Laughter. So she mocked him now, did she? He just stared at her as she dropped into a bow, snorting and flaring his eyes wide as he realized she was actually thanking him. For snatching her out of the town. For carrying her home. For planning to make her life a living hell. That was rich.
And then came the hug. She was far too small to get her arms all the way around him, of course. Thankfully. But as he felt the light pressure of her arms against his leg and heard her further praise and thanks he truly had to wonder how badly he'd shaken her up for her to think any of it was remotely okay or normal or safe.
'So I have chosen an insane human,' he observed, laughing quietly. 'Poor girl.'
Sticking his foreleg out awkwardly he tried to shake her off, albeit gently. There was no use thrashing her against a wall or anything. Yet.
Stepping away from her and easily climbing into his nest he curled up towards the back of it and let his neck rest over the side to peer down at her. It was a sturdy yet ever-changing structure and the dragon took care of its maintenance nearly every day.
At its base was a pile of rocks and small boulders with massive branches mixed between. All manner of plants weaved between it all for padding but at its core was a guilty pleasure of human luxury. Piles of stolen blankets, pillows, and furs formed a thick cushion for him to rest upon.
'What makes you think you hold my favor, child?' he asked, eyes twinkling with mirth. He had to admit that it at least was mildly entertaining to interact with this strange halfling.