Bearclaw Valley They don’t get the context ‘cause it’s too complex

initially, attacking the saintsmen was the last thing on astara's mind -- but as the seconds dragged on, astara found her already wafer-thin generosity dwindling.

derg was quick to smooth over the coarse speech delivered by his leader. astara wondered then why he was not the saint's captain -- certainly their sinking ship might have avoided a very rough demise if derg had been in charge. a glance then to the hulking beast besides him -- what was that expression about big cocks and little brains? whatever it was, astara imagined she was looking at the prime example of it.

disappointing. maybe astara would do them all a favor, and get rid of the man with the big mouth and small brain. maybe give derg the throne he so rightfully deserved, and keep their alliance above water. but maybe not.

evien's response was diplomatic in spite of the insult lobbed at ursus' face. astara measured the healer approvingly, particularly when he delivered an ultimatum to the warhound. a glance to toad and skoll, and the nightshade's heart swelled with savage pride -- here was ursus out in good show, toad silent and skoll propping his own question to the group.

indeed -- what if it had been one of the mongrel's own? astara's anticipatory gaze fell to donovan in curiosity. if ever there was a time to show ursus they were worthy of their time, it was now.

rather than salve the wound, donovan only further prodded at it.

first, he addressed only evien -- apologizing to for aventus' injuries, as if the child's mother was not right there and worthy of some sort of conciliation. astara's fur bladed subtly to be so handily disrespected -- but she kept her fangs sheathed.

it would be idiotic of me to get rid of her.

astara wondered, in that idle way, why donovan chose to stop the idiocy now -- why not ride out the wave of idiocy he had come in on, and see it all through?

she observed him in that indulgent way a very great creature would address something very small -- her gaze flat and eyelids lazy. a subtle smile altogether unpromising on her lips.

all i can give you is that she will be severely punished.

will be severely punished.

will be

but had not derg said suitably taken care of? as in past tense?

the blackbird's gaze slid from bishop to king, and back again.  they come to ursus'  borders and fling a not-apology in their face; they disrespect the rook's queen not once but twice -- and NOW THEY LIE? had nyra been punished at all...?

astara's expression faded to one of neutrality. what was it merrick had ever seen in these incompetent riff-raffs in the first place? they seemed woefully unprepared to play with the big guns -- but astara knew one thing: blood must always have blood (in that way, she might have gotten along supremely with praimfaya). surely, ursus had always played with an open hand. they had always shown who they were. now that donovan was being forced to play the game by their rules, he wanted to pack up his cards and go.

no, 'suitably taken care of' and 'will be severely punished' would not do. astara shook her head, her ears pinned in response. no. fuck your healers and fuck your saints -- give us nyra.



a low growl pooled in the blackbird's throat. she lifted her chin, eyes unflinchingly on donovan.

there was but one answer suitable now, and that was the life of the cunt that had attacked her son. astara would not take no for an answer. the moment they danced around or denied it, astara was going for throat. she would not allow ursus to be dragged down by the incompetence of their weakest ally.