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In every way possible. [He gives a longsuffering sigh.] I'm not the youngest, but I'm in the youngest ten percent or so. Neither powerful nor important. But sometimes that's an advantage, too.

I thought I might just have a chance to break away...but that's not working out well.

[There's something like a shiver down the thorny spine, and the dragon lowers his head closer, as comprehension brings fascination. All the matters of time are of great personal interest to the dov.]

And things which might be, gutkoraav? The endless possibilities of the wuldsetiid... the currents of Time?

All that must be and all that might be and anything in between. It helps me accomplish my task but is also another burden to bear.

It is ahzid wundun, a bitter path to tear loose from the bonds of kin. Even with a strong Voice and... hmm, desire. What drives you to break free?

Amazingly enough? Physical proximity.

['Disowning' is probably an unnecessary concept.]

Blood doesn't make a man who he is. Not really.

[There's a moment of hesitation, like he's not sure he should be discussing angel business with a relative stranger. Then again, who else is there to discuss it with?] I think our society is breaking apart. My brothers are turning on one another. Killing one another. It's too painful to watch.

So I left. And now they're trying to drag me back into it.

Indeed. A fearful gift. Even among the dov, the children of time, none has ever been entrusted with such a power.

[Though given their nature, and what happened the last time one was granted so much...]

Hmm. Kogaan. That is fortunate.

Not entirely. But it is... hmm, vahserii, the wellspring from which we are first drawn. Whether we take the best of our natures, or the poorest.

[He sounds amused as he adds,] I do not think one can simply flee a bond so deep.

[He gives a low rumble. Perhaps disapproval, perhaps merely in thought.]

Paak. Then the eldest can bring no order. Though... [A long, slow flick of his tail.] What brings this strife, after so many ages?

...and why in the world not, Master Dragon?

Your kind have other gifts to aid you. And they have you to teach them, elder.

Because you carry it with you. Vahrukt, sos, fron. You cannot escape yourself.

Edited 2013-01-15 16:41 (UTC)

Well...as I said, our Father left. And some of the eldest four had a falling out. I'd like to say it's complicated, but it's not. Just tedious and ugly. I don't know, I suppose it's too much to ask that everyone get along all the time, but for things to be coming to bloodshed so often feels wrong.

[He watches the tail flick absently, privately impressed. There aren't many dragons left in his world, and the ones still around aren't very conversational.] My apologies, I never told you my name, did I? It's Balthazar.

[He gives a deep laugh.]

Indeed. I must hope they also have a willingness to listen.

As long as you talk someone will listen.

As you said, it is your nature to obey. Not to battle for supremacy.

I am Paarthurnax. Drem Yol Lok - well met, Balthazar. [He does like that name. It has a pleasing rhythm on his tongue.]

...says who?

Though perhaps it may not seem so at first.

Perhaps so. Pogaas vokoraav. There is only one way to learn who. An answer I am eager to find.

Have you learned a way of outrunning yourself, sonaan?

Vahzah. True. We are more inclined to see the best of our kind. Koraav voro. Hmh. And the young often see but one side of any matter.

Aye. I heard your voice when the Greybeards summoned me those very years ago.

I am Ulfric Stormcloak. Your voice is familiar to me also...

Do you speak the ancient language of the dragons?

Have fun, old one.

It's unwise to not see all sides, depending on the matter.

...Have you seen many kings?