Mind Is a Razor Blade

It was always a competition of some sorts between the three of them. Being a shunned bastard only aided Mal’s quick adoption of the sneakier arts, what better way to hide the unmentionable stain? He flashed a smirk at the brandished finger. The second time… leaning on the table, musing exaggeratedly what they all knew too well. Is that really how you want to play it?

He nodded silently though as their more forward friend made off to acquire them drinks. Was he alone in raiding the coveted array of spirits and wine available to him? Surely not. Admittedly the first time had been an accident, mistaken bottle, or so he’d claim when Bhaal had questioned him. He’d learned quickly, vodka disagreed with him greatly.

It’s the most logical step, it’s where all the other half-breeds go, he’d return nonchalantly, switching to lean back into the stool. Mal had known where he was going, it was merely a matter of figuring out where he fit into the machine of war. Pavus is lucky. You think they’ll send an Altus to the front lines? No. That’s my domain. He’ll just lose his boots again. With Enzo’s connections he’d likely land something cushy unless he asked for it, the nobles rallied around their potential heirs in the world of politics and who’d sit on the Archon seat next their true goal.

It was a cage Mal was grateful to be mostly ostracised from. Present company excluded of course. The three had quickly bonded and while Enzo might follow his path, there was never any guarantee. Not with the Qunari. The feud had gone on for generations now and there still seemed to be no resolution or victory in sight. So, unlike Tibby, Mal ventured to live a little before he disappeared entirely. The look of horror only caused him to chuckle, louder than usual, He comes through, does he not?

He joined his friends to stand and toast their respective futures, May one of us never lose our boots to a squirrel again, the second discover something to care about other than his good looks and I… well, surviving is what I excel at, so I suppose a continuation is not so bad? Shaking his head with a small laugh, Mal placed the glass to his lips bracing himself for the hit and followed it with a mild shudder. Not bad.

Now Enzo… placing down his glass and appraising him with an arched brow. Did you set among the pigeons already? Turning slightly to hide his approval from the approaching ladies before adding a quiet, Now there’s a good lad. See, at least he thinks of us, Tibby.