I'll let you infer whatever you like to my words. We do seem to have certain similarities to the paths of our lives from details we've discussed with each other. [They both seemed to be violent men in their own way, ruthless to get what they wanted but also smart enough to understand that outright force was not the best course of action. The slow long game as it were.

He made a low noise of acknowledgement to Richard's words, tilting his head as he held their mismatched gazes together.] Real power is not for those smartest or fastest or strongest but for those who will do anything to acquire it. Power is understanding your own strengths and employing them to best effect, and it's the slow game that take advantage of weaknesses in situations.

[His blue eye widened when he collar was seized, fingers tightening on the pommel of the sword. It was a rare situation that someone grabbed him in such a way; his previous reputation kept others well out of his range for the most part. There were a few that treated him roughly in an attempt to intimidate or harm him, but this... was different. It didn't yet put him on edge, but he hadn't decided if he hated it.]

I've been drowning all my life. Are you going considering making a pact with me, Richard? [Silco had no illusions of the fact he was a monster.] How does drowning make you feel?