Ceru had been with Irrsinn for a whole month and winter was in full swing. Wind howled like wolves and snow fell endlessly. She had chosen to stay with the dragon, braving what ever came her way like she did for most of her life. Food was harder to come by with no plants or berries to pick and many animals were either hibernating or had migrated for the winter. But she was getting enough to get by each day.
Down for a nap, a loud crash and debris falling on her woke Ceru up with a start. Quickly sliding off to hide behind her bed boulder, she peaked out to see what was happening. Irrsinn was flat on his back with a golden dragon that had dived in from the hole in the ceiling on top of him. Ceru nearly had a heart attack when she heard the golden dragon speak. As in actual human language. Ceru was so shocked that she didn't even register Irrsinn coming over until he gave a snort right next to her.
"Irrsinn, he he spoke. Like actual words." Stuttered Ceru.
He gave a gentle nudge with his claw to calm her down before waving for her to follow.
The golden dragon was soon followed by another three dragons who entered much less destructively.
"Oh look guys! Irrsinn has a friend." Squealed Heiko.
Dipping his head to get a better look, Ceru got frightened and hid behind Irrsinn's arm.
"Aw she's so cute." Gushed Heiko.
"Heiko, leave the human alone. You're clearly scaring her." Scolded Richard.
Heiko retreated only for Richard to have his turn.
"Hello there little human, what's your name?" Asked Richard silkily.
Ceru only hid behind Irrsinn even more.
"You're worse than Heiko. Give the poor girl some space." Scolded Zrak.
Richard backed off and Ceru came back out but was still behind Irrsinn.
"Hey Flake! Irrsinn has a new friend and a human one at that. See he has changed!" Shouted Vandens towards the opening.
Footsteps crunched in the snow as another dragon peered over the ledge. Ceru moved out from under Irrsinn to get a better look and found the dragon looking at the other with what looked like regret and sadness.
"Come on down Flake! There's plenty of room." Called Heiko.
Flake gave a sigh before gracefully and quietly gliding in and sat as far as he could from Irrsinn.
"Hello! I'm Heiko but you can call me Paul." Introduced the golden dragon.
Ceru looked at Paul with uncertainty and looked up at Irrsinn who gave her a nod.
"Hi. My name's Ceru." Said the girl quietly.
"Nice to meet you Ceru." Greeted Paul.
"I'm Richard." Introduces the red dragon.
"People call me Zrak but you can call me Oliver or Olli." Said the grey dragon.
"Humans call me Vandens but either Christoph or Doom will work." Said the blue dragon.
"The one over there is Arivu but he prefers Flake." Said Paul.
Saying hello to everyone, Ceru came out more but kept a hand on his arm just in case.
"Why so quiet Irrsinn?" Asked Paul.
The dragon only tipped his head towards Flake before hanging his head. Paul flew over and pushed Flake over who reluctantly went over when he saw the others starting to head over. Now awkwardly standing in front of the other dragon neither of them wanted to start. Another nudge from the others and Flake was the first to cave.
"I forgive you Till for what you did. Now can you please talk." Said Flake with as much emotion as he could but still sounded flat.
Irrsinn or Till lifted his head as happiness filled his green eyes. Tackling the much smaller dragon, he licked and nuzzled the other all over.
"Thank you Flake." Finally spoke Till.
Once the nuzzles and licks were over, Till turned to Ceru who watched the whole thing silently unsure of what was going on.
"Ceru?" Grumbled Till.
"Um what's going on Irr-Till?" Asked Ceru.
"These are my brothers and Till is the name I choose, Irrsinn was the one given to me by humans." Explained Till.
"Oh alr- ahchoo!" Sneezed Ceru in the middle.
"Till how can you let a human child stay in these conditions!" Scolded Paul.
"Till's not as knowledgeable on humans like you are Paul-chen. It's amazing she survived this long." Said Richard.
"It's fine I'm used... to... it..." Ceru collapsed making Till panic.
Ceru's world was going dark as her insides burned up. The lasting thing she saw was the silhouette of humans looming over her.
