Lithe footsteps carry the clown through the ever-dark forest. He is content in knowing that the peaceful reign that lingered upon Beqanna was coming to a quick and painful end. Sylva is growing, Loess is growing, and the other kingdoms should be rightfully worried.

He hears his name, and ebony ears perk up. Business, business always business. Long strides take the pony over to the familiar voice with ease. “What have you done for me, Kwartz?” he asks upon his approach. It was never hard to find the pale boy;.maybe one day he’d figure out a way to be less conspicuous (although Mortem really couldn’t talk, with the giant ass bulb taking over half his face).

He surely hopes the boy has done something to prove himself.

Mortem stares at the pale boy, covered in dirt and blood and whatever else he had been able to smear across his coat. The clown gives a look of approval (although it is short, haughty, it is approval nonetheless).

He listens to the boys words, a creeping grin twitching his lips. “You’ve outdone yourself, Kwartz,” The clown laughs, eyeballing the blood between Kwartz’ thighs as he circles him. “Seems like you had fun with her. Sexy little thing, no?” He snorts.

He brings himself to a halt in front of his warrior, smirking. “Youre doing a fine job, my boy. Now...let’s see if you have the gall to murder something. It’s a learning process, so watch me.”

Mortem doesn’t have to wait long, before his satellites catch wind of a scurrying little rodent upon the forest floor. With almost cat-like reflexes, he catches it by the tail. “To some, murder comes easily…” He begins, dragging the helpless creature through the thick foliage. “Some have to work at it…” He picks it up with his teeth, showing it to Kwartz. It isn’t what he’d prefer to kill, but it was useful for this particular lesson.

He places the risen back down, and with one swift movement, crushes its tiny skull with his hoof. “But in the end, all that matters is that you did it. Kill something for me, Kwartz. Let’s see what you’re capable of.”