Roger
Finally- with a sense of time for himself, the head butler of the Ice Palace had been dismissed to explore the surrounding areas while the royals attend to business- the butlers within the Sky Palace taking over the tedious, timely, but eloquently done task of tending to Ice Nobility. 

Since they were to be in meetings for the bulk of the day, Calve settled down on the idea of taking a flight through the mountain ranges- enjoying the naturally cold air of the higher altitudes- it was one of the few climatic conditions on Pyyrhia that remained tolerable to him outside of the Ice Kingdom, and fly to the highest heights he could- he certainly did. Eventually finding himself towards the peak of the 'claws' a hundred or so meters down from the very top. 

He perched himself upon a mountainous path and following it through the secluded area where not even the sound of a nearby Skywing could be heard to interrupt his deepest, most intimate thoughts- to which, he surprisingly had many- most of which concerned whether or not this counted as being officially dismissed for the day- as in he was off the job, or if he should maintain his regal, apathetic demeanor to the locals in this place should he have the misfortune of coming upon one... Though- what Skywing would reasonably be here during this time of day? Or rather this time of night.

Above loomed the cold, pale moons - blanketing the mountains in their silver light- enhancing the colors of the Icewings scales as he dipped in and out of the moonlight's path along the winding rocky trails towards the top.
Marquerite
Twig lay among the rocks, hidden beneath the large drape he had fashioned as makeshift shelter from the mountain's chill. The night was calm, its starry canvas spread above like a tapestry of secrets and stories. He appreciated the tranquility of these moments, away from the bustling town of Possibility.

As he rested there, wrapped in his solitude, Twig's mind wandered. The countless hours of work in the library had drained him, but it was the kind of weariness he welcomed. Among the shelves of books and the hushed whispers of knowledge, he felt a sense of purpose that helped to fill the void left by his family's abandonment.

The approaching footsteps shattered the stillness of the night, their echo bouncing off the rocky walls. Twig's keen senses stirred, and he lifted his head slightly, his golden yellow eyes narrowing in the darkness. His instincts, honed by years of hiding and survival, went on high alert. His heart pounded as he scanned the shadows for any sign of danger.
Roger
Calve wraps around the approaching bend, noticing the odd drape. The first thought that came to mind was *Is the Sky Kingdom normally this... Trashy?*- though he paused, adhering to an air of caution - knowing very well there might be a Skywing nearby or within the makeshift shelter. There was a long- awkward moment of silence as Calve stood still and thought of how to approach before the sound of him clearing his throat bounced off of the mountainsides- "Apologies- but might someone be there?..." He paused- entertaining the idea he was possibly just talking to himself for a moment before flicking his tail to the left as if dismissing the thought in an annoyed fashion- if he was talking to himself, no one would be around to say he had been doing it so he shouldn't care. "I hadn't expected to find someone else out here in the mountains while the stars were still out. Though maybe I've interrupted your sleep-" He nervously chuckled. "Which then begs the question why you sleep *Out here* And not within a proper place of residence with your peers... I'm- going to approach now- if you attack, I will have no choice but to retaliate." With that- the Icewing, who's form practically glittered in the moonlight, seemed to shift into frame- he held his body taught- compact with his wings tightly pinned to his sides, and his head was turned upward giving the illusion the tip of his snout was touching the moon. 

"So there *Is* Someone here... Haven't you any manners to speak when spoken to? Or perhaps - you've removed yourself from dragon society to begin with. Which would explain..." He unceremoniously gestured to Twig's 'shelter'. "Do you have a name?" The expression on the Icewings' face reeked of regality- a clear sense of superiority in his gaze as he seemed to literally and metaphorically look down on the dragon before him.
Marquerite
Twig's heart raced as the approaching dragon came into view. He remained hidden beneath his makeshift drape, his eyes fixed on the newcomer with a mix of curiosity and caution. The stranger's initial thoughts about the state of the area caused Twig's grumpy demeanor to twitch with irritation. He was not particularly fond of unwelcome visitors.

As the dragon cleared his throat and spoke, Twig remained silent for a moment, his thoughts racing. He recognized the distinctive form of an IceWing, a sight less common in Possibility, which only heightened his wariness. The IceWing's tone, though not overtly hostile, carried an air of authority that Twig found irksome.

When the IceWing suggested that Twig might be sleeping out in the mountains, he couldn't help but scoff silently. Sleep was a luxury he rarely indulged in, given his cautious nature. Twig listened intently as the IceWing continued to speak, a mixture of annoyance and curiosity in his eyes.

As the IceWing prepared to approach, Twig slowly emerged from his hiding spot, revealing his form wrapped in the drape. His single amber eye regarded the IceWing with a guarded expression. He didn't immediately respond to the IceWing's questions, preferring to size up this unexpected visitor.

Finally, in a tone that held a touch of sardonic amusement, Twig replied, "I don't attack dragons who approach with a polite inquiry, nor do I require your permission to exist outside of dragon society's norms." He eyed the IceWing's regal demeanor with a hint of skepticism. "I'm Twig, a name you may or may not find relevant. And you are?" His words held a subtle challenge.
Roger
Calve glared at Twig's scoff and general demeanor, rolling his eyes- but accepting the raw facts of the matter- raising an eyebrow in interest at the first statement before puffing out his chest as if extending the range of his own authority past the boundaries of the Ice Kingdom. "Was it *Not* Wise to assume you might've been some... Outclaw ruffian?.. As for not following the rules within our respective societies- I find even though you do not respect them, you certainly *Do* Adhere to them- consciously or not." He paced around Twig, somewhat like a shark encircling its preferred prey item. "'Twig', hm? What a quaint name- you may call me 'Calve'. I'm the head butler of the Ice Palace- only here in these foreign lands for reasons related to my illustrious duties serving the King~" 

Calve's eyes were predatory in nature- skimming the surface of Twig's scales like knives before he finally made eye contact once more, a sly grin on his face as his tail flicked sharply to the right. "Forgive my rudeness, I suppose this is *Your* Home- I should be more... Accommodating." He seemed to relax himself- resting in a sitting position a few meters in front of Twig, his body language echoing that of a cat's rather than a dragons. "I never expected to be a guest myself- I usually play the part of the host... I could continue my climb up the mountain to find a more splendid view - but I find myself intrigued by your circumstances, so won't you entertain one as noble as myself for the evening?~ If only to keep your mind busy since it appears you haven't been able to truly sleep. I promise to be on my best behavior, my King would thoroughly be through with me if I caused a political dispute in attacking you- plus- Im not quite the type to fancy chipping a claw for the sake of fighting." He turned his head up in a harshly condescending manner to further emphasize the gap between the two rather different dergs.
Marquerite
Twig listened to Calve's words with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. The IceWing's arrogant demeanor grated on him, but he couldn't deny the dragon's intelligence and wit. Twig was used to keeping his guard up, especially when dealing with outsiders, but Calve's approach was both unexpected and intriguing.

As Calve circled him, Twig's eye followed the IceWing's movements, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. He noted the predatory nature of Calve's eyes, a stark contrast to his own grumpiness. Twig's response to the IceWing's introduction was a raised eyebrow and a small, dry smirk. "Ah, the illustrious head butler of the Ice Palace graces me with his presence. How fortunate I am."

Twig shifted slightly, his drape rustling with the movement as Calve took a seat in front of him. He couldn't help but be slightly intrigued by the dragon's proposal, even if it came with an air of superiority. "Entertain a noble dragon such as yourself? I suppose I could use some company for the evening," Twig replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Just be sure to mind your manners, Calve. I have no desire to get entangled in political disputes or claw duels tonight."
Roger
Twig's response only seemed to enflame his sense of self-worth, rather than stroking the flame of Calve's temper as he seemed pleased with the sarcastic tone- holding out his arm and looking over his talons with a grin that swelled into a smile. "Yes- indeed, it *Must* Be quite the privilege for someone of your current condition but rest assured- it's *My* Pleasure." His expression remained rather pleased as he chuckled at Twig's continued use of sarcasm- it was amusing- and coming from this dragon, it was somewhat adorable- like how one might see a puppy as cute for chasing its' tail. 

"Excellent choice, young master- perhaps if you prove to be an impressive specimen, I'll let you come back to the Ice Kingdom with me?~" He laughed- clearly only joking at the proposal before nodding in agreement at twigs desire to keep things peaceful. "Minding my manners is my field of expertise, so there's no cause for concern~... Though, the first topic I'd like to discuss is- well- if it's not too personal, what's led you to such a drab disposition as living like a scavenger?- While surely nothing the Sky Kingdom has could ever compare to the luxurious beauty of my own domain, surely there's value to at least be had in saving energy and time by living in a city or town rather than all by your lonesome."

Calve silently judged Twig's body language and responses in an analytical manner, quietly noting the imperfections in Twig's posture and tone of voice- but none of this judgmental information seemed to leak into what he had to say- at least directly. Though he couldn't help but be curious as to how the sands of time had eroded this dragon's mind and body into what it is now- it was rare a commoner caught his eye as Twig had- though it was perhaps built on the curious circumstances of their encounter - but it was a rarity nonetheless- he couldn't tell if the dragon's superficial charm was entrancing- or if he was just bored out of his scales.
Marquerite
Twig couldn't help but roll his remaining eye at Calve's exaggerated display of self-importance. He found the IceWing's amusement at his sarcastic tone both vexing and strangely entertaining. Calve's condescending attitude was an acquired taste, to say the least, but there was something intriguing about the dragon's unapologetic arrogance.

Twig's response to Calve's joke about returning to the Ice Kingdom was dry. "I'll be sure to pack my bags right away," He quipped, his grumpiness making a brief appearance.

As Calve steered the conversation to a more personal note, Twig's expression turned slightly guarded. He didn't often share the details of his past with strangers, especially not those as regal and judgmental as Calve. However, there was an air of curiosity about the IceWing that piqued his interest.

"Drab disposition, as you put it, often comes from drab circumstances," Twig replied, his tone more measured. "I find solace in solitude, away from the chaos of crowded towns and the politics of dragon society. As for scavenging, it suits me just fine. It's a simple existence, and I've learned to appreciate the quiet moments."

Twig couldn't help but turn the question back to Calve, his own curiosity getting the better of him. "But what brings a distinguished dragon like yourself to these mountains, Calve? Surely the Ice Kingdom has no shortage of luxuries and comforts. What could this remote place offer that your grand palace cannot?" There was a subtle challenge in his question, a hint that he was not entirely convinced by Calve's claim of seeking entertainment in such an unlikely location.
Roger
Calve place the back of a talon under his own snout and laughed- though it sound partially forced, the expression of glee on his face indicated how genuine it was. "Young Master, Twig- you have only *One* Item to my knowledge, there's not packing to be done~" He snickered - finding delight in his 'clever comeback', not seeming to mind his new friend's grumpy dryness- it was something Calve had to face rather often in his his-day-to-day happenings with nobles, the King, and of course the queen- so it was refreshing to know even someone with as little to his name as Twig- could have a similar personality. 

The Icewing noted Twig's turn to a guarded countenance, bowing his head seemingly in apology at prying scales that needn't be pruned. "That is very true-" He seemed to stop himself manually from making an unsavory comment- something that might've gone like 'That's very true, being a skywing would be drab enough, wouldn't it'? - which was startlingly cautious of him- he even seemed to display surprise at his own behavior before sharply clearing his throat and shooting his eyes towards the corner of the scene. "I suppose- it's somewhat poetic then, chaining yourself to the burden of solitude in desperation to drown yourself in the quietness of living alone... If it's the past you're running from, it can be wise to fill that past with people." He kept his eyes in the corner of the cave- quietly revealing something about his own situation, perhaps inadvertently through his own advice to Twig.

He perked back up with that same fly grin at Twig's barrage of queries. "Me? Oh- I was dismissed by the King to do as I wished, though I was to return by a certain time, so it's wise to remain within a close proximity so I might return to my master's side... Though, perhaps you're looking for the nuance behind my choice in location instead of somewhere more... Peopled?" He paused and thought about it for a moment before continuing. "Well- it's never as comfortable as home, but the higher the mountains, the cooler the air- it's a pleasantry not found in the valleys of your kingdom - on top of this, perhaps I too enjoy a moment or two to myself, not to say you're ruining my fun of course..." He nervously chuckled once more- seemingly afraid that *That* Of all comments would be the one to offend rather than his countless others.
Marquerite
Twig couldn't help but smirk in response to Calve's comment about his solitary lifestyle. The IceWing's wit, though tinged with arrogance... It was addicting. He appreciated the dragon's ability to engage in this banter, even if their circumstances were far from conventional.

As Calve shifted the conversation back to the topic of solitude, Twig couldn't help but sense a hint of vulnerability in the IceWing's words. He listened attentively, his grumpy exterior softening ever so slightly. Calve's advice struck a chord with him, and it wasn't lost on Twig that the butler was offering more than just idle conversation. It hinted at a shared experience, a sense of seeking refuge in solitude to escape the weight of the past.

"You speak with wisdom, Calve," Twig replied, his tone less dry and more contemplative. "Solitude can be both a sanctuary and a burden, a place to heal and to reflect. Perhaps there's more to your choice of location than meets the eye as well."

Twig appreciated the glimpse of vulnerability that Calve had unwittingly revealed, and he decided to tread carefully. The IceWing's explanation for being in the mountains seemed plausible, but there was an unspoken depth to their conversation that intrigued Twig.

With a hint of mischief in his eye, Twig added, "Ruining your fun? Perish the thought. I wouldn't dream of depriving you of your moment of solitude in the cool mountain air. After all, it's not every day one has the pleasure of meeting the illustrious head butler of the Ice Palace." He matched Calve's playful tone, enjoying the back-and-forth exchange.
Roger
The icewing was sort of startled by the change in Twig's tone- his ears pinning back on his head for a moment while he silently cursed himself - the Grand Butler of the Ice Palace - from showing an ounce of vulnerability in foreign lands- surely, no one would hear of this- but the thought it might get around made him physically cringe at his own behavior- trying to keep that same sly grin on his face as he followed up on Twig's comments. "Well, tis it not the duty of a servant to indulge in information of all kinds? You know- the King does seek council in me sometimes, so psychology and philosophy are useful tools for carving a meaningful mark into the those captivated by my elegance.~" He silently applauded himself with a toothy smile at the 'clean save'. "Perhaps- perhaps not- Maybe I came all this way just to see you?~ Who knows- I might be a secret admirer of sorts~" He chuckled at the idea, smoothly seeming to dodge Twig's observations about the moment of weakness he had displayed. 

The Skywings comment brought back the joyful, toothy smile to his face- as he chuckled at the sarcasm that had once intended to be bitter- being turned into playfulness. "I knew you were a bright one - I'm glad to see such- respect and admiration for a fine exhibit such as myself. I promise you won't find any like me in all of the museums from Pyrrhia and Pantala~" The tone of his voice was subtly- though not intentionally flirtatious, it was simply a habit of his to display such playful dialogue when he was able to drop his guard off of the job, though it could very easily be misinterpreted.

He waved a talon dismissively- "While I *Love* Hearing about myself- tell me more about you. What interests do you pursue all by your lonesome up here at the top of the world? I take you as a bookworm, perhaps? Though being so far from a collection or library, must render you rather word starved." His eyes jumped to life as he sensed an opportunity. "Fear not, young master- I'm sure a single conversation with me should sate your appetite for knowledge."
Marquerite
Twig couldn't help but grumble at Calve's response, his earlier skepticism giving way to a begrudging sense of amusement. The IceWing's ability to effortlessly weave wit and charm into his conversation was, in his grumpy opinion, mildly impressive.

"Scholar of psychology and philosophy, huh?" Twig remarked, his tone dripping with a touch of sarcasm. "Guess I'm just lucky to have a dragon with such an illustrious mind in my presence. And as for the wild idea of you being a secret admirer, well, I've heard stranger things in these mountains."

Calve's playful banter and flirtatious tone did not escape Twig's notice, though he responded with his typical gruffness. He raised an eyebrow, his expression still rather stoic. "You certainly have a unique way of charming your admirers, Calve," He muttered, playing along with the flirtatious banter with all the enthusiasm of a dragon in the morning before their first cup of tea.
Roger
Calve's ego swelled to unhealthy proportions, though that wasn't to say he didn't bathe in the admiration - no matter how sarcastic it might've been - like a reptile on a warm stone basking in the rays of yellow sunlight. "I'm a scholar in all corners of knowledge, just particularly fond of those regarding the mind, such information provides the tools necessary for those eager to please in a field such as mine." A splash of intrigue flowed across his face at the proclamation of hearing strange things within the mountains. 

"Seems I've been found out~" He playfully put on a pouting expression. "I'm sure whatever you've heard pales in comparison to the truth, hm?" He stood and seemed to present his form in a pose fitting for only the finest sculpture, illustrating the musculature of his body that was coated by an iridescent set of scales like that of a fresh snowfall. He curled his tail upwards like that of a sandwing- showing off the ivory spiked protrusions at the tip of his tail, the moonlight glistening off of their surfaces. 

Calve playfully scoffed, turning his snout upwards before relaxing his body once more. "One must please *All* Of the senses- sight, smell, sound... And even the more niche senses such as the heart, soul, and so on~" He grinned with a streak of mischief. "I take it that was your admittance to being an admirer, *Twig*~"
Marquerite
Twig couldn't help but shake his head in a mix of amusement and exasperation at Calve's unapologetic ego.

"Indeed, a scholar of boundless knowledge," Twig muttered, his words laced with a touch of dry sarcasm. "I can only imagine dragons far and wide eagerly seeking your profound insights."

Calve's feigned pout elicited a snort of amusement from Twig. He observed as the IceWing proudly displayed his impressive physique and the mesmerizing sheen of his scales. While Twig was far from openly impressed, there was a grunt of acknowledgement and nothing more.

"Pleasing all the senses, I see," Twig commented, his tone retaining its characteristic dryness. "A master in the art of sensory satisfaction, it seems."

Calve's playful insinuation about Twig being an admirer earned a huff of irritation, though a subtle glint of humility danced in his eye. "Let's not exaggerate, Calve. Admiration might be a bit of a stretch, but I'll concede that you're a rather intriguing character. You certainly know how to make a mountain encounter less monotonous, for better or worse."
Roger
Calve gleamed with satisfaction at Twig's statement- the Skywings tone utterly lost to the Icewings self-indulgent nature- seeming to nullify the normal effect Twig might've had on a dragon.

"It's nice to be recognized for my talents- I'd love to teach sometime~" Calve let out his own snort of amusement at Twig's attempt at a lifeless grunt of apathy- behind the windows- or rather window- to Twig's inner thoughts, the Icewing was keen on seeing through the tough shell of a facade Twig had thrown forth during their interaction thus far. For if the lonely Skywing was truly displeased, he had a feeling their little chat wouldn't've lasted half as long. 

"Yes- pleasing all of the senses... You should give it a try some time, you might like it~" He teased Twig for his affinity towards apathy- though it only stoked the desire to know more about him and *Why* He was this way more than anything. "Good eye, you have a refined taste for a commoner living in a hovel." He chuckled that potentially insufferable chuckle. 

"Well- seems I've at least hooked you~" He winked playfully and turned his attention to the moons outside. "You know- you've proved to be more interesting than the lonely hike upwards- though perhaps your company could enhance the experience if you're willing to make the trek to look down upon the world as an Icewing of my caliber does daily~. I'm flattered you've been enjoying our conversation by the way- you're rather gruff- and you hesitate to express yourself, but it's easy to read between your lines, young master~"
Marquerite
Calve's satisfaction with Twig's statement was evident, and he wore it like a badge of honor. The IceWing's self-indulgent nature seemed impervious to Twig's typically grumpy demeanor, a fact that both amused and perplexed him.

"I'll keep your offer in mind," Twig replied, his apathetic tone doing little to mask the intrigue that had been building within him during their conversation. Calve's ability to see beyond his tough exterior was disconcerting in a way, as if the IceWing had managed to peel back some of the layers he had carefully constructed over the years.

Calve's teasing about pleasing all the senses earned another grumble from Twig, though there was a hint of reluctant amusement in his eye. "I'll consider it," He mumbled, not willing to give Calve the satisfaction of a more enthusiastic response.

The IceWing's comment about Twig's refined taste, despite his humble abode, prompted a raised eyebrow from the SkyWing. "Appearances can be deceiving," He retorted, though there was a glimmer of appreciation in his eye for the dragon's perceptiveness.

Calve's playful wink and invitation to join him for a view from the heights of the mountain caught Twig off guard. He hesitated for a moment before responding, "Perhaps I'll take you up on that offer someday, Calve, though I make no promises." His gruff exterior remained intact, but beneath it, there was a sense of curiosity that had been ignited by this peculiar encounter. "As for reading between my lines, you might just be more perceptive than most."
Roger
Time was growing thinner by the moment- soon, Calve would have to return to his master's side- though the thought for the first time in what felt like eons, made him somewhat frustrated- he was enjoying his time here with Twig- the banter between the two proving to only seem to feed Calve's sense of self-worth, as well as sat his curiosity regarding the skywing- but he was always left wanting to know more- perhaps another time then?

Calve chuckled at Twig's reluctance to indulge him with a response- it was adorable and humorous all at the same time. "Well then- seems I'll have to be going- the sand at the bottom of the hourglass runs thick I'm afraid... But- I would like to see you again sometime, Twig. Of course- you know *Exactly* Where to find me, but there are two issues that would remain... Unresolved. One- the King is... Not to fond of dragons from other tribes- two- If I were to come looking for you in my free time, I wonder if you'll still be here - or perhaps in another cave somewhere else in Pyrrhia." He tried to chuckle as if it would do anything to mask his interest in another encounter. 

"As I've said- it's important for someone in my line of work to have such a knack~. I'd be lying if I said reading into you like one of the novels in the palace library wasn't something I've relished tonight- seems you've hooked me too~" He stood and prepared himself to make his exit- never once faltering in his perfect posture and strutting stride.
Marquerite
Twig watched as Calve mentioned his imminent departure, raising a brow. 

"Until next time, Calve," Twig replied, his tone gruff but tinged with a hint of genuine interest. "As for the King's disapproval and my ever-changing abode, well, it adds an element of unpredictability to our encounters, doesn't it?"

Calve's parting words about his knack for reading into people and being hooked, much like Twig, drew a small, rare smile from the SkyWing. "Safe travels, Calve. And who knows, maybe our paths will cross again when you least expect it."

As Calve prepared to leave, Twig remained seated.
Roger
"Until next time, Twig!" He bowed his head as a sign of respect, and fully turned to make his leave, looking over his shoulder as he stretched his wings out to their fullest extent with a yawn. "I suppose you're right- let's just sincerely hope we're never at odds because of circumstance~ My influence only has so much sway, so try to stay in the Ice Kingdom's good graces, okay?~" With that, he took off into the night sky, quickly becoming a small white speck among the stars on the infinite midnight canvas. 

```END ^w^```