Originally Posted by Tazenhani

"That's when you say sorry." Smooth, Sabel. Real smooth. But really, what other advice could you give to such a question? There wasn't much. Aside from saying don't do anything foolish, and well, he knew that wasn't even a remote possibility. "And you have a 'Foolish Plan Backup', in case foolishness sneaks up on you."

As for learning, Sabel tilted his head back and considered the dragon maw of a mouth above them. "Teaching is what I'm here for. You know, besides shoving children inside the bellies of dragons." Priorities of course. "Your cousin sounds like a good source though. Evasion techniques are quite handy-dandy."

Really, even he wanted to know who to run up walls. Wasn't really his forte.

A frown worked its way across his expression at her determination to get him off the hook. "That's very adult of you. I now believe you are twelve." Really, what kid would take the rap for something bad they were both involved in? "But I don't want you taking the flack for my actions. Very noble, but also unfair. I'm a grown up, I can handle the heat."

And with that, he made sure she was steady and raised up on his tipetoes, lifting her slightly so she could reach the dragon's mouth. Really, he was a complete adult. As long as no one walked in the door at that moment.

Still, the laughter that came from him didn't do much for secrecy. "Pests. Really? Where'd you hear that?" Her mother no doubt. He laughed again. "Suppose, but once you have a pest for long enough it becomes like a treasure. Hard to live without all the irritating tendencies."

So yes, he did believe children were treasures, in their own ways. "Can you get it? Or into it, rather?" Or did he have to shrink her too?

As for the chocolate thing, he really didn't understand what was up with the kids. "See? You wouldn't ask that of an apple, would you? No, because very few people are dependent on apples. Chocolate is a dependency, that replaces other things. Things like focus, and trained thoughts. Can't really be self reliant and resourceful if you want chocolate to solve all your problems and stabilize your emotions. I'm sure there's been someone, somewhere that has died either because of chocolate, or because of a distraction caused by it. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ringing any bells?"

Did she see? Probably not.

"And of course I like chocolate. I have to. My wife does."