Jun 20 22:17:44 106 PA - Of Dragons and Men

From Chronicles

Kingsdale - Graveyard

Sarik sits on the grass near several graves, the young man clearly contemplating them though he doesnt seem to be focused on any one single grave or it's marker, rather his attention seems to be uppon all of them, a slight frown crossing his features as if the whole thing were some giant puzzle to him to some how be solved.

Leonard enters the yard from the park proper, seemingly with no more focused intent than a pleasant stroll. Pleasant in that it is an assisted stroll, via the closed umbrella that now serves as an impromptu cane. The obvious limp is likely the largest explanation for his unhurried pace.

Sarik seems odly oblivious to his surroundings for the time being, though after a few moments where he's clearly growing fidgety he merely mutters a simple word under his breath, conjuring up a Globe of Daylight, and starts idly playing with the conjured ball while he continues his contemplation. Treating the spell almost like a mere (if very shiny) bauble it seems.

The conjured ball of light draws Leonard's attention towards the youth, but it is the youth, himself, that holds it. A slight adjustment to his hobbled course brings him towards Sarik. "Out enjoying the scenery, Sarik?" He is uncertain of the other's contemplation, boredom, or play, as he's not even sure which it is.

"I dont understand why you build these things." Sarik says in response, not turning to look at Leonard, his gaze still fixed out across the graveyard with that slight frown. His hands still shifting the globe about, bouncing it around, turnining it and otherwise simply idly playing with it. Keeping his hands buisy it seems while he thinks. "They mark the remains of some one, that I understand. But.. I dont understand why one would do so."

"So that they are remembered," Leonard suggests, "and to show respect, I suppose. No one would wish to simply be forgotten after their end. I'd prefer not, at the least." A slight roll of his shoulders follows, as some aspects of the topic have been considered more heavily than others.

"But why would anyone but their friends care to remember them?" Sarik asks then, ever full of questions at the best of times, and litterally overflowing with them at the worst. Still, he seems to soak it all up like a sponge. "Besides, once their dead.. what's there left to be worth remembering? Or is it so that others may seek revenge uppon future generations for what ever transgressions they have made?"

Leonard pauses briefly to consider those questions, although one offers a partial reply to the other. "What they did in life can be worth remembering, to friends, family and maybe many others. If nothing else, it is a reminder for future generations of their ancestry. Hopefully for fond and pleasant reasons rather than revenge, but I imagine that exists, as well."

"But what is there for future generations to remember? If one is dead but has children to carry on their name, and they have children, and their children have children.. will they even know who the grave belongs to?" Sarik inquires, turning his gaze finally towards Leonard with a currious expression. The globe of Daylight momentarily left to float on it's own for a while.

"Eventually," Leonard nods, "the significance could be lost, even if the name remains on the marker. That doesn't make it any less worthwhile in the present. Usually it is those closest to the deceased that would establish a marker, although for some..." A hand motions towards the rough wooden crosses to the east. "It is just for basic respect, or even practical reasons. Undead have had a presence in the city before."

Sarik hrrmms in consideration of Leonard's words, a glance duitifully given towards the wooden crosses. It takes him a few moments to respond as he mulls over the answer given him. "But the markers are not necessary for such things if it's an issue of Undead isnt it? I cant think of anything that would raise the dead if properly disposed of. Even a necromancer must have at least bones to work with.."

Leonard rolls his shoulders once more. "It does give a central location to keep watch on, in case something should decide to dig its way out. The issue of Undead is far less a concern than tradition and remembrance." He pauses afterwards, before noting, "This is a rather somber scene to puzzle over in light of your youth, isn't it?"

Sarik eyes Leonard a few moments with a critical eye before shrugging "My youth does not mean I dont know alot Leonard." he says calmly "Besides, how am I supposed to keep safe in this world if I dont understand those in it?" his attitude a marked change from before. Apparently something or other happened to knock down his sense of invulnerability a few notches. Though a fair bit of that even then had been child like bravado. "Still, there is much to learn." he muses, idly starting to play with the conjured Globe of Daylight once more as he falls quiet once again.

"I didn't mean to imply that you were ignorant, Sarik," Leonard clarifies, "but death is usually the topic of the aged or infirm. You are neither, from what little I know. Then again, there is no better way to be reminded of one's own mortality." A slightly forced chuckle emerges in attempt to add some levity. "A very good reason to be cautious."

Sarik snorts at the concept of mortality "Perhaps for your kind. I think you'll find I'm far from being so frail or short lived." again there's a slip of his tone where he puts himself above his present companion, and indeed all others around him regardless of who they are. It seems that cockiness is not entirely gone to say the least. "Still, I suppose it's some how important to understand how the lesser races live. Especially since it seems now and then some of them are not so weak or frail afterall."

Leonard smirks bemusedly. "As I said, I doubt you are frail or short-lived, but even us lesser beings can be a concern. Some are less weak or frail, and numbers can have a large effect. Mostly in the negative, since the masses with the large weapons are typically the least tolerant or educated." He seems to take no offense at the implied inferiority, insteading accepting the fact, if not just the likelihood.

Sarik mrrrmmfs, dismissing the globe at long last before flopping down on his back uppon the ground, looking back up at Leonard while upside down. That serious sense of concentration seemingly at least partialy gone for the moment. "I'm bored." he suddenly declares.

Leonard's chuckle returns. "The dead don't make for the most active conversation nor view. What do you to entertain yourself, dare I ask? Or is it simply whatever suits your whim? Your flight away after our last meeting was an intriguing surprise, though I doubt you found it nearly as entertaining as I."

Sarik shrugs "I dunno.. go around poke at things, sometimes go find some books to read. Other times I just find something to smash to see how it comes appart..." sitting up once more Sarik seems to ctually have to think about that one, not having any ready answer avaiable to him. "Oh! Some times I go steal candy! Cause like.. it's the awesomest stuff in the world! And... I dont have any of these credit things people keep talking about."

"If you're stealing," Leonard's warning is mild, "do take care. As wonderful as candy is, it's not worth getting yourself into too much trouble. Not that anyone is much of a threat, but it would raise suspicions, and I doubt that you wish to attract /too/ much attention."

Sarik awwws and huffs. "Yeah yeah.. but how else am I supposed to get anything? So I just take what I want! Rawr! No one's been able to stop me so far...." the youth trailing off a moment as he realizes that's not -quite- true. Close enough for most things but well..

Leonard purses his lips. Not quite a frown, but definite concern. "I will gladly share some credits with you, enough to purchase the candy you wish... within reason." The last is added a touch late as he realizes he hasn't the slightest notion of how much Sarik might eat. "Simply doing what you wish because you are able might not be the wisest choice, even if it may well be the simplest. I attempted that route, myself, and I'm still suffering for it."

Sarik bahhs "Isnt that the right of the strongest? To simply take what they want from the weaker? Seems to me thats how the world works. The Coalition take what they want, those in Tolkeen seem to just take what they want. Here most people seem to just take what they want, at least in the dregs. So why should I be any different?"

"That depends upon what you wish to take and keep." Leonard exhales a sigh, his troubled countenance remaining. It is not directed to Sarik, however, nor is his gaze. Instead, he regards a nearby headstone with little interest. "If you want to be feared, despised, or ignored, those are traits that the Coalition and the Dregs hold between them. Should you wish a more pleasant and tolerant co-existance, I wouldn't suggest upsetting all around you. I've learned that cooperation seems to be far better than domination, in the end."

This new angle of conversation clearly seems to have caught Sarik's attention, if not his understanding. It's clear that dispite all apperances his line of thinking is just too alien to easily grasp human concepts. Still, given enough explanation an understanding of sorts seems to always be reachd, if not necessarily agreed uppon. "Why though? WHy is it better? If people fear you, they will do as you demand. Otherwise they just ignore you and do what ever they want and so you get nothing."

Leonard considers a reply a long moment before it is given. "It is a balance, I suppose, between the needs of one's self and those of others. It's true that you could take many things by force, and gain others through fear, but what then? Eventually, some will not be afraid, or prove stronger, or decide to refuse your whim."

Sarik bahs "So then you take your revenge of course! Maybe not in their life time but you can always make their decendants pay for past misdeeds. It's not like one doesnt have the time to sit and plan their revenge for years at a time."

"You would have no friends," Leonard notes, with more than factual emphasis as he returns his gaze to Sarik, "and you seem to want those. That's something that can't be taken or forced, and has to be earned."

Sarik bahs "But what if you just treat your friends differently? I mean one makes friends with those who are of interest or offer up something of value! So then there's no reason to have to boss them about cause their like.. already your friend or something. so then how does that change?"

Leonard relents, somewhat, with a roll of his shoulders. "It might not, but that would depend upon your friends, their opinions, and even their other friends. Perhaps someone frightened, or bossed about, or even eaten, was important to them, if not to you. They might decide you are no longer worthy to be a friend." A smile finally returns to his features, directed inwards as much as out. "Understanding those around you and where you fit in relation to them is a neverending study, Sarik. At times, I wonder if I'm no better at it than you. I can opine against your view, but there is still an appeal to it, even to me."

Sarik ohs soflty "I didnt think bout that. Guess thats true. But then wouldnt you just need to ask who -their- friends are and just make a point not to eat them? Cause then if your not eating their friends then it should be ok right?"

Leonard's brow lifts at the simple answer to the potentially complex problem. He didn't think of that, either, it seems. "That would certainly help, yes. At some point, the web of friend of friend of friend might be large enough to include nearly anyone, though. You can't expect to appease all others at all times, and you can't ignore yourself, either. As I said, it is a balance, and you have to decide what gains are worth the risks." His shoulders roll once again. "I'm probably not the best to offer such advice, given my own issues."

Sarik ohs softly before looking over towards Leo as he mentions his own issues "Did you eat some one you were not supposed to?" he asks, as if everyone engaged in the act of killing and eating anyone or anything that disagreed with them.

Leonard cannot help but laugh at the assumption, head shaking in the negative. The laugh is brief, but some of the mirth lingers after its passing. "No, but I did offend and anger some I didn't wish to, by taking whatever I thought that I wanted, simply because I could. I lost nearly all of my friends in doing so, and some I may never fully regain. For a time, I thought that I didn't care about that loss, but I was wrong."

Sarik ohhhs softly "Want me to eat the people who wont be your friends anymore?" he asks then with a grin "Or be like.. rawr! Be Leonard's friend again or I'll eat you! Rawr!" yes.. fanciful ideas indeed. Dispite the odd kid's intelligence he clearly has alot of growing up left to do.

"No," Leonard's head shakes again with renewed amusment, "but I thank you for the offer. Friendship isn't something that can be coerced or taken. Although... I imagine it would be quite a sight to see you threaten someone. As I recall, I've heard your 'rawr' before."

Sarik yeeaahhhs "Well thats cause he was all like 'Rawr fear me for I am a big bear' and then I was all like 'Rawr! I can totally roar like you!' and then he turned out to totally not be a bear, and that was kind of a downer, but then he turned out to be like.. this magic bear thing.. and that was totally cool! Cause I've never seen one till now and.. and that was COOOL!"

Leonard chuckles. "Many beings are not what they seem, youself included. I didn't know that about the bear, although I suspected that he was not just a bear." He gives a grinning nod at the appraisal. "Definitely cool."

Sarik yeahs. "I'm still not sure I totally get what he is but there's this weird kinda connection to him and Monique. I couldnt understand at first why something that powerful would attach itself to just a squishy little thing like her, but then when I poked at it a little more it was a little more clear." he frowns a little "I guess it could kinda be said he's like.. this really good friend of hers too. Maybe cause she talks to him like you do to me."

"Edgar and I are linked, as well." Leonard notes, following this bit of revelation. "Their bond might be something similar. I'm not very well acquainted with either of them, so I don't know what to say. They do seem to be very good friends, just the same."

Sarik nahs "Their a little different... I'm not sure how to explain it though." there's a slight pause in that line of thought before he adds "There's alot about magic I understand.. but.. I'm not sure why I do. I just.. kinda do. I think thats why I find it so facinating. It's one of the few things I find I really do understand quite well. Everything else is just.. strange."

Leonard absorbs the vague explanation and nods. "I don't find it unusual that you do. Humans are one of the few beings that are /not/ innately tied to magic. There are many entities that have some connection to it, such as gargoyles, and then there are are creatures that may well be formed from its essence, itself. Faeries, dragons, unicorns, and such. I can't claim to be an expert of them all, but I've studied what I can."

Sarik snorts "Nah, Dragons are like.. totally born in an egg." he says derisively "The eggs come from another dragon so they cant exactly be made of magic cause like.. then there would be nothing to make the eggs to begin with. Be like saying Humans were created by magic." he pauses then in thought "Well.. maybe the very first ones could be I suppose but thats no more likely than anythign else I've come across."

"Well, as I said, I'm not an expert, nor have I ever met a Dragon..." Leonard's prior mention was general, and the shift to specific details causes a brow to arch well into his forehead. "that I'm aware of. My thanks for the correction. It can be difficult to learn the facts from the tales of others, since it's all secondhand information and best guesses. The risk of being eaten makes interviews difficult."

Sarik hrmms "I suppose that's true. Dragons dont tend to get along with each other much less.. lesser beigns on the whole. Least from what I've seen. Still.. there's a few around here I think. Though it's at least better than Tolkeen. Whole city of em and their all mean."

Now the other brow rises to match as Leonard's interest is further piqued. "I didn't realize that there were many in Tolkeen, although I suppose it makes sense, to my understanding, at least. I'd like to see the city for myself, but there is no opportunity to do so, now." Belatedly, he adds, "I'm sorry that they were unfriendly."

Sarik shrugs in a noncomittal manner "Eh, doesnt matter. Though I suppose it's why I treat the others the way I do in a way. I dont get along well with my own kind and I guess I just take it out on others because I can, since others take it out on me because they can.." he frowns then in thought once more. "I just.. I dunno... kinda all confused right now."

Leonard regards the youth for a long while, and it has little to do with the potential revelation of his nature. "We might be of wholly different kinds, Sarik, but I do understand what it's like. Bullied, abused, pushed about, simply because you're smaller, weaker, less confident..." His words are firm, yet rather quiet. "You want to push back, prove them wrong and show what you are capable of... or something like that?"

Sarik snorts "I'm only weaker cause I'm younger. Given time.." he muses "given time I'll have my revenge either way. Though I cant help but think so many people in Tolkeen have underestimated the Coalition as I once did. I mean sure ok lots of em are kinda weak and puny but.. well.. given enough of them their kinda.. well nasty. Especialy the ones in those other shinier suits. And there's a whole lot of them headed up towards Tolkeen. Though I must say their defences are pretty spiffy! They have like all these cool magical things but they wouldnt let me look at them too long."

"I'll be sure to stay well out of the way when you seek it, then." Some of Leonard's humor returns with the statement, but fades away with the return of the Coalition to the conversaion. "Unfortunately, if you give enough idiots enough weapons, they'll think they can accomplish anything. If you want to know what it's like to try and command respect through fear and intimidation, they are a prime example. I've attempted to do what I can in Tolkeen's defense, indirectly, but I don't know how much impact it will have."

Sarik sighs "I'm not sure either to be honest. I've heard of other magical cities though so maybe I'll go check them out some day. Only problem is all these places have all these big dragons and the like and alot of them tend not to like me." he sighs "Course.. I tend not to like them either, but I cant exactly go toe to toe with a full grown dragon and hope to win. Given time though.. given time I could. Got a lot to learn first though."

Leonard makes a thoughtful murmur as he considers. "This city is one of the more tolerant that I know of, but that doesn't say much as I know little of the others, save for Tolkeen. I'd enjoy travelling to one or more, myself, once I learned where I was destined. Hopefully, you might meet a more friendly dragon... unless the dislike is some sort of territoriality? You obviously know far more than I on the subject." His shoulders roll and a smile returns. "If not, there are always us lesser beings."

Sarik ehhhs "I suppose thats part of it. I'm not sure how it all works in a big city though.. see.. outside of a place like this, it's like they have this big swath of land they basically claim as their own. Including those living there. So they dont like other people potentialy messing bout with what's 'theirs'. So mercs, coalition, hell even just regular travelers can draw their ire depending. But then you have this odd sort of contradiction when dealing with various cities like this one or Tolkeen. There's so many there I dont know how their not picking at each other all the time."

"That does seem very contradictory..." Leonard is unsure what to make of those facts. "Although, in a city, there isn't the room to claim a huge tract of land, so it could just be a matter of tolerance by necessity. Not everyone here likes one another, necessarily, but if one must live near or work with someone disliked to do what needs done, it happens."

Sarik hrrmmmfs "I guess." he says abit sulkily "Still doesnt make sense to me though. I know the only reason I stick around here is cause no one's been chasing me off so far and it's kinda.. nifty." there's a slight pause then as he regards Leonard a few moments longer "That and.. well It's kinda nice to have some one to call a friend."

Leonard nods with a growing smile. "This is an exciting city with interesting people... and dragons, apparently. I believe friends are always a good thing to have, as well." A chuckle follows. "Especially for us squishy folks."

Finally standing up Sarik considers that for a little while "Yeah.. lot of magic things and such around here it seems. WHich is why it's so spiffy. Even necromancers and stuff.. I'd love to get a peek inside that monolith thingy too but they wont let me. I really wanna know what they hide in there though.. so some day. Till then though I guess I just gotta wander the city and see what else turns up."

"You're not alone in your curiosity, there." Leonard's smile tilts slightly towards smirk. "If I ever happen to see the inside, myself, maybe I can enlighten you. Knowing the Guild, however, they wouldn't appreciate the sharing."

"Yeah.. though I'm sure they have their reasons for their secrets." Sarik muses "Cant go blabbing everything to everyone..." never mind that he borders on doing just that at every opportunity, largely out of a child like sense of trust. "Never know when some one migh ttry to use something against you I suppose."

Leonard's smirk broadens, but remains pleasant rather than harsh. "You are correct, Sarik, so you might want to be a bit more cautious when speaking of your fellow dragons. I'm not one of those people, but there are likely plenty of them about."

Sarik grumps "They dont care." The lack of a denial being enough to likely solidify Leonard's clear theory on Sarik's true nature. "Sides, anyone comes after me I'll just eat em!"

Leonard chuckles and shakes his head. "I meant only in revealing yourself, Sarik... although you do have a point. I'd suggest the roar, first, however. Eating people would earn you alot of enemies very quickly amongst the uneaten."

Sarik bahs "I'll hide it when I need to." he says simply as if he had not already been trying to do exactly that, and rather failed at it at least where Leonard was concerned. "Sides, I think if some one tries to hurt you it's best just to eat them anyway. Then they cant!"

"If anyone attempted to harm you," Leonard nods, his mirth remaining, "by all means, chew away in self-defense. I'd even assist, not that you'd require it... and not with my teeth, of course. I was more concerned with the curious, or the ignorant that might offend you."

Sarik bahs "Then I'll eat em too! WHo cares?" the 'boy' says not seeming to understand the problem with such actions dispite his discussion with Leonard. LIkely it will take more than one person's oppinion to change his mind on the subject at the very least. If not a few hard earned lessons.

Leonard looses a chuckle. "In that case, I'll attempt to keep the potential muchies to a minimum by keeping knowledge of your nature and eating habits to myself. Most everyone else shall be open to suffer for their own folly."

Sarik suddenly gets abit of a mischevious gleam in his eye, the youth hopping up a little as he takes a gander about the graveyard to see if it's more or less clear of people. Apparently he's rather tempted to do something that's potentially.. unwise and knows it. Still youthful indiscretions are something that have not netted him too many problems just yet.

Leonard's brow lifts with uncertainty and intrigue at the conspiratorial glancing around. He then follows suit by scanning one direction and then the other before his curious gaze returns to Sarik. "Something tells me I may be rather surprised very shortly..." Mischief to one who has no qualms of eating people leaves an absurdly large range of possibilities behind that gleam.

Sarik wellls sounding slightly dissapointed "You kinda figgured part of it out already. Though I had ment to kinda scare you wiht it at some point.." the youth pouts pausing a moment before checking about a few moments longer, deciding that the 'coast was clear'. There's a similar sudden shifting to his form that Leonard would have seen once before, but his form rapidly grows instead. Again however he seems to forget about how clothes dont tend to survive such things and there's a distinctive rip of cloth as the clothing is soon torn to shreds. A quarter of a minute later a full blown hatching stands before Leonard "Boo!" he says clearly pleased with himself, a large set of frils momentarily flaring outward in the process before settling down. It's abit of a foolish and risky thing to do, but at least he had the sense to look first.

The brief words do give Leonard some preparation, but there is still surprise and interest as he watches the sudden growth and change. His eyes widen at the now rather large, blue and frilled one looming before him. Appreciation and awe, there is, but not the glassy glaze of vision nor stuttered voice of terror. This doesn't prevent him from taking a half-step back, however, just in case. "Impressive. Very impressive. I can see why the farmer was unnerved." A compliment, accompanied by the return of Leonard's pleasant smile.

Sarik wiggles about clearly pleased with himself dispite his failure to give Leonard the proverbial heart attack. Then again he'd figgured the supprise was kind of ruined anyway by Leonard figguring out more or less what he was already. Then there's a brief blink and pause as he looks down to his foreleg that still carries a few remains of his tattered clothing "Aww man." he whines giving the leg a shake and tearing the remainders free. "I always forget about that part."

Leonard chuckles at the realization of the sudden clothing issues. "I can get you a new set of clothing, Sarik. That's the least I can do, following your wonderfully impressive display. At least now I understand how you tore them so readily, although I can't think of an easy remedy."

Sarik still grumps "Well.. yeah but. Aww man.. I keep having to steal more cause I'm always tearing them like that, Or just. .forgetting them. Pants are just not intended for Dragons." he whines, his long tail swaying dangerously close to some headstones in agitation. Indeed there's a fairly decent chance that if he's like this too long, not oonly will some one notice, but he's liablet o cause a fair bit of entirely unintentional damage by simply not paying attention to his surroundings and how frail they are.

Leonard eyes the swaying tail, then casts another glance around before look up towards the draconic head. "Unforunately, neither are graveyards. You might want to change yourself back, Sarik, if you wish to remain discreet. I can lend you my cloak while I gather you some fresh clothing, or..." He pauses before finishing the invitation. "you could come with me to my apartment so that you can dress there."

Sarik ohs at that suggestion, though he seems to aptly solve it an entirely different way. The young dragon simply shapeshifting himself into a large dog. Because talking dogs are totally normal! Or atleast.. it does solve the issue of a lack of clothing. While he doesnt tend to keep a sense of modisty as humans know it, he's already learned that clothing is 'important' to humans and most other races. Or at least to those that walk on two legs anyway. "Ok!" his tail wagging as soon as the transformation is complete, the 'dog' now bounding about quite happily

Leonard looses a short laugh. "How foolish of me. I should've thought of that. A very easy solution. Come, and I'll see what we can get you temporarily. I can purchase some new clothing for you in the near future." He then turns to limp towards the exit, adding to the dog, "By the way, there may be others present, so I ask that you don't eat anyone. That includes the cat."

Sarik awwws "But their tastey! ANd I've never eaten a cat before..." he whines but he seems to be willing to do more or less what Leonard asks, though at finally noticing the limp he eyes the man for a little while before asking "Why are you walking funny?"

Leonard exhales a sigh at the question. "One of those friends that I upset decided to take revenge, of sorts. It will heal soon enough." He seems much more regretful than angry at the implied assault, and says nothing further of it.

Golden Carafe - Leonard's Room(#1873R)

Vixen is at home, enjoying her day. Dressed in her street garb, but with her coat put away and her boots next to the door. She's on the couch, though she sits upside down, back against the seat, legs slung over the back with a tech manual held up at an odd angle as she inspects it. Atop her middle is the fuzzy lump that is a curled up Tiger, the orange cat snoozing as she reads. Near to hand is a glass with just a trace of pinkish liquor inside.

Leonard unlocks the door, but does not immediately enter. Instead, he holds it open for his new acuaintance, and even gestures with his free hand. "Here we are..." He then notes the bright socks, and the feet they cover, dangling over the back of the couch. "Hello, Vix. I think the couch might be upside-down..."

A very large dog enters as Leonard motions inward, letting out a properly loud bark or two before promptly setting to nosing into everything. Large tail wagging about behind it as he sniffs and pokes a few moments before moving up to the couch to promptly nose and sniff at Vixen and the cat, provided he has not already scared it off.

Vixen perks slightly when the door unlocks, her special ear picking it up clearly. She casually lays her open manual down on her chest as she looks towards it and.. a dog?" Vixen's brow furrows, eyes lifting towards Leo. Of course, the barks are all that it takes for the softly rousing Tiger to suddenly disappear, though not without a soft grunt from Vix as he leaps over the back of the couch and is gone. She swears softly and wiggles herself upright quickly. "What the hell is this, Leo? Picking up strays?" A bit annoyed, this one.

"No," Leonard winces slightly as he closes the door, "not exactly..." He limps promptly towards the main room while conjuring up a pleasant and apologetic smile for Vixen. Tiger might get one, too, but he's already disappeared. "I'm simply helping a friend... whom I hope will not chew on anything, as none of it tastes good. At all." His words are still pleasant, but a firm suggestion, as well.

The large dog is clearly about to try biting into the couch when he catches Leonard's 'suggestion' and lets out a soft whine after closing it's mouth. That option denied however it goes back to sniffing at various things before turning most of it's interest to Vixen herself, shoving it's nose right at her and sniffing while looking up at her with oddly coloured, bright yellow eyes.

"Leo, what are you talking about?" Vixen looking towards him with a furrowed brow, but only for a moment before she looks back towards the dog. "Why did you.. back off!" She slaps at the dog's muzzle when it starts to move near to her. "Why did you bring this thing here? If you think you're keeping it, you've got another thing coming, that's for sure." she asserts, sliding away towards the end of the couch.

Leonard had no immediate intent of keeping his current guest here, but Vixen has apparently answered any future hopes for a canine companion. "I'm not keeping him, Vix. He's just a guest. Please be polite, everyone? I'll be right back," His smile becomes somewhat strained as he turns for the bedroom and manages to disappear into it quite briskly despite his impediment. A rustling of bureau drawers ensues.

The dog werrruffs at the slap, though Vixen will find that she's hitting something unusually solid for a dog. Still it backs off a moment, seeming to stare at her with those oddly coloured eyes a few moments longer before looking the way Leonard departed as it settles uppon it's haunches. "You sure I cant eat her? She's not very nice." the dog asks all of a sudden.

"Guest?" Obviously Vixen isn't quite square on just what Leo means by that, though she doesn't keep her eyes away from the dog for too long. When it talks she starts, hopping up to her feet to back away a bit. "What the hell..?" A moment. "Leo! What is this thing?" Her voice calling out to him from the living room.

"Yes! I'm very certain that you can't!" Leonard takes care, and volume, to ensure that he's heard. One more slam from the drawers and he reappears in the doorway, his pair of worn, 'lounging about the house' sweatpants and an oversized shirt draped over his arm. A sigh follows before he motions between the other two. "Vixen, this is Sarik. Sarik, meet Vixen, a very dear friend. I've found some clothes for you to use, for now."

Sarik whines softly at Leonard "I dont get why you like her." he fusses, looking back at Vixen, but dispite the all too casual question of if he could eat her or not directed towards Leonard there's no realy detectable malice from the canine directed towards Vixen. The responses being voiced in a somewhat distrubingly casual and almost innocently sounding manner. "At least you shouldnt let her just push you around like that! You should like.. totally bite her and stuff so she does what you want!"

Vixen is so very confused at this moment. And confusion is not something she likes. It tends to make her angry. So she looks towards Leo with a bit of a cross look to her, explanation silently demanded. And when Sarik speaks in that way, her ire turns on him. "Hey, I'm not having some.. talking dog come into my place and toss sass around." Her lips quirk then and she glances towards Leo. "Why is this dog talking?" Now, in a world other than this one, that question might have come out with a hysterical edge. But in this world? It's a bit more exasperated, the situation not clear, but not that unusual. "Did you get another.. like Edgar?"

Leonard chuckles at Sarik's comments. He can't help it. "I like her very much, and sometimes biting does help influence her decisions, but now isn't the time to try." A pause as he considers which issue to address first, and chooses Sarik. "Here, I'll put these in the bathroom, and you can get ...changed, and that will alleviate the concerns of talking dogs." Vixen receives a flash of smile before he takes the few steps to do so, then again as he looks back. "Calm down, Vix. It's alright. No, he's nothing like Edgar."

"What's Sass?" Sarik asks in response to Vixen's retort. While he clearly understands and speaks english, it seems Vixen's vocabulary has hit one of his limits. His quesiton however seems to be directed at Vixen, though the large canine does look over towards Leonard agian once in a while before returning it's gaze to Vixen as the conversation takes place. As Leonard makes mention that he's nothing like Edgar the dog nods "Yeah, Edgar's just like.. this tiny squishy thing I coudl totally eat!" the large dog's ears drooping "But Leonard wouldnt like that either."

"Leo, why aren't you explaining this?" Vixen's arms lift to cross her chest, the whole thing eating at her. "Why is this huge dog in our place, talking about eating things? I need you to start explaining this, cause I don't like things I can't understand. And you know how I get when I don't like something." Her lips pursed tightly. Sarik? For the moment he gets the cold shoulder as she eyes Leo.

Leonard vents a long sigh and looks to the dog. "You aren't going to eat her if I explain, are you?" His tone isn't exactly suspicious, but he does wish to make certain, beforehand. "It might be a little easier for her, and conversation, if you were on two legs... and clothed. Which is why we came here, for the most part." The last words are given to Vixen, as a very basic explanation pending confirmation of non-digestion.

Sarik awwws "Fine!" He replies to Leonard like a petulant child. "I wont eat her, just cause you asked me and your my friend. But i still say she's a meanie head." the dog says with a snort and a slight thump against the floor with his two front legs that actually manages to shake the entire floor just a little.

Vixen is no less eased by Leo's words and the thump on the floor startles her, her head snapping towards the dog, eyes narrowed as she moves against Leo. "God damn it, what the hell is going on?" The total lack of clarifying explanations and oddness wearing on her. She glances slightly towards Leo, but doesn't turn her head from Sarik. "Leo, I love you but if you don't start explaining this shit, I'm going to have to hurt you." Serious? Perhaps, its hard to tell with her tone.

"Thank you. Calm down, and I will..." In order to help her calm down, after giving Sarik his gratitude, Leonard fetches the empty glass as quickly refills it with the chilled tequila. Then he takes a long swallow and looks to Vixen once more. "Do you remember the young man in the Dregs? That roared? That was Sarik." The glass gestures towards the large dog. "He's not a dog, nor human. I expect that he would delight in showing you, just to see if you'd run away, but I don't think the living room is anywhere near large enough. Suffice it to say that he is impressively large, has brilliant blue scales, and a great many rather sharp teeth."

The dog turns to consider the room for a little while "I could probably fit in here!" he says in response to the idea of showing Vixen but then he stops to think a moment longer "Or.. well kinda. Things would get shoved around abit though I guess and Leonard probably woudlnt like that..." well at least he's thinking things through a little without being -quite- so impulsive. "You also didnt mention my really pretty wings!"

Vixen follows after Leo when he moves, giving Sarik a wide berth in dong so. Of course, the explanation still has vague elements to it, but she gets more of a focus on things. And she frowns. After a moment she declares, "I'm not in the mood for this." Her hands thrown up, she stalks towards the door to secure her boots and coat. "Right now, I don't wanna know what he is. Just close the bedroom door and don't let him go in to terrorize my poor Tiger. I got an appointment to keep and I don't think they'll mind if I'm a bit early."

Leonard exhales another sigh, then downs the remainder of the glass in a quick gulp. "Tiger will be find, Vix. I didn't mean to upset you. We can talk later, then, when you're more ...comfortable." He glances to Sarik. "I'm sorry that I forgot to mention the wings." The last is sincere, if more than a little drained.

"She's wierd." Sarik says as Vixen departs, the 'dog' staring at the door for a littel while before turning back to Leonard, the whole event mostly seemingly forgotten "What does 'sass' mean?" the canine once more settling down on it's haunches as it simply studies Leonard and his whole reaction to recent events. It's clear he doesnt really understand what just went on, or at least no more than a mere child would understand why parents fight.

"Oh, we're going to talk about this, don't you worry.." Vixen's firm statement of fact as she gets her boots on. Rising, she draws her coat from the closet, tossing it across her shoulders carefully, taking a moment to smooth it out before the door opens and closes firmly in her wake. Oh yes, there will be talking.

Leonard watches the door a moment, as well. "No, she's stubborn, and doesn't understand much of magic, or non-humans beyond the fact that most are very frightening." He obviously not thrilled with the results, but momentarily accepting of them. Turning back, he takes a seat on the couch and looks to Sarik. "I'm sorry that that did not go as well as I'd hoped. Please don't hold her surprise against her, as she is a very kind woman. To answer your question, 'sass' would be backtalk, sarcasm, and the like. I believe she took your comment on my biting her as an insult."

Sarik ohs softly. The 'dog' following Leonard towards the couch and settling down on the floor as he regards him for a few moments while listening to his explanation. "I didnt mean to get you in trouble..." he says, still speaking softly, that child like tone returning. He at least sounds earnest in his words. "And.. I promised not to eat her!" he declares, finding something 'cheerful' to mention. Which, perhaps it arguably is. "Well.. least long as were friends anyway..."

"It's quite alright, Sarik." Leonard notes, some of his smile returning. "None of this was your fault, and I don't blame you for any of it. She was just surprised, and maybe a little frightened. I should have spoken to her beforehand, or simply taken the clothes on my own and brought them to you."

Sarik ohs.. softly again "I'll find something to make it up to her!" he declares suddenly, quite happy with himself, a 'clever' little plan boiling in his mind. Yes.. he has something in mind now and clearly Vixen can only but love it!

Leonard arches a brow at the sudden declaration and regards Sarik for a long moment. "I'm not certain whether I shoulder ask of what you might do, or if I would be better off not knowing. That you wish to appease her is most welcome, but I would like to help ensure that you get the reaction you hope for."

Sarik oks! "You do that." he says quite happily before grabbing the clothes that were brought out for him in his mouth and making for the door, then realizing that not only is it closed, but he lacks hands to open the door with in this form. "Osh yuuuhh! Chaaan yuusshh geesssh deeeessh derrrr?"

Leonard follows Sarik with his gaze and then rises with a chuckle. "Yes, I can get the door, as your mouth is full. I'm guessing that you're not finished with your changing form just yet, then?" He steps for the door, presuming the latter since Sarik didn't merely change and dress. "I'll see what I can find in inexpensive clothing for you. Tomorrow." Once at the door, he unlatches an opens it. "Do be careful, and enjoy your evening, if I don't see you beforehand."

Sarik hops up and down a few times in response to that, he even lets out a muffled bark before quickly darting off down the hall at near breakneck speed like a starving mutt running away from the butcher with a prime cut it just grabbed off the counter.