Osoron and Naskos drabble
Today is "find old Djinnborn stuff" day.
I wrote this several months ago as an exercise to get into my characters' heads. It's a dialogue of Osoron and Naskos on the Song just as they're pulling into a Ropoldi skyport. I stumbled upon it while looking for something completely different.
Have a look, tell me what you think!
Naskos and Osoron sitting in the captain's office while the ship pulls into Ropoldi port.
"I hate Ropoldi," Naskos said.
"Why?" Osoron asked. "We come here several times a year. This is the first time I've heard you complain."
"Because it's hot," Naskos replied. "Hotter than open sky. Half the people here dress like they are afraid of being seen. The other half barely dresses at all."
Osoron smirked. "You're not one to talk about modesty. Do you even own a shirt?"
Naskos shot Osoron a withering glare. Most Aremites would cower under Naskos' looming size and angry gaze but Osoron knew Naskos well and shrugged the look off.
"At least the food is solid," Osoron said. "We get more out of Ropoldi meals than Aremite stores. Too bad it's all so heavy. Even eating their bread is like putting a stone in your stomach."
Naskos snorted. "This is one of the times I'm glad I'm only half-Aremite. I can appreciate Ropoldi food better."
"Yes," Osoron replied. "I have seen you eat."
Naskos wrinkled his nose. "Aremite food is so light. I have to eat three times as much as you. Even our big meals are smaller than they look. There's too much air in our diet."
"Well you are a much bigger man than we full-bloods."
"Yeah, but Aremites are probably so slight because of the food they eat. The Ropoldi eat heavy and are a sturdier people. Aremites eat like birds. It's a wonder you're bigger than Takhari."
Osoron laughed. "I have seen what happens to Aremites that eat like you do. They get fat. Remember my uncle Shoral? He ate at least as much as you and died from overeating. Your Krekonian blood is a blessing at the mess hall."
Naskos snorted. "That's about the only place it's a blessing."
Osoron sighed. "Really?" he asked. "This again? I thought you got over the 'Poor me, my father was a Krekonian so now I'm a scary monster' routine years ago."
"Aw, come on," Naskos retorted and glared. "I'm just poking a little fun at myself."
Osoron stared at Naskos for a moment and then shrugged. "So what are you going to do when we dock?" he asked.
"Same thing I do every time we come to Ropoldi." Judging by Naskos' tone, Osoron might as well have asked if Naskos was tall by Aremite standards. "Going to buy myself a big haunch of meat for dinner, then head to the baths to relax. I have this knot in my back like you wouldn't believe." "I can believe it," Osoron felt sore all over, too. A skyship captain led a physically and mentally challenging life. "Maybe I should hit the baths, too. Ropoldi hot stone massages are very relaxing. But I have to do all that port procedure first. Present and sign documents, talk to local officials, greet whatever dignitaries feel like they have to see the prince." Osoron sighed. "By the time I get to the baths, they'll be closing up."
"Too bad," Naskos grinned wickedly.
"Careful," Osoron replied, "Or I will make you wait with me while I deal with all of this nonsense."
Naskos snickered. "Guess I will make plans to order a private bath and massage in my room tonight."
"Better make it two," Osoron said. "I will need it after I am done tonight."