Dark Red

Caedes observed Aurelia's reaction with a sense of satisfaction, his stoic expression softening imperceptibly as she carefully unwrapped the bundle he had presented to her. He noted the anticipation in her gaze, the subtle shift in her demeanor as she examined the herbs before her. It seemed he had chosen well in his gift. Her words of gratitude brought a faint curve to his lips, a rare ghost of warmth in his otherwise impassive countenance. “No thanks are needed. This was meant to be my own thanks, remember?” He replied, his voice a deep rumble that bounced around in the cozy confines of her den.

As she recovered the bundle with care, Caedes inclined his head in acknowledgment of her not-quite-request. “I will.” He assured her, his tone matter-of-factly. “I intend to test it thoroughly. So far, it seems that the effectiveness of the sedative-coated weapon depends on the depth and length of the wound inflicted, taking into account the target's weight. The crucial aspect seems to lie in doing this dynamically — in the heat of the moment, while also considering the differing rates of sedation onset within various body parts.” The scarred brute regarded her head-on, his emeralds gleaming with an obsessive edge. A product of his interest in the topic. “The closer the injury is to the heart, the quicker the sedation takes effect. I believe a weapons master would excel in mastering this technique over time. It certainly requires considerable practice, if nothing else.” The prospect of the experiment yielding favorable results would be quite the reward for him too.