Slowly it seemed that Derik was beginning to open up, speak more, and Brutias wondered if it meant he had earned Derik’s trust or, at the very least, his respect. Whatever he had earned, though, he made sure to keep quiet as the man spoke, not wanting to interrupt him and wanting him to know that he was able to speak freely. He did, after all, respect him enough to allow him to speak his mind. All of his champions could, because they needed to be treated with respect. Not beaten until they were nothing.
For awhile after Derik spoke, Brutias remained quiet as he listened to the sound of Xovus and Lume’s hooves, trying to think of what to say before he glanced over at him. “Your master beat you, and for that, he was rewarded with your freezing. He nearly beat the fight out of you, and that is why you froze. Because subconsciously, you knew that he didn’t deserve you to stand up for him.” Pausing, the dragonborn glanced back over at his pet for a brief moment before he gave a stiff nod. “I will admit, I have a dungeon in my castle. However… you will not set foot in it. Not unless you try to run from me, but because I can tell you are a sensible creature.. I doubt we will have that problem.”
Shifting his gaze back to the road, he leaned back for a brief moment as he took in a deep inhale, trying to think of how to best frame his next words. “I assure you, Derik… This fourth brand will be your last, and my hands will only be upon you if and when you so desire.”
It was strange for him to be able to speak his mind when he’d spent so many years barely speaking one word for months at a time. Silence was so much easier, and he nearly felt like he’d lost his voice. But was coming back, not as confident as it had been before, but he felt it coming back. He never thought he’d get that part of himself back. Especially after everything that had happened to him.
Slowly, he nodded his head. “I...” He couldn’t promise that he would stand up for the Dragonborn, but he could try. “I will try to stand up for you. Harder than I did him.” He said. It was the only bit of loyalty he was able to offer the man. If he were to really be his last claim, he owed him at least that.
The half-wolf nodded his head in understanding, “My last.” He cleared his throat and picked up the pace of his horse slightly so that they weren’t lagging because of him. “I... I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to lay with you.” He said with a soft clear of his throat. “He used to... He used to use it as punishment. I don’t like it much anymore.”