Jess: *stares at the new guy*
Basho: *stared at* Why, hello there~
Jess: You're very bright. Like the sun. C:
Basho: *glances at himself* Yes, I suppose I am. Though I'm not nearly as bright as you are, miss.
Jess: *glances down as well* I guess I am pretty bright. *looks back up* But you're yellow! I've never seen a yellow dragon before.
Basho: Ah, I see~ *tilts his head to the sky thoughtfully* I can't say I've seen too many myself, not that I think about it.
Jess: *sad* That's a pity. Yellow is a nice color.
Basho: I'm quite fond of it myself, though I'm probably a bit biased. *grins*
Jess: *smiles back* It's okay to be biased sometimes. As long as you don't let it get to you. *spies his tail string* Oh, how pretty! Are you a riverstone, sir?
Basho: *turns to look at his BANANAbutt and flicks the strings* Ah, no. Not yet anyways. Still a bit too new around here, though I hope to be one once I'm allowed.
Jess: Are you a student then? How lovely! And I'm sure you'll make it through all right; Riverstones are always in demand.
Basho: That's good to know. I was worried I wouldn't be skilled enough and they'd have to kick me out. *joking*
Jess: *shakes her head* Everyone is welcome to the Road as long as they show good intent. You seem friendly enough. *grins*
Basho: I've encountered many a dragon in my travels. I've learned to simply accept others for who they are and not hold it against them if they've got less than a pleasant attitude. Things are much easier that way. *grins back*
Jess: Then you should fit right in here! I'm glad you came~
Basho: As am I. The company is quite enjoyable.
Jess: I am sure you will like many of the dragons here. Who have you met? Have you seen my father yet? He's big and green. So's my not-uncle... but father has a black stripe down his back and a wooden bracelet. His name's Harar, and he's a Riverstone, as am I.
Basho: Unfortunately, you're the only one I've really had the time to talk with. *chuckles* And I haven't even exchanged names yet. *gives a bow* I'm Basho. And you~?
Jess: *shakes her head to clear it* How forgetful of me! I'm Jess. It's a pleasure to meet you.
Basho: Well, Jess, you have the honor of being the first of my acquaintances in this new pack. Though hopefully you won't be the last.
Jess: I'm sure I won't. We're all quite friendly here. You said you wished to be a Riverstone - are you into crafts? You should meet my father, he carves things from wood.
Basho: Ah, I see. I mostly write poems and stories, but now that I won't be traveling quite as much I wouldn't mind picking up a craft or two.
Jess: A storyteller! How wonderful, I don't think we have many of those. And all of those travels... I'm sure everyone will be clamoring for you come winter, when the snow comes in.
Basho: *chuckles* I do hope so. There's nothing I love more than entrancing a crowd with a riveting tale~
Jess: *stands up and does a quick turn in her excitement* How lovely! All those places you've been... have you been north, in the land of the northern dragons? Or south, in the land of the mountain dragons? I've never even left the valley... father says it's very dangerous, especially if you head north. Some packs are not as accepting as ours.
Basho: I've been to the north and the south, though admittedly, I did not venture too far north. Last I heard there were two packs at war with each other and things were getting quite violent. So I suppose your father was wise to give you warning against going there.
Jess: War? What a terrible thing... hopefully it will not spread here. And really, I must tell my father. He has a friend in the north, or had, for the last time he came back from a visit he was in the worst of moods, although he wouldn't say a word.
Basho: Ah. Well, let's hope your father's friend is not caught up in that mess. I do not think it's something anyone would want to be involved in.
Jess: I can only hope. War... it leads to so many dead... *glances over her shoulder, then looks back* Have you ever talked to a ghost?
Basho: *tilts his head* Now there's a interesting question. Unfortunately, I can't say that I have. But, I have heard of others who can~
Jess: *nods* Ghost speakers are very important to our pack. But it has been some time since we had any... same for Keystones. Ah, healers, I mean. My not-uncles mate, Nari... she was the last. And now all of her knowledge is hidden, lost, for there is no one to speak to her.
Basho: Ah, that is very unfortunate. I'm sure one with the ghost-speaking ability will show up eventually, though.
Jess: *nods* I am trying to learn... but is difficult. And sometimes I am frightened. Sometimes my not-uncle... *stops abruptly*
Basho: *tilts his head* Hmmm?
Jess: *sighs* My not-uncle... well. I never met Nari, but she and my not-uncle... they were bonded. Very strongly, I suppose. And sometimes, when he's sleeping... he speaks to her. When I was a child, I was fascinated, but now... he just wants to be left alone. To move on, to live his life. But he is the only who can talk to her and I am certain she has something important to say, something he dare not hear.
Basho: ....That is troubling. I suppose then that it is good you are learning. Hopefully it isn't something that endangers the well-being of the pack...
Jess: *shakes her head* I will learn. And Nari will protect me. But as I said, sometimes I am frightened... it is a very big responsibility to speak to ghosts. I will be their voice.
Basho: I am sure you will do fine. You seem like a strong individual. *smiles*
Jess: *smiles* I am glad you have confidence in me, although I have no teachers. There are but to gemstones in the pack... and Cumulous has no time for the likes of me. Carter is alright though. I like him.
Basho: Where there's a will, there's a way, as they say. As long as you're determined to learn, I'm sure you'll figure it out.
Jess: *nods* I am. I will learn. It's just a question of how long it takes.
Basho: *nods* I don't imagine ghost-speaking to be an easy thing to learn. I'm sure it will take time to master it.
Jess: Soon. I can feel it, soon... but what an oaf I am! How long have you been in the pack? Have you had food, water?
Basho: *chuckles* I've only just arrived today, and I've yet to fill my stomach today.
Jess: Why didn't you say so! Come, I'll show you to the lake, and then we can hunt. I'm afraid we're not used to new arrivals, and meat spoils so easily in the summer, so there is nothing waiting.
Basho: That's quite alright. It'll be a chance to get to know the lay of the land a bit better. I haven't spent much time around these parts, after all. Please, lead on~
Jess: *nods* This way!
FIN
