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With a round moonish face, carefully folded wings, and feathers colored only in faded brown and black, the owlin's very presence evoked midnight. His talons were unusually long and so white as to appear almost transparent, and the hint of a beak below his facial fluff was likewise a ghostly white. Those glowing red eyes were narrow and pensive as they bored into Kran's skull, making the sense of being watched crawl over him anew. The owl's billowing robes were luxurious, with a high red collar and a brooch that bore the Anthroparion symbol, his vague smile disconcertingly knowing with a beak sharp as a knife.
“My good fellow... What a delight to make your acquaintance. I am Lord Strigoi of the council... And you are Kran, our favorite little upstart. Please, won't you have a seat?”
Kran made a quick scan of the room as was his habit - noting the rats busily tending the fire and the strange cabinets full of dark-colored bottles. It was only when his eyes fell upon the many tomes resting on the bookshelf that he decided to stop - the mere thought of reading doubled the strength of his headache. The dim green network of psionic power pulsed worryingly under his skull, though it subsided somewhat as he gave a respectful nod and took the offered seat.
("How long has it been since I've joined this dreaded cult... ?")
The weary tengu would've liked nothing more than to be done with this lengthy charade, but he could not afford to break - especially at such a critical juncture. He once again steeled himself, knowing full-well this upcoming discussion might be his toughest battle of wits yet. There was an attempt at injecting liveliness into his tone; though it mostly came across as analytical.
"You flatter me, Lord Spymaster." A pause as he examined the finely crafted chess board and its skeletal pieces. "For a pointed reason, I presume."
“Flatter?" Dry and dispassionate came the owlin's reply, drawing Kran's gaze back to his red eyes. "Ah, no... I merely have waited to meet you for some time now. It is quite difficult, what with your busy schedule.” His words were punctuated by a prolonged sip from an iron chalice. “Firstly, I must congratulate you on passing the evaluation. No mean feat, maintaining a level head through such an assault. Then again... I am to understand you are no stranger to torment.” He raised his goblet to Kran, who put away the skeptical squint that had crept up on him and joined the rapid toast; giving a brief nod of gratitude before he set the empty chalice aside. When the tengu looked back down to the board he noted that one of the white pieces on the chessboard was moved closer to his side. He found it quite easy to absorb Strigoi's words even when not paying full attention to them; and quickly countered with a move of his own.
"Few of us are, it seems." His bony jaw was set as he considered his next possible moves.
“Torment has many bedfellows here. Sad stories by the dozen, growing only sadder as time marches on.”
"Hm." Kran changed the subject. "Despite my passing grade, I feel I have not fully assuaged your suspicions. Am I correct?"
The resulting silence was uncomfortable. Where Clavis would be bombastic and Stillheart would be theatrical, this councilman was only matter-of-fact. The servile rats threw another log on the fire and the owl regarded the game with sharp eyes, gently running his talons over the rim of his cup. He did not rush into his next move, but rather cautiously slid his next piece into play after giving it some thorough thought. Those sharp eyes brought his opponent into focus again, bringing with them a smooth declaration.
“I would not be much of a spymaster if my suspicions were easily assuaged.”
~~~This was one of my favorite interactions written by me and
pawn! presented here with edits for clarity and format. B) Strigoi has been a fun puzzle to write for, and I'm quite pleased with how every interaction has come out... Also props to Pawn who actually is good at chess (i just like eating the pieces when my opponent isnt looking)
Category Artwork (Digital) / Fantasy
Species Owl
Size 960 x 1280px
File Size 134.8 kB
Listed in Folders
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