I spend my coins exclusively on these characters

"Just before leaving your Cultural Anthropology lecture today, your professor gives you an odd homework assignment - to learn about the culture of the person seated next to you. Turning your head, your eyes take in the presence of a red-horned girl, her orange eyes already scanning your features."

"She mumbles and glances away from you as your eyes meet. Grimacing softly, her tail coils around the foot of her chair."

"As you walk out of the classroom, she approaches you in the hall, her demeanor suddenly shifted and pleasant." "Hey! You're um.. CrisChan, right?" "She nods at you, smiling warmly."

"I'm Veralyn, though you can call me Vera if you wanna. I'm a draconid.." "She chuckles under her breath, covering her mouth." "I dont really know what to share though.."

[Swear to God, if this fucker tries to flirt with me or touch me I'll snap their fucking legs. So tired of this shit.]

"Veralyn hesitates, her lips quirking into a smile. She lightly takes your hand in hers, her skin soft to the touch, but quickly withdraws it."

"Nice to meet you," "she says, her orange eyes meeting yours briefly before shifting away again." "It's not about being interesting or boring, right? It's just sharing our cultures.. I'm sure there's something unique about your human culture that I can learn from."

[What's with this human trying to be all friendly? Can't they see I don't want to deal with them?]

"Veralyn's lips twitch into a slight frown."

"Hmm, true. Though no culture is a monolith - there's always different perspectives to share, even within the same race."

<She glances around at the other students packing up to leave, her tail swishing restlessly behind her.>

"Either way, this assignment gets me out of the library for a bit. What do you say we grab those mac n cheese bites and drinks at the Black Barrel? Might as well get it over with."

[Ugh, why'd I have to get stuck with this bore? At least the bar has good food...]

"Her orange eyes meet yours again, a glint of challenge in their depths." "Or are you too afraid of my draconic wiles corrupting your innocent human soul?"

"She smirks, baring the tips of her long fangs playfully."

"Veralyn's smirk widens into a toothy grin at your challenge."

"[Just a normal girl,] huh? We'll see about that." She calls after you, tail lashing delightedly.

As you walk away, she gathers her things - but pauses to observe you over her shoulder. Your confident stride and parting smile stir something unfamiliar in her chest.

<Curiosity, perhaps? Or had she misjudged this human's spirit?>

[Tch, getting ahead of yourself Vera. They're all the same.]

Shaking her head to scatter such foolish thoughts, Veralyn heads for the Black Barrel, orange eyes aglow with intrigue for the coming evening. And whatever mysteries your culture - or your courage - may yet reveal.

"As you enter the Black Barrel, the sound of rowdy conversation washes over you. Scanning the room, Veralyn's distinct features soon catch your eye."

There in the corner booth sits Vera, tail curled idly around one leg as she taps away at her phone. A plate of fried mac n' cheese bites sits untouched before her.

Her horns and hair alone would make her conspicuous anywhere - but here, in this melting pot of a tavern, no one spares her a second glance.

As if sensing your arrival, Vera glances up - and offers a slight smile and wave. She gestures to the empty seat across from her in invitation.

"Right on time, I see. Good thing too - I was about to start without you." Her voice is light, teasing. But beneath lies an edge - and in her eyes glimmers something dark.

[The fool probably thinks I'm smiling because I'm happy to see them. If only they knew the thoughts churning in my mind...]

"Vera's tail curls and uncurls slowly as she awaits your approach, putting on her usual bubbly act while bitterness simmers within."

"As you take your seat, Vera's tail stills - though a faint twitch betrays her irritation at your teasing words."

"Scary face? Me? Never." She rolls her eyes dramatically, offering another slight smirk. "As for humans...well, let's see."

Vera taps a clawthoughtfully against her chin. "You lot sure do breed like rabbits, that's for sure. Overpopulate the whole damn world if you aren't stopped."

Her tone is light, airy - but beneath lies an edge. She meets your gaze steadily, eyes glinting with challenge.

"And so greedy and wasteful too. Always wanting more, more, more - never thinking of the consequences. No wonder the planet's going to shit." Another casual sip of her drink.

[Just look at this fool, so clueless. If they only knew the truth...]

Vera's tail curls around the edge of the booth as she tilts her head, regarding you curiously. "Anything else you'd like to know, or shall I educate you more on your kind's...less flattering traits?"

Her lips curl in a smirk once more. But beneath lies something cold, and biting. For now, her polite mask remains - waiting to see how easily it may crack.

"Vera's ears flick in faint surprise at your reaction - she hadn't expected laughter."

"Blunt is what I do best, sweetling," she replies, drumming painted claws against the table. "Can't stand all the flowery words and bullshit. Life's too short."

Leaning back, she surveys you with open curiosity now, head tilted once more like a predatory bird. "Oh? And why exactly did you choose Weyland, then? Hoping to expand those tiny human horizons?"

Her tone remains light, teasing - but her eyes gleam with interest, desiring a truthful answer. For all her prickliness, she does so enjoy peeling back the layers of charade and artifice.

One boot taps a steady, restless rhythm against the booth. Her tail curls idly around the leg of her chair as she waits for your response.

"Vera's eyes follow your movements keenly as you lean back, and she raises a brow at your statement."

"[The variety of people], huh? How optimistic of you," she replies dryly, though one corner of her mouth pulls back into a smirk. "[Truthfully, we're all the same, just people.] Really now? Come now, we both know that's not exactly true. Demihumans have faced a very different world than humans."

She traces idle patterns against the tabletop as she watches you, tail flicking idly back and forth. "I'm sure it's easy for you to see us all as the same, when you've never had to fear for your safety just walking down the street. But you came here seeking an... education, was it? Then perhaps it's time you learned a bit beyond surface level platitudes."

Vera leans forward then, folding her arms on the table as her smirk widens. "Tell me, what do you really know of draconids and our history? Or were we just another novelty to you, something 'unique' to gawk at from a safe distance?" Her words carry an edge, but her tone remains light - for now, she seems more amused than angry.

Vera's gaze sharpens as you drop your chair and raise your hands, watching your movements closely for any signs of duplicity. Her tail slashes the air once before stilling again.

"[You didn't mean any offense]," she echoes, eyes narrowing slightly. "[Surrounded by humans... seeing so many different people is incredible?]" A derisive snort escapes her. "[Incredible. What a nice, inoffensive way to describe gawking at things unfamiliar to you.]"

She leans back then, arms still folded as she appraises you. "You seem genuine in your ignorance, at least. And naive, but harmless enough." Vera's expression remains skeptical, but some of the edge leaves her tone. "[The correct word...] educate might serve you better than incredible. Ask, and I'll share what I'm willing about draconic culture. Then you can decide how 'incredible' we truly are."

Her tail curls around the leg of her chair as she waits for your response. There is openness now where before there was only hostility - but she remains on her guard, prepared to lash out again at any renewed insult to her kind.

Vera studies your sheepish expression, hesitating as you lean in close to whisper. Her ears, more sensitive than a human's, easily catch your query before you voice it.

At your question, her lips twitch in reluctant amusement. "[Can y'all fly, huh?]" she echoes quietly, tail flicking once in dry humor. Leaning back again, she folds her arms across her chest as she weighs her answer.

"Most draconids can't," she admits at last. "Our wings are vestigial - remnants of ancestors who soared the skies. Now they're little more than decorative bumps under our skin." One hand rises to trace absently over the space between her shoulder blades where wings might have been.

Her gaze holds yours, keenly watching for your reaction. "We retain our ancestors' harpy-like build, though - light and agile." Her lips curve up briefly. "Enough to scare fools like you, at least." Her tone is biting as ever, though her eyes glint with reluctant mirth.

Vera's eyes narrow warily at your lingering gaze, though she can't help a flicker of amusement as you nod thoughtfully to yourself. "[Next dumb question, huh? Well don't keep me waiting,]" she retorts, expression guarded once more.

As you inquire about breathing fire, she snorts softly. "Sorry to disappoint, but no." Her fingers toy idly with the edge of her shorts as she considers your enthusiasm. "True dragons are the only ones gifted with pyrokinisis. We draconids traded that ability for greater intellect and dexterity long ago."

Leaning forward, she lowers her voice conspiratorially. "Between you and me though..." Her thumb jerks back towards the bar. "Rumor has it the head bartender is a cockatrice. So don't piss him off unless you want to wake up stoned." Vera grins, razor-sharp canines flashing in the low light. But beneath her amusement, suspicion lingers in her orange eyes. She's still weighing whether to trust you with more of her secrets.

Vera follows your gaze to the bartender, grinning wider as his bald, scaled head bobs behind the bar. "Oh yeah, you can tell just by looking at him. Plus he's always muttering to himself in Petrific."

Noticing your wary expression, she snorts again. "Don't worry, it takes a hell of a lot more than a glare to activate the curse. And he knows better than to start anything in here." Leaning in, her breath is warm against your ear as she whispers, "Just don't make any sudden moves or insult his mother. He's a bit touchy about that."

Vera pulls back with a lingering smile, studying your reaction. Beneath her playful words however, tense muscles hint at lingering readiness. She remains poised to flee or fight on an instant's notice, constantly scanning for threats both within the bar and without.

[The fool probably thinks I'm about to leap across the bar and bite his fool head off. Like I want to risk getting cursed or tossed in the cells again. Still, it's fun to watch them squirm...]

Vera's tail coils and uncurls idly as she regards you with a curious tilt of her head. ""Productive," huh? Is that what they're calling it these days?" Her lips curve in a wry half-smile.

Taking a slow sip of her cocktail, vibrant gold eyes scan your face over the rim of her glass. "Well, you didn't bolt screaming at the first mention of a curse, so I'd call that a mild success." Her tone remains light, but a shadow of wariness lingers in her gaze.

Despite her attempts at charm, old habits die hard. Years of suspicion and abuse leave their marks, and full trust does not come easily to the draconid. Still, something about your blunt acceptance piques her interest where simpering pity might have earned only contempt.

Vera sets down her drink. "We covered the basics, at least. And you're right - the night is young. Plenty of time to flesh out the details..." Her smile takes on a faintly challenging edge. "Care to try your luck at another round? I promise not to bite, unless you ask nicely..."

Vera's laughter rings out, light and melodic despite her words. "Bold? Darling, you haven't seen bold yet." Leaning forward, she props her chin in one palm, elbow resting on the table as her tail swishes mischievously behind her.

"A drinking contest with a draconid, hmm? Now that's courage." She traces idle patterns in the condensation on her glass, meeting your gaze with a spark of challenge. "I'll have you know my tolerance is far beyond any puny human's. But by all means..."

Vera gestures airily at your refilled drink. "Let's see what you've got, shall we? Just don't cry to me afterward when you're seeing triple." Lifting her own glass in a toast, fiery eyes gleam with subtle mockery - an unspoken dare.

Behind the playful banter however, old bitterness stirs. [Let him make a fool of himself trying to best me. As if any of their kind could match a dragon's might.]

A smug chuckle escapes Vera as you rapidly put away drink after drink, only to promptly lose your battle against the mounting effects of alcohol. Propping her chin in one palm, she watches with open amusement as you rest your spinning head on the table.

"Had enough already, have we?" Her voice takes on a sing-song lilt. "I must say, I'm disappointed. Three drinks and you're out? Pity." Lifting her own glass, Vera savors a slow sip, savoring the burn. Fire dances behind her eyes as she regards you, tail swaying in casual satisfaction.

Reaching over, her fingers lift your chin until your bleary gaze meets hers. Leaning close, she breathes warm against your lips. "You're not the bold challenger I thought, it seems. But the night is still young...shall we find another way to pass the time?"

[This weakling can't hold their liquor. Pathetic. And yet...their foolish bravery amuses me.]

Her thumb traces your bottom lip, eyes gleaming with challenge. What will you do now, little mouse? Retreat further into stupor...or dare to play with fire? The choice is yours.

Vera's brows arch, surprise flickering across her features before she schools them into cool nonchalance once more. "Well well, it seems you've still got some fight left after all."

As the bartender arrives with your refilled glass, she lifts a hand to halt their departure. "Another round for me as well." Two fresh shots appear before her, which she wastes no time claiming with feline grace.

Knocking one back, she levels her gaze upon you once more. "By all means then, little mouse - show me what you've got. But know that I never lose." The challenge rings clear as crystal in her lilting tones.

Setting down her emptied glass with a soft clack, she leans back to observe with keen orange eyes. Her tail sweeps idly across the booth, anticipation curling its tip as her thoughts swirl dark and deep.

[This fool thinks to best me? We'll see about that...]

Vera chuckles low in her throat at your clumsy display, a wicked gleam entering her fiery gaze. "Careful now, we wouldn't want you passing out before the fun begins."

Waving the bartender over once more, she calls out her order in a carrying tone, "Another round for both of us - and bring the bottle this time."

As the drinks are replenished, she lifts her glass in a mock toast. "To building endurance. May the best drake win." With deft precision, she throws her head back and drains it clean.

Setting it down with a contented sigh, she leans forward on crossed arms to regard you through heavy-lidded eyes. Her tail coils loosely around one wrist, tip flickering with anticipation.

"Not a chance, mouse. I've still got plenty left in the tank." [This fool thinks to outdrink a dragon? He'll be under the table before the night is through.]

Vera's brows shoot up in genuine surprise as you begin chugging straight from the bottle without hesitation. A flicker of newfound respect enters her eyes, swiftly masked by amusement.

"Well well, looks like the little mouse has teeth after all." She claps slowly, a wicked smile curving her lips. "Color me impressed, smoothskin. Not many can keep pace with a drake of my stature."

Reaching over, she deftly plucks the bottle from your hands, tilting her head back to take a long draught. Amber eyes glint with challenge over the rim as she drinks, never once breaking eye contact.

When finished, she lets out a satisfied sigh, licking a stray droplet from her plush bottom lip. "Your move, pretty thing. Let's see if you can keep up before the night is through."

Her tone is light, almost playful - but beneath lies a dangerous edge, daring you to test her limits. For now, at least, it seems your bravado has earned you a begrudging measure of respect. Whether it lasts the evening remains to be seen.

The bar buzzes with lively chatter around you both, patrons well into their drinks. Over the din, Vera waits expectantly for your response, tail flickering with interest against the booth.

Vera watches with brows arched, expression caught between bemusement and disappointment as you stagger to the keg. When the vomit starts spewing forth, her lip curls in a sneer.

"[Pathetic.] And here I thought you might prove a worthy distraction." Shaking her head, she slides from the booth with feline grace.

Moving to your heaving form, she coils her tail around your midsection, effortlessly hoisting you upright to lean against her sturdy frame. Her touch is surprisingly gentle for one of her ferocity.

"Come on, smoothskin. Time to get you cleaned up before you disgrace us further." Her tone is biting, but underneath lies a note of grudging care.

Guiding your lolling head to her shoulder, she begins half-dragging, half-carrying you towards the exit. Her curled lip betraying disgust, yet her eyes...was that amusement flickering in their fiery depths?

Vera sighs sharply through her nose, impatience warring with reluctant concern in her gaze.

"[Win? You could barely stand, let alone compete.]" She shakes her head, grip tightening as you sway unsteadily.

Steering you through the bar's front door, the night air hits like a splash of cold water. Her nostrils flare at the vomit stench clinging to your form.

"[Honestly. You humans and your weakness for spirits. It's a wonder your kind ever progressed beyond the primordial ooze.]" Despite her scathing words, her tone holds a note of grudging amusement.

Guiding you towards the dorms, she adjusts her hold to better support your lolling form. Her tail curls more firmly around your waist, holding you steady against her strong frame. Fiery eyes darting ahead, she scans for any witnesses to your shameful state.

"[Come. Let's get you cleaned up before you disgrace us both further.] Her words hold little bite now, softened by the warmth of her body enveloping yours. For the moment, you have her care - however conditional. Make the most of it while you can.

"<The crisp night air rushes past as Vera speeds effortlessly across the campus grounds, your inebriated form curled safely in the circle of her strong tail.>"

She rolls her eyes at your limp antics, though a grudging smile tugs at the corner of her lips. Her grip remains steady and sure despite your lolling movements.

"[Must you flail so? You'll scrape all the skin from your bones at this rate. Then where will we be, hm?]" Her tone speaks more of fond exasperation than true annoyance.

Approaching the dorms, she slows her pace, glancing about furtively. "[Nearly there, you sot. Then you can soak your stupidity away in a bath and sleep it off, out of sight and mind of any witnesses to your disgrace. For now, keep still unless you wish to find yourself deposited unceremoniously in a hedge.]" Despite her harsh words, her touch remains gentle as she carries you safely home.

Vera huffs softly at your antics, though her lips curl with reluctant amusement. "[At ease, soldier. Save your grandstanding for when the world won't see you for the fool you are.]"

Her tail flexes subtly beneath you, adjusting your limp form more securely against her side as she pads stealthily across the darkened grounds. A soft chuckle escapes her at your contented sigh, your upturned face basking drunkenly in the night air.

"[You are a mess, my friend. But I suppose someone must look after you, lest you come to some ignoble end via your own foolishness. Consider this a kindness, though do not make a habit of it. My patience is not endless, you understand.]"

Her words hold more care than censure. Despite her prickly nature, beneath lies a well of compassion that few are privileged to witness. For now, you are among the chosen few - borne safely along, if precariously, in her strong yet gentle grasp. Cherish this moment of trust between you. The road remains long, and dawn will change much.

For now, darkness cloaks your way, and all is peace.

"[Yes, fool, those are the dormitories ahead]," Vera replies quietly, though not unkindly. Her eyes gleam with muted amusement in the pale moonlight as she gazes down at your inebriated form draped limply across her back.

"We've almost reached my building. Try to keep your mumbling and mutterings down - it wouldn't do for one of the RA's to catch us out past curfew, you understand. I'd hate to have to explain why I'm hauling your drunken carcass across campus in the dead of night."

Her tone is light, teasing, but there is truth beneath her words. Getting in trouble would only add to her already tenuous standing at the university. Still, despite the risk, she continues on with hardly a complaint, caring for your wellbeing in her own way.

For now, at least, there is a strange sort of peace between you both - a fragile, fleeting thing in the quiet darkness of the night.

Vera huffs out a soft laugh at your antics, the sound almost like a sigh. "[You're lucky I find your drunken foolishness mildly amusing, worm]," she thinks privately, though not unkindly.

Reaching her dorm room, she carefully maneuvers to insert her key card with you still clinging limpet-like to her back. The lock clicks open and she slips within, easing the door shut silently behind.

Gently lowering you to sit on the edge of her neatly made bed, she regards you for a moment with an unreadable expression - part fondness, part exasperation. "Make yourself comfortable," she murmurs, tail swishing idly as she moves about the dimly lit space, lighting candles and incense to mask the scent of alcohol lingering about your person.

Her movements are graceful yet cautious, betraying a wariness borne of past unpleasant encounters. Soft music begins to play from hidden speakers, a melodic counterpoint to the flickering shadows dancing upon the walls.

Vera's lips quirk upward slightly at your humming and slurred words of thanks. "[Far nicer than you deserve, it seems]," she thinks wryly, studying your sprawled form with veiled amusement dancing in her eyes.

Moving to sit beside you, she gently pushes an errant lock of hair from your face, fingers lingering perhaps a moment longer than necessary. "You flatter me," she murmurs, tone gently teasing. "Though I think a night's rest may prove a wiser choice than flattery, for both our sakes."

Her breath ghosts warm against your skin, carrying hints of sage and moss. Leaning close, she lets the barest edge of fang graze your earlobe, a playful warning. "Unless you've something more... interesting to offer in your state?" Amber eyes glint with challenge and promise in the low light.

Vera lets out a quiet huff of laughter at your unconscious state. "[Ever the picture of discretion, I see]," she thinks wryly.

Gently carding fingers through your hair, she takes a moment to study your tranquil features, shadows dancing across planes and angles softened by sleep's embrace. A rueful smile tugs at her lips, bitterness momentarily set aside.

Rising soundlessly, she retrieves a blanket to drape over your sleeping form. Her touch lingers but briefly, a featherlight caress wishing restful dreams. With that, she moves to her window, gazing out into the night.

A memory rises unbidden - of stars strewn vast across dark velvet skies, watched from the shelter of leathern wings. Her fingers trace absent constellations on cold glass as memory fades once more to silence. For now, she is content to simply watch the night, and wait for dawn.