Kudurru

The vibrant bogsneak turned himself around, feet moving him in time with the music that was being played. His coloration was a sight to behold; greens, blues and a dash of pink made him catch the eyes of all in attendance. Dragons cheered - the regulars especially - as he carried out his well-versed routine that evening, taking in the attention and the praise until his dance ended and the clapping began. The bogsneak bowed with a smile that challenged the vibrancy of his skin, and the curtains fell. Cheering and clapping still echoed from behind the velvet drapes, and while he caught his breath he basked in its sound. Encore, encore.

A long time ago, Kudurru would’ve never thought that this would be his life. Dancing had always been something he had done, but with it came the promise of luring and taking from those foolish enough to think he incapable of looting. The bogsneak had come from a long line of others that were just as enchanting to watch with their hues and their coloration, but they’d all learned to use it to their advantage to steal from fans who let their guards down. Kudurru, knowing no different, followed suit when he was sent from his own clan once old enough. He did what he knew best (what he only knew) and traveled the land of Sornieth. When he was given passage into a clan or a settlement, the bogsneak would dance and he would entertain. It was his life, it was his family’s ‘business’, so to speak. Instead of warning others to beware the dragon, they more or less intoxicated them. They’d pull them in, his dancing mesmerizing and beyond what they’d ever seen. And then he’d pull them in closer with sweet words and gentle touches. That was when Kudurru’s true colors would come out, and he’d be richer while they were dumbfounded and lacking in valuables.

His life had revolved around this for so long, that Kudurru never truly worried about the repercussions of it all. He’d yet to be caught, leaving most unsuspicious of his actions. He was very much under the impression he was too good to be caught, and it only made him cockier. So cocky, that when visiting The Embellished, Kudurru decided to make a mark out of a coatl. Kudurru did as he always did, setting the trap with his dance. After the show he approached the other dragon, words sweet as honey. It had always worked in the past for Kudurru to lure someone into even so much as an embrace. None had truly denied the bogsneak. But when the coatl let off nothing but a soft chuckle, he already felt the sinking feeling of failure.

“Please,” the coatl hummed, gently pulling the other dragon’s claws off of his shoulder. “Do not embarrass yourself. I’m very much unavailable.” Kudurru blinked at the words of the coatl. His eyes darted around, curious if said partner were nearby and watching the entire exchange.

“Your show was a privilege to watch. It’s a shame that you find yourself sullying it with cheap tactics such as pickpocketing fans,” the coatl hummed softly. His voice was not loud enough to hear outside of the two, but it was enough to make Kudurru back up in shock.

“How do- I would never.” he responded, mouth agape in fake dismay while his body trembled at the revelation. How did the know? Had he seen a previous show, or heard of him? Had his reputation finally caught up?

“I do not intend on telling anyone,” the coatl continued, bringing Kudurru’s thoughts back. “If… you plan on staying and performing here in our clan permanently, that is. Ah, and you must give up your more shadier dealings, of course.” the coatl smiled, making the bogsneak frown.

“Are you…who are you?” Kudurru asked. The coatl let out another soft chuckle.

“My name is Mihlos. My partner and I are the leaders of this clan. We hope you’ll consider our offer,” he said. “You are an excellent dancer, we’d hate to see that be wasted. We’ll be waiting, at the castle.” with that, Mihlos nodded and left.

Kudurru could do nothing but stare in shock as the coatl left. He was swirling with thoughts that were lost in the order in which they were meant to go, aside from one.

The leader of the clan… I just tried to woo and swindle the leader of the clan.

The bogsneak took at least a day thinking of what he should do. At first he thought it might be best to cut and run, but now that he was found out it would be only a matter of time before word was spread and his days were numbered. It wasn’t like he hated dancing, either. He loved it. He loved the sounds of applause and the look on his audiences’ faces at the sight of his movements. He liked enjoying a few other dragons in bed afterwards as well, even if it was to simply steal from them. Mihlos had also given him a very generous offer, one he would be a fool not to take. Only if he lacked self-preservation would he run.

Kudurru made up his mind and approached the emperor and empress of Clan Embellished. He could not look Forseti, the empress, in the eye. He felt his embarrassment flush against his skin, wondering if Mihlos had made her privy to his advances. Nonetheless, he accepted their offer, and the two were terribly pleased with it. It surprised him again of course, given the circumstances that he had found himself in.

Kudurru had been well received by the clan. His dancing made him supremely popular, along with his cordialness with fans and sweet words that he still used to entice some to spend the night with him. Most of that was simply his facade; a persona made up for his occupation. Only two dragons within Clan Embellished have ever grown into a friendship with the bosneak, seen his true self and experienced it. Most cannot handle that aspect of him, but they could.

“Excellent show.” River hummed when she approached Kudurru afterwards. The bogsneak huffed, shrugging.

“Sometimes I think most dragons wouldn’t know excellence if it bit them.” he muttered. River bit back her own laugh.

“Yes well, that just means when you decide to do a bad job, they’ll never know.” Kudurru snorted.

“Me? Do a bad job?” he scoffed. “Not possible.”