Private Tales Give Me Bloodsport

“It is.” Kael responded in almost dull fashion that denoted confidence and boredom. The tracks were not so far off than an eagle’s eye could not make out the wear of recent hoof prints, or the trail of a wheel.

“Activity no more than a week’s past I’d guess.” He affirmed. Was it their target? He didn’t know, but someone had been there that wasn’t supposed to be. It was odd being paired with Vittoria. The attack on Altera was much more of what Kael expected. Every ability there was focused, even subtle. The focus of quiet killers of men. Such things were not beyond Larrainth, but she had a raw unmistakable strength that suited her for the front lines in ways few ever could be. If she was here with Kael it meant one of two things. Either the target held truly monstrous strength, or they were here to send a very public message about the lack of privacy Cortos had. There was also the possibility one or both of them were being implicitly trained in each other’s field. Kael considered that remote enough to put out of his mind for now.

"Would you prefer the hunt or the snare?"

The snare then. Kael had a preference for such things, as they could choose to gain information prior to springing the trap. Today that meant more days, or perhaps even weeks, spent with the young lioness. And unlike say, Kil or Nas, the probability Vitt would do something upon discovery was certain. There was no margin for error, but then again there never was.

“Find out who’s coming, where they’re hiding, why they’re here, then stop it and send a message.” Kael summarized. “Simple enough.” The pairing made a bit more sense now. They were both an intimidation tactic. They could pick one Cortosi off and Kael could replace. When the time was right bring Vittoria in. Let a survivor see Kael change from a friend’s face. Observe the wroth of Larrainth. Come back home and tell them any familiar face could be the enemy. Tell them of the power displayed by one still a child. It was a tactical cruelty Kael could appreciate, were it for the repulsion it caused him.

Kael resisted rolling his eyes. While Vittoria’s words seemed honest from her mouth there was a certain theatre to them. Few could repeat them with the same tenor. What was the ‘proper’ Dreadlord response?

“Gloating is beneath you Vittoria.” Kael said, deciding on a response. It was almost a kindness to be excluded from what was to come, but such things were always noticed. He would rather stand here than in interrogation with Harkenov on why he didn’t have the guts.

“If Cortos has found a hole, or an informant, it’s worth discovering and reporting.” Kael pushed. “But if it’s a message we’re ordered to send it shouldn’t affect our timeline. Agreed?”

Attuned? To people? Me? Kael thought. He didn’t know if the statement said more about Kael’s ability or Vittoria’s perception. Not to mention the offer as a 'kindness'.

"I misunderstood your offer, but it does not change my answer. I still have much to prove before graduation. I cannot be seen as needing help if I am to secure good placement." Kael deflected. It was partially true. He had gained some notoriety, as far as potential students were concerned, by killing the Doge of Altera. At the same time he was still a definitively lesser strength than Larrainth, or some of the other powerhouses in the class.

"As for the mission, I agree. I do not wish us to overextend, just to be mindful if an opportunity presents itself." He concurred. Kael knew well that he was no hero.

"By your lead." Kael said, and would follow Vittoria.