[Ah. It speaks. And in a language he can understand. Gerome had grown up hearing stories about mythical dragons who granted strength, wisdom, anything a feeble human could ask for. The legends were an integral part of being a knight, it seemed, because only those true of heart would ever meet such a dragon and that was the ultimate goal for a knight. Gerome had strived to meet that goal: become true of heart, a truly dependable knight for the castle he was ever loyal too. However, meeting one of the legendary dragons had still felt so out of the realm of his imagination purely because he didn't believe the legends.
Now, though, there was a talking dragon in front of Gerome and asking him to put down his weapon. His childhood self would certainly be chiding his current self for ever beginning to doubt the legends.
Gerome moves slowly, holding one hand up in his defense so the dragon wont think he's moving to attack. He places his axe down at his side rather than propped against the wall of the cave so he can show just how much he doesn't want to fight this beast. Bending down to grab his axe would take much more time than picking it up from the wall; Laurent could gulp him up in that single instant.
Next is the mask, which he doesn't hesitate to untie. It was of no significance to him in this realm. He'd had to wear it once for a job and when he'd come back the princess had commented that it looked mysterious. Charming. A good look for him. He'd been enamored and continued to wear it since. So, it certainly feels strange being barefaced in front of someone, even a dragon, again, but it's of no bother to Gerome. He drops it on top of his axe.]
My name is Gerome, from castle Ylisse. Is this satisfactory?
[ For several (probably unnerving) moments, Laurent silently stares at Gerome. With the mask off, he can see many things in his eyes: his strength of heart and his courage, his loyalty to his sovereign and the forthrightness of his words. Like this, Gerome couldn't hide anything even if he tried - and he certainly isn't trying to hide a thing. ] Yes - I thank you for your cooperation, Gerome of Ylisse.
I am Laurent, the dragon of wisdom. [ He settles into a more relaxed position, a signal that he too means no harm. ] Tell me - what is it that you seek? For what purpose are you here?
[Yeah. Gerome's younger self would be losing his marbles right now. It's a miracle present Gerome isn't (outwardly) losing his marbles.
Gerome still feels he needs to tread carefully, though. He hasn't offended Laurent thus far, but if it turns out Laurent is related to the book thief in some way, he may end up in the red. Who is he to ask an ancient dragon x times his size to stop taking the books? Or at least procure the books in a less shifty way? He's pretty sure Laurent can do whatever he wants.
Nonetheless, Gerome eyes Laurent's abandoned book.] Mmm. Books have been mysteriously disappearing from many of the villages around the mountain. We have one witness who says it was a shady character in a cloak, but... [He meets Laurent's eyes.] You wouldn't happen to know anything about this?
[ The reaction Gerome gets might not be what he's expecting - instead of lashing out in any angry or aggressive way, or becoming offended by the thinly-veiled accusation, he looks... embarrassed? As embarrassed as a dragon with limited facial expressions can look, anyway. ] Well. I must admit, this is not what I expected to hear. But I am ashamed to admit that I am aware of the mysterious occurrences you're speaking of.
[ The space behind Laurent shimmers with magic, and what once appeared to be a simple stalagmites are now piles of books, some high enough to nearly touch the ceiling of the cave. ] It was not my intention to keep these books for as long as I have. But if you are here in search of them, then I am afraid that time has slipped from me, and for that I offer my sincere apologies.
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Now, though, there was a talking dragon in front of Gerome and asking him to put down his weapon. His childhood self would certainly be chiding his current self for ever beginning to doubt the legends.
Gerome moves slowly, holding one hand up in his defense so the dragon wont think he's moving to attack. He places his axe down at his side rather than propped against the wall of the cave so he can show just how much he doesn't want to fight this beast. Bending down to grab his axe would take much more time than picking it up from the wall; Laurent could gulp him up in that single instant.
Next is the mask, which he doesn't hesitate to untie. It was of no significance to him in this realm. He'd had to wear it once for a job and when he'd come back the princess had commented that it looked mysterious. Charming. A good look for him. He'd been enamored and continued to wear it since. So, it certainly feels strange being barefaced in front of someone, even a dragon, again, but it's of no bother to Gerome. He drops it on top of his axe.]
My name is Gerome, from castle Ylisse. Is this satisfactory?
no subject
I am Laurent, the dragon of wisdom. [ He settles into a more relaxed position, a signal that he too means no harm. ] Tell me - what is it that you seek? For what purpose are you here?
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Gerome still feels he needs to tread carefully, though. He hasn't offended Laurent thus far, but if it turns out Laurent is related to the book thief in some way, he may end up in the red. Who is he to ask an ancient dragon x times his size to stop taking the books? Or at least procure the books in a less shifty way? He's pretty sure Laurent can do whatever he wants.
Nonetheless, Gerome eyes Laurent's abandoned book.] Mmm. Books have been mysteriously disappearing from many of the villages around the mountain. We have one witness who says it was a shady character in a cloak, but... [He meets Laurent's eyes.] You wouldn't happen to know anything about this?
[He is the dragon of wisdom after all.]
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[ The space behind Laurent shimmers with magic, and what once appeared to be a simple stalagmites are now piles of books, some high enough to nearly touch the ceiling of the cave. ] It was not my intention to keep these books for as long as I have. But if you are here in search of them, then I am afraid that time has slipped from me, and for that I offer my sincere apologies.