(Untitled)

[deuilblanc]

[if you remember the huge BLACK and RED dragons who've arrived suddenly in camp, the even more huge WHITE dragon curled up serenely by the lake should be no surprise

Comments

[youhavetwocows]

You-! Let Iskierka's captain go; this is entirely pointless! [nervous wingflick]

[deuilblanc]

*drawn-out pause before deigning to answer*

I don't believe we've been introduced.

[youhavetwocows]

I am Perscitia; I am a British dragon and an ally of Temeraire and Iskierka, which means I am no friend of yours. [baleful glare]

[deuilblanc]

To be sure.

*IGNORES*

[youhavetwocows]

[I am torn. IGNORING IS BETTER THAN FIGHTING BUT-]

Do you even know where we are? You are away from your army and your support, what is the point of holding him now?

[deuilblanc]

There is no benefit to me in explaining such a simple concept, but as you at least are willing to give the bare minimum of courtesy expected of individuals in conversation, I shall; I am outnumbered here, and I do not care to fight. None of my experience with the British tells me that they will exercise restraint, even when it is reasonable to do so; I will release their captain only upon terms favorable to my unmolested state. You may tell that to your friends, if you like.

[youhavetwocows]

So far as I know, we have not tried to molest you at all; you are the one who has levied an attack against Temeraire and against our army. Perhaps we would have been more willing to leave you in peace if you had not done so, and if you had not stolen Iskierka's captain! What terms do you like? I can certainly promise you I will not fight you.

[deuilblanc]

You do not know your allies as well as you think you do, if you believe they would restrain themselves.

I only want not to be threatened with attack, while I complete my business here; unless, of course, I offer it first.

[youhavetwocows]

From what the small human says, attacking you would be entirely pointless, in this place. I can certainly convince the others of the logic of a truce, in those circumstances, if only you will release Granby.

[deuilblanc]

I would be obliged to you, as none of them seem willing to speak of sense at all. I shall release him after a truce is agreed upon; not before.

[youhavetwocows]

I will do so; I am sure that they will be reasonable, if the situation is as it seems. And you must be so as well, and keep your word.

[deuilblanc]

Do not speak of agreements not kept to me.

[youhavetwocows]

[skitters back a bit]

I shall speak of whatever I like.

[deuilblanc]

*turns her head away.*

Then do so elsewhere, if you please.