"Good day, Major," Death said in perfect German.
Hey, he's Death, he can speak whatever language he damn well feels like.
"Good day Death, how are you?"
"Quite well, Herr Major. Please step into the other room and take your glasses off."
The Major nodded and walked into the other room. "Have you spoken to War lately?" he called from inside.
Death tapped his teeth with a bony finger as he looked over his scythes. "Yes. He's honored, but he's not quite sure if he can trust your offer."
"My intentions are all for the best." The Major said as Death floated into the room. "It's coming you know. I have seen to it myself."
"Perhaps," Death replied.
The Major smiled. "I take it Famine and Pestilence still refuse to speak with you?"
Death swung his scythe and cut some of the Major's hair. "They do not… approve of my activities since leaving the service of the Master."
"To each his own," the Major said. He lanced his fingers in front of his mouth. "We shall have to make our own horsemen then."
"With you as War?"
The Major chuckled. "No. I am Famine." He patted his ample stomach. "The soldier, the Captain is War. The Doctor, who found a way to artificially spread the vampiric disease, is Pestilence."
"Tilt your head down," Death said. "Who will be Death then? I cannot help you. I will not go against my Mater. And besides, I'm retired."
The Major smirked. "We will find a way to make do." He glanced behind him and suddenly held up a hand. Death stopped in mid swing. The Major twisted around in his chair and stared at the painting of Lisa.
"… A fascinating painting, Death."
"Indeed. It is one of my favorites."
"I can see why. How much, I wonder, would it take for you to part with it?"
"I have another painting of the lady, but this one has a certain sentimental value."
"Oh really?" The Major asked. He glanced towards the back room and motioned to the Grim Reaper. Death leaned down and listened to the Major's offer.
If Death had had eyebrows, he would have furrowed them in thought. "I don't think the Master would be very pleased," Death finally said.
"True," the Major responded. He turned back to face the mirror and laced his fingers again. "But did not you yourself say that it his time for him to move on?"