Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Numa and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe during these dark and gloomy days.
Wolf Princess Chapter 28
Instead of following them I retreat backwards from the group, instead advancing toward the bound dragon while dropping the clanker in my hands.
Hearing the noise Remus turns around, seeing that I am no longer with them. Noticing what I'm doing his eyes widened in shock and fright.
"Numa, what do you think you're going," he demanded. "Get away from it. You'll get yourself killed."
"Don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing," I said, reassuringly, eyes remaining locked on the dragon. "It won't hurt me."
"I'd listen to him if I were you girl," said Taloncrick. "You'll end up burnt or worse."
"I'll risk it," I said, coldly in a deadpan glower. "Remus, Professor McGonagall, get what you need from the vault. I'll be here when you come back out."
Sighing resignedly, Professor McGonagall said "If you're sure."
"Positive," I said, firmly.
The Professors obviously want to argue further, but they could see by my stand and expression on my face that I wasn't going to be changing my mind about this. Taloncrick has a bit of a sneer on his face. He appears to expect me to get injured by the dragon if I continue with my persistent actions.
Taloncrick presses his palm to the wood, the door melting away to reveal a cave like opening. The inside is crammed from floor to ceiling with mounds of coins, artifacts, instruments, and other sorts of objects.
Remus and Professor McGonagall enter to collect the amount of money they need with Taloncrick waiting patiently inside the doorway.
While they are doing this, I continue my progress toward the frightened dragon. The dragon may have been partially blind, but it does possess enough sight left to make out me coming. It's face transforms into becoming even more terrified and shifts as far away as its chains would allow it to.
I extend my hands in plain view of the dragon so that it can see I'm not trying to threaten it.
"Hush," I said, soothingly. "Take it easy now. I'm not going to hurt you."
Not believing me the dragon keeps whimpering and begging me not to cause it any harm. It hadn't shot a flame at me yet for fear of receiving some sort of retribution.
I reach it in a few more steps. I stretch out a hand to stroke its scales. It instinctively flinches at the feeling of my hand.
"Easy," I whisper, softly petting its brow. "No harm will come to you by my hand. You are safe."
Slowly the dragon begins to relax, trusting me. As I wrap my other arm around its head it purred.
"That feels nice," murmurs the dragon.
"Thought you'd like it," I said, smiling. "What is your name?"
"Thorn," answers the dragon. "And you are?"
Proudly, I said "Numa, daughter of the Wolf Goddess Moro."
This seems to surprise Thorn a great deal.
"You are the daughter of Moro, Protector of the Forest," he inquired.
Nodding, I confirm "Yes. You know my mother?"
"Before I was captured and unjustly imprisoned here, I had heard things of the Wolf Goddess, but never laid eyes on her before," admits Thorn. "It's a bit difficult to believe she has a human daughter amongst her offspring. She utterly despises humans."
"That is true enough," I said, "but I was a special case."
I then provide him a quick uptake explanation of how I was found, abandoned, and alone in the forest and brought to her to raise.
"That is quite a story," said Thorn, a sad gleam appearing in his eyes. "It has been so long since I have seen the sky, the forests, the mountains, and the stars. I miss it all dearly."
Gently patting his head, I said "Don't be sad, my friend. I'm sure you'll see them again one day."
Thorn said "I doubt it."
Just then the clankers are known again.
Thorn snaps his head up in terror. I hold on tightly to him trying to keep him still and calm. He is starting to get into another anxiety filled panic.
While struggling to keep Thorn steady I peer behind me. Taloncrick is using that bloody clanker of his. Remus and Professor McGonagall possess theirs, but, unlike the goblin, they aren't using them.
Furious, I snarled "What the hell are you doing? Put those away now!"
"Afraid I can't do that," refuses Taloncrick. "If we don't then it'll just attack us."
"No, I won't. I swear I won't attack,' squealed Thorn.
I could understand him, but to the others the sounds he makes are just simple whimpers and roars.
"You idiot," I said, teeth gritted together. "The only reason he's been acting aggressive towards you is because you and your cohorts have caused Thorn deliberate injury. As long as you don't hurt him and appropriately feed him, he'll probably be less frustrated and more cooperate better."
"Wait a minute. Thorn," said Professor McGonagall, curious. "You can actually communicate with him?"
Nodding, I said "I've been able to all my life. It comes easily to me."
"And how exactly are you able to do this," said Taloncrick, a large amount of skepticism on his face.
Nonchalantly shrugging it off, I said "It's a family trait."
This isn't exactly a total lie in itself. Being raised by a pack of wolves does bring plenty of advantages when it pertains to languages, I am able to understand in my mind. Only I'm not about to divulge to them that.
Redirecting the conversation back towards Thorn, Taloncrick said "So you can actually guarantee that this beast won't attack us if we stop using the clankers?"
Thorn nods at her, revealing that he is willing.
"As long as you treat him well by providing him with proper food and stop torturing him then Thorn will keep to that," promises Numa. "But only if you and your cohorts do the same."
Tapping his chin in a thoughtful manner Taloncrick seems to contemplate hard about what I have just mentioned. Professor McGonagall and Remus are looking at Taloncrick with expectant expressions on their faces. They're well aware that goblins are stubborn creatures by nature and don't change their views easily. They fully expect Taloncrick to say "no" to my offer.
Thorn is shifting nervously where he was standing, thinking the worst will occur.
After a few minutes Taloncrick reaches a decision.
"All right," said Taloncrick. "I'll speak to my superiors and we'll make some changes. As long as Thorn keeps to his end of the bargain."
"There's no need to worry about that. He will," I said, smiling.
Remus and Professor McGonagall then trail after the goblin in astonishment. They've never heard of a goblin to give into something like this.
Patting Thorn's neck, I said "See, I told you it would be all right."
"Numa, come see if you like this vault," calls Professor McGonagall.
The vault is on the 2nd landing. Similar to the Hogwarts vault we need a key and a goblin to open it. It was a good-sized vault that resembles the same size of the den I used to share with my family.
"What do you think," asked Taloncrick.
"It is suitable enough," said McGonagall.
"It had powerful enough protections to keep intruders out," approves Remus. "What do you think, Numa?"
Studying the vaults interior, I said "If you think it's all right then I'm fine with it."
Speaking directly to Taloncrick, Remus said "We'll take it."
Taloncrick hands the key over to Remus once he has permission to do so. To finalize my ownership Taloncrick states that there are some papers that have to be signed.
I grew a little bit nervous, having no clue at all how to write my name as of yet. This is easily solved for me. Since I am a ward of the school Professor McGonagall, as Deputy Headmistress, can sign it for me. I release an enormous sign of relief when that is decided. Not being able to comply fully would've been so embarrassing.
As our group is departing back to the cart I temporarily stopped to say goodbye to thorn.
"Farewell, Thorn," I said, rubbing his neck. "I hope things will improve for you after today."
Nuzzling my size in gratitude for her effort and kindness, Thorn said "I hope so, but I doubt it. They'll probably start torturing me again the next time one of them comes down here."
Kissing Thorn's snout, I said "Don't be so sure about that. Things may begin improving for you before you know it."
"Numa," said Professor McGonagall. "It's time to leave."
"I'll be right there," I said, turning back to Thorn. "Take care of yourself, My Friend."
Thorn gives me a nudge toward the exit and I left the vaults while heading back to the cart. The others have already taken their seats inside. As soon as I had settled myself in between Remus and McGonagall, Taloncrick starts up the cart and we are shooting through the tunnels at full speed.
As we pass by the opening in the passageway, I send one last glance at thorn. He is smiling, but his eyes remain sad and bleak. Despite the bargain struck with Taloncrick he still doesn't expect any of his own circumstances to alter. I decide right then and there that even if they didn't change, he would now have a friend in me.
Authors Note:
By the way whose been watching House of the Dragon? I am so in love with Prince Daemon. He is a dream. Matt Smith was the perfect person to play that character. Similar to Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool no one could've done it better.
Apologies for the long wait everybody!
I cannot begin to describe how apologetic I am for taking so heinously long to get back on track. It's difficult when you have so many ideas flying around to start on one and then another just pops out in your head. From this day forward that's all gonna change.
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
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By the way, Charmer And Company, Edith Angelica Tepes, Spirits Save The Justice League Against Crazy Jane, Crazy Jane Comes to Town, Fatal Attraction, Strawhat's Mermaid, When Two Become One, The Sorcerer's Daughter, Heroes vs Predators, Enola: The Last Unicorn To Middle Earth, Silent Guardians To Gotham, Hachiko: UA Class 1-A's Mascot, Mermaids Walk Among Us, Big Hero 6: Mirai Hamada, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire And Ice, Morning Star, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, Fifth Turtle, The Emperor's Daughter, Rorschach's Legend, Sayuri Wren, Bianca Robbins, Aunt, Glenstorm's Daughter, Mandalorian: The 2ndFoundling, Eira Byrnison, and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and The True Catwoman Of Gotham, are some of the best newest additions to my profile.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure.