God & Bard: hey whats that in your pocket?

[high lantern]

These past few days since her exposure to maddening mold and being mind blasted have only left her in the mood for brainrotting. However its at the signs of any maddness fading that she'd finally resume her routine of working out and drinking wine by the rum cart. Though as the day's coming to an end, she usually liked to finish it off by sitting by fire, outside the mine entrance.

As she was currently doing so, she was adorned in her full plate with the sword on her back. Her hands cusped together, not minding the heat from the flames at all as the dread helm was pointed towards them. In silence, and maybe buzzed from previously consumed wine, she was relaxing for once.

|| @lyric geode ||

[lyric geode]

It is in this evening light that a shadow could be observed passing over the fire pit.

The wide winged shape and a long tail that spread across the area was unmistakably draconic, if one were to look up at the setting sky they'd see the figure, but the details and distance would be hard to make out. Though there was a sort of presence as it approached, indicative of something big.

It continued to approach for a moment before suddenly vanishing from sight, whisked away in a flash of platinum light. Though the presence felt ever stronger.

"You must be Siren," A high pitched voice comes from the adjacent log where a mere 2 foot tall (horns included) winged Kobold is now perched, his expression friendly, and a tiny hand outstretched to shake, "My name is Klang."

[high lantern]

The flames from her helmet billowed for a moment, looking up sharply from the silhouette she hardly noticed to the now kobold she didn't recognize. Though this was a shock, she still sat forward leaning her arms on her knees. "...I happen to be, yes."

"What brings you to the fire, Klang?" A weight of uncertainty pressured her in this moment, was this really some cosmistancial circumstance with the lair not too long ago, a secret admirerer, or was she mistaken for an orichalcum perhaps. She hadn't the clue.

[lyric geode]

The Kobold closes his wings, hooking the digits at his collar so as to wear them like a cape, "Well, that would you, or rather... him..." , he points a claw at the sword on Siren's back.

"I am told you know what is in that blade? But I fear you do not understand who is in your blade." his eyes flash with a platinum light.

[high lantern]

She was silent for a moment, truly the worst outcome from her view. "Told? Well I hate to garner such attention but the one in this blade's not been a serious bother." Her posture raised a little "I'm one of the few who dont need a lecture on whats right or wrong. But... I just know he's greedy, typical red dragons, you know."

[lyric geode]

The friendly expression turns gravely serious, "This red dragon is far from "typical"," smoke flows from his snout, "Greatwyrm, tyrant, consort of Tiamat, and one who tormented my people for countless generations."

The smoke pools above his head, forming into a shadowy depiction of the monster.

"He nearly brought Tiamat to the material plane, she manifested through his body as I was slaying him and I had to slay the horrifying amalgamation of the two as well," the image shifts as he speaks, depicting the battle.|

"Massive, ancient, and an expert in the arcane, he is not only powerful but intelligent and manipulative," his fists tighten and eyes glow brighter, "Not only did he trick hundreds of adventurers into his lair to add their gear to his hoard over the ages, but he made my kin believe that he was our only path to survival despite how we were treated."

He takes a deep sigh as he dismisses the smoke, "I say this, not to lecture, not as set up to me taking it from you by force, though I could easily do so, but so that you understand just what you are dealing with."

He glares up, past the bard's face and at the blade, "Whatever game he is playing, whatever act he has put on that makes you think he is manageable, or just some nuisance you can control, it is a calculate deception."

[high lantern]

What left her mouth was... a sigh? Steady breath? Not that she couldn't fathom a red dragon being so evil but its the little guy's passion and anger that make her take it a bit seriously. She'd unfasten the blade from the chains going over her shoulder to hoist it into the air, lowering it slowly so it leaned on the log a few feet from her. It was an oddly quick shift in demeanor.

"I... I see. This isn't some relic, clearly more than that."

"I wish it was simpler, honestly."

She'd roll her shoulders in thought. "This Tyrfornax is clearly still trying to play a hand, hm." She'd glance at the sword, then to him. "I've dealt with nasty dragons before, but ive underestimated him, it seems." (deception 19), dealt is a strong word for her past experiences dealing with them prior to the guild. But even so she wasn't totally lying when saying so.

[lyric geode]

His expression turns once more, from grave to unamused, "It is unwise to try and twist words to one who trains amongst angels." [Insight: 24]

The presence intensifies, like trespassing on holy ground.

"I can assure you," his voice takes on an echo, "To underestimate this dragon would be your undoing, if you're lucky, he will use you to find a host, if not, you will wake up one day covered in scales and a passenger in your own body."

"Take it from someone who has fought both Yhilorkus and Tyrfornax. Greatwyrms are not to be trifled with and, thanks to some foolish guildmembers, two of the most dangerous dragons the guild has ever faced are on the loose."

[high lantern]

There was a pause after their tone was raised; was she feeling.. humiliated? Humbled? Embarrassed? How soft has she gotten at this guild she can't even puff-up her incompetency in front of others. She'd just sigh, shoulders rolling forward.
"Well It's.. less pathetic when you sound strong." Her voice deflated.

Though, as she let his words be heard, the helmet did tilt at the first name he spoke of. "Yhil- ..you mean Orcus or is that a differen- nope you said greatwyrm. Who's Yhilorkus?"

[lyric geode]

"You think that it is pathetic to be weak?" He asks, "It is far more honourable to be humble and acknowledge where growth is needed than to boast of strength that isn't there."

He sighs, exhausted by his own speech, "Look, I'm not some big shot hero of prophecy nor an angel, I'm a blacksmith. Smaller than the small, yet pushed myself to do what needed to be done. With the help of Bahamut and those I met at this guild I was able to get where I am. You've got a ways to go, don't think you can do it all by yourself."

"As for Yhilorkus..." He shakes his head, "Another big scary dragon, but mutated, eyes all over him, powerful magic. I only faced him once, when we slew him, but some of my friends worked against him and his forces prior, he did unspeakable things to some of them."

[high lantern]

"I'd rather not show weakness." She says sternly. "Though humility is beaten into you around here." She'd sigh afterwards.

"It'd be a lot easier if I could do it alone, however." This was a silent journey when she started. Why, why must this kobold and others insist on so much. Sort of halfway through the ruminating does she think about this other dragon now mentioned. The vileness of dragons, something she doesn't think she can be capable of, with her diluted bloodline.

"It's why I picked up that sword as a Copper; of course it wasn't clear something was in it but.. I felt a calling. Some.. stupid responsibility. Perhaps a dream."

"But its more complicated than I'd like. I don't really like the attention." 'It would of been easier to throw the adventuring life away, but to her this was an inevitable calling. Maybe, these circumstances, yet alone this conversation, was inevitable. "At.. least I'm not alone, however." She'd smile faintly, thinking of Tuuli.

[lyric geode]

"Not everyone has that luxury," he replies, "Some of us were hatched weak and spent decades being told we were such."

"I am no stranger to possessed weapons myself," he adds, "Though mine was a mentor, a Paladin that Tyrfornax killed. A very reluctant mentor."

"Believe me, I didn't want attention either, but now I'm on the path of Exarchdom," he sighs, "Even have had people venerate me... It is weird..."

"Speaking of which... I've heard you travel with a woman who has offended a lot of my people."

[high lantern]

"Fair enough." She says, looking into the fire more often than not for the time being. "A reluctant mentor? Most likely a good one then. I find a lot of people who don't like doing things are usually good at said things." Perhaps mumbo, perhaps wisdom, she was comfortable letting the words flow.

"That does sound.. very interesting. You'll probably be written about, somewhere." She'd chuckle lightly, though it wasnt a snark comment. Her face however flushed momentarily as he mentioned her. "You- gods who doesn't know is easier to figure out. She... whether its kind or not, says whats on her mind. Her version of being good is truthful but I-- it gets us into trouble, is best phrased."

[lyric geode]

"He was... something," he chuckles, "Wasn't exactly thrilled about spending the first bit of his afterlife tutoring a runt... but he mellowed out a bit in time."

"Truth is good, but so prudence, something I can't say I've always been a master of," he shakes his head, "But I do have to ask you try and get her to learn some degree of discretion, I'm not a full Exarch yet, but I do get a sense of when the people of my town are suffering, not to mention some guildmates. I have to say I am not thrilled to hear her desire to use them as sacrifices, or calling them babies...."

[high lantern]

"I... can certainly try." She says, thinking to all of her safety talks and talks and.. talking about it. "It's hard to teach, for me at least. But maybe trying from being cautious could help? She's very free willed."

At the mention of how much Klang knows of Tuuli's commentary, she gulps subtly. "Yah, I... I know, obviously. She just has her own truth I feel and just prefers to say that, so.." She sighs "I know she isnt my responsibility, but she deserves to hear what others think of her actions. Whether she does something with it or not, beats me."

[lyric geode]

"Perhaps it is that being lost in her own world that is the source of the issues?" he shrugs, "All I know is that I've had a lot of concerns brought my way directly and indirectly. But that is beside the point, I am not here to take your sword but to provide some guidance and the warning."

"And if Tyrfornax takes you over," the air grows more intense, "I will slay him as I did before, I take no joy in the idea of harming a guildmate, but I will not let him hurt my people again."

[high lantern]

"I just know she cant stand being still, a boring life would be death to her." She'd nod, as well as taking a look to her left and right-- on the left! She almost forgot where her cane was, it must of fallen over earlier or something from the log.

At the mention of, possession, she sits in the silence she created for a hot minute. An actual threat, as casual as it was until it wasn't: holy shit why do I still own this sword? Is it my own greed? Spite? For the love of drama? These ideas bounced in her head as she nodded.

"You.. can do as you will. But Tuuli watches my back. She wouldn't let me fall to him, I'm sure of that."

[lyric geode]

"It is good to have allies to keep you in check," he nods, "Even if not the most stable... Though it may not be as simple as him pushing you onto a dark path, but slowly growing in power until you cannot stop him. I'm not sure what kind of persona he has adopted, but it is just that, a mask that he thinks will get your guard down."

He once again glares at the blade, fury in his eyes.

[high lantern]

"...whether a persona or not, he's been very respectful? To me?" There's a way to say this like she isnt possessed by him, but its not coming to her mind at this moment. "I've been mostly commented on my achievements wielding the blade, and questioned with the friends I travel with."

"He's.. said quite heinous things to my allies. And I've talked to dragons, it's... they're all greedy at the end of the day. For what though? Usually varies but its oriented around power."

[lyric geode]

His eyes glow with a nearly blind platinum light, "There is no-one that monster respects," he growls, "He is merely trying to inflate your ego and distance you from those who would talk sense into you."

He breathes in, and slowly exhales, getting mad is exactly what that villain wants.

"Not all of dragonkind is greedy per se, but hoarding is a part of the nature. I know a Silver dragon who collects jewelry and plush toys for instance, I wouldn't describe her as greedy but having particular interests."

"I suspect," he taps his tail on the log, "He wants to make your mind more like his first as he can't currently change your body, make you more egotistical, isolated, angry, mistrustful..."

"But I'm no expert on the arcane, just a thought, all I know is that he is biding his time, likely has several other targets in the guild he is tempting."

[high lantern]

It's at Klangs rage and word choice does Siren start thinking a little more about the implications of a red dragons influence. 'Now wouldn't be a good time to mention my ancestry, would it.' she thinks. The flames of the dread helm dimmer to within the helm, just small motes of light as she stays in thought

"You're.. you're right. I should know better about dragons. Hell I've.. you know we all have experience in these times." She'd chuckle, there wasn't really a way for her to feel like she wasn't walking on eggshells.

"I'd.. I'd hope his body isn't like mine, but if he needs to change my personality that'll.. that'll be pretty hard." Theres a whiff of confidence in her beath; a light smile, even. There are many secrets she expects to die with. "If I'm not the only one, might be worth visiting more often, or rather-- I guess I could try keeping an eye out, but its weird to look for that sort of thing."

[lyric geode]

"I do not doubt you'd be more resilient than a regular human, but you're playing a very dangerous game with him. I know I must sound like I am repeating myself, but it comes from far too personal a place."

"And I am indeed keeping my eye on a few members of the guild, you were merely the one I felt needed the most immediate attention since you increased his presence in your blade."

[high lantern]

"Oh? Am I not the first you've talked too-- oh they've mentioned my blunder." She'd sigh; there's a mixture of appreciation yet annoyance with the circumstances leading to what she did, but its not like she can go back in time, not like that.

"I'm sure, whatever way there is, he'll be vanquished. Out of my own spite I'd like to be there for the day this wyrm ceases to be in all aspects but memory."

[lyric geode]

"The first I've spoken to, yes, but not the only one I'm watching."

He cracks a grin upon the last sentence.

"But that, that is a point we can agree on."

[high lantern]

How much could he know, or stalk or observe from the heavens, why not try to get on his good side more. "I already had the urge to slay an evil dragon when I got here, if I got to slay two, or three of four, I wouldn't mind."

"But your checkup, as humbling as it was and is... I think is for the better. Weird thinking I'm being watched though.. these mines aren't really the safest place hm."

[lyric geode]

"It is safe, for most from most," he replies, tilting his head from side to side, "But Basha doesn't mind good aligned alumni checking in on things as much compared to other intrusions. I've managed to remain on the better side of her patience since she got over me arriving in a barrel of now ruined food after I stowed away during my escape from Tyrfornax's lair."

[high lantern]

"That's.. quite a story." She'd think back to her first time... 'here' and actively shiver. But coming to the guild she'd at least been able to perform and work enough to have clothes and food. "I've thought about moving out-- only because their spaces aren't very large." (deception 13); her face brightened thinking about Tuuli, but then partially frowned thinking about how large her collection of trinkets has grown, they need more space.

[lyric geode]

His grin fades and he lets out a sigh so heavy it is surprising that there is enough room in his body to hold that much air in him.

"You'd think that someone with a spark of the celestial wound know not to lie to someone who spends most of his time up on the mountain. No need to be deceptive about such little things, your infatuations are not my business unless you end up falling for the dead monster in your weapon."

[high lantern]

For the amount of her face visible, man is it flushed until she composed herself. Underneath a grumble she'd say; "At least let me tell you things in decency. You don't radiate some zone of truth do you?"

"And what of wounds, or sparks, anyone can.. should be able to be discrete. And I would certainly not fall for some dead 'wyrm." Her tone was raised during this segment; just a mixture of embarrassment and regrets.

[lyric geode]

"No, but I've met a lot of liars," he gestures to the sword, "One of them you wear on your back."

"All is to say, honesty will get you a lot further with me than deceit, and while I doubt you would... it wouldn't be the weirdest relationship I've seen in this place. I'm sure you've met plenty of odd folk here."

[high lantern]

"Odd's certainly a word to describe some here, yes." She tries not to think about Barbie in this instance, for she is a being beyond definition. "Why would someone- ah, yah I suppose there's weird and then there can always be weirder but, I mean standards??"

"I thought I'd be among the weird; stoic, silent, watching. I always wear this helmet. Wherever I go. But people surprise you here, that's for sure. Were they this weird when you worked here as well or do you think it just gets weirder over time."

[lyric geode]

"I met a Thri-Kreen who turned a dead wizard into a timepiece." he says very flatly, "A questgiver had us travel into a children's storybook to bring back his wife who was just relaxing it in, and that was my first mission."

"They've always been like this, likely always will be until Basha introduces a vetting process."

[high lantern]

There's just a ringing in Siren's ears from how quiet she let the air be after he spoke. Momentarily shaking her head as if that was some powerful stunning spell Klang had conjured. "So.. the bar is low. I see. And Basha's vettings may even be lower."

"The reputation of this place proceeds it, but not for the better it seems." She'd pause, smiling a little. "At least there are a few gems in this place; nice enough to make the journey worth it."

[lyric geode]

"There are indeed, I've met many friend here that I would not have made it this far without."

"As mad as the people around here can be, they are often incredibly loyal if you earn their trust," he gives a serious look, "But can be the most dangerous of foes if you break it."

[high lantern]

By this point in the conversation, its not that shes running out of things to say, but he had come all this way to tell her, and that she did. Her shoulders resumed their slumped position over her knees, reaching down to set her cane leaning against the log now. Menial things as she now thought about what she'd do after this is over. "I only wish to keep what I have. And gain what's needed. Everything else is a bonus." She'd chuckle.

"In my own ways I started from nothing, I can understand the transition you went through, even if its not the same experience." Her hands clasped together, squeezing. "But there's a purpose to things, such as these relationships. Hopefully the red 'wyrm can't break those."

[lyric geode]

"I hope so, for everyone's sake," he sighs before unfurling his wings and giving them a stretch.

"I think I've taken enough of your time, Siren, but if you do find yourself overwhelmed by the burden in the blade, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. If not from the Order of the Platinum Dragon or myself, from your friends in the guild... preferably the more sane ones."

[high lantern]

'Yah, yah take the opportunity, get out of here and find Tuuli, im done here' "Yes- but its been a useful amount of time taken." She says, brushing her greaves with her hands before standing with her cane, the other arm slowly clipping the cursed blade by a chain on her right shoulder, the lower-half of her left torso had a continuing chain with a leather wrap to hold the sword in place.

"Alright I.. appreciate it. Ill ask if need be. I wouldn't mind any updates on.. if he can be expunged from the blade. However in its own way it staying in there lets us keep track of him."

[lyric geode]

"Certainly, as soon as I have a means of removing him I will be here to do so," He nods, "Take care, and don't trust anything he says."

And with that, he takes one mighty flap of his wings and vanishes in a burst of platinum light.