[There isn't the slightest shift in Isaac's expression when Hector turns his attention to one of the many stinging barbs he's left under his skin. It was cruelty for cruelty's sake, to a large extent -- and he makes no effort to suggest it was anything else, to pretend he did Hector a favour punching holes through whatever wishful thought he might have had of them as more than travel companions. They may be forgemasters, but as the hours pass between them, he suspects it's among the few things they share in common. It's one reason why Hector chose the woman, he thinks. And maybe it's just as well. He never knew him like she had. And maybe, it had been the fanciful idea of what and who Hector could be to him and not Hector himself that he had lost sleep and lusted over, wanting him that much more when he was taken away because he was taken away. Like an old toy wrenched from a child's hand.
Isaac isn't sure. But when he looks at Hector with a sudden, fresh awareness, he thinks it may be something Hector is guilty of, too.]
An escape.
[No sly-faced smile, no crude answer rolling off his tongue.]
no subject
Isaac isn't sure. But when he looks at Hector with a sudden, fresh awareness, he thinks it may be something Hector is guilty of, too.]
An escape.
[No sly-faced smile, no crude answer rolling off his tongue.]