A simple misunderstanding

Zandrophin looked down from his perch and saw Marcus and Sofa leaving the contest hall. Marcus was visibly upset, and looked like he was ready to hit the first thing he saw.

What a perfect opportunity to have a little fun, old friend. Let's go say hello.

When Marcus was about 30 feet away from the tree, Zandrophin stood up and let out a sharp whistle. He saw Marcus look up. Zandrophin then jumped forward and flipped gracefully off of the tree, Mentus stopping his descent just for a moment, only a few inches above the ground, before Zandrophin set his feet lightly upon the snow.

"Still trying to sort out your problems with Princess Snowflake, eh?"

"You're right...I don't really care what happens to her...I've got others I need to look out for. Still...I like to stay abreast of the situation with you."

Zandrophin grinned as he continued,

"You know, as a friendly courtesy, I should mention...your technique is flawed. You're trying to talk with someone as hard-headed as she is. A little bit of reality for you...we've done a bit of digging...and you're going to stop breathing before she really listens to any of your words. To your credit, everything I've heard you say, directly or indirectly, has made sense. I'm just telling you now...you can stop wasting your time. What about Maya...or Z? They listen to you, and they've got problems...why not talk with them? They will at least consider your words."

"Hell...if you wanted to...you could even try talking to me. Doubtless you're curious as to what makes me tick...unless you think you know...at which point you really ought to present your hypothesis."

"I'll ignore that puppet comment," Zandrophin said, his composure yet to break, "You'd best 'adapt' faster, old boy...she can't go traveling with you, and you definitely can't stay in one place, particularly here, for too long. Your wandering nature prevents it. However, that leads to an interesting impasse...between your two impulses: to wander, or to aid lost causes. One cannot follow two paths at once."

Everything was going well, from Zandrophin's point of view, until Marcus tried to shoo him away. Zandrophin slid smoothly in front of Marcus, blocking him from leaving.

"I thought you liked to talk. Here we are having a decent conversation, and you're trying to leave? Bad form, old boy."

"As far as Mentus digging through your head goes...let me explain something to you, ignorant child. Mentus does not delve into the thoughts of others unless I ask him to, or he feels that he or I could be threatened by someone. He is a mediator in arguments...trying to keep both sides calm."

As Marcus rudely shoved his way past Zandrophin, Zandrophin said over his shoulder,

"Never see us for the rest of your life? That's going to be a bit difficult, old boy...as we will be at the festival tonight. If you want to keep trying to get inside Princess Snowflake's head, you'd have to be there, yes? Or are you just going to give up on her?

He waited a few seconds.

Time to really test him.

"Your mother actually had the spine to face my father to the end. What would she say if you just gave up on this girl like that?"

Marcus' feet stopped crunching the snow. Zandrophin grinned.

Got him.

As the punch came towards him, Zandrophin spun to face Marcus, and stepped sideways to the left to dodge the strike. He pushed Marcus' right arm away with his own and, in the same motion, swept his legs out from under him. Marcus had built up so much momentum by leaning forward, that it caused him to fall, face-first, into the snow. Zandrophin couldn't help but chuckle at this.

"Oh, come now, old boy...don't look so surprised. Did you really think that I'd only exercise my mind to help me gain the upper hand? An associate of mine from back home taught me how to use my body as a tool, as well. Now get up....it's embarrassing."

Zandrophin nodded like he understood....sincere or not.

"Torture is a strong word, old boy. I am simply probing questions and comments to get a response...a better way to determine what kind of person you are. Good news for you, if you despise talking to me so much...you've almost lived out your usefulness to me."

He turned to leave, and said over his shoulder,

"Oh, by the way...your little town was quite the joy to turn on its head..."

Sir! Look out!

Zandrophin felt the impact...and was not ready for it. He collapsed into the snow...thankful it was soft. As he tried to get up, Mentus hovered away from him and faced Marcus...a light aura forming around him. Mentus siezed Marcus' arm and twisted it around his back, threatening to break it.

"Mentus! Stop! I'm alright," Zandrophin said...wiping the snow off of his jacket.

"Besides...he wasn't thinking...just fueled by raw emotion. I can forgive him of that. Release him."

Mentus did as he was asked, albeit begrudgingly. Zandrophin turned and faced Marcus, saying,

"Alright, boy...do you have something you want to say...or are you content with taking cheap shots when my back is turned? I hope it's the former...because the latter will either lead to Mentus breaking you...or letting me have my turn..."

With these last few words, Zandrophin reached into his pocket and produced a small, but sharp knife.



"You have my undivided attention, kid....make your choice."