Wild Freaks

[nobold]

(The investigation's on the verge of a breakthrough. Thanks to numerous researchers and hunters constantly at work, the qurio trail was red hot. While some hunters would see to aggravated monsters, some kept to the pursuit. Together, they earned that breakthrough, first happened upon by a hunter for hire.

Cecil peeks up at the bright purple sky, tilting his dragonsbane hat up to watch the stray qurio make their way to the Citadel. How their songs filled the night sky and their formation was kept tight, all towards the remnants of the castle itself. Returning home, from the looks of it. They wouldn't fly so closely if they were out hunting. No, they're returning to their master, giving him the teostra's share of life energy and letting them continue their parasitic lives. They take him out, they solve this whole mess.

But before Cecil can report on a mission complete, he needs a visual on Malzeno. A thorough glimpse will be enough; scoutflies could easily mark the path forward, but the kobold keeps them pocketed for now. Their bright hues may alert the elder dragon and he can't take that risk, no matter how much he wants to be part of the fight. With dual blades at the ready, Cecil keeps to a light and quick foot, following the purple path above him, following it deep into the ruins...)

Comments

[evolved_not_extinct]

[He explained himself as the malzeno idly swept his tongue across his fangs. The war of man and dragon would be everlasting, and there would be nothing to be done about it for as long as both species lived. He understood, oh yes... however.]

Then worry not of compromising yourself any further. 'Tis nothing of my concern what humans and dragons do, for they have fought long before either of us and will continue long after we are stardust.

The qurio are a helpful tool of another's make, at any rate. I simply borrow them. Their true ruler has no name, and makes those craters the humans soil themselves over each generation.

[But don't mind him as he uses a claw to give Cecil's chin a little nudge from one side to the other. The malzeno was inspecting him... and as he perched on his haunches, those burning red eyes danced in amusement.]

However, it -has- been some time since I have forsaken energy for something more... mmm... tangible~ Knowing now what flows in your veins, had you simply offered yourself to me, we would have had no need for that earlier, silly dance...

[nobold]

Another creature's make? Then the investigation wouldn't have ended here either way. Elgado will need to be notified that this goes beyond...

(The kobold had been muttering to himself, reassessing the progress the investigation's been made. Malzeno's not their creator, but certainly not a victim, either.

And then he finds himself being inspected. Appraised, even. He's embarrassed by the growing blush in his face, cheeks so red, it's as if the kobold hadn't just been drained by a vampire. He blames what must be delirium on the bloodblight.)

O-offer myself to you? Why in Gog's name would I surrender myself to the life of a...a juice bag

[evolved_not_extinct]

[The glowing red embers danced in amusement.]

A juice bag...? HA HA HA...! Ohhh, that one is quite new, but you belittle yourself. Why, in thanks for the feast, I have in fact given you something in return. My boon...

[A claw ran its flat against Cecil's neck in a tenderest little caress.]

Though your head swims as your heart pumps to recover what I've taken, do you not feel my gift buzzing in your fingertips...? Until these marks of mine heal completely, you will draw strength from what you hunt, cut by precious cut of your blades.

[His wings curled tighter, only the dread moon's light filtering in.]

The strength to triumph over your quarry... to perhaps warm the people of Elgado to your convictions~?

[nobold]

(His boon? Cecil looks down at his hands. He could feel that power even now, one that could draw on his prey's power with each strike. How it would rejuvenate him, let him keep fighting...not unlike Malzeno and the qurio.

The kobold could disguise his Alatreon heritage by wielding the elements as humans did, channeled through twin blades that let him disperse energy. Would they warm up to him, if they learned he has such power? Would it draw further suspicion and reach the conclusion he dreads? Temporary or no, they would notice how what took Fiorayne out of commission only empowers him.

The lines of questions and the blood tests alone would tell them everything. Would they care about his convictions after that?

Cecil approaches the elder dragon, head ducked down, welcoming the dragon's embrace with one of his own.)

[evolved_not_extinct]

[Or warm one's own convictions, it seems... he watched as the little creature approached and his gaze oddly warmed, the embers akin more to a comforting flame in the dead of night than smoldering coals.]

Quick with a blade and a passion that burns in your heart... tell me, whatever are you called?

[A claw alighted the back of the much smaller figure. Perhaps it was their blood that had softened his gaze, buzzing through his system like the sweetest of wines and intoxicating him all the same.]

[nobold]

(It was a bit strange to feel a warmth from the other dragon. Less the physical warmth and more...the emotional kind, he supposes? Maybe it's a side-effect of the bite.)

Cecil.

(Pardon the little wiggling; the qurio are tickling his nose. The elder dragon's touch settles him again.)

Heh. Human tongues have decided to call you Malzeno. They so try to be creative with their names, but don't always succeed.