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Delphi Was going through her spring cleaning, her hair tied up in a haphazard poof of an up do, she was busily mussing and fussing over cleaning, dusting, and re arranging furniture in her own meager home. She'd grown up in lavish luxury but when trying to keep on the down low, she found it best not to travel in absolute luxury. The small cottage was all she needed any ways.

Straightening up, she nudged the coffee table with her foot and wiped her brow of the moisture that had gathered there. Her windows were open for once, something she rarely did but it had been such a warm day it was either open the windows or stifle in the heat.

Blinking at the clerk, Lucian looked at the scribbled piece of paper, staring at it for a long moment. Shaking his head, he folded the letter and it suddenly burst into a small little flame. "Gibberish.." He mumbled under his breath, shaking the flame out. "What in the world is any of that suppose to mean?" He made sure the clerk couldn't see or hear him, of course, he wouldn't want to look bad or make him think he was trying to start a fire.

Stepping to a corner of the room, he knelt down, pulling a piece of white chalk from his pocket and scribbled a circle along with some runes. He composed a short message and sent it on its way. <"Ah, hello again. I'm sorry to disturb you.> The voice would have found its way directly to Delphi's mind. He hoped the message wouldn't scare her too badly. The ritual sent the message one way so he wouldn't be able to hear her reply. So he knew he'd have to wait to see.

The voice in her mind was a little more than she was expecting.Startled, she backed up looking around every where but backwards. "Oh!!!" She felt it first with her calves but couldn't stop herself from falling. Landing in the chair she'd backed into, she looked around. Odd.. she had heard his voice clear as a bell.. but there was no messenger.. not even a ghostly messenger.

The message had said he'd be at the hotel.. Smirking and shaking her head, she was a little glad he hadn't been there to actually see her response. Well.. she couldn't very well show up looking like something the cat drug through the mud could she? She'd have to have a shower first.

(scooby doo time warp)

Her hair was still damp when she made her way in through the entrance of the hotel to the lobby. She'd left it down mostly put pulled it back to one side with a silver hair comb. Stopping just inside the door, she looked around to see if perhaps she'd left him waiting too long and he'd gone without her.

It shouldn't have been all that much of a surprise to see him lounging about on a sofa with a glass of wine in one hand and a book in the other. He seemed rather distracted by the book and barely saw her walking in. At least, it seemed that way since he didn't take his eyes from it. "Ahhh.. so my message found you? I'm glad to see you came." His eyes still hadn't moved from the pages as he flipped one aside.

She offered a slightly lopsided smile and chuckled. "Yeah.. it took me by surprise.. caught me under an inch of dust I think.. It's amazing how much dust happened in a week there.." She walked across the floor, stopping a few feet from him. "So.. I'm sorry I kept you waiting.. I just didn't want to leave the house looking like i'd spent the day playing under a pile of soot."

Smirking, he shifted in his seat and finally shut the book. "Well, you definitely don't look like it. You look very beautiful indeed." Taking a sip, he stood to his full height. "That said, I do not understand a female's reasoning behind cleaning. You and Ana both." Shakes his head in exhaustion. "It'd be much easier to do the ritual and be done with it." To which he was referring to the Unseen Servants. "Or to at least hire someone." Though he could imagine Ana arguing with how using the ritual cost him energy which he could just as well be using on cleaning. He'd really never understand it.

She blushed full out. Her attempt hadn't been to look like she'd been trying. Sure, she often liked to do different things with her hair, but something about him noticing.. it made her blush. Not a faint pink.. but a deeper pink. "Thank you.."

Clearing her throat, she looked back at the door they'd gone through to reach their room. She had an inkling his sister would know what debauchery Lucian was up to now. Gathering her thoughts, she looked back she spoke. "So.. Where are we off to now?"

Seeing her blush, he couldn't help but grin, feeling satisfied with himself. Leaning toward her, he lifted a hand and gently brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. "My my... red does look lovely on you."

Tilting his head toward her vision, he had a feeling she was wanting to leave rather quickly. Avoiding his sister? That actually didn't sit very well with him, but he didn't feel like poking the issue either. He hadn't thought the meeting had gone that badly. Did she really hate her already? He had wished he could have pulled Anastasia from the lab.. who knew what kind of games she was playing in there. However, he turned away and motioned toward the exit. "Ah, I just figured we could check out some more of the shops. Or perhaps since you know the town better than I, you could show me some of your favorite things?"

She looked at the door again and frowned. "Ana's not goign to come?" She looked back at him a little disappointed. She had hoped she'd get a chance to get to know the woman better. Perhaps even start a friendship with her. "Well. We could go to the museum.. There's a few things there I like to look at.. Or there's the park.. Some times they have musicians there.."

"I..." He took a breath, actually stunned for a moment. "I could get her.." He hesitated, he didn't want Delphi to see the lab. It wasn't that he was embarrassed by her, but Ana kept some very dark things there.. most of which would make grown men scream. He didn't like going in there himself. In fact, he hated the mere fact that it existed in the first place. However, he knew he couldn't remove that part of her anymore than she could stop being his sister.


She pondered over his hesitation. "If she's busy I completely understand.. I just was hoping she wasn't too set on a bad idea of me.. She really did seem like a nice person.. So I wanted to get to know her better." She gave him a truthful smile. "However, If she's tied up doing something, I wouldn't want you to disturb her on my account."

A soft chuckle came from him, though it was quick to dissolve. "Honestly, I'd prefer she wasn't doing what she was doing anyway." He said bluntly, a hint of anger in his voice. "I relish any moment to get her out of the lab.. She gets... very self destructive in there." Ah, yes.. self destructive... Though it was true in a way, it was more that he was afraid of world destruction rather than self. She could get way too happy about killing and dissecting while in there.

"I just don't think she'd be too happy about me bringing you in there. Its kind of her sanctuary. She generally doesn't even like me in there." Half truths.. yes, but still true nonetheless. "So if you're willing to wait I can go grab her."

She looked a little hopeful. "If you really wouldn't mind..." She paused on that thought remembering what he'd said about her not really liking him in her lab. "I wouldn't want you to get into any trouble with her.. I know my siblings can stay mad for quite some time when scorned."

"Ah, I'll be alright." He stated, relieved that she hadn't pressed the issue about going herself. "I've handled her before, I'm not too scared about doing it again." He gave a self assured grin before stepping through the doors they had taken for dinner the previous night. If she had been watching she could see him descend down the stairs. Standing at the door, he knocked a couple times, waiting until he saw the door swing open. He was instantly taken back by the scent of roses.. which he knew meant that Ana was hiding the real smell, and whatever else she was doing.

Stepping out, she eyed him suspeciously, "Did you need something?"

Trying to take a peek inside, he was circumvented by her moving in front of him. Shifting his gaze down toward her, "Ah, Delphi was wondering if you'd like to accompany us on a trip in town?"

Her lips turned to a frown, her eyes darting slightly. "I'm kind of busy." Her words were short and abrupt which helped confirm his thoughts.

"Nonsense!" He replied in a jovial manner, one hand clasping her back. "I'm sure you'll enjoy your time! Come, have fun!" He said this more in a statement than question, his hand beginning to push her onward.

She mused, mumbling to herself when her brother was intent on not giving her a say. "Fine.." Her tone was less than cordial as she was being forced back up and toward the door where Delphi was waiting.

She had turned her back so as not to seem nosy with the matter. What ever was going on was between the two twins in her mind. Walking around the loby, she took a seat in a comfy looking chair so as not to be left standing the whole time.

She took this moment to look around the lobby better. If the three of them continued contact, she might just might have to ward the front door to the lobby some day.. Not that she was hunted, she just knew some of her lands were better off not being anywhere near herself or any one she kept in contact with.

She'd just started thumbing through a magazine on DIY projects when she heard the door open. She listened a moment before looking up and gradually around to see if the other woman had joined them or not.

Anastasia's face was less than happy. As she walked through the door she looked as though she was a prisoner, her hands folded neatly in front of her. Lucian on the other hand, had a rather big smile, chattering happily as they walked. Ana wanted to punch him, though she kept this little fact to herself. When nearing the lobby, she curtseyed toward Delphi, her eyes gave away that she was less than sincere, however.

"Ah, sorry about the delay!" Lucian said merrily, his hand still on Anastasia's back as if keeping her there against her will. "Find anything interesting to read?" He gestured toward the magazines.

She smiled warmly at the two siblings and gave a small nod. "It's ok, and yes, I did find something interesting to read.. It's some schematics of some patio furniture and some other things... I'm kinda of a .. do it myself instead of pay others sort you could say... Some times it's more satisfying knowing you put something together with your own hands."

She gave a calculating look to the two before standing and smoothing out her own clothes. "So, shall we then?" She wondered just what had been said but wouldn't ask. That was between the two of them.

"Really?" Lucian quirked one brow and just as simultaneously Ana rolled hers. "I can't agree more, I definitely prefer to do those things myself. If you'd like maybe I can teach you some ritual magic to help make some of it faster. It is one of my talents if I do say so myself." A heavy grin appeared on his lips as he waved a hand and the doors to the outside instantly flung open. "Ladies first."

She smiled broadly. "Ritual magic to help it move along faster?" She seemed intrigued. She actually wanted to learn something other than what her family could offer to teach. "I think that might be fun some day.. to learn that is.. If you're willing." She made her way to the door, walking carefully the sound of the short heal on her knee high black leather boots making a dull clack with every step. dark blue jeans and a flowing short sleeved peasant style top had been her choice of clothes to complement the boots.

"Ah, but of course." He grinned, holding his head a little higher though he never let Ana move out of the corner of his eyes. "Who wouldn't want to learn from the best?" As they walked out the door and into the sun, he instinctively saw his sister blink back, shielding herself somewhat. He smirked and leaned down toward her, "Perhaps if you stopped living in your lab it wouldn't hurt so much." She scowled at him, giving him a look that he knew meant death.

Chuckling, he turned to Delphi. "So, any ideas on what you'd like to do today?"

"Well.." She had closed the magazine and followed after them, pulling a set of sunglasses out of her hand bag, she put them on and looked at Lucian. "There's something showing at the museum of natural history.. A gems exhibit I hear... But if that's not up your ally of fun.. Then perhaps there's always a theme park.. I'm sure you two could use a little fun, no?" Two things she'd been unaccustomed to when she first came to these lands but grew on her quickly, sunglasses and theme parks. How she'd ever lived without the use of something shielding her eyes she'd never know.. then again she had mostly been a night time being than one for the day.. and Roller coasters.. thrills and chills.. what wasn't to like?

"Museum..." The words mulled around in Anastasia's voice. Her eyes narrowed a little, as she looked up at her brother. He instantly knew what she was thinking and could sigh. "I do prefer to learn over most people's idea of 'fun'..." And well, Lucian had drug her out here, he owed her at least something more enjoyable than millions of people crowding around her.

Nodding, he gestured at his sister, "Ah well, I do believe we should probably learn more about this world and its strange inhabitant, first. At least, she'll be more manageable there." She instantly shot him a look and he just laughed.

"Play dumb all you like." She retorted in an unamused tone. "But you're not that stupid, either." Her voice was pointed as she poked him in the sternum.

She gave them both a smile and nodded. "Fair enough.. the Museum it is.." She took the lead, setting off down the sidewalk to the right. She'd gone to the museum a few times since her first arrival.. for similar reasons.. She wanted to know what she could about this strange new place and what better way to learn other than to study their histories?

"You two chose a decent location to stay actually..." She spoke as she walked. "You're in walking distance of plenty of things." She snickered more to herself about something she'd never realized. Technically everything was within walking distance.. it just took longer to get there if all you had was your feet to get around.

Ana's steps lightened, trying to put distance between her and her brother. Letting the two of them take the lead, she kept her distance, watching quietly.

"But of course, why would it not be? I chose it." He stated keeping mental note of Ana's retreat. "I had to make sure it was a fine establishment with only the finest people. Nothing else would suffice."

Anastasia huffed silently, "That's why he bought it." She pointed out, her eyes avoiding the two of them. She didn't like them being that close to each other. He had to know better than being around another girl anyway, and throwing it in her face by inviting her didn't make her any happier about the idea.

She sputtered lightly almost choking. "You bought it?? Out right? Woah.." She fell silent a moment. Compared to where she lived now.. theirs was quite the mansion indeed. It gave her more of a mental reason not to invite them over till they got better acquainted and more of friends. That is she hoped they'd be friends.. some how She was sure his sister wouldn't approve of her smaller home. Eh.. it was a place to sleep so she couldn't complain.. besides she'd picked it out.. and it had a great view of the lake drifting off into the woods in the distance.


A hint of a smile pulled at Ana's lips, though she made sure to hide it. Her plan seemed to have work, at least somewhat. "Well, do you think he'd be okay with living somewhere small?" Her statement was cruel, and she knew it, but somehow that hadn't bothered her.

"Dear Sister.. must you really be so mean.." He eyed her, stopping his feet to stare in her direction. Frowning, he turned to Delphi. "My apologies for her." He lowered his head. Letting out a breath, he nodded. "Yes. I figured that we needed a nice place to stay, Ana needed a place for her lab... She had also pointed out that we needed some businesses in the area to help continue our cash flow here."

Anastasia let out a low growl, her eyes narrowing at Lucian's chide. The girl really had no idea how rich they were, that was obvious. Had he really hidden that from her? What else was he hiding? Had he even told her that he bought that little shop they met each other in? She found it almost laughable.

She stopped and smiled all the same. "It's fine.. It was my fault for guessing without knowing too many facts." Letting out a small breath, she looked at Anna. "My apologies if my assumptions wronged you and your brother." She hadn't batted an eye, but now she knew just what she seemed to think of herself. Lucian had tried to warn her that she could seem.. possessive.. And, he'd been right. This seemed like an attempt to weed out her insecurities.

Growling under her breath, she narrowed her eyes but kept walking. As she stepped passed Lucian she felt him grab her arm. Twisting around, she hissed, "Let go of me."

"You should apologize." He stated, his eyes narrowed back at her. For once he seemed very serious and solemn, his tone even and frank.

Her telepathy entering his mind. She was enraged and it was easy to see, even if her words wouldn't reach anyone outside. Her eyes were intensely grinding into him. Despite this, she muttered a very insincere, "I'm sorry for my actions." Her voice in his head barely audible during her internal growl. She then shook off his hand and stalked passed the two of them.

Lucian's face was a mask as she stepped past. It seemed as though the happy facade he was playing at before had completely vanished. He didn't know what to do with her when she was like this. "I'm sorry." He said, his eyes not leaving Ana. Sighing, he turned to Delphi and lowered his head again. "I thank you for not going off on her. She can become... very ridged and angry at times.."

She gave a small shake of her head. "Don't worry about it.." Her voice had dropped so as not to upset the other woman further. "I was right... I shouldn't have assumed.. You had mentioned being new.. not without possession.. So think nothing of it." She gave a small chuckle. All the while she was thinking herself. If that was the worse she could dish out, then Even dealing with her aunt Jeze's mood swings was a bit of a task compared. Still, She had a feeling she should keep an eye on Ana.. and perhaps strengthen her wards.

As they wounded the corner, the saw a building set back away from the road some. In the front surrounded by a large patch of grass was a huge fig tree. "That tree's pretty old.. According to the plaque on the post by it, it's something like one of the largest in the region.." She gave a small shrug. "Actually, if it actually produces figs, I'd hate to be the one they have cleaning up under it..."


Shaking his head back and forth, "You hadn't really assumed anything, at least not incorrectly. Ana... I'm actually surprised she hadn't tried anything earlier. Rather you believe it or not.. in a way, that means she's accepted you.. at least somewhat." His voice sounded a little uncertain, or perhaps hurt. He wasn't sure why she thought he was replacing her though he knew she had a strong tendency to overreact about a lot of things. He'd have to have a talk with her later. "Most of the time she would have already tried something much worse." He was trying to lighten the mood, though he knew it wouldn't be all that comforting, regardless of how much truth there was behind his words. He was surprised that she had even let him force her out today.

When they had reached the tree, Ana had completely stopped, her eyes looking up and down. "Its a very beautiful tree.." She said, her voice quiet. Lucian nodded as he stepped up behind his sister to gaze at it. "I bet it has a lot of stories to tell." She moved toward it, letting a hand touch its bark.

She'd opened her mouth to say something, but closed it. What could she say to help? Nothing, absolutely nothing was the answer. When the two siblings stepped forward to touch the tree, she looked around. Whistling innocently, she stepped in front of the sign that said 'Please to not touch the museum's tree' so as to keep anyone from really noticing that anything was amiss.

The tree had been There for a long time. It had been planted by a member of some long forgotten missionary and bore hidden on one of the thicker limbs the initials of lovers long ago. Obviously this tree had been a meeting place to some one but their time had come and gone. It had with stood several things, had the passing of friends and families and even seen the museum and city it's self being built. The fact that it had been here for so long was why the curator of the museum had petitioned to have it stay rather than be chopped down all together.

Ana's eyes flicked toward Delphi as she hid the sign, she shook her head and rolled her eyes a little. She had little care if someone caught her or not. She was sure it'd be more trouble for them than her. Besides, she felt sorry for the old tree, it was lonely.

She stood there for a moment before finally shifting back. She made a mental promise to visit again another day before returning to the concrete they had been walking. "The poor thing." She stated out loud though to herself. Shaking her head, she began to move toward the building ahead.

Lucian watched his sister, gave the tree a touch of acknowledgement before moving away himself. Noting Delphi, he nodded a thanks. Though looking at the sign, he mumbled, "I'm not sure I'll understand the rules here. I don't believe the tree should be a prisoner. It holds no ill will toward anyone. Has it done something wrong?"

She smiled warmly. "It's not that it has done wrong or that they fear the tree will cause harm.. though I'm sure a part of it is due to insurance liabilities.. It's more the fact that they do not wish to risk having any one harm the tree further..." She turned from the tree after giving it a small nod and followed them. "There's marks on it from long ago where others carved initials into it.. The liabilities... well they don't want some one's child or they themselves climbing on it only to fall and sue the museum's pants off for their own blundering." She shook her head. "It's a rather disgraceful moment in time when you worry of if some one will take you to court for their own stupidity.."

Lucian nodded and followed the women to the kitchen, putting the sacks down upon the table, "Very beautiful place." He replied, his eyes looking around at the decor. For a moment, he smirked while in thought. "I always told Ana that if we ever stopped adventuring that we'd get a cottage in the woods." His head tilted toward his sister, "I guess I should have kept my promise."

Anastasia had almost had the same thought when she saw the place, though it had been a little more extravagant than the picture in her head. However, it made her smirk just a little, if Lucian was involved it probably would have been more expensive. When she heard his voice, it made her stop, it was a long time ago, she hadn't expected him to remember. "Its fine, Lucian. Things change." Before he could reply, she turned toward Delphi and gave a sad though genuine smile, "It is beautiful, you have good taste."

She smiled gently. "I'd show you the master room.. but I'm afraid it needs to be picked up.. your brother rather caught me in the middle of house cleaning today." She chuckled lightly. She thought though that both would have been highly disappointed. "It's small.. but.. it's mine and I don't have to worry about unwanted guests popping their head around my door to badger me." She chuckled lightly. "Come on you two, lunch can wait while I show you the rest of the house that's clean.. and there's still the back porch." She motioned for the two to follow her. "I hear the old woman down the road's been thinking about selling her cottage.. Or I should say her children are moving her into a home so they'll be looking for buyers.. It's a little bigger than this place.. and on a decent plot of land.. I'll be sad to see her go.. she was such a nice old lady."

Having lived in hotel rooms (or more recently cabins on a ship) for most of her life, Anastasia was having a hard time imagining living in such a place, much less anything bigger. She oddly wondered if it was the same for her brother and if that was why he immediately jumped on taking up residence in yet another hotel. Life was hard being on the road all the time, and seeing Delphi's home made her realize how she'd never had one, she couldn't even consider the place she grew up in to be a home. She shook herself from her thoughts, a part of her longing for things she knew she couldn't have, "I'm not sure I could handle something so big." Was she chickening out now that the opportunity presented itself? Living in a hotel room really wasn't that bad anyway.. Lucian always made sure they were nice and had plenty of room.

Lucian had picked up on his sister's odd behavior. He frowned slightly, though he knew that trying to pry information from her was harder than fighting a dragon. Deciding to let it go for now, he turned toward Delphi, "Lead the way." He followed closely enough but also left some room so she wouldn't feel crowded. "It's sad news to hear." He thought about the opportunity it could present, but it made him confused that Ana didn't seem interested. "If it's as nice as you say I'm sure they'll find a good buyer."

She cast a questioning look back at Lucian as she headed up the stairs towards the two spare rooms and second floor bathroom. "I'm sure you'd adapt.." She spoke softly. "You'd be amazed how easy it can be to adapt to owning after living under some one else's roof for so long.. or on the road for that matter..." She stopped at the landing and grinned. "I'm debating what to do with these two rooms to be completely honest.. so for now they remain empty." The landing looked down upon the living room the other side leading to three doors. The center door was open, showing the bathroom done in a pallet of pale yellows, soft blues and fresh clean white. The walls were broken in half. The bottom was white pained wood paneling the upper half a pale barely noticeable yellow. the curtain that covered the window a darker yellow with tiny dark and light blue rose pattern. The tub was a large claw foot, the sink was set in what looked like an old refurbished ornate dresser and painted a very pale blue.

On either side of the bathroom were decent sized bedrooms. "The one looks out on the front of the house.. the one to the right looks out on the lake.. been thinking about having a balcony installed or something..." She gave a small shrug. "Well.. feel free to look around.." She smiled warmly to the two.

Frowning, she stopped behind as Lucian passed her. She watched Delphi for a moment, wondering if her thoughts or feelings had just been read. She was use to guarding them closely because of Lucian, so someone else reading her easily made her twitch. She decided she'd have to keep a closer reign on them. She preferred her secrets staying her own.

"Are you coming?" Lucian paused at the door to motion toward her. She slowly nodded as she came forward to take a look. After her approach, Lucian turned back toward Delphi and smiled, "Very nice. And I think a balcony would be beautiful." At the dilemma of the rooms, "They could be very useful for guests, or eventually a family, or even rooms for any hobbies." He offered.

She pondered his words a moment. "Guests would be more logical I think... I dont' for see my family visiting much.." She chuckled lightly. "After living with my sister and brother.. I'm certain they're relishing my absense.. And since I no longer travel like I use to.. I keep busy with this place.. This just means I'll need to figure out a tasteful pallet for both these rooms then." She smirked lightly. "Do you have any ideas Ana?" She was picking the other woman's brain, trying to include her some more. "The bathroom was more of a... I needed something to cheer me up day so.. it became bright and yellow.." She walked into the bedroom they had been debating a balcony for and peered out the window.

Blinking, she tilted her head forward. "I can't say I'm that good with decorating.... I tend to prefer white... something classic.. or elegant." She felt strange as she indicated her own wardrobe which was completely devoid of any color. "Lucian is a bit better at that kind of stuff than I am..." She was also very confused at how bright or yellow could cheer someone up, but she wasn't a very cheerful person so maybe that was why. It looked good, but it probably wouldn't have been her color choice.

"If you had your choice it'd probably be something dark." Lucian teased and she made a face at him. Laughing, he shrugged. "I think a pale blue would look good, personally. Or maybe velvet reds." He put a finger to his chin in thought.

She chuckled lightly. " Dark's not that bad for color choices.." She shrugged some. "But I already have my 'dark' room." She pondered the velvet idea. "That makes me think of red velvet cake.." She giggled lightly. "But I like it.. Maybe white walls.. A little red velvet drapery.. some throw pillows.. and maybe even cream or off white to break up the colors a little..." She was clearly putting the room together in her mind as she turned to look at the room. "Shall we go to the back porch then? Get a better look at the back yard and the view from there.."

"Ahh, definitely! And maybe some plush red velvet chairs and a rose motif." He nodded at himself approvingly as he pictured it. "A little light and dark would fit nicely, I think." Anastasia just rolled her eyes at him. He gave her a wide teasing kind of grin that she returned with a sigh. To Delphi's question, he nodded and tugged his sister forward in front of him. "I'd love to see it."

She smiled at the mention of a rose motif. "I guess it's no secret what flower I seem to lean towards most hmm?" She exited the room, walking down the stairs. Heading to the back of the house, she walked through the kitchen and out the french doors off the little dining nook. "Well, you like the view? I figured the picnic could be set up over on that bank." She pointed off to the side some towards the boarder of her little plot of land.

A smirk tilted his lips as he turned to follow. It had been a guess, or perhaps he just felt like emphasizing his own favorite flower. Either way, roses were elegant, and they fit the velvet and red that he was going for. Stepping behind her as they approached the doors, he nodded, "Ah, it's very beautiful." He leaned against the door frame, his eyes shifting along the lake. He stood not far from her, maybe possible to feel his very presence touching her back. "I think it looks like a good place, what do you think Ana?"

Anastasia watched the two of them, keeping her distance a few feet away. She nodded, not really feeling like she was apart of the conversation. "It looks nice." She replied, her arms folded. "Is it alright if I get started on lunch?" She was feeling very uncomfortable the closer the two of them walked beside each other, and right now she just wanted some time to herself.

Turning, she looked at Ana and nodded. "Of course! Here.. let me show you where everything's kept. There's a pitcher of Iced tea in the fridge if you get thirsty.." She moved back into the house and started opening cabenet doors and drawers to show her where everything was. "And here is the cutting boards and the strainers should you need them." She finally finished showing her where the last bit was. "Oh the trash is hidden in this little hide away.. it's not just another storage section of the cabinet." Smiling she opened the tilting door to show her before closing it.

"Do you mind if I borrow your brother for a little bit while I start taking things over to our picnic area? " She wanted to make sure that the other woman would be fine in the kitchen by herself for a little while. "I promise I won't keep him for very long."

The idea didn't make her happy, especially the way it was addressed. However, she had been expecting it since they came here. The other female hadn't exactly seemed malicious in her intention, though the intent didn't sit well with Ana either. In the end, she gave in. She supposed she should trust her brother, and well... if she couldn't she could always send her raven to spy. "I'll be alright." She started pulling out some pans.

Lucian wondered if his sister was finally growing up a little. Smiling, he motioned with his hand, "I'll leave my Unseen Servants with you so you have help." He looked off to seemingly nothing, "Help Ana in any way possible with the food." Little movements of pressure veered off toward his twin, pulling out more pans to help. He smiled and glanced up at Delphi, "Shall we?"

"Thank you." She smiled at the other woman and nodded in return to Lucian. "Sure, just let me get the blanket and an umbrella for the sun. Think we should take some cushions for comfort?" She pondered this all while heading into the front room all without waiting for any sort of a reply. She made her way to a large wooden trunk and opened it. Pulling out a rose adorned blanket, she set it aside in it's folded status and pulled out a basket. "Oh! I'd forgotten about this.. it has matching napkins to the blanket.." She laughed lightly and set it aside to take into the kitchen before they left.

Closing the trunk once more, she picked up basket and blanket and headed to a closet door. "Lucian, in this closet is a rather large umbrella.. could you get it for me? My hands are a little full.."

He followed her into the room, standing to one side as she went through the things. Shifting to one foot, he smirked slightly, "I would take whatever you need. A lady shouldn't have to carry so much." He looked at her, offering to take the items she was holding before going to pull out the umbrella.

She smirked some. "Incase you haven't noticed.. I'm not exactly a damsel in distress.. Though thank you for offering to take anything." She chuckled lightly. "So cushions.. yes or no?" She looked at him before looking at the closet. "I'll let you surprise us! if you want the cushions just grab the ones from the closet with the umbrella.. if not then just take the umbrella." With that, she headed into the kitchen and set the basket on the counter. "I found a picnic basket you could use for the food."

"No?" He tilted his head from the closet to give her a look that said he was unconvinced. "First, I never said you were a damsel in distress." He pointed out. "I merely stated that you were a lady. You are a lady, are you not?" He pulled out the umbrella along with a few cushions.

As she entered the kitchen the sounds of sizzling oil and butter could already be heard in a couple of pans. Many herbs and vegetables were sitting out in an array on the counter top as the sound of the knife cutting them with expert technique could be heard. When Delphi came in, Anastasia looked up. "Umm... alright." Came her voice as she continued to dice some green onions.

She returned to the front room. "Well.. I am.. but.. I've tried to become... self efficient and independent... When you leave court without so much as a servant.. you more or less have to learn to fend for yourself." She paused a moment. She'd let something slip.. Council or not.. the fact of the matter was that her family was part of the demonic high court. "Come on.. we should get out there and start setting up.. other wise Ana will be done and we'll have nothing prepared for her."

His nose wrinkled in distaste. "I suppose you could say we left without servants... so I made my own. Regardless, as long as I'm around I'll insist you be treated as they lady you are." He seriously doubted his sister would be done in any decent amount of time, but it was obvious that she was trying to derail the current conversation so he let it go. "I will follow behind, I don't want to accidentally hit you with the umbrella."

Nodding, she made her way through the kitchen. Pushing open the french doors, she left the house and made her way towards the spot she had pointed out. Opening the blanket, she gave it a quick snap that sent it opening and unfolding as she worked it. She smoothed the blanket on the grass and stepped back to admire her handy work. It seemed like ages since she'd last used it.

Lucian couldn't help but notice the look his sister gave him as they passed. He just grinned at her and she rolled her eyes. He followed along and untethered the umbrella, pushing the mechanism until it locked in place. He set it up in a place that gave them the most shade before placing the pillows in convenient places. He looked off toward the sky for a moment, "Can I ask you something personal? You don't have to answer if it's too forward or not the right time. I know we don't exactly know each other very well yet."

She looked at him rather puzzled for a moment. "Sure, ask away." She smiled a genuine sincere smile that only continued into her eyes. "I'm not exactly too much of a closed book.." She followed his gaze to the sky as she spoke.

She quietly wondered what was on his mind. Likely one of those random questions she'd heard some guys offer their lady accomplices in cafe's. Information diggers she called those topics.

He turned to look at her, "I know it's none of my business.. But why did you come here of all places? This world still has me puzzled. It's not a bad place, but I definitely wouldn't put it among my first choice." He moved to sit on one off the cushions. "I feel like I'm cheating my sister somehow.. She's been trying to come up with a way to leave.. and I've been stalling..." He let his voice trail off. He didn't want to say that he was doing so because of her, however, in a way he was asking if there was something about this world that she knew that he didn't. A way to keep his sister from forcing their return.

She pondered the thought a moment. "Tricky question... I suppose I left my home lands to pursue a life where I wasn't always known as the niece of my uncle.. daughter to my mother. That's not to say that they're bad people..I just wanted something different from my life other than to have things dictated for me."

Her gaze shifted out to the lake some. "This land.. It's different.. No matter who.. or what you are.. I've come to learn that what you are makes no difference.. You can make what ever kind of life for yourself you want. What ever your back ground you don't have to adhere to stereo types if you don't want." She looked back at him and smiled softly. "You know.. The day we met.. I was feeling a little home sick actually.. Was debating going back if nothing more than for a visit.. But.. meeting you and Ana.. It reminded me why I left... I wanted the opportunity to meet new people.. to get out and.. have my own adventure and as normal life as I possibly could.. I hope that answers your question..."

She took her own seat on a cushion. "I've seen what passes for demonic in this world find love among the angelic.. If that can happen here.. There's no telling what other wonders await.. but I'm willing to stick it out..." Her gaze lingered just a little longer than it likely should have as she trailed off. He'd been her reasoning for staying.. for not just picking up a souvenir for her cousins and returning home.. But he was also right. They didn't know each other very long.. and there were still darker things about herself she was sure he wouldn't like about her.. a fact that left her feeling a little insecure for a change. Not to mention Ana was now alone in her house.. Hopefully she wouldn't be doing any poking around.. Not that she didn't have certain things.... under more than lock and key.

He considered for a long moment, listening to her speak while he kept his eyes on some roaming clouds. He wasn't quite sure how to address what she had told him. He supposed in a general manner that he could understand how someone may not want to be associated with a family member, but in reality that wasn't something that had ever crossed his mind. Even though his father wasn't a very good individual, he had no problem using his father's name to get him further in life. However, if Delphi wanted to get by on her own merit, who was he to say otherwise?

"This world seems... to stifle individuals though." He replied, unconvinced. "If this is a world where someone can sue for nothing, or make others feel so.. little.. Than why would anyone want to live here? Where I'm from anyone can take up a sword and make a name for themselves. They can become something more. They can become kings if they'd like, saviors or even become hand picked by their deity. It doesn't seem the same here."

He twisted in his seat. His eyes narrowing as she continued. "Blasphemy. Do angels and demons really mingle that much here?" He considered this for a while, chewing his lower lip. "Does good and evil mean that little? Or perhaps.." He frowned, sighing. "Angels and demons do not mean the same here as they do in my world... I suppose it would make sense since nothing else is the same here either.." He put a hand to his chin in thought.

He soon realized he was sounding rather harsh. He knew that in this world he needed to temper himself better. There was so very little that he knew and to jump to conclusions would cause more harm than good. He was completely out of his element. "I... I'm sorry.." He stood to his feet. "I'm so use to everything being black and white.. I guess you could say I'm confused by this world and its customs..." His eyes met hers, however, he felt so ashamed he looked away. He drew in a breath, "I am glad that our presence has meant something to someone.. however..."

"I think.. that perhaps some times it's best to jump right in and see how you fair..then again.. Some times it's not so easy. This world is very gray... not so much black and white.. I suppose that's part of it's allure.." She chuckled lightly. "Yes.. some sue for no reason.. but.. there are reasons that they do so legitly.. I'm sorry If I didn't paint a very good picture of the place.. but.. I'm sure no matter where you go there is and will be corruption.. It's just the means to uprooting are more... behind the scenes and covert than they are else where.. Back home.. If some one was over stepping their boundaries or using their power for corrupt reasons.. My uncle would go in and slaughter them.. Wipe the wretch from existence and be done with it.. Here.. things are done more.. delicately.. You can make your own lives, fortunes though I'm not sure you could make a kingdom.. an empire.. in a sense.. but not an actual kingdom.. you can start at the bottom, and work your way to the top."

Leaning backwards, she sprawled out in the grass. Her pale hair surrounded her head like a fan. Looking back at the sky, she drew in a small breath. "You two should try to give this place a chance.. maybe you'll see a bit of it's charm.. I'd be lying if I said that should you two leave.. you wouldn't be missed. I've certainly enjoyed having you two to talk to, even if Ana seems to think I'm trying to steal you from her.." She said the last matter of factually.

"Ana..." He drew out a deep sigh, his eyes distant. "I worry about her." He sat back down, folding his knees inward. He turned to look at her, noting how beautiful she looked laying there like that. A part of him wanted to join her and pull her into his arms, but he was vaguely aware of the little bird that was hiding among the trees. He didn't need to give his sister more of a reason to go after her.

"Pardon my bluntness..." He chewed his lip, shifting his head in the other direction again. "But I think its kind of obvious about her unhealthy obsession. I understand where she is coming from, but sometimes I worry that she won't try to find happiness. Maybe that's the reason I feel so terrible for not searching as hard as she does about finding a way back. I know she misses Jaron. And for the first time it seemed as though she was actually moving forward with her life. Now.. she's back to square one." He shook his head, a frown written deep on his face. "And I'm not sure that without something for her to hold onto, that she'll make it in this world..."

"Jaron?" She rolled towards him, propping herself on an elbow. The question was written plane on her face. "It was the movie wasn't it.. I'm terribly sorry if I've sent her into a setback.. You know.. I really like Ana.. she's an interesting sort.. quiet.. but.. if you get past her quiet.. brooding facade...she's quite nice. I'd like to become her friend hopefully.." She chuckled lightly, her nose scrunching in a cute mousy sort of way. Her eyes took notice of the little bird hiding. "I think.. in time.. your sister could possibly find some one..I'm no oracle or seeress.. that's my aunts.." She chuckled once more.. "But.. I have faith that in time.. anything is capable of happening."

His head shook back and forth, his hair swinging. He ran his hand through his mane, combing some behind his ears. "Her boyfriend. Or was, before we came here. I'm actually surprised he didn't find a way to join us. He's a crafty sort.. probably not the best influence on her." His teeth gritted somewhat at the thought. "However... she.. softened somewhat when around him, oddly enough." He fell back against the blanket with enough force it would have looked like he was pushed if someone was close enough to do so.

"Don't get me the wrong way... I'm not saying it couldn't happen.. But I've never known Ana to have friends. Even being apart of the Seelie courts, I don't think she's managed even a single confidant there." He continued to look toward the sky. "She.. refuses... She hates the world too much." Looking back toward her, he noted the cute little look on her face and reached up, poking her nose softly. "But maybe... Jaron has done more good for her than I thought.. I have seen her be a lot nicer to you than I have ever seen her be to another girl before. Maybe there is some hope."

She stuck her tongue out at him when he poked her nose. "I've found that the world will always find hope for anything... little duck.." She chuckled lightly. "Some times it just takes some one to make the first step of faith and good will.. I guess in this way I am more my father than my mother.. I cannot hate the world.. though I might hate things that happens in it.. Not everything is to bear blame for a small part.." She had to wonder just how dark Ana was.. sure she smelled of death.. she noticed the scent when she had joined them for dinner that first night. If he could accept Ana's darkness.. Maybe he could possibly accept hers? She frowned as she thought of that. It was a risky thing.. How did one even mention something like that? The fact was it wasn't a topic for so soon especially among friends.. "My friend.. our conversation has turned so very serious I think.." She chuckled brightly again. "I fear I bore you with my answers.." Rolling to rest on her stomach, she kicked her feet up to rest in the air, crossed at the ankles. "Aside from what you've already told me.. What was your home like?? I don't mean where you were born but.. the other parts of it.."

He mused, his pale blue eyes deep in thought. He closed them, images rushing through his head until he opened them again. "I wish she could see that.." He shook his head, tears almost brimming his eyes. "Its my fault I wasn't there to save her." His hands clutched into fists at his side but he kept his anger otherwise in check. "If I had... maybe she wouldn't be the way she is.." His voice trailed off, more a statement to himself than her. Noting her reluctance to get even further into the darker tone of the conversation, he nodded. He drew in a deep breath, refocusing his eyes upon her.

"No.. you're not boring me." He stated to her implied question. Lifting his hand, he moved it to gently drag his fingers against her cheek. He made sure that the raven couldn't see from its angle.. but he couldn't help himself, she looked so damn beautiful.

Shifting, he moved his weight upon his elbow, his hand drifting from her face back to his side. "I'm not really sure there is much more to tell. It was hell.." He said, a hestancy to his voice. "Probably more for Anastasia than for me. At least.. I was preened for a long time, meant to be the heir to my father's fortune. Only the best servants and tutors until I came of age enough for private school." He was distant at the thought. "I wasn't aware of everything that went on there until long after we left.. I'm not even sure Ana has told me everything. It was.. so very long ago.. I don't like to give it much thought anymore."

She closed her eyes as he stroked her cheek. She wanted to rest her cheek in his hand, let the warmth from his hand linger. As he drew his hand away, her eyes opened once more. "Hell..." He voice was soft as she repeated the word. Her smile was a little bitter sweet as she spoke next. "Sounds like your world's version of hell and mine are far different from one another.." She frowned some. "Your father... She told me what became of him.. at the museum.." It didn't bother her.. Her own mother had slaughtered her grandparents after all.

To her statment he almost laughed, "My home... is nothing compared to hell. I might compare the two, because in a way it was.. to us.. But hell.. really isn't something to joke about. Where I come from there are nine layers of hell, each one too terrible to imagine." His voice was hard, but his eyes were still distant as he spoke."What is it like where you are from?" He was slightly curious, though he couldn't imagine hell being anything but what it was where he came from.

"Did she tell you why?" His eyes held more purpose as he said this, no longer thinking but more focused. His hands were clutched again as he brought himself back to a sitting position. His lips were hardlined, thin and full of anger. "He killed her.." He said without waiting for her to answer. "..Our mother.. he killed her... right in front of Ana.. He beat her until she bled out..." His knuckles were now gripped so tight they were turning white. "Had I not heard her... had our magic not tied us to one another.. He might have killed her too.." His jaw was tight as he spoke.

There it was.. the question that could do her asunder. "You say you grew up in a place like hell.." She paused long and hard. "The land I'm from.. Well we only have one hell.. the under dark.. The demonic realm." She looked down at the blanket. For the first time she actually felt ashamed of the other half of her blood. "I grew up in the under dark.." Her voice was soft almost inaudible. "My uncle is.. Lucifer.. the Lucifer... My world.. Some myths are not myths at all.. and well.. Angles, Demons.. they're very real.. but not at all what most expect.. Uncle Luci.. while he has his dark side.. he's just a man like any other inside.."

She looked up as he mentioned just why Ana had killed their father. "No.. she hadn't that I recall.." She watched him long and hard. "I'm sorry.. That she had to endear such a thing..I can't imagine What seeing your mother die would be like.. "

Frowning, he leaned back, his arms crossing over his chest. He felt the hair on his arms raise, he watched her, his eyes a little less soft than before. "The Underdark.." That word meant something very different in his world, and it was for that reason that he hadn't gone completely postal at her confession. "Our Underdark is the place of Drow.. and Undead.. Abhorrant creatures.. But not demons.." He was trying to keep his tone even but there was a part of him that wanted to rage. Despite knowing that Delphi wasn't anything like the creatures he had come to know as demons, there was a part of him that instantly screamed out to purify her. He was trying his best to keep that part of him under control. "In my world.. we'd call Lucifer.. Or whom we call Asmodeus.. as a devil, not demon." He drew in a breath, trying to relax himself, trying to assure himself that her definition of demon was far different than his own. "Devils.. while evil.. pure evil.. can be reasoned and worked with, within reason... Demons are nothing but chaos and malice... pure destruction and torture. They would wipe out everything in my world if given even a second's chance. So excuse me if I seem... a little on edge..." He frowned while he thought about it. "Some of the last remaining angels on the main plate of our world spend their lives keeping the gates so that the demons can't take over. The demons have almost all but won." At his own statement he wondered exactly what a SwordDancer would do if they had known or had been told what he was just told. Then it dawned on him and he half laughed, Azrael would probably forgive her. So why was there a part of him that couldn't put it aside? Still, he softened somewhat when he remembered what a redeemer sort that Azrael really was. Besides, was he not talking to someone who would be considered a devil in his world, not a demon?

Visibly shifting, he tried to ease himself somewhat, knowing that some of his rage was coming from the previous on-going conversation about his mother. "Like I said.. there are things that she still keeps from me.. And much worse things that I know happened. Her life there.. it's what has bred her to be the way she is.."

She felt herself still, shrink back some at his reaction. "We are demons, fallen angles and devils.. or in my case.. demon and yet not.. I'm only half.. but after my mother slaughtered my father's parents for an unforgivable offence upon him.. I was kept from learning about that land till I left to make my own way.." She held her eyes on the blanket, down cast and unable to meet his gaze. Visibly she wasn't a very tall woman at all and even seemed to shrink further. "The museum.. the stone.. was mine, is mine.. Possibly sent by my family as a reminder.. at least that would be the brighter thought of it.. I hear the songs in stones.. Not a spell.. though I suppose it makes me look spell bound.. Even now.. the gems in the earth below, nestled in their warm holds within the earth... I hear them sing.. It's part of why I chose this place to have a house.."

His eyes were still somewhat calculating and cold. His arms were over his chest, clung hard to keep himself from doing anything too rash. He tried to imagine her being born from Glyssa or any of her siblings and he couldn't even think it. She didn't feel nor seem anywhere near that blood thirsty or cruel. "Am I wrong to assume your family.. your home... isn't anywhere near as evil as the demons I know?" His head cocked to one side to watch her. "I.. I can't bring myself to believe that you're pure evil.. not one part of you.. even if only half." There was hesitation in his voice, uncertainty. It wasn't that he wasn't interested in the other part of her either, but he had to get the first part squared away before he could even start to try to think of the other.

"Dark.. cold, and brutal when crossed.. maybe some of us even a bit narcissistic.. bot not evil in the sense that most seem to point out.. Power hungry.. but we hold family values, feel love and compassion. My aunt.. one of the last wolf demons in my world.. she's as nice as they come.. sweet even.. but when push comes to shove and she needs to protect those she cares for.. she's as vicious as ever." She frowned as she finally looked up at him.

She could see he was having difficulties with this. " So to answer you.. No.. We're not as purely chaotically evil as most worlds seem to label us..." Her eyes flicked towards the bird. This was all most definitely being let to the bird's mistress no doubt Ana was having a laugh.

He drew in a deep breath that he knew had been locked away since she first spoke about her mother's side of the family. His hand was rubbing at his temple as if trying to alleviate a headache that was forming. "I'm not saying I'm not guilty of this myself, but you are assuming that all demons are the same in your world as they are in others. There are reasons that demons are labeled what they are.. regardless of how true it is where you come from. Not all demons are as... reasonable." He was trying to think of a better word but wasn't sure he could come up with one without offending her. Sighing, he mulled over his words carefully. "I know that what I say might hurt you, but... the truth remains that in my world demons are thus, and carelessly believing that its just a facade put upon them can be foolish. I have seen what they can do with my own eyes... what they are..."

He twitched, letting his guard fall as he eased into a more comfortable position. "That aside.." He began, his eyes now softer as he regarded her. "It doesn't sound like your family is anything like the Asmodeus I know, regardless of who your uncle may be in your world. Maybe misguided in some ways, but that is different than being evil." He shook his head at himself, knowing that in a way he was being a hypocrite. If she truly knew who and what Anastasia was.. than he knew she'd call him out on it. Then why was it okay for his sister and not her? Because he still held on to some belief that there was a part of his sister who was good? And how much of that was a lie that he was telling himself?

Anastasia did continue to watch the whole scene from the eyes of the raven. However, had she known the thoughts that were going through Delphi's head she would have been sick. She most definitely wasn't laughing and wouldn't have dreamed of doing so in the said situation.

She sat up, hugging her knees to her chest and resting her chin upon them. "I know... that not all worlds are the same with their.... inhabitants.. I can only give an explanation of what we are where we're from.. Demons.. and half demons.. have been known to be captured and sold off into slavery if not able to fend for themselves. The lesser houses.. they have it worse.. the higher in the arristorcatical society.. the less you fear of it... Once your house falls, you start to worry of raids and keep from venturing out from hell.. The surface worlders can be cruel.. or accepting of what we are.. So.. it's not like we're all peachy keen with one another.. there are some of us who are quite bitter and resentful of the way we're treated leading to other such issues.. the discriminatory line can be a rough one to ignore.."

She took a small breath, letting it out slowly as she thought. "If.. if my half blood is something you cannot over look.. then let me know.." Bowing her head, she rested her forehead against her knees allowing her hair to serve as a curtain between them. "Though I hope it's something that can eventually be worked out.. I understand if it's something you cannot.. I just.. " She paused.. she idn't want to finished the sentence.. what good was it? To say what? That she didn't want her demonic blood to be an issue because she thought possibly that she could be starting to care for him? Wasn't that an absurd notion giving that this was only their second meeting? After the cat was let out of this bag she was starting to be certain that maybe this would be their last too. Well, one bright side.. Ana wouldn't have to worry about loosing him, right? The smile that formed at this thought was bitter sweet.

He wasn't quite sure he could believe the story she was painting. Demons being the victims? He frowned at that thought, knowing it was far different than any demon from his world. It wasn't something he could fathom mentally. "Okay.." He threw his hands up, exasperated. "Bare with me please.." His eyes were distant, deep in thought. He didn't want to offend her, but he couldn't process everything she was telling him, either. "I need..." He heaved his shoulders, feeling almost defeated. "I need a moment. I need to.. come up with something.." He was struggling for words that wouldn't offend her. "I can't continue to call you.. or your race... demons.." He chewed his lip, his hands now resting in his lap. "..Because... in my world... they wouldn't be. I know that might offend you.. and I'm not saying you shouldn't be proud of who you are.. But I can't... I can't call you that. In my world it means too much evil.. too many terrible things.. And I can't associate that with you." He hoped she understood what he was saying without getting in an outrage that he was taking away from who she was. He was worried that she wouldn't though.. but he couldn't in good conscious call her something that meant so much death...

She actually flinched trying to make herself that much smaller. Slowly, carefully she chanced a glance. One pink eye peered out at him. "Would it be better if you just referred to me as one of the darkling throng?" Her voice had been quiet as she spoke. "Or.. just call us.. the fallen.." She shrug some. It was generally a racial slur saved for her kind in her world. "If it makes it easier for you to process.. I don't mind.. It's hard to imagine something one way when you've known something totally different your whole life.. just be thankful you two weren't of our court before my aunt Hebs came about.." She shuddered at the thought "Things were... gravely different.."

He looked at her, his face softer but also somber at the same time. "I'm sorry... I really am." He shifted, knowing he had hurt her more than he had ever wanted to. His long hair drifted into his face as a wind blew by. "I didn't meant to hurt you." His words were quiet enough that Ana couldn't pick it up from where her bird sat in the tree. "Which would you prefer I referred to your race as?" At the question, he never looked up, his face still shrouded by his hair. He wasn't sure how to explain to her what the word evoked in his head and why he couldn't call her that. He thought her much too sweet, much too beautiful to put something so evil to her name, but he couldn't tell her that.

It wasn't much different than how he viewed his sister, there was a part of him who longed to keep her innocent in his mind, despite how he knew her tendencies were anything but. It was still different though, he couldn't dare even think of Delphi doing anything so... dark.. evil... twisted. He wanted to keep her precious in his mind. "If you want me to leave.. I will." He didn't want to, but he knew he had crossed a line. He'd accept whatever punishment she deemed acceptable for his crime.

She was hurt, yes.. but she couldn't hold it against him. How could she? They were from literally two different worlds. Worlds who had most certainly two very different ideas of what her race was. "Would it make it easier to call us.. Fiends?" It was a lighter used word, one that had many more meanings than just evil and mischief.

It was when he was asking if she wanted him to leave that she finally looked up fully. Her cheeks were tear stained. Having perfected the ability to cry silently long ago to keep her siblings from worrying over her when they were children. Without thinking, she flung herself at him, catching hold of him in a hug. "Don't.. I know .. You're idea is just.. it's not the same of what we are.. I understand.. It would be like me hearing that you were a.. collector.. it's apples and oranges.. And I'm not angry.. Hurt.. a little.. but.. I don't want you to leave.. not on unfriendly terms.."

"Fiends..." He didn't like that term much better. It was still something that placed a very negative tone on her. His head was starting to hurt. All of this was playing way too much on his emotions, something he didn't like to think about, much less talk about, in the first place. "If... its easier..." He said quietly, still not sure how much he liked this idea either, but if it worked perhaps it could be a compromise. "To preserve what you are.. and still help me to.. deal with it better... If its okay.. I could call your kind.. Daemons..? Difference of pronounciation mostly.. but if it can paint a different picture in my head.."

When he heard her start to cry, his head tilted upward through his hair. He frowned, mentally kicking himself for everything he had done. He moved himself closer to her and instantly wrapped his arms around her as if it had been his own idea. He cradled her, letting his hand drift through her hair in comforting motions. "I'm so sorry.." He repeated this over and over again, his voice calm and soothing. He knew he'd have hell to pay from Ana, but dammit, he couldn't handle a girl crying.. "I won't leave then.. I'll stay.. right here..." He reassured her, keeping her tight in his arms.

Feeling him comfort her in return, She allowed herself to sob lightly a little while longer. Once she was cried out, she was quiet a long while. Finally wiping away what cold tears were left, she looked up at him, the angle was enough for her to get a slight view of his face but not fully. "Daemons?" She rolled the wod over him her mind for a moment before finally nodding with a small smile. "I think.. I like it more.. It's different.. yet sounds similar... Like the seperate factions of fae courts..." She mused lightly. She had a moment to wonder hos the flelves would take this analagy but shrugged it off. It didn't matter.

Still, she didn't move from her secure location. She felt oddly safe and comfortable like this. Nothing seemed to matter nearly as much. Not the misunderstanding over one word.. not just what his ideas of demons were.. not even that raven in the tree... "The raven.." She squeezed her eyes shut tight as her thought was audible. "I'm sorry..." Hastily she looked around for the bird, still not moving as though she might shrink all together and become invisible.. though she knew she couldn't meld into him and hide....What was done.. was done...

He continued to hold her, stroking her hair softly. Smiling softly, he shifted some of the hair from her face, letting his eyes meet hers. He let his hand briefly brush her cheek, removing the tears. "I'm glad you're okay with it." Leaning over her, he let his head fall, brushing his lips against her forehead. He kept his hand against her cheek, tilting her head up slightly once more to meet his gaze. He wasn't thinking about the raven or his sister in the least, even despite Delphi's current distress. That said, he should have been.

In an instant, a flash of light and dark was seen just to the side of them. Anastasia's white form had appeared out of no where, her eyes furious in rage. It had taken her much longer than she had wanted to get to the hill that they had been sitting in. She had even had to forgo another dish she had planned to get there before more happened. "Lucian!" She grabbed his arm, yanking it away from his embrace with Delphi.

His head turned to look at her, his eyes were serious and seemed to hold no remorse. It would have taken Anastasia much more strength than she had to forcibly remove him if he hadn't allowed it. Despite the fact that he seemed ridged at her sudden appearance, his mood quickly changed when his pale eyes met hers. "Ahh! Ana!" His face turned to a grin as he stood to his feet. "I guess that means dinner is ready then?" As if on cue trays of food were being carried and arrived behind Ana as if floating on air.

She mused, her eyes narrowing as she chewed the inside of her cheeks though she didn't speak. Her eyes were glued on Delphi for a time, almost as if a warning. "Yes.." She straightened some wrinkles out of her dress as if nothing had been upsetting her just a moment before. "I hope you guys like it." As the servants put the tray down it was an array of nine horderves, "Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Pretzel Pizza Rolls, Feta, Ricotta Spinach Rolls, Spicy Asian Meatballs, Cranberry Feta Pinwheels, Avacodo and Goat cheese Crostinis, Stuffed Mushrooms, Pineapple and Beef Screwers and Spicy Thai Pineapple Wraps." She motioned and each one of the plates were brought up and placed in front of them.

She met the other woman's gaze. Ah the warning... She had a moment to feel a bit of remorse. Her cheeks still were flushed with a blush from the touch of his lips. It had been an intimate gesture. Whether he knew it or not, to her it had meant more than just the comfort among friends.

She cleared her throat, reluctantly leaving the nestled spot she had been in. Her eyes held something a little more defiant. She wasn't sorry. She was and yet still... she wasn't. She couldn't and wouldn't feel shame in what had happened.

As if on que, she stood up. "I forgot my surprise in the kitchen. I should go get it before we start.. Unless one of those phantasmal servants would be so kind..." She started to leave. She figured they would need a little bit of time to talk any ways and at least with her at the house, they could till she returned. Tonight no doubt she'd triple her wards.