>>5284858“Well, I have made a discovery of no less importance,” you declare, drawing curious looks from the Novice and Glowie alike.
“I sincerely doubt that,” the Novice huffs.
The worm-princess blinks enthusiastically, approaching cautiously.
This is when you yank the dogbold forward, pushing it towards the Novice while it shrink back, chittering and squealing. The Novice’s response is remarkably similar, though when her startlement wears off it is replaced by a revolted fascination, almost as when you presented her with Glowie.
“What is it?” she asks.
“It is NOT a kobold,” you say. “Beyond that, I do not know. I’ve been told it originates in the same region as the Bloodrise Mountains, or thereabouts… But I have reason to think the seller was dubious.”
“Why did you purchase this creature, then?” the Novice asks, as the dogbold cowers before her.
“You were lamenting a lack of friends,” you say, drawing another glare.
“Or maybe you have simply taken to adopting strays and monsters, like yourself,” she shoots back. “I note a distinct lack of normal and respectable companions in your OWN cohort. A False Dragonborn, with a False Kobold for a pet. I suppose you named THIS abomination, too?”
“I did,” you confirm, no lonegr holding back the smile as you share the name.
The Novice stares blankly for a moment, then stammers slightly: “B-but that’s my name.”
“Consider it a token and representation of my depth of feeling for you, Childhood Companion,” you say ironically, handing her the chain. “And it is not MY pet, but yours. The Junior Novice.”
“You go too far,” the Novice hisses, though she wrenches back on the chain when her namesake tries to take advantage of the chain in possession to flee.
“Take care,” you admonish her. “That’s an order from your Dragonborn Champion.”
“I hate you,” she grumbles. “I loathe and abhor your very substance.”
You laugh, and Glowie seems to strobe in tandem with your laughter.