimes. Maybe even for a romantic date. I smile slightly as I enjoy the woods and the water, all while afoiding looking at Veil, naked, in the water. @Baz

When the water got too deep to walk he dove under and swam down to his prize, the waterfall beating against his back and pushing him further down. He expanded his wings to speed up his decent and at the bottom he found it. A giant and gorgeous amethyst cluster. As well as a handful of other smaller gems and a fist sized gold nugget. They must have collected down here, having been washed away by the river that fed into the waterfall. He was surprised the amethyst was so big after the fall but who was he to look a gift horse in the mouth. He collected what he could carry and kicked off the bottom to return to the surface using his wing to propel him out of the pull of the falls. When he surfaced his hair was plastered to his head reveal his horns in their entirety as well as two smaller horns just behind the first set that were completely hidden by his hair. “There must have been a big storm since the last time I was here there’s tons of little gems down there. Here this one’s for you” he held up the amethyst to her and placed it in her lap when he got closer and the rest beside her on the stone before going back for more. @reddeR

Veil approaching me naked makes me blush crimson. He is magnificent, absolutely stunning! I swallow hard, unable to take my eyes away from the V shape formed on his abdomen that eands at his...! He drops off the amythyst in my lap, and I want to thank him, but when I open my mouth no sound comes out. Then he he off, back in the water, leaving me with a racing heart and enough imagery to last... I look down at the beautiful stone he just gave me. I've seen gemstones before this. This one is huge, and of particularly high quality. I pick it up, surprised to see my hands shaking. I swallow hard and try to calm down, take deep breaths, focus. It's not like he was offering himself, he's just swimming! I would refuse anyway, if he wanted...that... Wouldn't I? I look around the clearing, frowning. Of course I would. I'm not about to justbed the dragon I was sacrificed to! Just because my father saw fit to dispose of me, doesn't mean I'm not still a princess! I have standards! Admittedly, deciding where a dragon goes on that list is a challenge. Certainly far from the bottom. I blush again as I think these thought, holding the amythyst cupped in my hands. I don't know what I'm going to do with it, but it is quite beautiful. "Thank you, Veil," I finally manage to say. I don't even know if he can hear me, underwater. But I thank him anyway.

07:44

@Baz

When he was safely turned away from Kendal he let himself smirk over her reaction to him, he often rendered new people speechless at the sight of him but not for that reason. That usually came later and they’ve only known each other less than 24 hours, at least the princess knows what she likes. When he resurfaced the second time he dropped his findings on the rock beside her again then found his own rock to perch on and air dry since he hadn’t planned on going for a swim today he hadn’t brought along any towels and his clothes weren’t exactly water friendly. “What do you think? Those are nice right? That river must flow across half a dozen veins of precious gems and metals to deposit all of that down here.” @reddeR

I try to keep my eyes averted, but can't help but notice that the way he sits, his leg just barely hides his sex from view. When he asks what I think, I almost don't realize he's asked a question. I was busy slowly tracing the lines of definition down his stomach with my eyes. I blush and turn away, quickly eyeing the stones beside me. I still clutch the amythist in my hand. "Oh... Um... Yes, they... These are all beautiful..." I say absently, turning a couple of the gems around to admire the way they sparkle in the sunlight. @Baz

Veil could have used a rune or his magic or even his wings to speed up the drying process but he found he enjoyed the sight of the princess being flustered. Now that there were no more unclaimed shiny things hiding in the water he was free to enjoy her company though she didn’t seem so inclined to talk at the moment. Understandable. Veil chuckled softly at her antics, “You can look. I don’t mind. If we are going to live together for the rest of your life we will probably be seeing a lot of each other. Caves aren’t great for privacy.” @reddeR

My stomach feels like it does when you don't expect another stair but there is one, only stronger. I press my hand over the fluttery feeling, then slowly bring my gaze back to Veil. This time, despite my hot face, I don't look away. The feeling intensifies. "I've ... I've never... Seen..." I trail off. My eyes meet his and stay there. After a moment it feels awkward, but I don't look away. There are a lot of firsts happening for me today. thinking about being in the cave, unclothed, with Veil there... Makes my heart beat fast and hard. @Baz

“A naked guy before?” he finished for her, turning to face her more fully just to be a little shit. “I’m not exactly the greatest example of what guys look like under their clothes, princess.” Veil said spreading his wings a bit for emphasis, he’s a supernatural being who’s human form has evolved over time to embody his now true form. “But if you like what you see… I’m not going to stop you from looking.” @reddeR

"I ... Like it..." I say very quietly. I feel like my face is going to burst into flame. It's completely inappropriate for him to expose himself to me like this. Scandalous. Indecent. Exciting. The wings and horns are just an exotic element that makes him that much more enticing. And I can look all I want. But what if I wanted to... I blush and pull my eyes away like I was burned. The amythist is still clutched in my hand. I put it in my lap and scoop up water to splash on my face. The cold is enough to cool my face and redirect my thoughts. I stand up and walk away from the river, and Veil. I head down the trail I spotted earlier, though I move slowly, being barefoot. "My feet feel much better, we should keep going, should we not?" @Baz

Veil laughed when the princess suddenly stood and began walking “Yes, of course, princess.” He stood shortly after and used his wings to generate enough wind to finish drying off so he could dress. His hair was still pretty damp but he could live with that. Once all his findings were collected in his bag, he’d have some squished berries to deal with later, he followed falling in with her, the boots hung by their laces from his neck. He had been barefoot this entire time. But he had thought the princess would have appreciated having shoes so he hadn’t offered that as an option originally with all the spiky plants that lived on the forest floor. With the new slower pace it would take them almost another two full hours hours to reach the village as he was now very mindful of her bare feet and cleared anything that could easily be kicked away from their path for her “Its a little bit of a hike to get here but it really is a nice place. I helped build almost everything, there’s not much that a person needs that isn’t here or can’t easily be found in the woods.” @reddeR

I look around the village curiously. It seems like a town that time forgot. The buildings are quaint and antiquated, with styles from all over the place. The people are quite varied, and I think I hear several languages being spoken. People go about their business, just like any other village. I step a bit closer to Veil. I assume it's like any other village, but I've never really done more than sit in a carriage as it rolled through villages in it's way to the city. My feet hurt again. Thorns aside, princess feet trecking through the woods uncovered are bound to suffer. Having watched Veil walking barefoot, I'd thought it would be something I could handle. Now, however, I'm sure there are bruises and cuts all over the bottom of both feet. It doesn't hurt as bad as the blisters, though, for which I am grateful. I can't look at Veil without picturing him naked and blushing. I keep my eyes fixed on the ground as much as I can, until we reach the village. I don't even know what I can say to him, so the walk is a fairly quiet one. I miss the conversation. "It's nice," I say when he explains about the village. "I like it." It's comforting to know there are other people up on this mountain. @Baz

Veil walked quietly, not just with the lull in conversation, his steps were unnaturally quiet. Every time he stepped through leaves or on a twig he never made a sound. He stepped on rocks and roots without ever acknowledging their existence on the path other to kick the ones away that can easily be moved. He noticed her limping again a while back but there wasn’t a good place for her to sit and rest so he didn’t bring it up until they reached the village. “The shoemaker’s not far from here. I’ll take another look at your feet inside where you can rest.” He lead her the short distance to the shop weaving though the small crowds of people going about their day and exchanging pleasantries with those that stopped them to chat. Word travels fast in the village and most of the people that stopped them wanted to meet the princess, it want often that someone new made it this far up the mountain, the people were curious. Some of them gave half heated warnings in jest of Veil’s possessive nature some joked that he’d steal her heart but most were just happy to see a new face and everyone already knew her name. When they were finally free of the onslaught of greetings Veil closed the door of the shoemaker’s shop and leaned his back against it for a moment. Being the reclusive dragon that he is the initial moments of entering the village we’re always a shock to the system. He loved his people but greeting all of them at once was a little overwhelming. Then the door closed the master of the shop looked up and smiled a quite greeting at them. He was older and knew Veil well. They had gotten close when Veil helped rebuild after a fire one winter, the old man had a keen intuition and was always calmer than most but after spending time together he was even more so.

14:27

“I see you have shoes but neither of you are wearing them. Do you need them resized for the lady?” The old man was bejeweled with precious gems and clothes more fine than his standing would usually have allowed for in a normal village as were most of the other residents. “Yes please, Jasper, if it’s not too much trouble. Could she also get a nice pair of flats too?” Veil answered as he moved to the princess’ side and beckoned her to sit on the bench as he knelt in front of her to get a good look at her feet. @reddeR

The people don't bother me. I'm a well known figure, if only for constantly being in trouble. People knowing my name is standard, and as soon as people crowd around I put on an attractive smile and kiss cheeks and exchange pleasantries. It's completely fake, but it's what people expect of a princess and I blossom in the familiar conditions. Once we enter the shop, and I sit on the bench to show him my feet, I take a deep breath and the facade falls away. "That was interesting," I say quietly, "I hadn't expected to make a public appearance like that." I comment as his gentle hands touch my feet. They are easily as soft as my hands, which are as soft as the day I was born. A princess doesn't get calluses or rough skin. Which reminds me to ask for some personal care items. "Veil, I... Usually I would have some things... Personal items, lotions and creams and serums, washes and masques, toner and exfoliant. Cuticle and nail treatments, body oil and lotion. If... If I can't use these things, I'm going to... I don't even know, I've never not had these things." Without these things, her soft, creamy skin would quickly succumb to the elements and wear. It would dry out, flake, peel and crack. She would become very uncomfortably for the itching and inflammation when it started to crack. Having been pampered her whole life, her body would not adjust well to suddenly having none of what it was accustomed to. It could even lead to infection, and serious medical complications, if allowed to get severe enough. As a princess, she was kept as close to perfect as possible. Not a single scar or blemish married the surface of her skin. Not even a freckle could be found on the blue marbled creamy white of her body.

15:15

@Baz

“Word travels fast in a place like this. Full of gossip. They are curious.” when the princess sat Veil saw to her feet again cleaning each foot gently with a damp cloth the old man offered before retracing the runes. “That’s quite the long list miss, you’ll want to go to the apothecary for those. I can’t guarantee my wife will have all that in stock but you can make a request and pick it up the next time you’re in the village.” @reddeR

"I can make a list, that's probably a good idea, do you have anything I can write with?" I ask. I look down at veil tending my feet, realizing how good it actually feels. As soon as I look at him a light blush comes over me. his touch is gentle, and he handles my feet like they are very delicate. As he traces the runes on my feet again, I grip the edge of the stool I'm sitting on. I have to get past this, I can't keep seeing him naked every time I look at him! I pull my eyes away and look out the window. "Thank you, Veil. It already feels better." I say, wiggling my toes. As the cobbler measures my feet and begins making adjustments to the boots, I work on writing a list of the toiletries I'm accustomed to having. By the time I finish, it is quite a long list. I go through and underline the most important items. "I think that's everything." I say quietly, "I underlined the things that are most essential." I hadn't realized how much stuff went into my personal care. It's somewhat shocking to see it all listed like that. @Baz

“Yeah right here miss.” Jasper handed her half a sheet of paper the other half the old man used to write her measurements on. Veil got out of the way long enough for the old man to get what he needs and then he was back to work massaging her feet while the old man looked for a pair of shoes that would do better than the boots in the meantime. Veil could see exactly what he was doing to her every time she blushed after looking at him and he couldn’t help but smirk to himself about it. “We’ll drop the list off on the way to dinner.” @reddeR

"oh? We are going to dinner?" I ask, perking up noticeably at this. I enjoy dining out quite a lot. I was even prone to dining out alone, as it got me out of my father's way so he could enjoy his own dinners without having to be reminded of his errant daughter. I can't help but enjoy Veil's company. He is caring, charismatic, interesting and patient. He has so many things to talk about, and everything I learn about him is completely unexpected. Throw in top of that the image of him naked that keeps dancing through my mind, and I could almost believe I might be happy to live with him for the rest of my life ... In his cave, on the mountainside. As part of his hoard. All it takes is to remind myself her is no a dragon, a dangerous beast, and that I'm in only here because my father so casually sacrificed me to him, and I no longer feel quite so pleased with my situation. Veil may be quite fascinating, but he is also a dragon. I would do well the remember that. I work to replace the image of him naked with him as a dragon. His true form. When the cobbler brings a pair of shoes for me to try, he looks quite pleased with himself. He presents a pair with some heel, stating he can tell by the shape of my calves that I am accustomed to heels and that my shoes will need heels for me to be able to walk comfortably. They are not spikes, like what I'm used too, but have a solid sole that thikens under the heel to allow my foot to retain a more comfortable position. They aren't fancy, but when I put them on and walk around the room, I love them. "These are perfect!" I tell him, then begin to describe how I need the insole to be adjusted. That only takes a few minutes, though, and I put them back on with delight. They make me a couple of inches taller, though Veil is still much taller than I am. They also completely change the way I walk, adding considerable lift to my shapely ass, and putting a sway and dip in my hips with every step. I also walk with much more grace and p

09:57

oise, as is only expected of a princess. My posture is in impeccable, at all times. @Baz