The step does set Flamebringer's instincts on high alert, but the stranger doesn't move any further forward. He's either dealing with the kind of person who's deeply willing to take advantage of his state-
... or someone who does genuinely want to help.
If only those kinds of things were easier to tell, he thinks with bemusement.
He plays off the movement well. But Flamebringer is certain it wasn't some idle shuffling.
Flamebringer chuckles, the sound low, its interspersed slightly with coughing, but he doesn't acknowledge it, "Is that all then? Just the one?" Flamebringer watches his movement keenly, the way he relaxes. That's a big sword. And its owner is putting an awful lot of effort into minimizing its presence, and the way it contradicts his kindly offer.
He considers, straightening slightly, his grip against the wall relaxes slightly and his head raises minutely as well, it causes his hair to cover less of his expression as he looks the stranger over with an inscrutable, but less hostile expression. As if waiting for something. An answer of sorts.
He catches the reflection... but it doesn't give him any answers except that this man probably needs a nap. These twisted mirror versions... they brought many questions, and few answers. It might be a sign that the rather benign looking man in the mirror was the polar opposite of the man in front of him.
Or it could simply be another path. Another road. Or an impossibility.
His eyes flicker briefly to his own reflection, surrounded by a group of familiar faces.
... its not something worth wasting his time on.
"On that, we're similar." Flamebringer lets his voice growl slightly, and returns one smile for another, allowing a hint of his fangs to show.
"Ah, so you're new here. Welcome to the party." he says it with flat, drawling sarcasm. He held no ceremony on his dislike of this place. But then the stranger decides to refocus again on Flamebringer's... position.
He lowers his head again, posture coiled, his amusement blinks out like a blown out candle, "As long as I breathe I still have choices." his tone is still even, but the hand that was holding him upright slides down to his sheathed katana, he ignores the lack of stability- He's made do with worse before. Its an obvious warning mixed with a threat. Even if he can't win a fight in his state, he can make going out hurt.
"If you're so bored you can spend your charity on someone else." His voice hitches slightly from a pulse of pain- these cursed flowers, or his oripathy. Ever since they'd taken up residence he'd had more flares. He couldn't begin to understand exactly why- but they had some kind of feedback loop with each other.
His posture and demeanor is entirely unfriendly. Ready to pounce, or from the outside, maybe run- he was a fighter first, but he would try to escape first if he could. But an exit strategy in this maze... things didn't look too promising.
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CACKLING its so fun to hear in my head. Thinking of him squatting in front of Flamebringer
Date: 2025-05-06 09:19 am (UTC)... or someone who does genuinely want to help.
If only those kinds of things were easier to tell, he thinks with bemusement.
He plays off the movement well. But Flamebringer is certain it wasn't some idle shuffling.
Flamebringer chuckles, the sound low, its interspersed slightly with coughing, but he doesn't acknowledge it, "Is that all then? Just the one?" Flamebringer watches his movement keenly, the way he relaxes. That's a big sword. And its owner is putting an awful lot of effort into minimizing its presence, and the way it contradicts his kindly offer.
He considers, straightening slightly, his grip against the wall relaxes slightly and his head raises minutely as well, it causes his hair to cover less of his expression as he looks the stranger over with an inscrutable, but less hostile expression. As if waiting for something. An answer of sorts.
He catches the reflection... but it doesn't give him any answers except that this man probably needs a nap. These twisted mirror versions... they brought many questions, and few answers. It might be a sign that the rather benign looking man in the mirror was the polar opposite of the man in front of him.
Or it could simply be another path. Another road. Or an impossibility.
His eyes flicker briefly to his own reflection, surrounded by a group of familiar faces.
... its not something worth wasting his time on.
"On that, we're similar." Flamebringer lets his voice growl slightly, and returns one smile for another, allowing a hint of his fangs to show.
"Ah, so you're new here. Welcome to the party." he says it with flat, drawling sarcasm. He held no ceremony on his dislike of this place. But then the stranger decides to refocus again on Flamebringer's... position.
He lowers his head again, posture coiled, his amusement blinks out like a blown out candle, "As long as I breathe I still have choices." his tone is still even, but the hand that was holding him upright slides down to his sheathed katana, he ignores the lack of stability- He's made do with worse before. Its an obvious warning mixed with a threat. Even if he can't win a fight in his state, he can make going out hurt.
"If you're so bored you can spend your charity on someone else." His voice hitches slightly from a pulse of pain- these cursed flowers, or his oripathy. Ever since they'd taken up residence he'd had more flares. He couldn't begin to understand exactly why- but they had some kind of feedback loop with each other.
His posture and demeanor is entirely unfriendly. Ready to pounce, or from the outside, maybe run- he was a fighter first, but he would try to escape first if he could. But an exit strategy in this maze... things didn't look too promising.