Chapter 98. Tithalia

{I am known by a few names. Armageddon, Flaming Death, The Sun. Most of them are ment to be either insults or warnings but you may call me. Tithalia. If you truly think you deserve to.}

"Clovek." I said back taking a step forward and really hoping I didn't step on any metaphorical toes with this interaction. Meeting with parents is always nerve-wracking even when you're the same species.

[Mother, Clovek is a Deed owner.]

Tithalia lowered her head so that she could get a better look at me and I felt the clothes I was wearing start to melt. If I'd known I was getting a family visit sooner if have asked Voras for some clothes that were fire resistant instead of the frost resistant ones I was currently wearing.

{A Deed owner? How curious. But if his power extends to you does that mean you are a Livestock my dear?}

[Yes mother. I produce eggs and have found out they increase mana regeneration of those that consume it.]

"She has helped us greatly in securing allies and trading partners." I added trying to fight my survival reflex as it told me to run very far, very fast.

{Oh you are just adorable small thing.}

Tithalia returned her head to its max height as if she wanted to look down on the two of us. Not hard in my case as even if she placed her head fully on the ground she was still above me, Tarakona however was dwarfed by her mother as even if she fully extended her neck she was still only around two thirds the size.

{There have been very few creatures to ever befriend a Dragon and even fewer that have gained the luxury of calling one their mate. I do hope you are not abusing this luxury Clovek, Deed owners don't have a very good reputation after all and I would hate to have to... Remove my daughters mate.}

"Ummmmm. Nope definitely a good Deed owner." I replied with a little more nervousness in my voice than I had ment to. "Definitely not like the others."

Tithalia snorted in a similar manner that Tarakona did.

{Pretty words work on many a creature, but not Dragons.}

I pulled myself up a bit straighter as I realized what she was fishing for. If there was one area I absolutely didn't think I failed at it was taking care of my girls with the resources available to me.

"And how would you like for me to prove more than just my words are pretty? I would stake my life on the fact that Tarakona would agree I have done all I can to provide for her but I feel that wouldn't be enough for you."

{You would be correct.}

"Then do you have anything I can do to prove to you I am genuine?" I tried to stay as straight as I possibly could but as a smile started to form on her Draconic lips I might have faultered just a little bit.

{Release her. If my daughter truly wishes to remain with you she will rebind herself the moment she is free. If not, then I believe you have offered your life as compensation.}

"My life is a little cheap these days." I tried to joke as I thought about releasing Tarakona. I had no qualms with releasing her, I just didn't know how to and that was definitely not an excuse that would work right now.

{Your resurrections have a price, small thing.}

[Mother please. He is a good mate, you do not need to test him]

{Oh I most certainly do my child. What kind of mother would I be if I let just any hooligan stay with my daughter? I have a reputation as a cataclysm to uphold and a daughter who didn't learn just who her mother was before she left.}

Tarakona seemed to flinch at the mention of her leaving and tried to shy away. It didn't work to well as her mother wrapped a wing over her back and pulled her in close. The sizzling of her frost against Tithalia's scales could be heard but the fire Dragon made no movement to get away. Apparently the physical contact was worth a little pain.

Using the slight moment of them bonding I tried to ask the only thing I could think of that might be able to help me.

Hey Deed. Can you free Tarakona before I have a BBQ with a Dragon using myself as the appetizer?

Already working on it.

Thank you but could you work a little faster?

{So? Are you going to free my daughter?}

There was an almost teasing tone to her words like she was playing with a mouse. Probably apt for a Dragon now that I think about it.

"I'm in the process of figuring out exactly how to do that. It's not something I have had to do." I said trying to buy as much time as I could.

{You have never even tried to release any of your Livestock? That's not a very good mark in your favor, tho I suppose people like you never want to let them free. Much more valuable to keep them chained up.}

Something about that triggered me.

"I've never had any of them want to be free." I snapped back. "I have offered but every time they just want to stay."

{Really?}

Tithalia's face moved so quickly I didn't even notice it until she appeared in from of me with a huff.

{You expect me to believe my daughter as well as the Centaur, Arachnid, and Fawn you have living here have never once asked to be free?}

I matched her aggression only because I knew I was right.

"I don't expect anything and I have a Dryad as well. I know the Deed owners of this world do some heinous things but none of my girls have ever asked to be released. Tarakona does have temporary freedom each day so that she can hunt because I couldn't provide enough food for her but that is it."

The Dragon has been freed completely. If she does decide to return to the farm as a Livestock you will have to repurchase the upgrade that allows her to leave temporarily.

[Mother please. He speaks the true...]

Tarakona was interrupted by what I could only assume was the notification saying she was free.

Tithalia hummed low in her throat before she turned to her daughter. As she did however Tarakona yelped and pushed herself away from her mother as the lands immortality was stripped away.

Livestock Tarakona is requesting to be bound to your land.

Tarakona (Dragon)

Status: In pain

Position: Free

Product: Dragon Eggs (F-)

Harvestable: No

I didn't waste time and immediately re-accepted her request wincing as large sections of her back gave way to scales that were burnt and shattering with a few gaps that showed off her skin

My Dragon hissed through her teeth as the healing took effect and the burnt scales were shedded to the ground as new ones took their place.

[Are you stupid mother?! I can touch you only because of his protection! Did you really think forcing him to free me while you were still touching me was a good idea?!]

Tithalia was caught by surprise at her daughter's outburst.

{I had thought his protection would stay if you were a Livestock on his land.}

[It applies to Livestock BOUND to his land!]

Tarakona stepped away as her mother tried to get close again.

[I am happy here mother. Do not do anything like that again and you will treat my mate with the respect he deserves.]

{Child you are so much more than this. I have the power to take away the pain of being a Livestock, you can live freely without the need for this prison.}

Tarakona growled. The sound was low before it increased in pitch and became a roar. My Dragon opened her mouth fully and roared at her mother, sending frost and ice towards the much larger Dragon.

Tithalia made no movement to avoid the onslaught as it did very little to her, nor did she try and stop her child.

My Dragon continued to roar until there was no air left in her lungs and only then stopped.

The silence that followed was defending. Not even the newly melted river dared make a sound, least it receive either Dragons attention.

I was likewise stunned and scolding myself. I should have known the immortality would go and instead I was panicking about the Red Dragon in front of me.

[My mate. My life. My choice. I don't need you to tell me what I can and cannot have just because you think you're the biggest and baddest thing around. If Clovek was even remotely similar to any of the other Deed owners you have seen in your life, he would be dead long before he could force me to do anything. All you have done with that little power play is ruin any goodwill your daughter had with you.]

{Child I only want...}

[What's best for me right? Well he's what's best for me. My mate is a human mother and if you don't agree with that it's too late. We have already completed our mating flight and are mates for life.]

Oh? Dragons mate for life. Don't know why I'm surprised by that in the least.

{But he is a...}

[Human? Believe it or not mother I have eyes that can see that, and a womb that is full of his seed.]

That seemed to snap something in Tithalia's face as she broke her gaze from Tarakona's face to her belly.

Tarakona noticed as well and let out a sigh.

[So why are you really here mother?]