The Infernal Serpent

[Dorian allows the silence to spiral between for a moment as he turns the idea over in his head. Where would he even start with a change in perspective like that?]

The only things I've met that were immortal but inhuman were something else-- like a demon, an angel, or a god. There's no map for taking the first steps forward.

[That question brings the crease back to the immortal's brow. People can choose to remove the shards of glass from their feet, but he's seen the stains and gashes his actions have left on his soul. They exist and, as long as the portrait still does, always will.]

But aren't you scarred by some of the things you've experienced? Has it not left a mark? Changed you?

[Dorian shakes his head.]

I mean that in the sense of time spent together. Obstacles overcome. [Kind of like what they're doing right now.]