[ the priest is listening attentively as Vangeance answers; though it wasn't a mystery that his masked friend held great respect and no small measure of fondness for his fellow knights, there's something in the way Vangeance extols his place among his peers that has Abel's smile faltering, just slightly, something inquiring creeping onto his face to replace it. no, it wasn't just that, either... there was an understated but undeniable niggle of something like concern. maybe even sadness.
he's lonely. ...he is, isn't he?
the decorum; the polite mannerisms; the poise of a man who is used to holding himself with utmost grace - these are things some would read as symbols of confidence, of one holier-than-thou. aristocrats were not exactly renowned for their humility; many were disgustingly in love with themselves as much as the image of being better than someone. anyone, perhaps. but Vangeance... was of a different ilk.
he wore this mask to hide something... sad, beneath it. holding himself at arms length... exuding an image of an untouchable, unknowable force rather than the human being he truly was...
it was-- ]
...Mr. Vangeance, can I ask you something personal?
[ well, admittedly, it's abrupt. and... maybe rude; he disregards the question, disregards the conversation they'd been having entirely, it seems.
but he is looking across the table at the knight - no, at William - expectantly and without apology. ]
no subject
he's lonely. ...he is, isn't he?
the decorum; the polite mannerisms; the poise of a man who is used to holding himself with utmost grace - these are things some would read as symbols of confidence, of one holier-than-thou. aristocrats were not exactly renowned for their humility; many were disgustingly in love with themselves as much as the image of being better than someone. anyone, perhaps. but Vangeance... was of a different ilk.
he wore this mask to hide something... sad, beneath it. holding himself at arms length... exuding an image of an untouchable, unknowable force rather than the human being he truly was...
it was-- ]
...Mr. Vangeance, can I ask you something personal?
[ well, admittedly, it's abrupt. and... maybe rude; he disregards the question, disregards the conversation they'd been having entirely, it seems.
but he is looking across the table at the knight - no, at William - expectantly and without apology. ]