The companion might not have understood all of the words, but she was good at reading human gestures and she was even better at sensing a sympathetic soul who could be counted on for more treats. Even though she sensed her bonded making apologies and trying to extricate himself from the accident a little ways away, she waited obediently for her new best friend to return.
And she was not disappointed.
A bowl appeared - and oh, she knew what that meant, her scaly tail sweeping a serpentine wag through the sand behind her - and she straightened up even more, her front talons shifting eagerly if impatiently as the bowl was filled. But once it was put into range she didn't dive for it. Instead she crooned and bumped her broad, blunt head against the woman's leg affectionately, a low, happy rumble echoing from her deep chest. Then she dipped her muzzle into the bowl to lick up one piece of meat at a time.
The announcer's voice drew the attention of many people towards one of the nearby bonfires and the stage set up near it. That included the group that Tal had found himself embroiled with, and the courier took the opportunity to duck away and weave into the crowd himself. As the people around him began a round of welcoming applause he finally came in sight of his pale companion.
And her new friend.
"Ah, fuck, I'm sorry she's botherin' you," he apologized over the clapping and buzz of renewed conversation as people drifted towards the stage to watch the show. "Boreal! Boreal, leave that alone!" He chided his dragon with fond resignation as he headed over to try and grab her.
At which point the dragon promptly inhaled the last two pieces of meat and swallowed them without chewing, looking mighty pleased with herself.
And she was not disappointed.
A bowl appeared - and oh, she knew what that meant, her scaly tail sweeping a serpentine wag through the sand behind her - and she straightened up even more, her front talons shifting eagerly if impatiently as the bowl was filled. But once it was put into range she didn't dive for it. Instead she crooned and bumped her broad, blunt head against the woman's leg affectionately, a low, happy rumble echoing from her deep chest. Then she dipped her muzzle into the bowl to lick up one piece of meat at a time.
The announcer's voice drew the attention of many people towards one of the nearby bonfires and the stage set up near it. That included the group that Tal had found himself embroiled with, and the courier took the opportunity to duck away and weave into the crowd himself. As the people around him began a round of welcoming applause he finally came in sight of his pale companion.
And her new friend.
"Ah, fuck, I'm sorry she's botherin' you," he apologized over the clapping and buzz of renewed conversation as people drifted towards the stage to watch the show. "Boreal! Boreal, leave that alone!" He chided his dragon with fond resignation as he headed over to try and grab her.
At which point the dragon promptly inhaled the last two pieces of meat and swallowed them without chewing, looking mighty pleased with herself.
