Lorgar's taut nerves did not relax at her seemingly harmless approach. Instead, he grew even more wary.
He stared fixedly at Erda, watching for the slightest "movement," whether a fluctuation in energy or an intrusion on the mental plane.
Yet there was nothing.
That terrifying pressure remained, but she really seemed to be doing nothing more than approaching him.
There was no intent to attack, nor any sign that she was employing further supernatural means.
Even when she clearly sensed the disgust and wariness almost spilling from Lorgar's eyes, what emanated from her was not anger at being offended, but something deeper—an emotion that could almost be called a "sigh."
That emotion was no pretense. Formless and intangible, it passed through the air, through that unsettling gaze of "motherly love," and branded itself clearly into Lorgar's awareness. It irritated him more than outright hostility would have.
"You are my most beloved child, Lorgar."
That cool voice rang out again, this time carrying an indescribable, almost sorrowful tenderness, like water flowing beneath ice.
"I love your fucking mother!!!"
Lorgar's response erupted instantly, an unvarnished roar of fury.
"You fucking hag! Stay away from me! Fuck off!"
Lorgar knew that since physical and psychic attacks were useless, and this old monster could not be reasoned with, he could at least vent his pent-up frustration through words! Getting a satisfying round of abuse out of his system was worth something!
Erda seemed to pause slightly at his violent reaction, but rather than retreating, she moved closer. Her voice carried a trace of genuine, infuriating confusion and resentment.
"You haven't seen me for so long. Don't you... miss me?"
"I miss your fucking uncle!!!"
Lorgar was so furious he almost laughed. He spat viciously, although nothing came out.
He abandoned his defensive sword stance