I wrote something small for two (technically four) of my dragons, Loreon and Galahann
“Back off, little one. This isn’t your fight.”
Loreon stood strong, her wings spread. She looked up at the Guardian that truly towered over her, wicked claws tapping against the archive’s hardwood floors, but she didn’t falter.
“Sir, I am asking you to leave.” She dug her own feet in. As the head archivist, she kept the policy that the inside of the building would be a safe space for everyone. No-one would get hurt under her watch.
“I admire your spunk.” He bowed his head, but the gesture didn’t make up for his looming form or the fangs bared in his smile, “But this really doesn’t concern you.” Loreon’s eyes narrowed, and the next time she spoke, the polite tone was gone from her voice.
“I won’t let you take them.”
The two cowering dragons behind her hugged closer to her legs. They were just kids, and the boy was hissing at the invader while holding his sister protectively. He had barged into the archives looking for them, for who knew why.
“These two are runaways.” Galahann pointed, and he raised back to his full height. Just as Loreon had dropped her helpful guise, the square in his shoulders harshly contrasted danger against his well-meaning demeanour, “I have my orders. And I never go back on my word.” He took a step forward. The little girl whimpered, huddling underneath her larger brother’s wing. Loreon looked back and wrapped her tail around them both. The gold runes running along her sides glowed brighter.
“Well I have my principles.” She replied. She darted forward and snapped at his ankles, nipping at the frill. Galahann jumped back, a slight stumble in his step. He looked up at Loreon with obvious surprise, and then he broke into a scowl.
“I’m warning you.” He growled, padding forward slowly. Loreon knew she wouldn’t last if an actual fight broke out. He was bigger, he clearly had more experience. But she still chose to puff out her chest and give her most terrifying glare.
The order was sharp and firm. Galahann paused. He looked once more at the children, then further upwards to meet Loreon’s gaze. She tensed in response, ready to go for another bite.
“You cannot protect them.” Galahann said instead, stepping back once more. His head tilted slightly, tipped as he spoke as if giving advice to a friend, of which Loreon certainly wasn’t, “I have been paid highly for their safe transportation.”
“Then someone can come back with actual proof that they won’t hurt anyone.” Loreon replied, and lowered one wing so that it obscured the shivering children from his view, “Instead of threatening me and threatening these kids.”
Galahann frowned. He swept his tail behind him and Loreon flinched, but he didn’t display any further aggression. Loreon didn’t miss how his eyes tried to burn a hole through her lowered wing.
“Farewell then.” Galahann said eventually. He bowed again and then turned, making his way back out of the building. Loreon waited until he was gone before letting out a huff. She uncurled from the two children, turning around to watch them tiptoe carefully out from under her protection.
“It’s okay.” She told them, “You’re safe.”