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Raon may be the only one that calls him grandpa, but as far as Eruhaben is concerned, he has two children.
Maybe nephews and nieces as well if he considers the cat children that call Raon their baby brother? But then, would the wolf children that his eldest has taken in count as well? More grandkids? When did Eruhaben get so many kids?
…Eruhaben sighs, and stops thinking at that point.
Anyway, the crux of the matter is that Eruhaben's two kids won't care for themselves, so naturally it falls to him to do so.
Granted, the little one–now eight year old– wasn't as bad as the other , the most that he needed help with was a gentle nagging to clean up after playing with the others or for someone to wipe the sauce around his mouth from eating too fast– because while Eruhaben and Cale (or more specifically, that butler of his) had been pretty diligent in trying to drill in some semblance of manners and grace in him, it's still a long way to go. Of course, it didn't help that Cale was a dirty enabler who despite his supposed aloofness, clearly spoiled the young dragon with his "he's still young, Eruhaben-nim"s or his "Well, kids are messy I guess"s every time Eruhaben grumbled about how dragons are supposed to be elegant and sophisticated.
But anyway, Raon is still someone Eruhaben can be relatively at ease about.
The unlucky bastard, though.
Eruhaben would not even delve into the topic of his self sacrificial tendencies, because doing so is not only a colossal waste of time (unless some of the others are there to agree and vent about it as well over tea), but there's so much to say that he wouldn't where to start. The most efficient would be to start with the most recent thing he got up to, but surprisingly, he had made good of his promise and has been napping and slacking off diligently.
(Now that's an adjective that Eruhaben hadn't ever expected to associate with slacking off, but the unlucky bastard had a way of marching in and changing things as if it's only natural.)
No, this time, the problem was something else. Something important that all of them seemed to have missed.
Eruhaben himself hadn't thought of it, because he was a dragon, and dragons don't concern themselves with petty mortal matters. But nevertheless, it had reached his ears when he had taken out the kids to the local market for chicken skewers because apparently it's about the essence of buying from the street stalls, or well, that was the reply he got from the three enthusiastic children when he had pointed out the butler's son could make even better skewers. It was a rowdy market, as befitting the stalls they bought the food from, and it's not like Eruhaben had been trying to eavesdrop on the conversations of these insignificant humans. They were simple…loud, alcohol and good cheer further amplifying their voices as they discussed the much known, much beloved hero.
And well, Eruhaben might have given it a smidgen of his attention at the name of his eldest, and only he'd know the amount of effort it took him for his lips to not immediately curl down in distaste.
What do they mean by saying Cale is at a marriageable age and is a very eligible bachelor? And the discussion of what noble would manage to catch his attention was laughably ridiculous– heads would roll before Eruhaben let any of those nobles approach Cale.
So he had put it out of his mind as one does when they hear idiotic yapping, but then Eruhaben had looked at Cale later and thought.
Dragons had no need of a mate, and they all kept to themselves and their territory as it is, but Eruhaben won't deny that companionship was…pleasant. And humans clearly enjoyed marriages beyond just a way to ensure the continuity of their species, otherwise it wouldn't have been a concept more than just simple reproduction.
What if one day Cale decides that he too, wants that for himself?
It was a mildly offending thought, and with a quick glance out of the window at the children who were playing in the garden, he decided to keep it for himself. He was an ancient dragon, and knew how to control himself. But he could make no promises of the destruction that would arise if someone even mentioned the idea of someone barging into their life and monopolizing Cale's affections– because no amount of explaining would make the kids see it as anything but.
Eruhaben closed the book he was reading, and steeled himself. There was no way of knowing what Cale might decide in the future, but he could always ̶t̶h̶r̶e̶a̶t̶e̶n̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶i̶n̶t̶e̶r̶r̶o̶g̶a̶t̶e̶ do a check of the possible options to see if they're good enough or not.
After all, if Cale's official father would continue to be as indulgent and careless, then Eruhaben would do it.
(Then Eruhaben stops, thinks it over, and seeks out the old assassin to tell him of the matter as well because of course the unlucky bastard had amassed a frankly headache inducing number of admirers and the dragon would end up turning at least half of them to dust if he had to spend time around so much idiocy.
And well. The man was as much of a father to Cale as Eruhaben was, so there's that.)
--
He starts with Choi Han.
It makes sense, considering it's him that has known Cale– their Cale–the longest if you don't count the cat children, and they share a history like no one else.
Eruhaben was selfish. Eruhaben was egotistical. It's just the way it is, because when you're from a race that's inherently superior and an ancient one at that. Eruhaben had no need to care for anyone, not even other dragons. Eruhaben was selfish, and powerful, and egotistical, and no doubt countless other adjectives– the glorified ones being the courtesy of the elves and the more straightforward ones being the annoyed mutterings of a certain child with brilliant red hair.
But Eruhaben also knows the importance of home . And companionship as well, although that's a lesson newly learnt.
(Or maybe not, because there was a reason he went around protecting and teaching young dragons and still kept in contact with Olienne.)
(Dragons were majestic and selfish and powerful and egotistical–)
(There were also very few of of them and they live too, too long, and Eruhaben knew how much life is better when you have someone who shares your circumstances.)
So. Choi Han makes sense, because the unlucky bastard in his typical style had just randomly sprung the news on them about the whole different world and body possession thing on them so Eruhaben knew exactly why Choi Han would be one of the top choices.
"Is there anything you needed, Eruhaben-nim?"
Eruhaben hummed noncommittally, letting true punk get away with just a light glare.
"Do you have any romantic feelings or a desire to mate with the unlucky bastard?" Eruhaben asked directly. He had teleported directly to the training ground of the Royal Palace because apparently the punk had been having spars with the knights today who were eager to learn from one of the continent's heroes and the Crown Prince–now King's–instructor on top of that. Eruhaben was pretty sure the unlucky bastard would never step foot in this place, so it was as good of a place as any to get to the bottom of things with just a precautionary soundproof barrier.
And it was a good thing too that they were in the area that they were, because Choi Han went stiff and made a face so constipated that Erubaben was glad that neither of his children were in the vicinity. Especially the excitable eight year old who'd try to break the barrier to know exactly what was going on.
"M-me? With Cale-nim?" The swordmaster stammered, for a second resembling the big puppy he looked like whenever he was with Cale.
Eruhaben gave him a look, before turning away, ready to teleport. "I suppose that answers my question."
The punk reached out towards him before he could do that, a flabbergasted shout of "Eruhaben-nim! Wait!" leaving his lips.
Eruhaben paused and spared him a glance, his gaze enough to tell the other to make it quick.
"What is this about?" Choi-Han asked, staring up at him. If it was anyone else, Eruhaben would have already scattered him to dust by this point with all the rudeness he'd been shown. Unfortunately, or fortunately, they'd shared too many battles and bedside vigils ( because the unlucky bastard wouldn't stop getting hurt– ) for Eruhaben to do anything other than frown.
"It has come to my attention that some…scum might be looking to entice the unlucky bastard into marriage," Eruhaben informed stiffly. "I decided that since he's at a marriageable age by human standards, I will weed out the unworthy so he doesn't have to."
He then paused, considered, and resisted the urge to sigh again. "It is best to see things till the end, so it is a given that I'd talk to the prospective matches as well."
Eruhaben said 'talk'. The underlying meaning of threaten was not lost on either of them. He made to teleport again as soon as he was assured that Choi Han's curiosity was satisfied and then man understood that he wasn't included under the category of said scum.
(What? They fought together. Eruhaben definitely doesn't have any other soft spot for him or any of the others beyond that. He doesn't.)
Unfortunately, Choi Han seemed determined to dissipate into dust right there in the training grounds because he had the audacity to interrupt Eruhaben a second time.
"Eruhaben-nim," the younger started, his sword making a sharp, metallic sound as he pulled on the hilt only to push it back into the scabbard once again. "I'm aware that Cale-nim is a wonderful human, and if he ever wishes for a romantic partner, he deserves the very best. I love Cale-nim– as the man who included me in his house and gave me a new family, and my respect for him is boundless, but I don't want to–" A displeased twist of his mouth. "–Court him. It's– I don't–not that type of love."
He looked Eruhaben in the eyes, the hand on his sword as firm as a god given vow. "Rest assured, if someone that Cale-nim doesn't want tries to force anything, they'll be…dealt with."
Eruhaben looks at him for a beat, giving a sharp nod. He teleports away, uninterrupted this time.
He doesn't need to pry further, when it comes to the family Cale has gathered. Eruhaben is one of them, after all. He knows they'd do anything for him, no questions asked.
(Eruhaben also knew that he would still gore a spear through them in a heartbeat if they ever harmed his children.)
Yet warnings must be made, so here he is today.
"Smart Rosalyn!" The kid cheered, letting go of Eruhaben's hand and giving Rosalyn a toothy smile. "Me and Goldie gramps came to visit!"
The tower master smiled back, reaching out to give Raon a pat on the head. "It's nice to have you here, Raon-nim, Eruhaben-nim."
Eruhaben gave her a nod in acknowledgement, sitting down on the comfortable sofa in her office.
She gave him a thoughtful glance, before redirecting her attention to Raon with yet another smile. "Raon-nim, why don't you check out the toys on the lower floors? Our researchers have come up with some marvelous ideas since your last visit."
"The necromancer is nearby too," Eruhaben drawled, taking in the little kid's excited eyes at the prospect of toys. All things that normal humans would consider highly advanced and expensive magical devices by their standards, no doubt. "She'd like a visit."
Rosalyn tilted her head in agreement, as Raon brightened up even further at the prospect of meeting "Good girl Mary!"
The young dragon looked excitedly over to Eruhaben for permission, morphing into his dragon form at the answering nod. The kid had learnt to polymorph into a human a few months ago, and had taken a liking to it really fast for someone who had been petulant about taking the form of a horrid, weak, human. Eruhaben suspects it has something to do with how much praise and snacks he gets from the servants of the Henituse duchy now that he doesn't have to be invisible.
The little kid is also rather fond of holding everyone's hands, including Eruhaben's, and the ancient dragon indulges him whenever the kid goes up and grabs his hand so that "Goldie gramps doesn't get lost!" and "The great and mighty Raon Miru will keep you safe!".
Well.
Whatever makes the kid get more used to the dexterity that fingers provide over claws. It wouldn't do for a race as majestic as a dragon to be caught fumbling in any form.
Raon turned himself invisible as he flew out of the window, with a promise to come back in time to play with the new toys after he'd met up with Mary.
Eruhaben's lips twitched the departure of the kid, pleased at the fantastic turn of events. It was good that the mage had the foresight to distract Raon, and he didn't waste time as fine golden dust surrounded the two of them to set up a silencing barrier.
Rosalyn, to her credit, seemed like she was expecting something like that as she took the seat opposite to Eruhaben. And unlike that swordmaster punk, she didn't prod him either and waited patiently for him to speak. Haa, at least someone had manners.
"Do you want to marry the unlucky bastard?"
Rosalyn's eyes widened before the ex-princess composed herself, looking at Eruhaben with a confused smile.
"Of course not, what do you mean Eruhaben-nim?"
The ancient dragon clicked his tongue. "I heard he's at a marriageable age, I'm going over his potential…suitors."
Rosalyn's lips twitched. "That's very kind of you to take time out to look after the young master."
Eruhaben glared, waving his hand. "I'm not looking out for him or anything. I'm just making sure there's no burdensome, insolent, vapid creature that I'd have to put up with when I go visit the little kid."
Rosalyn coughed, hiding her amusement at how Eruhaben actually meant that he didn't want Cale to be saddled with an unpleasant spouse. Really, now that they're aware how much of a softie the ancient dragon is, it's easy to think of him as a fussy, doting grandfather to the young master and the kids.
(Of course, as long as one remembers to be polite. Rosalyn was no fool to forget that this was a dragon. An ancient one.)
"For someone like the young master, I'm sure there are suitors all over both the eastern and western continents," Rosalyn said instead, eyes darkening. "I'm sure the great dragon-nim doesn't need any help, but if I can assist in any way, I'd be glad."
Eruhaben pinched the bridge of his nose with an aggravated sigh. "That bastard really had to go around collecting allies and admirers. At least he has that butler of his to take care of the insignificant ones."
He spared a glance towards Rosalyn, getting up and canceling the silencing barrier with a snap of his fingers. Rosalyn was sure it was more for the theatrics because the ancient dragon could set up and break multiple barriers with a blink– but she didn't say anything as she got up from her seat as well.
"I'll go collect that kid from the necromancer," the dragon said stiffly as a teleportation circle appeared instantly. "I do not intend to spend all day watching him be entertained by simple toys, the sooner he's at the tower, the better."
Rosalyn finally allowed her amusement to show fully after Eruhaben had gone, calling an attendant for some tea. She'd never be as arrogant to believe that she would understand an ancient dragon, but she couldn't dispute that if Cale was here, he'd undoubtedly mutter to himself about this old dragon who'd rather be roundabout than say that he might as well greet Mary too and make sure the young dragon goes to bed at a reasonable time.
Haa, if the ancient dragon had resolved to take Cale's romantic life in his own hands, then Rosalyn wished the younger all the best.
Especially since undoubtedly, the other vicious people in their family must be involved as well.
(Rosalyn hid an equally vicious smile behind her tea cup, and mentally made a note to visit Choi Han that week. After all, the more hands, the better.)
Witira stiffened as she felt the sheer, overwhelming presence that needed no herald to tell her who exactly had arrived on their glacier.
The other whales tensed as well, muscles taut as they struggled not to cow under the oppressive aura of a dragon. An ancient one, at that. She could have forced herself to relax knowing that the aura was familiar, but Witira would be a fool to do so, despite the fact that they've fought many a battles against a common enemy.
After all, she was well aware that the golden dragon could easily suppress his dragon fear if he wanted to. The fact that he wasn't doing so was as telling of his rage as anything. Witira just wanted to know what exactly did they do to enrage the ancient dragon.
(Did Archie get too rough when playing with one of Cale's kids? It seemed probable, and if it was true then she wished the killer whale good luck against this doting grandfather.)
Eruhaben materialized in all the pristine, otherworldly beauty of his elf form, a light foot landing on the glacier. Witira chanced a glance at her half blood brother who seemed especially affected by the strong presence of the dragon, and steeled herself. She'd do it, for Paseton if nothing else.
Witira approached a step closer to the ancient dragon before her father could say anything. "Eruhaben-nim," she greeted, voice carefully measured even though Witira was not above taking up her whip to fight against the being if it comes to that. A dragon's power was such that petty words like supreme or formidable would only be an insult to their overwhelming, all dominating, devastating strength, but when it comes to the oceans, the whale tribe were still the strongest even if they were second to the dragons. They wouldn't go down without a fight.
Eruhaben gave a sharp nod towards her. "You. You and…you as well." The dragon nodded, indicating towards Paseton and Archie. "I wish to speak to you three."
Witira tensed even further at her brother being included in whatever conversation the dragon wished to have, but before she could reply her father moved forward.
"Dragon-nim," the king greeted with a slight bow. "If any of my people have done any transgressions, I will represent them."
"This does not concern you," Eruhaben sniffed, turning away from the king to the three that he had called out. "You're the ones that are…close with the unlucky bastard, is that not it?"
Witira didn't know whether to relax at hearing Cale being mentioned or not– on one hand, it made things clearer as to why the dragon might have singled them out. But on the other hand, knowing Cale, it was highly likely that the man might be coughing blood somewhere while on one of his mad quests, the fact that the battle was over notwithstanding.
Eruhaben must have read some of her feelings, because he gave a small sigh. "Nothing happened to that fool. But there is a pressing matter regarding him, and I hope you would not keep me waiting if you're wise."
"We can talk on the glacier over there," Witira said after a small pause, giving a tiny nod to her father to show that she was fine with it. Paseton and Archie followed her, the two of them falling back to let her handle the conversation with the ancient dragon.
Eruhaben accompanied her to the indicated area, not bothering to acknowledge the other two. Witira stopped after walking a short distance to the centre of the glacier, feeling the icy wind cut at her skin.
The dragon waited for a while, before finally speaking up with a steely gaze. "There are… a great many people who are indebted to the child."
Witira held his gaze evenly, even if he seemed to be staring straight into her soul as he spoke. The ancient dragon seemed to be on edge, and she didn't doubt that any misstep would lead to bloodshed. "Some might be more foolish than the others, when it comes to asking for more than they should."
"The whale tribe is very grateful for all that Cale-nim has done for us," Witira said cautiously, wondering who exactly was that idiot who overstepped their boundaries. Knowing the humans, it might just be some foolish noble that was trying to curry power and favour, and the protective dragon decided to warn everyone . Just in case they had similar ideas of trying to use Cale. "We would not wish for anything other than for him to achieve his dreams of a peaceful life."
Eruhaben looked over them with a critical life. "And people would do well to realize that a life partner is not necessary for such a life. Any such thing would be merely… optional ."
Eruhaben's mouth soured at having to admit the last part, but he wouldn't stop Cale from finding a partner if the child so wished. Of course, Eruhaben would make sure the person is carefully vetted for.
Very carefully.
"We are in full agreement, dragon-nim," Witira replied back, knowing that Paseton shared her opinion as she finally realized what exactly the ancient dragon had come there for. Paseton might have had a fleeting crush on the young master, but it was a short lived thing– and she didn't even have to ask to know Archie simply wasn't interested in anything beyond battles and sparring.
Eruhaben looked over them with a critical eye. "Very well. It is agreeable to see that there is none who think them suitable for the unlucky bastard just by virtue of being royalty."
"Speaking of royalty, there are some that might be interested," Witira mentioned pointedly, not being able to resist after the jab at being proud and arrogant. The dragon wasn't one to speak, good grief.
The ancient dragon just gave her a haughty look, before teleporting away. As if he didn't know exactly who she meant even before the words had been uttered.
Eruhaben sighed in relief when he teleported to his room in the rock villa this time, glad that he was almost done with going through each of the potential suitors. The assassin was handling the ones on the Eastern continent, and there is some debate over whether to include that bastard vampire in their endeavors or give him the trash tal– ahem, remind him of his position, but outside of those few hiccups everything was proceeding calmly. He noted with satisfaction that mostly everyone had denied harboring any misguided intentions towards the unlucky bastard, but then another, irrational part of him was annoyed for some reason over the same fact. For someone as ridiculously popular, wouldn't there be more people who'd desire courtship? But then Eruhaben wondered why exactly he was personally offended by that despite setting out to prevent that exact thing, and he put an end to those trains of thoughts.
Haa, he really was getting too old.
He supposed he had one last stop to make, and it was one he should have made first, in hindsight. But Choi Han was an equally likely prospect, and Eruhaben liked having all bases covered.
"How generous of you to grace my office, Eruhaben-nim. Please, what can I do for you?"
Eruhaben went and sat on the plush seat in front of the table, staring at the glib tongued crown prince who was hiding his mouth behind a sip of tea. Smiling, no doubt.
"I have…had a premonition," Eruhaben stated bluntly, lacking the willingness to deal with the crown prince's beating around that'd certainly happen if he let him. "You covet something of mine, I see."
Alver, to his credit, just delicately set down his tea cup. And shot him a charming smile. Are we really having this conversation here?
Eruhaben arched a single, elegant eyebrow. I do not see why not.
"I'd never be so brazen to lay my eyes on a dragon's hoard, Eruhaben-nim," the prince demurred, sidestepping the issue despite the dragon's attempt at being direct.
"My hoard is not the only thing that's mine," Eruhaben said tightly.
"And some of them might not be yours alone," the prince replied, and Eruhaben briefly wondered at the gall. To dare speak like that to a dragon, and one as ancient as him…well. Pretending to be respectful he may be, but this human was really just as brazen as the unlucky bastard.
Eruhaben resisted a weary sigh, choosing to sip at the tea instead. Could his kid have not chosen anyone better?
"Not mine alone ," Eruhaben repeated, because the prince wasn't wrong, despite the rudeness. His hand curled around the cup handle, and he leveled intense golden eyes at Alver. "But mine, all the same."
"Of course Eruhaben-nim," Alver agreed instantly, a suspiciously cheerful smile stretching across his lips. "Your hoard naturally has the most precious of treasures, as expected of a dragon with such elevated tastes such as yourself. There is no doubt that you'd have a similarly discerning eye when it comes to other matters as well. Mere mortals like me can only wish that such treasures would find us worthy of their presence."
"He finds too many things worthy of his presence," Eruhaben said sharply. "That is, perhaps, the problem."
"Then we should all strive to be deserving of that attention," the prince shot back, smile widening. "It's good to see that he has someone as wise and proficient as an ancient dragon to make sure of that, no?"
Eruhaben's eyebrows narrowed as Alver dodged the question more blatantly than any other mortal the dragon had ever had the displeasure of meeting. An exasperated sigh escaped his lips as he shook his head, realizing that this was the moment to cut this back-and-forth short. Haa, if nothing else, the dark elf had this in common with the unlucky bastard at least. Both of them tried his patience.
"Enough," he snapped, his voice low but cold. "The truth would certainly save us both some trouble."
Alver's eyes drifted sideways over to the sofa in his office. It's back faced to his office table, the front towards a cozy fireplace. "I don't suppose you've put up a privacy barrier, Eruhaben-nim?"
Eruhaben smiled for the first time that night, a sadistic pleasure flirting through his face. "I suppose I forgot."
The prince looked down, smiling to himself in an exasperated manner. "You've put me in quite a spot, Eruhaben-nim."
"One that I'm sure you would have talked your way out of, had you been so troubled," the dragon commented drily. "On that note, the foolish child deserves someone that would court him directly, if they have made up their mind to reveal their feelings anyway."
"It's certainly what he deserves," Alver agreed easily. "But knowing my dearest dongsaeng, he'd just grumble about how it's too much work and it'd disturb his slacker life, am I wrong?"
Alver had asked the last part louder than the rest, purposefully directing it towards the sofa.
"Don't include me in your arguments," Cale mumbled, lazy and serene from where he had been napping on the sofa the entire time.
Alver sighed, some of his true emotions finally surfacing beyond the sunshine and rainbows air he usually adopted. "The argument's about you , dongsaeng."
He couldn't see his face behind the sofa, but Alver was sure Cale made a face right then. "Settle it amongst yourself."
"As much as I'd prefer to do that," Eruhaben interrupted, a sharp glint in his eyes that left no doubt of what exactly he meant by settling the matter. "If the prince is adamant on pursuing his foolhardy emotions, then I'll let him talk to you."
Alver looked at him, eyebrows raised despite the glib smile on his face.
Eruhaben met his gaze, silently conveying that if that's how he wanted to play, he'd give the man free reign. He could have had simply agreed with Eruhaben, but if he has decided to be brazen, he shall be brazen till the very end.
He teleported away, giving the two some time. Let the prince be turned down by the object of his affections himself.
(Although, Eruhaben had an intuition that the conclusion would be not what he had hoped. He knew how to read between Cale's lines– normally, the child would have just grumbled about not wasting time on irrelevant topics.)
Cale takes his pleasant time getting up from the sofa, and if Alver didn't know him any better, he'd have been astounded at his gall to just– to just be unbothered after finding out that Alver had very real, very romantic feelings for him.
The red head noble stretched lazily before padding softly to Alver's desk, and the prince looked up with raised eyebrows and a false smile. "Is this the part where you tell me that it's too much work and being involved with a prince would throw a wrench into your plans of slacking off?"
Cale gently raised a pale, thin hand to place it on Alver's shoulders, and smirked in the way that told Alver that the next words that'd come out of his mouth were going to be complete and utter bullshit.
"How could I ever be so rude to the sun of our Roan's kingdom? Why, bring in your presence would bring light to anyone's life, brightening up even the shadiest of corners–"
Cale tapered off at Alver's exasperated look, smiling in a way that told the prince that the man was most definitely laughing at him on the inside. Well. At least he could give entertainment to the normally reticent noble, having Cale be so openly amused was a rare occurrence.
"But some people prefer the dark instead?" Alver prompted, continuing the description that Cale had just spewed off. "Better for resting?"
Cale hummed. "That might be true, but your highness, napping under the warm sunlight feels great as well."
Alver looked up at Cale, and he'd have been gaping if he was a lesser man. "Do you mean–"
Cale tapped his shoulders, gazing down at him with a wry twist of his lips. "You're a smart man, hyung."
Alver paused. Blinked.
Stood up and grabbed Cale down for a kiss.
Cale didn't exactly smile against the kiss, but he reciprocated with ease, and that's all the confirmation Alver needed.
"You have terribly bad taste," is the first thing Eruhaben says when Cale drops by his room in the rock villa, later that night.
Cale shrugged, making even such a crude action seem elegant. "How many people did you talk to?" He asked, frowning suspiciously.
"Not enough," Eruhaben dismissed. "I trust your… suitor– " and he says the word with great distaste, "–would take care of any fools that crop up."
Cale just stares at him with his expression half a mix of disbelief and half languid nonchalance that he wore like a second skin, before sighing and muttering a thank you.
Eruhaben waved it away, dismissing the child. He didn't need silly things like gratitude or anything of the like. He was an ancient dragon , the feelings of humans were the least of his concerns.
"And fix your clothes. It's undignified." Erubahen drawled just before the child went out of the room. Cale looked over his shoulder and nodded, slipping out and closing the door behind him.
Eruhaben pinched the bridge of his nose. Really, these kids. He complained about the little dragon being messy, but clearly the child had gotten it from Cale.
Headaches, honestly, the both of them.
(Eruhaben loved them anyway.)