Welcome to Gaia! ::

His brothers calm demeanor did little to make him feel better. It was like yelling at a wall. He didnt know exactly what he was expecting in a response. Maybe that it was a misunderstanding or he was forced to do it. Not unapologetically taking full responsibility.

He was about to retort when the angel spoke up. She had been quiet their whole argument, and had enough of their bickering.

He could kind of see how she was Rakens type. Supportive, and wise enough to make him feel like a chastised child. That was his brothers specialty. "I could never hate you Rak." Tristen instead spoke softly, his eyes only breifly going to the demon before returning to Menolly. "Don't worry. I might be upset with him, but I know he never does anything with ill-intent..." A tiny smile. "It's nice to know though that he has someone watching out for him. I worry about him all the time."

Emotions were not something he was particularly adept with. Most of them were a distraction, so often he came off as cold as he simply either didnt feel or didnt acknowledge them. But he certainly found no joy in this conversation. It was turning into a loop which wouldnt accomplish anything. What could he say that would break it?

Miraculously, he didnt have to. His attention shifted to his...partner? Significant other? He thought he had essentially said the same thing, only less sentimental. But apparently something was said that resonated with his sibling. The fae relaxed, looking a touch ashamed even. And though Raken had mentally prepared for the worst outcome, he was still relieved to hear he wasnt hated.

That final statement earned an even stare though. Needing to be watched, so said the fae who regularly brought home strangers and talked to anything that moved.

He made a mental note to thank Menolly for intervening. Couldnt thank her now after that statement, but he did give her hand a subtle squeeze.

It felt like a resolution had been reached. A murky conclusion to be sure, but one nonetheless. He mustered up a boyish smirk at Raken's stare, enjoying the normalcy of him saying something stupid and his brother being a grump. "Ah, rest of today?" The fae reached up and rubbed the back of his neck. "This stop was my main focus. I probably don't want to stay long in the City, just in case some pae spotted me coming in or leaving here and wants a better look. Sooner I can get into the cover of the forest the better. Though I did plan on some light trading on one of the villages going home." This all meant he should be heading out soon. But before he did... "Is there anything you'd like me to tell everyone Rak? Same for you Menolly, since I don't believe you'll be leaving the City any time soon yourself."

Maybe Menolly's secret power was to put pae at ease. He wouldn't let her unknown power question drop, as it could literally be anything. The demon had seen a fair share of ridiculous powers - it really could be anything.

He was more than apt to change subject from his mission to almost anything else, but it seemed that with the main question answered Tristen was edging to leave. That gave him a touch of disappointment. Even though the fae wasn't supposed to be here at all, and the conversation was less than ideal, there was a feeling of loss being away from his family for so long. "...Probably the less they know about me, the better." His eyes flashed to the angel briefly, pointedly, before going back to the fae. He wasn't ashamed of Menolly in the slightest. But Menolly had family down below and who knew how far the chain the Faun would go for. Getting at Menolly's sister, to get to Menolly, to get to him seemed like a stretch. But better safe than not. A live paranoid was better than a dead talker. "Just let them know I'm alright. That I don't know when I'll be back. And to please, not visit me." He didn't like that last part. He would love to see Dyas and the boys. Tristen was raising feelings of loss that he had put aside since there was nothing he could do about the situation. "That includes you. As much as I want to know how everyone is and see you, it's too dangerous. I don't know what the Fauns may do to any of you to get to me, but if at all possible we will never have to find out. As soon as it is safe, for everyone, for me to come back I will. I swear on my life." In the meantime he'd be here. But at least he had good company. Menolly's hand felt warm beneath his, comforting.

Tristen had known the answer even as he asked the question, but it had needed to be asked the same. Don't let anyone know who didn't need to that he even existed, and keep it to the minimum. That would be difficult to do with their closer kin. Dayht, Starry, Dameon...but it was more info than they had before. "Alright Rak. You take care of yourself."

The fae nodded to Menolly before hesitating at her open arms.

Kurt may not be with them, but it still seemed so unnerving to him.

But who was he to turn down a hug? He quickly warmed his smile as he moved into her arms. "Thank you. And thanks for loving my grump of a brother." It was...strange to see Raken warm and fuzzy with a partner. Good, but strange. As long as Menolly was there though, he felt considerably less worried about leaving him there in the City.

He took a step back to offer his own hug to said sourpuss brother. "Come on. Who knows when I'll see you next!"





Raken knew that the moment the hug ended with Menolly, his too soft brother would try the same to him. A solid 'no' formed on his lips, but he paused at the others words. They were a little sad, echoing the loss he felt himself.

"Fine. But stop spouting such nonsense. You know everything will work out." The guardians would provide. He opened his arms, gave a quick, awkward embrace, and promptly stepped back. "I'll walk you out Tris."

The faes heavy heart lifted briefly as he hugged his older brother. He tried to memorize the moment, because he knew just how fleeting it was. Once it was over he'd leave. And he wouldn't see his beloved sibling for a time neither of them could guess. Could be seasons. Could be years. It was a terrible thought.

Regretfully he stepped back and nodded to follow behind the demon to the door, giving one last smile to both of them.

What would his brother be like next time they met?

"Thank you for having me. Take care." And with that he stepped out of their house and onto the street.




Raken softly closed the door behind Tristens before turning towards the angel left in their living room. He was both happy to have seen the far and get updates, and sad to see him go.

At least he had solice in that Tris could let everyone know he was safe and alive. For now. The silver haired male slowly walked over to Menolly, wordlessly took her hand, and started leading them to their room. With the food, wine and company he was weary, and just wanted to sink into bed with his bundle of sunshine.