It isn't my best story, you know. There's much better ones I can tell.
[Thinking, foot waggling a bit while he considers.]
The one about how I was raised as a foundling by halflings. Or about how I'm a dragon, stuck in this human-like form? My new favorite is I was kidnapped and raised by a cult, my blood used in their dark rituals until, one day, someone accidentally left the door open and I ran free.
[She shifts slightly, turning over to look at him with a laugh.]
Why do I get the feeling all of your favorite stories about yourself aren't true? You should take more pride in the real one! In the end, it's all you have, right?
[The moment seems to pass fairly quickly for him anyway. It isn't even so much she said something wrong as it seems to be something he . . . doesn't like thinking about.]
Maybe - maybe for some people? I can't make decisions for everyone. You'll have to make your own choice on that. Sometimes people need a path, or are looking for a path. But I don't think my past is particularly important.
. . . How do you see me now? Is there some truth you could learn that would change how you see me, as I am in this moment?
[This feels like a serious moment, and she continues looking over his way while she decides exactly how to answer.]
The second question's easier. Probably not, but... Well, you don't have to say yes or no to this, but is there something you're worried about people finding out? Or are you just worried about how people see you? You shouldn't be, for either. It's a waste of time.
[As for the first question he asked, with a sigh:]
[There's a beat while he considers all her questions, and then the second statement and he just gives an incredibly loud bark of laughter and spooks one of the VR horses who snorts and trots off a bit]
Thank gods! I thought I was losing my touch. Yes, I'm very weird. Professionally weird even.
[This is very much a compliment to him, apparently]
You're strange too. When a weirdo asked you if there was anything that would change your opinion, you didn't immediately answer, I don't know, mass murder. Or baby eating.
[ At the very least, a philosophy that seems to involve not thinking much about the past seems to also include moving on from any rough conversation waters incredibly easily]
You gave me your impression, it was only fair I give you mine. But you're bold, you ask for things you want, and you don't try to hide behind polite falsehoods. You remind me of some of my favorite people, so it's been nice to get to know you.
[It’s not that she’s unused to people being nice to her, but she is unaccustomed to anyone being quite so open or sincere, so she pauses for a moment.]
You really are weird... [huff] Anyways, there’s no point in not being bold or not saying what you want! Someone else will take the opportunities that you pass up.
[It's fine he's just feeling generous right now and also maybe the tiniest bit vindictive in that maybe she deserves a little sincerity attack after That]
I happen to agree entirely. I suppose that's why I'm here at all in the first place.
[stop complaining about the nicknames!!! Anyway, grinning. Thanks for picking up what he was putting down here.]
In that case, I'm of course here to grant my greatest desire: to restore my family to the throne of the great Empire beyond the sea. I'm secretly an emperor, but I'm a bit on the outs with the court I'm afraid. Lineage situation.
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[Teasing right back.]
There's a difference between an illusion and the real. I understand. Well, I do hope you get to see the very real thing one day.
[Going to match her, kicking his legs up, one foot over a knee, arms behind his head. Tail lightly swishing against the ground.]
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Oh, there's a whole story there? What would I need to do to earn it, then?
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[Thinking, foot waggling a bit while he considers.]
The one about how I was raised as a foundling by halflings. Or about how I'm a dragon, stuck in this human-like form? My new favorite is I was kidnapped and raised by a cult, my blood used in their dark rituals until, one day, someone accidentally left the door open and I ran free.
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Why do I get the feeling all of your favorite stories about yourself aren't true? You should take more pride in the real one! In the end, it's all you have, right?
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it drops when she says that second part. In the end, it's all you have, right?]
I-- hope I have more than that. In the end. [ . . . ] They're all just different stories. The only thing that truly matters is right now. Right here.
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You don't think what came before this or what's going to come after is important?
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Maybe - maybe for some people? I can't make decisions for everyone. You'll have to make your own choice on that. Sometimes people need a path, or are looking for a path. But I don't think my past is particularly important.
. . . How do you see me now? Is there some truth you could learn that would change how you see me, as I am in this moment?
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The second question's easier. Probably not, but... Well, you don't have to say yes or no to this, but is there something you're worried about people finding out? Or are you just worried about how people see you? You shouldn't be, for either. It's a waste of time.
[As for the first question he asked, with a sigh:]
You're weird.
[Not an insult, just. Statement of fact.]
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Thank gods! I thought I was losing my touch. Yes, I'm very weird. Professionally weird even.
[This is very much a compliment to him, apparently]
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Rest assured, you're still very strange! Though I'm not so sure what's so exciting about that...
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You're strange too. When a weirdo asked you if there was anything that would change your opinion, you didn't immediately answer, I don't know, mass murder. Or baby eating.
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Oh, what a shame. I guess now I'll be hearing about all the babies you've eaten?
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[ At the very least, a philosophy that seems to involve not thinking much about the past seems to also include moving on from any rough conversation waters incredibly easily]
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I've changed my mind! Keep it to yourself.
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For what it's worth, I think you're quite an impressive person. Or at least that's my impression of you here and now.
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[she said that way too fast
But she also looks a little puzzled. She’s used to being complimented primarily on how good she is at beating things up, so:]
But what brought that on...?
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You gave me your impression, it was only fair I give you mine. But you're bold, you ask for things you want, and you don't try to hide behind polite falsehoods. You remind me of some of my favorite people, so it's been nice to get to know you.
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You really are weird... [huff] Anyways, there’s no point in not being bold or not saying what you want! Someone else will take the opportunities that you pass up.
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I happen to agree entirely. I suppose that's why I'm here at all in the first place.
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Then what did you come here for? Ah, unless that’s off limits, too.
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[Clouds start to move across the sky by now, as it gets later into the night. He doesn't seem all that bothered.]
. . . I suppose I'm trying to decide if I should come up with an intriguing lie or tell you the mundane truth.
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[But she sighs.]
Mundane, huh? How boring.
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[stop complaining about the nicknames!!! Anyway, grinning. Thanks for picking up what he was putting down here.]
In that case, I'm of course here to grant my greatest desire: to restore my family to the throne of the great Empire beyond the sea. I'm secretly an emperor, but I'm a bit on the outs with the court I'm afraid. Lineage situation.
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[With a laugh:]
Very dramatic. Good luck proving you’re the rightful heir, I guess!