Work Text:
Strange gifts for a girl.
Content warnings: Anger, child abandonment, Abusive systems, Neglect.
“Oakleaf, here are your packages for today. Happy birthday little one!” Recket the postal attendant smiled as he handed her a package and a letter. His wizened snout propped up his thin horn glasses that he somehow was able to see out of. Oakleaf had gotten used to the rhythm of packages at Brottingham Orphanage. You collect mail once a week and then special on holidays and birthdays. “Thank you, Recket! I hope you have a good day.” Oakleaf called out in a singsong voice before looking over her mail. There was a large brown wrapped package and 3 letters. The letters were from her father, Uncle Rockjaw, and Mayor Portavorx. She ripped up the letter from the Mayor and took the rest of her mail onto the stairwell up to her room. She was stopped by the mayor on the third stair from the top. “Good morning Oakleaf. Did you have a chance to read the letter I sent you?” He asked, his gaunt face perfectly set in a mask of kindness. “No I didn’t! I told you that I’m not going to be adopted!" She spat while narrowing her eyes.
“I’m afraid it is not your choice. The Murdins put in a bid for your adoption and I am keen to get you out of this place.”
“I don’t wanna be adopted! Just let me live at my uncle’s!”
“Rockjaw grange is not capable of taking a child. He works long hours and has no one else to care for you.”
“I can take care of myself! I’m 75, that's more than old enough to take care of myself!”
“You are registered as a Gallian dragon and as such you will not reach the age of emancipation until 125. I know this is difficult for you but I think the Murdins are more than ready to take care of you.”
“I don't want them too!! The only adults I want taking care of me are my dad and uncle!”
Portax sighed heavily before shaking his head. His movements made his long malachite earrings jingle together. “Oakleaf… It has already been decided. You leave next week…. I’m sorry.” He informed her with all the weight and gravity he could muster. Oakleaf took a couple steps up the stairs to get away from the news. The mayor tried to follow but as soon as he stepped towards her she bolted. Running through the stone dormitory halls she turned the corner and came upon the door to her room. She tore it open and rushed inside to shut the door with a slam.
Hot tears fell from her eyes onto the large brown package, smudging the ink of the address. The tears became streams and she buried her in head and sobbed. “Dad… Why didn’t you take me with you? I know you said it was dangerous but anywhere is better than this place.” Oakleaf lamented into her crossed arms. There was a soft knock at the door that made her jump. Still sobbing, she yelled through the door. “Go away! I want to be left alone!” This seemed to work as whoever was on the other side of the door slipped a small envelope underneath and hurried off. Oakleaf snatched the envelope and tore it open. It was from her best friend Pheropedra and was a short little letter. ‘Happy Birthday Smoaky! I don't really have any money to give you so here's some drawings I made of birds!’ Oakleaf took out several drawings of birds. The art was well made, with carefully made brushstrokes and colors. The birds were her favorite, Jacklins, as they reminded her of her father all bright and bushy. More tears fell as she thought again about her dad. She didn't know much about why he left but she knew that Uncle Rockjaw and him talked in quiet tones about it before it happened. She pleaded with him to stay but he had said something about being hunted. That was 25 years ago… and she had been in the custody of her Uncle until last year.
Oakleaf stared at the letter on the bright stone floor. She picked it up and read the address. He was all the way in Salamandstron! Her history teacher had shown her a map before and it was so far away from her home in Gallia. Carefully she peeled the letter open and slid out the yellow tinged paper. It was written in her fathers messy and large script so he had attached 3 pages for the note.
‘To a very special birthday girl. I hope you are doing well on this day. Rockjaw has told me much about your time in the orphanage. I wish I could be there for you… Unfortunately I am caught up in an enlistment at Salamandastron. I’m working as a smith this time so my pay is better. I have asked for leave to come see you on your birthday but Quartermaster Vanhousen is a relentless task master. I am so sorry that I cannot be there to protect you from this. I have gotten you a gift however. I know you enjoy naturalism and nature so I got you two books. One is a field guide to the Gallian flora and the other is a Bestiary of mythological creatures! Maybe you could tell me about the things you see out there. I miss you terribly and write as often as I can… please know that I wait eagerly for your reply. I love you… and I hope you can feel the warmth of my hugs even though I am far away. -Dad. P.S. I saw a rock jay last week! If I can get a feather I’ll send it off in my next letter’
Oakleaf sighed and slid the letter back in the envelope. Her dad always wrote a letter once a week. She would write back as often as she got money to but it was harder in the orphanage.
She turned her attention to her uncle's letter and broke open the seal. It was much shorter than her dad’s letter owing to the fact that Rockjaw could see her whenever he was granted visitation. ‘Happy birthday Pidnet! I have heard of the mayor’s adoption plan for you. I need you to run away if you can. Do you remember the small spot in the woods your dad and I built for you? I’ve prepared a blanket and some food for you there. Take your clothes and other important things and go there immediately! I’m working on having an ISS doctor brought up from Pramboten but that will take some time. I love you and will see you later tonight. -Uncle Rocky.
Oakleaf sat for a moment to process what her uncle had just told her. It was scary to be outside by herself… but anywhere was better than this place right now. What if she was caught? The Mayor would be furious…. And she might never see her Uncle again. Still… It was better than getting adopted by some strangers. She grabbed her large backpack and began to fill it with clothes, her books, and some bandaids. She gingerly placed the package from her father on top and zipped up the massive bag. Oakleaf mused that she needed to make it harder for them to find out she was gone as she slung her bag over her shoulder. With a grunt of exertion she pushed a large wood dresser in front of the door. She hopped up onto the window sill and pushed open the small window.
The late summer air stung her face with a pleasant heat. Her hands shook as she decided if this was the course of action she should take. ‘I can’t get adopted… I promised my dad I’d be ok.’ Oakleaf thought.
She took a deep breath and hopped out onto the black shingled roof.
The roof was hot and burned her hands and feet causing Oakleaf to yelp in pain. She scrambled across the roof trying to find a way down. There was a large rain pipe and she gripped onto it and slid all the way down past a few windows. As she slid down Oakleaf caught a glimpse of Pheropedra and gave an awkward smile. The ground came up faster than she thought and the pain caught her by surprise. There was no time to think as she tore across the grassy meadows into the forest that she was so familiar with. The tall trees cast the world in deep viridans and emeralds as she ran deeper and deeper into the forest. Scrabbling over roots and being careful not to trip; Oakleaf followed the path she remembered. Past the Old farmhouse, over the little creek, and to the fort that had been built for her.
It was humble, with much of it made of cut trees and branches. A roof made of old thatch prevented large amounts of sun from streaming in. A square shaped hole marked the only entrance and so Oakleaf slipped into her cozy hiding spot. Rockjaw had brought an old rug for his knees at some point and it covered the dirt floor. Upon the rug lay a small feast of nuts, berries, and cheeses. In the corner looked to be a small sleeping roll with a blanket. The centerpiece of the food was a small white cake. Oakleaf squealed in delight and devoured the cake with hands, tearing off fistfuls and stuffing them in her mouth. The cake was sweet with a Hethberry filling. She loved her Uncles baking, especially when it was for her. With the cake fully eaten Oakleaf licked off her hands to remove the remnants of her meal.
She unzipped her pack and brought out the brown package from her father. Undoing the string holding it together she unveiled the two books. Ophort’s field guide to Northern Archos plants caught her eye first. It was a thick book with a picture of a tree on the front. She thumbed through the book, admiring the lifelike illustrations and resolving to read it soon. Her attention turned to wonder as she gazed over the bestiary her father had gotten her. The guide to great and powerful monsters had no illustrations on its cover. All that was printed on the cover was a name in bold silver text. It was much thicker than her other book though it contained less pages. Oakleaf opened the cover and skipped straight to the drawings. She was surprised to find that each entry had a physical part of the beast in question. A scale or tooth or fur or feather, one even had a small scrap of skin. She studied the entry with the skin, pouring over the text of the work. “Trixericos the mountain crusher is a massive beast with three heads and a huge torso. Its body is covered not in scales or fur, but a thick hide of fleshy skin.” Oakleaf read with abandon filling her head with her monsters. It was her favorite thing her Uncle and dad had taught her. The stories of monsters, beasts and creatures were the stories that lulled her to sleep, much to their astonishment.
She read descriptions that interested her skimming over ones that seemed too scary or mean. Briannac the Sky Hunter, Rejuthel the devourer, and Nerivati the Wind Thief were her favorites. She turned the page and read the next entry. “Turshula the Eternal Winter is a large menacing creature with huge tusks and claws. It is covered in thick wiry fur and has been known to kidnap young children for unknown purposes.
Some speculate that it raises these children but the more likely explanation is that they are eaten.” A tuft of dark brown fur with cyan blue undertones was pinned in a small cutout underneath an image of the beast.
Gingerly she reached out and touched the fur on the page. It was rough and stung even through the fur of her fingers. It reminded her of brush bristles. Oakleaf looked up from the book and froze in terror.
The wooden walls of the fort had been replaced with a large expanse of cold, dark blue rock. Ice clung to the walls and icicles hung from the ceiling, sharp and menacing. The warmth of late summer gave way to a bitter cold that reminded Oakleaf of the dead of winter. She had no idea where she was and shivered in the cold. A deafening roar echoed through the cave and she curled into a ball holding her head. Mighty steps thudded and shook the ground eliciting a cry from the fallen child. “WHO DARES ENTER MY LAIR!?!” A voice thundered mere feet from her. Oakleaf looked up to see a massive beast glaring down at her. Its legs were as thick as tree trunks with claws bigger than her whole palm. Its body was muscular and it lashed a thin whiplike tail back and forth. She screamed and buried her head back in her body. The beast snorted and used a large claw to open Oakleaf’s body and forced her to stare at its fury laden eyes. “Please! D…. Don’t eat me!! I just got the book and touched the fur!! My n… name is Oakleaf Telliam.” She begged, tears falling from her face. The beast’s face softened a bit and Oakleaf stared at the razor sharp teeth on display. She imagined that she would be an easy snack for the beast and shook harder at the thought. Trying hard she stared at the legs of the beast in an attempt to distract herself. A twinge of panic shot through Oakleaf as she recognized the beast.
It was Turshula! The great beast from her book given form!
“I will not eat you. You mentioned a book. Talk.” Turshula demanded
“My… dad gave me the book. The guide to great and powerful monsters. It was for my birthday and I didn’t know what to do.”
“And your father, did he warn you about us?”
“No…. My dad is a long way away. My Uncle can’t take care of me because of stupid laws.”
“You are… alone?”
“Yeah… I was super excited to read the book. I don’t know how I got here… I’m cold and scared. Just don’t hurt me.”
“My lair is no place for a child. I will find a way to send you back.”
“W… Wait! Can I stay with you? At least for the night.”
“You would stay with a beast?! I could rip you apart with a single touch of my claw. I could swallow you whole and never give you a second thought. Why would you stay with something so… dangerous?”
“I…. I like beasts. You’re so big and strong…I’ve always wanted to see monsters up close. I know you could eat me alive but I don't think you will.”
“Oh? And why is that pup?”
“Because If you wanted to eat me you already would have. You’re a monster you don’t need to listen to me but here you are talking with me.”
“Such a strange one you are… but yes. I do not like the idea of eating small meat… too much work.”
“So can I stay the night?”
“If you stay the night I must hunt for you. You would be ok with cold food in this cavern?”
“I’d be ok with anything you give me. They only feed us twice a day at the orphanage so I’m hungry.” Oakleaf explained. Turshula let out a grunt of annoyance before picking up Oakleaf by the hem of her blue dress. “Climb onto my back. I will take you to my den. You will be on your best behavior or I will destroy you.” The beast growled. Oakleaf scrambled up onto the great beasts' back and Turshula plodded off deeper into the cave. It was dimly lit but she could make out various rock formations and grooves into the ice. The air got colder and colder and Oakleaf huddled into Turshula’s thick fur. If it noticed it said nothing, instead trodding over a well beaten path.
Eventually the pair came to a dead end in the cave. There were lots of discarded feathers and fur spread out across the floor. It was spartan and everything smelled heavily of animal and must. Oakleaf wrinkled her nose and Turshula stopped abruptly. “This is where I sleep. Make yourself comfortable little one.” Turshula declared as Oakleaf hopped off its back. She took a step towards some of the fallen fur and inspected it. It was dark and soft to the touch, a wide carpet of fibers. Curling up in the fur, Oakleaf laid down on the ground. It was soft, far softer than the hard frozen ground had any right to be. “It's nice… but it's rather stinky.” Oakleaf murmured out. “Hmph! Stinky? I suppose I should expect these things of a nonbeast. I will return with food.” Turshula announced as it departed.
Oakleaf listened to the fading footsteps of her temporary savior. She was unsure how long this situation could last. Someone to take care of her was all she wanted… and she hoped that Turshula could at least try. ‘This is better than the Orphanage at least. Still… it’s a bit cold… and Turshula seems angry at me. I really hope it doesn't eat me… or worse. Oh if only dad or Rockjaw could help me. I hope dad is ok wherever he is. Teacher said Salamanstron was some kind of big army fort. I’ll have to write to him if I get out of here.’ she thought. Oakleaf’s mind wandered to thoughts of her dad. He and Uncle Jaw building the fort while she handed them nails, Dad teaching her how to cook and make an omelet, all three of them cuddled up on the large slate grey couch in Rockjaw’s home. She remembered her fathers face, his soft golden eyes held so much warmth and his light blue scales shimmered when he laughed loudly. Oakleaf sniffled a little, not wanting to cry again again today. It was her birthday after all.
Turshula’s lumbering frame came into view as it stopped a few feet from Oakleaf. It lowered its head and dropped a bundle wrapped in some kind of leather. She lazily got up from her fur and opened the bundle. Inside were a variety of fruits, vegetables and meat. Much to her surprise the meat was cooked, although it looked to be rather charred. “Come, eat. I took some time to collect a manner of things for you to eat. I… do not know what you wanted.” Turshula admitted. Oakleaf stuffed all manner of food into her mouth. The meat was tender and juicy albeit a bit bland. The fruits were a cornucopia of colors, flavors and textures that she loved. The vegetables were hard and bitter and she didn't eat much of them. “Thank you.” she blurted out with her mouth full. Turshula laid down on the thick padding of the floor and sighed deeply. Finishing her meal, Oakleaf looked up at the beast and giggled. “Do you mock me? The nerve of the young.” It groaned rolling over onto its back. Oakleaf took the opportunity to hop up onto its exposed tummy. The vast expanse of thick fur was soft to the touch, and she marveled at how easily she could become lost in the jungle of hair.
“No manners you have. It is polite to ask before crawling up onto me like a flea. Still… if it makes you more comfortable.” It pondered softly patting a claw onto her head. Oakleaf said nothing and simply stared at Turshula’s face. There was bright red blood on her lips, a sign that she had just recently eaten. “What… did you eat?” Oakleaf stuttered out. Even if she trusted the beast, she wanted to make sure that it would not eat her in her sleep. Turshula laughed a great throaty laugh that reverberated through Oakleaf. It reminded her of how Rockjaw would laugh. “Hahahah. Wanting to see if the beast is satiated? I hunted an Auroach today. Large, horned beast that moves in herds and eats grass. The meat you ate was what was left of my kill after I ate my fill.” It explained. “How did you cook the meat? You’re a beast you shouldn’t have access to fire?” Oakleaf accused, eliciting another laugh from Turshula. “There is much about beasts you do not know. I hope one day I can teach you. To show you the intricacies of our world and how we live.” It twisted its lips in an approximation of a smile that looked comical.
It was now Oakleaf’s turn to giggle and as she lost herself in mirth Turshula looked puzzled. “What is so funny?” It balked “You… You looked silly when you smiled there.” Oakleaf admitted, wiping away the tears in her eyes. “Hah have you seen yourself? Silly little one, your ears make up half of your height!” It retorted. “At least I’m not stinky.” She teased sticking her tongue out. “At least I don't climb up on dangerous beasts without asking.” It quipped back. “You sure are a dangerous beast with that goofy smile.” Oakleaf teased. The pair giggled and chortled for a while, each joking and passing mild insults back and forth.
By the time they were finished Oakleaf was close to Turshula’s side nestled into the fur of its chest. “Oh! Before I forget little one. I have a gift for you. You did mention your birthday… I remember kits finding it important so I figured I would give you something.” Turshula offered, pulling out a large shiny stone from underneath the furs. Oakleaf took it from it and marveled at the beauty in it. In the fading sunlight of the cave the stone glinted and shimmered all colors of the rainbow. It shifted from blue, to purple, to a vibrant red and then back again. It was truly a thing of beauty. “Wow! Thank you so much Miss Turshula! I promise to cherish it forever.” She remarked. “There is no need for the Miss. Turshula is just fine. Beasts have little time for honorifics.” It commented. Oakleaf tucked the stone into her pack nearby and watched the sunset through a small hole in the roof of the cave. She yawned, not realizing how late it was. Turshula gently wrapped a massive paw around her and held her close to itself. It was warm… and she could hear the beating of its massive heart. It felt comfortable to be nestled up close. Even though Tushula was so large, she felt safe. Her eyelids grew heavy and felt sleep trying to overtake her. “C… Can you tell me… A story?” Oakleaf whispered. Turshula craned its neck to listen to the soft voice of its temporary kit. It started softly…
“There once was a great and powerful beast who lived all her life in a small quiet cave. It was all ae had known throughout her whole life, as long as ae could remember for seasons and seasons unending. Until one day… ae met a small little kit. It was not like the beast. It was small and covered in shimmering yellow scales like the morning sun. And the small kit told her that he had come from a faraway land and that he was scared and cold and lonely. So the great beast hunted for the small kit, and the kit stayed with the beast. She brought him up to be all things a mighty beast should be! Strong, Confident, Wise, and Cunning. When he was ready to leave on his own and seek out his way in the world he asked the beast. ‘Why did you take care of me? A cunning beast would have eaten me on the spot.’ The beast paused for a moment before answering her kit. ‘A beast must be cunning, yes but a beast must also be wise. To be alone… is a dangerous thing for a beast. If it is sick or injured there will be no one to hunt for it and it will starve. It is wise to care for another beast in their time of need. When you are in need that beast you cared for will care for you. Such is the law of beasts. For a beast alone is not one that will last the harsh winter.’ The kit was stunned by this wisdom and embraced the beast tight, understanding the lesson that ae had imparted onto him throughout his care.”
Turshula finished her story and looked down to see Oakleaf fast asleep. Ae gave her a quick ruffle of the hair atop her head before following her into a deep sleep.
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Oakleaf awoke to find herself in the mountain of fur on Turshula's belly. The great beast had not yet stirred and she tried gingerly to free herself from the large paws around her. With effort and purpose, she was able to wiggle free without waking up Turshula. She trotted off to the meal from last night and picked over the remains of the fruit left for her. It was not much but she was hungry now. Picking up discarded scraps and uneaten fruit oakleaf ate, and a font of juice flowed down her face and onto her blue dress. A great blast of breath upon her back told her that ae was awake. “I was worried you had run off when I could not feel you close to me. Good morning little one.” Ae greeted as ae got up to her feet, yawning widely to chase away the sleep. Oakleaf ate the rest of the bundle brought to her before responding “Good morning to you too! Do you need to go out to hunt again soon?” Oakleaf inquired. “No… but it is about time for you to return home. I promised you that you would be able to rest for the night in my den. Besides, you must be anxious to get back home.” Turshula suggested. “I… don’t want to go home. Can I stay here please?” Oakleaf begged, trying to put on a good pleading face. Turshula shook her head. “No. You must return to your world, to your father and uncle. I bet you they are worried about you.” Ae countered. “But I want to stay hereeeeee. Please Turshula! I promise I’ll be good and to help you hunt and clean your den and anything you want.” Oakleaf pleaded, dropping to her knees. Trushula stood her ground. “No. The beast world is no place for one so young as you. I am sorry Oakleaf…” Trushula declared. Defeated, Oakleaf grabbed her backpack and waited. She hung her head low and tried not to cry.
Turshula stomped her feet and spoke in a language Oakleaf could not understand. It was guttural and full of sounds she could not remake. In an instant Oakleaf was back to the fort in the woods. Her uncle Rockjaw was on the ground snoring loudly, having fallen asleep on the hard earth. “Hey… Uncle rockjaw?” Oakleaf called out as she took a look around the fort. The food she had set out was eaten and the small hut appeared to be torn apart. Gently she reached down and shook the sleeping dragon. Rockjaw kept snoring, oblivious to the efforts to wake him. “Wake up! Come on!” She yelled. He woke with a start, taking a moment to process the sight. “Pidnet! There you are! I was so worried when I could not find you yesterday. I spent much of the night searching for you before I fell asleep. I thought you had been locked in your room or worse.” Rockjaw exclaimed while sweeping her up in his arms. She returned the hug, feeling the smooth edges of his brown scales against her orange fur. “I was with a friend. I’m sorry I worried you.”
“Who was it? Do you think they would be willing to harbor you a bit while the town searches for you? I don't know if this little place is safe for much longer.”
“Um… It’s kinda hard to explain. But dad gave me a gift that’s a book of monsters and it was one of the monsters from the book.”
“Honey… quit fibbing. You’re telling me that you spent the night with a monster from a book that dad gave you?”
“Yeah! Its name was Turshula and it was super kind to me. It gave me food, and a birthday gift. I can show you look!”
“That’s quite all right Oakleaf. We need to talk about what we should do next.”
“Uncle Rockjaw. Pleaseeee can you just take a look at my book?”
“Fine. If it will make you happy sweetie.” He groaned. Oakleaf reached into her pack and pulled out The guide to great and powerful monsters. She flipped open the book to the description of Turshula and handed the book to her Uncle. “Yes I see. I remember hearing about Turshula as a young boy. And you say it was her that took care of you last night? Perhaps you were mistaken?” Rockjaw hinted. This elicited a groan from Oakleaf and she palmed her face, taking a while to slide down her features. “I promise I’m not lying to you. You gotta touch the fur… we gotta do it together. ” She explained. Rockjaw chortled. “Very well. I’ll play along but after this we need to focus ok?” Oakleaf grasped her Uncle’s large clawed finger and guided it to the patch of fur in the book. Sticking out her own finger she ensured that they both stroked the coarse fur at the same time. Silently she hoped the same magic would work again.
And it did, the familiar chill of the cave crept across her skin giving her goosebumps. Rockjaw looked around, eyes wide before snapping his head to Oakleaf. She gave a cheeky smile in response. “Land’s sake Oakleaf where are we?! You can’t just teleport me without asking! That's dangerous!” Rockjaw hissed, trying to control the volume of his voice. Oakleaf only waved a hand in response at his concern causing him to scowl. This was not like her. Normally she was full of mischief but it was never this badly. Dull thuds reverberated through the cave as its occupant came nearer. Panicking Rockjaw shifted Oakleaf behind him and turned to face the noises. He stood in a defensive stance, claws out ready to defend his niece. As Turshula’s massive frame came into view Oakleaf dashed out from behind her uncle and grabbed onto one of her massive legs. “Hi! I brought my Uncle with me this time!” she called up to the beast. “OAKLEAF! Get away from that thing! Your father will kill me if it eats you.” Rockjaw ran forward to try and grab Oakleaf but was stopped in his tracks by Tushula clearing her throat. “An understandable welcome given the circumstances. My name is Turshula, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Ae gave a short bow before returning to their full height.
Rockjaw’s eyes bulged out of his head and it took a moment to compose his words. Oakleaf giggled at this as she scampered her further to sit upon the cyclopean beast’s neck. “Great Seasons! I remember hearing stories as a babe about you. I never would have guessed in all my life you really existed! I’m sorry for my earlier conduct. My best friend Wolf entrusted me with her care and I don’t think he’d be happy if she was gobbled up on my watch. Not, that I think you would just.. scared me.” Rockjaw stammered trying to find the right words not to offend the creature. He glanced at her claws in his peripheral vision. They were long, black and thick. As broad as a dagger and he reckoned just as deadly. “I am not offended. Do you have a reason for coming here so soon after I just sent her back? I hope she did not leave anything important behind.” Turshula inquired, tilting her great head slightly. “I wanna stay with you! That's why I brought my uncle here so you all could talk it out!” Oakleaf piped up. She had grasped onto the neck with both hands and hugged her tight, as if she could latch on to not have to leave. “Oakleaf… your place is not in the beast world. We discussed this.” Turshula said solemnly. Oakleaf said nothing and flattened herself to the neck more. She let out a low growling noise that made Rockjaw chuckle. “That's… actually a pretty good idea honey. She’s currently in the process of being adopted against her will and it would be much easier to have her stay here.” Rockjaw offered
“Adopted?”
“Placed with people she or I don’t want her to be with.”
“But would she be safe?
“Oh most definitely not. The Murdins are Gallian purests and I doubt that Oakleaf would receive the care and love she needs. Not to mention the entire reason she’s in the orphanage is because I pissed off the Mayor.”
“How did you do that?”
“He’s upset that I didn’t serve in the Crescent war. So he’s taking out his anger on her.”
“That is not fair. I can see why she wants to be taken care of by me. Is that something that you are agreeable to?”
“I would need some reassurances. I’d be placing a lot of trust into you. Who feeds her? I’m perfectly willing to bring food every day if needed.”
“I can forage for her. She is much smaller than I am so it would not be much trouble. You are welcome to bring food for her.”
“Would you be willing to let her attend some type of school? My girlfriend is the teacher up in Varose and I think I can get her into classes under a different name.”
“Knowledge is important. I will allow this of her but only so far as she returns by dusk.”
“She will. Would you let her have some type of private room where she can store her clothes and have an actual bed?”
“If she so desires then yes. My den will be her home and it should accommodate her.”
“And you would let her have some type of fire? I was thinking of maybe getting her a small eternal flame in her bedroom for warmth and maybe to cook.”
“I am not opposed to the idea… but I know that fire is dangerous for a small one. I can supervise this fire that you would bring into our home.”
“If she’s hurt or sick she needs to see a doctor. Would you be ok with that?”
“Yes… Though I know the basics of caring for injuries and I am able to cast magics.”
“Oh! Well that's good. I would want to see her at least once a day, make sure she’s ok.”
“You are welcome to visit as much as you like.”
“Very well then. I give you my blessing to take care of her… Just be kind to her.” Rockjaw muttered. Oakleaf motioned that she wanted to hug her uncle so Turshula brought her neck close the the larger dragon. Rockjaw placed one hand around his neice and another around the great furred neck. Oakleaf weeped openly. This was turning into one of the best birthdays she had ever had.