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Knowing how much his face was probably revealing, he didn't want his dad looking too closely and didn't hesitate to jerk away when his chin was finally freed. He folded his hands and rested them in front of his mouth, alerting his mother to the fact he really didn't want to engage in conversation either.

The congenial atmosphere turned tense and choking. Warm violet eyes scanned over her son's face and turned wary, then sad. He didn't look happy about his win. In fact, he looked as though he was regretting the whole entire day. "Yes, well, I suppose that's enough celebrating for now. Nadai, it was a pleasure being with you today. Thank you for saving me a seat."

Nadai gave a nod, noticing how the boy didn't seem up to his usual antics and maybe it was all the training finally paying off relief laziness. "Indeed Zahara, I'd always save a seat for you. Again, good job Zykariel. You worked hard and it payed off." Waving to them then as Sevilin more or less ushered.

Usher indeed, he didn't like these things he was feeling or how quiet his son was. Zykariel was never quiet...it just wasn't a Zykariel thing. One arm around his wife and the other guiding his son lightly as Zahara carried the toddler. "Let's go get the horses and head on home. We can all relax and get something proper to eat as well."

She was starting to miss them all, really she was. They really were like family to her, despite her not being elven save for maybe a bit of mixed blood in her. But that was even something she wasn't quite sure of. Her attention turned from the cup of tea she was stirring though. Was that a young teenage boy she heard asking for help? That was a shock. Getting up with her cup, she wandered out of the kitchen to him. "Hello Zykariel. It's been a while since you stopped by. I was beginning to think you didn't love me anymore."

He got nothing from her but the traditional giggle and shake of her head with a pet to his hair. Silly boy, though his little habits were endearing really. It was just cute, no matter how old he was. "You won? That's wonderful! And yet you don't come bragging or for victory kisses either." Taking her cup again and blinking at him before a frown. That was odd. "Why are you worried about Malikhai?"

"Aren't rumors an old thing? Well, I suppose they're nothing new to us adults but you all are indeed children. No one should be speaking ill of you all, they've no right." But a tilt of her head, tapping her fingers on her cup as she sat there with him thinking a moment. "I suppose there are a few who do...their reasons may not be sound but there's always going to be someone who doesn't like someone else. Or even hates them. And that can happen for a lot of reasons." He should know this, what was with his questions? "Why? Is someone wanting to hurt him or something?"

Another blink...those were indeed interesting questions. But of course being involved with the family since she was a child and being so close to them herself, she knew all those kinds of things. "Well...Malik's never stolen any land down here that I know of. When the humans and others moved up to the surface, he took what was left behind. When the drow goddess and the others as well vanished and the peopel who stuck steadfast to them left or were killed off, Malik took what they left behind. What other places that aren't directly under his control down here he holds contracts of trade and ownership to some businesses and the like." A little shrug. "I suppose he used a few peopel to get what he wanted. But who doesn't do that? Everyone uses someone else in some way to get their goals acheived and Malik has always been an 'ends justifies the means' type of man."

Pausing to sip at her tea lightly before continuing. "No, it wasn't blind fear. He merely proved that he was the one down here who could withstand all the others. When the orcs tried to come into the unoccupied land that was left behind, Malik took them to task on it. Ending in a lot of bloodshed yes but those things are unavoidable sometimes. As I said, he took the opportunities at first presentation. That's how he built up. He waited, biding his time and also trying to predict what would happen. It was only natural the humans and such moved to the surface, that the Lloth drow would kill themselves and the Vesendarian ones settle. Even they respect his opinion, even if he doesn't have control of them."

Resting an elbow on the table and her hand in her chin then. "As for your father...yes your father could in all honesty snatch everything from Malik. But...your father respects Malik. Fear can only do so much and yes it keeps down the rabble rousers...but respect is far greater. You can stave off an enemy if he repsects you enough to let you have your little moment and then come back at you twice as hard." A shrug. "I suppose the short answer is a combination of fear, respect, opporunity snatching, and constant reminder to others that he is quiet secure down here. And those that bide by that and supportive find themselves also secure and able to ask of him aide and such if needed."

Blinking again. "Who's saying these things Zykariel?"

"Yes it can. But most also know that...you never use someone and then dismiss them because that is simply foolish. They'll prepare and you must prepare as well should you ever face them again and they come bearing ire to you." Teenagers were ever full of questions on the more complicated matters she supposed. "It was when you and Khai were still small. Remember when Malik and Sevilin went off for a few days, and you and your mother stayed here? I think your mother had just had Faetallon. Everyone kept you two preoccupied so you all wouldn't worry about your father's being gone, and you were never told why they were away for a few days." Though negotiations had turned mostly into a slaughter, that wasn't important. "A dozen rumors come into this place every few weeks. Malik has some of them checked out, just in case. But coming from the mouths of drunks I don't think is something to mind.Then again, inebriated men oft speak of their passions. Did you tell your father?"

Sevilin was always concerned...which meant if he wasn't concerned that it was something that wasn't overtly threatening. Indeed just drunks talking of nothing harmful. Cowards with brave words. Thusly an odd thinking look before it seemed she mentally dismissed it. "You're almost a brother to Malikhai, I wouldn't expect any less for you to do such a thing." Surprised look though at that question...what a question that was indeed. "All people who take the opportunity to make things theirs have a tool. Your father his runes, Malik his sword." Yes she had been told the story of the sword. Early on when she first got pulled closer and assigned to such things as cleaning Malik and Piper's room. Sword was not to be touched and she had found out the hard way. But she'd never forget that story/lecture.