[ A quiet laugh, nearly inaudible across the space between them. ]

Oh, your death will not come so soon. I wouldn't allow you even that paltry mercy.

[ He does not draw away from Thor's advance; his stillness is unnatural, manufactured, like a calm of reflection before the blade slips silver into the night. He is a serpent, coiled and ready to strike. ]

But do not mistake me — I will not return. You would sooner dash my brains upon the road and take my hollow corpse instead to the prison of Odin Child-Thief's crafting.