Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Official event: Winter Masquerade 2023

Abruptly, there's a dog at the party! A golden retriever suddenly scrambles out from under one of the few surviving buffet tables, a wreath made of pine and twinkling lights around his neck. He bounds out from under the table, wagging his tail in open-mouthed delight, then just as quickly yelps and reverses his course, going to cower back under the table after having caught sight of a dragon-sized dragon!

"oooh! I'll have it!"

Tairloth couldn't help but laugh at the reaction of the dog to here pure-dragon brethren; not an irrational response, to be fair

Caelus watched the setting alight of the marhsmallow with amazement, before being swiftly distracted by the dog. He dropped to his knees by the table, holding out a hand to the poor fellow. "Hello there - oh, aren't you handsome. Are you alright?"

"That is.. and odd looking wolf.. thing.." Na'aiyah frowned, confused at the dog.

The dog cowers under the table, drooling fearfully. He looks up at Caecillius with saucer-wide eyes, the whites visible all around. "WHY IS THAT LIZARD SO BIG?" he borks frantically.

"IT CAN SPEAK!?"

Cris laughed heartily at the Duchess's words. "And it'll make them sing a different tune allright, at least for this year..." At Umbra's offer, she declined it with a gentle wave of her hand. "No, thanks, we'll stick to regular-- OLLIE!!" The estatic cry made several people near her turn curiously as she rushed over to greet the golden retriever - only for Ollie to beeline under a table, scared off by the Scholar. "No no no, don't worry, it's okay, it's safe out here", she called out, adjusting Rosy to lean on one of her shoulders as she also knelt by the table, trying to coax Ollie out of hiding. "Hey... it's me, remember?"

"Awwww puppy!!" He rushes over to try and pet the doggo.

With foes (and eggnog) lain low, the Scholar rises to all fours and stretches much like a cat would, which sends a poor newcomer scrambling for cover--something he, unfortunately, doesn't even realize he's done. The dragon bows deeply to the Duchess. "Thank you for inviting me to your lovely event, your grace. And to all of you for a night of merriment. Alas, I must take my leave, for I have a stack of books and a warm lair calling my name." The dragon backs away from the gathering into the trees--accidentally knocking one or two down with loud splintering sounds--before taking off. As his great silhouette passes overhead, he lets out a great burst of flame as a final display for the revelers.

"That's a very good question. I suppose because it offers him an evolutionary advantage to be so big," Caelus considered, thoughtfully. "I'm afraid I don't know very much about the genetics of dragons. I study insects."
He looked up as the dragon took his leave, waving a farewell. He could certainly see how the ability to cause such great displays could be used to one's advantage.

"I CAN SPEAK?!" borks the dog, swinging its head around. This isn't the first time he's been able to, but it also doesn't happen very often. Weirdly, only at the parties he reaches by sticking his head through a wreath. "HELLO?" he borks at Cris, remembering her but also a bit too startled to manage being normal in any way. But then the big lizard takes off! IT FLIES! The dog scrambles out from under the table and BORK BORKS at the sky, making sure everyone sees that it was THIS good boy that scared off the flying lizard!

Umbra waves goodbye to the dragon "bye bye Scholar... hope to see you again~"

The Duchess curtsies deeply to the dragon as he departs, raising her hand in a farewell. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, my friend. And the season, for that matter."

As Tairloth waived goodbye at her dragon friend, she saw the dog's reaction and chuckled at the idea of a dog scaring away a dragon. Though she decided not to ruin it's fun, so she went up and pet him "Atta boy!" she said, as if he'd actually played a role in Scholar's departure.

Cris was almost knocked over as Ollie ran out from under his table to bark at the retreating dragon, but steadied herself and just laughed. Rosy, in turn, widened her eyes and started chattering away to the talking doggo.

He goes back to happily consuming any remaining foods he can find. Especially any sweet ones!

The dog wags his tail in a self-satified way, lolling his tongue in a big smile as the dragon goes away. Boy, Ollie must be so intimidating! And here come many admirers. He rubs his head against Aggles, trying to get a good ear rub, whilst simultaneously leaning his rear end against Tairloth for a nice butt scratch. "Hello! I'm Ollie! I'm a very good boy!" he borks merrily.

Caelus watched Ollie quite proudly as he definitely scared off the dragon. He rose to his feet again, dusting off his feathered cloak. "Hello, Ollie. You are indeed the most good boy," he agreed. "And I'm certain we wouldn't even have anything to fear from cursed marshmallows if they were cursed, with you here."

"I'm certain they aren't," murmurs the Duchess to herself, looking around suspiciously.