Raven quietly got out of bed in the darkened room, as not to wake the other who shared it with him. He padded through the house and out to where the trees stood silhouetted against the pale blue of the predawn sky to focus his mind by training, as had become his habit. After he had run wind sprints until stars twinkled above and in front of him, he allowed himself to follow his knees as the buckled to lay on his back watching the sun paint day over the tapestry of night.
The splintered light drawing into the fullness of day, he would return to the house, clean himself up and set about preparing breakfast without bothering to turn on any lights. The house had become well familiar by then and Raven did not need to extra illumination to find everything he needed. The table usually to piled over with Swan's things, Raven took the covered plate and urn of coffee into the lounge and set it beside the sofa. Delivering a duplicate to the bedside table for his mentor
"Breakfast." He'd say softly as he reached out to gently shake the sleeper's shoulder.
In the bedroom, Tidus began to stir with a groan still tired from his days away, picking up his pillow and placing it over his head to block out any light threatening his sleep. He'd stay like this for a few more minutes before he felt more awake, drawing in a deep breath he'd stand, his hair even as wayward as it was bespoke Shade's admonishment as it fell into his eyes. Stalking into the lounge, he grunting his good morning. Swan, not accustomed to sleeping rough, grunted back in kind.
"Morning, Tidus..." Raven greeted with the subline serenity the older Sin still found hard to fathom.
Tidus poured himself some water, drinking near the full glass in one shot, idly scrubbing it and the sink he poured it into before turning back towards the bedroom to put on some light clothes. His daggers in hand he walked outside to train.
Curious to see the other with his blades, Raven went to stand just inside the shadows of the house, watching the other male after he had seen to his brother.
Stretching some to limber his muscles, shaking them out to loosen up he'd breath pulling air into his body. Once warmed, he'd focus the dummy in a glare and ambush towards it, striking at slashing at vital locations in a well versed kata. Side stepping as he continued his attacks, adding hard hitting kicks.
Raven watched intently, noting the other's skill and speed. The kata was unfamiliar to him, the younger Sin having learn only a handful and only two that he ran through on a regular basis. He stood bemused, having always enjoyed watching other's work with their blades. Both for the beauty he found in it and for more tactical reasons.
It would be when the sin took a step back flicking the daggers about his body in a spin that it would take a different form, flicking the button on his daggers hilt allowing the weapons to become like long whips, the speed of which he used them causing a humming sound about him, deliberate well timed steps as he moved forward taking chunks of the wooden stand
Raven felt his palms begin to itch. His hands longing to wrap themselves around the grip of a blade. He watched in awe as the other's blades extended. He'd seen these types of daggers and had the misfortune of feeling their sting. He watched with growing admiration as the song of the blades sang around the dancing Sin, who piece by piece took apart the wooden from before him, the percussion adding to the deadly music the other played.
The daggers would whip dangerously close to his body, skimming past his chest as the build up of motion continued he leapt into the air twirling with the daggers in one quick move striking the dummy enough to slice it apart entirely. Once he came to a still he'd press the buttons again triggering the mechanism inside to retract locking the segments of blades back in place.
When it looked as though Tidus had finished, Raven turned to slip further into the shadows of the house. The finishing move awakening a even more intense hunger within Raven. His yearning to once again dance within the singing arcs of shining death gnawing at him unlike any other desire he had known. He knew this longing would shine in his eyes and he wanted a moment for it to dissipate, lest Tidus see. He busied himself with cleaning up after Swan who had deposited his plate in the sink.
The assassin may have caught a glimpse of the bird nearby but even if he had he'd not have approached him yet anyway, panting at the damaged dummy he'd resume his training not yet feeling satisfied he'd done enough for the day, freeing the blades once more he'd let them whisper to him, repeating moves over and over deepening the muscle memory. If uninterrupted he'd remain out there for a long time before returning to the house well worn and sweat laced, hair slicked away from his features.
Raven, having long since cleaned the kitchen back to a dazzling shine, the plate of food he'd prepared for the other male earlier, set over a steaming pot to keep warm, had perched on a hard wood chair at the table to catch a short nap. After the blissful nothingness of Kistig's potion had worn off, he'd spent the night occupying his mind with little exercises he'd been taught to keep himself focused and awake during long hours in the field. Even with Swan having supplied him with his alchemical escape, he still kept his habit of stealing sleep when the opportunity presented it'self.
Tidus would slip past them all to the bathroom having a brief shower, Feeling much better once he had. Dressed in his leathers he'd walk back into the kitchen placing the pot on for tea.
"Who cooked?" His tone curious. Looking over the food, he wasn't going to turn it down after his work out. It was hearty breakfast that greeted him when he uncovered the plate. Fish and eggs, pan fried potatoes with onions and herbs, light and fluffy fresh-baked biscuits offset by a fan of sliced tomato resting over a pile of sauteed mushrooms. A ramekin of beans with two slices of bacon crossing it and several triangles of toast standing like rooster's tail as well as a bowl of oats and a plate of cut fruit waited nearby the plate.
"Someone's been busy..." He remarked. His brow raising at the offering. Taking a seat he'd make light work of the fish and eggs, slowing down once he hit the tomato. "What were your plans today boys?" He asked, making conversation as he ate.
Swan, having returned from his shower took a seat on the sofa. "I believe that was left in your corner last night. I had planned to take Rave back with me to Morheim this morning until you dissuaded me." He said, looking to the Sin as he ate. Raven straightened where he stood, his brow furrowing for just a second at the mention of his being taken back to the ruined city.
The wolf would crook his index claw to the bird gesturing him to take a seat so as to take part in the conversation. "Do you -want- to go to moheim?" directed to Raven
Raven placed his hands in his lap. "Having been reunited with my brother...I would not now be parted..." He said softly as he stared intently at the grains in the wooden coffee table though not at all pleased not happy with the prospect. He was, however willing to do whatever it took to be with his brother after having thought him to have died with the rest of his family.
"No Raven... that's not what I asked you." he'd say sternly "What you want?"
"I -want- nothing more than to be with my brother..." Raven answered honestly. "Having suffered from the misapprehension of his untimely demise, I am loath to part from him now." The dark haired male's speech becoming increasingly more formal the more uncomfortable he became and the thought of returning to Morheim made him very uncomfortable indeed. He felt torn between his brother and not wishing to be parted from one he had come to feel even closer to than his own kin. He felt himself becoming ever more disconcerted by the prospect. Though not as effortless as before, he sectioned these feelings off and filed them away.
"So be -with- him.. but there are other places than Morheim to do that..." sternly looking at the other still gritted by the potion he knew the bird had taken the previous day.
"Yes, indeed." Swan agreed. "We could always go to the brownstone in Pandae...but I have promised to turn over some...much of the day to day matters of the business to others and I fear being in The Great City would be a terrible temptation for me..." Swan added sheepishly.
"Then Beluslan perhaps?" He offered, looking between the two men.
"I suppose lodging could be found there..." Swan pondered.
Raven sat quietly letting the others decide. He'd happily live in a rat infested alley that reeked of blood, vomit and piss before returning to his home city.
"Raven?" Tidus asked, cornering the male for an opinion as he ate a piece of mushroom.
"Beluslan would not be unagreeable." Raven responded softly.
The snow haired male would blink at Raven and his wording, shaking his head a moment. He often found Raven rigid, which made him turn his attention to Swan instead. "I have a place in Beluslan near kungulfberg, no one other than a very select few know it exists."
"Kungulfberg...a bit off the beaten track, but as I recall you said you wished a quiet environment for Rave, away from the bustle of people coming and going. I do apologize for that Rave. I wasn't thinking." Swan sniffed.
Finishing with his food for now he'd push the plate aside, claws tapping against the wooden table top one after another in a gentle but impatient beat, his other hand propping his head against the table waiting to see if Raven was going to offer some input into his own future.
"Raven..." The tension building with the Asmo but he was doing his best to keep his cool, he'd given much of his time, his home, his teachings and support. At this point he wanted Raven to care, to be present. "Anything..." He shrugged.
"I have had the occasion to visit Kungulfberg. I found it to have an exceptional beauty." Raven replied when pressed. It was not that he did not appreciate everything that the other had done for him and his eyes sparkled with the prospect of remaining with the older Sin as well as his brother.
"Then it's settled, beluslan will be more suited for now at least until Raven is more able to get back on his feet." He stated. leaning back against the chair. Raven giving at least some real input albeit nonverbal Tidus would back off. "There's a lot more room in that house than this we won't be so squashed as we are now."
"Lovely! " Swan gushed. "I do so love to travel and I daresay being in a place less 'squashed' holds a definite appeal for me. This one, however, is overdue for a 'squashing'!" Swan chuckled. He stood and went to Raven, clasping him in a bear hug that lifted the much smaller male from his seat. Raven's eyes went wide and he tensed up as he was so suddenly descended upon. He started to struggle in the other's arms, his brow creased, his nostrils flared. Swan, seemingly oblivious, chuckled hearily as he returned Raven's feet to the floor and stood with a broad smile on his face.
Tidus watched as always, the moment affirming his suspicions that Swan wouldn't be able to manage Raven on his own. But he had his own life, his own tasks and Swan was Raven's kin. Frowning, he shook these idle thoughts free. He knew deep down that without his help the bird had no meaningful hope of recovery.
"Get any items you might need, we'll leave in an hour, stop by the fortress to pick up fresh food and supplies. the place will be dusty and need to be cleaned... even by the bachelors standards." Tidus remarked.
"Already packed!" Swan said cheerfully as he moved his hand to ruffle the top of his younger brothers head, but found he had stepped away, dodging his hand before it even got close.
"I need a few moments to pack, i also want to stop by and see someone before we go.." standing from the table he'd rinse and clean the few dishes that were there. "Perhaps it might be wise if you both did the same." stepping away from the kitchen once he was done opening his cube to pack clothes, medical supplies and weapons.
"I've already packed everything I brought that I did not send back to Pandae with Enorea. Rave doesn't seem to have brought anything with him here. How much simpler life must be when one travels light." Swan said, pushing his chair back into place at the table.
Tidus would stop hearing Swans assistants name, finding it similar to one he once knew a frown growing on his face. "I don't know if you've been there before, but its the coldest place in Ateria, make so you bring clothes according to that. stepping out from his room he'd move towards the door. "i'll be back and ready to go in an hour."
"Coldest? An hour? I'm not sure I can arrange to have the proper attire sent here. Might we stop in Pandae that we could get somethings from storage for Rave? I guess I could try to have Enorea meet us in Beluslan with some Winter clothes, though..." Swan pondered.
"Make it too if you like...i guess there really isn't any rush..." thinking it over "how long do you think you'll need."
"Enorea's would be more than capable of packing what rave would need in an hour or so. I'll message her. Is there anything special that you'd like from Pandae? I'm sure she could manage to acquire anything you asked for." Swan said.
"No.. I have everything I need but, thank you for the concern." He'd swallow at the name, no longer too keen on 'legs' hanging about
"Winter clothes, you said, right? I'll have her pack a selection of warm items for Rave." Swan said, tapping a finger to his chin. "...and me..." he said with a shiver.
"Sure... Teamwork and all that crap." He'd smirk back at the other two, walking out the door to leave them to it. Tidus had not had a family member to look after his best interests when he had returned. From what little he'd already learned about the lad, he felt confident that Swan would be the lynchpin in his efforts to do more than simply reforge a broken blade.
Raven's Story part 41
Not far from the transporter stood three laden brax. A burly male adjusting the straps that held the packs on one of them. Enorea, off to the side, in a high collared, floor lenght sable coat. Each brax had a long fur coat hanging from their packs; Swan and Tidus' an inky black mink like Enorea's. Raven's of mottled white worg. When the matching fur hat covered the other's jet hair, Tidus found himself nodding in approval. Out in the snow, Raven would blend into his surroundings perfectly. Three large bundles lay near the feet of each animal. Inside were a set expensive tailored Winter clothes. The packs on the animals consisted of more clothes, food and various sundries including a case of expensive whiskey and one of brandy strapped to the back of the largest brax.
Swan, after coming out from the small tent Enorea had arranged for him to change into the winter clothes she had brought, went over and signed the paperwork she handed him while the burly animal handler leered at the leggy blonde who's pale golden hair hung in a silken fall down her back, the coat hugging her in all the right places leaving little to the imagination.
Raven's mood had improved 100% in the cool air of Beluslan. He stood taller and wore a ever so slight half smile. Until he saw Tidus in his 2nd eldest brother's coat. A white dove embroidered on each cuff and one on the right hand side of the collar. He averted his eyes, a pained expression crossing over his face that past like a slow moving cloud to wipe the emotion once again from his face. His surviving brother's clothes had similar markings, though that of a graceful silhouetted swan of silver thread. Only Raven's was less adorned with a single black feather embroidered at the cuff of one sleeve. His outfit, while just as expensive looking as the one Swan wore was markedly less fancy, drab even and quite plain, but they seemed to suit him perfectly, a quiet man with modest tastes.
Tidus tried the jacket on that was a similar match to Swan's. The Wolf caught the change that came over the bird and looked more closely at the design. Seeing a dove on his cuffs and at his collar, it all made sense. A part of the snow-maned male wanting to heartily slap Swan. Did he not realize? Did he not care? Quickly taking the jacket off he folded it neatly.
"I don't need this. Make sure it goes back where it belongs." He instructed as he gave it to Legs as much as he'd been trying to avoid her despite her body saying all the right things. When the handler looked over the girl he'd glare for what would appear to be no good cause, huffing.
Raven had gone over to pet one of furry beasts that stood patiently waiting as it chewed it's cud. The small half smile curling one side of his mouth as the animal rubbed it's head against him.
"Well! Are we ready?" Swan asked, with a clap of his hands.
The journey was a joy for Raven. The crisp air invigorating after being in Sarpan with it's uncomfortable heat that sapped his strength and bright sun that bothered his eyes. Beluslan was rock, snow and brittle wintry light. In his element once again, Raven felt very much at home. While normally, the night-maned Sin would walk where his footfalls would not be heard, he took to the snow beside the path to hear it squench and squeak beneath his feet. To cheer a sullen Swan he made snowballs and begged the other to juggle them. The chestnut-haired male's mood was soon lightened by Raven clapping and laughing in delight. The darkling of the brood always knowing how to make his brothers brighter.
Tidus, mindful of the ones he led, stopped to make camp though had he been alone would have continued straight on. He had Raven prepare the site as with but his claws to defend himself, the Scout did not wish to send him out for wood. Not that he thought the younger Asmodian would not be capable, but did not wish to place him in such a position so soon. Swan on the other hand, Tidus thought was sure to become hopelessly lost the moment their camp was out of sight. He returned to find the brax fed and picketed. The camp in order just waiting for the wood he carried.
"...I've got it..." The White Wolf assured as he took the pot from the worn looking bird with hooded eyes. Barely bothering to scoot back from where he had been crouching, the sable-haired Sin sat back. Drawing his legs up with heels splayed, the tired young male rested his chin in the space between his knees. As the older Sin had suspected, when Raven lowered his lashes to blink, they did not lift. Tidus let the other sleep, motioning to Swan to do the same. Thus, in soft whispers, they ate their meal before an equally exhausted Swan crawled under the blankets his brother had laid out inside the tent. Swaddling the sleeping Sin in his older brother's coat, Tidus let the fire die down and found a place out of the light to stand watch over those in his charge.
Raven's Story part 42
"...It might need some airing." Tidus remarked standing out front of what was his childhood home, looking back to the others. The bitter wind whipping about the mask over his face to protect him. "...It's better than it seems." Smirking where others couldn't see. He pushed aside some branches and opened the creaking door for them. Sure enough, it was dusty from not being used and cold from being empty, but there was love in it. Nice boards through out and fairly recent-ish paint awaited them inside what would appear like a nice little family home.
Swan squenched his nose at the ramshackle place. " I thought you said it would be larger? This looks..." He'd not finish his statement as the dwelling expanded upon entering. Still, he rubbed glove covered the fingers of one hand together distastefully at the dust and grime. Swan strolled about the home as if inspecting a property for purchase, his eye critical as always.
Raven, saw through the ravages of time and neglect. The small smile still sitting on the side of his face, though his eyes glinted with apprehension brought on by the new and unfamiliar surrounding full of shadows. His scanned the room, taking in all the pertinent information a Scout would: exits, entrances, furniture placement, location of any weapons and the number and location of any item that could be used as such. The wheels in his mind clearly working, his guard up, the bird was on high alert even if he outwardly appeared to be relaxed.
Tidus took a deep breath despite the dust. The smell of the wood and echo of footsteps on the timber floods having a deeply calming effect on him, his young features too smiling, moving back outside to open the shutters letting in some light. Raven, following Tidus asked if he should start moving their supplies into the home. His voice soft and level though his eyes would betray his eagerness to busy his hands that he might calm his mind.
"...Yes, but it won't hurt to wipe things down as you put things away. I'll get a broom in a minute.." The snow-maned Sin agreed. Once the shutters were open he'd walk back inside rubbing his hands together. "Let's get some heat in the place."
Mindful of Tidus' instructions, Raven first moved the boxes and packages off of one of the pack animals inside, stacking them neatly along the sides of the long hall to be unpacked after the areas could be cleaned. Swan wandered aimlessly from room to room, occasionally picking at a bundle or box, peaking at their contents, but doing very little in the way of helping out.
Taking the broom from behind one of the doors the Scout was momentarily distracted, walking down the long hallway to the glass door at the end. Opening it, he entered the sun room, looking at the chest high overgrown shrubs and plants that had survived the neglect. It was warmer than the rest of the cold house but not enough to be pleasant enough to warrant stripping down.
"Oh, this will be quite nice, once it's been tamed a bit..." Swan remarked after noticing the open door to the sun room and strolling casually inside.
"Mmm... I'm not a green thumb.." Tidus remarked raising his upper lip some at the work. He went back into the house and began to sweep the dusty boards overhead and cobwebs that festooned them.
"Rave's good with getting things to grow and bloom. I'm sure he'll have this place set right in short order." Swan said cheerfully as he plucked a leaf from off a shrub and rolled it in his fingers idly.
"...Good it'll give him something to do the lazy bastard..." Saying it in jest knowing the real culprit was talking with him, himself not a whole lot better. "There are sheets in the drawers of the master bedroom. Can you check that they're clean enough to use and put them on the beds Swan?" He asked, continuing his eradication of what time had done. Swan looked at Tidus as if he had asked him to eat a toad, but wandered off looking half-heartedly for these drawers the snow maned male had mentioned.
Raven continued moving their supplies inside, working with efficiency. Another pack animal divested of it's burden. He had removed his coat, hanging it with care on a peg beside the door. Sweat dampening his hair. ..and body heat rising off of him in a fine wispy steam in the frosty air. Raven paused in his unpacking to rub down the two animals that stood likewise steaming. He coo-ed soft words words to them as he toweled them down with the blankets that had been used to cushion the load they had carried. After securing the blankets about the mostly dry animals animals using the straps that had held their load in place he went back to removing the boxes and bundles from the last.
Tidus moved down the hall to the kitchen and throughout the house sweeping and dusting. When satisfied, he walked outside to the stack of fire wood, his tight leather rescuing him from the full force of the cold wind, cutting it off of his skin. He didn't slow either, scooping up handfuls of wood from the side of the house and skittling back inside to get a fire going in the lounge.
All the packages inside and the animals seen to, Raven went to Tidus as he set about starting the fire."Is there a barn or shed large enough to shelter the animals or a place cut off from the wind that I may picket them overnight. I'll return them to the city in the morning." He said quite forgetting himself and the situation he was in for the moment.
"No barn, but the other side has the mountain and tree coverings. They may even get some heat from the bricks once this is going. There's a ton of grass they can have in the sun room, all those plants are done for.." The Scout remarked, pointing with the firewood in his hands as he gestured to the otherside of the fire place.
Raven went back outside, closing the door behind him. He lead the animals back where Tidus had suggested. Picketing them and stacking and weaving an array of branches as to build them of a wind break where the tree cover looked sparse.
Swan, figuring that the sheets were clean enough after giving them a sniff was draping them loosely over the mattresses with a bit of difficulty not even bothering to even them out over the sides. This being a task he had never been asked to perform before, having had a valet with him during his stint in the military. The tall male shambled into the lounge, flopping down in the chair, kicking up a cloud of dust as he did so. He exhaled wearily as if exhausted by his labors. He'd wave off the dust with annoyance as it floated about him in a cloud.
Tidus looked at the older male blankly. The fire starting to take hold. Out of nowhere he muttered to Swan. "Spooooooon" Picking on him. "Have you ever worked a day in your life?"
"Not like this, my dear boy. Had I known I would be subjected to this sort of labor I would have contracted staff to accompany me..." Swan said wearily, only half jesting.
The asmo would grin darkly at the Swan, a broad toothy grin with eyes glowing as if the other had suddenly became a snack. "Oh...you're going to love it here spoon.."
A broad smile split Swans face and he let out a hearty laugh. "Why do I suddenly wish I had chosen not to willingly be absconded to this hinterland!" Swan wailed melodramatically.
One of the Brax, warm and content not to be laboring laid down with a soft grunt. Raven sat down in the snow next to the beast, wrapping his arms around it's neck and burying his face in it's soft, warm fur. The young male had felt very lonely and missed the contact and affection he was used to receiving. His mother was ever brushing his bangs from out of his eyes or stroking his back. Missing her dark haired son who was so often away.
Recently, he had withdrawn from others, as he now found being touched uncomfortable and it caused him to flinch no matter how hard he tried not to. He was ashamed of this reaction he seemed powrless to quell and thus had avoided physical contact as much as possible, though he missed it more than he had thought he would. Leaning against the animal, the rise and fall of its chest lulled him off to sleep. While not feeling uncomfortable enough to wake, it wasn't long before the dampness of his hair and clothes had him softly shivering.
"You might just come to do that. Lots to be done in a place like this... You'll have to make yourself useful. If you're decent enough I might stop calling you spoon for a while." Tidus remarked. Standing up with the fire healthy he brushed the grains of wood from his gloves.
"I shall endeavor in my upmost to please the master of this fine abode." Swan said with a dramatic flourish of his hand.
"You sure you're marrying a bride not a groom there Swan?" Tidus quipped. Wondering where Raven was, but assuming he was tending to the animals.
"I shall have to take you to task, my boy if you choose to cast disparaging remarks toward my beloved Eydis. While I will be the first to admit she is a -sturdy- woman. She is the love of my life and makes me incredibly happy." Swan admonished. His tone still light, but his eyes spoke of the seriousness that underlined his words.
Tidus grinned broadly, completely unthreatened. "Oh I wasn't talking about Eydis, I'm sure she's a fine woman, sturdy or not. My comment was squarely aimed at you."
As Swan seemed perplexed, Tidus would mimic the action that had caused the remark finding it flamboyant, twirling his hand in such a way as swan had enjoying the moment of pestering the other. Once done with his mimicry, he'd turn smiling.
"Now where's the Raven..." Tidus mused, moving out the heavy wooden door and down the steps to where the male should be.
"I'm sure he's about. His coat is hanging by the door." Swan remarked casually. He'd roll his eyes and huff at the other's mimicry. Tidus was already outside near the brax looking to see where Raven was at this point in time.
Raven lay up against the contented Brax. His arm loosely draped over it's neck. The other laying where it had slipped into the snow after he had fallen asleep. His face warm, buried in the soft fur of it's shoulder. If not for the freezing temperatures the White Wolf would have let him be, The Scout stood looking into the wind a moment in thought before slowly walking over to the boy. 'His brother is a problem but the brax are ok, I can almost understand that.' He knew that Raven would likely startle, placing his hand slowly on his shoulder to wake him.
Raven did indeed wake with a start at the touch of Tidus' hand. Rolling onto his back to face whom ever it had been. Seeing it was the older Sin, the crease in his brow would relax. He blinked a few times having not been aware that he had fallen asleep, but knew he must have as found his hands numb and himself to be shivering. He cleared his throat and moved in an attempt to get up from against the shaggy beast. Trying to act as casually as possible, stiffening his spine to hide his bodies slight trembling.
The Wolf chose not to say anything, looking at the boy a moment. It was a mix between too many options and sympathy to the situation, but he did manage one question. "Did you talk to shade before you left?"
"Nnno." He said, his voice at first betraying the chill he felt. He quickly got it under control as he continued. "I don't know how to contact her...nor would I know what to say...I spoke harshly to her when last I saw her. I doubt very much she would be eager to hear from me." He admitted, regretting bitterly the way he had left her under the tree with the sting of his words in her ears.
"That's nothing..." The snow-maned Sin offered, walking back towards the house and inside.
"I'm not so sure. I...I wasn't myself and said some needlessly hurtful things." Raven admitted as he followed the other.
"What kind of things?" Tidus asked raising a brow surprised Raven was talking to him .
"...just things..." He explained softly. He paused for a moment before choosing to continue. "She insulted Kistig and I...I sort of lost my better judgment..."
"Who? Kistig?... " The Scout inquired. The name did ring a bell but was perhaps too far back and too brief to hold weight.
Swan sat in the chair by the fire. His feet propped up on a wooden crate. A glass of brandy slowly being swirled in his hand. While not capable of making a bed without difficulty, he had managed to open the crate with ease. At the sight of his brother, Raven stopped speaking, reverting back to his previously tight-lipped self. Tidus looked at the male who sat relaxing with his drink then back to Raven.
"I'll show you the sun room I hear you like plants..." Walking down the hall enough the other wouldn't hear them speak if or when Raven followed Tidus would add. "...You keep an awful lot from him don't you?"
Raven followed Tidus. Nodding affirmatively to both of the things Tidus said.
"...This goes back a long time?" The ice blue eyed male asked.
"...Since...since I...was selected for ...special training..." Raven said almost to softly to be heard.
"...And..." He'd huff, instantly understanding why Swan had seemed so clueless when it came to his brother. Pulling teeth was easier and he'd know.
Raven cast a wary look at the doorway into the house a long time before starting to explain. "... Swan doesn't know. He doesn't know what I am. What I have become... Father insisted no one know. He had Kvasir change my name. Inventing Raven Silversong when he found out. There was a great deal I couldn't tell anyone...no one except Kistig..." As he spoke, his eyes never left the doorway, watching it intently.
"Who's he then? This kistig?"
"Kistig is a very old friend of the family. He was father's sorc during the War. I practically grew up at his cabin way off in the woods when I was a child. He taught me about plants and herbs and all manner of things..."
Once Raven had begun to talk to Tidus, actually open up and talk with him, it was like a floodgate had been released. "Kistig saved my life when I was thirteen and father had taken me with my other brothers on the hunt he would go to every five years with those he served with back when he was in the army. Father didn't mind me spending time at his cabin. He'd often even allow me to spend the night and entire weekends there. When I ascended...and after I started actually doing what I had been trained to do, I would go to his place to heal. It broke my heart when I saw the worried look on mother's face the time I returned home after being injured...so I would not go home... right away. As time went on, I started going to Kistig's first. It was easier... and Kistig didn't mind. He always listens. He'll sit quietly beside me if I don't feel like talking or just let me sleep if that's what I want. Kistig is my best friend. The only person I truly trust in all of Atria..." Raven's voice would fall away and he would look into the middle distance a lonesome expression on his face. "...I trust him with my life and have willingly placed it in his hands many times. ' Trust No One.' He'd say..." The bird's eyes were hooded as he turned away from the house and Tidus to gaze into the withered overgrowth of the ruined garden.
Tidus felt something was still off but wasn't sure how true that was or wasn't. "He's alive?"
Raven nodded that he was, but did not speak. He kept his back to the older Sin as well.
Tidus frowned certain there was more to the story.
Raven dipped his head. Though he could not see him do it, Tidus had probably seen the other drag his claws through his bangs enough time to know that is what he was doing. Raven took a deep breath. "I..."
"Raaaaaaaave! I'm soooooo hungry. Will you see your poor brother waste away in this wilderness!" Swan moaned pitifully as he came to lean against the doorframe of the sun room.
Raven's head shot up straight. His brother's voice a gunshot snapping Raven's mouth shut so fast Tidus might have been able to here the other's teeth click together.
"...Sorry Swan..." The bird said softly and he moved to leave the sunroom and make his way to the kitchen.
"...No... Wait here." Irritated that Swan had stopped their conversation. Walking down to the kitchen. "Good time to learn Swan.. No one here is your servant."
Raven stopped when Tidus told him to and Swan looked at the pair, his mouth agape.
"Perhaps while I work with Raven I should see to you too." He'd growl at the look. Tidus had known many people like Swan before. "The supplies are there, sort out a meal for yourself or go hungry."
"...I do not mind..." Raven said softly.
"See! He doesn't mind and he's not just agreeing with me because he's high as a kite this time...You aren't, are you? Is that what you were doing outside for so long? Getting high?" Swan fumed, his voice growing stern and judgmental. Now it was Raven who stood, his mouth agape.
The darkly mooded Assassin shadow stepped up close to Swan, ignoring Raven's comment. The white haired one was many things, but he did have a temper for certain. In close proximity to the popinjay he extended his index claw at the other as he spoke a growl once again in his chest.
"You selfish son of a bitch...It was your self-absorbed actions and inattention that drove the bird to misuse the drug that you provided for him in the first place. How dare you throw it in his face now!" The Wolf sniped, a snarl to his tone. "You are his brother yet you see fit to use his situation as a crutch for your fucking laziness.. What the hell have you done? What makes you so deserving to be waited on hand and foot? This is not a holiday... Fend for yourself!.."
Swan was most definitely not used to being spoken to in such a manner ...aside from his father... He narrowed his eyes at this upstart. Swan also knew a dangerous man when he saw one, so he shifted his gaze to Raven as a way of breaking eye contact without feeling as if he had given ground. 'Showing weakness is worst than death'. He pondered his options.
"Fine. For Raven's sake, I'll -fend for myself-..." He said just cold enough to feel he had saved face while backing down. Even if he had once again used his younger brother to accomplish it.
Blue eyes watched as Swan slinked away, Tidus has plenty to say but given the situation with Raven he let it be, but he wasn't entirely done yet. Fired up after having what was at least a few peaceful moments since arriving, he turned to face Raven. "And you.. no potions! ... unless you're dying or poisoned."
Raven blinked at Tidus. Standing motionless, barely daring to breathe. He said nothing. He just stood there absorbing what had played out before him.
"Do you want help?" The angered Sin asked, eyes narrowed. "He doesn't..." Pointing to where Swan had gone. "Everytime you do something for him that he can easily do himself, you weaken him. You're not a prisoner all over again. Don't let him treat you like one." With that he stalked off to one of the arm chairs near the fire, resting his elbow on the arm to support his head glaring at nothing.