Somnolent had been bugging him about how to impress females again,
because he was under the impression that Dolichos knew how. The fact that he had four mates, or, more accurately, four females sharing his den was not something he had done intentionally. He had simply chastised Somn, telling him that Mint was a lovely female and that he shouldn’t seek to impress more.
Thinking on that note though, he was wondering why Effusion’s most recent clutch was in his den when he was not the father. Come to think of it, why was it not in the Hatchery? Chos was contemplating this when he heard Oriduru, Effusion’s current mate, saying something in a threatening tone. This didn’t surprise Chos much, Oriduru had always been a slightly snide fellow. Then he heard something that flipped a switch in his mind. Effusion crying.
His mind zeroed in on the sound and his body followed. He barely saw Effusion cowering in front of Oriduru before he swept him up and away from her, pinning him to an adjacent wall. It took all of Chos’ self control to not simply crush Oriduru. Instead, he asked with a growl,
“What exactly, do you think you’re doing?” Oriduru’s face was twisted with sheer panic. Chos dimly felt Effusion clinging to his shoulder and her spasmodic breathing. Effusion was delicate, not capable of withstanding much physical or emotional stress. Oriduru was trying to gasp out an explanation,
“I just wanted to know where the eggs were, that’s all, Chos. You know how she is, trying to-” Chos cut him off when he realized Oriduru was going to lay the blame on Effusion. Chos could sense the half truth he was telling. He realized now why the eggs were in his den. The one place Oriduru dared not go. Effusion’s breathing was stabilizing.
“E? Has he hurt you? Be honest now,” he said tenderly, using the affectionate name only he and the three other females were allowed to use. He had never used it before.
“He...he is unkind,” was all she said with words, but the grip she had on his shoulder said more.
“I think it is time to go and meet your precious Glade Keeper, Oriduru,” Chos said, narrowing his eyes.
“I don’t intend to go anywhere,” Oriduru wheezed. Chos took ahold of him, pulling him away from the wall.
“Then I will make you,” he said, before opening his maw wide and moving Oriduru towards it. Oriduru squirmed and began to gasp, Chos’ grip not allowing him to scream. Effusion pushed against Chos’ shoulder, trying to shake him.
“You can’t, Chos, you’ll be banished,” she cried. Chos stopped and said,
“She pleads on your behalf. Will you reconsider my previous offer?” Oriduru nodded fiercely. Chos smiled a condescending smile and nodded approvingly.
“Good.” He stretched his head down and nudged Effusion onto his back before he began walking.
“Rooster will be so pleased, he’s been dying to get some recruits in here, but there was no available space. I imagine that won’t be a problem anymore.”
Emissary, or Rooster, as he was called, was very pleased. He was mildly suspicious of the circumstances of Oriduru’s sudden desire to be trained and exalted, but decided not to look a gift dunhoof in the mouth. He had never liked Oriduru anyway.
Chos took Effusion to the Infirmary, where she was treated for a few cuts and some stress related breathing issues. He stayed with her until her treatment was completed and took her back to their den. He instructed Ronri to look after her, because he knew he would have to attend to one more thing.
Barume was waiting for him, more or less.
“I was hoping to see you. There is a mild problem with Oriduru’s desire to be exalted. He’s father of a nest, he can’t go until they hatch, but he insists he must go today,” he paused, “I understand the eggs are in your den anyway. Would you?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll attend to them in his place,” Chos said. Barume was surprised by Chos’ use of “Sir”, but was pleased by his willingness.
“All right, thank you, Dolichos. You may go. Although, you may consider moving the nest to the Hatchery, so it can be properly cared for,” Barume added as Chos stood to go.
“With all due respect, I would prefer if they stay where they are, surrounded by dragons who love them. Thank you.” With that, he left and returned to his den.
That night, as he lay awake, surrounded by the warm bodies of his mates, he looked at the eggs. He contemplated the changes he had undergone since his arrival, not sure how he felt about them. In the past he had needed no company and felt no loyalty. The old Dolichos would not have even paid heed to what was happening between Oriduru and Effusion, much less intervened. These changes had brought him a considerable number of annoyances. He felt mildly resentful, but it only lasted a moment. He felt Effusion snuggle closer to his belly where she was cuddling with Aoi. He listened quietly to the breathing of all four, Ronri, Motoko, Aoi, and Effusion. He could feel no regret over them entering his life. His life was different than he had imagined, but he realized it was a good life. With that, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.