[OPEN] Here There Be A Dragon

[coiledscales]

Who: Alacruun and OPEN
What: A new arrival gets used to everything.
Where: Melai Temple and surroundings.
When: Shortly after the new batch of arrivals shows up.
Warnings/Notes: Dragon.


Alacruun is not all that pleased by this development. There's something to be said for being (relatively) free and no longer stuck hopping a ride in someone else's body or having to communicate via divination, but he's also on another world, being asked to help save it. Which isn't entirely his first choice of activities, but if it will prevent damage to the world he lives in, it's worthwhile in the end. He can put aside his plans - he's been waiting for eons already, he can wait a little longer - and cooperate. For now.

Not that he's fond of their surroundings, either. The dragon - horse-sized, black scales, horns, and yellow-green eyes - has set up camp on the front steps for the temple, keeping a weather eye on the surrounding forest. He's determined that he's not going to be a humanoid if he doesn't have to be - at least not for now - and even if they've stripped him of his power, he's going to enjoy the freedom to stretch his draconic limbs and just lounge.

At least for a little while. Even if for whatever reason, there's a creeping feeling of irritation that keeps nagging at him. He isn't sure why. There's nothing that he can't really compartmentalize, so - what's bothering him?

He almost looks asleep at first glance, half blocking the front steps, large head resting on his forepaws. However, both eyes are open in tiny slits, just exposing the dark of his pupils. Anyone who wants to come up the stairs is going to have to go around him or over him.

Maybe it's a social experiment.

Comments

[coiledscales]

[ The little jump is intensely gratifying. He can still inspire a little bit of fear, even in this much reduced state. He cocks his head to one side and then the other. ]

And? It's still the best spot for a bit of rest.

[ Look, it's not his fault none of you have wings. ]

[invisibleheir]

Be that as it may, it's also the main thoroughfare for the rest of us. If you're going to be a...

[ What's the right term for this band of misfits, anyway? ]

...a member of our group, some co-operation would be in order. And you also risk someone assuming you're hostile.

[coiledscales]

I'm not worried about that. I can handle anyone misguided enough to attack me.

[ Or so he thinks, anyway. He's very confident. ]

People can go around.

[invisibleheir]

[ Arturia is getting distinctively Gilgameshian vibes from this dragon. It makes her skin crawl. ]

A little courtesy for others goes a long way. Perhaps you should reconsider.

[coiledscales]

There's still enough space.

[ Or at least he thinks there is. He's not about to actually measure such things. ]

It's not an inconvenience at all.

[ Or... or is it? ]

[invisibleheir]

[ Sigh. This is obviously not going to go anywhere. Back in her day you slew dragons, you know? You didn't... talk with them. ]

I did have to step over you to get up the stairs.

[coiledscales]

And you did so without problem. Aren't you making too big of a fuss over this?

[ He's quite convinced that she is. ]

[invisibleheir]

[ Arturia can see that this going to go nowhere, fast. Sigh. ]

Well, if I must step over a scaly carpet may I at least have your name?

[coiledscales]

I am not a carpet.

[ SNIFF. So rude. ]

My name is Alacruun. And you are...?

[invisibleheir]

Perhaps you should not act like one in that case.

[ STILL NOT IMPRESSED. ]

I am Arturia Pendragon, the King of Knights.

[ Behold the power of Charisma Rank B. ]

[coiledscales]

I act like a dragon.

[ He still manages to sound superior, despite the fact that Arturia is being all regal and stuff. He taps his talons against the flagstones and makes a low noise at the back of his throat. ]

I've met kings before. But it seems I am meeting another - your Highness.

[invisibleheir]

[ She's still not really sure what to make of this fellow and his odd... dragon-ness. She dips her head slightly at his politeness. What else is Arturia supposed to do? ]

It is an honor to meet you, Alacruun.

[ Polite, polite, polite. ]

[coiledscales]

Likewise. I do hope we'll be able to be... effective team-mates, if we're going to go on this strange journey together.

[ Well, at least he's being polite and not ranting or something. Small favors? ]