[ It’s not the answer Tezcatlipoca expected. He expected something more mundane, honestly, but he quickly decides that’s on him. If whatever force ruled over this place could steal him away, of course it could snatch a soul before it reached its final destination. It’s tough luck for Drizzt, though. He almost feels a little bad for him, but not quite fully. After all, it makes their meeting more interesting, at least in Tezcatlipoca’s view of things. ]

Good answer.

[ He’ll give praise first, since that’s the kind of thing he’d want to hear if they were instead sitting at a little fire together. It’s good, respectable resolve for the journey ahead. He doesn’t think that he’s as obliged to be his shepherd, since these weren’t his lands, but the impulse is reflexive. As natural as breathing. ]

Where I’m from, death is considered more of a journey than a hard stop. You die, then you start a path of trials to figure out where you’re supposed to end up. If I didn’t know better, I’d say maybe that’s what fate chose for you. [ He shrugs ] ‘Course, warriors get the harder path, I gotta admit. It’s a test of resolve, and intentional or not, that seems to be what all this faction business is about, when you make it real simple.

[ Because regardless, he respects the convictions that push them. Are you staking your resolve in hope, or are you staking it in change? It takes courage either way. The only ones who won’t be granted his respect and favor are those that choose neutrality. A lack of choice is still a choice, but it’s the coward’s. ]

And going with my gut feeling? Zenith feels more right for me too.