Tales of Shadowheart chapter 2
I wasn't sure about the rating cause of the situation here, so I marked it as adult anyway. :/
So now you know who's who ^^
Chapter II: A Friendly Gesture
Her vision was blurry, and she could only see what was up close. As much as she wanted to get a look at the city, she just couldn't. As she was being carried, the young wolf could only stare up at her dragon owner. But he never looked back. She began wondering to herself, 'What's going to happen to me? He said he wouldn't hurt me, but.. Can I really trust him?' She noticed them pass by a building. A sign hung above the entrance. It was decorated with a sword and shield, which told her this was more than likely a weapons shop. Next to it was a much smaller building shaped like an igloo, but was made of stone bricks, and had the same kind of door as the warden's prison. A much smaller building of the same shape linked to it. They were about to enter. She knew this must've been his home. And as they entered, he spoke for the first time since they left the prison, but only once.
"Let's get you cleaned up."
Moments later, she found herself in a room filled with warm, moist steam. Towards the back was some kind of pool filled with warm water. But it did not end at the wall. There appeared to be some kind of submerged cavern at the end, which likely led to a spring in the city. She was placed inside. Her armor and clothes underneath were removed and laid on the floor, mostly broken and bloodstained. As she sat comfortably, the water reached up to her neck, and her knees just barely poked out from under the surface a few feet in front of her. The blood and dirt staining her fur quickly washed off, and could be seen in the water. Her injuries rendered it difficult for her to clean herself, so her dragon owner began rubbing her around her head and neck area, massaging her so he could get any of the grime in her skin. It felt soothing, yet a little embarrassing to her, and she showed this with her ears perked downward. It was quiet, until he finally spoke.
"Are you feeling any better?"
"A little," she answered a little nervously.
"What about your brand?"
"It's still sore. But why do you care?" she asked. He stopped to think to himself for a moment, then gave a rather weak answer.
"I have my reasons." She didn't say anything more for a while, and wondered what the reasons were. Then, she broke the moment of silence.
"You seem somehow different from the others."
"How so?"
"You're not as aggressive," she answered,"You seem... gentle." The dragon could only chuckle at her reply.
"Well, I guess you could say I don't think the same as everyone else." He placed his hand at the top of her head."Hold your breath." She did as he said, and took a deep breath. She was shoved under for a few seconds before he pulled her back up. She gave a small gasp for breath."I don't believe I caught your name."
"It's Shadow," she answered.
"Really? That's a fine name for a pup like you. It suites you very well."
"Thanks, I guess." She didn't really know how to feel about the compliment, and still wondered why he would care who she is."What about you?"
"Leinheart," he gladly replied.
"Leinheart? Why does that sound so familiar?" she pondered.
"It was the name of the king of Valleshire who ruled before the Hierarch took over. My father told me it mean't 'pride and honor'. Before the Hierarch inherited the throne, this city used to be a very peaceful place." This little bit of history surprised Shadow a bit. But then her original concern came back to mind.
"Can I ask you something, Leinheart?"
"What is it?" He awaited her question. She didn't say anything for a moment, as she was trying to think of the best way to ask.
"Why did you help me?" She was nervous about her question. It wasn't exactly how she wanted to say it.
"Why wouldn't I?" he puzzled.
"Well, it's... from what I've heard about your kind, when one of you takes a servant, it's usually not out of kindness." Leinheart thought about it. But only briefly. He gave out a depressing sigh.
"Like I said, I have my reasons."
"Like what?" she pondered.
"I don't like talking about it." His answer disappointed her a bit."You see, I use to be a soldier. But after a certain incident, I quit. Then I became a blacksmith. It turns out I have a gift for it." He gently rubbed her cheek and stroked down her neck, and stopped at her shoulder, checking her carefully for anything he might have missed."Hmm.. I'm sure I got all the blood and dirt off. Once you've dried off, I'll tend to your wounds."