Melez ignored the aching in her shoulder as she gently tightened
her grip on Eona who was holding her just as tightly. "There's no
reason to be sorry... Containing who you are is extremely hard and
overpowering... I know that fact all to well." Melez glanced up to
the ceiling before she looked back down to the giant soul in her
arms. "I'll have you know that I've admired and loved dragons all
my life... Ever since I could read I'd devour books that even had a
shadow of a dragon within it's pages... I also listened to every
story I could of dragons on my travels, though I did have to stop
listening to some because they'd speak terribly of your kind..."
Her voice seemed to drop on that last sentence, almost as though
she was growling. "I have my own secret to show you that I'm sure
that you learned part of already..." She let up on her grip on the
woman hoping that the woman would do the same so that Melez could
stand and reveal why she was not going to wear the dress and the
true reason why she's been running.
Grateful to whatever strange fate had guided her to Melez, Eona
thanked every and any god out there who was listening. "Thank you.
That...it means a lot. We shouldn't have to hide anymore then
anyone else. Is this going to explain why you have dreams of your
mothers death?" She asked, releasing the woman she now thought of
as her sister. "Is it about that strange tattoo I saw? I didn't
know what it was but I didn't want to say anything because it
wasn't my place. And...if you want...I could shift to let you see
me better sometime. I've never met someone who is freely okay with
dragons. Who sees us as not monsters and not something to be
exploited. It's really nice." Her breathing was pretty much back to
normal and she'd stopped shaking. Now, her voice was filled with
curiosity and wonder. "I can't read...not much anyway. But I go to
libraries sometimes and listen to other people read. Sometimes, I
ask them to read. I like storied about dragons too. But I like the
ones that focus on dragon lore most. Like our gods and traditions.
Though, there aren't many. Older Sires and Dams tell their
hatchlings and fledglings about our people, our lines and I missed
out on that. And we kind of...well, we do guard treasures jealously
so not many willingly tell people about our kind for fear that
knowledge will be used against us."
Melez stood up with a smile as she understood and could relate to
everything that Eona was saying. "It is about my tattoo actually,
and thank you for not asking about it, it gave me a sort of
security almost, but I don't need to hide it from you anymore..."
She chuckled. "If you'd like we could visit the library and I'd
teach you how to read and I'd be more than willing to read to you
if that's something you'd like and enjoy." She stretched her back a
little and with a slight ripping sound and a flutter her large
mahogany wings sprouted from her back and spread to their full span
of almost ten feet wing tip to wing tip. About an inch from the
bottom of her wings are bands of brighter red. Melez's face was
slightly redder than normal as she didn't usually show off her
wings to anyone. "As you can plainly see, I have horns and my skin
tone is that of a demons... But, I'm not all demon. My father is a
demon, my mother, is an angel. I'm half and half. Most people see
human and demon or human and angel halfbreeds to be alright, or
aren't as disgusted by us... But in my case, half demon half angel,
no one likes you... They think you're a filthy waste of skin and
bone... That your mother either slept around or was, well, used."
She sighs deeply. "There are also rumors that any like me are
cursed beings and are sent to kill everyone in our paths..." She
chuckles before looking up to see what Eona's expression is.
"That's just stupid! Love is love and beautiful in all forms!
Unless of course that love is obsession and they hurt
someone...that isn't okay...but why can't two people from different
places love each other? And why shouldn't they be able t have a
child? People are...are...they can be horribly blind and stupid
sometimes. I think you are defined by your actions, by how you act,
react, and treat people. Not by who or what you are. Melez, you
are, in my eyes, my clanmate and I will protect you. Anyone wants
to come after you? They will be met with something much more then
they bargained for!" She then stood and shifted, her dragon coming
forth much slower. Her body lengthened and limbs thickened. Soon,
all fifteen feet of her was coiled in a circle around Melez. Her
huge head dipped to Melez's hands. Then she nuzzled her, purring
softly. As long as you are okay with it, I would like to stay
with you. Or have you stay here, Eona's voice, more powerful
and soulfully her, echoed slightly in Melez's head. In this form,
she was telepathic to whomever she chose to talk to.
Melez smiled softly at the words of Eona tears pricking at her
eyes. She hadn't heard words spoken like this about her parents
ever. Everyone spoke badly about them if they found out. She truly
did care about Eona. She was beginning to question if she did want
to keep moving or if she'd ask to stay here and if she'd be
welcome. Clanmate? Clanmate... Her smile broadened. She
liked the sound of that. She didn't take a step back as Eona
changed before her and around her. As the large head of her friend,
her clanmate, lowered to her hands she couldn't help but to
gently place her hands on either side of the large bulk as it
pressed against her and nuzzled like a dog comforting it's friend.
Her eyes widened and the tears spilled down her cheeks as she heard
Eona's strong voice within her mind asking her if Eona would be
allowed to stay with her, or if she'd like to stay in the cave.
"I'd be honored if you'd let me stay..." Her voice cracked as she
cried out of pure joy.
She cooed, curling in a bit closer. We will have to do some
renovating. Make a bedroom for you but things will be good! I am so
happy you want to stay! I am so happy you are my friend! I would
like to try going mining. And the library. I like that we don't
have to hide. We can just be us! she said, comforting her
friend. Her body moved closer so she was curled around Melez in a
mass of coils. It was like a big warm hug. Eona smelled of
cinnamon, warmth and sunny days.
Melez smiled as she hugged the large head feeling so at peace, her
wings folded around her and Eona's head in her arms before going
back into their hiding place as Eona curled closer around in a
serpentine embrace. "I'm so lucky to have been stabbed that night
on that particular street, at that particular time..." She
chuckled. "Any pain is worth this kind of friendship..." She
whispered as her tears dried and she stroked the fur along the top
of Eona's head feeling so at peace. She hadn't felt this way since
she had left her home when she was laying in bed with both her
parents alongside her, her father holding her with one arm as he
laid on his stomach, and her mother's wing as she laid on her
stomach while Melez laid on her back staring at the ceiling loving
the moment and engraving it into memory.
She chuckled, the sound a strange cross between actual laughing and
a dogs bark. I am glad I was out and could help, she said,
nuzzling Melez's wings. Her hind leg scratched out at the open
space outside of the safety of Eona's coils a bit from the petting.
Oh! That felt wonderful! No one had ever pet her like that! She
relaxed, moving a bit so Melez could reach her better. Should we
still go out into town? We could find some bedding and stuff for a
room and I can dig it out tonight if you'd like!
Melez could feel Eona's leg moving like a dog would when their
favorite spot was found and she grinned as she continued petting
the area. "I would really like to make dinner for the both of us,
so I'd just need a few things... If you're set on digging it out
tonight then I can't really stop you can I?" She chuckled her wings
shaking slightly at the gentle touch from her friend. "Do you like
curry Eona? I'm planning to make a really nice dish with curry,
chicken, onions and a rice or bread... Does that sound good?" She
asked, her voice filled with excitement and joy.
Curry? I haven't had that. It sounds good though. I would really
like to try that. Is it okay if I make us dessert? And if you want
me to wait to dig, I can wait, Eona said, relaxing into the
pets. She was so very happy! Nothing could ruin this moment. Moving
back, she shifted into her human form and stepped forward to hold
Melez's good hand. "Things are never going to be the same. And I
think I like it. I don't want to go back to being alone. Or, I
don't want to go back to being the only one who knows about me."
Melez chuckles and smiles very broadly. "Curry is very good, it's
not quite spicy, but it has a nice tang." She nods gently squeezing
Eona's hand. "I think you're right, nothing will quite be the same
and to be honest, I think I like it too. Having someone to trust
and be ourselves around is amazing... As long as I'm around you
won't be the only one who knows." Her smile softens. "About the
dress..." She looks over her shoulder to the pile of blue fabric
laying on the floor. "Though you already know, other people can't
know... You wouldn't happen to have something with not quite as low
a back?" She asked with an apologetic look.
"No problem at all! I understand. Let's see...I think there is
another dress in blue that would work...but you're welcome to
anything in my closet! Let's go check it out!" Eona beamed, excited
to help pick out something better for Melez. As they passed the
blue dress, Eona bent down and retrieved it before heading into her
room with Melez. "Dresses aren't as pretty as treasure,
but...sometimes they sparkle. I love sparkly dresses but I only
wear them here. Other dresses are soft and I like those too," she
chattered, opening her closet. One side was a wall of hung jewel
toned dresses. On the other side, a dresser full of corsets and
adornments stood at attention. There was a shelving unit for boots,
heels, and other shoes. And running down the middle of the room was
a bench. "Anything you'd like to wear, you are more then welcomed
to!" she said, her eyes drifting to a couple of dresses that
sparkled in the light. Tiny beads were sewn all over them and to be
honest, they looked very much like wedding dresses. Though they
were not in the typical white style. One was a deep red and another
was a brilliant gold color.
Melez smiled as she listened to Eona begin to ramble very quickly
about her wardrobe. One would think that her closet is...
Her eyes widened as she took in the scope of the long room and how
many dresses and various other clothing items were within the
walls. Huge... "Whoa..." She walked along the hall up one
side of the bench and back down the other looking at all the
various sizes and colors of the dresses trying to find one that was
modest, the right size and that would be comfortable. She stopped
as she found a deep and dark colored blue dress. It didn't sparkle,
but the fabric did seem to almost shimmer as though the material
was shiny. She gently took it down and held it to herself checking
the length which came down to just above her knees and the back was
good and high. She turned to Eona still holding the dress. "Would
this one be okay?" She asked timidly as she had never had to borrow
clothes and she felt rather sheepish about picking anything in the
huge room.
Eona, who had been admiring some of the more glittery dresses,
turned to look. Her eyes widened and her lips turned up into a
grin. "Oh! Yes! That one is perfect! I love it! I don't wear it
much myself. I love the coloring but the cut is a bit on for my
taste on me. It's yours! If you'd like, I would like to give it to
you. As a gift. I also think you'll look really, really pretty in
it!" Eona had began to dance around a bit in her excitement. Then
she paused and looked around her. "I must look like some spoiled
rich kid. I suppose I am richer. Though, I like to keep my treasure
unless I need to buy something or use it to get better treasures.
And as for the caves, I have been alone for a while. And being a
strong dragon, I've had no problem digging things out and making it
exactly as I like." Her cheeks had reddened and she was rubbing her
right arm, the one with the dragon on it. This time, it didn't
move. But it seemed to shimmer slightly.
Melez giggled as Eona jumped around a bit out of happiness, she
found it rather cute to think that a giant dragon, a creature of a
race that had created so much fear could be this bouncy. "To me you
look like someone who hasn't had a friend for a long time." She
smiled as her own cheeks got a little flushed, she was far from
used to receiving gifts. "I've never had a dress so pretty to
wear... In fact, I've never worn a dress at all..." She chuckled.
"Do you think these shoes will be okay with it?" She looked down to
her feet which had very basic shoes that had been mended many
times. I have no idea how to walk in heels... I hope she either
says these will work or picks out a pair of flats... And I hope she
doesn't insist I keep the shoes... I don't know if I'd wear them
anywhere for fear of ruining them...
"Hmmmm....they could work. If you wanted, flats or a pair of study
but stylish boots could work too. I don't think I have anything
that would go with it here boot wise, but we could look to see if
anything in town will work. We could also get you some stuff that
you'd be more comfortable in while we're there too. It's not pity.
It's practicality and me wanting to help you. Besides, I have tons
of treasure. It's not an inconvenience to get stuff. Treasure is
nice, but I would rather you be happy," Eona said, squeezing
Melez's hand as she passed her to grab a dress for herself. It was
white and a near copy of her current dress. But that one was clean.
"I think these would be fine, thank you though. I've worn them in
so they're comfortable anyhow." Melez chuckles. "I guess I should
shower before getting into this though... I'll do that quickly then
you can clean then we can go into town." She smiles heading into
the bedroom to pass into the bathroom. "Oh, I forgot to ask how
this works so I don't break it!" She called out laughing at her own
forgetfulness. She was after all in a new place and she was trying
to fit in and be a good guest. So when we go into town I'll need
some curry, chicken, rice or noodles, I'll have to ask if she has a
preference... She was already planning out the meal and how
she'd prepare it and how long it would all take.
Eona laughed and came in. "Turn this lever up and it'll start
pouring out. If you turn it to the right while the lever is up,
it'll plug the bottom and you can take a bath," she explained,
turning the lever to show Melez. "Oh! Towels are over here," she
said, going into a cabinet and pulling out a couple of body towels
and a few wash cloths. "Soaps and shampoos are here," she said,
pointing out a shelf. "They all smell so pretty I couldn't decide.
So I got them all. Just means they'll last longer," Eona added. "I
think that's all...if you need me, just holler."
Melez nods collecting all of the information. "I think I got it.
Thank you so much Eona..." She says before hugging the human shaped
dragon. After she let go and Eona left the room Melez shut the door
quietly behind her and turned to the shower. "I've not felt
comfortably hot water in far to long..." She muttered quietly to
herself as she got undressed and started the water. She stepped in
tentatively, testing the water with a toe before bringing the rest
of her into the water. The hot liquid hit her dark red hair and
soaked through it, running down her body in streams, some of it
pooling above her horns and trickling down either side of where
they meet her head. She leant forwards and let the water run down
her back over her tattoo. She let out a very relaxed and
comfortable hum as she took one of the soaps and sniffed at it.
Hmm... Lavender? Yup. She confirmed as she read the bottle.
She used only a little bit to clean her whole body, the water at
the bottom of the shower getting a bit discolored as the dirt and
grime finally came free after weeks of caking on her skin. She used
a shampoo that smelled of vanilla and was almost tempted to eat her
own hair and chuckled at the thought. Once her hair was rinsed out
she took a deep breath smelling nothing but the products she used
on herself and not smelling whatever she happened to sleep in the
night before. She shut the water off and got out using one of the
body towels to dry off before looking over at the dress she had
laid out for herself. Once that's on and I look in a mirror...
The question is will I see myself or some woman I don't know...
She set the towel aside and slipped into the dress zipping up the
back most of the way, but lost the ability to move it at about the
middle of her back. She opened the bathroom door and looked around
for Eona. "H-hey Eona? I need a little help with this zipper..."
She called out rather sheepishly.
Eona, who'd been tending to the soup, heard Melez call for her.
Smiling, she walked over and skipped a step when she saw Melez.
"Oh! You're so pretty! You were pretty before but now...you're
stunning! Here," she moved so she could zip the dress up for Melez.
"Some of these dresses give me trouble too. I've actually turned a
back scratcher to help with it. So," Eona asked, smiling excitedly.
"What do you think?"
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