Snippet #2670827

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Montanax's eyes roved over to Lilac, her small form, coupled with the wistful look that gave her face the undertones of want was very reminiscent of the expression she held on her face during their discussion about Christmas conduct. Despite this, he wasn't one to repeat words, much less those of comfort. Once they had been spent he felt, it was better for their message to reemerge sometime later, rather then rehash for the present. The present was such a livid time to live in for Montanax, full of vivid characters and their equally vivid personalities. In his future they were mute, covered by the darkness of a thousand possible deaths, an eventuality, and even an opportunity branched out for every situation he planned for.

Every situation. His predator eyes left Lilac, and the thoughts that came with her, and met with Shade's. Bete Noire. His simple gesture of respect was returned, he too nodded his head, acknowledging him. The simplicity of returning ones attentions was normal for most who partook in society. Their shared gesture stretched a far beyond that. The gravity of one Montanax, leader of Lunar Glade, made famous through his ways of vengeance, exchanging pleasantries with a famous Player Killer was sure to widen the eyes of those who noticed. Their hushed whispers would no doubt carry out of the Gold Gallion, offering what they had seen in exchange for the first part of the taverns name. Montanx knew this. He anticipated, and expected it. Along with the small bit of reprieve it might offer someone he viewed as a potential ally, it cultivated a certain air of mystique around his persona.

He raised the glass flagon too his lips, eyes moving away from Shade and his companions, and into a distance where he could collect his thoughts.

Moments later, after the arrival of a few other public figures he recognized, the all too familiar call of the Game Master sounded, the cheerful tone of the AI always a contrast to the doom it's announcements had gripped the players with ever since the game had locked them inside.

Adjustments needed to be maid. Modifications to their established rotation. Montanax's claws fingers flexed as he sent his message to his captains. He expected them to respond accordingly, changing their paths, anticipating what he'd say before his own announcement was send out.

'All higher level players are to party, keeping close to the parties of lower level players, stay vigilant, and assist guild members and those in dire need of help alike, assure your hearts are true, and weapons steady."

"Lilac."

"I'd like you to stay inside of the Golden Gallion, I'll send a troupe of our Lunar Glade members to escort you to the guild hall shortly. Given the nature of the challenge, I'm loath to send you out to level with the stakes as they are." Montanax rose from the table, the low hum of speech between the surrounding players was interesting when he idled, but he was not idle right now. He had killing to do. At the very least he wanted to thin out the monsters ranks to prevent his people from getting swamped.

The warm music and hot drink of the tavern gave way to the harsh winter air, and the crash of combat. Almost immediately Montanax was assailed by a toy wolf, it's whirring parts, coupled with the howl it made as it attacked cast it in an uncanny aura that would have disturbed some.

Such fear was utterly lost on the Lunar Glade leader.

Crouching low, and twisting his torso skyward, he caught the mechanical wolf by it's throat, dug his claws into it's fur, and crushed it. Still holding it aloft, he racked his claws into it's underbelly, slaying the beast with his second attack. When the machine went limp in his arms he dropped it onto the snow below. The second wolf fared no better. Mid-jump Montanax caught it in his arms, and proceeded to drive his foot into the monsters back, and snap it's neck simultaneously.

When more came, they were all treated to the same brutal fighting style that made him famous during the games infancy.

He looked up from the carnage around him, sensing another enemy of a different type approaching him. This time, it was a Jack-In-The-Box, who's massive face loomed over him, wearing a painted face of evil, reaching with it's giant gloves hands.

"How absurd.' Montanx mused.