hearthfire for dummies, a closed production

[nehnahlmey]

[In his mind, a project devoted to building one's dwelling is a project best left to rot in Sovngarde, but Alain had thought otherwise. Before Nehnahlmey could raise a word in complaint, Alain took to his task with no intention of stopping, resulting in a week's span of time where the dragon found himself with nothing to do. As opposed to directing his energies in more constructive pursuits, he holed himself in a cave beside a cliffside, counted the number of goats he could have torn apart until ultimately deciding a nap was more entertaining.

Until a concentration of energy seeps into his consciousness. Until he opens a single eye to regard the source near the entrance. Until he catches a glimpse of white hair.

His answer is brief.]

Finished already?

Comments

[nehnahlmey]

You would lecture a dovah on the differences?

[If he was humanoid, Nehnahlmey would shake a finger. Instead, a shift in topic distracts him entirely.

He is silent for a moment.]

Rok gahrot tiid voth hio.

[He stole my time with you.]

[dovahfahdon]

[ His mind blanks, and he stops where he is. Carefully turns around to view the dragon. ]

...What?

[nehnahlmey]

[Oh, did Alain not hear? The dragon cants a head.]

He stole my time with you.

[dovahfahdon]

[ Alain had assumed that his translation was off, and he was not as well-versed as he liked to believe. The Common reiteration casts that excuse aside. ]

...Are you that in need of someone stroking you?

[ Mildly insulted. ]

[nehnahlmey]

[It is rude, what Alain insinuates, whether in Dovah or in the Common. The dragon gives a huff in annoyance.]

If I needed to be stroked, fahdon, I can do so with a rock. No, you are more valuable than your actions.

[dovahfahdon]

[ --Silence becomes him again, for Alain does not know what to say. ]

I thought you were just amusing yourself.

[ It's almost ruder than the last thing Alain said, and with the events of the past day, he moves to correct.

Awkwardly. This is something strange. ]

Perhaps I didn't think you actually prioritized me.

[nehnahlmey]

[There is an agitation present that any mortal might catch.]

Mey. More so than I. That a Dovah would allow a mun to ride him and call it amusement.

[dovahfahdon]

I have said. You are not a fool.

[ This is murmured on habit, before the rest is taken in.

Alain would speak again, offer surprise and disbelief and place it before the dragon. In that, he would also offer more insults, by way of necessity, and for a time, Alain is silent instead. Thinks, instead of reacts.

Alain had offered his feelings, and told the dragon that his existence held weight to Alain--that the Dragonborn held a preference. In this, Alain would find surprise, for the dragon had never--

Said the same?

Hadn't he?

Alain questioned eternity, and Niall spoke of loss. Ah, that...

Alain steps up to the dragon, reaching up to his head. ]

...You have my apologies. Indeed, I am foolish. Forgive my thoughtless words.

[nehnahlmey]

[Forgiveness is not so easily given, but Alain offers his penance by way of affection.

Of course, Nehnahlmey cannot resist and lowers his head to allow access.]

You are forgiven.

[Like a god granting absolution.]

[dovahfahdon]

[ He withholds a smile, and runs both hands along the dragon's skull. Once, twice, then he pats, and releases. ]

We won't make it to the cave by full dark if we keep stopping.

[nehnahlmey]

...

[The annoying mortal is right. Thus, Nehnahlmey presents a solution.

Via nudging Alain's torso.]

We shall fly, then.

[dovahfahdon]

[ ...Congratulations, you keep off-setting the Dragonborn.

Surprise slips over him, making him off-balance, and he grabs Niall's head when he nudges. Alain remains like that for a moment. ]

...I can travel well as I am.

[nehnahlmey]

[Strange man, the Dragonborn is. Nehnahlmey nudges again.]

And expect me to wait for days?

[dovahfahdon]

[ There's a comfort in the motions given, and Alain does not know why.

Something wiped away from the remark. He glares. The mountain is not that tall. ]

--I will be up there in only hours.

[nehnahlmey]

[Dragons, as many might find, have a tendency to exaggerate their woes. This particular dragon believes his exaggerations.]

Too long. By flight, we will take minutes.

[dovahfahdon]

[ He gives in. The incorruptible Dragonborn, motivated and willful, gives in without a further breath of protest; a candle flame blown out.

Again, he pats the dragon's snout. ]

...Let us go, then.

[nehnahlmey]

[Alain assents without complaint.

It pleases the creature for reasons unspoken, and for the second instance in his long life, Nehnahlmey permits Alain to climb upon his back. Again, he takes to the sky with care, flies to their destination with the uncomfortable weight of another in the back of his mind.

The open-top cavern has changed little in their absence, aside from the dwindling number of goats. The dragon lands on mossy ground, which shakes beneath the force of his landing, before lowering his body for the Dragonborn to dismount.]

[dovahfahdon]

[ The experience again proves itself more than words can describe. When the dragon lowers himself, Alain climbs down, placing a hand on the other's leg as he shifts to the ground.

He brushes off his clothes, seemingly nonchalant. ]

You've proven yourself to be very kind, Niall.

[nehnahlmey]

[Unused to shifts brought on by the proximity of a smaller being, Nehnahlmey stretches his limbs and sways his tail. Which stops the moment Alain chooses to speak.

Doubt suits the dragon well at this moment.]

For a dragon to be synonymous with kindness... Hio lost sizaan hin klov.

[You have lost your head.]

[dovahfahdon]

[ He watches. ]

You are not just any dragon, Niall.

[ A truth, one that Alain knows the other recognizes and acknowledges. Niall lacks certain aspects that other dragons hold, and that is why Paarthurnax allows him to grace the Throat of the World.

Niall also has proven that he can gain aspects that other dragons simply cannot, and that is why-- ]

You are the only dragon whose value holds, no matter the situation. You are not synonymous with kindness... But you are most kind to me.

[nehnahlmey]

[Alain gives a truth that cannot be denied, a discrepancy Nehnahlmey had since the dawn of his existence. A flaw which eventually led to his naming.

And here, the man would call it a virtue.

The dragon watches as is only natural for him.]

...Is my kindness wanted?

[dovahfahdon]

[ There is a delicacy seen that is not familiar. To that Alain's expression softens. ]

You are wanted. In whatever form you decide to take.

[nehnahlmey]

[Nehnahlmey would smile, if he had the lips for the expression. Instead, his voice projects like a whisper, a breeze in the air.]

Then you shall have me. Whatever I happen to be.