Ari

Chapter 79: Long or Short?

"You grew up quite a lot in just a month. Are you uncomfortable with your hair?" my brother asked as he took me in his arms.

"Yes, Brother. It's quite annoying because it's heavy," I answered as I wrapped my arms around his neck while resting my chin on his shoulder.

"But... We can't cut it here. Let's go back to your room first. Gurion is excitedly waiting for you," he grinned enthusiastically.

"Don't worry, Ari. I'll lift your hair for you so that you can rest on the way. Your room is quite far from here," Dillon offered kindly.

"I will go ahead and mend Ari's clothes so it could fit her again," Tora said before dashing away.

It's so amusing seeing Tora being overactive. There might have been some good news that I am not aware of. I'll have to ask her when I have a chance.

Lowell followed quietly from behind as my brother started walking.

I was surprised to see Jael, Aja and Nyala in front of the central hall when we stepped out of the door.

"Dear goddess... We owe you our lives. We thank you for saving our beloved daughter," Aja praised while kneeling with the rest of her family.

"My children and some of my people are already preparing for a feast to give thanks to our benefactor. Please do not refuse us," Jael pleaded sincerely.

"Ari... No... Goddess Ari... Thank you for saving me. I will dedicate my life to serve you no matter where you go," Nyala declared seriously.

Her parents seemed like they already knew the decision of their beloved daughter so they didn't react to her declaration.

"Sorry... My sister is still quite exhausted. We will bring her back to her room first to rest. Please excuse us," my brother grunted in a hurry.

I nodded and smiled at them in return despite my embarrassment towards their praises.

When we arrived in my room, my brother informed me that he will go to Jael to discuss some things. He placed me gently on my bed in a sitting position while I was wrapped like a cocoon.

I freed my hands and fixed the pelt on my body because three males and a hatchling were in my room and I looked unsightly.

Gurion jumped into my arms crying in joy.

"Mommy... I miss you! I studied well... I can talk pwopely... Eh.. pwopewly... pwo.. Ahh! I can talk well alwedy!" he babbled while stuttering on some words.

"Aw! So cute! It's okay... I'll help you practice your 'R' sound next time," I grinned affectionately while hugging him tightly.

"Hey... Are you really Ari? You look... older?" Blake asked nonchalantly.

"Hmph! Don't you know it's rude to tell a female that she looks old? I'm only youngling just like you! Oh... Wait, you're soon to become an adult in a few months right? You're still older! Hmph!" I rattled in irritation.

"Haha! Stop sulking. I didn't mean it that way. You don't look like a bean sprout anymore. You look gorgeous and extremely irresistible," he chuckled while blushing.

"Yes! Mommy is extwemly golgeous!" Gurion babbled in agreement.

"Blake... I honestly don't know if you are teasing me or praising me with your words... It's so confusing... You know what?! The door is open. You can walk out on your own. Hmph!" I said while pointing to the door.

"Do you want me to kick the Snake out?" Dillon whispered sincerely.

For some reason, my ear felt ticklish from Dillon's whisper. It sounded so seductive.

Wait...

Seductive?

Why do I feel like I'm becoming a pervert after the trial?

No! It can't be! Calm down Ari!

I stroked and pinched my neck lightly to bring myself back to sense. I was taken aback when I suddenly remembered the necklace.

"N-No. I'm ju... I'm just making fun of him. Rather... Did any of you see my necklace? I mean... My collar?" I stammered in worry.

"Oh! Yes. I fixed your collar. It was quite tricky because the parts are delicate. Though... I'm not sure if I did a good job mending it. I placed it inside the drawer beside your bed," Dillon answered.

Lowell quietly took out the necklace from the drawer and observed it.

"It looks fine. Though it's missing a few chains. I think it will still work because the essential parts are still intact. Would you mind if I put it on you?" Lowell asked for permission as he raised the necklace in front of me.

"No, go ahead please," I briefly replied.

Dillon helped me move my extremely long hair on the side while Lowell placed the necklace around my neck.

"Blake... Can you get my blade in our room? I will cut Ari's hair," Dillon asked while pointing to the direction of their room.

"Gurion, come with me in the kitchen. Let's make some soup for your mom," Lowell whispered to Gurion, while gently pulling him away from me, lifting him up in his arms.

Gurion nodded as he wrapped his arms around Lowell's neck. They headed out the same time as Blake. It took Blake a few minutes to return and hand over the blade.

"I'll stay outside while you're fixing your hair. Would you like some rope to secure that pelt on your body?" he asked while pointing to his skin shed that was messily wrapped around my body.

"No, thanks. I'll just use the pin I usually use on my dresses," I answered.

"Okay then," he responded briefly before shutting the door.

"Would you like it long or short? I don't think pretending to be a male will still work out just like before. You won't be able to hide the shape of your body, even under your cloak," Dillon asked while stroking my hair using the comb he made for me.

"Even so, I want your original cut on my hair because it was more comfortable and light. I don't like long hair anyway," I grinned affectionately.

He cut my hair neck-length evenly, but the excess hair suddenly dissipated into thin air. He was surprised, but he managed to place his blade on the table beside him before leaning on my shoulder to cry quietly.

"I still couldn't process what was going on. Your voice sounded different from the last time I heard it," he mumbled while hugging me tightly from the back.

"Do you hate it?" I blurted out as I turned around to face him.