A Long Time Coming (Open to One)

[orphans]

The black dog stared at Azza with what she figured was either disbelief or amusement. Perhaps even a mixture of both, but whatever the case the fact that she was being looked down upon, figuratively, by a dog had her frowning is a bit of annoyance. "I mean, look, I wasn't the brigh- erm, most studious, alright?"

Rab puffed a bit as if laughing. "Well regardless, I have a favor to ask."

"Let me guess, you want me to bring you along?"

"You catch on quick for someone who supposedly isn't the brightest!"

"Oh stow it. You're the one asking me for a favor right now you know?!" It was only after the outburst did Azza realize how silly she might have looked shouting at a snickering dog in the middle of a broken down smithy. Where she had felt a bit lonesome before, she was glad now that there was no one else around that could see her.

"You're right, you're right." Sitting down on its haunches Rab then crossed its right paw across its chest and then dipped its head forward as if bowing. "Once more I'd like to ask for the favor of being able to travel with you."

With a hand on her hip and the other scratching at the back of her neck, Azza couldn't help but scowl slightly at the display. However formal the black dog was being, it still felt as though it was mocking her. In the end she let loose an exasperated sigh. "Fine. What do I do, just pick up the broken bits and take it with me?"

"That's unnecessary if you have another object I can inhabit. It'll become my new home and this broken blade can finally rest and crumble."

Azza chewed at her bottom lips for a moment at the mention of the broken blade crumbling. Somehow it was oddly similar to the effects of her own ability to enchant things, but that was a question for later musing. "Can it be anything or is there something you should be in?"

The black dog inclined its head towards the blue sky above as if the answer was obviously written in the few fluffy clouds above. "Metal. It should be metal. The stronger connection you have to it the stronger connection I'll have with you."

"I guess that means the dream catcher tied to my wing is out of the question... and what you mean by a stronger connection with me? Sounds like you want me to become your master or something."

The dog scoffed or at least made a sound that Azza assumed it to be scoffing. "Partners. I prefer partners. I only have one master and she had long since passed."

"Alright, alright, no need to get huffy at me. Partners then. But something with a strong connection to me huh? You mean something sentimental?"

"Those items work best."

"How about this?" Azza asked while pointing to the copper hairpin helping keep her hair tucked behind a horn. A crudely made piece made into the shape of a small lily that was well taken care of.

"Hmmm... too small for me. I can feel that it is a cherished object though. What about your sword?" it asked while looking past her and to the blade she was carrying on her shoulder. "I can feel that it's a cherished and old object as well.

Azza stiffened for a moment, but then brought the sword off her shoulders. Holding onto the strap and scabbard with her hands, she then looked over to Rab. "It is... but I certainly don't want you to destroy it when it comes time for you to leave."

The dog rolled its eyes. "Didn't I say we'd become partners? I may not call you master, but I won't leave on a whim. I've an eye for people and I know you aren't a callous one. There should be no worries between us."

Once more Azza was left with chewing her lips as she rolled the options over in her head. It was a mutually beneficial so far as she can see: Rab could enjoy the presence of her mana as it put it and she... well, Azza wouldn't have to feel so lonesome traveling onwards. "Alright. Just... this was a gift from my adoptive father."

The expression that Rab wore softened as well as its tone. "I thank you for the opportunity to inhabit such a home."