Empires of Ashes Reboot

"'s not like that. Where I'm from, ya don't respect a man without seein why ya should first. I got no reason to disrespect ya, I just don't really know ya"

"So it isn't martial skill you are referencing. You wish to know something of my soul?"

"Not the word I'd use but aye, I 'spose"

"A bold question from one i have just met. Such things i have not spoken to with even Trajan."

"Trajan's Dracian. They know how to fight n conquor n run an empire, but they like dancin around shit instead of gettin t' the point"

"I think, we do not have the time for this conversation to reach a satisfying conclusion. I am no poet or philosopher, i cannot sum up my heart for you in a pretty phrase. I should have to tell you the story of my life, and speak at length of my beliefs and how i came to them." He gestures with his left hand, rolling the wrist to make circles with his fingertips, stopping to point, open handed at Theresa. "I cannot think of why i would do this for you."

"Aight. That's fair. 'sides, I tend to get a decent measure of a man without havin t' hear that."

"Have you your measure?" He asks levelly.

"I got somethin"

"Should i worry, or might i be at ease?" At this, she hears the reeds behind her move, and the soft sound of a foot pressing into wet earth.

she turns to see what the noise is

She sees the armoured bulk of another immortal, the one with different coloured eyes, staring back at her, unmoving, as if he was always there. Both spear and shield are in hand, held loosely, and ready.

she raises an eyebrow in the newcomer's direction

Ket chuckles. "He thinks you might try to kill me."

"If I were gonna do that I wouldn't'a started talkin. One o' us would be dead already."

"Had i informed you i fully supported slavery, during our conversation, would you not have drawn steel?"

"Nah. That'd just be a good way t' get myself killed."

He considers this for a moment. "Likely, true." Looks over, and dismisses the immortal with a nod. "So, my question. May i rest easy, or are you a point of concern?"

"Well...I get ya don't wanna sit here n tell me yer damn life story, but there's one thing I'd like t' ask first, sir"

"Ask."

"There's this centurion. Primus Pilus in the IVth. Pretty sure you've met. Man's the reason I aint still in chains gettin scars across my back."

"I know him. Justinian."

"one of your soldiers is real damn important to him"

"I know. She is Redati, a valued sister."

"Aye, I heard that."

"And your question?"

"More of a...Request really. I know ya already care about her n all that, she's a valuable soldier n all but...look out for her, yeah? I aint lettin Justinian go down that hole again"

Ket studies theresa's face for a moment. "She will stand in the line of battle. This much is unavoidable, and the immortals will face the worst of the battles to come... I will place her T'sebi alongside my own, and that of Denya Hakon Leif. The line will not break there."

after a pause, she nods

"You are satisfied? I will not deny her the honour of her place in the front rank."

"I wouldn't ask ya to"

"Then we have found our place of understanding."

she nods at that

He turns back around, to look upon the kuphilla once more.

she does likewise, for a moment

"You may leave, now." There is an air of command, in the words, but no threat in them, simply a confidence.

after a slight pause, she nods and simply begins walking away

"If you should see Trajan, or the Voldomanian woman, inform them that i wait upon their presence here."