[Cards] Splitter (Patreon)

"...It forms a kind of sick relationship, doesn't it?" asked the wizard. His hand stopped glowing, the spell now complete. "The wood that was cut by the axe wants to remain tied to it. One likes to cut, and the other enjoys it. I'm not sure if that's some bizarre affection or cruel form of revenge." He shook his head. "Probably not that far off from some real relationships, huh?"

A muscled man sat across from him on the other side of the desk. He looked uncomfortable. "Uhh. Yes. You're right. Here's your gold," he said clumsily. The sound of clattering coins rang out around the room as they were dropped unceremoniously on the wooden desk.

"No need to run! I have some tea if y—"

"No, no, it's alright. My friends are waiting for me outside, and we have our next contract to get to." The man was already standing upright and holding the halberd again: both lovely and sick to look at. He turned his back and headed for the door.

It opened with a creak, and the dim room lit up and filled with the noise of passersby and street merchants outside. The man turned around and gave the wizard a sad look. "Maybe next time, Ilra. Thanks for the identify spell."

The wizard gave a half-hearted smile and nod, and the muscled man closed the door behind him as he left. The room was quiet and empty once more.

With a sigh, the wizard turned to his tea pot and poured himself a small cup. He seemed smaller than before. He added his usual milk and sugar and began to stir. The coins remained untouched on the desk before him.

Staring at the coins, the wizard sipped his tea and whispered, ever-so-softly, "...probably like all my relationships, at least."