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

[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.