► "Now apologize to Lovee!" Bell hissed
Cronus shudders at the sight of the creature.
"I'm sorry I frightened you, Lovee. I had no right."
He isn't as contrite as he should be, but its a sincere enough apology.
Lovee sniffed Cronus' hand, before gently headbutting it. The skin on his skull-like head was soft and warm, almost like suede.
Cronus winced, but gently stroke the creature.
"Oh, don't bite me, please don't bite me." he said nervously.
Lovee leaned into the pets, his feathers and fur soft. He mouthed a finger briefly before licking.
"He has no teeth. Just mouth plates." Bell watched them interact
Cronus slowly tucked his finger underneath Lovee's chin, stroking cautiously, then with something almost like affection.
"I suppose he is a sweet thing, after all." he admitted, "I can say when I've done wrong. He's not a monster."
Lovee was purring, as Bell further explained, "The Lamia have found the others and were charmed. While I will still host the Demonoids in my territory, having these creatures have dual-protection will help them all the more."
"Oh, I'm sure the Lamia just love them. They like all sorts of grotesqueries and----ahem. That being said, his looks are deceiving. There's nothing of death about the Demonids. I'll forbid hunting of them under my rule."
Cronus nodded, as if satisfied with his decision.
"You forget I have a knockoff Labubu running around my territory. By the way Sandwiches has discovered screaming at dawn."
Holding Lovee, Bell smiled, "You will find they make good neighbors, especially if you have plants plagued by slugs or snails."
"I could even go so far as to say they're a boon to our village. A boon I provided...."
He stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Would you be willing to show Lovee to the village, so they understand they are not things to fear?"
"Sure." Bell held Lovee, the creature purring and trilling as she carried him. A few of the others came out of the trees, following.
