death incarnate & night triumphant

Matteo was a difficult man to read. He was as skilled as Andras at hiding behind a mask, not allowing anyone to see behind it unless he wished for others to see the constant turmoil of emotions that so plagued him day and night. And when Matteo simply told him he was nothing more than a friend, Andras was inclined to believe him. He didn't have a reason to not trust the fellow faerie; he trusted Dorian and in turn would extend that trust to the elder man unless destroyed in the future. Still, as Andras listens in contemplative silence about the memory that so escapes Matteo's lips, he shifts in his seat. His mother was a private person about her past, she didn't provide many details except from the winged faerie race she descended from. He hadn't even been aware that Matteo and Amity knew each other until this very day. How very small the world had become in a manner of minutes. Andras realized in that moment how very much alike his mother and he were; of course, they shared love for each other and he doted on her, they shared a love of flying and apparently were both skilled at keeping secrets.

Shaking the thought off, he allows his hazel eyes to travel to Matteo's fingers again as he continues to stroke that crucifix that so adorned his neck. He was rather curious about it though he would make no mention of it. Instead, Andras allows a small smile to mirror Matteo's. "It sounds like something my sister would have done," he muses quietly. Perhaps his wild and reckless sister had been the spitting image in looks and in personality of a younger version of their mother. It was an interesting thought though he doubted he would ever have the chance to really know. How he wished his mother was here to question her about who she was before meeting his father; why she chose to stay with the man who cared for nothing but power. Of course, they had been mates but it didn't mean she couldn't have left him, could it? Such interesting thoughts that ran through Andras's mind! Each one more confusing than the next and he could feel a bit of frustration welling up in the pit of his stomach. He had to admit to himself that he knew nothing about his mother and that thought was unsettling to the man.

So, he pushes the thought from his mind and allows himself to question about his father. The story Matteo offers surprises Andras as he blinks. There were truly few faeries that had challenged his father and lived to tell the tale; all the same, the man quirks a grin at it, a satisfied light swirling in his eyes. "I'm happy to hear that he didn't manage to bully everyone he came across," he purrs delighted. He held no love for his father and it was entirely satisfying to hear that someone finally beat him at his own game. "You have quite the history with my mother, she never made mention of you once though I do remember her going through stints of depressions while I was a child. I remember she would lock herself in her room and stare out the window for hours at a time, I suspect that had something to do with you," he mentions, his memories traveling back to all those centuries ago. "She got better once my sister was born." Again, Andras is struck with how odd it was to share these old memories with another, to find someone who remembered those ancient days; it was so very enjoyable.

And when they finally finish talks of his parents, he moves on to Lani, shifting a bit uncomfortably as Matteo's eyes glow red. It wasn't the first time he had encountered a seer but they still made him wary. To have the power to see destinies seemed akin to being a god in this world. He learned long ago it was better to keep the future hidden than seek it out. Yet, he still can't help but to inquire more, Matteo answering his own question that he wouldn't give him any more information. Very well. Andras had the sense to not push him though he had a distinct feeling he might regret it in the future. So he leaves it as is and continues on with his questioning; the real reason why he was here today. Andras asks and Matteo answers. That singular word echoing through the room has Andras leaning forward, eyes narrowing slightly as he grips the edge of the chair. He's ready to pry it out of the faerie's mouth but before he has a chance to interrogate him further, Matteo is speaking. Andras blinks at him.

He knew fate was a trivial thing he just never knew how trivial it could be. How taking a different path could alter who he was and cause the death of others. He sits back, releasing his hold on the chair and bringing a hand up to pinch his nose. Did he truly want to know? If knowing would cause the death of others, could he live with himself? He might have changed his mind but whatever Matteo saw in him has the elder Fae telling him anyways. His words clang through Andras and he stills completely, his eyes narrowing on Matteo, looking over his hand on his face. Very slowly, with such calmness, he lowers his hand back to the arm chair. It was such a predatory stillness that invaded Andras at that moment, he could hear nothing but the roaring of his blood in his ears. He had suspected it was someone from within but with it being confirmed Andras wanted to roar his fury at the world and tear it apart until he found the Fae who slaughtered his family. Closing his eyes, he wills that boiling blood to calm, to simmer that rage that tore through him.

There is silence for a few minutes. He would not ask who; at least not yet. He knew himself well enough that when he found out just who it was he would need others to restrain him; lest he fly from where he was and immediately begin his hunt. Yet, Matteo's words come back to him. Perhaps this was what he meant when he had two paths; to choose whether to kill or let it go. Releasing a sigh, he finally opens his eyes and settles them back in Matteo. "I lied to you, to Dorian and the rest of my newly found court," he states suddenly, his eyes scanning Matteo for any sign of... well, anything. "I ask a favor of you Matteo, you do not know me well and you owe me nothing but what I'm about to tell you changes a lot. Please, do not tell Dorian, I would like to be the one who shows him," he pauses, waiting to see if Matteo agrees or not. "The night my court was slaughtered, not every Fae was murdered. When I returned from Dorian's castle, I managed to save many and whisk them away into another world. I have the ability to open portals, to travel through dimensions and that is where the remainder of my court lies now. The reason you can't see them is because they are no longer a part of this world. I lied to Dorian and to the rest of my new court because I needed to know I could trust them, to make sure that history would not repeat itself."

Andras Steinhello darling