[ His eyebrows lift at how still the man becomes. The bright, friendly smile fades slightly; it doesn't shift to a cold smirk or sneer but turns to something sincerely warm and understanding.
The stranger comprehends exactly what Nero is, and that means that he has encountered a creature like him before. He watches as the thoughts drift in front of the man's face; he watches as he see him contemplate killing him for the betterment and safety of others.
He watches and only keeps his warm, understanding smile. His gaze doesn't ask him to do it; he doesn't goad him to murder, but merely is pleased to be seen.
This person is a good man. Nero closes his eyes. It would be easy to grab a sharp -- or even dull -- tavern utensil to dig into his throat. The elf doesn't seem like he is going to move; yet he is not waiting to be killed. He is waiting to see what will be done; like a half-mad beast waiting, waiting, waiting.
But then, the mood between them shifts.
And the silence, the waiting, the wondering, the preparing; it all ends.
That's your answer, huh? He opens his eyes and nods; he accepts that response and does not think less of him. But when the shit hits the fan, how much will you blame yourself for not trying to kill me now?
The smile returns to the clownishly wide one. ]
Oh, I know, right? You can't do anything in it. The best sort of thing that'll be good for going out to those brothels that you were talking about. It'll make those girls think that you have some real coin on you. [ And the conversation moves on, like the two of them did not have a moment. Nero wags his finger at the man, laughing with his eyes and mouth. ]
You could probably get some high-scale girls. Or are you just the type that goes for what's available? At least treat yourself sometime, huh?
[ His chin bobs a few times; quick, eager, and happy nods. ]
Hm?
[ He blinks. ]
Safe isn't, no. It just makes people a little dull. The Solvunn might have their suspicious about us, but because we haven't done anything... we'll be treated well. [ That, too, is what safety brings. A naive nature to strangers and willing to wait to see what happens rather than root out trouble. ]
I think that's very sweet of them. But you can feel it, can't you? [ He cranes his neck up. ] That war is coming.
[ Is that true? Who knows? Nero just always believes the worst is just around the corner, and he is excited to see it! He's excited to see the look of horror and despair on everyone face. All their praying, all their worship, all their kindness, it did not save them from anything. ]
They're safe, but they aren't safe. You get that, right?
no subject
The stranger comprehends exactly what Nero is, and that means that he has encountered a creature like him before. He watches as the thoughts drift in front of the man's face; he watches as he see him contemplate killing him for the betterment and safety of others.
He watches and only keeps his warm, understanding smile. His gaze doesn't ask him to do it; he doesn't goad him to murder, but merely is pleased to be seen.
This person is a good man. Nero closes his eyes. It would be easy to grab a sharp -- or even dull -- tavern utensil to dig into his throat. The elf doesn't seem like he is going to move; yet he is not waiting to be killed. He is waiting to see what will be done; like a half-mad beast waiting, waiting, waiting.
But then, the mood between them shifts.
And the silence, the waiting, the wondering, the preparing; it all ends.
That's your answer, huh? He opens his eyes and nods; he accepts that response and does not think less of him. But when the shit hits the fan, how much will you blame yourself for not trying to kill me now?
The smile returns to the clownishly wide one. ]
Oh, I know, right? You can't do anything in it. The best sort of thing that'll be good for going out to those brothels that you were talking about. It'll make those girls think that you have some real coin on you. [ And the conversation moves on, like the two of them did not have a moment. Nero wags his finger at the man, laughing with his eyes and mouth. ]
You could probably get some high-scale girls. Or are you just the type that goes for what's available? At least treat yourself sometime, huh?
[ His chin bobs a few times; quick, eager, and happy nods. ]
Hm?
[ He blinks. ]
Safe isn't, no. It just makes people a little dull. The Solvunn might have their suspicious about us, but because we haven't done anything... we'll be treated well. [ That, too, is what safety brings. A naive nature to strangers and willing to wait to see what happens rather than root out trouble. ]
I think that's very sweet of them. But you can feel it, can't you? [ He cranes his neck up. ] That war is coming.
[ Is that true? Who knows? Nero just always believes the worst is just around the corner, and he is excited to see it! He's excited to see the look of horror and despair on everyone face. All their praying, all their worship, all their kindness, it did not save them from anything. ]
They're safe, but they aren't safe. You get that, right?