i will endure the night for the promise of light
Even for having stood back as long as he did, Noah was not truly ready to interact with Sunjata. He wasn't sure what he wanted to say, really. Their last meeting had been prickly, at best. There were lots of reasons that Noah did not trust Sunjata, but it was primarily his relationship with Nate and the fact that the ascended who attacked his home were all wearing the Flood's dragon skin.
No, this is a place of honor, is what the demigod wanted to say, but instead he asked "Is there a reason I should?" It didn't look like whoever had given Sunjata his last beating really saved any room for anyone else, really. The scent of blood was strong, even if the man had bandaged his wounds. The bear within Noah could still smell it all.
Noah stayed near the shrine, facing Sunjata. He did not think the man would attack, nor had he thought that in their last encounter. Not wanting to provoke the fight -- though, given his state, Noah did believe he would walk out the victor -- he was intentional to keep his posture neutral.
THE SENTINEL OF THE NORTH
