#hazzel

NorCal Spring '13

Photo by Hazzel

Zack by Lockgear

"Checkmate."

The gladium Hazzel was playing against let out an irate snarl, tossing the chess board across the damp floor of the canton. Pieces tossed and rolled, and the old asura laughed with his entire body, one hand slapping the low table that sat high before him. One hand gripped his pipe lest it fall and roll on the ground as well. Another charr that'd been watching bent down after the rolling pieces, ears flicking at the pair.

"You better watch your tongue or I'm gonna rip it out," The gladium snarled, tail lashing behind them.

"Why not!" Laughed Hazzel, flashing him a toothy grin. "Already lost a foot and a finger, can't lose much more now can I!"

The charr let out a grunt, leaning back and crossing his arms. "How'd you even lose em anyways?"

"Stepped on a land mine in Ascalon. It almost didn't go off with how light I am, were it not for the fact bandits had made me do a jig for their entertainment."

"Bullshit," The other gladium called, setting down the chess board with a hearty wooden thud. "You said a drake bit your leg off while you were running from inquest."

"You told me you got captured by pirates and tossed to the sharks." Another watcher complained.

The first gladium glanced between the others, then scowled back at Hazzel anew. "Well? Which is it then?"

Unbothered by scrutiny, Hazzel packed fresh herbs into the tip of his pipe, lighting it to suck a drag through sharp teeth. With a smokey exhale, he offered the pipe to the irate loser (who begrudgingly accepted.)