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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 16, 2024 0:35:21 GMT -5
It was storming. Rain poured down from the heavens to the earth in droves of droplets. Unfortunately for Lucian, he had been caught up in this rainstorm within a forest on the Crescent Isle. The draconynh had just wanted to practice more of his magic and his recently acquired knife throwing skills in the woods without guidance, and he had been caught up in the rain.
He made his way towards a rather large tree, branches just long enough and leaves broad enough to shelter from the rain. Although he'd really be fine in the rain, as a more aquatic draconynh, his clothes would still get soaked if he stayed in the rain.
He reached the tree, sitting down at the base with a sigh. He began to try to wring the water out of his clothes. He hoped to the seas below that his clothes wouldn't be wrecked from getting soaked by the rainfall. He leaned against the trunk, his tail swishing back and forth a little as he tried to adjust his position to be a bit more comfortable.
Even with the rain now scaring away any beasts roaming the woods, there was still a chance that others had been caught up in the rain...
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Jan 16, 2024 13:22:43 GMT -5
The Crescent Isles were far from the Zeinav Desert, both geographically and metaphorically. Where the warm days in Zeinav seldom held precipitation of any kind, it had rained no less than four times in the week that Azazel had been on the island. He was on his way to Starlight City, to conclude his survey of the mortal governments in the world since his last incarnation.
Normally, the manipulation demon would have taken the main trade roads, found a merchant with a covered wagon to beg for his presence, and rode to the capital in style. Unfortunately, his subservient wrath demon, Arteron, had been constantly grumbling about his pent up energy, bound by Azazel to not train on the ship for fear of causing an incident with the sailors. As a method to get him to cease his irritating prattling, Azazel had agreed the pair would walk the vessel through the woods and Arteron could fight the myriad beasts of the jungle.
And he had. Three werebeasts, a few avianbears, and a displacer beast or two later, and the vessel was back to a suitable fighting trim for the demon of war. One good thing about the rain was how it washed the varied blood of Arteron's slaughters from the puppet's body, lessening the time Azazel needed to spend cleaning and preening the vessel.
Now, as he journeyed through the water-logged woods, Azazel had fashioned his clothing to be tight-fitting and sleek to slough off the water easily and trap body heat more effectively [Morph Suit]. That last thing he needed was for the vessel to catch a cold and put the pair out of commission when there was so much to be done.
As he came upon a large tree, the canopy of which mostly shielded its underside form the rain, Azazel spied a most curious sight: a well-dressed blue draconynh taking shelter amongst the raised roots. the manipulation demon smiled with the vessel's lips.
Finally, a mortal to talk to and twist.
Azazel approached the stranger with a confident swagger, striding right up to him.
"I feel that whoever coined the phrase about raining and pouring must have been talking about these charming islands, wouldn't you agree?"
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 16, 2024 15:20:41 GMT -5
The draconynh was mildly startled by the sudden appearance of another person, causing him to almost jump back a bit. Unfortunately, he had been leaning against the tree while sitting, so it caused him to bump the back of his head a little. He let out a quiet hiss that was a mix of embarrassment and just a slight touch of pain. As a result, it took him a moment to reply to the stranger’s question.
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve only been visiting these islands for a short time now,” Lucian spoke, humming a little in thought. “But it’s not too out of the norm for me. I’m used to the storms back home.”
He thought of the tropical storms of his home island, brought on by strong winds and supplemented by the ocean. The rain would pour for days at a time. Nobles like himself were lucky, having properly constructed shelter. The common folk… were not so lucky. The strong winds risked blowing away any homes that had no proper foundation.
Lucian’s golden eyes drifted over to the perceived human’s clothing as he thought, but suddenly was pulled out of his almost daydream as he saw the material. Oh, this person wasn’t even really getting wet from the rain at all!
“Oh, clever!” He remarked. “You’re wearing something that makes the rain slip right off of you. You’ll be just fine in this storm.”
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Jan 16, 2024 18:02:32 GMT -5
Azazel's eyebrow raised in concert with the quirking of his lips into a sly grin. "But of course, my friend. The only reasons to get wet are for bathing and dramatic effect." The demon smirked, noting this spot was fully protected from the precipitation, snapping his fingers as his clothing altered its shape to his whims of being in line with his usual attire [Morph Suit]: a scarfed half shirt and tight pants that showed off his chiseled form admirably without being exceptionally crass.
The demon smiled, wide and predatory, as he extended a hand toward the stranger, glittering green eyes foretelling of dark thrills. "I am called Azazel: far from home and very much in need of some good banter. I hope you're up to the task. And you are?"
The vessel's honeyed voice trailed off expectantly, the demon's abundant charisma seeming to demand a response. Everything about the man seemed prime to excite others, to draw them in and then...? Only further interaction would tell, but the danger of his casual confidence, of the glinting double-bladed sword at his back, lent a certain thrill to the encounter that many found irresistible.
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 17, 2024 12:33:00 GMT -5
"Or if you're swimming or playing in the water, those would also be valid reasons for getting wet," Lucian spoke, the words slipping out rather easily as he just spoke his mind.
As the other suddenly changed the form of his clothes, the draconynh averted his eyes out of politeness. He glanced over at Azazel's vessel once more before immediately looking away again. That man had his abs out, oh oceans below. It would be rude to stare at the other, at least based on how much Lucian had been reprimanded in the past at staring at people, primarily humans. So, instead, he kept his golden eyes focused on the rain. Yes, it was rude for Lucian to not look at Azazel in the eyes, but it was likely ruder to stare at him.
He shook Azazel's hand, continuing to not look at him. "Lucian Lucifen, at your service. Also another traveler far from home."
His tail slowly swished back and forth behind him, continuing to hit the tree. Lucian moved to look over at his tail, realizing the problem here. He re-adjusted his position near the tree so he would stop hitting his tail. He just wanted to have his nervous habit happen without accidentally bumping into things.
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Jan 17, 2024 12:43:53 GMT -5
The puppet's smile grew wider still to accommodate the demon's pleasure at the mortal's reaction. It was one common enough, and though the draconynh wasn't subjected to the tyranny of blood flow giving away his thoughts as the fleshier races were, Azazel could still see his new companion's telltale signs of shy interest.
Time to press the advantage. Of course, as if anyone expected anything else. Hush now, Arteron. I don't begrudge you for tearing through weak mortals with your blade. This is the same for me, my tongue my weapon. Show a little professional courtesy, would you?
The wrath demon grumbled as Azazel smiled, his eyes boring into Lucian with interest. "Aha. Tell me, Mr. Lucian Lucifen: am I so unsightly to you as to force you to turn your head from me? I will admit, I've not been as devoted to personal care as I should have been these last few moons, but I'd like to think I haven't fallen to being quite so unpalatable."
The demon's voice still exuded confidence, but there was enough of a challenging edge to his words that he knew the mortal would rise to take the bait: a prospect that had him grinning even more.
Incarnated life is such a wonderful game.
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 17, 2024 13:15:11 GMT -5
Lucian continued to avert his eyes, even more embarrassed now that he was called out on this. His tail swished back and forth just a bit faster than before with his anxiety. He should at least admit the truth in this case.
"It's not that you're unsightly, it's that..." He started, trailing off a little. "Your abdomen's exposed. And so it would be rude to look at you considering that. Humans prefer their privacy, or so I've been told over and over."
The gears began to turn in his head a little. It was still raining, though, wasn't it? It created a slight chill in the air. Wasn't this man cold from wearing such light clothing in this weather? Yes, he wasn't getting soaked, nor were his clothes wet, but it was still certainly cold.
He turned his gaze, meeting Azazel's eyes with almost a soft expression of concern. "Are you not cold though? We might be dry under this shelter, but this new outfit of yours doesn't seem like it's the most suitable for this kind of weather?"
He averted his gaze again, not wanting to linger or stare too long, as he was still a bit flustered over this situation.
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Jan 17, 2024 13:46:49 GMT -5
Azazel's ensuing laugh was full-bodied and genuine. Mortals always did find the most insignificant things to worry over. Modesty in clothing always seemed a pointless enterprise to the demon. If the purpose of preening oneself to beauty standards was to advertise mating suitability, it seemed eminently counterintuitive to then hide away the fruits of one's labor. For whatever gripes he had with Arteron's fits of personality, Azazel was admittedly appreciative of how his obsessive training sculpted the vessel to one of enviable beauty, in a way that simple demonic infusion would have a tough time replicating.
"I'd ask you not to paint me in such a broad stroke with your concept of humans. I certainly don't share this sentiment. That's why I'm willing to endure a bit of cold for the attention. While I do find it endearing that you are so flustered by this inconsequential social practice, I'd prefer your eyes linger where they desire. It would be a welcome relief. I'll tell you, Displacer Beasts certainly don't have an appreciative eye for beauty."
The demon chuckled again, coming to sit beside Lucian, dangerously close.
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 17, 2024 23:35:47 GMT -5
If the draconynh had the capability to blush, he’d be as red as a tomato right now. But, he did not have that capability, so instead the fins on his head were fluttering because of how flustered he was. Was this human really so bold about such a thing? None of the people from his home island would dare to even request such a thing, especially not in public. Perhaps it was a difference in culture? His home was much more… conservative about such things.
“I think I’ll just keep my eyes on the rain, then.” He responded, a slight stutter in his voice. “The raindrops are rather beautiful. Not as pretty as the ocean, but still beautiful.”
He focused his gaze entirely on the rain now, his thoughts running at a lightning pace. Was… was this other man hitting on him? He had no idea how to react to this situation. Considering Lucian was of noble status and was also, well, a draconynh, most people didn’t approach him with such a forward attitude. Common folk wouldn’t want to offend a noble, and there also weren’t many nobles who would ever approach a dragonkin in such a way.
“And besides, humans actually have something to cover.” He added, recalling that fact.
Indeed, humans had no fur or scales to cover them thing. A draconynh like himself had scales and scutes covering his body that hid anything that should be hidden. But, he still wore clothes anyways because of the culture he was raised in. Once again, humans preferred privacy, and would rather not have a lizard creature running around on the streets without anything on.
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Jan 18, 2024 15:59:45 GMT -5
The demon reclined further against the roots of the tree, interlacing his fingers behind his head as he spread his arms out. "Suit yourself, darling. Precipitation is rather banal in my estimations, but to each their own. You spoke of the ocean, are you perhaps a member of one of the Luna Sea peoples? I can't help but notice your aquatic adaptations."
While his posture and tone were casual and relaxed, his gleaming emerald eyes bore daggers into the draconynh, willing him to give up his secrets. Of course, the demon had the ability to infiltrate Lucian's mind, to peel back the layers of concealment to get to the mortal's heart on the matter, but he had learned that the people of this age were rather adverse to such direct intervention.
What purpose does talking with the scaled one have on our current objective? Despite his fine clothing, he is obviously not a native of this region and thus offers no progress towards our mission. And ripping that werebeast in half with your bare hands, endangering the vessel, had such bearing on your objectives? Physical training is a worthy goal in and of itself. Proving yourself mastered over your body renders you worthy of a weapon and the title of warrior.
Azazel hummed in response, thoroughly unconvinced.
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 18, 2024 22:22:22 GMT -5
The draconynh nodded, his gaze focused on the falling raindrops. "I am, actually. I can't be too sure of my exact lineage, but I am a member of a small populace in the Luna Sea."
Lucian could only assume that his lineage was of draconynh living on the small islands within the span of the Luna Sea. Either that, or a seafaring fleet of draconynh, which seemed more likely. After all, from what he'd heard, tropical draconynh tended to have similar bright colors to those of tropical birds, while he was closer to something that had adapted to live under the ocean waves with his deep blue scales, and his gills.
"So then, where do you come from?" He asked. "I assume somewhere much sunnier and drier, considering your preferred attire."
In his mind, it was only polite to reverse the question on the other to show that he was at least paying attention and interested in hearing what he wanted to say. He was already being so rude by watching the rain instead of making eye contact, after all. But the rain at least kept his focus so that he wasn't distracted or flustered. His tail's movements had slowed down a bit, thankfully, as a result of this measure against his own nervousness.
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Jan 20, 2024 19:00:28 GMT -5
Azazel smirked. As obvious and boring as it was for his new companion to reverse the question on him, the demon was amused to no end by the dragonkin's pointed gaze toward the rainfall, his body almost a statue above the neck. Azazel made a chiding, humming noise as he began to speak.
"I thought I had already warned you about the dangers of assuming, dear Lucian. Perhaps I simply like to be looked at. I should think that is a trait that can carry despite the lands one hails from. With my appearance dictated by my whims, there is no guarantee that I haven't selected this outfit and body specifically for you, my formal friend."
Every word the manipulation demon spoke was akin to spiderwebs ensnaring an unsuspecting victim. Azazel knew exactly where to prod, where to soothe, to capture mortal interest. He had been perfecting his art from time immemorial, and would continue doing so even after this draconynh, this forest, and the world as currently known had long faded from memory.
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 20, 2024 22:28:38 GMT -5
Lucian's tail began to swish not in excitement anymore but mild annoyance. This guy didn't even have the courtesy to answer his question properly! Yes, perhaps he shouldn't assume, but it was still a reasonable conclusion to make about the outfit without assuming anything about the man's personality or desires. His golden eyes seemed to narrow a little, even as he was looking at the rain.
"But you still haven't answered my question, even if I'm making a false assumption about your attire." He pointed out. "I shall repeat it for clarity purposes, even if it seems rude. Where do you come from? You don't have to say if you're not comfortable enough to, of course, but I'd still like an exact answer to my question."
He let out a quiet huff, water bubbles coming out of his mouth and floating up into the air. He face-palmed. Oceans below, he still needed to learn how to adapt to this new development, didn't he? The increased physical training he's undergone since coming to the Crescent Isle had managed to awaken more of his draconic biology. His claws were sharper, he swam faster, and, of course, he found that he could now create a water-based breath weapon coming from his mouth. And, apparently that meant learning how to actually control such a thing. At least he was an aquatic dragon, so the water wasn't likely to harm anyone should he lose some control over the new ability.
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Jan 22, 2024 11:17:42 GMT -5
Azazel chuckled in response, low and dangerous, his green eyes boring holes into the side of Lucian's head. If the draconynh would not look at him, the demon would make his presence known.
"You're quite impertinent, dear Lucian. It's a good thing I'm rather fond of impatient people." The demon moved closer, merely a breath away, as he whispered to his new companion. "I would caution you against such careless speech in the future, though, dear. You may find yourself in the company of those less charitable than I in your travels. In such cases, you're more likely to find a dagger between your ribs than the answers you seek."
As suddenly as the intensity that Azazel displayed in his unexpected closeness, the demon sat back, mirth and carelessness re-emerging in his tone. "If it's really that important, the answer to your question is much as you surmised. This body of mine was born in the Zeinav desert, far to the east."
Switching tacts, the demon began a new line of questioning. "What is your purpose for being on the Crescent Isles, little gr'usha?1"
1. A demonic term meaning something close to 'rude one'
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 22, 2024 12:34:05 GMT -5
The draconynh shifted uncomfortably in his position, feeling the stare. It made him feel rather uneasy. Is this why he was taught not to stare too much at people? No wonder people often became rather nervous if this is what it felt like!
At Azazel’s warning, Lucian couldn’t help but pridefully smirk to himself just a bit. “I’ve gotten a bit better at combat since coming here, so if someone were to attempt that, I’d be able to defend myself. Hopefully.” He said that last part quietly, as he became quickly filled with doubt. “Regardless, I at least offered an out. So those who don’t want to answer my questions can merely state that they don’t want to.”
His smile returned to his face, though, as he found his guess was correct. Wonderful! He was getting better at his observations! His tail swished back and forth, betraying his excitement at being correct.
He blinked as he realized that the other had asked him a question. “Oh! You see, I’ve come to learn more about the culture and government of the Isle. I… want to prove that I was right about something.”
Indeed, he had come to see if his idea to integrate democracy into his own kingdom’s government was actually a good idea on his part. Attempting to promote democracy within the court had led to him getting effectively exiled, after all. If he could prove his idea was a good one, he could return back home and possibly revolutionize the government to be better for its people.
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