Thread: Cusp of the Maelstrom  [Dev && Nih]

Composure, of all the skills Hyakinthos possessed and could marshal, it was the most vital. It was the tool most useful in his wide repertoire, more so then any guile, threat of violence or esoteric knowledge, and its employment could unnerve even the sternest of foes. Now, backed by a strange and subtly erotic emotion the man felt a mixture of curious interest and arrogant pride as he set in motion this crucial skill. His features did not harden, nor soften he just set the corners of his mouth into a twisted little grin of absolute assurance. He exuded an air of confidence and didn't back down from Cala. He studied her, just as she studied him, and could read the trembles in her body, the way it shook and betrayed her thoughts but those thoughts need not be concealed. She had tried to kill him on countless occasions and all such encounters had failed, failed and lost lives and materials and ever precious time. There was pleasure in his expression as she recoiled at his words and murderous intent flooded the small chamber. Cala could have made a nice trophy of his head, perhaps had even used his skull as a goblet, a testament to her skills amongst many others but she had been forced to subdue him for public trial and hopeful execution. That path was being denied to her. It was an interesting turn of events that had lead to this day. It had never been his intention to be captured though. Truth be told Hyakinthos had set forth every tool at his disposal to prevent such an event and it was only paranoia that had even prepared him for that most disastrous moment. Everything had fallen apart at a crucial moment when he could have prevailed, something had gone wrong, something had stopped working. A mystery presented itself to the man and it wounded his pride in a way no lone individual or group could accomplish, not even the whole of the world could slight him in such a profound way. His blood boiled at the thought of this blow but composure kept the emotion in check. Though Cala, who had known him for a long time, perhaps could read into his expressions more accurately then any other mortal soul. Control had to be grasped once more and intrigues set to his will, this was his desire. So outwardly with a calm disposition he had reclined in his seat, as far as his chains would permit. Words spilled from her lips and it was obvious that she knew, or at least suspected, that this was just a charade. And indeed it was, even if it had not been part of his scheme guards had an annoying habit of talking when all they had to do was stand around and appear intimidating, that he, Hyakinthos, had more then just the faintest inclination of an idea as to why but he was willing to act his role in this performance. Without pause for reply Cala continued on, delivering an impassioned report of the whole situation and regaling him with details and facts which he already possessed and so he nodded and smiled with as few muscles at work as possible and still be considered a smile. When she had concluded the man couldn't help himself and contain his mirth and so laughed in a burst of mad cackles. He laughed at her, he laughed at everything she represented but most of all he laughed at the twisted game fate was having with him. It was as though every night while he laid dreaming he duelled with death and kept arising with the dawn the victor. Fate had changed the game more then a few times, ruined him repeatedly and most of all at the moment of his defeat but it had left this narrow thread hanging. Fate was addicted to their game and did not want to see a conclusion the game was to be teased out. More would suffer as they expanded the field to the breath of the world. All these thoughts and more whirled through his head as he gauged Cala. Wondering just how much she truly knew of the situation, how much she had let on, what she bluffed about knowing and where she was straight out ignorant. Settled with himself he licked his lips and took a slow breath. How very gracious of the Diadem to offer such generous terms to his loyal subject. From what you have told me of this Dweller of the Gulf I can claim that there is hope for you and your kind. In my studies I have come across reference to this monstrous beast. There could be something but I will need my materials... I fear however, that you might have destroyed my research. With the accusation hanging in the air he grinned that grin which every great manipulator had mastered. So when might you loosen these chains, they chaff so.