—+ “The tales you have heard are likely filled with death.”
Kratos would then incline his head ever so slightly in return—a quiet acknowledgment of her respect rather than acceptance of reverence.
“But you honor me with peace instead of judgment. That is rare.”
Kratos would stiffen slightly the moment Sindel bowed. Not out of pride—but discomfort. Respect from strangers had once been born from fear, worship, or bloodshed. None of them sat well with him now.
“You do not need to bow.”
His voice would be calm, firm, and without —+
—+ as he looked down toward her.
“I am not a king to be worshipped. Nor a god deserving praise.”
Though cautious, he would not reach for his weapons. The fact she showed restraint instead of fear would earn his attention more than the gesture itself. —+
“Forgiveness is not so easily earned. There are lives that cannot be restored. Sons and daughters who never returned home because of my rage. I do not seek redemption for comfort. Nor to escape guilt. I seek it so my son does not become what I was.”
“Changed… yes. But change is not forgiveness. I have done things no man should. Things no god should. Every day I choose to be better than I was. Some days… I succeed.”
“I was once called many things. Ghost. Monster. Destroyer. But those names belong to another man. One who drowned kingdoms in vengeance. If you seek that creature… you will find I no longer wish to be him.”