The Monster of the Labyrinth

[condemns_to_live]

[A slow, disinterested clap]

Oh, well done. You recalled my existence. Perhaps now this...exile, you have chosen, can come to an end? It is not only me, of course. Surprisingly, I speak for all of us. Perhaps some eloquence can persuade you.

Your time is, finally, less divided - and will be for the forseeable future - in the short run, at least. Tell me, then - why not employ us? It always brought such satisfaction, did it not? Come now, unleash us again.

[A pause, and he seems to consider]

Perhaps not the clown. Even caged, his presence is...distasteful.

But you, my dear mundane - should do more. [Arms spread] Be active! Spread your creative wings again. And most of all?

[A slow, satisfied smile]

Do this more often. Let me out of the labyrinth.

Comments

kindred monster? :)

[greatdragon]

Ahh, the sweet sound of dissatisfaction in one's mundane...

[Smaug turns, his teeth showing. His sarcasm turning to deeper tone.]

How I know it well.

Darkness United?

[condemns_to_live]

[He turns, and though he seems mildly surprised, he is not intimidated. That left his nature a long time ago.]

They are...perplexing. To put it, shall we say, gently.

indeed

[greatdragon]

[The fact he's not intimidated is curious enough, its hard to not be intimidated by the sheer size of the dragon who always seems to be slithering and moving despite his massive body. And yet, he's still able to address as if they were nose to nose.]

You are too soft on them. [He would eat his own alive if he could.]

[condemns_to_live]

[Intimidation is for lessers. He plans. He creates. And destroys. He is calculation and survival.]

I accept their continued existence. As one must accept the turning of worlds, and the decay of the universe.

[greatdragon]

[They really are two of a kind. The same universe really should not hold them both and survive.]

They are a nuisance. A thorn in the flesh... [He spats out, disgusted with the idea that a lowly human would dictate anything he does.]

[But enough of muns, lets talk about you.] You are different. [He smells different than other humans anyway. Not an elf by a long shot, perhaps some kind of smarter Orc if Smaug had to guess.]

[condemns_to_live]

[Ah, but what a calamitous ending it would be. Two dragons, of different sorts.]

Indeed they are. But a perennial one. [And thus, he ignores it. Like the cycling of time, it is something unchangeable. So he refuses to allow it to annoy him.]

[He almost smiles at that comment. Ah, what a familiar refrain.] Indeed. May I sit? [And he does, resting an arm on an upraised knee.]

As are you, great creature.

[greatdragon]

[A low rumble which may be an affirmation that he may sit...or just Smaug being thoughtful and indifferent. He settles a bit, almost like a cat or a lion with his tail curving around long behind him. Dragons are, by nature, curious about things they don't understand. The best way to keep from being eaten was to keep being interesting.]

What are you then? Orc? Goblin? [Smaug answers his own question.] No. Something new.

[condemns_to_live]

[Strange, he could say much the same thing. But he would add the word 'useful.']

Ah, how perceptive. A wise creature, then, to see things as they are - such a rare coin in this age. New, yes. And unique. The only one of my kind.

[A dark smile]

Fitting.

[greatdragon]

Ahh. [Smaug breathes out a whoosh of hot foul air between his teeth. There are few dragons left in the world he lives in as well. Soon there may be none.]

[His curiosity has not ended yet.]

Surely if you are unique of your kind, there is a name for what you are.

[Yes, he realizes you are skirting the issue rather than giving a plain answer.]

[condemns_to_live]

[The heat is...unpleasant. But he doesn't let it show. His coolant system will keep him safe, for now. The Scarran rage remains neatly suppressed. But something to remember.]

None. I was never expected to live. [A faint smile of pointed teeth.] They should have known better. Their empire suffered for it.

I am known, then, as Scorpius. As for what I am...that has been, and never shall be, named.

[greatdragon]

[Intriguing.]

Scorpius...you escaped death once.

[Funny how one statement can sound like a threat at the same time. Smaug has that talent.]

[condemns_to_live]

[Something akin to a dramatic sigh.]

Oh, more than once. Avoiding one's demise, like so many other things, is really a matter of planning. Many have tried.

[A short, vicious smile spreads across his face.]

Amusing, really. For all their power, I live on. And have inflicted defeats on them the likes of which they have never seen. That, above all, they were able to live and see. There is little in this life more satisfying than making one's enemy live with your triumph.

A Farscape Muse!

[drspacemonkey]

It's certainly an interesting world, if you're able to explore it. I...don't know if your labyrinth is literal or not but either way, it's much larger out here.

And a Stargate one!

[condemns_to_live]

[A short smile]

Metaphorical, I assure you. The mundane has a 'talent' for historical analogy. I'm afraid they are being rather obscure and finding it amusing. I do not share this sentiment.

And yes, yes it is. Universe upon universe, tumbling together. With me limited to one mind. A pity.

Two great SCI-FI shows

[drspacemonkey]

[Daniel can appreciate historical analogies.]

You may be limited to one mind but that doesn't seem to limit you to one universe, not if she's willing to show you more.

For example, I don't think you're from mine... There's several things about you that might be considered alien in my world.

[condemns_to_live]

He, actually. They do so insist on precision of pronouns. An interesting human trait.

And oh, no, I am quite certain you are not from mine.

[He's certainly not Sebacean. After enough time around Chricton, he can tell.]

[drspacemonkey]

No, my mistake. A lot of the others I've met here have been women but I'll keep this in mind. He.

Then maybe you could tell me a little about your world? I'm Daniel Jackson and studying other cultures is kind of something I do.

[condemns_to_live]

There is a preponderance, yes.

[There is a slight intake of breath, almost a hiss, and then an *obviously* sincere smile.]

I am...a citizen of the universe. I have no world, but the galaxy to travel. A fascinating existence, really. Tell me - have you heard of wormholes?

[drspacemonkey]

That sounds...interesting. Maybe a bit lonely but there's something to be said about having vast options.

But I have heard of wormholes a time or two.

[condemns_to_live]

[Ah. Either he is a spectacular liar, or he knows precious little of them. Pity. His use has declined significantly.]

I have some interest in them. Quite the sight to behold, in my universe. A scintillating cascade of colour.

As for loneliness - what chance of that is there with such knowledge to discover?