Basim has sensed a shift in his apprentice's demeanor for some time now. The subtle changes in Hytham's actions and unspoken thoughts that flicker in his blue eyes are not lost on Basim, he who is well-versed in the art of reading others. However, it is not until he stumbles upon the last letter from Mentor Rayhan to Hytham that Basim's curiosity turns to outright suspicion.
While the letter is relatively benign, it is Mentor Rayhan's acceptance of Hytham training Vili that speaks of something more than that which is written. The words, though carefully chosen, hold an undertone of implicit approval that stirs Basim's thoughts into a tempest of doubt and contemplation. Basim muses if perhaps Hytham has not ceased his spying mission after all and is plotting against him. Whispers of plans being woven in the shadows behind his back gnaw at his mind at the notion. He wonders if Hytham harbors ambitions that extend beyond their shared cause. A matter which would cost Basim more than his life, but his heart as well.
He is not one to leap to conclusions without probable evidence, though. Human nature presents a myriad of complexities and it is just as well that Hytham's actions are driven by a genuine desire to forge a connection, and strengthen the Hidden One's with a new ally. A motive borne of loyalty rather than treachery.
Basim reflects on the sincerity often displayed in Hytham's earnest expressions and unguarded moments of camaraderie shared with Vili. Could it be that his young apprentice seeks nothing more than to solidify their ranks with a trusted ally?
Mentor Rayhan has likely misconstrued whatever Hytham has written to him, and the Mentor is mutinous. What Basim has done to inspire such suspicion in his old Mentor, he is not sure. His mind sifts through their interactions thereafter of Basim regaining his memories and of what could have triggered the Mentor's current stance. Regardless, he is grateful it has sent Hytham to him despite the troubles and headaches his young apprentice brings with him.
As Basim mulls over these thoughts, he considers the growing bond between Hytham and Vili, and the lengths Hytham may go to to keep it. Their friendship has ignited like a dry field struck by lightning and holds a raw authenticity that intrigues Basim. He cannot help to wonder if their connection mirrors something deeper, something beyond mere friendship and into the realm of brotherhood. The thought is swiftly struck down; he will not pander to whims inspired by a life of bereavement long since past. Yet, a faint echo of Basim's own past bonds reverberates within him, a susurration of hope he dare not acknowledge.
With a soft sigh, Basim casts his pondering aside and returns his attention to the festivities bustling around him within the warmth of the Longhouse. The peoples of Fornburg are clearly delighted to have their prince return to them safely. Their gratitude is displayed with obscene amounts of mead, enough to make the heartiest of men's liver fail, and tables are brimming with an array of food that will spoil by morning.
A frivolous waste.
Basim can hardly keep his lips from curling in disdain. His hazel eyes, usually so calculating and composed, flicker with a hidden contempt as they land on Sigurd. The prince stands at the center of the celebration, a shining beacon of admiration and loyalty. He exudes a confidence that borders on arrogance, basking in the adoration of his people.
Basim's hand tightens around the tankard he holds, the carved wood warm against his skin, grounding him against the surge of bitterness that threatens to consume him. He forces a small smile, a mask of congeniality that hides the tempest of emotions roiling beneath. To anyone watching, he appears merely a guest enjoying the revelry, however, his mind is elsewhere, entangled in a web of resentment and calculated loathing.
Sigurd Styrbjornsson. Prince, once a king, in another life, another time, yet still the same selfish man he has always been. Still the golden savior who has received everything with nary a struggle. Respect, power, unwavering loyalty- all things Basim has had to fight and claw for in century old shadows. Sigurd's people are no better. Basim knows all too well the cost of such blind faith, the sacrifices and manipulations required to maintain that power. Yet, they cheer in spite of this, joyful in their ignorance.
As the crowd shouts in jubilation and raise their tankards and mead horns in a toast to Sigurd, Basim takes a slow sip of his drink, the bitterness of the mead tainted water* matching the bitterness of his heart. The prince may not see his whole reflection, but Basim certainly can, and it fuels his silent animosity. His gaze drifts to Eivor, sitting across from where Sigurd stands, outright admiration on her face for her brother. It would be endearing if Basim could not see so much potential in her. Yet, she too is ensnared by Sigurd's magnetic pull. It irks him to see such devotion misplaced, wasted on someone truly unworthy of it.
The laughter and music around him fade out as Basim's thoughts spiral deeper into his hatred. He envisions a different world, one where Sigurd's influence wanes, and where true strength and cunning are recognized and revered. A world where he is the victor. His lips finally do curl, but in a brief, bitter smile that he swiftly suppresses.
The night wears on, Basim remaining an enigmatic presence, his true feelings hidden behind a facade of polite interest. He nods and smiles at the right moments, speaks when spoken to, though his mind is already plotting, seeking ways to deliver justice long since due.
The festivities will end, the mead will run dry, and the food will spoil, but Basim's hatred for Havi is a fire that will continue to burn, fueling his every move.
A/N: *Adding alcohol to water is often referred to as grog. It was a way of preserving water on long voyages. Idk if Vikings used this method on long trips, or for during the winter months, but it seemed plausible for the story.
Also, I just really wanted to delve into what Basim may have been thinking during this scene in the game. When playing, I missed the opportunity to speak with Basim and Hytham, so I omitted it from the story.