The response he got wasn't one he'd been expecting. Mercy's behavior quickly took on a furtive quality, her eyes roving everywhere but him and when she finally spoke her voice was razor sharp. She went on to explain a bit about herself and her family; about how she'd grown up in the Range and the dynamics of what sounded like an unhealthy family life. As she spoke her tone got harder until the rage she felt manifested in an aggressive display. Through all of it Valentine remained silent, content to let Mercy purge her toxic feelings. He understood the need to vent even if he hadn't ever done it himself. Instead he chose a far less healthy approach, one whose by-products were easily seen in the claiming of the Range.
"I've seen neither hide nor hair of your parents," he assured her carefully. As for the rest of her explanation, he had no idea what to say. The brute thought about telling her a bit about his childhood, about how he'd been abandoned repeatedly, how his father had been absent, how he'd wandered for a season in a fog of despair and self pity. How he'd resorted to unhealthy habits and the companionship of unsavory characters. But he didn't. She needed to vent and he was happy to listen. "And if they are wise they'll never return."
"Out of curiosity, if I had taken them, what would you have done?" He genuinely wanted to know and had no ulterior motives for asking.
"Talk"Think"You"
NOTE: Valentine has a female striped skunk companion named Lefty. Unless stated otherwise assume she's present.
