Am I a monster?

[Eban]

The Imperator stood at the furthest stretch of the peninsula watching the sun slowly be replaced by the moon; the once smoldering collage that danced across the water's mirror had cooled to a deep blue that seemed to stretch out to the heavens. Try as he may, he couldn't appreciate the beauty laid out in front of him, this moment of peace in one of the more chaotic weeks in recent history. It's amazing that a single swing of his kryss, has lead to all this. Lies, secret deals, lost friends... He hadn't had any trouble coping with any of it, seemed almost second nature; until that afternoon at Haven.

Lauranna, what should her opinion matter? She's a vampire, a leech, no different than the one he put down. He tried to walk away before they could exchange words, he had argued to much recently. However, she like the others during the week, felt need to voice her opinion; she followed him to where there were no others around, asking the most bizarre favor he'd ever heard. "She wants my head so badly, take it now; give her her prize."

She wasn't far from the truth, it's almost certain that the blood of another vampire, especially this one would bring little more than a smile to the Praetorian's face. To be honest, there was a time where he'd have seen her request greeted quickly; some may remember his crusade against the undead after his time in captivity. Yet now, there was not even a flinch toward his weapon, not a single aggressive movement; nothing more than a dumbfounded stare.

"'Ave ya nah seen da reaction ta meh las' strike? Even when warren'ed wif defense." He'd have said anything to be rid of her, of this moment... He has killed, never before been asked to do so. She was a friend, sense Kaylor.. How did it come to this? He knew full well the monster in which most of Sosaria sees him as after Va'lis; but ... an old friend. She figures him even worse, having no doubt he'd behead her, years worth of relations ended in the streets like a dog. Maybe.. he is that monster.

In the hesitation she threw him back against the wall. "So come on!" The next few minutes flew by in a panic, trying to convince her to leave, his hand to stay. Three times he was thrown against the wall, three times he allowed it to happen. Again.. why? Now the death of a leech was warranted.

Snapped out of his daze now, the last meeting with the wall enough to shake even this hardened warrior. "I'd rather you kill me then her; for us to never talk again." She seemed to be pleading now, bargaining.

The color drained from his face, when was the last time he was held in check? "Wor's aren' worf wha' yer puttin' on da table.. Ah don' kill women. Ih'd kill wha's lef'o meh reputation.. ah'd lose meh job." In hopes that one reason would catch her ear, he sputtered random arguments. "Jus' please.. wal' aweh"

A moment of hesitation brought on the coldest stare he'd seen, burning permanent impression in his mind. She could see now that the attempts were futile "If that's what you want."

Without a moment's hesitation "Ah .. don' wan' dis." Did he really mean that?

He rubbed his eyes, again focusing on the Trinsic sea. It really was quite a sight this time of night... "Boo" A familiar voice broke his tussle with unforgettable memories, it was Aph with her usual smile. No more could be done on the matter tonight, he just needed to push it aside. He'd share word's with Aph, a friend when needed, hit Galehaven for a rum or two, and then head home. He's gotten quite good at painting false smiles, half a night of them shouldn't be too difficult. He'd have to head home before too long in any case, he was promised an early night; an offer he'd not soon let pass. No matter the happenings of the day, he longs to see her face; to break down the armor that the two of them need wear in public. To love in a time of hate. The Praetorian... Its strange to think what peace she, as much a warrior as he, can bring him. Laurana, he's coming home.