In a medium sized cave sat Metronome, a large middle aged male dragon. He appeared to be lounging as if his cave floor was made of cushions. He yawned at the newcomers arrival.
"Books." As soon as Kang mentioned them, he had Metronome's undivided attention. "Yes, yes, I know more of countless worlds and countless histories from more sides than a ten-sided coin." His tail was starting to twitch again, to the same internal rhythm he'd been tapping his claws to earlier. Then slightly faster.
"We have a large library on our ship, with books from worlds from multiple universes," Kang smiled. "I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem to make you a copy if you'd like one."
"Files, mostly. If you prefer physical books, those can be provided as well. Is there any particular subject you're most interested in, Metronome?" Kang asked, inwardly grinning.
"There is very little more pleasing than the feel of paper beneath metal claws. Still, files serve a place and function. Both are appreciable." Such haughtiness, as if Kang should have already known!
By Kang's second question, however, Metronome appeared to be offended. "I fail to see yet again why you expect me to have to inform you."
Kang snorted quietly, "I prefer physical books myself. I'm sure history gets boring after a while, though. We have a fair amount of dramas, and comedies, and fantasy. Myths, as well."
He brightened -- literally -- at the mention of drama, more than anything else. Comedies? Some shimmer. Nothing for myths and fantasy. "Do you. From a wide variety of cultures?"
Metronome snorted, looking away from Kang. "Such suggestions are beneath my notice. If there is anything to see, it is with my own eyes that it shall be seen."
Though one eye was still focused on Kang, for all he'd made a show of looking away.
"That could be arranged," Kang quirked an eyebrow ridge. "We have rooms on the ship that would work well for putting on a play for you. Have you ever heard of one called A Midsummer Night's Dream?"
He had to admit, sometimes those Fairplay memories came in damn handy.
As if it was some great personal cost to move, Metronome slowly turned his head back to Kang. "I cannot say I have heard of a play titled such, if I've several thousand plays I could name that are titled something along dreams or midsummers and such." His tail was ticking again.
"It's about faeries playing tricks and messing with the love lives of a group of amateur actors one night in the forest. When they wake in the morning, they think it was just a dream."
That was the most basic explanation Kang could come up with. The other him hadn't been too interested in Shakespeare, and hadn't paid much attention.
Metronome snorted at the description, no more impressed than he ever liked to be. "Mortals. How often you all do that anyway, ignoring when a dream may be as much reality as anything else. It amuses one such as I," he said, eyes half open. "Time is so carelessly treated in the same way." That glimmer was still there, burning, interested. "Not the most novel idea, if few things are novel to the great Metronome anymore."
Kang inclined his head slightly, "I can promise it'll be a high quality show. You'll feel as if you're actually in the forest. Would a performance of this play be satisfactory as payment for destroying the clock? I can also provide you with a script, and a recording for future viewings if you so wish."
Metronome drew himself to his feet, head remaining at the same level. "Councilor Kang," he said, wings beginning to spread, "I find your offer appealing enough to be considered adequate tribute to my greatness. I accept. For a performance of this play, along with a script and recording of it, I..."
His wings tucked in close and tight with a harsh, final click, "... will destroy your clock."
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By Kang's second question, however, Metronome appeared to be offended. "I fail to see yet again why you expect me to have to inform you."
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Though one eye was still focused on Kang, for all he'd made a show of looking away.
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He had to admit, sometimes those Fairplay memories came in damn handy.
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That was the most basic explanation Kang could come up with. The other him hadn't been too interested in Shakespeare, and hadn't paid much attention.
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His wings tucked in close and tight with a harsh, final click, "... will destroy your clock."
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