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The dragon was different from how it was before. Maybe it was because of its new form, he couldn't find a way to transform it completely back to its original, only partly. Perhaps that was the reason it was so different now, more gentle. Kind. It wasn't that it upset him, no. It was– he kind of enjoyed it. The way the dragon had lifted him up into its arms so gently. Like he was precious. It felt nice. Before, the dragon was mindless, only followed orders and did exactly as he said. But now it seems to have a consciousness, wants and desires– separate from serving him and following his orders.
It never did anything quite like this. He laid on the dragon's feathered chest, as it gently carded its hands through his hair. It seemed content, to sit there and coddle him like a child.
Maybe some of the body's soul still lingered? If that was the case, it didn't seem to be an issue. Maybe, just maybe, it was better this way. He clutched his book to his chest, he felt weary. But sleep eludes him, and he couldn't sleep even if he wanted to. The elves were a problem and he had to take care of them soon or he'd have a big mess on his hands.
The dragon leans its head towards his own, before he has a chance to process what she's doing, the dragon presses its lips against his forehead. It's like everything turns to mush after that. He feels like putty, and the dragon seems to notice this.
She gathers him up in her arms, much like before when they were retreating from the elves. With his head under her chin, and her arms around him, he feels almost soft. Fuzzy. He doesn't like it, it makes him feel vulnerable. And scared. He doesn't like being vulnerable, much less in a situation like this, where there's a threat right at his door.
“Poor baby..” He hears the dragon mutter. He pauses.
“You talk?” He stammers, attempting to look up at her with little success.
She simply smiles. “Baby sad? I will help. Make happy..” She shushes him before maneuvering to hold him how Delgal was held as an infant. Her hand rests against the back of his head, and something inside screams at him to get away, to stop the dragon from doing this.
He shouldn't be vulnerable in such a manner, he needs to be more mature, he needs to get the elves away, he needs to protect Delgal– he needs–
“Shh baby, it's okay..” The dragon bounces him in her arms. “No sad.”
She kisses his cheek, and he feels himself let out a loud sob. He doesn't remember what his biological mother or father look like, Freinag had always filled the place of his father, and he can't remember how he came to be at Delgal's side anymore, he just knows that he must protect him. He's all he has, he's his family. His brother. If he can't protect him, then what was all this for? If he can't find Delgal, why live on? He just wants to protect his treasure, the people, Delgal.
He whimpers into the dragon's neck, and she doesn't really feel like a dragon. She feels more human now that he focuses on her. He hiccups, and the dragon pats his back, rocking him back and forth in her arms.
He likes it, it feels nice and soothing. He can't remember being small. Is this what it felt like? His mother's love? Is this what it's like to be loved by a mother? Is this a mother's love?
He doesn't know. He sobs wetly into her, which is gross but the dragon says nothing, doesn't even acknowledge the snot that gets on her shoulder and onto her feathers. Just kisses his temple, rubs his back and rocks him side to side.
It's so nice, he feels so light and soft. Maybe he doesn't hate it. The dragon maneuvers him once again in her arms, so he's lying almost bridal style. She smiles down at him, a brilliant thing. He sniffles and big wet tears slip down his cheeks. That makes her frown.
“Baby sad, why?” She nuzzles her face against his hair, and he puffs his cheeks out in resignation.
For some reason words don't seem to work for him right now. Maybe that elf cast a spell on him to make him all weird and fuzzy and soft. Doubtful, he would've felt it. Perhaps it's just a natural phenomena that is affecting his mental state.
He opens his mouth, before closing it. He does it a few more times, before giving up and deciding to let out a sob instead. He's frustrated, he wants to tell the dragon why he's crying, what's wrong, that he wants Delgal back, he wants his brother back so bad it hurts, but his tongue feels heavy and he can barely think properly.
“Oh, poor baby. It's okay, no tell, shhh..” She hushes him, attempting to soothe with her limited speech. “Just stay here, make better. Promise.” She smiles again, continuing her rocking.
He sniffles wetly, clutching his book closer to his chest. The rocking is making him sleepy. When was the last time he had rested? When was the last time he took a nap? He can't remember. Time seems to pass by so fast, and before he knows it, it's been months since he last ate, slept, or drank water. It would be disorienting if he wasn't so used to it by now.
The time that passes isn't important. All that matters is that he finds Delgal, protects his people, his country. That's all that matters, all he cares about. His eyes feel droopy, but he can't close them. He can't go to sleep. He has stuff to do, people to take care of–
“Sleepy little baby, go to sleep.” The dragon hums softly, before beginning to mutter a soft song under her breath.
When was he last sung a lullaby? Has he ever been sung a lullaby? He tries to remember, but it all feels so fuzzy now. He decides he likes it. He likes being sung lullabies and songs. He could get used to this, maybe he should just stay here forever.
No– no he can't. He knows that he can't. He made a promise, and he's going to keep it. Delgal asked him to protect him and the people, so that's what he's going to do. He can't be coddled like a child forever. But maybe, just for now it's okay. Just for a bit.
Finally, his eyes drift shut. Too exhausted to keep them open. The dragons muttered songs get softer, and before he knows it he's asleep. The dragon continues to hold him, a content smile on her face.
“Sleep good, sweet baby.” She kisses his forehead once again, and rests him upset against her chest in a more comfortable position. Satisfied, she lets her own eyes drift closed. Not asleep, but not awake.
She'll keep watch while her baby is asleep. She'll protect him, until he is strong and ready to command her again. For now, he sleeps.