second rune; death; video

[deadelfwalking]

 [When the feed starts, the netbook's camera shows you a view of the forest floor.  A deer carcass lies among the grass and twigs, and it's obvious that the poor thing did not have a clean death.  It's in the advanced stages of decomposition, even though the blood around its body is red and fresh.  The camera does not linger on this image for more than a few seconds; it pans upward, to show Koltira's face.

 He's standing over the deer, holding the device in one hand, holding Byfrost with the other.  Agony creases his expression: his jaw is clenched, his eyes narrowed, every muscle in his pale, sallow face is taut with pain.  The guttural growl of his voice occasionally rises in octave as he talks, as though something is beating the shit out of him from the inside.]

Were we brought here to fight for something, or to waste time reliving the past?  Send.  Us.  On.  A mission.

[He stabs the tree next to him with Byfrost, and the sword glows sickly green; the tree bark begins to decay rapidly, as though it's practically melting.  Diseased fumes pour out of the bark, forming a nasty miasma around Koltira's body.]

I need a battle. [he hisses, and blood trickles from the corner of his mouth as he bites down on the inside of his cheek.]  Now.

Comments

[ex_bandai157]

[ He really doesn't want to have an argument about letting himself get maimed because he doesn't particularly want to get maimed. ]

It's not that I doubt your willpower. [ Even if it looks like it's on its last legs but hey. ] But if you must, it'd be better with someone equipped to handle a battle than a civilian.

[deadelfwalking]

[it's still hobbling along! Sort of.]

I am far from any civilians, and will not return until I have mastered myself. Your offer is kind, Barnaby, but my way of fighting is cruel. Too much so for anyone I would look in the eyes again.

[ex_bandai157]

[ You know what fair enough. ]

Very well. [ Pause. ] You'll understand if I keep a watch just in case, of course. In the event the worst happens and you try to come back, you won't be able to unimpeded.

[ It's not like he couldn't do without a distraction after the VR and everything it implies, to be honest, and if it's doing something so worthwhile then all the better. ]

[deadelfwalking]

[solemnly--he's grateful, in fact.] Understood. I will expect you, should that come to pass.

[ex_bandai157]

[ He nods. ]

I'll be prepared, but I won't be expecting you. Your choice is what you have, right?