"You have been busy," Venexx said, offering a genuine smile to his half-brother.
Korogg nodded and took a sip from his cola. Something was bothering him. Something he resisted voicing.
"You do not know what it is like. Having your life taken from you, leaving nothing but eternity." Korogg rose from his chair. He ignored the onlooking huumunns, his employees and the lone stranger, who stared on.
"Go home. Your penance is done."
"Hm. Is that all?"
"You have learned your place, Korogg. Bow your head and you will be accepted."
Korogg nodded and turned his back to the room. He stared at a painting, bright colors embroiled in a dance with shades of gray. He raised his claw, fingers flexing partially to offer a wave of dismissal, and took a deep breath.
Ed stood and slid from the room, not waiting to be ushered by any of the misanthropic guards. He paused briefly at the bottom of the stairs and looked back to see Venexx trailing behind him, his smile gone.
Ed's voice burst forth, hesitating somewhat, and said in syrynykk, "Now your smile is gone?"
"I wonder...is conflict better left to Korogg or merely to chance?"