underbelly of the world

I'm such a lucky duck
Come on and dance now, everyone is having fun

Ignoring his meltdown is probably the kindest thing Anju could do for him, and one day when he's not melting into an embarrassed puddle Koa will appreciate it. For now the best he can do is swallow up the shame, squaring his shoulders and schooling his pale face into unaffected focus. Reluctantly he lets Pip squirm out of his arms and over to Riya, briefly jealous that it isn't him being held by his mother a large dragon. The little beast scuttles unabashed to the large dragon, attempting to clamber unabashed onto her senior while chattering in dragon language about her brush with death.

Koa's brushing death, too, though in his sense it's literal. He's picked up what he can only assume is a finger when Anju addresses him again, and it flops somewhat comically in his hand as he turns back to his captain. He relinquishes it in favor of the sword-like femur, taking it firmly in his large hand and feeling for its weight. "It's large, but light," he says appreciatively, giving it a speculative swing or two. The bone is unlike any sword he's wielded, yet it feels comfortable, sturdy and well aged.

He hands it back, nodding. "I imagine it'll make an excellent bow, ma'am." He fidgets with the finger, but his shoulders have relaxed a little, some of the adrenaline and anxiety clearly assuaged. "Shall we head back, or do you want to camp here for the night?"

We're all dancing to the sound of bass and drum
Come on, come on and dance now

Koa