ParNel

"I must stay, near clan, near kin. Yet you make us go. To what? To where? I do not know." Nel spat at her partner. Par glared back her third eye showing unusual malaise today as she nipped her partner painfully. "I make us strong. Weaklings stay in mother's burrow. Outsiders say more land is out there. More dragons. More prey. You make me weak with your cowardice. Lucky to be born with me or Wormwound'd take you long ago." Nel looked away in submission, best not to fight today. She would lose, as always. Her many scars riddled down her face and neck closest to Par was proof enough of this. With Par this angry, she wouldn't hesitate to take it out on her weaker partner. she's scared Nel thought to herself. While Par tried to hide it, Nel could feel the increasing heartbeat in her chest. Maybe now is the time She stole a glance upward toward her partner who was staring outward into the distance, leaving her under neck exposed. just one quick bite and I'd be rid of her forever But no, Nel didn't act on her thought. No Aberration lived long with a dead partner, or maybe she was just a coward.

"If I am to leave, perhaps companions will help." Nel probed, carefully gaging Par's reaction. "_____ is strong. He fancies you-"

"I don't need protection you fool!" Par exclaimed.

"No, not protection." Nel backtracked. "Companionship. His child will come of course, but that's all the more challenging to me. Think how our kin could take over the world. I can't to it myself but with two and a clutch of eggs, perhaps." Par's extended silence revealed to Nel that she won this debate. Physically she was no match, but years of oppression made her very skilled in the manipulation of her partner. And Nel knew Par was attracted to _____, putting on her best face when he was around. This face involved much less beating and harsh words toward Nel.