i'm on the wrong side of heaven, and the righteous side of hell
He knows he is in the wrong, and would never defend his disappearing act. But perhaps if they had known what caused his absence, would they understand? Should he even explain his deal to Straia? She would probably scoff at him, call him an idiot…but could she pretend that it wasn’t for the best? Probably not, though he was sure her pride would allow some free flowing choice words before she saw reason. The warrior was prepared for that. Her tongue might have been forged from silver, but his skin was forged of iron. Not that his deal was reasonable for himself, but it was certainly reasonable for the Chamber. They would have him forever, so long as he played whipping boy to Eight and the Chamber kept their heads above water.
He hears the rustling of feather above him, and can’t help but shake his head ruefully when the raven lands on his shoulder. Despite his recent semi vacation, he is no fool. Past the beady bird eyes and the greasy feathers, Straia shines through. “Neat party trick.” he says, his voice low and calm. “Oh but my queen, the pleasure is all mine.” He longs to return the sharpness of her voice in his own but thinks better of it in the end. He sighs, then shakes violently, the cascades of his tangled mane hopefully dislodging the bird from his withers. It was strange speaking into the thin air when the voice he was speaking with came from his back. “I’m sure that you’ve guessed something has been different with me, the recent absence not withstanding. I suppose now is as good a time as any to let the cat from its bag.” he pauses for a moment before continuing, “I made a…deal, of sorts, with Eight. I was dying, and he gave me life. Surely you’ve noticed that glowing blue symbol on my chest. With that deal I will not die, so long as the Chamber is alive. However, for the magic to continue, I am a mercenary of sorts for Eight.” He doesn’t know how she will react to that part, but there isn’t much he can do about it anyways. What’s been done, is done. “So I can explain my absence if need be, but know this…everything I do or have done, is for this place. Always for my home, our home, our sons home. I have literally now given my life for this place. I don’t expect you to understand or be happy about it…but it is what it is. For the Chamber.” And he falls quiet now, wrestling with feelings of indecision deep in his chest. This is likely the longest conversation he had ever had with Straia, and now he has spilled his guts to her. Now to see what she does with them.
warship
