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Post by Sharei on Aug 17, 2021 14:44:52 GMT -6
Sarkany had ignored his suggestion entirely. Koji sighed inwardly and pushed the chair back in. There was only one thing to do.
"You don't need to bribe me to take you to the butchers, Sarkany," the Genasi said. He picked up the meat pie and carried it with him to the windowsill, where he placed it next to the apple pie. Then he leant on the wall next to the window, arms crossed, and regarded his friend.
"I'd be happy to take you. But I am interested in this dish you're making, anyway. What is it?"
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Post by Sharei on Aug 17, 2021 14:52:43 GMT -6
The juvenile tipped his head back to look up at Viktoria.
"The Saljir's senses are more like a human's. A little better, but not by very much." One dark-skinned hand rubbed the back of his neck as he glanced away. "Not as good as in my dragon form. I don't usually hunt like this, to be honest. I know dad wants me to learn but it's just downright inefficient, and anyway, I prefer my dragon form. As a dragon, my sense of smell is way better."
And being a dragon was much more amazing than being nearly human.
"So usually I come at things from the air."
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Post by MP on Aug 17, 2021 15:41:04 GMT -6
"Oh." Sarkany put a hand over his heart with a wistful sigh. "A stew so fragrant, so tender, it's heartbreaking."
He lowered his hand, voice dropping back to normal.
"Well, that's the goal, anyway. My partner and I learned the recipe on pilgrimage to the nightlands, from an old tavern mother, of all people. A little nowhere place. But it was so well-loved that we heard praise and came looking from the next city over."
In a rare unguarded moment, an unconscious smile flickered across Sarkany's features. A softer expression than the usual. Those had been good travels. Good times.
"I've been trying to recreate the recipe with earth flavors for years. It's the meat, you know." He spread his fingers in the impression of a blaze. "The fire."
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Post by tsukikoko on Aug 17, 2021 16:55:15 GMT -6
Vibrant, attentive feline eyes regarded the juvenile as he explained the limitations of his current form. One ear flickered. "Iz not prrrroblem." Viktoria rumbled in response, "-hyave otherrr vays of trrracking." Her shoulders rose and fell, ensuring the bow she carried was nestled securely, before the scarred humanoid gestured for her companion to follow her.
A few steps into the foliage, apparently still far enough from their destination to speak freely without alerting their prey, Viktoria abruptly commented, "Iz good, da, to learrrn all forrrms." A glance back over her shoulder. "Vill not alvays ah- larrrge open space, forr drrragon. Perrhyaps sometimes zis morrre efficient, hm? Many skills.. ah- hmm.. vhat iz vorrrds..." She rolled one large hand, searching for the English term in her head. "Between forrrms and situations useful.. uh.. trrransferr? If can find tarrrget both vith scent orrr vithowt, vill not as much sufferrr if sense taken avay, da? Lose smell, can trrrack by eye, lose sight, can listen orrr smell. If trrrapped in small building, can fight lyike zis-" she gestured to his Saljir form, "-just as good as drrragon."
Again, there was a pause, before the feline flashed her rows of teeth in what might have been a smile. Or, equally, a snarling display. "Vhen I am done, at least."
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Post by Sharei on Aug 17, 2021 19:06:28 GMT -6
"The fire, hmm?"
Koji raised one eyebrow. The corner of his mouth was pulling upward despite a token effort to prevent it. That was the problem with Sarkany, he was an awful influence.
"I see how it is. You were planning to come to me from the start, weren't you? I knew you only liked me for my cookfire."
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Post by Sharei on Aug 17, 2021 19:22:42 GMT -6
The dragon snorted.
"There's no way that this scrawny little body will fight as good as my dragon self," he said. "I mean, look at it!"
The juvenile gestured at his small chest, his thin arms, and lack of muscle definition. He was an interesting sight visually, but when it came to practical application the body was lacking. The scales on his chest were softer than armor would allow for, and his claws were sharp but too small to do any significant damage.
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Post by MP on Aug 17, 2021 20:52:22 GMT -6
"And you for my cooking, so we're a match."
Sarkany's eyes twinkled mischief. But then his gaze went to the windowsill and the forbidden pies there, and he shook his head with mock sadness.
"Alas, you learned too well. Now you have your fire and all the pies you can handle. I may be out of a job."
He side-eyed Koji - the pies behind him, too.
"Maybe I should hold onto that recipe after all. Keep one last trump card."
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Post by tsukikoko on Aug 23, 2021 15:14:54 GMT -6
The scarred feline very deliberately let her eyes roam up and down her companion's body, before stating in her usual monotone, "Da. I am looking." She raised one shoulder, lowered it again. "Vill be differrrent, zhat iz fine. But vhat if you arrrre needing to fight in, ah, small space, da? Drrragon cannot alvays fit. You vill to be adaptable learrrn. Make use of fists, feet, vings, ah- use man's own veapons against zhem, if must."
For a few moments after that, Viktoria said nothing, but the corner of her eye took in the youngling's frame. "You vill also biggerrr and strrronger get, vith mahscle. Not alvays vill be, ah... 'scrrrawny'."
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Post by Sharei on Aug 23, 2021 20:29:12 GMT -6
"Speaking of a job."
Koji drummed his fingers along his arm and let his gaze roam for a moment, contemplating how best to ask. In the end, he didn't have an answer, so simply spoke.
"I'm considering opening a food cart in the Underground. A grill, maybe stews or soups too. Not sure yet on the exact menu. But I need something more permanent to earn money with. I'm tired of relying on other people, and I'm going to need spending cash sooner or later."
Aaron was always alright to pay, but the constant borrowing had long lost its charm.
"I was thinking, if you had no other plans, I could use your expertise. I know you don't really care for money, but you'll need it to buy from the butchers."
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Post by Sharei on Aug 23, 2021 20:32:10 GMT -6
"R-Really...? You think so?"
The dragon paused, imagining himself with more weight and better muscle mass. Could Viktoria really turn this frail body into a fighter's physique? Would he, finally, be in a position to defend himself properly? It was almost too much to dream for.
"I could actually get... bigger?"
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Post by MP on Aug 24, 2021 15:04:00 GMT -6
"Food cart, hmm? Very old world." Sarkany tapped his cheek thoughtfully. "But a quality setup is doable these days, especially with your skills. Leaves you plenty of culinary options. It's a good choice."
The seraph paused suddenly, then tipped an eye at Koji.
"Are you offering me a job?"
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