Snippet #1290182

As the woman turned away after inspecting him, Erdu nodded in the captain's direction hoping that he would understand even if he didn't choose to follow. Erdu fell into step behind the woman, slightly off to her left, and shifted his focus to their changing surroundings as they headed towards a destination he assumed only the woman knew.

When she turned to ask him the question, he did not meet her gaze but instead kept an eye on where they were going and any possible points from which they could be ambushed. "I believe I am sufficient to the task."

"In the year since my journey began, I have taken more lives than I care to count," he continued regretfully. "They had all put themselves in the place where the only possible outcome would be death. An unfortunate truth that I do my best to avoid when possible. If this large man who expressed intent to harm one of your company appears, then I believe you will see a true measure of my ability."

Thinking of the man from the gambling hall caused Erdu to well up with a somber delight. It wasn't merely his size, but also his skill. He was not an opponent to be taken lightly, and would without question toss aside the reservation's Erdu had about taking life. Erdu paused in his thoughts to appreciate the fine balance he now found himself in: both wanting the conflict to occur for the sake of the challenge, but hoping that they could somehow elude the man for the sake of their safety. He found it to be a profoundly wonderful position that he had not had the pleasure of being in before. Turning his eyes to look at the woman, he realized that he would have to dedicate time in meditation upon this paradox in the future.