During his final days, Varanus defied every order given to him. Hell as if he was going to change even when he got near his death bed, he was going to do whatever he damned well please. When the healers told him he shouldn’t spend too much time walking around, Onaga had made it very clear to keep him in one wing of the palace. He would have servants waiting hand in foot to serve him and he was not allowed to walk no more then a few feet without assistance. And what does the old zattarren do, he curses the burly male servant trying to grab him by wacking him with his cane.
“Try and stop me, I dare you.” Varanus would grumble as he walked down the halls, grunting with each step as his knees felt like they would give out. His pack of servants hesitantly followed him as they wondered how to stop him without causing him any harm. One brave soul getting close enough only to get grabbed by his tail and flipped on their back. Sending the other servants reeling back, getting more distance from the stubborn old lizard man. Of course word spread fast, reaching the ears of the Empress who was not pleased upon hearing it. Having to pull herself from whatever tedious task she had wound herself in(sometimes it was a blessing depending on the task.) Still Onaga was getting tired of having to stop this man from walking to his grave.
Varanus huffed, leaning against the wall to catch his breath. He managed to get to the main hall of the palace this time, further then his last attempt. He glanced back to see if any of the servants were still around. Not a soul in sight and it brought a smile to his pale face.
“Where the hell do you think you are going?” The booming voice of Onaga would have sent anyone running, screaming for mercy. Not Varanus, his sense of fear died with his sanity long ago. He turned around to face the tall Dragon Empress, smile still plastered on his face as he looked up at her.
“I just wanted to see you...am I not allowed to visit you anymore?” Varanus chuckled. He stood upright, his hand grasping the top of his cane as it shakes lightly. “Besides it gets boring being cooped up in my chambers all day, servants hounding me like I'm some weak babe, its horrendous.”
“It is for your own good Varanus...we've been over this.” Onaga rolled her eyes, already dreading the rant that was soon to come. “You should not be walking around alone, especially this far from the west wing.” she looks pass Varanus to see the group of servants peaking around the corner. She will deal with them accordingly. “Come, I will walk you back to your chambers if that will make you happy.”
“No...No.” Varanus waved her off. “I don’t want to go back there.” He takes a deep breath, reaching out to grab Onaga. He got nothing but air as his sight was failing him, eventually Onaga grabbed his hand, placing it over her forearm. “Just...stay with me for awhile Naga.”
“Varanus I…” Onaga was about to protest until she saw Varanus lay his head against her arm. Letting out an annoyed sigh, she just stood there. “Fine, but only for a moment and then you are going straight to your chambers.”
“Mmhmm...that’s fine.” Varanus nods, picking up his cane and tucking it under his arm. At this point Onaga was holding him up. The hall was dead silent as the two stood in the middle of the hallway, only the pounds of Varanus shallow breathing echoed through the air. Onaga frowned as she was growing tired of standing around doing nothing. Her wings twitched behind her as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
“Varanus this…” Onaga looked down and noticed the old lizard's eyes were closed, all of his weight was against her, not that she noticed it. “Varanus?” She carefully cupped his chin, lifting his head only to have him swat her hand away and lay his head against her arm. A small smile graced her lips as she realized he had fallen asleep. In one swift move, Onaga scooped Varanus up in one arm as if he was just a child, holding him against her chest where he snuggled against her mumbling about the weather. She made sure to grab his cane before it fell to the floor, clutching it tightly in her other hand.
As Onaga carried Varanus back to his chambers, he started to hum an old song in his sleep. One that Onaga remembered from her childhood, a memory that made her smile fondly. Even when she wanted to get Varanus back to his chambers as soon as possible, she always found herself walking slowly as she reached the hall to his room. Taking her time as she laid him down in his bed and tucked him in. She gives him a kiss on the forehead and whispers some loving words that leave a smile on his face.
And this became a common routine up to Varanus final breath. Almost everyday, Onaga had to find Varanus wandering the halls and carry him back to his chambers after he fussed himself to sleep. Even if it annoyed her, she always looked forward to those moments knowing one day she will no longer see his smiling face anymore.
