Just Another Day

Sigrid finished her drink and set the cup on the water barrel. She got down on four feet, her wings raised above her, and strode until her snout was just a few inches from Shanku.

"Now, ascend," Sigrid said roughly.

"I... can't?" Shanku replied nervously.

Sigrid's black lips pulled back in a snarl, revealing her sharp teeth, and her ears stood stiffly on her head. She began to growl, low and rumbling, louder and louder until it was a rather vicious roar.

Shanku winced and ducked down as Sigrid's maw snapped shut where Shanku's face had been a moment before. Shanku rolled to the side as a clawed paw fiercely slapped down where she had previously sat. Sigrid pounced before Shanku had a chance to right herself. Reacting on old fear and instinct, Shanku felt herself shift as she held her hands out in front of her and pushed her hands against Sigrid's shoulders, Sigrid's snarling nose barely an inch from Shanku's own nose.

"Stop!" Shanku cried angrily. She breathed heavily, wanting terribly to growl but afraid of riling Sigrid more.