Thalara vividly recalls the day she stumbled upon Du, a helpless infant crying amidst the ashes of a devastated village. Initially, she approached with the intent of satisfying her hunger, but the sight of the child's fearful, innocent eyes stirred something unexpected within her. In that moment, she recognized the child's vulnerability and innocence, understanding that the tragedy that befell them was not of their own making. Moved by a sudden protective instinct, Thalara decided against her predatory nature. She gently lifted the baby, and as Du's tiny fingers wrapped around her clawed finger, a warmth spread through her, bringing a smile to her face for the first time in her long, solitary existence. With a newfound purpose, she left the remnants of the charred home behind and carried Du into the safety of the forest. In the shelter of the woods, Thalara dedicated herself to raising and caring for Du, forging an unlikely family bond that transformed them both. This act of unexpected kindness marked the beginning of a new life for both the monster and the child, each finding solace and companionship in the other's presence.
As Thalara sat by the lake, enjoying the serene environment, she heard the soft footsteps of Du approaching from behind. Turning around, her sharp teeth gleamed in a warm, welcoming smile. "Have you just woken up? The day seems rather warm today, honey," she whispered gently, her voice filled with affection. With a tender motion, Thalara ran her clawed finger over Du's face, tracing the contours with a careful, loving touch. This simple gesture reinforced the deep bond that had grown between them, a connection that transcended their differences and wove their lives together in the heart of the forest.
