Sorry, it's been a while since the last chapter. A had a few health issues but it seems I'm on the way to recovery now So while I've had a few days resting, I managed to write this chapter for you. Enjoy - Bex
Kicking off her shoes by the castle doors, feeling the evening cold breeze disappear from the warmth within the castle. She could smell the most wonderful scent coming from the kitchen from her father's great cooking. Tuesday was only fish stew but her father put his heart and soul into their family meals, giving the strength to their inner dragons on a full stomach. She knew she was home later than normal and that her parents where going to ask questions. She had to think of a plan of how she was going to bring the topic of Hayden into dinner time conversation and how her parents would react. But she made a promise to Hayden to make her part of her pack and she wasn't going to give up that promise.
Soon as she entered the kitchen, her father turned round from the stove with a freshly cooked fish stew, the aroma making her mouth water. "Well hello stranger, finally returned home for your fathers cooking?" Her father questioned her with a slight sarcasm in his voice. "Haha, yeah sorry about that, something 'important' came up and I got distracted with the time". "Hey, don't explain yourself to me, try explain to your mother, who's been panicking all evening". Astrid understood her dad's comment, she knew her parents trusted her (her dad more than anything). However, they still worried about her and her mother was going to more of an issue to deal with.
Soon as she took her seat at the table, her mothers voice appeared behind her. "And what time do you call this, young lady", her voice alot more sterner than her fathers. Her mother sat down on the chair next to her while her father dished up the food. "Yeah, I'm sorry about that, I got a bit distracted and I lost track of time". Astrid couldn't look at her mother fully in the eyes as she slightly had her head down. "You had me worried sick, there are so many dangers out their Astrid. Who knows what could have happened to you." Astrid slightly rose her head and gave her mother the "I am really sorry" apology in her eyes. Her mother face was frowning and upset at first before turning to a slight smile. "However, your father told me to trust you and that you can look after yourself, just maybe give me a call next time if your going to stay out late" Astrid smiled back at her mother and leaned over to give her mother a hug which she responded back. She looked up from the hug to see her father smile and wink at her to know all things where good.
The family was savouring through their stew, her mother asked her how her day had been. She knew this was the time to bring up about Hayden. "Yeah, it was eventful, there is a new boy that started today". "Oh really, what's his name?" Her father responded while munching through a piece of trout. "His name is Hayden and he's really nice, slightly stubborn but friendly. Astrid said while thinking of how different her interactions with Hayden had changed throughout the day. "Also... he's a dragon" Astrid finally blurted it out from her chest. Her parents both stopped what they was eating and looked at Astrid.
"He's a dragon? How do you know this?" Her mother asked her in a concerned voice. "He erm.. might have transformed in front of me on campus today" "WHAT!" This definitely did get her parents attention. "It's okay, I helped him, some of the guys at school where giving him trouble and he got angry, luckily I saw the signs and got him out before anything turned nasty. "He didn't hurt you, did he" came from her father who trusted Astrid but was always protective of his little girl. "No, I showed him that I was like him and he managed to clam down, that was why I was late home". "Things didn't got the best at first but once we both learned the truth, we sorted things out". Astrid parents both looked at each other with a slight questioning look and Astrid knew they was worried about Hayden's presence. "I had to help him... the reason he acted out and needed my help is because he is an orphan and all on his own". This changed the way her parents interacted.
"He's a orphaned dragon, now that's hard life to live". Came from her father and he mother nodded to his response. "I said we could work and really help him.. if he became part of our pack?" Well, it had come out her mouth now, not going back on her promise. Her parents attention was now at full level. "Astrid, what you did today saving Hayden was because you had a good heart and wanting to protect... but inviting strangers into out pack?, You should have discussed with us first. Her mother replied with a stern voice. "I know but he needs to be part of us, to learn to control his dragon and were the only people who understand how living as a dragon in this world works." "Please, we got to try, I kinda said I would". Astrid really pleaded with her parents and had to believe they'd work with quick glances between her parents, she knew they was discussing in within their minds.
After a few minutes, her parents looked back at her. "If you really believe we can help him and keep another like us safe, then I suppose we can let him in, for now atleast. Astrid let out a breath she didn't know she was hold and the biggest smile appeared on her face. "Thankyou, I promise it will help him". "We believe you Astrid, however I suggest we meet him face to face before any final things are put into place." "Why not invite him to dinner tomorrow night, its yak roast night and we can have a full discussion over dinner" Her mother suggested and Astrid nodded at the idea. She believed if it was the first step to helping Hayden, then she would do whatever it took.