Book 6. Chapter 37: Trust
“Now what?” I asked, dropping the last of the dead beetles and nuts on the flat rock. Drakonis had provided that part, making sure it was smoothly cut with an occult edge. Looked like a proper table, with no legs.
“Now we wait. And don’t fucking appear threatening.” He said, sitting down on the far side of the table, away from the meal I’d set out.
“I’ll keep the growling and snarling to a minimum then.” I said, taking a seat next to him.
His hands grabbed his helmet, and a series of hisses came out of the neckpiece as the whole thing unsealed.With a quick tug he took it off, letting me see his face for the second time.
I’d gotten used to seeing the general faceless helmets as the default, with all the ornaments and additional colors becoming the identity I’d have in my head. Drakonis was mud, red, swearing and a lot of ripped and burnt cloth.
Now he looked like a regular human being again. Sharp brown black eyes, stubble, short crew cut of black hair and the sort of intensity I’d expect from someone who swore every three words. “Unfortunately, you still look exactly the same as the first time I saw you.” I said, giving him a light pat on the shoulder. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Now I actually got to see him roll his eyes instead of just seeing his body language show it. “Shut the fuck up Winterscar. You probably look like two-bit thug with delusions of grandeur under your helmet.”
“How rude. I’ll have you know I’m quite popular with the ladies. My wallet is handsome and has a six pack.”
He shook his head, muttering all the while, but this time the helmet didn’t hide the mild smile that flickered across his features. Hah. I knew I’d grow on him like fungus. Everyone either loves me, or wants me dead and there’s no in-between.