Digression History: Chapter 1

Digression
Conflict Continuum
Conflicted
Conflicts
Conflicted Rules
CC High Council


It wasn't nearly what he was used to, but he had managed happiness here. In the ruins of this once great city, he had taken over the penthouse of the stately... well, what he believed had once been a hotel. His kind followers had done so well, scavenging for it and repairing it until the apartment was lush with reds and golds, white and browns. It almost felt like father's feathers. Almost. Rafe looked around the plush accommodations with a fond smile, as he always did. They really were doing their best, bless them. He held up his hand to the sunrise just beginning to blossom through his wide windows and small flames sparked into life at his fingertips like claws. His smile became more of a smirk which only completed the tyrant look he was sporting, so relaxed on his leather sofa, one arm on the back and knees spread slightly, as if he hadn't a fear in the world. Who did he have to fear? His smile softened once more and he fisted his hand, extinguishing the flames. Oh what was to blossom so soon in his life. Yes, there was always another sunrise for the greatest flames, and he was no exception.

One of the newest arrivals to the ruined city, and in particular Rafe's followers, made his way carefully through the main door of the penthouse, a stack of rolled artwork in his arms. Quinn had never been a fan of art, but according to some of his fellow city dwellers, Rafe really did appreciate some of the finer things in life. And Quinn still had much to learn about this man he had decided to spend time around. He was as of yet uncertain of Rafe's goals, mainly because the man was a fan of being some sort of enigma. Quinn might only stay until he learned what Rafe wanted from life, or he might come to enjoy his time there. One could never be certain. Backing through the door so the art wouldn't spill all over the floor, Quinn turned and walked to the low table near the sofa, lowering the rolled masterpieces onto it before looking up at Rafe, his eyes the only sign of the slight level of boredom he was experiencing.

Rafe had watched him with burning eyes as the other entered his new home, laying the new gift on his table. His smile only widened. "Ah, such a lovely find." He stood from the couch and carefully stepped around the furniture to, oddly enough, place a hand on Quinn's cheek, his expression as fond as it had been for his abode. "Thank you, Quinn," he told him fondly, before lowering his hand, looking at the art work briefly, then gave Quinn a shrewd look. "Was there a task you would have rather done?" he asked inquisitively, his smile trying to come back already. "I do hope I'm not... boring you, dear." Thinking back, the siren was fairly certain he had never seen this creature smile. Did he ever? Perhaps not. Perhaps his face did not even function in that way, as ludicrous the thought may be. Still, no matter how dull the companionship may be at times, Quinn was such a rare find, he was glad he had not had to work too hard to have him. Really, it would have been troublesome. But now he was part of the collection and, to Rafe, much more desirable than art work. How many, after all, had god killers?

Eyes flicked up to the man who stood nearby, his eyes giving Quinn fond looks and the feeling of importance that Quinn Emory had never felt in his long life. "I have never before spent my time scavenging treasures," he said, his own expression barely changing. It was true that Quinn never smiled. Quinn found no excitement in any of the work he was given, but wasn't about to say that to their leader. "My own interests to not stretch to art or grand comfort, therefore I am as of yet uncertain if my particular skills are useful in these endeavors. If you have need for a tactician, soldier, or the like, then I am most certainly at your disposal." He blinked once and slowly looked down at the art on the table.

"Ah." Rafe sounded understanding and even nodded. He was thoughtful for a moment, stepping away to look out the window. Hands clasped behind his back. "Quinn... I might actually have need of such skills." His eyes did not narrow in the least although he stared into the rising sun. No, his mind was elsewhere. "There is a city not far from here where a resistance had begun brewing against the human government." He glanced over his shoulder. "I really can't help but admire that." He looked at the sun again. "If it should interest you, I will need someone to infiltrate that city and bring me some very important information. I do not think anyone will need to be killed, but then again, I do not feel I know these people well enough to make that judgement." He felt he had at one time, so very long ago, but then such betrayal. No, he did not want them killed, they were such treasures, but he was not going to underestimate his prizes ever again.

This immediately brought Quinn's eyes up and to Rafe again. The boredom vanished almost instantly, his eyes wide as he focused on what the siren was saying. Although there was no real emotion on his face, the interest was clearly there. "You wish the resistance be investigated?" Quinn asked, taking a step away from the table and a bit closer to Rafe. This was exactly the kind of work he needed to be doing, the kind of thing he could throw himself fully into and give his everything to his commander. "Or is there other information you would rather have?"

"Are you going to send someone so new to do such an important job?" Came a sultry voice from the doorway of the room. Elvira stepped from the shadows, dropping the hood of her dark cloak to reveal her beautiful face that was framed by the most fiery red hair. Her eyes travelled over Quinn and her expression changed to one of distaste as she stepped into the room, unpinning the cloak from around her shoulders and setting it to one side. She moved to the table of artwork and looked at it briefly before suddenly placing her finger on one and looking at Rafe. "This is fake.." she said unhappily before straightening up and moving to stand obediently beside Rafe like she always did.

"Ah, Elvira," Rafe said gently and took her hand, kissing the back of it gentlemanly before letting it go. "I am glad that you are here. I have need of you as well." He looked back at Quinn. "Yes, of both of you." He pushed aside his momentary anger about the painting. He would just burn it later. Nothing to trouble himself over. "It is not the resistance I need information about, no, it is the people in it. A very specific three people. I need to know their whereabouts, what they do, who they know, but most importantly... I need to know exactly what they hold dear. It is of the highest importance that they do not know you are mine. Trust me, my dears... They must not know. Are you both up for this task?" He would go himself, but he had a certain other mission for himself, one that not even his precious followers could know about, lest it fail. But of course, it wouldn't. He would need to have third party updates on how it was effecting Fox, however, and he needed to know how to get his dogs back in line. They had been invaluable last time and he was not so angry at them as to simply put them down. No, he wanted them all back.

Quinn's intense expression changed to annoyance as he looked away, towards the wall, from the female...thing. He had the intense urge to pull out his crossbow and fire one of his etheria arrows into this creature. It was unnatural, and needed to be destroyed. But he refrained if only to keep the peace, choosing to ignore the obvious barbs from the thing. Instead he listened to Rafe, avoiding eye contact with either. Finally he gave a nod and turned towards Rafe. "I am. Although I doubt I will be needing help with this task in any way. Especially not from your guard." His face was completely devoid of any emotion as he grew silent and continued staring at Rafe.

"I shall complete any task given, you know that." Elvira replied then glanced at Quinn smirking nastily at him. She could sense his unease at her being and it always lightened her mood to know she was still having that effect upon people. "So is there any information on where we might find these people?" She asked looking back at Rafe, a soft smirk still on her face. "And what is the names of these magnificent three?"

Rafe smiled and cupped Elvira briefly under the chin in a gesture of fondness before looking back at Quinn to answer him first. "If this was an assassination mission I would not hesitate to send you alone. As it stands however, you are going to need to get very close to these people and it's going to take fineness, and charm almost equal to my own. Now, I am well aware the two of you do not like each other, that is why I am not asking you to work together. You both may infiltrate as best you can on your own. These people... are two blood mages, and a fae. The last of their kinds, or at the very least, of very thinned races. One of the mage brothers and the fae run a rather well known club in their city. I assure you, it will not be difficult to find. The other brother, having been caught by the annoying human police has been living underground with many other creatures. I have, as of yet, not heard more of their exact whereabouts, or lives. They are not to be underestimated, do I make myself clear?" He reached out and placed a hand on each of their cheeks, giving them each a loving smile. "I don't want either of you harmed, no matter how small the wound." His hands shifted to rest on their necks, still a fond gesture but slightly more firm, the touch warming against their skin. "And I do not want these three harmed... If anyone gets in your way, I do not care what you do. But I want these three alive. I just want you to find out what they hold dear, and let me know. I have plans for them and I would not enjoy them being interrupted. If you succeed. I promise... The successor will be rewarded with a personal prize. Whatever they wish."

"I will make sure no harm comes to them..or myself." Elvira reassured Rafe, stiffening slightly under the sudden warm grasp of his hand. "If the three have seperated then maybe it is best we do that as well.." She glanced at Quinn and raised an eyebrow. "As you feel so capable at this task, i'll let you take on the busy club to take care of the fae and the blood mage. I shall take care of the single blood mage..by the sound of it, his current setting suits me better anyway." She didn't wait for an answer from Quinn instead looked back at Rafe. "I will not fail you."

If she thought Quinn was uneasy, she was mistaken. The god killer merely took a deep breath and nodded, waiting for Rafe to release him. Quinn actually enjoyed the feeling of Rafe's powers creating that warm touch. Although he usually didn't particularly enjoy people touching him, he found himself not really minding the siren's. But then, that was all part of his appeal. "I will find the fae and blood mage. I will infiltrate the club and get you the information you need." Blinking again, the muscle of his left cheek twitched slightly. He had no need to say he would not fail, it was obvious he was confident.

Rafe smiled at their responses. "Thank you my treasures," he told them, finally releasing his gentle grip. He motioned to the door. "Go then, and return as needed to keep me updated. I have things to attend to at the moment. I'm sure you will do your very best, and I look forward to your reports. And remember: they must not know of me, or my fondness for you. You are on your own in their city. They will be wary of strangers, so try to bring them to you. It is easier to win trust when they already feel the need to seek you out." He stepped forward and, not expecting a response, gave Quinn a brief but very warm hug, lingering only a moment before he released the creature and turned to Elvira, who got a gentle hand on her cheek and a lingering warm kiss on her other. "Go then, both of you. And don't return without something to say."

Elvira nodded then turned without another word and moved to collect the cloak she had been wearing earlier. My reputation will draw the mage to me..that I am sure. she thought confidently as she draped the cloak round her shoulders. She turned to Rafe and with a sweeping bow of respect suddenly vanished from the room to complete the task she had been given.

Standing there and waiting for the other thing to leave, Quinn turned away, his heart thundering from the strange hug he had received. Shaking it off, he gave a stunted sort of bow and turned, his eyes shooting to the pile of artwork he had brought with him. Pursing his lips, Quinn moved out the door, not needed anything but what was already on him, his hoody with his collapsible bow, and towards the city.

---

"Rafe? Are you in here? I have some news for you." Elvira called as she materialised back inside the room. She wasn't sure how he was going to react to only a small piece of information, but she hoped that he would surely understand that these things take time. She peeled her cloak off then turned searching the room for Rafe.

"It is polite to knock before entering a room," a purring voice chided her lightly. Rafe stepped out of the bedchamber room into the main one Elvira was in, buttoning a white shirt over a bare chest as if just changing clothes. He was smiling gently at her however, to let her know she was not in trouble. He walked to the couch with an ungodly amount of poise and sat as a prince might, motioning for her to come to him and take a seat. "Now, my sweet Elvira... You have something for me already? I must say I am impressed." He smiled dotingly at her. "Please, tell me."

Elvira strode confidently over to Rafe then took the seat that he had indicated. "I tracked down the blood mage that has been living underground and I must admit it was a lot easier than first anticipated. But you were right, he holds much mistrust towards strangers, moreso to myself because of what I am. He would not even give me his name. Unfortunately he had to leave suddenly but not before I managed to catch a small glimpse of his memories. I saw an apartment and I am confident what he treasures most is there..sadly I did not have enough time to see what it was exactly but I do not believe it was just an object, I am sure it was very much alive for his heart seemed ready to burst with love and happiness when he looked upon it." She paused to watch Rafe for a few moments before continuing. "Do you wish for me to try and track this apartment down? It might prove easier than returning to question the blood mage.."

Rafe was silent for a long moment, his face contemplative. Finally, he took a breath. "No," he answered, shifting her burning ember eyes to Elvira's similar bloody ones. "No I think that if you were caught the cons would outweigh the pros. I want him to trust you, as impossible as that seems. I know him this much: he can trust anyone." He finally smiled gently and moved his hand to stroke her beautiful hair. "I know you want to get straight to it, my sweet, but you must be patient. I convinced them once, I am sure we can do so again."

"If you do not mind me asking..why is it so important for you to know what these three people hold dear? How is that going to convince them to join with you?" Elvira asked curiously as she kept her eyes focused on Rafe's face. "I do not fully understand why you need that knowledge.."

"I may not know them fully, but what I do know is what they will hold dear will be significantly weaker than they themselves, much easier to control, and really dear, if you know anything about me, you do know how I prefer to avoid conflict." Rafe was still smiling, but it was getting a bit of an edge to it and his gentle stroking had stilled. He did not enjoy being questioned. "I have no need for broken toys, so I would prefer to bring them back without beating them into submission like some kind of barbarian."

"So you think if you gain control of the things they hold dear then these three runaways will return to you without a fight. Hmm..I do like your way of thinking." Elvira replied as a slow grin spread across her face. She would have preferred a little more violence but she had sworn to do Rafe's bidding, so if he wanted no blood shed, then she would obey.

"Oh, no dear, they will fight," Rafe corrected her gently. He shifted so he was leaning back into the corner of the couch and opened his arms to her so that she could lay on him and enjoy the unnatural warmth he was putting off. His face was contemplative though as he looked out the wide windows. "But I am only hoping to lessen the casualties. Remind me to put the lower creatures on the edge of the city, I don't want the brothers ripping through my treasures when they inevitably come searching."

Elvira crawled over to Rafe and lay against him, resting her head on his chest. "So you think the two blood mages and the fae will be angry that you have taken something from them?" She asked. "How do you plan on retaking them if they are going to be so angry with you?"

"Simple, my dear," Rafe cooed to her as if to a child as he wrapped his arms lazily around her. "I have no intentions of harming that which is precious to them. Seeing that it, whatever it is, is alive and well I am sure will more than subdue them. And in time, I'm sure they will come around once more. I made them see reason once." His hand moved to touch under her chin, forcing her to look up at his handsome face which raised an eyebrow at her. "Really my dear, do you doubt me?"

"No, of course not! I just like to have a full understanding of things, thats all. I would never doubt you." Elvira replied as her eyes locked with his. "I think it is a magnificent plan that surely will not fail. You will have your three treasures back in your grasp in no time..and who knows you might acquire some new ones depending on what it is they hold dear. Would that not be good?"

"Ah, very astute," Rafe complimented her, finally letting go of her chin. "Yes, it would perhaps be good. Then again, I can not very well let all of them work freely, can I? They may join forces and run off again-" He made a waving motion with his hand. "Leaving destruction in their wake, no doubt. No, I can not have that. I know of at least one of them that shall remain chained. I can not put as much faith into every treasure as I do you, it seems." He chuckled, smiling as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, leaving a lingering warm spot there.

"You need never worry about me leaving you Rafe. I feel at home here and you are the only real creature I can trust..I would never want to loose that." Elvira replied and for once she was telling the truth. "The only time I will ever leave your side is when someone is piercing my heart with a blade.."

"And I will never let that happen," Rafe assured her, as if that should have been obvious already. "Do not worry, my dear Elvira, you will never lose me." He gave squeezed her gently before releasing her entirely. "Now, I am glad we have had this chat. Do you need me for anything else, or will you be heading back to the city to try to win the mage over once again?" He purposely left out taking the rest of the night off, as it wasn't really an option. For once though, his question was not a test. He was in a decidedly good mood following a successful beginning to his plan, so perhaps his patience was marginally better than normal. Like a human mafia boss on the day of his daughter's marriage ceremony, or however the phrase went.

"I shall return to the city and finish my task. I will have the remaining information by the end of the night, I am sure of that." Elvira responded as she sat up and fixed her hair until it was sitting perfectly. She stood and pulled her cloak on once more before turning back to Rafe. "Time to get back to the game of cat and mouse.." She said with a nasty smirk then pulled her hood up and vanished from the room.

That creature was more like a cat than the dogs he had grown so used to, Rafe mused. He felt mildly annoyed again by her bad manners, but figured teaching her was going to be a lost cause without more time with her. And why would he want more time with her? He sighed once she had gone and stood from the couch, going to the kitchen area he poured himself a glass of red wine and went to look out his window once again, contemplating things as he swirled his glass, the liquid inside beginning to bubble.

It didn't feel like weeks ago that he learned the revolution's leaders. He could remember it as if it were happening again this very moment. He had been mulling in his mind, as he was want to do, when a lowly scout (he could not even remember what the man had been) had entered his chamber. He had sent these.. things, whatever they were, to various cities around them, wanting to know exactly what direction to expand his newly budding empire first. This one had returned to him before to tell him how the creatures of one city were eagerly speaking of an uprising, and had worked hard to trace it back to the source of the revolution talk. It had piqued his interest. It sounded a very promising direction to begin, no doubt, but he did not want to enter negotiation without proper information. How would that make him look? No, it just couldn't be done. So he'd sent the man back to figure out their names, their species, and he had felt awash with both anger and joy at finding out why they were. The creature informant, whatever he was, did not melt as he thought it would, but simply turned to ash under his searing grip, at odds with such a deathly calm expression. No one was to know what he now knew. No, but he needed them back. No. It was more important than that. It always had been.

He was a siren. And he wanted them back.

Coming back to the present he sipped his boiling wine, glaring at the stars as if they had offended him. Soon, he would have them back. One way or another, he would have what he wanted.

---

It was some time later when Quinn slipped back onto the premises, walking with a purpose. His expression was a little less bored, and much more relaxed, as if doing this work was quelling some inner demon that he fought on a regular basis. And in truth, it was. His need for occupation drove him onward, and now that he could do something such as this, he had a real purpose again. Shifting his gaze until he came upon Rafe's door, Quinn was about to open it when he remembered what time it was. Their leader might just be asleep. So instead he knocked gently, waiting for any type of response. If none came, he would go and gather his things and leave an encrypted note for Rafe.

It took a moment longer than usual, but Rafe did answer the door. His hair was mussed slightly and he was clad in silk pajama pants, an open silk shirt-robe laying on his shoulders. He raised an eyebrow at Quinn as if unsure why he was there- or whether or not he should be annoyed- but smiled after a moment, stepping back and waving a hand to welcome him into his temporary abode. "You're out quite late this evening, Quinn," he commented gently to his treasure, more as a showing of interest than to chastize him. "Has something kept you awake, or could you simply not wait to see me?" He chuckled, thinking it would be no such thing, but whatever Quinn would have to say would be worth leaving his warm bed.

"My apologies for waking you," Quinn said, falling back into his rather proper way of speaking now that he wasn't surrounded by commoners. "I had some news before I headed back into the city and wanted to deliver it personally." He stepped in, but not venturing further than a few feet from the door as he turned back to Rafe. "I have found she who holds one of your blood mages' interest. His love. She has invited me to remain in her abode, an apartment in the city, where the mage stays as well. I am to fetch my things and return tonight to her." He folded his arms over his ribs, standing with his feet shoulder width apart as he waited as any good soldier would for any questions Rafe would have.

Rafe had closed the door behind Quinn once the other man was inside and stood listening to him politely. When he finished speaking, Rafe smiled. A happy, oh so naturally charming and disarming smile, accompanied by a dismissive wave. "Never worry yourself over waking me. You two work so quickly. I expected nothing less, and yet I am still so very proud of you." He stepped up to Quinn and clasped him on the shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze as his hand warmed with joy. It lasted only a minute before he let go. "So the pup finally found his mate... I had wondered once if he would ever bother. He was such a perfect soldier. Ah, but so was his brother, and love took his loyalty as well... So then, what is she? Merely human? Ah, no, I doubt his race would allow such a thing, even if it is known to happen, in weaker ones. No. What is she? A sprite? An elf?" He raised an eyebrow at Quinn. "Or have you yet to find out?" Ah, his first moment of disappointment. He doubted the god killer would be so stupid though. He wasn't a favorite for nothing, after all.

Not for the first time Quinn felt a pang of jealousy as someone spoke of love. Something the Deiciden doubted he would ever feel. He also wished he could stand the touch of others better. Even if it was for only a short period of time, his stomach had knotted itself while Rafe touched him. Quinn clenched both his hands, which wouldn't be noticeable to anyone in his current stance. "Her name is Talia. She is a shape changer." Although Rafe wouldn't know about Quinn's ability to read etheria, it was a gift he utilized regularly. "She became an almost perfect replication of myself, although I could tell it was imperfect because she does not know the shape's true...reflection of power." His lips twitched ever so slightly, as if he would have smiled at the memory but schooled his expression before it ever crossed his face.

"Hmm a shape changer..." Rafe replied thoughtfully as he turned to walk slowly into the living room area of his home again, his mind already elsewhere. That posed a few problems. Unless he could charm her, he would need to have a proper detainment area set up for her, and the complications seemed astronomical. Then again, he had never met this Talia. How would she ever know it was him, if he were to seek her out to meet her? Ah, but could he afford to show his face? No... This bared some thinking. He waved vaguely at Quinn. "Thank you, this information has been very valuable. You've given me a lot to think about. Get your things and return to them. I wouldn't want them getting suspicious." He looked over his shoulder at Quinn to give the other man a small smile before he turned away, thoughtful again. "Return to me when she trusts you, and not simply any stranger she meets on the street."

Quinn gave a quick bow and salute before leaving the room and headed to his own, gathering what he would need to live in the city for a few days. Clothes, books, and personal items were shoved into a backpack and he left once more, his mind racing. If he had given Rafe something to think about, Rafe had given him much more.

---

Elvira strode confidently through the tall building's corridors making her way to Rafe's rooms. People stepped aside quickly as she passed but she took no notice, she had more important things to deal with. She stopped outside his door and knocked loudly grinning happily knowing that she was going to be the one delivering Talia to Rafe first. Silly that you thought you could beat me Quinn..

The door swung open, which was odd in itself as Rafe never answered the door, he just told people to come in. What was more strange was the thing on the other side of the door. A girl, just off four and a half feet tall, with blue skin and long dark hair looked up at Elvira with a level of annoyance someone of her height had no right to have. A pixie, one that just tidied up Rafe's quarters (not that he was a very messy man) and not much else. No one important, not that that's what she thought. She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Elvira. "What do you want?" she sneered at the Shade. "Master Rafe isn't here."

"What do you mean he's not here?" Elvira snapped as she pushed past the pixie and into the room. "Where is he?" She asked with a frown of annoyance, she had been so looking forward to tell him about Talia. "I have important information for him. Information that will surely please him."

The pixie gave an exaggerated sigh, irritated all the more at being pushed around. "Not that it's any business of yours," she sneered again, but then took a lighter tone, smug she knew something Elvira didn't. "But he said he was going out for a bit but he would return soon." She pointed to the door. "Now get out. You don't get to be here."

"I have more right to be in here than you do pixie.." Elvira growled as she took a dangerous step towards her, her eyes narrowed. "Oh forget it, i'm not going to waste my time here. I'm going out again. Send word to me when he returns." She stormed from the room unsure of where she was going.

---

It was quite a walk, and with the level of concern Quinn was actually feeling, he knew he had to school his features before he got into the city and headed right to Rafe's building. His bow was already in hand, his other hand wrapped around Talia's as he kept walking, slowly becoming aware of everything around them. He finally found himself and Talia at Rafe's door and knocked, his bow held loosely in one hand.

It had felt like they had been walking forever to Talia and she had been close to telling Quinn to give up for she was growing tired. But soon they emerged in the new city and her eyes widened in surprise. Where are we? she wondered as they walked. She paused outside the large hotel that was Rafe's home then followed after Quinn, not wanting to lose sight of him. Once they had stopped outside Rafe's door she waited patiently a strange feeling of dread and curiosity filling her at the same time.

"Come in." Even in just those two words it was obvious the voice that called to them was warm and soothing. Inside the room, Rafe stood in just his trousers, hands held up, watching steam rise from his skin (and knowing it rose from his hair) as he dried off after his shower. He smiled at it. It felt so good to be warm. He closed his eyes when the steam stopped, lowered his hands, and cooled his body to a more tolerable temperature (he tended to touch people and didn't want to scald them unduly) and reached for the black shirt ready on the back of the couch for him. His day had, so far, been going well, and he certainly hoped it was going to stay that way.

Quinn opened the door to reveal the sight of Rafe. The Deiciden paused for a moment, temporarily forgetting his hurry. It had been only a day but already he had forgotten why he was following Rafe. "Pardon the intrusion," he said quickly, reaching behind him to pull Talia forward with him. "I...have come to request your assistance. This is...Talia." He stepped further into the room, his gaze shooting back to the shapechanger before he looked back at Rafe. "A Shade has poisoned her essence." Of everything he said, this was obviously the most important. His grip on his bow tightened slightly as his concern seemed to leak out in his eyes.

Talias eyes widened at the extravagance of the room she walked into. She slowly looked round until her eyes fell on Rafe and her mouth fell open in surprise. She had been expecting Emory to take her to some old witch, not a man like this. "The creature..she touched my arm. Emory said you could help me..can you?" She asked softly unaware that this was Rafe, the man Dash and the others had escaped from.

Rafe slid his shirt on before he looked at them, a slight frown on his features. "Talia..." he whispered, as if trying to recall the name. Oh yes, the younger brother's loved one. He smiled kindly and motioned for her to come to him as he walked up to her, taking her hand into his own warm, soft ones. He brushed his fingers over her wrist, thinking, then smiled sadly, looking at Talia. "I'm afraid I can not do anything for you," he apologized, then looked at Emory. "But I do not think Quinn has brought you here for me to heal... You came to ask if you could, didn't you? Or.. that I would make 'her' heal this girl." He let go of her wrist with one hand and brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek, barely touching her. It was clear which 'she' he was talking about. "Didn't you Quinn?" He gave Talia another charming smile, shifting his hand so he held hers like a gentleman and motioned for her to come in. "You do not appear to be in any immediate danger, whatever the case, so how about I make some tea and you can tell me how this happened, alright?" He paused, looking at each in turn. "Both of you. From the beginning." He was a tad more pointed with Emory, knowing the Deiciden would know he meant how he had come to get Talia to come here seemingly so easily. He was happy it had went this way, he did so hate violence, but he wanted to make sure it wasn't for an appropriate reason.

"It is not subtle in it's attacks," Quinn said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "That creature has crossed a line. I am not here to endanger those who are innocent. Your pet wants to take a shot at me, I am prepared." Quinn wasn't a master tactician for nothing. He knew what was happening with Elvira. The Shade was threatened by his success at getting close to the woman. "But the moment it starts affecting someone I promised to protect..." He paused and turned to look at Talia. The more time he spent with people who had normal emotions, the more his started coming to the surface.

Talia had blushed as Rafe touched her hand and then her cheek and for a few moments she didn't seem to acknowledge that he had said he couldn't help but with a small shake of her head she cleared her thoughts and frowned. "Tea? Well maybe just one..but I really should be getting back home. My boyfriend.." Was that what she should call Dash? "..He'll be getting worried about me. I don't want to cause him any unneccesary hurt." She said to Rafe then turned to Quinn as he spoke listening to his words carefully. Her eyes widened slightly. Pet? "You know that shade?" She asked in disbelief turning back to Rafe and taking and uneasy step away from him. "Who is this and where have you brought me Emory?"

Rafe nodded along while Emory talked as he made a small pot of tea. Instead of putting it on the stove however, he rested the bottom of the small metal pot in the palm of his hand as he turned to look at them. When Talia spoke, he gave her a comforting smile. "I suppose I should first let you know that you have been greatly misinformed about me, Talia. I am no monster. Secondly, yes, I do know the shade and thirdly you are in no danger here. If you wish to leave, I will not stop you, but I do hope you'll stay for that one cup you agreed to." The metal pot in his hand began to steam lazily and he poured three cups, one for each of them, despite having never asked Emory if he wanted tea, then put the pot on the stove to rest. Picking up two cups by the saucers under them, he offered them to each of his guests. He had a feeling he knew what Elvira had done and he would need to talk to her later, but she had not actually harmed the girl, so he couldn't be too angry. He gave Emory the same smile, asking him to relax. "For the moment, there is no need to protect her. She is perfectly safe."

"He knows more of Shade magic than even I do," Quinn said as he slowly folded his crossbow and tucked it away. He gave Rafe a nod and took the cup, forcing himself to relax from his previous stance. So maybe this wasn't all bad. Rafe promised she wasn't in danger and he had already completed his first mission and gained her trust. Everything else could be discussed later. "Please, Talia, I just need to be certain that you are unharmed."

Talia took her cup of tea after watching in amazement as Rafe heated the pot with only his hand. "Thank you." She said politely before moving to sit down on the edge of a chair balancing the cup and saucer on her lap. She looked up at Emory when he spoke to her and bit her lip nervously at the thought of having to wait to see if she was unharmed. "Alright but I need to be back before Dash wakes, he'll panic if he can't find me Emory, you know that." She said then took a sip of her tea before looking at Rafe. "You haven't told me your name yet. It would be nice to know the identity of the man who is being so kind.."

While Talia spoke, Rafe had taken a seat in a cushy looking white chair across from her. When she asked his name, he smiled behind his tea cup. "I would tell you, but I fear it would ruin what could be an otherwise lovely conversation," he told her. He motioned for Quinn to join them before he continued. "Dashiell is perfectly welcome to come here as well to see you are alright, if it would ease his mind. In fact, I encourage it." He smiled at Talia before taking a sip of his tea. "Talia.. People would have you believe I'm a monster.. I really hope you don't come to think that about me. I want us to be friends. And that is why I will talk with Elvira when she returns-" He looked at the sun lowering outside the large windows of his apartment. "Which should be soon, if what Nadine has told me is true."

As if she had heard him, faint footsteps could be heard suddenly coming along the corridor outside until finally Elvira appeared in the doorway. Her normally relaxed expression was suddenly replaced with one of rage when she saw Quinn and Talia in the room and she had to allow herself to take a breath to calm down and stop herself launching an attack at Quinn. "Well this is unexpected.." She said allowing a false smile to spread across her face. "I know I said I was going to see you later but I wasn't expecting it to be so soon." She said to Talia who noticeably slid back into her chair to get further away from the shade. Elvira then turned to Rafe and nodded in greeting. "Apologies if i've kept you waiting."

Quinn didn't have such compunctions as he put a hand on his bow. His eyes narrowed on the Shade and he took a few steps to put himself next to Talia. He chose wisely not to say or do anything because the main goal in his mind was to kill the dirt he saw in front of him and sweep it away. So he simply waited for Rafe.

"Ah, no, actually you are right on time," Rafe replied, setting his tea on the small table next to his chair and held his hand out for Elvira to come over to him. "We were just talking about you. It would seem you put a spell on young Talia here and they were concerned it was meant to harm her." He smiled at everyone. "But I have a feeling you had other intentions-" He ended on Elvira. "Didn't you?" He used his free hand to make a placating motion to Emory. "Please, not in my home, Quinn. I have told you no harm will befall Talia and I meant it. That wasn't why I wanted to meet her."

"Harm her? Why would you ever think a thing like that?" Elvira replied with a pout as she moved to Rafe's side. "As hard as it is to believe not every spell I cast is intended to hurt anyone." She continued with a frown. "But i'll remove it if that is what you wish." She sighed lightly then closed her eyes and after a few seconds she opened them and nodded. "There its done.."

Talia glanced down at her wrist then over at Quinn as if to get him to confirm that she was in fact free of the spell. She suddenly turned to Rafe as she recalled what he had said earlier. "What..you wanted to meet me? Why? How do you even know about me? And how do you know Dash's full name?" She narrowed her eyes slightly in suspicion. "Maybe I should go.."

Although he did take his hand off his bow, Quinn didn't remove his glare from Elvira until he sensed the change in Talia once more. He looked down at her let out a quick breath, giving her the smallest of nods before moving over to sit down on the arm of her seat in a slightly protective manner. "If you want to leave, we can. However if I may make a suggestion, perhaps it would be prudent to here him out first." Plus he wanted to make sure Elvira actually removed that spell. And so far, he had no proof that it actually had happened.

"Thank you, my dear," Rafe told Elvira as he took her hand and gave a gentlemanly kiss to the back. He was one of the few people brave enough to touch Elvira, trusting that his offer of her own domain when he ruled the world was enough to keep her from casting spells on him, and knowing if she tried to read his mind she would only get visions of screaming humans and burning villages. The siren looked at Talia, his expression calm and kind. He gave little nods to the other two in the room. "Elvira and Quinn told me about you, of course. Elvira told me what you were, and that you knew my old friends, and Quinn told me you were kind to him, so I thought perhaps you would actually talk to me before passing judgement. Dashiell, Bernard, and Fox were good friends of mine, and if they left you as they did me, I am sure you, too, would be heartbroken and go looking for them, to see what had become of them. I am glad they are doing well." He was being sincere. Rafe never wanted the people he was interested in to come to harm, unless that was their wish, which quite a few of his followers were more than happy to throw themselves in to danger. That was their choice, not his. "I've been worried, you see, and they refuse to talk to me, so I thought if I could meet you, you could see I am not the villain they make me out to be, Talia. I want everyone I care about to be happy. And now, that includes you." He smiled at her and it was flooring how charming he could look. It was rather distracting. "You can choose to give me the honor or not, but I consider you my friend now. Quinn clearly cares for you, and so I do as well. You are free to go if you absolutely must, but I do wish you'd stay so that we can continue to talk. And if you do leave, Talia.. I want you to know that you may come back any time."

Talia frowned slightly as she listened to Rafe speak and once she had finished she couldn't help but feel a little ashamed of herself. "Sorry..I shouldn't have been so quick to judge. You really don't seem dangerous..quite harmless in fact. Its just..Dash means so much to me, so I feel very protective of him and I know he would say the same of me." She smiled weakly then set her cup on the table before standing and moving to Rafe. "I think we should start over, you know pretend none of this happened." She said to him before holding her hand out to him. "Hi my names Talia Lonalii. Its nice to meet you." She said with a friendly smile As Elvira moved to a seat of her own, rolling her eyes lightly at the shapeshifters behaviour.

Rafe's smile broadened and he stood to greet her in return. He took her hand in both of his and shook it just slightly. "Rafe Nafargie, and the pleasure is all mine." He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it much as he had done to Elvira, his touch slightly warmer than normal people. "But please, simply call me Rafe, everyone does, friends and enemies alike." He chuckled and let go of her hand with one of his own so he could stroke her cheek again just once, leaving a lingering trail of warmth. "Dashiell has found himself a lovely young lady, Miss Talia. I do hope he takes care of you properly. And I stand by my word, he is free to visit any time, same as you, though I'm sure he will be reluctant." He frowned, looking a little heart broken. "As my new friend Talia... could you do me the kindness of keeping this meeting our little secret? Just for now. Dashiell, Bernard, and Fox will not take kindly to my presence at first... but I am hoping they will warm up to me again, in time, once I show them I mean no harm. Could you do that for me, Talia?"

Talia didn't really like the idea of keeping secrets from Dash but she nodded in agreement to Rafe anyway deciding that Dash would probably be more angry by the fact she had been with Rafe. Its better he doesn't know for now..she thought before smiling again. "Don't worry i'll not tell anyone." She said with a firm nod. "Now is there anything else you'd like to know?"

Rafe was overjoyed that Talia had agreed, but limited it to simply smiling at her. He nodded to her question and motioned for her to sit on the other end of the couch from Elvira while he sat between them. "Of course," he told her, turning so he was half facing her, his body language unquestionably interested. "Anything you'd like to tell me. Tell me about you. What's it like being a shapeshifter?" He paused, seeming to change his mind and gave her a slightly more devious smile. "No, what is the most interesting thing you've ever changed in to? In your opinion of course."

"Oh thats a tough question.." Talia replied with a grin as she settled down into the couch facing Rafe. "I've shifted into so many things..from ogres to dragons, you name it i've probably been it. It definately has its advantages being a shapeshifter..i'm basically untraceable and its very easy for me to get out of tricky situations." She laughed before carrying on. "Its my true form though that caught Dash. He wasn't interested in all my disguises but when he saw me like this.." She said then changed into her true form, her large black eyes remaining on Rafe. "..he knew I was the one. I don't expect you've met many shapeshifters?"

"No, I haven't," Rafe admitted. He had one once, a few decades ago. He was shot and killed by a police office. Rafe had burned that human alive personally. Still, his smile for Talia didn't falter. "You are a stunning creature though Talia. I can see why Dashiell is smitten with you," he complemented her honestly before sitting up a little straighter and motioned to himself with a challenging eyebrow and a playful grin. "Could you imitate me?"

"Of course! Thats easy." Talia said with a playful smile before shifting into a perfect replica of Rafe except for the clothing. "So are you impressed?" She asked her voice coming out as his.

Elvira sat moodily on the other side of Rafe, unimpressed at being ignored like this. So what if she can shapeshift.. she thought before looking at Quinn with a glare.

Quinn let Rafe and Talia talk, not wanting to interrupt. He glanced over at Elvira, letting her know with his gaze how unconcerned he was about her at the moment. There was nothing she could do in front of Rafe and himself. Quinn would kill her before she ever had a chance to even move.

"Ah... very actually," Rafe told Talia, awe showing in his voice. He chuckled and nodded to her. "I must compliment you, Miss Talia. That is quite the talent, even if it comes naturally." He gave Quinn a smile and then looked over his shoulder to give Elvira one as well, but frowned when he saw her sulking. Wanting to placate her with attention, he shifted so he could slide his arm around her waist and use his other hand to reach up to cup her cheek, stroking it with his thumb. "You're more beautiful when you smile," he reminded her before giving her a slow, lingering kiss on the forehead. He smiled at her, wanting her to cheer up, before looking at Talia again, not removing his arm from around Elvira's waist. "I think you are better in another form however. I know it is self centered, but I enjoy being unique," he told the shape shifter with an apologetic smile. Using the hand not around Elvira that had been on her cheek, he reached over and patted Talia's (his?) knee. "I think you should enjoy being unique as well, Talia, because you are, very unique."

"One of a kind..or so I like to think." Talia replied jokingly as she shifted back into her human form, fixing her long dark hair as she did. She glanced at the clock on the wall and looked a little surprised by the time. "Is it that time already? I really must be going. Thank you for allowing me into your home Rafe. I'll come and visit again if you like.." She said then turned to Quinn. "Are you coming with me or staying here?" She asked as she stood, brushing the creases from her clothes as she did.

Quinn had been too busy watching Rafe move closer to Elvira and almost missed the question from Talia. He looked back at her, clearing any sort of emotion of jealousy from his face as he nodded. "I promised to protect you, that is what I will do." He stood and set the untouched tea on the table, an indecipherable look on his face.

"Yes, please do," Rafe told Talia as he reluctantly let go of Elvira and stood from the couch, opening his arms to offer her a warm, close hug. "You are welcome any time," he told her before stepping back and leaning down so he could look her in the eye with a smirk. "And remember, our little secret." He pressed a finger to his lips, then lightly bumped his forehead to hers. His farewells said, he turn to Quinn, reaching up to place the lightest of touches on his cheek. "Take care of her," is all he said before leaning down and pressing warm lips against Quinns in a slow, but short sign of affection that lingered for a few long moments after he moved. His message to make sure Talia came back, safe and without tricks, had better have gotten through, but he was pretty sure his desire to have Talia back was very clear. He stood back from the couple and motioned to the door. "Safe trip, and if you need anything, please, do not hesitate to ask." He gave them both a kind smile and a polite little bow of his head to bid them farewell.

Quinn stiffened, not moving an inch until Rafe turned his attention to Talia. It took a moment for him to realize that he was just standing there and move again. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest, and knew that his cheeks were coloring despite his willing them not to. Quinn nodded understanding at Rafe and turned slowly to usher Talia towards the door, glancing back at Rafe once before sliding out.

"Bye!" Talia called over her shoulder as Quinn ushered her from the room, waving a hand with a final farewell. "What a nice man." She said to her companion as they walked. "I honestly don't know why Dash and the others dislike him so much." She smiled at Quinn. "Come on lets get home. I'll rustle us up something to eat and if Dash asks..we just went for a walk. Nothing else." She grabbed his arm and pulled him from the building.

Elvira watched them leave with an expression of distaste. I'm beginning to hate that shapeshifter already. she thought moodily before standing and moving to the window as if to check they were actually leaving. "Well what do you think?" She asked turning finally to look at Rafe. "Are you possibly seeing a new addition to your treasures?" She raised an eyebrow as she folded her arms lightly over her chest. "You'll get the three back you want plus a little bonus with the shifter..is that how you see it?"

"I have no real interest in Talia," Rafe replied once he was sure they were gone, being serious for the first time. He walked over to Elvira, his steps unhurried, and let his hands find their way around her waist to pull her close. He leaned down so that his warm lips brushed against her ear. "So you can stop being jealous," he purred before giving her a kiss on the neck and simply returing to holding her, moving so he rested his check on her head, watching out the window for Talia and Emory, in case he could see them but mostly sure he wouldn't be able to from this angle. "You could have left the spell on, I would not have been mad," he told the Shade as he warmed himself against her, the heat reaching just intense enough to be distracting but not over whelming. "Nor am I angry you did," he assured her, not wanting his treasure to think she had done something wrong.

"I would have left the spell on but i'm afraid that little Quinn would not have been to happy and I would have had to deal with him. He seems to be growing quite attached to her. Very unusal.." Elvira commented as she relaxed into Rafe's embrace, all traces of jealously disappearing. "If you don't want the shifter, can I kill her when all this is done? Would take away the distraction from Dash..He would be all yours." She smirked lightly. "Oh and speaking of Dash..I saw him earlier in the marketplace..he's made quite the disturbing friendship. He was with a human pup and was even protective of it." She said, her tone was one of disgust. "Want me to get rid of it?"

"Hm, that is interesting..." Rafe replied with genuine interest, but was silent for a long moment while he thought about it. Finally, he leaned back just enough for her to see his kind smile. "No, I am afraid I can not let you kill Talia, but you may do as you wish with the human once we have the brothers back." He tilted his chin and pressed a warm, lingering kiss to her forehead, sealing his promise. He returned to resting his cheek on her hair, his hands on her back starting to trace lazy patterns, leaving temporary little trails of heat, even through her clothing. "It seems their circle has grown so much since last I saw them... It makes me wonder just what has joined their little Rebellion..." He chuckled, as if the Rebellion were simply a game of soldier children were playing. He held Elvira a little longer, simply treasuring her, before finally he let go and stepped back, one hand coming to rest on her cheek again as he looked into her eyes, his own full of glowing embers. "Would you be so kind as to find out for me?" he asked, but Rafe didn't ask. He demanded, covered with the sweetest sugar.

Elvira pouted slightly when Rafe told her she couldn't kill Talia and that she'd have to wait to kill the human. Its been so long since i've been allowed to have fun. she thought moodily before returning her attention to Rafe. "You wish me to find out what creatures are helping the brothers?" she asked wanting to make sure she did exactly as he wanted. "That should be easy enough."

Rafe nodded and his charming smile became more of a dangerous grin. "Yes... And you may kill any of them you wish- but!" He held up a finger for her to see. "Let's make it a game. Let's see how many you can kill before you get caught, hm? Get enough of them, and I'll give you a day of whatever you want- Except killing my treasures." He put his finger down and leaned close so their lips were nearly touching and whispered seductively, "What do you say, my sweet Shade?"

Elvira nodded in agreement grinning as she did. "Shall I go now then?" She asked eagerly as she looked up into Rafe's face.

"Yes, please do," Rafe said and stepped back from her a bit further, motion to the door and smiling, once again as charming as ever. "And remember, have fun."

"I will." Elvira said with a large grin as she moved to collect her cloak which she pinned around her neck before pulling the hood up to cover her face. "I'll return when I have news." She finished with a small bow of her head then turned and disappeared from the room heading for the bar.

---

It was quite late when Quinn came back to the city. Having walked slowly the entire way, his hands shoved in his pockets, Quinn was thinking hard. It wasn't unusual for people to say or act in ways that that confused the Deiciden, but to proclaim something he had never heard of...that didn't happen that often. The mate thing was sitting deep in his mind now as he approached Rafe's home. He would have to check in, but if Rafe didn't open his door, then it didn't have to be tonight. Deciding not to put off the inevitable, Quinn made his way to the door and knocked lightly, not wanting to wake the Siren if he were asleep.

There was a long, silent pause on the other side of the door, which in itself was strange. Rafe always invited guests in, as if the man had no fear. No, instead there was the pause followed by the door opening slowly. There in the foot wide space, not even trying to hide behind the door, was a boy, roughly fifteen years old and startling white. At first it looked like he had white everything, but upon closer inspection it was easier to tell that wasn't the case. He simply had very pale hair, perhaps a very light grey, and very light grey, or pale blue, eyes. His clothes, while not big on him, set oddly, such as nearly hanging off his shoulder or his pants pooling a little at his socked feet. His body language was almost shy, just the slightest hunch of shoulders, but his nearly colorless eyes looked unwaveringly into Quinn's dark ones. Ean, Rafe's seemingly reclusive, and well protected, pet. "Hello Quinn." His voice was soft, quiet, but not a whisper and was just as steady as his eyes. He frowned ever so slightly and tilted his head a little to the side. "May I help you with something?" In this day and age, such a lack of scathe was startling. Ean, it seemed, was genuinely nice, despite being rarely seen and thus perceived as cold and unfriendly.

"Ean," Quinn said in greeting. "I am just checking in. Is he away?" Knowing full well that Ean would know who he was referring to, Quinn avoided saying Rafe's name. The longer he could go without mentioning it, the better it was for his mind. Then it wouldn't come to the surface while he was around the mind reader. He would have just turned around and walked away, but Quinn knew better than to be rude to Rafe's pet.

Ean nodded. "Yes, but he asked that I do not see where," he replied, his voice just as calm. He stared at the Deiciden, just stared, unblinking, for a few seconds, before the smallest frown slowly tugged the corners of his mouth down. "You seem troubled," he said, his voice finally showing a noticeable amount of emotion. In this case, concern. "Would you like to come in?" He opened the door a little wider as if to reiterate the offer.

Taking a deep breath, Quinn gave a single nod in answer. He would have refused, but the creature before him could give him answers to his questions if he knew them. Quinn knew the race, knew that they were peaceful, and wasn't going to argue with him. "You are perceptive," Quinn stated carefully.

"You are tactful," Ean replied as if they were simply stating facts about the other. He stepped back to let Quinn inside the apartment and closed the door behind him, locking it once more. He joined Quinn in the living area and motioned that the Deiciden should have a seat on the couch while he himself stepped onto one of the cushy looking chairs and promptly lowered himself to sit on his feet. He rested his hands on his lap and resumed calmly watching Quinn. "Tell me what is on your mind, Quinn. Such thoughts no doubt weigh heavy, if they can so easily pull your expression down."

The poetic speech patterns were lost on the literal minded Quinn. Crossing to take a seat on the couch, he let out a low sigh, wanting to get comfortable but not feeling at ease in Rafe's home. A being much similar to Ean, the Deiciden knew that the youth's appearance hid a knowledge that was was vast. "People say things that confuse me," he admitted. "Talk about things I have no experience with nor will I."

"I see." Ean was silent after the simple statement, observing Quinn with a blank expression, but something about his eyes said he was thinking. It was almost a full minute before he continued speaking. "Have you ever considered that you say things that confuse 'people'? Talk about things that they have no experience in?" He blinked, then shifted forward slightly, crossing his arms on the arm of the chair so he could lean on it. "It is an opportunity to learn, I think, when you come across things you do not already understand. I do not think you should see it as a bad thing, but rather a moment in which you could choose to broaden your mind, or choose it to be irrelevent. Learning about others can lead to a deeper bond, but abstaining from empathy can often leave you with a more unbiased opinion in conflicts. I suppose the only dilemma you face is which path to choose. Do you side with whom you believe is right (a side which is ultimately subjective) or do you remain impartial?"

"Remaining impartial is not a choice," Quinn stated, sitting back against the couch. He tried to keep the frown from his face, but it appeared anyway. "If it was, I would not be so perplexed by the affections they all show to one another." He took a deep breath as he looked over at Ean. "Do your kind have 'mates'? Do they threaten those who get close to these mates?" It confused him greatly, this concept. Why would any species put their lives on the line for someone else?

"Not that I am aware of," Ean replied gently, giving Quinn a little smile, his eyes kind and wise on such a young face. "Quinn, I think you were either misinformed or have a wrong belief... Impartiality is a choice, just like caring about someone. It is utterly impossible to remain impartial if you care about someone. Unless, of course, you care about everyone." He chuckled gently, shifting to rest his chin to the palm of his hand. "Do you, Quinn, care about someone, everyone, or no one?"

"I was trained to care about no one," Quinn said. "It is in my very being to not care." He felt that he didn't need to explain that it was changing. He was starting to care about people. But it was difficult to to voice properly since he wasn't completely certain himself. "I am certain you know of our race and the choice my ancestors made, giving up their love and ability to feel for the ability to end the reign of those who were slowly killing them."

"Yes, I am familiar," Ean agreed, sitting back in his chair again and returning his hands to his lap. "But Quinn, I believe that any creature that had the ability to choose not to have emotions, has the ability to choose to have them as well. Two sides-" He held up a hand, palm up, and flipped it over. "Of the same coin." He set his hand down again, his blank expression back in place as he observed the Deiciden. "It is not a bad thing to care, Quinn, if it is what you want to do."

"What do I become then?" Quinn asked quietly, not expecting any kind of answer. Should he decide to give into that want, then how would that affect his being? He knew that there would be consequences, it was just a matter of what they were. He would no longer be a Deiciden, however. He would become something new, something different, something corrupted.

"No matter what you choose, Quinn, if it is what you want, you will become nothing more, and nothing less, than you. You will just be you." Ean was walking a thin line and he ended his sentences a bit shorter than most people would. He didn't want to give Quinn a suggestion, whether to love people or to return to being the outsider. He wanted him to make the choice on his own. "Without fear of judgment, Quinn, tell me... What is it you want?"

"I honestly cannot answer that yet," Quinn said, looking up at Ean. "Should I start caring, and something happens to endanger my mission, then making that choice will endanger my life and the things I am working towards." It was a simple explanation even if it wasn't completely true. Quinn was scared of what might happen if he chose to care about someone.

"You should have a nice, long think on it," Ean suggested gently, his pale eyes staring steadily back in to Quinn's dark ones. "About what is most important to you: Caring about someone else, or your mission. It is important to remember, Quinn, that there is no wrong choice, as long as you choose what you want most. Each person only has one life, it is their choice to live it as their own, or live it as others would have them live it. And if you choose the former, you may live it as you think you are supposed to, or simply as you want to. Life is not as hard as you seem to have been taught. Take your time, rushing will only lead to mistakes, rash decisions. Look in to your heart- I know you have one- and do what is already there. You need only listen."

Quinn nodded, knowing that Ean was right. It was one of those moments that anyone looking in might find incredibly odd. The person of unknown gender taking advice from someone of such a young appearance. "Time will tell if it is an idea I wish to proceed with." Letting his eyes travel around the room, he took a deep breath. "Should I wait for him to return?"

"You may. Or I could let him know you stopped by. Whatever you choose," Ean replied, showing no sign of preferring one option over the other. He was glad that Quinn was at least going to think about what he wanted. Free will was not to be squandered. And the outcome was bound to be more amusing than what he felt was the alternative. "I would not refuse the company, nor would I be offended if you wanted to leave."

"It is getting late and I do not want to be caught out in the dark," Quinn said. That was at least completely honest. No one knew what he would suffer were he caught out on the streets by the time he returned to the city he was supposed to be staying in. "Is there any chores that need finishing before he comes home?" He was always better with a job to do, but Rafe hadn't really ever given him any jobs other than the one that involved the fae and brothers.

Ean frowned and stuck out his bottom lip a little, his pale eyebrows rising as he shook his head. "Nnno, not really," he replied slowly and looked around the apartment. "Master Rafe is a very clean person. He says my room is a 'nest' but really, I don't know what he expects-" He caught himself rambling and stopped talking, his expression becoming more of a bashful frown. "My apologies," he said quietly. "You have never struck me as one who partakes in idle chitchat."

Letting out a small sigh, Quinn blinked a few times. He wasn't one who partook in idle chitchat, but people often took his silence as free reign to chat at him even if he wasn't responding and he always listened. "Chat away if that is what you wish," he said evenly, trying not to sound condescending. "I will not force you into something that isn't usual for you."

"Quinn, you could no more force me to do something than I could force you," Ean replied, tilting his head slightly as he observed his companion. He had no doubt about that, though he knew it was for very different reasons. "But you can hardly stop hearing, whereas I can stop speaking, so it is my decision that I will not do the chatting. I am curious, however, Quinn. What do you say when you know someone will listen." The question was rhetorical, though Ean was interested in the answer. He couldn't imagine what Quinn spoke of when he knew he wasn't being judged or things expected of him. What did Deiciden think of, when they didn't have to think of anything? Nonetheless, he was not about to push his question as legitimate and hope for an answer. Instead, a little smile just played with the corners of his mouth, showing he was enjoying Quinn's visit.

The question struck Quinn as especially odd. His mind was always on the task he was assigned. Always thinking of what tomorrow would bring, or what he could do to further his goals. There was never a moment to just think of whatever he wanted. To say whatever he wanted. It never occurred to him to even try. "I don't believe I fully understand the inquiry," he said instead, looking at Ean.

"You are always trying to strategize every situation," Ean explained. "What do you think, what do you say, out loud, when there is nothing to analyze? When you will just be accepted and there is no agenda for you to push."

"That situation has never come up," Quinn stated honestly. "I would guess that I would say nothing. Because I would have nothing to say." It made sense to him, in a way, that he wouldn't talk. But then, maybe he would have something to say. With a small sigh, Quinn pulled one foot up so he could lean against his leg.

"Then i wonder what you think when your mind is quiet long enough," was Ean's honest reply. He smiled and stood up from his chair, deciding he was uncomfortable and paced lazily in front of Quinn on the couch. He was surprisingly graceful for one who looked like a teenager, though nowhere near Rafe's predatory stalk of a walk, full of confidence. Ean's gate looked more like he had simply picked it up from Rafe, a habit now. "I think of flying," he told Quinn, as if that would somehow help.

"I'm certain it was something you spent a great deal of time contemplating." Quinn would too if he had that ability. Unfortunately that one passed him by. His own ability was something that most people wouldn't want to think about. "But what would you think about if you spent your life learning the best ways to kill creatures?" he asked blankly, looking at his own hands as to not see the expression on Ean's face.

"I would still think about things that interest me," Ean replied simply, looking at Quinn though the Deiciden did not look back. "Our lessons are things we know, not who we are. Who we are is what we want, deep down inside ourselves. The part of ourselves that wants to do it, and doesn't wonder how or why or what you would need to do it. It just... wants. Even if I could not fly, I would still think of flying, because I would wonder what it was like. Or, at least I believe I would. If you do not like what you do, Quinn, why would you dwell on it? Why not let your mind wander to what makes you hate what you do so much. Why is it so bad? If you are so miserable with it weighing on your mind, I would think you would try to distract yourself."

"The distracting is the dangerous part," Quinn said, looking up again. "When distracted, I can lose track of myself, give into the feelings that I know are there, just out of reach, and maybe lose control of my own abilities." There had never been a Deiciden who turned. He didn't want to be the first. "I would become useless. Less than useless. Possibly a danger." Even if he did very much want to know about the other side of the coin, the one he was forced to ignore, Quinn had long ago been forced not to.

A hand found its way in to his as Ean came to his knees in front of Quinn. His neutral expression unshifted, but his eyes were kind. "What matters more to you Quinn? Your powers, or yourself?"

"I should be saying myself." Quinn looked at Ean, not seeing the young face in front of him, but seeing the centuries of knowledge that it hid. "I should care more about myself. My race was created to forego that natural instinct. To care more about the balance of power than our own pleasures." There was this almost defiant look in his eyes before it rapidly faded again.

"And that no doubt worked well for most of them," Ean agreed, something about his eyes saying he was looking at something more than the Deiciden's face. "Quinn, 'should' is relative, and it depends who you allow to tell you what to do. In this case, you are allowing your ancestors to tell you what to do and who to be and while that is very admirable if it is not what you want, you should not do so. No one should compromise their lives." He averted his eyes for the briefest second, just a flash of movement. "Of course, that is not to say no one does..." He let go of Quinn's hand and stood before him, looking down at the so-called god killer. "Whatever you choose to do, keep in mind: It is YOU who chooses it, and thus the consequences are your own."

Knowing that Ean had no idea of the full consequences of Quinn's choice, the Deiciden let the comment fall and chose not to argue it. The simple fact was that if he chose to live for himself, he would weaken his entire race. Blinking and looking away, he also realized that the biggest consequence would be the guilt of having brought this on. With a nod, Quinn looked back at the boy in front of him. "Is it hard?" he asked suddenly. "Having all that knowledge in your mind? I have only my racial memories. I cannot imagine what all you hold."

Ean gave him a gentle smile. "Sometimes," he admitted. "But what is harder is knowing something, but having the inability to explain it to someone else." He made a broad motion with his arm, gesturing to everything. "Some want to know the future, others, the past, and it is not so simple as to say 'this is what was' or 'this is what will be'. It is a bit like looking at water. Some will tell you they see the rocks and flowers at the bottom of the pond, and others will say they see their reflection, or that of the trees and sun. It is perspective I find hard, to see the water, what is on it, and what is beneath it, when someone asks 'what do you see?' they do not really mean that, you know. They are asking about the stones or light or even the ripples."

"It is subjective as to where the eyes go first," Quinn said with a nod. "You cannot see everything." It was one of those things that Quinn did understand. He gave Ean a nod, but didn't return the smile. He never returned smiles. "Do they expect that much of you? Perfection?"

"It would be more accurate to say I am seen as perfect," Ean replied, his face falling as he took his chair again, this time feet on the floor. "Relatively, very little is asked of me." He stared at the far wall blankely for a long moment, just seeming to think before turning a neutral expression on Quinn again. "For one who does not enjoy idle chit chat, you are quite good at it."

Quinn shook his head lightly. "I do not believe there is anything truly idle about our conversation," he said. "We have hit a very serious sort of topic." Looking over at Ean, Quinn wracked his brain for a lighter topic of conversation. But nothing was coming to mind.

Ean turned slightly in his chair to better face Quinn, his eyes narrowing shrewdly. "Why don't I answer something for you? Everyone likes that. Go on, ask me something. Anything you want to know."

His eyebrows pulling together, Quinn tilted his head in a confused manner. "There isn't really anything I would ask," he said quietly. He didn't much want to know what was going to happen. "Whatever my fate, I will let it play out."

"It does not have to be about the future," Ean pointed out, only slightly cryptically. "Nor does it need to be about you."

The only person he wanted to know about was one that he knew he shouldn't ask about. Quinn shook his head slowly before putting conviction behind the action. "No. If I was meant to know I would be told. I do not want to be rude and turn down your request, however it seems that I cannot rightly accept."

"Very well," Ean accepted with a polite little bow of his head. "The offer stands, if ever you should need it." He looked out the large glass windows at the darkness creeping over the sky. "Master Rafe-" It was all he got out before the door opened.

There in the doorway, in a surprising full black outfit and a bundle of black cloth in his hand, stood Rafe. He looked at the two of them, raised a red eyebrow, then held out the little bundle. With a smile, Ean went to receive it and take his coat, giving a little bow and receiving a gentle stroke of his white hair in return. Ean gave Quinn a little bow of farewell and went to put the things away as Rafe strode further into the room and took a seat in the chair Ean had vacated, holding a beckoning hand out to Quinn. "Hello, treasure," he greeted, sounding a bit more tired than usual and his small smile matched that tone. "Have you something to tell me?"

Quinn had jumped up the moment Ean said Rafe's name. He watched as the young man took his leave, standing there as Rafe sat down again. In the course of the conversation with Ean, Quinn had nearly forgotten why he was actually there. He lowered himself back down, sitting on the very edge of the couch as he looked at Rafe. "I was checking in. The fae may have trouble in the near future. She fears human raids, and rightly so. The Shade kidnapped a human and brought him to the club. It is not my place to question the actions of your followers, therefore I simply came to make my report. Talia trusts me at least, and hasn't revealed you to the rest. They do not yet fully trust me, however I am attempting my best to win them over."

Rafe sighed and pulled back the hand he had offered to Quinn, using it to rub his forehead instead. He was a little annoyed by the rejection but decided to just not care about it right now. "Her name is Elvira," he corrected, keeping his tone as gentle as he could, but followed it with a long moment as he thought, his hand stilling. "You've done well," he said finally, lowering his hand so his arms rested on those of the chair. "I'm sure you will win them over in time, Quinn. I did not expect you to even come so far in such a short time." He looked at the Deiciden and offered a flooring smile. "Not that I doubted your skill, of course." Ean had returned and was doing something in the kitchen but Rafe made no notice of it. "As for the human raids... see to it that you help them, but try not to kill anyone unless they say to. They are more sensitive- Or I should say, Fox is more sensitive- to those things than we are. I have given Elvira leave to do pretty much as she wished with the human, however, so I won't be telling her to go back on her threats." Ean rejoined them, offering Rafe a fresh cup of tea which he sat up to accept, kissing Ean's cheek as the younger man leaned down, as if out of pleasant habit, then took a seat on the floor with his legs tucked next to him next to Rafe's legs. "Keep the humans at bay, stop trying to damage control Elvira, and Emory, do try to relax. You are much too tense for such a simple mission." He closed his eyes and took a sip of the near clear tea Ean had made for him.

Wanting to stand and take his leave but not wanting to be rude to Rafe, Quinn sat there in indecision. Because the part of him that wanted to be selfish was focused mostly on the Siren in front of him, Quinn wasn't sure what to do. "Elvira," Quinn said, practically spitting out the name with distaste, "is being a little heavy handed for someone who is supposed to be trying to not gain their suspicion." He hadn't meant to say that. But his indecisiveness was starting to get to him. Finally he took a deep breath and settled in a little bit, regretting not taking Rafe's hand. The only emotion that was clear on his face, though, was the longing in his eyes as he looked at Rafe, but he looked away just as quickly.

"Unlike with you, I did not hold hope that they would come to trust Elvira," Rafe explained calmly, seeming to relax from the tea and neither denying nor reciprocating the minor affinity Ean was displaying by leaning his head against Rafe's leg, staring boredly at the carpet. He didn't enjoy not touching Quinn, he wanted very much to make sure his treasure felt loved, but sometimes the denial of love could reassert why his treasure chose to be with him, rather than simply letting the following become habit. "I think we both understand that I am practically the only creature on the planet who so much as tries to give her the benefit of a doubt. No, her switching tactics was not altogether unexpected." He set his half finished tea on the small table next to his chair and took to petting Ean's hair, which the Bennu didn't even seem to notice. Rafe didn't seem to care as he was looking directly at Quinn. He had noticed that flicker of Quinn's eyes and felt his heart flare happily that he had the Deiciden's attention. "She has her way, and you have yours." He smiled, as stunningly charming as ever, making his simple plush chair somehow seem like a throne. "Though if you wish to go about things in another way, please, de tell me how that might be."

Watching Rafe stroke Ean's hair, even in a distracted manner, had Quinn's attention even if he didn't want it to show. There were so many thoughts going through his mind that couldn't coalesce into a a single thought. So instead he tried to focus on what was being said. "I do not think that at this point changing tactics would be wise," he said, looking up at Rafe. His eyes darted away again, and he stared at his hands. "They are very confident in their ability to subdue me if I betray them." Quinn blinked a few times, unable to hide the little bit of emotion he was feeling, which was longing and mild jealousy. The creatures with the ability to feel for one another did have the habit of making such known.

Ean perked up slightly, lifting his head from Rafe's knee and staring at Quinn, surprising Rafe enough that he removed his hand from the boy's hair when he moved. Seeing the blonde boy do nothing, he turned his attention back to Quinn, returning his hand to the arm of his chair. "They have reason to be confident, though I doubt their abilities are what they once were." He looked outside at the dark sky and frowned before looking at Quinn again. "It is late, you should retire. Where are you staying tonight? With Talia?"

"Unless I am harboring a sudden death wish, walking back this late would be a poor decision," Quinn said, sitting up straighter. "I was planning on just finding a bed here tonight." He had a room nearby, although it could barely be called such. The room held a bed and a dresser, both utilitarian and empty. Quinn took a deep breath. "Although if you wish me to return to them tonight, I can try."

"I see no reason either decision would would make a difference," Rafe replied with a frown. In truth, while it might seem Quinn was safer here with him, he was most likely not. He had better protection, but the threat was worse, just because of the creatures he kept in his treasury. He stood, stepping over to Quinn and held out his hand to help him up. "You may stay wherever you wish," he said gently, offering the Deiciden a warm smile. "I do not enjoy travel when she sun is not out either."

This time Quinn accepted the hand and stood, realizing exactly how close he was to Rafe. Keeping his face straight and checking his quickened pulse, Quinn nodded at the Siren. "Since I do not necessarily require sleep, I will find a place to hole up for the evening." He would probably spend that time cleaning and checking his crossbow. Maybe he would actually read something that he was carrying with him. It really was a toss up at this point.

"Need, and want, are two very different things," Rafe replied, making one wonder if he and Ean shared a mental bond of some sort. He lifted Quinn's hand that he had not let go of and, staring back into the Deiciden's eyes, he lifted the hand to brush his lips across the fingers, following it with a smile bordering on a grin. "But as you wish. If your needs should change, please, let me know," he told him, using the word Quinn had used rather than the one he would normally. He held out his free hand and Ean jumped up, placing his own in it. "I will retire myself for the night I think. I've had quite the journey today. Do be careful, wherever you go, Quinn." Again, the siren grinned, this time leaning down so his lips were close to Quinn's ear. "There are some very dangerous creatures in the world," he purred before kissing the Deiciden's cheek and righting himself again, letting go of Quinn's hand to lead Ean ahead of him. The Bennu gave him a neutral look, perhaps a bit sympathetic, and a little wave as he passed, still holding Rafe's hand, as the two headed toward their rooms.

Quinn was momentarily frozen by the continued contact. Only when Rafe let go was Quinn able to regain his equilibrium. "Good night," he managed to Rafe, giving Ean a small wave in return. People just didn't treat a Deiciden with such...affection. It didn't happen. Except with Rafe. Finding his feet once more, Quinn walked unsteadily to the door once the pair had disappeared, pausing just before opening it. Finally, he managed to settle his mind and went out, into the night, to attempt to find a place to wait out the night. He had too much to contemplate and his mind was filled with contradicting ideas.


Digression
Conflicted Rules, Conflicted, Conflicts