EVEN FOR THE GOOD, A NOBLE // Romulus

[Romulus]

ROMULUS MALUS - KINGPIN - COTC

The lion sighed as Byriath first spoke. Yes, the Coalition of the Condemned did need to act. Romulus was a man of strict neutrality, but when his group was being sacrificed and attacked under the guise of worship, then he needed to make a move. His head hung momentarily, but redirected upwards at the other continued to speak. He did not expect Byriath to delve into another topic, yet something seemed important. What could it be? Uncharacteristically, the leader had no clue. With his head craned, he listened curiously.

A god?

For a moment, he let the other's words soak in as he sat quietly. Romulus was not a man that relied on religion. In fact, he was not sure where the deceased were. His parents and siblings were out there somewhere, but where? Was there several heavens, multiple hells, or a place for all? He, in truth, was unsure. The uncertainty scared him, especially after his recent tango with death. Many questions came to mind. Did he ask them? Should he ask them? The lion, usually wanting to know everything, felt put off by asking about the state of mortality. His silence spoke volumes.

Deep within his mind, his tail grew still. His head started to hang low into his chest as he sorted out everything inside his mind. The idea of Byriath being some cruel God almost flew over his head. He could not imagine someone he considered his brother as 'this evil, vile thing.' Romulus knew that animals had the capability to change, but a God? A God that existed before him? Now, that was something to consider.

Romulus' head rose back up. He had finalized his thoughts. The lion's hard gaze looked the other up and down before speaking. "Unless you are manipulating me, you are no source of evil," he concluded. The pain in his throat was beginning to itch, but he kept speaking. "You found yourself a home, a family, and a place to lie your head. You have changed. Do not let your past inhibitions take control of you..." The kingpin narrowed his slitted gaze.

"Except now."

The rage that Byriath held was justifiable. Romulus, though appearing calm, had managed to turn his own anger into motivation and a way to push himself forward. If Byriath could do something similar, then they could put their heads together and disassemble the Descendants of the Departed. "Use your rage as a stimulant," he ordered roughly. "Find that island. Under no circumstances do I want you, or anyone else, coming up empty handed." The lion wanted answers. All he needed was a guide and he would lay out the law to their enemy. The solution would come with some rough edges, but it would avenge the dead and satisfy those who held rage within.

Demanding and strict, Romulus wanted compliance. For once in his reign, he did not ask, but he ordered his animals to work. Byriath had to understand why... or at least he thought so. "Do you understand me?" he questioned bluntly.

Any stepping out of bounds by the God of War would result in Romulus' own rage coming out for sure. Brother or not, the lion was at his wits end. This news only had him questioning his worldview further.