Walkabout investigators

[leftbehindagain]

...So I think I found out how one loses a dragon. One of the kids here said she read in a book that a large enough dragon can change its shape.

So who knows what, or possibly who, the damn thing even looks like now. We're going to have to be careful.

Comments

[canbebrave]

Killing it seems cruel-- but if we let it escape the city, who knows what torment it might unleash?

[willyousee]

That may depend on the dragon. If it searches for a remote location where it may eat wild animals and hoard treasures and be left in peace, it may not be of much trouble. But if it finds itself content in the city, we may have no choice.

[canbebrave]

I've never heard of a peaceful dragon.

[willyousee]

I have heard tales of one at least, in Dolorosa no less. ...Though that was some time ago.

[canbebrave]

You will have to forgive me for my slight disbelief, my lord, for the only tales I have heard are of their bloodthirst and terror. When we were young, we were told fearsome stories of dragons swooping down from the sky and stealing children-- though the last of them were dead before my birth.

1/2

[willyousee]

The drakes here do not usually steal children, but livestock. They are difficult to fight, but most are killed before they are old enough to speak human language. If this one is old enough to have mastered shape shifting magics, its tastes may have shifted and been refined. We cannot know what it wants until we speak with it.

[Private] 2/2

[willyousee]

My lady... please... Especially here, just Alcuin will be more than sufficient.

[Something about the cadence says he's shaken or hurting and almost pleading with her.]

[canbebrave]

[ and to one with skills of observation such as hers- it does not go unmissed. ]

Ah-- but ...

I apologize, I did not mean to wound you so. A force of habit.

[willyousee]

It is all right. Truly. You could not know that it would so affect me. ....Do you remember the last time we were here? When you saw me at the tournament?

[canbebrave]

Yes. I know a little, of what happened after, from Armin...

[willyousee]

Do you. [Even without inflection it sounds a little flat. Then there is a pause and the equivalent of a mental sigh.] Then you know what I was. What I was capable of. That creature viewed itself as a lord even among its own kind. And this place brings back too many memories. If you can find it in yourself to refrain from using that title around me, I would be very grateful.

[canbebrave]

The trumps are too cruel, to bring us back to this place, to remind you of such memories. I apologize again, Alcuin, for bringing any unintended hurt to you. I won't call you by it again, not here. And if you need any company, to distract you...

[willyousee]

It is already forgiven and forgotten, my lady. Thank you.

To be in my presence might endanger you if I am recognized, and yet... it is coming toward midday. If it would not be troublesome to you, I should very much like your company.

[canbebrave]

With your hair redened as it is, and your nature the way it is, you could easily pass as my elder brother. If anything, I may be able to help you blend in. It would be my pleasure to keep you company.

[willyousee]

Your-- Are you quite sure? I have been hiding my mental faculties and magical abilities to seem less suspicious. I will not be able to behave as myself if there are others about.

[canbebrave]

Of course. I believe it would help keep you safe, and you and your sister are already as dear to me as my blood siblings.

[willyousee]

Sansa... [It's almost a whisper, likely not meant to be broadcast even across this private line. There's a few minutes' silence while he gets himself together.] You honor me. Thank you. I do not know what Joscelin has told you of Phedre and I, but where might I find you?

[canbebrave]

He's told me very little- I know what I needed to know. My Lady gave me more... ah... shocking details, and you have taught me some on your Gods-- but aside from that...

It matters not. I remain in the Tyrian Quarter-- it's distasteful, but I've yet to find anywhere else to stay that would not arise suspicions.

[willyousee]

Hm.

[What he feels you need to know and what Joscelin feels you need to know are likely two entirely different things, as Alcuin has recently discovered. He'll have to test things out. Perhaps he can tell you a bit more, even, or find reason to ask Joscelin again what he has told to whom.]

I'll come see you, then, and perhaps we can find you better accommodations, though, alas, i think it unlikely there will be any befitting your station.