Draco:
[after Bowen has been in his mouth for several hours]
It seems we're in a bit of a stalemate... Wouldn't you say?
Bowen:
[Wipes away slobbery dragon spit]
I can go three days without sleep.
Draco:
I can go three weeks.
Bowen:
[Groans in frustration]
I'll stab you before I nod off.
Draco:
And I'll chomp you.
[Scoffs]
Draco:
Marvelous... we'll kill each other.
Bowen:
What do you suggest?
Draco:
A truce. Get out of my mouth and we'll talk... face-to-face.
Bowen:
[sighs]
How do I know I can trust you?
Draco:
I give you my word.
Bowen:
The word of a dragon - it's worthless.
Draco:
[Growls and pushes Bowen out with his tongue]
Stubborn lout!
Bowen:
[Falls on his back and Draco pins him down with his forepaw]
Argh! I should've known...! Go on... Kill me!
Draco:
[Opens his mouth and fixes his jaw to close properly]
I don't want to kill you! I never did. And I don't want you to kill *me*!
[Bowen looks at him]
Draco:
How do we gain? If you win, you lose a trade. If I win, I wait around for the next sword-slinger thirsting to carve a reputation out of my hide. And I'm *tired* of lurking in holes and skulking in darkness... I'm going to let you up now, and if you insist, we can pursue this fracas to its final stupidity... or... you can listen to my alternative.
[Bowen staggers to his feet wearily groaning with the sword in his hand; gives him a hard stare]
Draco:
Hmmmm?
Bowen:
[in exhausted reluctance]
What's the alternative?
