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

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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. ]

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[ 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.

[ Dion thinks it fortunate he's somewhat acclimated to being held in this small form, where he otherwise isn't. In this way he is indeed safe from toppling over like a distracted cat over a small touch.

Would dragonets or wyvers or even full grown drakes like being scratched along their jaw? He can't help wondering, though for the time being, he has no way to find out.

Still, it's pleasant. Relaxing, even.

Not so much so that the thought of a pet bear doesn't continue to strike him as curious though. ]

Is having a pet bear typical in your world? [ He asks as though domesticated dragons aren't an insane proposition to Vax, and realizing this, shakes his head. ] Regardless... He must be rather attached to you both, raised by you that way.

[ Vax also holds Dion as if he were a cat. He tries to make the spot cozy for him while also keeping him secure, but the hold is not too tight. Just enough to keep him from falling, but loose enough that the dragon is free to get down any time it pleases.

As he looks down at the tiny Bahamut, he grows a bit more curious. Seeing with his eyes reveals some things but touching something also lends itself to understanding it further. The gentle scratches turn into a stroke of his fingers down the dragon's neck, feeling for scales and how its body is armored. Then he lightly explores the folds of one of his wings, testing the texture of the skin between two fingers. ]

Not typical at all. But Trinket took to Vex right away. He's family, too.

[ Not that Trinket doesn't love them both, but he's definitely Vex's bear. ]

It's good that you both have him, then.

[ This is inspection, is it? That shift in attention reminds him that indeed he had a purpose in requesting this smaller form. How easily he was distracted... His long tail flicks as he thinks on it. Something to be mindful of, Dion decides, flexing the wing Vax is touching so he can have a better look at it if he wishes. ]

As vulnerabilities go, I should imagine that part would be easily pierced on most dragons. It would effectively ground them, if they are inclined toward flight.

[ As Bahamut certainly was, with a large wingspan and flexible spines where forelimbs would be. He couldn't imagine a creature with heavily armored wings could fly, or at least neither well nor at much height. ]

[ Vax nods in agreement. He wasn't thrilled about the timing when they found Trinket, but he's glad Vex insisted they take care of him. It was the right thing to do, and Trinket has been a loyal friend ever since.

Vax opens his fingers as the wing size increases across his palm. ]

Aren't you worried about revealing all your weaknesses to someone?

[ As if Vax would ever do him any harm. Quite the opposite. He'd take the brunt of any danger that might befall Dion if he could. ]

[ In his world, the physical vulnerabilities of dragons are well-documented. It comes of domestication being common to his homeland, so none of this information would be news to someone who'd had either experience or research. Vax's world may have only bits and scraps of pertinent information on dragons, so it only makes good sense that Dion share what he knows.

Besides, his full and proper Bahamut form is enormous.

Beyond all of this is the simple knowledge that Vax is a good man and he has no reason to mistrust him. Rather than say any of this, however. ]

I've so many, we are nowhere near all of them.

[ Airily, because yes that is a joke. There's also some truth to it. ]

[ Vax quirks a single eyebrow down at the little dragon. Does Vax have to remind him of how good and perfect he is again?

Rather than insist on it, he takes more direct action and uses two fingers to gently pinch Bahamut's mouth shut. Which is entirely useless since Bahamut's not even speaking from his mouth, but Dion must get the picture.

With a small smirk, Vax lets him go and runs his fingers under Bahamut's chin, instead, for some more scratching. ]

I'll just tell everyone your weakness is chin scratches.

That would surely sound absurd.

[ Just as he feels a little ridiculous himself, distracted the way a cat might be. But this time he's determined to keep himself on his self-imposed task, which sees him stubbornly clambering up to Vax's shoulder to park his small Bahamut body among the dark, feathery mass of the man's cloak.

He's safe from distracting scritches here, definitely. ]

We may yet face dragons on a mission as well, so I would rather you know how to contend with them.

[ Not that Dion wouldn't endeavor to tackle such dangers himself, but missions afford them little by way of predictability. ]

Absurd until they try it and find out.

[ Dion probably wouldn't allow that, though. Or maybe he would from the right person. In the fog, Dion said he didn't have friends, but like Vax said, that may change here.

There's a blink as Vax watches Bahamut begin to climb, only to smile a little when he nests himself in the feathers that adorn his shoulders. Yes, Dion is safe. For now. ]

Oh. I suppose that's possible.

[ Anything is possible here. ]

I fought some smaller ones, actually. In the fog. Young dragons.

[ Dion settles, practically flattening into the feathers, wings and all. Typically he wouldn't rest while Primed either, but he'd acclimated somewhat during the Earth mission. The compact nature of it has its uses. Hiding from the menace of well-placed scratches, for instance. ]

I'd rather random individuals not make the attempt to sate their curiosity.

[ If they even would find it all that interesting. Dion isn't entirely convinced they would. Few as his friends are, there aren't many people he'd not feel crowded by if they were to do so. ]

But the fog conjured dragonets? How small were they?

[ Vax's long hair is also back there, but he's not worried about Dion accidently getting tangled up in it or poking him in the neck with one of those spines. Not unless he wanted revenge for those scritches, which is unlikely. ]

What? You've never had a random stranger scratch an itch?

[ That sounded suggestive, but he's not sure Dion will pick up on the joke. Plus, that kind of behavior would not be becoming of a prince, would it? Then again, even kings scratch an itch, given the nature of Dion's birth. Dion is a nobler man than his father, though. ]

Hm, they were about ten feet in length, nose to tail. It might've been a problem, but someone else was there to help fight them off. It was.. Byroden. My home village.

[ Burning. With those smaller dragons wreaking havoc. ]

[ Bahamut's silly long tail might flick some of that hair, but if he notices, he'll self-correct. In the meantime, the joke is cause for a little dragon face to rise from the mass of feathers to squint up at Vax. He did serve in the military, and while his men may mind their manners around him, that hardly means he has lived cloistered away from the world like a monk.

Yet indeed he hasn't availed himself of the comforts of strangers. Some may visit pleasure houses, but Dion hadn't the interest, nor the freedom for that matter. Anything he did would reflect on his nation and his father, after all.

Rather than say any of that, he simply huffs out a sigh and flops against the feathers again. Or into them, given his size. ]

They sound like unto wyvers...

[ The thought is quiet, more directed toward himself than Vax. ]

Did they attack your village?

[ Vax tilts his head a little to meet the dragon's gaze, his brow lifting at the puff of warm air that follows. An interesting reaction. Maybe Dion would have welcomed the freedom to seek distraction if it suited him. Hard to tell coming from a miniature eikon. Vax also knew what it was like living under scrutiny. He could only suffer it a few years before he ran from it.

A gentle smile, and Vax reaches over to deliver a few soft pets on top of Bahamut's head in that same spot he planted a kiss, earlier, then withdraws. ]

In the fog, they did. In actuality, I only saw Byroden once it was in flames. The dragon or dragons responsible were no longer there.

[ Just ruin and death. ]

It was cruel of Echo to visit that fog upon everyone.

[ And to no productive end that Dion can discern. He wouldn't have wished that torment on anyone, much less in the forms it had taken. For his part, he'd had the echoes of voices he couldn't have heard roiling about in his head. Knowing they could not be real did nothing to dull the sound.

He hasn't forgotten Vax's apprehension at the thought of a dragon among them, as well. Between having lost his village to a dragon attack and having to battle some villainous cabal of them, it's no small wonder. Rather, it's something of a marvel that he'd been as accepting as he was.

Dion isn't all that certain that many would be. ]

I'm sorry you've had such terrible dealings with dragons.

Echo hands out gifts in one hand while holding a dagger in the other.

[ That's why Vax can never trust Echo or believe Echo is doing the right thing. He knows that if his world really might come to an end as Echo suggests, he'd rather go down fighting for it. Not let it be picked through the course of some game with rules no one understands.

Vax's reaction would have been different had he not already known the man that Dion is. It's made all the difference to bringing him this far and allowing a small dragon to perch on his shoulder.

The apology gets another turn of his head to glance at Bahamut, which is followed by a small smile. His hand lifts to reach his shoulder, so his thumb can deliver a soft caress along the dragon's cheek. ]

I suppose they're not all bad.

[ And he can only say so because of present company. ]

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