It was really only a matter of time before someone cracked and asked about the apparent feud between Rathma and Tyrael. "Why do you hate Tyrael?"
The question, unsurprisingly, came from Lorath. Rathma huffed a sigh through his nose, and closed his book. He turned to Lorath fully, and tilted his head. The young man licked his lips.
"He seems rather upset about it." Lorath continued. "I mean- he acknowledges that it's how you feel, and you're entitled to that, but-"
"First, I don't hate him. I mistrust him. Second, he tried to kill me." Rathma's flat voice cut in. He gave Lorath a look when the man opened his mouth to refute that statement. "He tried to kill everyone, and came very close to succeeding."
"But- Judgement Day-"
"Was a miracle that no one expected." Sighing, the ancient set his book down and shifted in his seat. "Understand, Lorath, that everyone was prepared for the end that day. Did Tyrael change his mind? Yes. After nearly wiping out the planet and attempting to murder several of the most important peope in our history, yes. And someone had to die for him to do it."
Rathma was aware that his view on things was a little bit...skewed. For everyone else, these events had been millenia ago. For him, it had been precious few years since humanity was nearly wiped out.
"...He's done so much for us. Sacrificed for us." Lorath's voice was rather small. "Surely that must count for something?"
"Perhaps. I'm not the one to come to for rights and wrongs - and apparently Tyrael isn't either anymore." Rathma frowned for a moment, considering. "Hm...That Tyrael never told you of his past is part of what makes me mistrust him. Personally, I would rather the angels stay out of Sanctuary - and I've made this no secret. If Tyrael can't accept that I do not wish to speak with him, then that is all the more reason for me to scorn his presence."
It was more than most usually got out of Rathma. He was a Nephalem of few words, which, Lorath supposed, meant he felt quite deeply about this topic.
Still. Tyrael was a friend.
"He's really not a threat now though." Lorath tried."I do believe he's been making amends for...all that."
"The fact that he's related to my father does him no favors either." Rathma responded, somewhat ignoring what the man had said.
"Well that's not exactly fair now is it?" Lorath was gentle with his words.
Rathma sniffed disdainfully "Life's not fair. Look at it this way; if Malthael turned around and said he wanted to aid humanity, would you trust him?"
"Well, no but-"
"But nothing." There was no room for argument in Rathma's tone, but his face softened for the young man. "Maybe Tyrael is being genuine, I'm not sure. I personally cannot trust him yet."
Lorath smiles, Rathma stands, takes his book, and they both know the conversation is over. As the ancient Nephalem stalks away, Lorath is aware enough of how he speaks and behaves to know he'd gotten him thinking.