Snippet #1723939

"Look, I didn't know you were Hunters. But that doesn't change anything, does it? So-"

Marrik saw a change in Hari Cal's bravado, he was scared, he had finally discovered what he was getting himself into. This man didn't want to die, and Marrik did not wish to kill a man over words, nor did he he want to be feared, but the man didn't know how to back down it seemed. Deciding to try a different approach, he raised his sword high in a reverse grip and sank it deep into the frozen earth beside him. Placing his hands on either side of his helmet, he slowly lifted it from his head, causing his hair to fall gently over his face. The links that held his gauntlets together were tugged one at at time until the pieces loosened and were tossed to the side. Marrik wasn't one for brawling, but killing an idiot who had no idea what he was doing seemed like overreaction.

He had lost control for a short time, forgot who he was, and why he was here, but control was his once again.

Joo-Eun rushed over to him just as he had readied himself, pleading with him to calm down. What she didn't know, was Marrik had already cleared his anger, he wasn't going to take the man's life for vengeance, he wanted the man's respect. Maybe, Hari Cal was a good man, just with clouded judgement due to the the ale, Marrik didn't know, but he did know that he was a warrior, no matter how undisciplined. Marrik respected the village, it's people, and he had shown this man the same respect before all of this started.

It's time for you to earn it back.

He walked, calmly and slowly, unarmed but ready, he closed the distance between himself and this would-be hunter. Left hand clinched in a tight fist, the right relaxed and swaying gently as he walked, he had one last idea to end this without beating the man into the ground. Hari Cal, standing alone, head strong and foolish, Marrik pictured himself standing in his place, Ludroth armor in place of the Giaprey mail. This man before him, hardly out of his boyhood, reminded him of himself vaguely.

"Hari Cal." Marrik's voice was strong, but without a single hint of rage. "You do not want to do this, I see it in your eyes. You have proven your mettle just by standing your ground, anything more would be foolish and would prove nothing. I am willing to accept that your remarks in the tavern were poorly worded and unintentional if you accept it the same." He took a deep breath and exhaled, which was easily visible due to Pokke's chill. "But if you don't, then I'll make sure you learn from your mistakes." Marrik moved closer to the man and spoke softly so that only himself and Hari could hear. "In situations like these, men like you and I are forced to chose between dignity and honor, rarely are we given the option to take both and walk away unharmed, think before making a hasty decision. It is far wiser to make strong allies than it is to make powerful enemies."