Change is the Law of Life

the Rift

Change is the Law of Life

Torleik the Bloodskald Posts: 354

Outcast atk: 4.5 | def: 8.0 | dam: 7.5

Stallion :: Unicorn :: 16.3 :: 11 HP: 66.5 | Buff: SWIFT

Irelyn :: Plain Griffin :: Molten Dagger RedGod

#49

12-17-2015, 12:12 AM

OOC: Getting it done with since Torleik wouldn't stick around for much else.

The great orchid mantis lashed out with her vicious claws, seeking to tear him apart with slander she assumed would harm him, he supposed - but it did not. What she spat was untrue so why should it gouge beneath his skin? Her threat of leaving him unprotected forever elicited a grim smile. "I know what I'm doing," he returned. She hadn't protected him up until now - what was the difference? Somehow he knew the gift of armor she'd given would be snatched back; that was fine. He could get armor again. The Bloodskald regretted his choice to go to a predator in his weaker moments and expect anything other than being devoured in the end. Foolish of him, a mistake he would try not to make in the future. And so he had intent to leave, but he was stopped by an unexpected visitor.

Torleik heard Ulrik before he saw him, and he turned in surprise, wondering at his cousin's vocal presence. Why? Rarely did the Engineer speak, even to him - what prompted this now? The words flowed on, continuing like an unbroken current and the Bloodskald felt...peace, inside, knowing that at least his family understood. In the end, family was all that mattered and as long as he had them he could not count his soul at a loss at the end of his life.

"You do me an honor, cousin. I owe you," he murmured, unsure if his brutish brother could even hear as he went as quickly as he'd come. Torleik hadn't intended to defend himself from the lavender viper's words, finding no reason or purpose in that. She spat what she wanted and those who would believe it would do so, whether he justified himself or not, as the goddess had chosen to call his earlier speaking.

Justifying what? He hadn't done wrong so what was to justify? His intentions had been good, even if his choice wasn't the right one for the moment. He had tried. He had meant well. It counted for little, so it seemed. As he walked away, tired, but holding himself strong not out of pride, but resolve not to let others crumble his foundations so easily, a small, young, curious voice caught his attention. Black, velvety ears flicked to the side, his gait pausing, and he regarded the child (was she? she was young enough to seem one, to him) who so clearly questioned what she saw.

Children were the future. Children were honest. Just as it burned in his chest now to know that someone, somewhere had let a child fight in those conflicts, let her be injured, so he firmly believed in not coddling children and making them weaker for it. It was a miscarriage of protection to let a child fight, but it was almost equally so to hide a child from the honest harsh nature of life. "No, child, it is not about the crown - not at all," he rumbled to her. "I envy not the new leaders of this land, for theirs will be a burden and scrutiny unlike any other. It is as Ulrik said: there is truth in discussion, in debate. Would that the herd had brought me forth to publicly vote on their faith in my competency, I would have abided by the wishes of the majority. But this?" He cast a glance around. "This was practically a coup, backed by a self-serving deity who no one else seems to dare to question - and perhaps her response to me is exactly why. If no one wanted me king, yes it would sting my pride but I could serve elsewhere, perhaps Captain as Tembovu did offer me. And that was just and honorable of him to make the gesture. He has promise, as a good leader one day. I hope he becomes one."

The rabicano sighed. How did the words always pour out now? He never intended to speak at length but it was a skill he seemed to have become more and more adept at the longer he remained in Helovia. "There is space here, yes, but not a space I can fill. Not among a group that saw no one offer even a word of questioning as to whether any other solution could be found. Where no one but my family could breathe anything remotely resembling defense of me, to ask what I intended, what I was trying to do. Should a herd, which is a family in its own sense, not seek to ferret out all truth, protect all members, lead back all strays? Perhaps I expect too much, perhaps I am too naive, but I know that as I am now, I could not do ask you so wisely ask, and teach others to be honorable. Maybe I am not honorable at all, but delusional. But I must leave because I cannot bend my soul to a god like her anymore, and as you saw, she will not have that. You either serve fully, or you are dead to her - and I am but a shambling corpse on my way out."

Torleik offered her an almost sad smile. "Never stop questioning until you are satisfied with the answer on your own, not because someone else tells you to be. You have a sharp mind. Hone it. It will guide you well if you guard and cherish it." Whatever else might have been said to him, about him, the sounds fell on unhearing ears. His exit was unwavering then, with purpose, his intent with leaving already leading him to a clear path in his mind.

A shame it could not be with a herd.

"talk talk talk"

"This winter breath, taste of death
Where iron meets flesh. we'll take it all"

Coding by Tamme with credits to Sevin | Art by Yewrezz