Ra's POV

Ra's walked down the halls after supervising Oliver Queen's training. The day started with his bow training then Ra's personally sparred with the boy.

Al Owal had been sent on a mission that could not be put off. The man was reluctant to leave his initiate but the mission could not wait. It was a high priority and Oliver was not yet a full-fledged member. So he stayed at Nanda Parbat.

Oliver had improved significantly from when he first arrived. There had been several close calls in the swordplay.

When he was dismissed Oliver glanced at him with hurt before departing. Ra's didn't think much of it and headed towards his own rooms.

When night fell Ra's felt oddly restless. He went out to the field hidden in the shadow of the castle. It was his favorite place to hideout.

The night air was crisp and fresh calming him instantly. Silver flowers littered the ground. They were blooming under the light of the full moon.

A scent almost completely covered by the scent of flowers lingered. It was fresh and familiar. The scent of a lightened forest. He recognized it as Oliver's scent.

The young man was likely laying out in the flowers. He called out, "Initiate?"

About twenty yards out there was movement. A familiar dirty blond-haired man sat up. The silver full moon above them lit up the boy's face. There was obvious wariness in his face but also curiosity.

Once the young omega realized who called out he was on his feet. Bowing lowly he greeted, "My liege. I'm sorry if I disturbed your night."

With that made his way towards the castle. Ra's stopped him, "Wait," the omega paused but did only meet his gaze, "Why have you been avoiding me?"

Grey-blue eyes narrowed as if he was considering something. Then he shook his head and made to leave. It should have been answer enough for the alpha but it wasnt. He was being rejected without even being allowed to show his intentions. He made to grab the younger's arm and even with his centuries of experience he didn't have time to react.

Oliver grabbed his wrist twisting it painfully before trying to throw Ra's. Ra's was able to stop throw by using his extra pounds. This pulled at the trapped wrist turning so that as wrist broke free he slammed his elbow back.

Oliver let out an oomph and Ra's turned to face him fully. Looking into the grey eyes he realized that he no longer was dealing with Oliver Queen. It seemed the rumors were true. The omega had multiple personalities.

Ra's snarled, "Initiate, calm yourself."

A low growl answered him. Ra's remembered the warnings of Al Owal. The other half was infinitely more dangerous. It had all of Oliver's skills without any of his morals.

Ra's prepared himself to be attacked again but it never came. Instead, it was as if all of the boy's muscles locked up. There was a full-body shake happening.

He took advantage to knock Oliver off his feet. Ra's landed on top of the omega and took both of the taller's wrists in a single hand. With his free hand, he wrapped it around the back of Oliver's neck.

It took longer than normal for the omega's biology to kick in. When it did the boy slumped against the soft grass. Grey-blue eyes looked up into Ra's true grey eyes.

The pain in the eyes told him more than he ever wanted to know. This wasn't someone who could ever be bought by false promises. Someone who would always follow their own path.

Any doubts that might have lingered in his mind were washed away. For the first time, he wanted to bond with someone.

"Why?"

For the first time in years, he was dumbfounded. Surprised by the question he blinked. It was a human gesture that few ever got to see.

Ra's let go of the boy's neck but did not get up. Instead, he replied softly, "I think there has been a misunderstanding between us. In my culture, the omega makes the first move in courting. Not the alpha."

Blue-grey eyes narrowed. They searched his face for any indications of a lie.

Then they softened into a light blue with just hints of grey. The boy whispered softly, "I didn't know. I thought that you had changed your mind."

Ra's sighed equally as soft, "Its not your fault. I should have explained. I didnt want to pressure you, however."

Oliver surprised him by rubbing his cheek against Ra's. Their scents mingled slightly. It was enough of an answer to Ra's.

Oliver's POV

It was strange that many things stayed the same when he allowed Ra's to court him. He still went to training with Al Owal and did group training with the other initiates. The expectations for him seemed as high as ever if not more so. They wanted him to be able to protect himself if needed. Not that he couldn't do so already it. It seemed to be added training on what he already knew.

When he came back Al Sayf had given him a sort of half-smile in approval. Panov seemed equally as accepting of Oliver's decision. Though on the Oliver side of thing it almost seemed as if Al Owal was saddened. It made him question if the other alpha was to court him as well. The fact that he couldn't until Oliver was a full-fledged member would explain why he never said a word. Keeping his silence now was honoring his decision.

Oliver wasnt guilty over Al Owal not having the chance. It wouldn't have had a chance for months. He wasn't ready to be a full member or to return to Starling. At this point, he wasn't sure if he would return to his home city at all.

He was still wary about this courting process. Given the cultural difference, he wasnt sure what to expect. Every culture was different in their rules.

He became wary around the alpha trying to figure out what he was going to do next. Ra's didnt do anything other than spend random amounts of time with him. It was becoming more common to find them training together.

Training had just finished his training for the day. That morning Ra's sent him a message requesting his presence in one of the private halls. It was not an area he had been allowed in before.

The hall that he was taken to held a large table. Ra's was wearing a black button-down shirt and black pants. For once he wasn't wearing the green robe. The demon necklace still lay on his breast bone.

As he entered Ra's greeted with a small warm smile, "Oliver. You are looking well. Come sit with me. We are having dinner away from the others."

A small uncertain smile he replied, "Good evening Ra's."

He didn't as he was requested and took the seat to Ra's left. To sit on his right would be an insult to the Warithe. That was not something he wanted to do anytime soon. She had a temper that was legendary.

After only a few moments food was brought to them. It was less extravagant than he thought it would be. Which was perfect for him as he still couldn't handle fatty or overly spiced foods. His stomach would rebel against it.

Tam Quan took its toll on more than just the soldier's psyche. Many came home dangerously malnourished. There were times hunting was the only option as they could not make it to supply drops.

After a few moments, more of silence Ra's asked, "Are you sleeping any better? You look less exhausted than when you first entered these halls."

Oliver blinked before responding, "Somewhat. Talking to Panov helps keep the memories at bay. Delta is little more than a small presence in the back of my mind now."

Ra's nodded in understanding before returning to his food. It got Oliver thinking though. Having more restful sleep wasn't just about talking to Panov. Something told him a lot of it had to do with this place. There was something calming about Nanda Parbat. Whatever it was, wasn't found anywhere else.

Despite being home to assassins it was a peaceful place. One that calmed those that inhabited it. Maybe that was why the first Ra's had come to call it home. Those whose souls were damaged by grief and sorrow found solace and peace.

When he first came to Nanda Parbat it was just an agreement to save one of his men. Now he was unsure when the time came if he would be able to leave. That scared him.