Breeder Job Promotion | Gabriel

Gabriel sat on a flat stone overlooking the valley while thunder rolled somewhere far above the clouds. Across the clearing, Licore crashed headfirst into another failed attempt at courtship. The medium  purple and black dragon landed crookedly in the mud after trying to perform what he had confidently described as “an impressive aerial spin.” Instead, he had clipped a pine tree with one wing. The tree won and Licore’s dignity shattered a bit more. Gabriel winced sympathetically as the dragon pulled himself from the branches.

“You’re supposed to look graceful,” the vernid called gently.

“I looked powerful,” Licore argued.

“You fought a tree and lost.”

“Exactly.” Gabriel tilted his head, not quite sure what the dragon's point was. Licore shook pine needles from his feathers before stalking back into the clearing with complete confidence despite everything. Storm clouds swirled lazily overhead, drawn unconsciously by his mood. Gabriel smiled despite himself. Licore approached courtship the same way he approached everything else: loudly, recklessly, and with absolutely no planning whatsoever. Which was why Gabriel had volunteered to help.

“You cannot challenge potential mates to fights,” Gabriel reminded him patiently. Licore flopped onto the grass beside the stone. “Why not? Fighting is fun.”

“Courtship is not supposed to end with someone unconscious.”

“That depends on the dragon.”

Gabriel narrowed his eyes, a rare sight. “Licore.”

The dragon grinned unapologetically. He really was trying, though. That mattered. Licore was powerful, handsome in a rough sort of way, and endlessly energetic. Unfortunately, his usual methods of attracting attention included thunder magic, screaming competitions, and accidental (on purpose) property damage. Gabriel suspected most dragons found him unworthy. Which honestly was fair. “Alright,” Gabriel said, climbing down from the stone. “We’ll try something else.” Licore perked up immediately.

“Storm magic?”

“Not storm magic.”

Licore looked down, disappointed. Gabriel walked slowly through the clearing while speaking. “Most dragons want someone dependable. Gentle. Someone who listens.” Licore stared at him blankly.

“That sounds stupid.”

Gabriel’s ear twitched slightly, “It’s really not.” The dragon considered this seriously. “Can I still scream dramatically?”

“Preferably not.”

Licore sighed as though asked to sacrifice deeply held beliefs. Gabriel led him toward a cluster of smooth stones near the clearing’s edge. Small wildflowers grew nearby beneath darkening clouds. “Courtship is about making another creature feel safe and appreciated,” Gabriel explained. “Not intimidated.”

Licore snorted. “Intimidation works great.”

“For fighting.”

“Yes.”

“We are not fighting potential mates.” Although Gabriel knew there had to be another dragon out there who’d be into fighting potential mates, actually finding a dragon like that might be difficult, so it was better to teach Licore better courtship methods. Licore looked unconvinced. Gabriel crouched beside the flowers and carefully gathered several blue blossoms. “Here. Try giving these to me politely.”

Licore accepted the flowers like they might explode. Gabriel tried to stifle a laugh at the sight before him, Licore trying his best to hold the flowers between his feather wings. “What do I say?”

“Something nice.”

The dragon stared at the flowers for several long seconds before awkwardly extending them toward Gabriel. “You seem… less weak than average.” Gabriel couldn’t help it this time and burst into helpless laughter. Licore frowned, a pout crossing his face. “That was nice.”

“It was almost nice. I suppose.”

“But I’m improving.”

“You are.”

Licore relaxed visibly at the praise. Above them, thunder rumbled softly again while evening winds swept through the valley. The dragon rolled onto his side and folded one enormous wing lazily across the grass. “Why is this so complicated?” he muttered. Gabriel sat beside him carefully. “Because you’re used to solving problems with strength.”

“That works most of the time.”

“Not for everything.”

Licore stared upward at the storm clouds gathering overhead. His magic responded instinctively, darkening the sky further. “I don’t understand why dragons care so much about soft things,” he admitted quietly. “Talking. Dancing. Nest-building. It all seems pointless.” Gabriel watched him for a moment before answering. “It matters because it shows effort.” Licore kept his eyes on the sky, watching the swirling storm clouds, deep in thought. “I  guess so…”