The Start of a Journey [Open]

[Uzotre]

Uzotre walked along the Emerald River, its glistening waters and gentle banks giving a sense of allure and peace. But peace would not come for quite awhile that day. A large exception in life for Uzotre, he was in his human form. Dressed in the garments and armor that he “borrowed” from a rather unfortunate guard, Uzotre was making his slow and steady way up the river. He was looking for a place to practice the “human ways” which he was so unfamiliar with. Walking was already becoming easier, and the use of his hands had found themselves quickly when he had to pull himself from the river after falling in. Dripping wet and generally irritated at having to become one of the revolting humans Uzotre was in anything but a good mood.

Finding a clearing near the Whispering Woods Uzotre stopped and threw down the small pack of supplies that he also took from the guard. He rarely visited this place after learning that the evil dragons had been driven out, but today would be an exception. He would be visiting a lot of strange and unknown places in his drive for revenge. This was also why he was here that day. He needed to get used to his human form, something he would use to get close to the one he sought. But before such an action can be taken, training was an embarrassing but vital step.

Finding a small sapling on the outskirts of the forest Uzotre drew forth the guard’s blade. Typical of his nature combat would be the first step, although in doing this he would also learn many other things. Eyeing the sapling Uzotre stepped forward and swung the blade clumsily. Of course it sailed quite far off mark and into the ground with a harsh thud. His foul mood turning even worse Uzotre picked up the blade and swung once more; his move more aimed but the blade still flew by and once again landed in the dirt. The blade shook back and forth, seemingly mocking Uzotre’s failure. Enraged he picked up the blade and wildly swung it. The blade shot from his hand and into another tree, barely nicking the tops of the saplings leaves.

Uzotre walked over and removed the blade from the tree. Taking a deep breath he regained some control. This self control didn’t come easily for Uzotre, but he would get nowhere in anger. Better to save it for a more profitable moment. Once again in front of the sapling Uzotre swung down with his sword, this time the blade making contact with the trunk and severing the sapling in two. The blade still ringing a note of triumph Uzotre glanced at the tree with satisfaction, his mouth set in a triumphant sneer. It was a start, but soon it would become more than that. Taking up the sword once more Uzotre set himself up and practiced again, his reflexes getting more in tune with each stroke.

[Midnight Dragon]

Nestor Pyre watched as the young dragon stumbled through his human form. He rashly swung his sword at sapling trees, clumsily fumbling through swordsman stances. He was inexperienced his the movements of a human form and he was angry. The boy had a temper, strength, and by the look of those trees and how he kept it up - determination and perseverance. Nestor could use this lad, the dragon was determined to act human, but was having difficulty.

This young dragon was tormented and confused, avoiding both the human-loving dragons and those who followed him, planning to destroy the human race. From what he knew of this young one, he may be swayed to join him. Both of his parents had been killed by humans and human-lovers. He may be able to appeal to the resentment he must be harbouring.

Shifting down to his human shape, Nestor stepped into view. His human body was agile for so long disuse, but he had used it so much in the past that controlling was nearly second nature. Not being human in so long a time had it's perks though: no one recognised him for who he truly was.

" 'Aven't been human in a long time, eh? A bit out of practice?" Nestor slid his bow off his shoulder, running his hands up and down the wood to warm it. He bent it gently, testing it's strength: still good."Perhaps I could offer a few pointers?" He took an arrow from the quiver on his back, handling it with deft fingers, showing off how well his human shape functioned. Nestor knocked the arrow. "For example," he drew back his arm and took aim, "never let the human body get th' better of you; it's only a tool, if you let it anger you, it'll do you no good." And released the arrow. It landed dead center in his target, a knot in a tree fifty meters off.

[Uzotre]

Uzotre stood in a moment of pride when a figure approached him at the edge of his vision. Turning around Uzotre silently regarded the figure. He moved with grace yet with a sense of hidden power, as if each movement had both the chance to amaze you, and to end your life. The man had short black hair and a tall figure and appeared to be relatively young. ” Aven't been human in a long time, eh? A bit out of practice?" This statement seemed out of place, but then it hit Uzotre. The man’s eyes were golden and cat-like, his pupil elongated above that of a human. This was another dragon. Uzotre felt a great power rested beneath his human exterior and immediately regarded the stranger closer.

The human offered assistance which Uzotre was about to decline when the man removed a great bow of wood and fired an arrow with perfect skill and aim into a knot of wood at a distance. After this show of skill Uzotre listened to his advice, to contain his anger and use his human body as simply a tool. Uzotre smiled slightly; perhaps he could learn something from this man, and then if he proved an enemy, take him down. Indeed Uzotre had no notion of what alignment this dragon was. He would need to be wary of traps or deception. Containing his fierce pride Uzotre bowed slightly, smiling as the man came closer. ”I would be honored to have your assistance.” Uzotre picked up the guards sword and placed it within his sheath and approached the dragon. As they came closer Uzotre could sense the power residing in the dragon even clearer. Who was this stranger?

Uzotre stopped once he got near the dragon, his body relaxing but his arm staying near his sword incase of deception. He then glanced at the dragon, signaling to proceed in his words.

[Midnight Dragon]

Nestor leaned on his bow casually. The young dragon approached him, interested but wary. His hand stayed near the sword at his hip, clever of him to know not to trust him right off, but not so smart in regard to the fact that Nestor had just announced his presence with a show of skill while this dragon had been fumbling through a human body, yet he still thought he could take him? Well, Nestor thought, no need to make him aware of the fact, unless he is faking... But by the acceptance of my offer, perhaps he's not.

Nestor smiled, conveying the picture of ease. "I'd be glad t' help! Now, how long has it been since you used this skin? It's obviously not your first time, seeing you 'ave the gear and garb for it." Nestor gestured at the dragon's sword and clothes. "I mus' say, it's a good thing you came away to a secluded place to practice it. Some dragons think they can just switch forms and waltz righ' in to a human village without a thought!" He chuckled, a little darkly. "That's a good way t' end up dead! Humans are skittish folk, bes' not scare 'em or they turn violent! Now, what can I help you with?"

[Uzotre]

Uzotre smiled slightly as he listened to the man speak. He commented on his outfit, stating that he must have used his human guise before. Not wanting to possibly enrage a good dragon Uzotre lied, ”Yes, I have had this set of armor for awhile although it hasn’t been of much use to me. Better to be prepared, right?” The dragon then began to ramble about Uzotre practicing in a seclude place, and how other dragons simply walked in to human areas and ended up less than pleasant in the end. Uzotre smiled as the man stated this. Skittish and violent when afraid? He would have the whole kingdom in uproar when the time came, but such thoughts would prove of no use at the moment. Quieting them down Uzotre returned his attention towards the dragon, who had just asked what Uzotre needed of him.

Uzotre glanced up at the man before replying to his question. ”The basics would do I suppose, I’m rusty you could say in all areas. However I might even venture to say that I would specify in the areas of combat and human etiquette. I would like to be able to visit villages and remain unnoticed. I would like to be able to defend myself as well in case….the need arose.” Or when Uzotre saw the time was right. Combat would not be the most difficult nor important; however Uzotre poorly lacked any knowledge of the ways of humans. He would need to fix this if he was to ever reach the one he sought, but time could cure this issue. And the man that could do it was right in front of him. So far the situation was turning in Uzotre’s favor, he was gaining information and it appeared this dragon had no idea who Uzotre was.

[Midnight Dragon]

Nestor chuckled at the young dragon. "Yes, best be prepared. You never know what humans will do."

As the dragon spoke of what he wanted to learn, Nestor felt an idea coming on: one that might sway this dragon to his cause. But for now he wasn't about to show his hand, so he would let his own preferences in the war remain ambiguous until the opportune moment.

"Th' basics, eh?" Nestor rubbed a hand across his prickly beard. "You seem to be walkin' alright. Learning to walk on two legs instead of four is annoying enough as it is. But you mus' walk with confidence. Stride rather. Keep your shoulders back and swing your arms a bit as you walk to keep yourself in balance, just as your tail swishes as you walk as a dragon on four legs. It's all a matter of balance and fluidity. A mind over matter thing really: think it, do it. Simple as that. This body is only a skin, easy enough to be comfortable in it with that mindset."

Nestor extended a hand. "If you're suddenly to become my pupil in human movements and customs, especially if we're going to be getting into combat, I'd like to know your name."

[Uzotre]

The man laughed at Uzotres comment about being prepared. Uzotre smiled, perhaps this dragon truly did not suspect anything, and he would be able to remain inconspicuous for the moment. This would be ideal; however it would not last for long. Although the thought his name being feared throughout the land made Uzotre laugh slightly.

Turning his attention back towards the dragon Uzotre listened intently as he began explaining the basics, starting with walking. Uzotre couldn’t believe he was reduced to listening to a man talking about how to walk. He felt like a dragonling again, a thought that didn’t sit well. With a slightly annoyed sigh Uzotre accepted his situation. It was a blow to his pride, but an essential one that would heal in time. He listened as the dragon finished speaking. Mind over matter? Well, it was worth a shot. Indeed Uzotre had been able to walk, but he was rather ungraceful, and would probably get a few comments in a human village.

Still thinking himself rather foolish and with a slight bit of annoyance Uzotre began walking around. He kept his mind focused, thinking that instead of being in his human form he was still a dragon. Sure enough after a few changes he was walking normally, well more normally, and didn’t look like a stumbling drunk. Smiling slightly Uzotre liked the idea that he was starting to get the hang of this. He then turned his attention back towards the dragon, which had just begun speaking to him once more.

The dragon extended his hand and inquired what Uzotre’s name was since Uzotre would become his “pupil” on the ways of being a human. Two problems, Uzotre didn’t like the idea of becoming a “pupil” and under the watch of someone, and two, his name? Uztore wasn’t sure what to do. He couldn’t use his human alias; the dragon knew for sure Uzotre was a dragon. But could Uzotre really give his name away? It would be a huge risk to do so, names have a way of getting out, and if people knew who he was, the Hunter he was looking for could potentially know who he was.

Uzotre decided that he wouldn’t give his name out, for the moment. Quickly coming up with a name from his past Uzotre took the man’s hand and smiled. ”My name is Skeic,” a lie of course but hopefully the other dragon wouldn’t notice, ”but may I learn yours?”

[Midnight Dragon]

Nestor watched in amusement as the young dragon tested the human body in new ways. His walking became more fluid, more agile, and less like a bumbling human idiot that had too much alcohol in his puny system. "Well done!" Nestor commended. "You're learnin' quickly, we may be working with weapons or humans before nightfall." Praise them, commend them, let them think they're wonderful - and you are wonderful to even notice their skill and marvelous improvement. It was easy to play on a dragon's pride. We're such arrogant creatures, Nestor smiled to himself.

At the mention of names, the dragonling's dislike for the idea showed easily on his face. Hmmm, need to teach him to hide his emotions in such a mailable form. The human face showed every expression and one of the hardest things was for dragons to hide emotion in a human body; human body language was very different from a dragon's, and much harder to control. I'll let him know this later, for now I need to be able to read him.

"Skeic," Nestor repeated the obviously fictitious name. Gotta give th' lad credit for not being too trusting, Nestor chided himself. Still, it's annoying to make slow progress. But I've got time. "Th' name's Borin," Nestor used his own fictitious name. If the lad wouldn't give his, he didn't need to extend the courtesy and give his own. 'Borin' shook 'Skeic's hand amiably. And if the lad knows my own name is false, no harm done t' me: he'll know that I'm on to him and not one to be easily fooled.

"Now, let's get on with it, Skeic." Nestor spent the better half of an hour going over some of the small - but important - aspects of human behaviour.

Sitting: "Though it seems menial, it's very important. Humans don't stand all the time, they weary easily. So sit in a chair - like so - and hunch your shoulders. Yes, it's uncomfortable but humans don't have perfect posture, especially if they're working class folk."

Standing: "Again, the posture bit, round your shoulders, cross your arms, lean most of your weight to one foot. And be sure to shift your weight and change your arm position every now and again. Fidget. Yes, it feels silly, but humans can't hold one positing for long: it tires them. Yes, they are very weak creatures like that."

Eye Contact: "Don't stare 'em down. Shift your eyes, like your weight, and move them. Look about you, even if they're talking to you. Except when you want to appear truthful to them or when they insist that they are telling you somethin' important, then keep eye contact. But in a gentle way: nod, smile, cock your head, etc."

Talking : "Don't sound too gruff, or they won't trust you. Nor too amiable, else they'll be equally suspicious. Keep your voice on th' soft side, low, so they think you're humble." - It was hard for a dragon voice to be condensed into such a small voice box, it was the reason for his own rough, foreign-sounding accent. "But it's not something to worry about if your word choice is proper and if you don't sound like you're above your station. Human commoners won't associate easily with noble humans, best t' sound like one o' the people."

Overall Demeanour: "Keep your body language free and easy, like you 'aven't a care in the world. This speaks of confidence to humans. But you must also be respectful, submissive even, when you're meeting humans that are your 'betters' in society. You'll know 'em by the clothes they wear, the speech they use, and their own manner of behavin'."

"It's all very simple really, just a lot o' details t' remember. Watch other humans who are respected in human society and do as they do."

[Uzotre]

Uzotre shook hands with the dragon who introduced himself as Borin. Uzotre had never heard the name before, although Uzotre had live quite a solitary life. Uzotre glanced at Borin, but perhaps this wasn’t his real name either? Maybe he knew who Uzotre was, or knew he was lying. Uzotre didn’t like this idea; this dragon either had too much information or was not easily fooled. Uzotre smiled the thought away; did he really have to worry so much? So what if the dragon knew who he was, did that help his cause at all?

They then continued Uzotre’s training in his human form, going over the different aspects of their lives. They started simple, quite simple, beginning with sitting. Sitting? Uzotre was about to laugh at the idea and tell the dragon that the notion of Uzotre not knowing how to sit was ridiculous when Borin continued talking. Uzotre nodded and did as the dragon did, sitting down and entering the odd, and terribly uncomfortable, posture. Did humans really sit like this?

Uzotre stood back up just in time for the dragon to continue the next step, standing. Uzotre spent a good few minutes adjusting his posture as Borin instructed him too. All this, just to stand. He couldn’t just stand still, he had to shift his weight, move his arms, and fidget occasionally to appear normal. Uzotre smiled slightly when the dragon mentioned how the humans had to shift their positions, being weak creatures. This was so true, but it proved quite an inconvenience for the dragon. Having to do all this, just to stand and appear normal seemed ridiculous. Uzotre was about to scorn the whole idea when he was again cut off with their next “lesson”.

Eye contact, something far more complex than Uzotre could have imagined. He had to shift his eyes and glance about, not just stare the other human down. This would be a little difficult, Uztore held no love for the creatures and altering his gaze into a more casual way would prove a little hard. Eye contact was only acceptable when telling the truth or passing on crucial information. Uztore was already good at lying and deceit, and with the stupid humans how hard could it be? However even at this point you still had to appear casual, smiling and acting like you had no care in the world.

Next was talking, even this had guidelines. Really at this point Uzotre was starting to get annoyed at the whole thing. Did he really want to spend his time dealing with all this? He was beginning to like the idea of simply burning a path to his goal better and better. He couldn’t sound gruff or amiable, too suspicious. He needed to sound humble and like “one of the people”, the simple commoners.

Finally Uzotres demeanor needed work. He needed to be giddy and free with his posture, like the world was in bliss. Uzotre wasn’t the happiest or calmest dragon in the world, so this would prove a difficult detail. His eyes flashed however at the mention of being submissive to the human nobles and the “higher ups”. Him being submissive to a human? Never, not once in the world would he show any sign of loyalty or weakness to a human. Shaking the rather sickening thought away Uzotre regained his composure and returned his attention towards Borin.

The dragon finished speaking by commenting that all you had to pay attention to were the details. Uzotre nodded, he had learned a lot, more than he would have liked, but it was crucial information nonetheless. If he could remember this, and act the way the dragon taught him, Uzotre felt confident he could pass as a normal human. Smiling Uzotre nodded at the other dragon, ”Thank you for what you have taught me, it is valuable information that I will take to heart. But what is next?” The idea of more training wasn’t the best, but it had to be done.