[Zhongli had predicted that the dragon may be less than amiable, but Trahearne speaks clearly and with purpose. Truthfully, he is proud of the Sylvari, and would make to speak up in his defence, but suddenly the dragon’s attention is on him. And the accusation makes his back go rigid.]
[He hadn’t anticipated being called out like this… and a quick glance at Trahearne is all that betrays his shock at the sudden turn of events. But rather than entertain Trahearne’s curiosity — there will be plenty of time for that later — instead Zhongli crossed his arms as a deep frown settles on his face.]
Though I do not wish to discredit your intellect as a scholar, you may wish to be more careful in your judgments. Just because I work with one not of my kind does not make them my servant. Perhaps it is due to my ignorance of the ways of this land here, but in my homeland there is no divide between master and servant when scholarly minds come together in the name of research. We all stand on equal footing here, and I will not accept such disrespect to come to my companion.
[The dragon seems to pause at Zhongli’s declaration, his gaze shifting between Trahearne and Zhongli. For a moment he pauses, as if realizing the offence Zhongli has taken with his statement, but he still turns back to Zhongli.]
[“If you mean to call me disrespectful—!” he begins in an annoyed tone, but Zhongli shakes his head and lifts a hand.]
I do not wish to insinuate anything, but merely point out an error in judgment. After all, as keepers of knowledge as we are, there is always an opportunity to learn, even among long-lived beings as ourselves. [The dragon growls at being interrupted, but he relents, seeing Zhongli’s clear invitation to excuse his rudeness for what it is. Zhongli keeps going, his tone light but his voice firm.]
Now, since we are still in the act of negotiations, how about this; we will impart you with knowledge that you do not possess, and in exchange you will lend us the book for a few scant days. Is that acceptable?
no subject
[He hadn’t anticipated being called out like this… and a quick glance at Trahearne is all that betrays his shock at the sudden turn of events. But rather than entertain Trahearne’s curiosity — there will be plenty of time for that later — instead Zhongli crossed his arms as a deep frown settles on his face.]
Though I do not wish to discredit your intellect as a scholar, you may wish to be more careful in your judgments. Just because I work with one not of my kind does not make them my servant. Perhaps it is due to my ignorance of the ways of this land here, but in my homeland there is no divide between master and servant when scholarly minds come together in the name of research. We all stand on equal footing here, and I will not accept such disrespect to come to my companion.
[The dragon seems to pause at Zhongli’s declaration, his gaze shifting between Trahearne and Zhongli. For a moment he pauses, as if realizing the offence Zhongli has taken with his statement, but he still turns back to Zhongli.]
[“If you mean to call me disrespectful—!” he begins in an annoyed tone, but Zhongli shakes his head and lifts a hand.]
I do not wish to insinuate anything, but merely point out an error in judgment. After all, as keepers of knowledge as we are, there is always an opportunity to learn, even among long-lived beings as ourselves. [The dragon growls at being interrupted, but he relents, seeing Zhongli’s clear invitation to excuse his rudeness for what it is. Zhongli keeps going, his tone light but his voice firm.]
Now, since we are still in the act of negotiations, how about this; we will impart you with knowledge that you do not possess, and in exchange you will lend us the book for a few scant days. Is that acceptable?