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"I could try to simulate that for you, but I doubt it would be the same." He could use his own wings to create an artificial wind, but it wouldn't be satisfactory to Lacey. That, and it would get dusty in the cave. He studied her for a moment before sighing and settling on the ground across from her. "That's not all that's bothering you, is it?" He inquired softly. It was written all over her face. It wasn't hard to direct the conversation in the direction he wanted it to go in.

Demoni nodded his understanding, not showing even a drop of anger at the proposition. "That's understandable. It has been a long time since you've seen them." He paused, as if hesitating and debating whether he should bring something up. "Lacey," he began slowly, "I personally wouldn't have a problem with you at least visiting your family, but I would like to voice my... concerns." He glanced towards the entrance, his expression thoughtful. "I don't know anything about your family but what you've mentioned, so I don't know how they'd react, but I worry about what would happen if they discovered you bore Ruin's children," he admitted. "Especially due to the nature of your leaving..." He went quiet for a moment, then spoke again. "Your aunt's family in particular... I worry greatly about. I don't know about her children and grandchildren, but I do know of Michiko. She harbors a deep hatred of southern Azrien--and Ruin is hated above all others. If she discovered he was the father of your children..." He trailed off, averting his gaze further. He seemed to be taking a moment to gather his thoughts before turning to face her again. "I don't know what she might try to do to you. And I especially worry about what she might try to do to any children you may take with you."

He went quiet again, letting his words sink in before going for his second point. "And it has... been a long time since you've seen them. From what you say about your mother, she'd be thrilled to see you home. But your brother... Delta, wasn't it? You said you two didn't have the best relationship, and you did ignore his protests..." He sighed. "And Plouton... If you two were as close as you said you were... your 'disappearance' would've crushed him. I'm not sure if he'd be ecstatic... or livid with you."

Demoni shook his head, gazing gently at Lacey. "My point is, I'm worried that your family might react badly to your return. In the case of Michiko... she might be angry enough to attack you and your children." He shuffled irritably, as if saying such "soft" things was difficult. "I'm concerned for your safety. The north isn't as forgiving as they claim to be."

Perfect. The hook was in. Lacey may have been Ruin's prodigy, but she was only Demoni's in the way of flight; she was no match for games of the mind, especially against a master like him. Demoni hesitated before giving the mare a gentle nudge. "Take your time to decide," he suggested as he withdrew. "There's no point in making a hasty decision one way or the other; it will be a little while until the foals are born and you are in a position to travel." He paused, then asked, "Do you want some alone time?"

Demoni dipped his head in acknowledgement, remaining where he was. Well, at least for the moment, he'd succeeded in his task. Ruin would hopefully be pleased--and be able to forget the unpleasant visit from Wrath earlier. Maybe he would work on convincing Lacey the south was more her home than the north... After all, with how content she seemed just standing there and basking in the arid, southern breeze, it would only take little suggestions to convince her that this desert land was much more suited to her than the humid, colder north.

Yes, this idea would do nicely. Demoni would let Lacey enjoy her time in the sun and think about how she loved the south. Then he would let her thoughts stew in the cave for a little while and then talk to her again. For now... he slipped quietly by Lacey as not to interrupt her, heading out to locate Ruin once more.

Demoni raised an eyebrow at the growl. "Which little wretch would that be?" he asked casually. There were lots of little wretches in their chaotic line of work. Which one had an irritation level high enough to make Ruin this upset at their survival?

Demoni sighed. "Is it that big of a deal? He didn't seem like much of a threat..." He sighed again, this time more irritably. "Though he's infuriatingly... incorruptible." Before he'd brutally mauled the colt, he'd actually offered him the same deal as Lacey; after all, the brother would've been a wonderful incentive to stay in the south. But no... even while he was shaking in terror, the boy refused. Demoni hated Azrien like that. That untarnished light...