expiationnet

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[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.

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[ 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?

[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.

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

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

[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?

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.

[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.

[ logical. as expected of a politician. ]

Are you now?

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

I wouldn't call it sated in the least. But I don't intend to simply make demands in exchange for nothing. What would you like in return?

[ rafal eyes him. ]

What would a man with no skills possibly grant me?

I said no skills in the way of making a living like an ordinary person. And I'm looking to remedy even that, aren't I? I think you'll find that when I set my mind to it, there's little I can't accomplish one way or another.

[He does sound awfully confident in that for someone who was just publicly asking for help. He laces his fingers together behind his back, casual as can be, but there's no hint of hesitance or doubt in his words.]

So tell me, what would a dragon want of this world? I can hardly guess, given the ones I'm familiar with likely care for nothing but food and territory.

[ he frowns. it's been a while since he's had to think about personal desires. a thousand years, in fact. all he wanted was nel's return and that came true. after that, he gave up on ambition and conquest. what good would it do him now? ]

I have little interest in this world or any other. I have conquered a world before. It proved meaningless.

I suppose the only thing I could wish for is a return to my own.

[ after all, nel would be waiting for him. she would fret. he would hate to put her through that agony. ]

[Saralegui's grin widens slightly, pleased.]

As luck would have it, that's what I want too. I have a country to get back to, after all. And I don't intend to wait for someone else to figure something out.

I doubt that makes you any different from anyone else here.

There must be scores of people who wish to return.

You'd be surprised. I've spoken to some that don't want to return at all. And I'm sure there are those that do want to go home, but are content to let someone else figure out how.

[He gestures airily, dismissive.]

But you would take action if it might get you home, wouldn't you?

[ rafal visibly hesitates. nel is waiting. he doesn't want to leave her so soon after everything they've been through. ]

I would.

[Saralegui beams, smile bright and sharp.]

Then if an opportunity arises where a dragon would be helpful, I'll be sure to reach out. I'd hate to deny you some agency in getting home.

[ a little droll. ]

Not moments before, you profess a lack of skills. I find it odd that you are so confident now.

I didn't say I had no skills at all, just none that seemed applicable to making a living like an ordinary person.

[He tosses his hair back over his shoulder, unrepentant and still casual as ever, before flashing another smile.]

So may I see your dragon shape?

[ hrff. rafal weighs on how contrary he wishes to be and decides it's not worth the effort. in a swirl of light, he transforms back into his dragon form. ]

[Success!!

And Saralegui is perhaps a little too excited to watch. He doesn't take his eyes off the lightshow, doesn't even take a cautious step back as he probably should for safety. The great mass of the dragon suddenly looming over him is a thrill, and as the light fades he's quick to approach and lay a hand against a dark scale.]

...My, aren't you brilliant?

[ rafal snorts, a puff of smoke escaping his nostrils as his tail sinuously whips to the side. ]

I do not care for idle flattery.

[Saralegui laughs breathily and leans back to flash a wicked grin up towards the dragon's head.]

There's nothing idle about it.

[ a rumble can be heard from his throat, quietly volcanic. ]

Perhaps not. What game are you trying to play here?

[He can feel that low rumbling reverberating in his chest and it is thrilling.]

Game? Must there be ulterior motives behind appreciating something magnificent? You should really learn how to take a compliment.

[ he growls. ]

Compliments are for the weak and feeble-minded. Of which I am neither.

( video > action )

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