Blade scoffed at Francis' words, "I'm beginning to suspect all we'll learn is how best to ride the coat tails of our companions then abandon them when we've got what is needed from them."
The argonian chuckled darkly before turning his attention to Marassa again. "So they built you a statue did they? And next to Akatosh too? I wouldn't know. Never paid much attention to those relics, mostly because they don't prove anything. Just a bunch wasted time and effort carving rocks to please the memories of myths who do nothing to help those still living. Where is your exalted Akatosh now hmm? And for one who claims to have no interest in being recognized for her deeds or proving her ability to a lowly peasant like myself, you were quite quick to mention your precious statue. It's not healthy to project your flaws onto others you know?"
Blade made no move towards the stew that had been provided, the display of arrogance killed his appetite for food, though it fueled his appetite for other things. The way this woman spoke of the men and women who laid down their lives for what they believed in sickened him. It was clear she didn't give two shits about the people she was conveniently using to blaze a path towards her own goals, or what they were fighting for. He didn't care much either, but at least he respected them. Understood the reasoning behind their actions and mentally saluted them for it. He may not share the same reasons to fight the dwemer, but he would still try his damnedest to help for his own. Blade's eyes bored into the dismissive khajiit before him, doing his best to control his fury.
"Simpletons. Pointless tasks. Clearly you have no stake in this struggle aside from finding your brother. A task that those simpletons," Blade practically spat the word, "have helped you with. Their corpses marking a path we all walked from Hammerfell." Images of imprisoned Redguard of all ages, gender, and profession crossed his mind. Imprisoned and sent to slaughter like cattle because they fought for their freedom. "Simpletons who sacrificed themselves in an attempt to free your brother from certain death along with the rest of their allies. Simpletons who defy an unbeatable enemy that has laid low every army, even when they have everything to lose by doing so. You claim to be too humble to want a statue, and yet every word from your mouth marks you as a pretentious, selfish little girl who only gives back as little as is necessary to get what you want. Too good to even give respect to those that have lent their blades to your defense. Those simpletons have more courage and honor than you could even begin to comprehend." By now Blade's voice had lowered to a threatening hiss, his mouth a fanged snarl. "You may slight my deeds, my honor, my abilities, I don't care. But I warn you now cat, if I hear you sully the memory of those who have fallen or their allies again, I will rip that poisonous tongue from your pompous mouth."
Blade severed eye contact and glanced around at the others, "I have no objections with going to Falkreath, but if you choose to put your faith in Miss Perfect, don't be surprised to find a dagger in your back when you needed her; because she left your side to find the one she cares about." The argonian got to his feet and slung the dwemer weapon over his shoulder, glaring at Marassa once more. "I find it hard to believe that you and Zaveed are related in any way." He stalked off then, into the rainy night before his wrath could bubble over.
The wet grass and dirt sloshed as his heavy leather boots stomped across the soaked landscape. Cold rain soothing his heated brow, warmed by rapid pumping of his enraged heart. Of course it wasn't just because the khajiit had insulted the men and women of the rebellion that his temper had risen. She'd insulted the memory of his own brother as well, who was no different from the Redguard he'd fought beside aside from the fact that his rebellion consisted of just him. Because I didn't help. Blade gazed silently into the starry sky as water rolled down his scaled face. Never again.