Lingering Glance (Patreon)

You take a step closer, studying all the knives spread around Alessa. They're arranged in a semi-circle with the tips pointed at her while the hilts face outwards. It reminds you of a steel crown, its spikes so sharp, they cut the heavy head who dares to wear it. 

Whoosh.

You count eight knives. "How many of those do you have, Alessa?" you ask. They're all identical. Thin and not particularly long, but with slightly curved edges and a tip that catches the light. 

Whoosh.

"I have enough to assure I do not end helpless in the middle of a confrontation," she answers in a low and slow timber. She keeps her eyes down, the flames bathing the line of her jaw. "These knives, they are not... sturdy. They break often, particularly when facing heavier weapons. I constantly have the need to throw one, or let go of one to grab at something else."

Alessa stops sharpening her knife for a brief moment, and blue flashes when she steals a quick glance at you. "'Tis rare but I may also drop one, on particularly difficult fights."

You can't help but smile. "Slips out of your fingers, uh?"

Whoosh. "Not often," Alessa stresses again, her voice taking on a subtle edge. 

You fight back a chuckle. "And where do you keep all these?" you ask, eyeing her belts. "Those can't hold them all."

Whoosh.

• if Good Relationship

Alessa looks down at herself. "Everywhere," she tells. "My belts mainly, but also my sleeves, the hem of my boots, the back of my satchel if I am carrying it."

Somehow, you should have seen this coming. "That's smart. You never know when and where you might need to wipe out one of your sharp nails and slice open some poor man's throat."

Alessa's look tells you how unimpressed she is by your quip. "Indeed," she says flatly. But her lips quirk when you laugh. 

• if Bad Relationship

Alessa pauses, and then she slowly lifts her head to stare at you. "That is between me and my own person," she says, her voice cold and sharp. 

Your smile dies, replaced by a hardened expression. So she doesn't trust you enough to tell you. You're reminded of the chasm between you both.