[center][h3][color=993333]István Shilage[/color][/h3][/center]

[@Crimson Paladin][@The Otter]

The waves of heat and vitriol broke against the plaintive coast, as István savored his mug and nodded along to his understudy's ranting, smirk playing across his heavy features toward the end.

[color=993333]"At times anger takes one's focus and narrows it. You know that well, just as you know that was all I advised against."[/color] he countered, characteristically unfazed by the uncharacteristic fire of the tall youth before him— all things being equal, it looked more like he [i]approved[/i] than anything else, gaze sliding line by line over the handed missive. "Should you be leveraging your full measure against this callous temerity, who could complain to see the upstart squashed?"

His smile deepened, a couple more teeth baring with each word, and a dangerous mirth fell upon his timbre when he next spoke.

[color=993333]"Quick and decisive action are virtues. It's simply a shame I'd have no means of swiftly accompanying you."[/color]

Two grown men would be doable, with coercion, as Roger had quickly reassured his charge— but it was a forgone conclusion that even with all the bounty in the world that he could ever desire afforded to his beak, three would be [i]pushing it[/i] for Shortclaw. More's the pity, it meant he'd not have had the distinct pleasure of [i]reminding[/i] Feldger the type of allies the Demet fief held in [i]proper[/i] esteem, and what they could do with the steel that silks meant to mask.