// as long as there's bread and as long as there's an appetite //
It was strange to get used to, but it wasn’t hard. Especially when you had the ability to learn quickly and adjust, given ground rules as Danta had given him, and with the basic understanding of what this world deemed right or wrong. Of course, he pushed the envelope, he had before he’d become Ancient and melded into a society that believed what he did and allowed him to be himself. He’d been a monster (still was) to many outside of the Climb and even to some of those within.
Again, society played a large part.
“I can imagine.” Astaroth muses, because it hadn’t been that different back then, too, he’d just been on the freer side (provided he didn’t fuck up, and if he did, punishment was swift, which is precisely why the stitches in his arm keep the skin tight to heal after he’s had an overreaction).
Her next question draws another echoing laugh from him and the shake of his head. “Absolutely not, darling.” He admits, flashing her that sharp grin. “I quite enjoy being free to my own devices. I do not wish to be used again.” Even though it had felt like paying back at the time, given that the Ancient’s that found him had saved him from dying out amongst the volcanic rockery. He’s slowly learning. And learning just how easily society pits people against each other for no better reason other than petty, historical upset.
Again, society played a large part.
“I can imagine.” Astaroth muses, because it hadn’t been that different back then, too, he’d just been on the freer side (provided he didn’t fuck up, and if he did, punishment was swift, which is precisely why the stitches in his arm keep the skin tight to heal after he’s had an overreaction).
Her next question draws another echoing laugh from him and the shake of his head. “Absolutely not, darling.” He admits, flashing her that sharp grin. “I quite enjoy being free to my own devices. I do not wish to be used again.” Even though it had felt like paying back at the time, given that the Ancient’s that found him had saved him from dying out amongst the volcanic rockery. He’s slowly learning. And learning just how easily society pits people against each other for no better reason other than petty, historical upset.
Astaroth
// as long as everyone you need is stepping in line, you are camouflaged //
