[ As Zhongli talks and the implications of what the dragon said sets in, Trahearne grows furious. He refuses to be reduced to mere dragon minion. Both he and his people worked too hard to make a name for themselves in Tyria, to earn the other races' respect, to carve out their own spot in the world's social, political, and natural ecosystems to be reduced to minions.
That Zhongli leaps to his defense sets alight the fire in him, and his face crumples into a scowl. He's touched, yes, despite reeling from the reveal that Zhongli is a dragon?, but he knows that's something they can address later. His temper struggles to be contained, and he grips at the brooch a little too hard. The sharp edges hurt his hand.
The dragon huffs, a little curl of smoke exiting his nostrils, as he turns his gaze to Trahearne.
"Very well," he says stiffly, adjusting his posture, tilting his head to look down over his snout, through his spectacles at the sylvari. "What knowledge could you possibly have that I do not?"
Trahearne knows condescension when he hears it—he's no stranger to it, but it requires all of his willpower to keep his temper at bay. When he speaks, his tone is measured, but fury simmers underneath. ]
Plenty, it seems. [ He can't read the dragon's expression to see if he reacts to his tone. ] You are forgiven for mistaking me for a dragon minion. It seems you know—or have heard, or can sense—that sylvari are creations of the Elder Dragon Mordremoth, one of the supposed six Elder Dragons native to the world of Tyria. I am impressed you know this much, since this was not known to us until very recently.
[ The dragon continues to stare at him, and doesn't say anything. So Trahearne continues. ]
But the dragon is dead. [ A hint of pride seeps into his tone at that. ] The sylvari are free. We serve no one—only ourselves, and we thrive in the society we have created for ourselves. And at the same time, because of our connection to the jungle dragon, we are immune to the corruption wrought by the other dragons and their magic. Which means we are uniquely capable of venturing into blighted lands where no other race has been able to go. Therefore, I was able to spend weeks, seasons studying the corruption of the Elder Dragon Zhaitan, and establish myself as Tyria's foremost scholar of Orrian corruption.
[ That, and that means it would be impossible for Zhongli to make him his minion, even if he wanted to. Though he's a little surprised the dragon's remained silent and looking at him this whole time. And so he continues. ]
Therefore, I am uniquely poised to offer you this piece of information, which was crucial in our fight against Zhaitan, but was never published in any journal...
[ And he goes on to detail a unique marker of Risen movements and behavior, one he had to piece together himself after years and years of research and observation. Since it was never published, he knows no copy of this information could ever exist in Songerein. There is no way the dragon would know. ]
...And while I do not serve Zhongli, he is a dear friend of mine and I consider myself loyal to him. I was the one who asked him to accompany me on this venture. [ Despite dragonhood...which they'll address later. He puts a hand on Zhongli's shoulder and turns to look at him. Though he doesn't smile, his sharp stare softens a bit. On to you, friend. ]
no subject
That Zhongli leaps to his defense sets alight the fire in him, and his face crumples into a scowl. He's touched, yes, despite reeling from the reveal that Zhongli is a dragon?, but he knows that's something they can address later. His temper struggles to be contained, and he grips at the brooch a little too hard. The sharp edges hurt his hand.
The dragon huffs, a little curl of smoke exiting his nostrils, as he turns his gaze to Trahearne.
"Very well," he says stiffly, adjusting his posture, tilting his head to look down over his snout, through his spectacles at the sylvari. "What knowledge could you possibly have that I do not?"
Trahearne knows condescension when he hears it—he's no stranger to it, but it requires all of his willpower to keep his temper at bay. When he speaks, his tone is measured, but fury simmers underneath. ]
Plenty, it seems. [ He can't read the dragon's expression to see if he reacts to his tone. ] You are forgiven for mistaking me for a dragon minion. It seems you know—or have heard, or can sense—that sylvari are creations of the Elder Dragon Mordremoth, one of the supposed six Elder Dragons native to the world of Tyria. I am impressed you know this much, since this was not known to us until very recently.
[ The dragon continues to stare at him, and doesn't say anything. So Trahearne continues. ]
But the dragon is dead. [ A hint of pride seeps into his tone at that. ] The sylvari are free. We serve no one—only ourselves, and we thrive in the society we have created for ourselves. And at the same time, because of our connection to the jungle dragon, we are immune to the corruption wrought by the other dragons and their magic. Which means we are uniquely capable of venturing into blighted lands where no other race has been able to go. Therefore, I was able to spend weeks, seasons studying the corruption of the Elder Dragon Zhaitan, and establish myself as Tyria's foremost scholar of Orrian corruption.
[ That, and that means it would be impossible for Zhongli to make him his minion, even if he wanted to. Though he's a little surprised the dragon's remained silent and looking at him this whole time. And so he continues. ]
Therefore, I am uniquely poised to offer you this piece of information, which was crucial in our fight against Zhaitan, but was never published in any journal...
[ And he goes on to detail a unique marker of Risen movements and behavior, one he had to piece together himself after years and years of research and observation. Since it was never published, he knows no copy of this information could ever exist in Songerein. There is no way the dragon would know. ]
...And while I do not serve Zhongli, he is a dear friend of mine and I consider myself loyal to him. I was the one who asked him to accompany me on this venture. [ Despite dragonhood...which they'll address later. He puts a hand on Zhongli's shoulder and turns to look at him. Though he doesn't smile, his sharp stare softens a bit. On to you, friend. ]