This looks quite fun! Interested to see how this goes.
CHARYBDIS stirs to life. Its movements are slow and erratic, each plate of cybernetic augment beneath its many layers of sea flora clicking into place as its tail jerks and twists, wires sparking beneath the metal. It has been a long time since it has activated, faded optics flashing bright blue with the light of a new soul. Systems and screens pop up briefly in the corner of her vision before she blinks them away with a low hum, unfurling and shaking out her wings like gigantic flower petals. A few clumps of algae come off here and there, accompanied by the occasional bone loosened from the cracks between the plating.
For a moment, CHARYBDIS regards HawkGaze in silence, peering down with curiosity in those narrow blue eyes. The text flashing in her periphery grants her some basic information on the dragon before her, and she glances briefly off to the side before smiling politely. When she speaks her voice is low, rumbling from deep in her chest and carrying the weight of ages.
“A Wildclaw… I have seen very few of your kind in my time. And one who also bears such augments? Curious, curious indeed.”
Response to post above: CHARYBDIS’ smile widens, head tilting to get a better look at HawkGaze’s prosthetics before nodding approvingly. The designs are unfamiliar, though they bear the markings of the Icewarden as well as some personal flair, and she takes the chance to store the new information into her mind’s database. Perhaps she will analyse them later, see if there’s anything to be learned. “You are kind. Your arms- they are of wonderful work. The craftmanship… exquisite. Much has changed since I last surfaced, then.” She clears her throat, adjusting her position and letting her tail sweep across the ground. “You wear the uniform of an alchemist,”she remarks with interest. “Is that your occupation?”
Response to post below: CHARYBDIS barks a laugh, metal jaws working in a broad snarl-smile as she leans back to get a better look at the dragon before her. The Imperial’s voice carries a tone she can’t quite place on her own, and so she opts to look into his eyes instead. The curiosity in them seems genuine enough, albeit somewhat cool, although a pop-up in her right eye advises her caution. And so she alters her expression to one more polite and calm.
“They are indeed real. Were they false...” The corner of her lips curl to reveal rows of teeth, a strange and almost grotesque sort of smile that does not match the kindness in her eyes. Perhaps it is just her face. One of her fins twitches for a moment, a brief spark in the system. CHARYBDIS makes a mental note to get it repaired later. On second thoughts, perhaps a full-body maintenance might be nice after such a time spent below. She shakes her head, blinks away the screens in her vision once more and refocuses on the dragon, who is resting comfortably on a cushion of fine cloth.
“Are you a noble, perhaps? The jewels you wear are precious, and the metal-work is of excellent make. Clearly custom-made.” She nods towards the bridle. “It must have taken quite some time.”
—
Reply: CHARYBDIS picks up on the faint murmur, and controls the little tick in her jaw, raising her snout with a sniff. The air carries the scent of something sweet, and her armour plates click together as she moves her head to look for the source.
At the mention of a ‘Lady’, CHARYBDIS returns her focus to the Imperial, her body going unnaturally still within moments. “A lady? I’m afraid I don’t know her.” Her eyes blink once, twice, bringing up a new screen in her vision as something clicks and whirs at the base of her skull. “Would you care to tell me about her? She seems very kind.”
(please let me know if I should add a ping to responses)
