Under the paper, he finds a statue--the most obvious thing at first is that it's carved, somehow, from stone. On close inspection, it's hard to tell whether it was formed in a mold or cut, but is it even possible to form stone in a mold...? As he removes more paper, it becomes obviously something reptilian, until he at least reveals enough to see that it's a traditional European fantasy sort of dragon, rearing up on its hind legs, its wings thrust back as though in the process of propelling itself off the rock on which its hind talons still rest, supporting the figure's weight with the aid of the long tail. It seems to be carved from granite, although how exactly granite was carved in any appreciable detail, with such a serpentine neck in particular, is another question entirely.

Alric smiles to himself, just a touch sheepishly.

"...I'd hoped it would serve as a... symbol of something... majestic, and of the desire to rise above, if you'll pardon a bit of literalism. I fear it might have come out a touch delicate, mind you--stone can be a capricious medium, particularly the coarse-grained species."