etrayalogs | Is tiny dragon still a dragon? (closed)

Entry tags:

Is tiny dragon still a dragon? (closed)

WHO: Vax'ildan Vessar

twin_blade & Dion Lesage

oblige
WHEN: Post-fog event
WHERE: Charronway
WHAT: It's time to mini-prime.
NOTES\WARNINGS: None.

[ Vax might have a place to rest his head at night, but he doesn't actually spend a lot of time at the apartments. Having been in Etraya for a year, one would think he would have found a more comfortable place to call home, but this place is not and never will be his home. In short, he hasn't bothered to try.

Instead, he likes to be out as much as possible. Exploring different areas. Learning the ins and outs of the world and getting a lay of the land. When he's not traveling, he likes quiet spots away from it all. Anything that remotely reminds him of home. The lakeside is one of those places he enjoys.

He sits on a log near the water's edge, absently rubbing a smooth pebble between his fingers as he watches a single bird glide over the surface of the water. It's here that he waits for company from someone who contacted him for a meeting. Until then, he lets himself get lost in the sound of the wind in the trees and tiny laps of the water on the rocky bank. It won't be difficult for his elven ears to pick up the approach of anyone coming to find him. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ At full size, Vax would be a little too nervous to give Bahamut scritches, even knowing it was Dion. He'd give the little guy more of them if he thought he could get away with it. ]

What do you mean?

[ Dion seems to be pondering something, but Vax isn't entirely sure he understands what it is yet. ]

Forgive me my wandering thoughts.

[ Here he is, going on about something Vax is yet unfamiliar with. ]

I am capable of bestowing blessings. Think of it as a protection of a sort, which comes from my Eikon's power. In Rosaria, it is common practice for the Phoenix to bestow a blessing to his most elite guard, for example. No such formal practice exists with Bahamut, but I am no less able.

Edited 2025-10-14 03:16 (UTC)

[ Vax smiles a little with amusement at the apology. He doesn't mind. ]

A blessing? For protection? How does it work?

[ It sounds a little like the blessings of priests back home, which are mostly rubbish just to make people feel better, but from an actual eikon, maybe there's something to it. ]

[ Dion's first answer is that little rumbling approximation of a hum his dragon body produces at this size. How to explain something implicitly understood in his world, yet unheard of in another...

It's more of a challenge when it's instinctual on his part. ]

I could only speak for my experience, but it only requires focus and intent. That protection remains with a person, strengthens them to a degree, though how it manifests may vary by individual.

[ Whether that is owed to how those individuals use that boon or something undefined, he couldn't say. He also couldn't suggest Clive as an example of one who had received a blessing, seeing as he is a wholly unique case and got more than others would from it as a result. ]

My dragoons for example— I wished them to be as safe as they possibly could be.

[ The soft 'hum' of the little dragon is actually kind of nice. Vax isn't sure Dion's making dragons less scary, since it's hard to think of him as a dragon at this size, but it is incredibly cute to behold. ]

And that kept them safe in battle? It does sound like a blessing.

[ He's not entirely sure what brought this train of thought up, but eikons seem to have many powers beyond their massive size and destructive magic. ]

I believe it aided them, at least. Some felt their leaps or landings were made all the easier.

[ And so, the avenue his thoughts had traveled. Trained dragoons could do without, and those outside of his order did just that, but it seemed to benefit them.

In theory, it might aid others. It gives him something more to ponder. ]

It might make more of a difference to those who couldn't do so otherwise. I've only their accounts to go by, though.

[ Vax wonders if there really was magic in that blessing or if the dragoon were simply inspired at having been granted Dion's favor. If Dion were to grant him his favor, Vax would feel like he could leap over a building, too. ]

If shit were to get serious again, I'd say, try anything.

[ Maybe it would work or maybe it wouldn't, but if they're in a bind, Vax is in favor of all the luck they can get. Or blessings. Either will do. ]

Knowing Echo's penchant for meddling with our abilities, I wonder whether I could in the moment.

[ During the fog, the inability to channel his aether had been a gift and curse both. It drastically reduced his versatility, but at the same time, it kept him from potentially becoming a danger to others they'd struggle to manage.

Well, unless Odin was mentally sound enough in the moment, he supposes. But what were those odds, torturous as the fog was, for any Dominant? ]

Nothing impedes me in the moment, however, if you'd like to see for yourself.

[ See for himself? Now? ]

Uh, sure.

[ Vax isn't certain what to expect, but he is curious. Do blessing last or do they expire? Guess there's only one way to find out. ]

I will do you no harm, I assure you.

[ That's what that reaction is about, surely.

Regardless, Vax did agree. Dion hasn't given a blessing whilst Primed, certainly not in miniature, but that hardly has any bearing on his ability. So he sits up strsighter, as tall as his present form allows, and concentrates.

Vax might recognize a pattern in the light that Dion's aether manifests between them, and he may not. It lingers but briefly before a wash of glittering illumination douses Vax, and then it dissipates. ]

There. How does that feel?

Edited 2025-10-15 01:31 (UTC)

[ Vax knows Dion would not do anything that would harm him. He has complete trust in the prince.

As the little eikon sits up straighter, Vax does the same, turning to face Dion, though still seated on the ground. He folds his legs in front of him, rests his hands on his knees, and waits.

Soon, he sees the wafting aether, and though he hasn't seen it before, he knows magic when he sees it. If there is a pattern of some kind, he tries to make it out. Then, as the light washes over him, Vax closes his eyes for a moment, before blinking them open as it disappears.

How does it feel? ]

Tingly.

[ He smiles, then looks down at himself, as if he could spot any traces still there. ]

How does it work? Do I.. do anything? Or just let it do its thing?

You needn't do anything in particular. A blessing once imparted remains with you always.

[ It is simply there, ever in effect. If nothing else remains with Vax whenever he returns home, perhaps this will. Nothing Dion knows of could take away a blessing once given, though the sheer madness of their circumstance denies them certainties. He's willing to hope it works, though. ]

Accordingly, one should be selective with such things.

[ That is to say: Dion doesn't go casually tossing blessings around. ]

Always? Like.. forever?

[ Dion gave him a blessing that lasts forever? Vax looks down and touches his hand to his chest, wondering if he can still feel it, even though the aether is gone. Whether he can or not, he still feels warm inside.

Hearing this is not a common gift just makes it all the more meaningful. Special. Vax isn't used to feeling special. They both know what life was like for each of them when they were young. But when Dion said he could do a blessing, Vax didn't expect something quite so profound. Usually, a spell or blessing is a short term thing. Cast for a quick boost then gone again. This is different, though. He feels honored.

Vax looks down at the little dragon and smiles, some emotion welling up in his eyes. ]

That's, well, I don't know what to say.

[ Vax just goes with the impulse inside of him. He touches the tiny dragon under its chin, then tilts his head down and presses a light kiss to the top of Bahamut's head, mindful of the horns, of course. With a blush, he sits back again. ]

I'll try not to fuck it up.

[ Dion only hopes it works across the multiverse. If even that much returned with Vax, it might help him overcome those dragons and win peace for his people. His goal is a noble one, and he is a good man, so it's only natural that Dion would wish him success.

What's more, Vax is a friend. He'd said so himself, and so Dion has all the more reason to try to help him in whatever way he can.

All these things Dion might have said, except his train of thought is effectively derailed by the gesture. That kiss is a gentle thing he hadn't anticipated, and the warmth of it surprises him as much as the fact that it occurred at all. Is that a common expression of thanks for Vax's people?

It would hardly be polite to ask, so he stares curiously up at Vax instead. His wings shift in place, more fidgeting than for any genuine purpose. He thinks it a mercy that in dragon form, he can't blush, for he feels warm enough to.

Give him a moment to collect himself. ]

...You need not try to manage that. I have faith in you.

[ Dion believes in him. ]

[ They're told that nothing goes back with them to their worlds, but this blessing is not just anything. Does Vax feel more powerful now because of the blessing, or because of what it means? Even if it turns out to be purely symbolic, knowing he has Dion's faith makes Vax feel strong.

On top of that, Dion said he'd only given the blessing to some of his dragoons before. Maybe he hasn't taken an oath, but Vax will always do whatever he can to protect Dion in their stead, since Dion's soldiers aren't here. Vax may be a thief and a rogue, and probably inadequate compared to those trained men, but it's the least he can do.

Dion may be fidgeting in dragon form, while Vax is trying not to look silly just as he is. Were Dion in his human form, Vax might not have had the courage to deliver the kiss at all. On such an adorable creature, however, it felt a little more harmless. Who would have thought he'd ever kiss a dragon? ]

Thank you, Dion.

[ A little choked up by the words, he looks aside to blink away the emotion. He's not sure he has the faith of others lately. It's nice to feel someone believes in him to make the right decisions. ]

[ Dion could safely say none had kissed Bahamut. It would certainly have been a different proposition at his true Primed size, and he suspects none would be quite that bold... But this smaller form is Bahamut still yet, and he'll certainly remember it.

Possibly puzzle over it too, but he is given to rumination after all.

It's clear to Dion that his words, though said in earnest, bear more significance to Vax than he may have anticipated. He studies the man's features as best he can from his vantage point, limited by his present form as he is. From what Dion has learned of Vax's life thus far, it had been difficult and painful, and yet more battles await him.

He wants to believe that others have expressed their support, their faith. But seeing Vax's reaction leaves him doubting whether that is so. Whatever the truth of it may be, his regard for the man remains. ]

Should you need to hear it again in the future, I will remind you.

[ And his blessing will remain with him, that spark of his Eikon's power. He hopes it protects and aids Vax as it has his dragoons. Perhaps he'll find he feels lighter and lands more softly than he had before, or it might manifest in one of the variety of other little ways it had amongst those soldiers. Bahamut's essence is light, with all that that entails. ]

[ Vax knows his friends love him, and they believe in him, but it's hard knowing the most important decision of your life is not something they can forgive. It's not that he doesn't understand why they feel that way, but his perspective is different. Perhaps, one day, they'll forgive him for it. For now, it's nice to hear such encouraging words from a friend.

When Dion speaks again, Vax glances back over at him, and his expression melts into an appreciative, tender look. ]

Aw, knock it off. There's such a thing as being too good, you know?

[ He jests, reaching over to deliver another scritch under Bahamut's chin as he teases him. Dion might keep insisting he isn't perfect, but he's really bad at proving he's not. ]

[ Dion would disagree, if only Vax wasn't capitalizing on what is apparently a weakness of his. Rather reliably, he leans into that touch, only to lean a little too much and scrabble against the log for purchase. His wings and spines avail him not and he plops rather gracelessly onto the grass. ]

...That is an unfair advantage.

[ It comes with a vexed huff from his small draconic form, weak though the protest is. Who knew he could be that easily diverted while in this form?

He doesn't lament his weakness for too long, flipping to pick himself up. The size may differ greatly, but Dion is very accustomed to moving about as Bahamut, and the familiarity shows. ]

[ Vax smiles as he watches the little dragon lean into the movement of his fingers. It's definitely less terrifying when a dragon does that. But then he leans a little too far and ends up landing on the grass at the base of the log. ]

Oops.

[ Vax didn't intend that, but the remark does get a chuckle out of him. ]

Well, I am a rogue. We're known for our sneak attacks.

[ He places the gentlest of taps on the tip of Bahamut's nose. ]

Though I suppose I should hold you the next time I try that.

[ If he can get away with it. ]

[ Sneak attacks. Well, he'd certainly surprised Dion. And Dion has surprised himself, he supposes. He has so little notion of how he responds to much beyond combat as Bahamut, though this size wouldn't be remotely suited to combat.

Now he does know, and given his prior tumble, his wings shift in an approximation of a shrug. ]

That may be best, lest I drop again.

[ He never expected to be that easily distracted. ]

[ Vax didn't expect Dion would agree to such an idea. Does that mean he'd like to do it again? There's a long moment of consideration, then Vax figures, why not?

He lowers his hands and opens his arms. ]

Come on, then. Promise I won't drop you.

[ Will the little dragon slip into Vax's arms? He won't try picking Bahamut up without permission. ]

[ Dion had been thinking in the hypothetical, rather than viewing it as an immediate prospect. Yet he is accustomed to being handled and held, though it was by a small child at the time, and that came with the occasional minor mishap.

He has most assuredly been dropped before. ]

Now? [ There isn't any masking his surprise, between a quizzical tilt of the dragon's horned head and his tone. He knows Vax has his very understandable reservations about dragons, and so he'd been cautious of moving nearer than the man might be prepared for. ] ...Very well, then.

[ He crouches low before hopping, flapping his relatively large little wings just enough to let himself land on Vax's leg. Not quite flying into his arms, but he would rather not risk swatting him with his wings. ]

Edited 2025-10-16 02:23 (UTC)

[ Vax practically grins at the question. It certainly doesn't have to be now, but he's still in that tiny dragon form, so it could be now. It appears Vax is at least comfortable enough with the sight of the smaller version of Bahamut to be closer to him.

~~Vax knew he couldn't resist more scritches.~~

When Bahamut hops onto his leg, Vax carefully moves his arm around the small dragon's body to scoop him up, then bring him closer to cradle him against his body. He won't drop Dion like this. ]

My sister has a bear. Trinket. When he was a cub, I used to hold him like this sometimes. He got big fast, though.

[ As he talks, he moves his hand under Bahamut's chin and delivers some gentle scritches. Vax is a practiced thief, so he's quite good with his hands, except when it comes to cursed back doors with stubborn locks. ]

[ Dion didn't quite know what to expect, but decisively, it wasn't being held quite this way whilst being regaled with tales of a bear. On a practical level it makes good sense, Vax would need a free hand, yet his surprise comes for him regardless.

It's with a delay that Dion adjusts his wings, shifting them as best he's able. Fortunately his spines are flexible things, meant for directing rays of light as they are. ]

A bear. [ He repeats, incredulous. ] Are we thinking of the same sort of creature?

[ Or perhaps the translator isn't functioning reliably...? ]

[ Vax wanted Dion to at least be comfortable while he was held, so keeping an arm under him and the dragon's body against his own chest seemed like the natural way to do that.

Thankfully, the spines move, and Vax is wearing his leather armor, so he doesn't feel any pokes, and it should be soft enough for Bahamut to rest against. If the dragon's head is against the front of Vax's shoulder, he's even got a whole section of black feathers from Vax's mantle to act as a pillow.

A smile and Vax nods, continuing the movements of his fingers. ]

Yeah. He's big enough to ride now, but we took him in when we were kids. This wasn't long after we ran away from Syngorn.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject