( Geralt's bang on the money about being reminded of Koth; it's practically the same echo, only it comes back louder. Things that might have required provocation to manifest are doing so of their own accord in him, or at the very least are being sparked into existence by things that he can't justify.
He's so caught up in it, in the anger, in the itch, he doesn't immediately connect the dots between what's the matter with you, the smell, and the concept that Geralt might be referring to something deeper than this surface level interaction. It doesn't make him falter yet — if anything, he's geared up and taut now that Geralt's stepped up, tensely coiled and fists balled like he's taking it as a sign of an impending fight rather than curiosity or concern.
If he weren't starting to lose control, this would be where he'd deescalate, hands down. Hell, his instinct was to go on the defensive a few months ago in that cave when Geralt's god damn eyes went black. Now, he may as well be internally vibrating, willing an altercation into existence.
And then he comes in with the you don't smell right, and that takes him aback enough that some of the aggression slips into sheer incredulity. )
Are you freakin' kidding me? That's what you're coming back with? I smell bad? What are you, six?
no subject
He's so caught up in it, in the anger, in the itch, he doesn't immediately connect the dots between what's the matter with you, the smell, and the concept that Geralt might be referring to something deeper than this surface level interaction. It doesn't make him falter yet — if anything, he's geared up and taut now that Geralt's stepped up, tensely coiled and fists balled like he's taking it as a sign of an impending fight rather than curiosity or concern.
If he weren't starting to lose control, this would be where he'd deescalate, hands down. Hell, his instinct was to go on the defensive a few months ago in that cave when Geralt's god damn eyes went black. Now, he may as well be internally vibrating, willing an altercation into existence.
And then he comes in with the you don't smell right, and that takes him aback enough that some of the aggression slips into sheer incredulity. )
Are you freakin' kidding me? That's what you're coming back with? I smell bad? What are you, six?