The Dragon Lord - Chapter 3: Emotions
The fire burned as the day progressed. The dragons and the wolf sat around the fire, warming them as they told stories, played games and laughed at jokes many had to say. A few hours had passed and each was either sitting or lying comfortably in a circle. He looked around at the dragons and noticed each was staring at him, all eyes looking directly into his. Wondering what they were thinking, he thought of a joke, and stood, chains rattling as he did.
Clearing his throat, he asked "What happened to the dog that swallowed a firefly?"
A few dragons started smiling again, waiting for the answer. One piped up "We don't know" he said, very enthusiastically.
Krathlor smiled, loving the attention a little more, replied "it barked with de-light", almost shouting at the top of his voice. With that, the dragons burst into fits of giggles which slowly developed into roars of laugher. He looked up at Draeg, who sat, smiling down at the young wolf. He knew how popular he was with the dragons. Krathlor saw the approving smile and decided to sit into his masters' lap, knowing what he was doing wasn't at all like him. He had no reason to do this, yet he felt much safer. He hadn't been brainwashed, he knew the sensation all too well; he would know if he was.
Draeg leant back as, allowing the wolf to clamber over his thigh, the warm chains following suit. He looked down at the wolf that was now leaning against the dragon's muscular stomach, murring slightly at the warmth. Draeg raised a paw slowly, moving it toward the wolf, stroking him gently. The wolf started growling lightly, enjoying the sensation as the dragon stroked against the direction of his fur, claws extended as he traces the same spot over and over.
The wolf was surprised the dragon, his master, was showing affection. Last night, his master was yelling at him, scaring him at every opportunity. Now, the dragon was stroking his head slowly, lovingly. Wondering what the dragon was up to, he settles further into the dragons lap. Smiling, he closed his eyes, the warmth of the glowing fire heating his front side, the dragon heating his back.
Draeg looked down and smiled. He lowered his stroke, slowly stroking the wolf's firm, muscular stomach, his claws running the gaps between each muscle. He felt a shiver as the wolf growled lightly, enjoying the sensation as he slowly falls back to sleep. Smiling, he continued, lulling the wolf to sleep.
Krathlor woke a few hours later, finding all dragons had fallen asleep shortly after, his Master's arm rested on him, holding the wolf close. Feeling the warmth seep into his body once again, he laid still, absorbing as much heat as possible before wriggling free. He wondered if he should try to escape. There was nothing to lose, was there? The worst that could happen was that he was captured, nothing too harsh.
Krathlor feels a sharp yank on his neck and falls over backwards. Turning round, he saw Draeg looking directly at him, a smile on his face. "Awwwwww... Did wolfy boy have a wittle fall?" he cooed in a mocking tone as Krathlor lifted himself from the ground.
"I was just going to go outside for a breath of fresh air, all this heat was starting to make me feel ill" Krathlor replied, lying as he went.
"Are you sure? I don't like my pets lying to me" Draeg cautioned.
"I can assure you; I am not or ever was lying. I need to get oxygen"
Draeg sighed, why didn't you just wake me? I could've stepped outside with you and made sure you were ok. You made me thought you were going to escape. I only attached a leash to your collar just to be on the safe side," he said getting up and taking the wolf outside for a few minutes, "I see you've grown fond of being with us" he noted, remembering what had happened earlier.
"You were kind to invite me to eat with you. I thank you for it," Krathlor replied as he looked into the dragons' eyes, "I have enjoyed my rather short time with you. You've been kind, much kinder than Greywolfe said you would be."
Draeg chuckles lightly at this remark. "Unfortunately, he didn't do as he was told. Sure, I admit I was harsh to him, but he refused to bend to our whims. I hope you won't do the same. What you did earlier really impressed me."
Krathlor looks out off the side of the mountain, gazing at the spectacular view. In the distance he could see a large lake no bigger than the size of his paw from this distance, surrounded by a beautiful white forest. It had snowed recently, leaving a blanket of snow over the countryside. Field upon field was covered in the snow, the light from the sun bouncing off, making the snow covered fields gleam. The trees swayed in a light breeze, making snow fall on any who trod below at that point. Beyond that, he could see another mountain about the same height as the one he was currently in. He looks to the left. Another lake, this one covered in a sheet of ice. When he squinted, he could've sworn there were people on the ice, skating while others stayed on the banks, making snowballs and throwing them at each other. Looking right he could see the village from which he came. Smoke bellowed from a few chimneys, the smoke turning into tiny ice particles, which also reflected to sun off of them, resembling the effect of falling snow on a bright day.
Krathlor breathed deeply, sucking in the icy cold air, burning the inside of his throat as it rushed into his lungs. Letting the breath out, he sighed deeply.
Draeg saw this and turned toward the wolf, his head tilted slightly. "Is there something bothering you?" He asked casually, trying not to let his emotions enter the sentence.
Krathlor looked at the dragon and looked at the floor, pondering the questions, questioning his own emotions. He looked back up, right into the emerald green eyes the dragon held. "There's nothing wrong Master. I just haven't seen a sight like this in my life. It's breath taking, yet... I feel I'm missing something" he explained with another sigh.
Draeg nodded his head, absorbing what he had just been told. "Is there anything I can do for my Pet?" he asked, stroking behind the wolf's ear, trying to lighten it up, hoping it would relieve the wolf.
Turning and moving closer to his master, he hugged him, enjoying the extra attention. He sat at the cliffs edge, legs dangling over the edge. He felt as if he were free from the stresses of the modern world. "I don't think there is anything you can do to help... I guess I love this time of year... all the teenagers and kids are out playing on their sledges and skates, merrily throwing snowballs at each other, smiling, laughing, knowing there's a nice hot cup of cocoa waiting for them upon their return. I wish I could go and join them..." He trailed off. "Alas, you have me captive, I know I won't be joining them this year" he said with a sigh.
Draeg couldn't help but feel bad about kidnapping the poor wolf at this time of year, especially with Christmas coming up. He sighed deeply and took a seat next to the wolf. "It's beautiful isn't it? I wish I could help you Krath, I really do, but you're a prisoner for me..." Draeg lowered his head, still holding onto the leash that was attached to his neck brace.
Krathlor looked at the dragon and smiled. "I know what's going through your mind. Don't worry about it; I've been able to have a few years playing in the past before... Not many, but I've had a few..." Shuffling closer to his master and leaning, nuzzling his side, "I know you want me to have fun, and believe me, I am, but you shouldn't go out of your way to do anything for me. I am your Pet after all, Master" he said, trying to lift the dragons' spirits.
Draeg couldn't tell if the wolf was lying or being serious, so he decided to come up with a little test to see if he was really enjoying his stay. He got up and brushed himself down, letting go of the leash, rather obviously. "Krath... I'm inside for a bit. You'll feel a breeze sweep over you. I'm going to clear the cave of any ash. I'll be out again shortly. You... you don't mind me calling you Krath, do you?" He asked, turning back to face him.
Krathlor kept looking out at the view, simply saying "no, Master". He heard Draeg pad back inside. A few seconds passed as the dragon stood just inside the cave, peering out, waiting for any movements the wolf may make, almost certain he was going to dash for the slope that lead right around the mountain, finishing at the base. Instead, he just sat there not moving what-so-ever. Deciding he should actually do what he said he would, he padded to the far end of the cave and started beating his wings rapidly, causing all the rubbish to rise and float to the entrance.
Krathlor sat where he was, watching it blow past him and over the edge, watching each item as it slowly shrank, then vanished from sight. He felt the dragon lower him down again, resuming his position. The dragon wrapped an arm around Krathor and closed it slowly, forcing him to budge along the edge of the cliff, right into the dragons' side. Feeling the warmth sink into him again, the wolf leant against the dragon, looking up at him, feeling a sense of belonging at his side. The dragon didn't move. He sat there thinking about what Krathlor had said. They sat there for hours as the other dragons continued to sleep, neither was talking, both in deep thought about the other...