Starglow Basin Serpent

all it takes for the python to put away his fangs is that single gesture of good faith. 

good. they’ve settled this like men. there is a law and there is a hierarchy and there is blood to pay for those who step aside it. soto knows this; it’s the law he lives by and nothing else. 

he can sense hate simmering off the man in relentless waves. it enlivens soto for he knows a man who is sharp with animosity is at his best; a man that will not fight for his scraps is of little use at all. 

bien. he says, gaze flickering to the uneasy leto. the ugliness in his face dissipates as he senses her anguish. todo esta bien. 

now his attention remains riveted on the swan of verapaz. muéstrale sus habitaciones. and to the man: encuentrame por la mañana.