Now that the battle-fog had lifted from between them, it was easy to slip back into the comfortable trappings of sociability with Pavetta. He was not like some to let the Wrath rob him of his senses, and where like method actors some horses might lose themselves in the glory of bloodshed and the need to destroy he could thoroughly take or leave it. Fighting was something he practiced because sometimes fighting was his only option; he preferred to avoid it where he could.
But he didn't mind a good test of wills.
He chuckled at the grey mare's response, noting but not remarking upon the dark microexpression that darted across her features. There was a time and place for everything, and here and now were for coming down off a fighter's high and forging the bonds of fellowship in the most timeless and time-honored fashion: with blood. The meat of his injured shoulder had already begun to fill slighty from the blow, and he favored it visibly as he turned a couple of steps to address her more directly.
"Come with me to Terrastella, then. I don't fancy the walk back to Delumine on this leg, or with you leaking everywhere."
With that he turned toward the borderlands marking the end of the Steppes and the edges of Tinea swamp, waving his tail like a banner to beckon her along.
and at his feet they'll cast their golden crowns
when the man comes around
Just a closing post, will pick up in a new thread in Tinea!
aut viam inveniam aut faciam