Just what is it with people not saying what they mean?  I don't get this beating around the bush bullshit.  Just say it.  Whatever it is.  No hinting.  No so-called subtle verbal manipulation.  Everyone seems to do it, mortals, even (from my own experience, anyway) the Fallen.  But nightkind are the fucking worst.

Guy Mauvais believes himself the vampire Prince of New Orleans.  Whatever.  He's welcome to it.  But for some reason, he thinks I should drop in at his riverboat casino, The Winter Rose, and kiss his ass and then thank him for the privilege.  Yeah.  Good luck with that.  Ain't happening.

But does he say that's what he wants?  Hell, no.  That's too simple.  Too direct.  He'd rather send his nightkind flunkies to Club Hell in their high-priced suits and gowns to deliver orders with arched eyebrows and dramatic tones like they're prancing WWE stars flexing well-oiled muscles in the ring, each trying to out badass the other.    Man, where's the remote?  Don't wanna watch this shit.  Again.

Why the hell can't nightkind just come out and say what they want?  Instead, they create verbal hedge-mazes with their words and then expect you to skip in after the hidden treasure at the center while they watch with glee as you stumble around lost.  Fuck that.  I'd rather just torch the maze, then sift the ashes for anything worthwhile.  Odds are I wouldn't find a goddamned thing.

Yeah, I'm nightkind.  No, I don't play games, verbal or otherwise.  Whatcha see is what you get.   I don't mind getting down and dirty, so if you wanna step outside and go a few rounds, ain't got a problem with that.  At least it's honest.  The rage.  The clenched hands.  The blood.  Nothing but truth in fury.