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[kilimanjaro]

Why have we not returned to Exsilium? The danger is over, isn't it?

[Kili looks frustrated and tired. He's not used to being cooped up indoors like this, and no one can really blame a dwarf for not understanding radiation. and nuclear bombs.]

This place wasn't meant for living on. We can't even go outdoors! It doesn't feel like we're living anymore, merely... surviving.

And Kang, forgive me, but it seems it will be a while longer before I can continue with the blade my uncle forged you.

Comments

[governorkang]

That's good to hear.

[At least someone isn't alone.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili nods, before hesitating a moment.] Do you have any family or friends here yet?

[governorkang]

[His wings fall slightly.]

There are two others from Krynn here. One you've met already; my roommate Onyx. Neither that I would consider a friend, exactly, but we get along well enough.

[kilimanjaro]

Krynn? Is that your world?

[governorkang]

Yes. You may have seen the other at some point, as well. It's hard to miss a bronze dragon as large as he.

[Kili may have noticed by now that Kang also has bronze-tinted scales.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili's eyes widen almost comically, though it's difficult to tell if it's in excitement or horror. Kili doesn't even know himself.]

There...there's...you mean an actual--

[Thorin was fine with Kang, so Kili just assumed he was...something that wasn't a dragon, just...really similar. Dragons are bad news. Dragons mean homes being stolen and people dying and fire. The stories used to excite Kili as a child but the prospect of actually facing one has grown more and more daunting as the quest has gone on. Fear makes his heart beat faster.]

[governorkang]

[Well, it seems like a better reaction than Thorin's so far.]

No one in Exsil - this moon base - has anything to fear from this one. He is nothing like the dragons of your world.

[kilimanjaro]

Kang... [Kili hesitates a moment.]

What does that mean...about you? Are you-- [He trails off, awkward.]

[governorkang]

About me?

[He's pretty sure he knows what Kili's asking, but he wants to clarify first.]

[kilimanjaro]

[This is kind of awkward to ask.]

When I first met you, when I was sick...I thought for sure you were a dragon. And I never asked because...well...Thorin seemed alright with you, but...Are you?

[governorkang]

[Yep, there it is.]

My kind were created from the unhatched, stolen eggs of dragons, by magic. That is why we resemble them.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili stares.]

You're... [Magic is so confusing to him.] So you're part dragon?

[governorkang]

In a sense.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili shakes his head slowly.]

This is a strange place indeed, where Dwarves count Elves and Dragons among their friends.

[Suffice it to say it's been a huge learning experience, and a superb lesson in how racism is bad.]

[governorkang]

[Kang smiles wryly.]

We aren't dragons, though.

[kilimanjaro]

What am I to call you then?

[governorkang]

Draconians.

[kilimanjaro]

Draconians. [He tries the word on his tongue.] ...Did my uncle know?

[governorkang]

[Kang nods.]

He knew.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili can't help but laugh.]

Forgive me, I just...can't imagine how confused he must have been. Kind elves and friendly drag-- sorry, Draconians.

[governorkang]

He drew a sword on me when we first met.

[kilimanjaro]

That...sounds like my uncle. [Kili can't help but laugh again.]

[governorkang]

I can't say I blame him.

[He shrugs. It's the sort of reaction he's used to from the other races on his world.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili's laughter quiets down and he nods.] I suppose it's good that you feel that way.