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FF-Unlike Normality: Part 2 (Old)
9 years ago
General
(Fairly Explicit)
(14-Day 3)
K: Harry, I might need to have a word with Thistle again. Tomorrow, though, not today.
H: About what, if you don't mind me asking?
K: I don't. It's about why you're here.
...
K: I know mother wants me to find some broad to knock up just so, well, you know, so I...I think, after I talk with Thistle, I'll...I'll do this.
H: Kindle, we still have the rest of the week for that. We don't have to do this right away.
K: No, I want to do this. You've still got a contract to fulfill, right?
H: Yeah.
K: And you still need to get paid, even though the amount she's offering is likely a lot less than what she can give you?
# money wasn't really the issue.
K: What? Then, what's your purpose for being here?
H: To make myself useful.
K: Useful?
H: I mean, yeah, I need money to eat and to send to my group, but I just wanted to see how I could help with the situation at hand. And, I've helped at least a little bit, right?
K: Absolutely. Thistle wouldn't be able to visit me during mother's attendance as often without you here and...ahem...yeah.
H: That's good. I'm happy to hear that.
...
H: I guess I'm happy you two are happy. You, Thistle, even your mother, for how short the moment was. It's...Good to be here.
K: Really? You're happy to be here?
H: Yeah.
K: Even with my mother?
H: When she isn't being a psycho mantis, yeah, I enjoy portions of her company.
# mantis?
H: Yeah, like a praying mantis that goes crazy.
K: I've never heard anyone use that phrase before.
H: It's not really a phrase, anyways. I just stole the original term from someone else to make it a phrase.
K: Neat.
(15)
K: I think I need to have a word with my mother about some things. Alone.
H: You'll be okay? I know I won't be able to help much, like last time, but-
K: Yeah, I'll be fine. Just-Don't leave the mountain. If something does go wrong, I'll need you by my side...Bodyguard.
H: Roger.
...
H: Oh...Hello. Are you two Lilith and Lily?
LA: Why, hello, there, Novun!
LB: How do you do?
H: Umm, fine. Hey, what are you two doing in Kindle's room?
LA: Waiting for our poor, dear brother!
LB: As we know how hard mother can be on him.
H: Oh. Well, it might take a while before he comes back.
LA: Mother does love her long-winded speeches, doesn't she? You should know, Novun, since you've witnessed quite a few already.
H: I have. With all due respect to her, I'd rather not witness one again.
LA: Oh, but nothing gets her heart pumping quite look a good argument. Among other things.
H: Right. Well- I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself-
LA: Harry Montaine, is it?
LB: A pleasure to finally meet you.
H: Nice to meet you, too.
LA: Got it right on the first take!
LB: Yeah, just like the gryphon.
...
LA: We know all about your particular conversations, Mr. Montaine. I mean, you guys aren't exactly out of earshot when you talk.
LB: At least, from where we were.
H: Is that so?
LA: Don't act like you aren't worried, Harry. You should feel honored about the fear of blackmail from us.
LB: Yeah, honored!
H: What is it you came here for?
LA: For the company of our brother. Honest!
LB: And for your company as well. I think.
H: Well, here I am.
LA: Yes, you are.
LB: You are, yes.
H: Yeah.
LA: Yeah.
LB: Yeah.
...
H: Please keep whatever you think you've heard here to yourself. Kindle already agreed to meeting another drakken.
LA: Oh, good on him!
LB: He's finally grown up, hasn't he?
H: In a manner of speaking.
LA: And aren't you so fond of our brother, so loyal? Like an Unblessed Feurset to his loving Novun.
H: He has his moments.
LA: Don't be so modest! We overheard him whimpering like a pup when he announced you were his only male Novun friend. And how you comforted him with your claim of honor.
LB: He's never cried like that since we were kids.
H: Well...I was just trying to help.
LA: Helping others. It brings you pleasure, doesn't it?
H: When I can help someone, that is.
...
LA: Then, maybe you can help us.
H: Write a contract and I'll see what I can do.
LA: Oh, this isn't about contracts or jobs. This is about something else.
H: If it's not a contract, I can't do anything for you. My group doesn't like me doing free favors.
LA: You don't need to do anything. Just sit back, relax, and let us keep you company.
H: That's it?
LA:That's it. That's all you need to do. Simple, isn't it?
LB:...Wait, that's not what we're really doing, is it?
H: What?
LA: Hold that thought-
# idiot, why did you say that?
LB:...Well, you seemed really genuine about it-
LA:...It's called a facade, Lily! You didn't forget about those, did you?
# was just going along with you, though. I mean, we haven't really been using facades lately, have we?
LA:...Uh-That's besides the point!
# I don't really like Novuns, anyway...
# you rather settle for the usual?
# I don't-
LA: Lily!
#
LA: Novun!
H: Yes?
LA: It seems the circumstances have changed-
LB: Lily wants us to have shameful intercourse with you.
H: Wha-Wha-WHAT?
LA: Oh my god, are you FUCKING kidding me, Lily?
LB: What?
LA: Have you ever heard of "subtlety", you moron? Like, how long have we been doing this?
LB: I just do whatever you do. Don't get mad at me.
LA: No, you aren't! Because you're telling him EXACTLY what we came here to!
# don't like lying anymore, Lilith.
LA: That doesn't even-We aren't LYING, Lily! We're...Telling the truth with style!
LB: Isn't that still lying?
LA: NO, IT IS NOT STILL LYING!
# think I should go.
LA: Huh? No-Wait, Harry!
LB: Maybe we should-
LA: YOU SHUT UP, YOU LOST YOUR RIGHT TO TALK NOW.
#
LA: So, Harry...What do you say?
...
H: I'm flattered, but no thanks.
LA: WHAT? Do you know who we are? What we can do? What we can give you?
#
H: I know who you are, but I think I'm fine with my current financial situation as it is.
LA: Wha-NO, you fool! I mean...Here you are, with two rich, beautiful dragonesses at your disposal, and you're telling me you're FINE with not taking advantage of us-uh, that?
#
H: Why would I want to take advantage of you two? It would be disingenuous of me. I don't need the extra money, and I barely know you.
LA: But look at us, how beautiful we are! We are beautiful, aren't we?
#
H: I guess.
#
LB:...Sniiiiff...
LA: I mean, I don't see anything physically wrong with either of you, like no horrid defects or detrimental aberrations upon yourselves, so I guess you'd qualify as physically beautiful.
LA: Those are your standards for pure beauty?
LB:...That's it?...
H: Not pure beauty. I mean, what is pure beauty, anyway? Just someone's preferences, really.
LA: And what are your preferences?
LB:...Yeah, what are they?...
H: I...That's a good question. I mean, I'm not out looking for ideal women when I already have a good selection of friends outside of dragon country.
LA: But, surely you must have preferences! Novuns are some of the most vain people out there, after all.
LB:...That's kinda mean...
H: I dunno. I guess...I dunno.
LA: Like, which species do you prefer? Yours? Ours? Feursets?
# say ours...
H: I don't think-Hmm. I guess it doesn't really matter to me. I like all species.
LA: But-Sigh. You aren't making this easy, Harry.
#
LA: What I did JUST say, Lily?
LB: Why don't we just, I dunno, hang out with him or something?
LA: Wha-NO! I came here to consummate, and I'm gonna consummate!
LB: I mean...He seems nice, but I don't really wanna do nasty things with him.
LA: Are you...No. You can't mean...
LB: Just hang out. Like...you know. Without the sex part.
LA: Like...
LB: Friends?
LA: Like...
LB: Yes, friends.
...
LA: Like...
LB: Lilith?
LA: Sigh...Fuck it, you're useless...Guess I'll go consummate with a tree or something...
...
#
H: Um, hello, Lily...
...
LB: ...How are you?
H: I don't know how I am. Not sure if I should be confused, terrified, flattered, or worried.
LB: Please don't be worried. It's just a thing we go through on occasion.
H: Stuff like this happens here?
LB: No, just on occasion.
H: Oh.
...
LB: So, uh, what do you do for fun?
H: A few things. Reading, writing, sometimes talking, all that stuff.
LB: That's nice. I like talking, too.
H: Umm, I like to take Gerald, my Unblessed gryphon, out for soaring sessions, sometimes feed him, sometimes bathe him...All that stuff. Wait, didn't I already say that?
LB: You have a gryphon?
H: Yeah.
LB:...I'm kinda scared of gryphons...
H: Yeah, they are kinda scary at first, but they're very-Hmm, usually very loving once you spend enough time with them.
LB: I'm not sure I could do that.
H: Not everyone can. They're a very niche species.
LB: Do you ever get afraid one will try to eat you?
H: I'm afraid everything will try to eat me, but that fear is sometimes used to fascinate me even more about these different species. Like spiders. I used to be afraid of spiders-Still am, actually-But now, when they aren't on my gear or on me, I watch them and see what kind of things they do.
# you afraid I will eat you?
H: Not unless you try to.
LB: I don't want to, I just wanted to know. Like, what you're afraid of.
H: Why?
LB: Because I'm afraid of things like that, too. Things that will try to eat me.
H: Well, let's see...Slow pain, torture, death...
LB: Uh huh.
# scares, human gore, water slides...
LB: Huh?
H: Like sudden jumps. Think of things coming out of nowhere and really close to you.
LB: Oh. And, water slides?
H: Those aren't things in this wor-country?
LB: No. Sounds fun, though.
H: I used to loath being on them, so I'm kinda glad they aren't here. Same with mosquitos.
LB: Mos-what?
H: Little blood-sucking insects that can give you irritated bumps and sometimes transfer diseases. Believe me, this mountain's a lot better without them.
LB: I believe you.
H:...Hey, Lily?
LB: Yes?
H: You said you didn't like Novuns, right?
LB: You heard that?
H: Yeah, I was about a few feet away from you when you said that.
LB: I apologize. I mean, thinking of-yeah. But for talking? I think I'm okay with.
H: You aren't going to tell your mother about those other things, are you?
LB: I'm not the one that does that. Lilith is the tattletale.
# slime...
H: Oh.
LB: But I won't tell her about today. Even though Lilith might.
H: Thank you, anyways.
...
LA: Hey, Novun?
H: Yeah.
LA: Now that you're done talking to Lily, how about we have a good fu-mhmh-versation?
H: Have you been telling the queen about the other things?
LA: What other things?
H: You know what I mean.
LA: Oh, those? Yeah, I totally told her everything.
H: You-What? Why?
LA: She threatened to disown me if I didn't. And I can't survive for long out there, without my kingdom! It's a world full of brutes and killers and I wouldn't last a day. Can't you see how fragile I am?
H: And Kindle is talking to her right now. And you-You came here, to wait for him. To, what, comfort him when he comes back? Gain his favor?
LA: No, just spend some time with him, since we rarely spend quality time together anymore.
LB: Harry, please don't get mad.
H: I can't believe that "you" would do this, and that "you" would allow this!
LA: You ought to go tell him what we did, make him give us the punishment we deserve!
LB: I...I feel terrible now...
H: Ugh! Damn it!
(16)
H: Kindle! Are you-
#
H: Damn it, man, your sister, Lilith, she-
K:...Figures.
H: I-Are you okay?
#
H: You look sick. Are you hurt? Do you need medicine?
# It's fine.
H: Ugh, and what's that smell?
K:...It's fine.
V: Mr. Montaine! I require your audience.
H: Oh, no...
V: So, it seems, thanks to your efforts, my son has decided to finally propose to a woman of proper disposition. Nacatua of the Hillside Wares! I always had a good feeling about that one.
H: That's right.
V: Yet... It also seems that you have been allowing illegal visits of a particular VERMIN that is not allowed to be here. So, I am afraid I must break our contract as my very lenient way of forgiving you for your transgressions.
H:...That's fair.
V: Such a shame. And I just began to get used to your presence here. It was certainly a breath of fresh air compared to the monotony of my kin. Now, guards! Please escort our former guest away from our premises.
# off of my friend, you two.
RG: Excuse me?
# him go before I hurt the both of you.
RG: But, my prince?
# said-Hands! OFF!
RG: Gasp!
(17)
...
V: Why? Why did you hurt our guards like that, Kindle?
K: I told them to let him go. They didn't. I only saw fit to properly discipline uncoordinated slags.
V: And...And me? Why did you hurt me, my son?
K: You know why.
#
K: You fucking know why. Hey, Harry. I want to make a contract with you.
#
H: Whatever you want.
K: I want you to kill my mother.
V: Wha-No, Kindle, what are you saying?!?
# her?
K: Yes.
V: Please, stop this at once!
K: Use that spear of yours, thrust it right through her filthy white neck.
V: I bore you, my son! I created you, raised you, loved you-
K: You never loved me! I was just a means to YOUR end!
H: What?
V: Think, child! What-What do you think your father will do when he finds me dead and not ruling this kingdom?
K: He'll piss on your grave and piss on his useless daughters, too.
# bloodline-Our kingdom...What of our kingdom, Kindle? Did you forget about that!?! What matters more than you, than me, than us? Than ALL OF US?!?
K: Fuck our kingdom.
V: So...So, that's your answer, is it? Fuck this, fuck that, fuck everything and everyone?
K: And fuck you.
V: You...You're just like your father. Screwing the rest of the world and denying me in my time of need.
K: You don't need me.
V: No...You're wrong, son. I need you, now more than ever.
K: You need me (Takes Harry's spear), but I don't need YOU!
H: Kindle, WAIT!
(18)
H: Ugh!
K: Harry, what are you doing?
H: Please...Don't.
K: She's damaged goods, Harry. Extremely damaged goods, more than you know. I'm doing the kingdom a favor getting rid of her.
H: This isn't the way, Kindle. You know it isn't.
K: Is there...Any other way but this?
H: If she's committed crimes, you can-
K: What, jail her? She IS the jailer, Harry! Even if that worked, she'd just screw her way out of jail. Or beg father to come. Which, she already has.
H: She has?
K: Yes. She thought he'd be the only way to "straighten" me out even though he'll just say the same thing: He's your son, you straighten him out. I don't care who he wastes time with. Call me when there's a real emergency next time.
H: And you want to kill her before he comes?
K: I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to do it himself. He was tired of her after a few decades. I was tired of her after six months.
# did she do, Kindle?
K: Get out of my way, Harry!
H: What did she do?
K: Too much! She did too much!
H: I can't go until you tell me!
K: Shut up and get out of my way!
H: Please, wait!
K: Stop-Stop covering yourself over her and just get out!
H: Kindle!
K: GET OOOOOUT!!!
(Throws spear on ground)
K: We...We're all going straight to hell for what we've done.
...
We are filthy. All of us. None of us are fit to rule the kingdom...You and Thistle are the only clean ones here. The "pure race" mother keeps babbling about...It's not gained through blood and courtship. It's gained through...Anything but that stuff.
...
Isn't that right, Harry?
H: Technically, there is no "pure race". Because, for all our benefits, we're all still dealt with some indisputable flaws that we can only repress at best. No matter what species we are, our flaws hold us back, make us stronger, and define us, for better or for worse.
K: Heh...Nerd...Always have to explain things...
...
# Montaine?
H: Yes?
V: Why are you defending me, after all I"m sure you've heard of me?
H: I haven't heard enough, though I don't think I want to.
V: You won't want to. And you won't understand. Because you haven't dealt with what I've dealt with. Or felt what I've felt. You will be completely oblivious to my position once you learn more. And you won't want to learn more. So, I question why you don't let him kill me and continue to live the rest of your life ignorant of my intentions. Of me.
H: There's a saying where I come from: "You aren't guilty until proven otherwise." But, nothing's been proven yet.
K: Hasn't everything I've said about her up to this point been more than enough?
H: No. Has she murdered anyone?
K: No.
H: Has she stolen countless, precious artifacts from indigenous groups or museums?
K: No.
H: Has she conspired to overthrow other kingdoms?
K: No.
H: Has she drowned orphans or eaten other peoples' dogs?
K: ..No.
H: Has she taxed her people to extreme, poverty-stricken conditions?
K: No.
H: Then, what has she done?
...
K: She manipulated her son into copulating with her for the perfect male breed.
...
V: Now, you know the truth.
K: Harry...
H: I...
...
H: I need my spear back.
K: Are you-
H: No. I...I don't know what I'm going to do...
K: Look, we used to-Before you came. And...
...
K: But it never worked. We tried everything we could: Medicine, Potions, Magic. But there was nothing. Pregnancy never came.
...
K: We wondered if she had become sterile, cursed, or forbidden by the gods to give birth. Then, we wondered if I was sterile...The entire time...
...
K: But we kept at it. For six long months, we kept degrading ourselves to lower levels of degeneracy, hoping, someday, it would end. But the day never came. Then, you came along, when you weren't meant to.
V: ...I assumed myself to be...Inadequate, for what I needed accomplished. So, I saw fit to find another mate. To succeed where I...Sniff...Could not...
H: You...You guys know about inbreds, right?
V: The myth created by the Novuns?
H: No, it's no myth. It's a very real thing where I come from. Children with parents of close relatives that are born with terrible physical and mental defects that they can never grow out of. Their DNA-Their insides and outsides are all screwed up because two lovers happened to be too close in terms of blood.
You don't strengthen a bloodline by mating with those of the same blood. You destroy it. For they are too similar, too relative. And the body craves variety, not uniformity.
V: How poignant. So...What does all this necessary information mean?
K: In other words, LET ME SHAG MY GRYPHON WOMAN IN PEACE. ITS A HELL OF A LOT HEALTHIER THAN SHAGGING YOU!
Is that about right, Harry?
#
V: Well, you've certainly done no favors for your sisters, either.
H: What?
K: Forget it, Harry. Come on, I have a new contract for you.
V: Why don't you tell him the full truth while you're at it, Kindle?
(19)
H: What full truth? I thought I already received the...full truth.
K: I'll tell you more when you sign this contract.
H: Kindle?...
K: Harry?
...
K: Okay, the award's much greater, time minimum is much more flexible, and for four days...
H: What's the full truth?
...
K: Okay, look, I'm not a saint, I never said I was, but compared to her, I'm an angel-
H: Kindle...
K: I...May have done a few things with them. But-Only a few times, and they made more advances on ME!
H: Ohhh...
K: And apparently, my father's doesn't limit himself from them, either...
H: Ohhhhhh...
K: This may be a lot to take in, I know, it's all terrible, but-H-Hey. Are you okay?
H: I feel...Ill...
K: You're not gonna faint, are-Shit!
(End of Part 2)
(14-Day 3)
K: Harry, I might need to have a word with Thistle again. Tomorrow, though, not today.
H: About what, if you don't mind me asking?
K: I don't. It's about why you're here.
...
K: I know mother wants me to find some broad to knock up just so, well, you know, so I...I think, after I talk with Thistle, I'll...I'll do this.
H: Kindle, we still have the rest of the week for that. We don't have to do this right away.
K: No, I want to do this. You've still got a contract to fulfill, right?
H: Yeah.
K: And you still need to get paid, even though the amount she's offering is likely a lot less than what she can give you?
# money wasn't really the issue.
K: What? Then, what's your purpose for being here?
H: To make myself useful.
K: Useful?
H: I mean, yeah, I need money to eat and to send to my group, but I just wanted to see how I could help with the situation at hand. And, I've helped at least a little bit, right?
K: Absolutely. Thistle wouldn't be able to visit me during mother's attendance as often without you here and...ahem...yeah.
H: That's good. I'm happy to hear that.
...
H: I guess I'm happy you two are happy. You, Thistle, even your mother, for how short the moment was. It's...Good to be here.
K: Really? You're happy to be here?
H: Yeah.
K: Even with my mother?
H: When she isn't being a psycho mantis, yeah, I enjoy portions of her company.
# mantis?
H: Yeah, like a praying mantis that goes crazy.
K: I've never heard anyone use that phrase before.
H: It's not really a phrase, anyways. I just stole the original term from someone else to make it a phrase.
K: Neat.
(15)
K: I think I need to have a word with my mother about some things. Alone.
H: You'll be okay? I know I won't be able to help much, like last time, but-
K: Yeah, I'll be fine. Just-Don't leave the mountain. If something does go wrong, I'll need you by my side...Bodyguard.
H: Roger.
...
H: Oh...Hello. Are you two Lilith and Lily?
LA: Why, hello, there, Novun!
LB: How do you do?
H: Umm, fine. Hey, what are you two doing in Kindle's room?
LA: Waiting for our poor, dear brother!
LB: As we know how hard mother can be on him.
H: Oh. Well, it might take a while before he comes back.
LA: Mother does love her long-winded speeches, doesn't she? You should know, Novun, since you've witnessed quite a few already.
H: I have. With all due respect to her, I'd rather not witness one again.
LA: Oh, but nothing gets her heart pumping quite look a good argument. Among other things.
H: Right. Well- I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself-
LA: Harry Montaine, is it?
LB: A pleasure to finally meet you.
H: Nice to meet you, too.
LA: Got it right on the first take!
LB: Yeah, just like the gryphon.
...
LA: We know all about your particular conversations, Mr. Montaine. I mean, you guys aren't exactly out of earshot when you talk.
LB: At least, from where we were.
H: Is that so?
LA: Don't act like you aren't worried, Harry. You should feel honored about the fear of blackmail from us.
LB: Yeah, honored!
H: What is it you came here for?
LA: For the company of our brother. Honest!
LB: And for your company as well. I think.
H: Well, here I am.
LA: Yes, you are.
LB: You are, yes.
H: Yeah.
LA: Yeah.
LB: Yeah.
...
H: Please keep whatever you think you've heard here to yourself. Kindle already agreed to meeting another drakken.
LA: Oh, good on him!
LB: He's finally grown up, hasn't he?
H: In a manner of speaking.
LA: And aren't you so fond of our brother, so loyal? Like an Unblessed Feurset to his loving Novun.
H: He has his moments.
LA: Don't be so modest! We overheard him whimpering like a pup when he announced you were his only male Novun friend. And how you comforted him with your claim of honor.
LB: He's never cried like that since we were kids.
H: Well...I was just trying to help.
LA: Helping others. It brings you pleasure, doesn't it?
H: When I can help someone, that is.
...
LA: Then, maybe you can help us.
H: Write a contract and I'll see what I can do.
LA: Oh, this isn't about contracts or jobs. This is about something else.
H: If it's not a contract, I can't do anything for you. My group doesn't like me doing free favors.
LA: You don't need to do anything. Just sit back, relax, and let us keep you company.
H: That's it?
LA:That's it. That's all you need to do. Simple, isn't it?
LB:...Wait, that's not what we're really doing, is it?
H: What?
LA: Hold that thought-
# idiot, why did you say that?
LB:...Well, you seemed really genuine about it-
LA:...It's called a facade, Lily! You didn't forget about those, did you?
# was just going along with you, though. I mean, we haven't really been using facades lately, have we?
LA:...Uh-That's besides the point!
# I don't really like Novuns, anyway...
# you rather settle for the usual?
# I don't-
LA: Lily!
#
LA: Novun!
H: Yes?
LA: It seems the circumstances have changed-
LB: Lily wants us to have shameful intercourse with you.
H: Wha-Wha-WHAT?
LA: Oh my god, are you FUCKING kidding me, Lily?
LB: What?
LA: Have you ever heard of "subtlety", you moron? Like, how long have we been doing this?
LB: I just do whatever you do. Don't get mad at me.
LA: No, you aren't! Because you're telling him EXACTLY what we came here to!
# don't like lying anymore, Lilith.
LA: That doesn't even-We aren't LYING, Lily! We're...Telling the truth with style!
LB: Isn't that still lying?
LA: NO, IT IS NOT STILL LYING!
# think I should go.
LA: Huh? No-Wait, Harry!
LB: Maybe we should-
LA: YOU SHUT UP, YOU LOST YOUR RIGHT TO TALK NOW.
#
LA: So, Harry...What do you say?
...
H: I'm flattered, but no thanks.
LA: WHAT? Do you know who we are? What we can do? What we can give you?
#
H: I know who you are, but I think I'm fine with my current financial situation as it is.
LA: Wha-NO, you fool! I mean...Here you are, with two rich, beautiful dragonesses at your disposal, and you're telling me you're FINE with not taking advantage of us-uh, that?
#
H: Why would I want to take advantage of you two? It would be disingenuous of me. I don't need the extra money, and I barely know you.
LA: But look at us, how beautiful we are! We are beautiful, aren't we?
#
H: I guess.
#
LB:...Sniiiiff...
LA: I mean, I don't see anything physically wrong with either of you, like no horrid defects or detrimental aberrations upon yourselves, so I guess you'd qualify as physically beautiful.
LA: Those are your standards for pure beauty?
LB:...That's it?...
H: Not pure beauty. I mean, what is pure beauty, anyway? Just someone's preferences, really.
LA: And what are your preferences?
LB:...Yeah, what are they?...
H: I...That's a good question. I mean, I'm not out looking for ideal women when I already have a good selection of friends outside of dragon country.
LA: But, surely you must have preferences! Novuns are some of the most vain people out there, after all.
LB:...That's kinda mean...
H: I dunno. I guess...I dunno.
LA: Like, which species do you prefer? Yours? Ours? Feursets?
# say ours...
H: I don't think-Hmm. I guess it doesn't really matter to me. I like all species.
LA: But-Sigh. You aren't making this easy, Harry.
#
LA: What I did JUST say, Lily?
LB: Why don't we just, I dunno, hang out with him or something?
LA: Wha-NO! I came here to consummate, and I'm gonna consummate!
LB: I mean...He seems nice, but I don't really wanna do nasty things with him.
LA: Are you...No. You can't mean...
LB: Just hang out. Like...you know. Without the sex part.
LA: Like...
LB: Friends?
LA: Like...
LB: Yes, friends.
...
LA: Like...
LB: Lilith?
LA: Sigh...Fuck it, you're useless...Guess I'll go consummate with a tree or something...
...
#
H: Um, hello, Lily...
...
LB: ...How are you?
H: I don't know how I am. Not sure if I should be confused, terrified, flattered, or worried.
LB: Please don't be worried. It's just a thing we go through on occasion.
H: Stuff like this happens here?
LB: No, just on occasion.
H: Oh.
...
LB: So, uh, what do you do for fun?
H: A few things. Reading, writing, sometimes talking, all that stuff.
LB: That's nice. I like talking, too.
H: Umm, I like to take Gerald, my Unblessed gryphon, out for soaring sessions, sometimes feed him, sometimes bathe him...All that stuff. Wait, didn't I already say that?
LB: You have a gryphon?
H: Yeah.
LB:...I'm kinda scared of gryphons...
H: Yeah, they are kinda scary at first, but they're very-Hmm, usually very loving once you spend enough time with them.
LB: I'm not sure I could do that.
H: Not everyone can. They're a very niche species.
LB: Do you ever get afraid one will try to eat you?
H: I'm afraid everything will try to eat me, but that fear is sometimes used to fascinate me even more about these different species. Like spiders. I used to be afraid of spiders-Still am, actually-But now, when they aren't on my gear or on me, I watch them and see what kind of things they do.
# you afraid I will eat you?
H: Not unless you try to.
LB: I don't want to, I just wanted to know. Like, what you're afraid of.
H: Why?
LB: Because I'm afraid of things like that, too. Things that will try to eat me.
H: Well, let's see...Slow pain, torture, death...
LB: Uh huh.
# scares, human gore, water slides...
LB: Huh?
H: Like sudden jumps. Think of things coming out of nowhere and really close to you.
LB: Oh. And, water slides?
H: Those aren't things in this wor-country?
LB: No. Sounds fun, though.
H: I used to loath being on them, so I'm kinda glad they aren't here. Same with mosquitos.
LB: Mos-what?
H: Little blood-sucking insects that can give you irritated bumps and sometimes transfer diseases. Believe me, this mountain's a lot better without them.
LB: I believe you.
H:...Hey, Lily?
LB: Yes?
H: You said you didn't like Novuns, right?
LB: You heard that?
H: Yeah, I was about a few feet away from you when you said that.
LB: I apologize. I mean, thinking of-yeah. But for talking? I think I'm okay with.
H: You aren't going to tell your mother about those other things, are you?
LB: I'm not the one that does that. Lilith is the tattletale.
# slime...
H: Oh.
LB: But I won't tell her about today. Even though Lilith might.
H: Thank you, anyways.
...
LA: Hey, Novun?
H: Yeah.
LA: Now that you're done talking to Lily, how about we have a good fu-mhmh-versation?
H: Have you been telling the queen about the other things?
LA: What other things?
H: You know what I mean.
LA: Oh, those? Yeah, I totally told her everything.
H: You-What? Why?
LA: She threatened to disown me if I didn't. And I can't survive for long out there, without my kingdom! It's a world full of brutes and killers and I wouldn't last a day. Can't you see how fragile I am?
H: And Kindle is talking to her right now. And you-You came here, to wait for him. To, what, comfort him when he comes back? Gain his favor?
LA: No, just spend some time with him, since we rarely spend quality time together anymore.
LB: Harry, please don't get mad.
H: I can't believe that "you" would do this, and that "you" would allow this!
LA: You ought to go tell him what we did, make him give us the punishment we deserve!
LB: I...I feel terrible now...
H: Ugh! Damn it!
(16)
H: Kindle! Are you-
#
H: Damn it, man, your sister, Lilith, she-
K:...Figures.
H: I-Are you okay?
#
H: You look sick. Are you hurt? Do you need medicine?
# It's fine.
H: Ugh, and what's that smell?
K:...It's fine.
V: Mr. Montaine! I require your audience.
H: Oh, no...
V: So, it seems, thanks to your efforts, my son has decided to finally propose to a woman of proper disposition. Nacatua of the Hillside Wares! I always had a good feeling about that one.
H: That's right.
V: Yet... It also seems that you have been allowing illegal visits of a particular VERMIN that is not allowed to be here. So, I am afraid I must break our contract as my very lenient way of forgiving you for your transgressions.
H:...That's fair.
V: Such a shame. And I just began to get used to your presence here. It was certainly a breath of fresh air compared to the monotony of my kin. Now, guards! Please escort our former guest away from our premises.
# off of my friend, you two.
RG: Excuse me?
# him go before I hurt the both of you.
RG: But, my prince?
# said-Hands! OFF!
RG: Gasp!
(17)
...
V: Why? Why did you hurt our guards like that, Kindle?
K: I told them to let him go. They didn't. I only saw fit to properly discipline uncoordinated slags.
V: And...And me? Why did you hurt me, my son?
K: You know why.
#
K: You fucking know why. Hey, Harry. I want to make a contract with you.
#
H: Whatever you want.
K: I want you to kill my mother.
V: Wha-No, Kindle, what are you saying?!?
# her?
K: Yes.
V: Please, stop this at once!
K: Use that spear of yours, thrust it right through her filthy white neck.
V: I bore you, my son! I created you, raised you, loved you-
K: You never loved me! I was just a means to YOUR end!
H: What?
V: Think, child! What-What do you think your father will do when he finds me dead and not ruling this kingdom?
K: He'll piss on your grave and piss on his useless daughters, too.
# bloodline-Our kingdom...What of our kingdom, Kindle? Did you forget about that!?! What matters more than you, than me, than us? Than ALL OF US?!?
K: Fuck our kingdom.
V: So...So, that's your answer, is it? Fuck this, fuck that, fuck everything and everyone?
K: And fuck you.
V: You...You're just like your father. Screwing the rest of the world and denying me in my time of need.
K: You don't need me.
V: No...You're wrong, son. I need you, now more than ever.
K: You need me (Takes Harry's spear), but I don't need YOU!
H: Kindle, WAIT!
(18)
H: Ugh!
K: Harry, what are you doing?
H: Please...Don't.
K: She's damaged goods, Harry. Extremely damaged goods, more than you know. I'm doing the kingdom a favor getting rid of her.
H: This isn't the way, Kindle. You know it isn't.
K: Is there...Any other way but this?
H: If she's committed crimes, you can-
K: What, jail her? She IS the jailer, Harry! Even if that worked, she'd just screw her way out of jail. Or beg father to come. Which, she already has.
H: She has?
K: Yes. She thought he'd be the only way to "straighten" me out even though he'll just say the same thing: He's your son, you straighten him out. I don't care who he wastes time with. Call me when there's a real emergency next time.
H: And you want to kill her before he comes?
K: I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to do it himself. He was tired of her after a few decades. I was tired of her after six months.
# did she do, Kindle?
K: Get out of my way, Harry!
H: What did she do?
K: Too much! She did too much!
H: I can't go until you tell me!
K: Shut up and get out of my way!
H: Please, wait!
K: Stop-Stop covering yourself over her and just get out!
H: Kindle!
K: GET OOOOOUT!!!
(Throws spear on ground)
K: We...We're all going straight to hell for what we've done.
...
We are filthy. All of us. None of us are fit to rule the kingdom...You and Thistle are the only clean ones here. The "pure race" mother keeps babbling about...It's not gained through blood and courtship. It's gained through...Anything but that stuff.
...
Isn't that right, Harry?
H: Technically, there is no "pure race". Because, for all our benefits, we're all still dealt with some indisputable flaws that we can only repress at best. No matter what species we are, our flaws hold us back, make us stronger, and define us, for better or for worse.
K: Heh...Nerd...Always have to explain things...
...
# Montaine?
H: Yes?
V: Why are you defending me, after all I"m sure you've heard of me?
H: I haven't heard enough, though I don't think I want to.
V: You won't want to. And you won't understand. Because you haven't dealt with what I've dealt with. Or felt what I've felt. You will be completely oblivious to my position once you learn more. And you won't want to learn more. So, I question why you don't let him kill me and continue to live the rest of your life ignorant of my intentions. Of me.
H: There's a saying where I come from: "You aren't guilty until proven otherwise." But, nothing's been proven yet.
K: Hasn't everything I've said about her up to this point been more than enough?
H: No. Has she murdered anyone?
K: No.
H: Has she stolen countless, precious artifacts from indigenous groups or museums?
K: No.
H: Has she conspired to overthrow other kingdoms?
K: No.
H: Has she drowned orphans or eaten other peoples' dogs?
K: ..No.
H: Has she taxed her people to extreme, poverty-stricken conditions?
K: No.
H: Then, what has she done?
...
K: She manipulated her son into copulating with her for the perfect male breed.
...
V: Now, you know the truth.
K: Harry...
H: I...
...
H: I need my spear back.
K: Are you-
H: No. I...I don't know what I'm going to do...
K: Look, we used to-Before you came. And...
...
K: But it never worked. We tried everything we could: Medicine, Potions, Magic. But there was nothing. Pregnancy never came.
...
K: We wondered if she had become sterile, cursed, or forbidden by the gods to give birth. Then, we wondered if I was sterile...The entire time...
...
K: But we kept at it. For six long months, we kept degrading ourselves to lower levels of degeneracy, hoping, someday, it would end. But the day never came. Then, you came along, when you weren't meant to.
V: ...I assumed myself to be...Inadequate, for what I needed accomplished. So, I saw fit to find another mate. To succeed where I...Sniff...Could not...
H: You...You guys know about inbreds, right?
V: The myth created by the Novuns?
H: No, it's no myth. It's a very real thing where I come from. Children with parents of close relatives that are born with terrible physical and mental defects that they can never grow out of. Their DNA-Their insides and outsides are all screwed up because two lovers happened to be too close in terms of blood.
You don't strengthen a bloodline by mating with those of the same blood. You destroy it. For they are too similar, too relative. And the body craves variety, not uniformity.
V: How poignant. So...What does all this necessary information mean?
K: In other words, LET ME SHAG MY GRYPHON WOMAN IN PEACE. ITS A HELL OF A LOT HEALTHIER THAN SHAGGING YOU!
Is that about right, Harry?
#
V: Well, you've certainly done no favors for your sisters, either.
H: What?
K: Forget it, Harry. Come on, I have a new contract for you.
V: Why don't you tell him the full truth while you're at it, Kindle?
(19)
H: What full truth? I thought I already received the...full truth.
K: I'll tell you more when you sign this contract.
H: Kindle?...
K: Harry?
...
K: Okay, the award's much greater, time minimum is much more flexible, and for four days...
H: What's the full truth?
...
K: Okay, look, I'm not a saint, I never said I was, but compared to her, I'm an angel-
H: Kindle...
K: I...May have done a few things with them. But-Only a few times, and they made more advances on ME!
H: Ohhh...
K: And apparently, my father's doesn't limit himself from them, either...
H: Ohhhhhh...
K: This may be a lot to take in, I know, it's all terrible, but-H-Hey. Are you okay?
H: I feel...Ill...
K: You're not gonna faint, are-Shit!
(End of Part 2)
