It has been a month since I was brought to the mountain. However, it already felt like home, people were caring and despite me not having a proper job yet no one let me starve. The room I stayed in before became my home. Rick and his family were constantly on my case making sure I was fine. I started to feel like they were my family. A family which I never really had. In return for feeding me most of the time, I would take care of the kids. Leon was very proud and bossy at home, he would try to order me around a lot. Camellia wouldn't say a word even when she wanted or needed something so I had to learn to read her. Meanwhile the new addition, Simon… Sometimes I worried if he was alive. The first baby I met who caused no troubles. A little angel. I never heard him cry.
I would also see Belle now and then running an errand or two, we barely spoke but she always offered a smile.
Then there was the dragon. I saw her walking around the town checking on everything. But mostly she would stay in her 'house’ doing god knows what. She did, however, try to check on me a few times. I ignored her entirely, but I will give it to her that she is stubborn.
However, even when the days were peaceful I still felt the nagging of wanting to know what Natalie did. Unfortunately, a month of waiting for the answer to come by itself didn't pay off, so I decided to swallow my pride and went to the dragon. Once there I started to have second thoughts, but Belle who was going to the dragon saw me and lead the way, so I had no other choice but to follow. The dragon's house was not much different from any other, but bigger by far. It seemed to have a few floors and a few big rooms. Although the walls were a plain rock just like everywhere else. I was about to comment that the dragon must be quite greedy to take up all this space however, it was only when we entered the main section I understood why that was. Water. The whole room looked like a lake or a swimming bath. Crystal clear water I have never seen before and above it 6 different coloured orbs just floating up there. As I looked around I noticed in the corner of the room was the dragon sitting calmly facing the water.
Belle said politely “Excuse me, master. I brought you reports.”
Dragon nodded and said “Leave them in my room. And what does he want?” She didn't look at me, just kept her eyes closed in content.
I answered for Belle “I have a question.”
Then those eyes opened and still not looking at me she asked: “About your fiancee?”
“Yes.”
The dragon glimpsed at me “Very well. You may leave Belle.”
Belle bowed and left us alone while the dragon stood up. She came closer to me “What was her sin?” She asked me and made me lose my train of thought so she continued “Isn't that what you want to ask?”
I nodded and she sighed “I will answer your question but I want payment first.” She looked me dead in the eye and I was thrown back. I had to keep on repeating to myself she was a dragon no matter how beautiful she was in her human-ish form.
“And what would that be?” I asked hesitantly while she tilted her head.
“I need help with a lookout.” That threw me off track once more and she explained, “many humans want to stay here after they change. But some return to civilisation. I go visit them sometimes to see how they fair.” I frowned while she walked past me.
“So how is that a lookout?”
She answered me while continuing to walk. I followed her which was probably what she expected. “While I visit human towns and villages I am on a lookout for sinners. There are many but I only take one per year. So I have to choose the worst I can find.”
I hummed “And you want me to find the worst?”
She nodded heading towards dragon entrance “You have a pure heart, you will see them hence why some people from the mountain won't be useful in that respect. Besides, it is much easier to travel with a man. Other humans don't question a couple, while a lone woman? Well, I had a few bad encounters.”
That was no wonder with those horns and possibly her looks. I asked, “How long will I have to help you before you answer me?”
She went towards the second tunnel and disappeared off my sight “Depends how well you will do.”
I rolled my eyes seeing as her clothing is getting hanged on the wooden wall “Fine, I'm in. When are we going?”
Then from the other end of the tunnel, a dragon voice echoed “Now.”
She roared, which was almost deafening sound. She might look fragile as a human but that roar should have been my reminder I am dealing with a dragon. Soon Belle came rushing and packed the clothing which was hung by the dragon into a bag with a very long string. I didn't ask anything just watched as she was doing her job. Then she rushed to the end of the tunnel while I followed at a much slower pace. By the time I caught up Belle was already tying the string around the dragon's neck. Then the dragon looked at me with menacing eyes as if expecting me to rush just like the girl. I glared back while Belle grinned “Safe journey you two.”
I sighed “sure.” Then the dragon took off after which it grabbed me into its claws and so we were off.
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