dragon dear peudence sounds fun haha
Oh I'm really looking forward to this one.
The idea is a advice column focused on answering questions on human-dragon relationships of all stripes. While I'd say Temeraire-dragons are like 80% aligned in terms of intelligence and social dynamics, that 20% difference is a DOOZY, and I can I can just imagine all sorts of species culture clashes. (Heck, humans are the same species and we still have plenty of inter-social problems, ha...)
Here's a little taste test!
I'm a sixty-something middle-weight, and for most of my life, I've never really bothered much bonding with humans. Not in a rude way, and I was always pleasant enough if we had to work together or such, I just didn't feel any urge to socialse. I was plenty happy with other dragons!
That changed about two years ago, when my main hangout spot got a new groundskeeper, 'Sally'. She is funny and 'cool', as the youths say, and we really clicked. She is not like other humans, who seem to get mad or upset at inconsequential things, and she is not afraid to say what she's thinking. I have genuinely come to value her friendship, and feel like we get along in all the ways that matter.
Except one! She is SO shabby. I understand that she works with mud and fertilizer every day and does not wish to get her nicest clothes dirty. But over the last six months we've been spending time together outside of her work hours, and her off-duty clothes are nearly as bad! I've made a few subtle comments about how nice she would look in a properly cut blouse or trousers, but it doesn't seem to have gotten through. If anything, I think her outfits have gotten even more slovenly!
I know humans can be odd about these things, and this is my first real friendship with one, so I don't want to mess up. But at the same time, I'm afraid that poor presentation begets poor reception from others. Or worse; what if it suggests a genuine illness or other problem Sally is having? Maybe she cannot afford anything nicer? I'm thinking of commissioning her a lovely dress. I can afford to, I'm simply not sure of the correct etiquette!
Fashionable in Fairingdon
How wonderful it is to make a new friend! It is an exciting prospect when you're first starting to become closer to someone, and everything feels new and fresh. It's clear that you value your relationship with Sally deeply, and I think it's lovely you want to show that care through a gift you consider both practical and tasteful.
With all of this said, I must state clearly and plainly: Do not commission Sally a dress.
Not a dress. Not a blouse, or trousers. Not any outfit at all.
