Dohm

(Needs Formatted)
Faces had always been difficult for Dohm. As a student, he’d struggled to recall his classmates, and he could no longer recall his teacher’s name. But he still remembered their claws writing those symbols on a slate. Numbers.

Numbers made sense to Dohm. A face could belong to one dragon or a similar-looking drake; but three was always three, and five was always five. His clan encouraged his interest, giving him exercises and problems to solve. Dohm became adept at comparing prices, calculating interest rates, and weighing costs against budgets. His clan, in turn, learned to take note of his advice, and by the time he was grown, he was a well-trained financial adviser. His clanmates suggested, “Why not turn your talents into a career? If you help other dragons save their money, they’ll likely be willing to pay you with it.”

Dohm liked the idea. A traveling financial adviser was unusual, but not unheard-of, and he was sure he could find customers abroad. He set out, not knowing where to go, but ready to enjoy the journey nonetheless. He was joined by his Gloomwillow Guide, Gux. Although Gux didn’t speak, he was a great listener, and he always helped Dohm with his work.

They were sometimes joined by other travelers: peddlers, gatherers, and so on. Dohm could never remember these travelers’ faces, but he enjoyed chatting with them. It was always sad when they parted ways, leaving Dohm and Gux to continue their travels alone.

Whenever Dohm encountered a friendly clan, he offered his services as payment for board and lodging. His hosts were always gratified once they understood how helpful his advice was, and they began referring him to other clans that could use his aid.

Dohm soon learned of an Ice clan that had fallen upon hard times. Their previous leader had mysteriously disappeared, but not before his years of misrule had ruined the clan’s finances. The dragons were now led by a council of elders, who’d let it be known that they needed help getting their finances in order so that they could live securely again.

Dohm took a ship to the Southern Icefield. He was admitted into the clan and shown to the vaults, where he began putting their finances in order. The Icefielders left him alone, which was disappointing—he’d hoped they would sit and chat, as other dragons had done. He was relieved when, one day, a grim-looking Wildclaw approached him. “Finally, someone to talk to!” he thought with a smile.

~ ~ ~
The Wildclaw’s name was Ainedan. She was gruff, but not as close-mouthed as her clanmates—Dohm happily answered her questions about his work and travels. She never stayed long to chat, but always returned the next day. Dohm grew comfortable with her and was pleasantly surprised when she suggested they travel together once Dohm’s work was done.

“Where are you going? Perhaps I can guide you,” he suggested to Ainedan. She mumbled “Nowhere,” and shrugged.

“You want to see the world, then? It is a most refreshing experience!” he enthused. Grudgingly, Ainedan smiled.

The clan seemed relieved to see her go. Dohm thought he understood why: Their coffers had been nearly emptied, and they barely had enough supplies left. With Ainedan gone, it was one less mouth to feed. “How’d things get into that state, anyway?” he wondered aloud.

Ainedan shrugged. And then her eyes sharpened and she said, “It was hard, out on the ice. Not enough food, and it was dangerous, plenty of monsters.” She looked at Dohm almost accusingly. “Outsiders shouldn’t travel alone. You’re looking for a ship? Best get to the harbor before dark.”

She hurried on, growling about the dangers of the Southern Icefield, the best ways to avoid them. Giving advice. Ainedan’s curt tone might put off other dragons, but Dohm, himself a giver of advice, appreciated her concern, and he listened. Eventually, he started asking questions of his own.

Ainedan was a great help to Dohm. She was savvy and strong, able to steer him away from danger—and defend him when that failed. “You’re amazing!” Dohm gasped one day—the Wildclaw had just slain a Wendigo that was stalking them.

“Of course,” Ainedan snapped. She flitted to his side, checking if he and Gux were injured. Dohm brushed her off, saying, “We’re fine.”

Ainedan snorted angrily. “I should hope so! You need protection—I saw that from the very beginning.”

“I’m very glad you did,” Dohm answered warmly. He wasn’t being sarcastic, any more than Ainedan was being vicious. He now knew that that was just how she was. She spoke harshly, but the way she cared for him spoke louder, and he had nothing to fear from her. “I can at least work to feed us and Gux. I hope it will be enough.”

Soon they arrived at Dohm’s next client, an Arcane clan. They ran into trouble here: While Dohm and Gux were welcome, the dragons were wary of Ainedan. They looked at her rough clothes, her fierce eyes, and shook their heads. “That’s a feral dragoness, and no mistake,” Dohm heard them mutter.

Ainedan turned away. Dohm blinked and asked, “Where are you going?”

“I’m not wanted here,” she snarled. Although her expression was angry, he could see the hurt in her eyes. “You’ll be safe here, Dohm. You don’t need me anymore.”

“Ainedan...don’t leave. Please.” Dohm straightened up, and his mane actually bristled with fury. “If you’re not welcome here, then Gux and I aren’t staying. They’ll have to find someone else, because I will not let them treat you like that.”

Ainedan’s jaw dropped. Ever so briefly, her frigid facade cracked, and she stammered her thanks. “It’s all right,” Dohm murmured, and then he faced the guards again.

They were allowed to stay. Although the clan-dwellers were never comfortable around Ainedan, it didn’t matter to her and Dohm. They would be all right, they were sure—all they really needed was each other.

~ written by Disillusionist (254672)
all edits by other users