((As you say, sorry for delay. Needed to clear my head after a terrible RL situation. This RP needs a little more thought than most I'm doing since it's a better story.))<br/><br/>As the blade penetrates me flesh I suck in a breath. Yes, I can feel how painful it is and I hate it. That is good, because I long since learned to use my emotions, and my pain, to channel my actions and decisions. I seldom rage, but solidify it into a white hot core of cold-blooded decision making. The same with pain and hate. I let myself feel it, but don't go into it. I listen to your description of the talisman as I drink in my own suffering and nod. A part of me loves that you can do this - even in our kind there are so many wannabes, so many who think they are dark just because they throw up a Dark Mark in the sky. No, you are different, and I want to have you in my life. On the other hand, part of me says you are dangerous and I must be willing to use and destroy you as necessary.<br/><br/>When the pain ends I look at the talisman and let the feelings subside. I watch you for a few moments before I pick up my wife again and take another drink.<br/><br/>"This could be traded with the truly dark, the truly worthy," I say. "Would you be interested in a stipend to produce this talisman for me according to orders I receive?"<br/>