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[enthraller]

[This is a fairly new face on the network. A very pretty one. One could be forgiven for mistaking him for a girl before he speaks – and even after that, your milage may vary. He holds the tablet with the awkwardness of someone unfamiliar with this kind of technology, but his smile is perfectly pleasant.]

Hello. For those I haven't had the opportunity to meet yet, my name is Saralegui. I find myself in need of...advice, I suppose. On how I might support myself while here. I don't want to portray myself as completely helpless, but my experience and skillset don't seem very applicable to basic self-sufficiency.

[His smile goes a bit self-deprecating and he shrugs.]

That said, if there's ever a need for a politician, I'd be happy to volunteer.

Comments

[nilhilistic]

With only your word to prove it.

[ still. rafal supposes there is benefit to the doubt. and he's trying to be more . . . open. ]

I would suggest cultivating other skills then. A job perhaps.

[enthraller]

That's why I haven't been bothering with titles or the like. It just seems a little silly to cling to such things in a place where I have nothing to show for it. Declaring myself a king would feel like a pitiful attempt to demand respect and special treatment.

[He's so humble. Or good at faking it, at least. If only there was more of an entertainment industry here. He'd make a fantastic actor.]

But thus the need for advice. I know I'll need to step out of my comfort zone, but I haven't the faintest idea where to start.

[nilhilistic]

[ rafal ponders this. ]

Humans are young and they change easily. I'm afraid I do not keep track. Perhaps to start with, I would learn a self-defense skill. Then a skill such as smithing, baking, crafting or working as an apprentice in a trade.

[enthraller]

[Eugh. None of those suggestions particularly appeal, but he keeps a steady smile and latches onto the opportunity to shift gears.]

Does that make you a demon, then?

[nilhilistic]

[ hm. ]

I am a dragon.

[enthraller]

[A blink, and then a slight head tilt.]

A...dragon?

[nilhilistic]

A dragon.

I use this form to live alongside humans.

[enthraller]

[Sorry, he's distracted rethinking everything he's ever known about dragons – which isn't much, honestly. There's never been a need for him to have more than basic knowledge about the wildlife of another country.]

...I wasn't aware dragons could shapeshift.

[It is intriguing, though, and his smile slowly returns but with a new spark of fascination.]

Can you prove it?

[nilhilistic]

[ in response, rafal merely attaches this picture taken with his device. ]

[enthraller]

[At the sight of the image, his smile stretches into a bright grin and he leans in to peer at it more closely.]

Can't you show yourself changing with this thing? All I have is your word that that's you, after all.

[He doesn't actually sound doubtful. Maybe it'd be rational to doubt it, but given some of the shit he's seen here, he believes it. Honestly, he just wants to see the shifting himself.]

[nilhilistic]

[ oh, so that's how he wants to play it. rafal's tone is sweet. ]

If that is your concern, we can always meet in person.

I'm sure you have nothing to fear from a dragon.

[enthraller]

[He has nothing to fear from anyone. Knowing he always has his eyes to fall back on in an emergency emboldens him to take crazy risks.]

Why should I have anything to fear? You don't strike me as a mindless monster.

[nilhilistic]

[ wow!! ]

Dragons are not mindless monsters.

[enthraller]

[It was a compliment!]

They're just animals where I come from, as far as I'm aware. Giant ones that can eat a man whole, but certainly not capable of having a conversation. I think I'd have more to fear from meeting one back home.

[nilhilistic]

[ that settles him somewhat. ]

Hmph. Some of our baser cousins then.

[enthraller]

So where would you like to meet?

[nilhilistic]

Pick a location. I will simply fly over.

[enthraller]

[Bet. He gives a location nearby just beyond the edge of town. He imagines space will be needed.]

( video > action )

[nilhilistic]

[ it doesn't take long. soon, he'll hear the thunderous beat of dragon wings and a low, reptilian cry as rafal descends in his dragon form. he lands with a thud, folding his wings by his side as his frills spread, eyeing saralegui. what he sees, he does not say.

but in a whirl of crimson light, the dragon form fades to reveal . . . rafal. ]

Satisfied?

[enthraller]

[As the dragon lands, Saralegui looks delighted and approaches fearlessly. He gives the man a curious once-over, like he might notice something new after the dragon revelation.]

Can you turn back? I've never seen a dragon in person before.

[nilhilistic]

I am not an animal at your beck and call. You will have to make do.

[ he was nice enough to do this much!! ]

[enthraller]

[A look of disappointment crosses his face briefly, but the smile soon returns, pleasant but with a sly edge.]

You'll come out here and shift once at my beck and call, but the second is where you draw the line? Don't you need to fly back anyway, or will you walk purely to spite me?

[nilhilistic]

What a bold supposition.

You don't think I wanted to meet the man who only knew dragons as monsters, and yet called me out here? Who had no issue meeting me face to face without fear?

Perhaps there is one skill you possess hidden up your sleeve.

[enthraller]

[Boldness is definitely a character trait of his.]

I suppose being adaptable could be called a skill. You're clearly different from the dragons I've heard about, so why cling to reservations based on the circumstances of my own world?

[Especially with something so exciting as a goddamn dragon as a temptation. He's always been drawn to novelty and power.]

But I'm flattered you wanted to meet me too.

[nilhilistic]

[ logical. as expected of a politician. ]

Are you now?

Then consider your curiosity sated then. I am not in the business of granting favors.