<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="font-family:Open Sans">Altair was half expecting the blow that came. He knew Cygnus would be angry over his choice of words, but Altair was nothing without his conviction. If he didn't believe, Cygnus wouldn't either. He hoped that he was a little bit spooked, at the very least. That storm had not been a joke, and neither was loosing a member of his crew. Mors. Altair titled his chin up, going absolutely still as Cygnus pressed the cutlass to his throat. He trembled slightly, fearful that this would be the final straw, and Cygnus would kill him.<br/>
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Altair sucked in a breath as the blade was dragged lightly across his throat, just enough pressure to leave a thin cut. He'd only barely touched him with it, but it bled quite a bit, staining his alabaster skin.<br/>
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“I could pray for him if you'd like. Now that I know his name,” Altair spoke softly, and he didn't seem like he was being snarky or spiteful. He should have been relieved when Cygnus said he wasn't going to kill him, but of course he followed that up with something more ominous. He wanted to tell him he was already serving a sadist, but he truly didn't want to provoke Cygnus needlessly. He was feeling calm, and somewhat at peace. His night of prayer had been one of clarity and refound faith. Live, and learn, Altair. He'd always done things a certain way, but it wasn't the right answer for this. He needed to adapt, or he was going to be long dead before they ever reached where they were going.<br/>
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Cygnus smeared blood over his face.<br/>
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“E te mea pai ki te ko reira te toto koutou,” Altair said with a frown. “Enough of mind has been spilled.”<br/>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">It might be better if it is your own blood.</div>
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His teeth clenched as Cygnus refused to let go of his hair. He thought of his brand, and the pride he'd taken in it. What good would it do him now though, when he would never have a place again at any of the Dusanian slave markets? The truth was Altair didn't want to let it go, regardless of his slashed worth. It was testament to his heritage, and his country. The one thing he had left as a reminder. Cygnus was threatening to strip him of his dignity and his pride. He needed a way back to himself once all of this was over.<br/>
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“You've ruined my back. No one will believe I am a true Dusanian bred slave without it,” Altair said. “Or why someone would cut away the brand unless they were trying to sell something counterfeit.” It would lower his meager worth that much more, and at least with the brand they would know they were getting quality, if in rather poor condition.<br/>
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Altair's heart was racing, but he didn't think he could change Cygnus' mind one way or another. He was going to do whatever he wanted to do, and Altair was tired.<br/>
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“Please. Just tell me what it is you want? Of me to do, of me to say?” Altair pleaded, ready to get on with whatever it is Cygnus was setting him up for. He was wearing him down in ways Altair didn't think were possible. Altair was scared of him, and he trusted Cygnus to hurt him, but he wasn't sorry.<br/>
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“Kia korero ahau toku reo tino hoki koutou?”<br/>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Do you want me to speak my pretty language for you?</div>
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“Or do you want me to beg some more? Or suck your cock? You've won, Cygnus. There's little enough that I have left, and you need not take the few scraps that remain. You've set your mark on me for a lifetime. You've made my fears a realization. What more do you have to gain?” Altair hoped whatever he'd come to him for, it would be over with soon.</span></span>