Location: Graveyard
Interactions: @The Otter
Lein knew the whole job was a fake from the start. This cabin was just a couple twists outside of Aimlenn, this shipment of wheat was from a 'newcomer smuggler' and certainly did not need a specialized guard that took an entire bag of gold coins. Still, if there was someone that needed to meet Lein so badly, he'd have to oblige. The cover was obvious enough that it was a self-filtering process directed at anyone who would find it suspect and still take it up anyway. But he did not know how swiftly the mysterious benefactor would reveal himself.
The deep gravel filled voice grumbled at Lein, just past the treeline across from where Lein had stationed himself.. "Master Lenivicus."
The mention of the name instantly brought a scowl to Lein's face. Worse still, Lein didn't even need to see the towering silhouette to know who had invoked the title. Brilliant yellow eyes under a mismatched set of broken horns leaned over him, torchlight fleeing behind him as the giant approached. Each step measured and purposeful, the dim light and the plain dark garb did little to hide the gravitas that his sheer physique imposed. His face was chiseled silent, with a stillness that could convince anyone that the Ingvarr was a statue. No, this Ingvarr did not need distinction befitting his title as the Estouls retainer. All those who knew him knew to fear him regardless. Lein did not grace him with anything other than standing his ground, with a snarl devoid of anything other than scorn.
"Half-horn." The 'Half-horn's' grim stoicism did not react to the moniker.
"I see the years have not whittled your tongue. Yet it has been unkind to the rest of you." Lein tried not to move, but as if own its own his prosthetic arm slinked out of the Ingvarr's sight.
"I wear my losses with pride, Hadrianus. Something that you should know better than most." "To accept them is honor. To seek them is folly. A distinction lost on many." "Get to the point. Your mug's put me in a foul mood and I'm not here to shuffle words. Take your shot or get in line." Lein braced himself, already seeking places to hide, places to strike. But the great retainer did not move.
"A mere greetings, little more, Master Lenivicus. I was passing through and simply wished to see how - " "Great. Here I am. You've seen me. Casse-toi." "I am grievously disheartened with your aloofness, Master, but it is far better that you waste your venom on this lowly servant than on your father." Hadrianus stepped across the treeline to turn his gaze up at the stars in the night sky. Distant. Indifferent.
"The scenery is quite beautiful. I think I should venture a little longer in these delightful hills, and try out the Thalnese ale that I hear so much of. Perhaps next moon, we shall meet again. Master Lenivicus, if you shall excuse my restlessness, I shall take my dismissal." Lein snarled as Hadrianus retreated back into the night, though the proceeding silence made the Hundi meek. His head pounded, his heart pounding in its afterthought of terror. The joint plate of his prosthetic gripped its teeth against his shoulder, old scars flaring up like a twisted love call to the sinking pit in his stomach. Yeah, he knew this was coming some day. He even asked after his contacts to try and make his amends in preparation. But to stand up against this...
Inevitability.
The word formed itself before any other. An advance warning, as a meager courtesy. The wayward Hundi knew it would not be enough.
---
I see you.
What is it that you want? Pride? Pain? Determination?
Do you wish me to triumph, perform all my tricks and counters, dissect my movements under the duress of this aimless torment? Do you wish to trample my bones and gouge yourself fat from the struggle of this mortal before you?
In my early stupor I obeyed my senses and danced for you. I strummed by bowstrings and pummeled, until at last a specter of a familiar face claimed my life.
Yet unsatiated, my shattered body did not suit your appetite. You chained the unwilling to the undying. And you set the game free once more, to see me kill for nought.
No.
I see your game. Your dominion will be futile. Your passivity will be your weakness.
Go ahead. Throw your legends and tormentors and the biggest names that your memory can afford you. No amount of sword or rapier or fire or poison shall make me dance to your tune. You will see nothing, receive nothing.
I play to win. And I will not play. ---
The Hundi did not understand the words that churned in his head for a while after he awoke. Primarily as he had awoken with his body being vigorously shaken loose from the grips of his nightmare. This new night terror had far less bite than his usual ones, but instead of filling him with an unfathomable melancholy, his nerves were still on fire with a spitefulness that was quickly losing sight of its prey.
It took a long few seconds for Lein to register who had aroused him. Fionn, in an apparent concern, somehow found Lein in the graveyard. That useless old grounds-keep must have neglected his job. Lein tried to muster the strength to throw a witty line or two, but he could only yield a tired and confused stare. Slowly, he sat up, dirt and dust cascading down from his hair and tail. Deep aches echoed in his joints as the week's worth of pains sought to reclaim Lein's attention. Lein did not let them. Instead, he looked over to Fionn. It wasn't great that someone from the Knights had found him here. And in the one site that he preferred not to allow. Still - out of all the possible discoverers Fionn was probably the least threatening. It would mean much worse if someone had tipped him off, somehow.
Not like it would matter soon enough. "Heh." Lein curled his mouth mirthlessly.
"Fancy seeing you here. Someone sent you? Sorry to disappoint, but..." Lein struggled to focus his thoughts, drowsiness uncharacteristically retaining its hold. It was only a couple skipped nights, was it that bad?
"Thanks for the...greeting, but I'll make my way back." Lein staggered upright, hand flailing behind him before managing to catch the trunk as a support, and held up his tunic in Fionn's fist in an inquisitive look. Well, as inquisitive as a haggard face could ever be.