Coming as a surprise to no one that knew of the bond between father and daughter, even the blue-eyed blonde knew that Zameir would be the one that she should be more concerned about catching on to something. Though, in the very same moment, her mother hardly seemed to believe that there wasn't anything deeper than a friendship between Beylani and Andras. There had been a number of occasions where the young woman had to repeatedly insist that there she did not have a boyfriend in secret, as if Ruth almost entirely expected that despite Beylani's best efforts to convince the older woman that if there was something more between her and the fae man - or man as the young woman had told her mother, not quite ready to try and bring her parents into the same world she found a few months ago - she would happily make such an announcement without any hesitation. Yet, even Beylani wasn't entirely sure what it was that seemed to exist between herself and Andras. While she knew entirely how it was that she felt about him, those long and lonesome nights alone a testament to the love she felt for him, she hasn't the slightest idea of how he saw her. Yes, she knew that he cared for her. That much he always seemed to make clear. And that night in the hot spring on the roof of the lodge she so adored... the moment of passion that flared to life in the small cabin he'd given her on Somnia as she fell asleep wrapped in his arms... she hardly knew just how deeply that fondness he might have for her ran. Surely it was nowhere near as deep as her fondness of him, but even that admittance she forced herself to believe offered her little to no comfort. How she so near desperately wanted to know if there was even the smallest chance that he felt for her as she did for him, and yet she would always shy away from asking him for fear that his answer would be the one she dreaded more than anything. She fully expected that he would confess to caring for her to some sort of degree, but what she couldn't quite prepare her heart for was for Andras to tell her that he did not see her as more than a friend, even if those many stolen kisses and intimate moments bespoke of something that could be so much more. They'd felt so real, so meaningful, but she was not so naïve to think that the fae man had not kissed another woman in such a way. How many had he kissed like that? How many had he shared his bed with, when he had yet to take her beneath those sheets? Maybe he didn't really care for her at all or even slightly in such a way, those moments between them nothing more than some illusion conjured up by her own mind, the feelings themselves entirely empty of anything real like she wanted to believe. Now is hardly the time or place to be thinking about that, Lani. Besides, you know better than to even think he could love you. So focus. Once again fighting against the rising waters of her doubt in what they had, she watches as her two worlds collide with one another.

Zameir did not seem to be nearly as wary as he had been with Brayden, which in and of itself had to be a good thing to some degree. His brow was not furrowed nor were his eyes narrowed in full suspicion on the fae man that stepped forward and greeting them. It was a step in the right direction. Only when Andras speaks of how he was the lucky one when fate decided that the two would meet the way that they had, it was hard for Beylani to keep the warmth from her cheeks just as it was equally hard for her not to notice the way that her father's brow lifts in question. Soon, Andras and her parents settle into their seats as Beylani begins to gather the glasses and contemplate on which wine would be best with dinner. She listens as her father wastes no time in questioning the fae man, and it is when Beylani voices her thought on how such a topic hardly one that needed to be touched on, Andras turns to look over at her, tenor tones assuring her that he didn't mind - or in others communicating to the young woman that he could handle such an interrogation - as he casts her a sly wink that only has her ever so slightly more unsettled. Little did he know that her father would always find a way to ask for more detailed information. And that was what Beylani was worries about. Where Andras might provide Zameir with one answer, he was bound to find himself capable of asking several "sub-question" that he might find himself wanting more detail on. It was much like digging a hole, really. The further Andras might allow for the man to dig, the more her father was bound to question until he finally found some sort of acceptable level of satisfaction as he would determinedly try and search for anything that night raise a red flag to him, that might just give him enough reason to draw the conclusion that he didn't like this man who shared his daughter's dinner table this evening. Gods, she hoped that the fae man would be able to say all the right things that might dissuade her father from "digging deeper", the blue-eyed blonde hardly even knowing what just might be enough or not. Zameir keeps his gaze level upon Andras as the fae man explains how long he had live here in Sacrosanct, how he surprisingly didn't spent too much time away from the city. Even Beylani was surprised at his answer, but in the same moment it was also quite true. She was sure he went to Somnia often enough, but his presence in her day to day life was far from scarce."I see...", Zameir replies almost contemplatively as if he already had another question on the subject, Beylani bracing herself for the man to ask Andras why it was he hasn't purchased a home before Sacrosanct and perhaps even daring to ask about where this other residence was. She is thankful for her mother's quick reaction to the older man's clearly searching question, seeking to stop Zameir from probing further. Beylani can hear the subtle amusement in the fae man's voice as he assured her mother that he hardly minded the questions and that he would do the same if he had a daughter of his own, his words bringing a small smile to blush-colored lips as she selects the wine for dinner. He'd make a great father. She could almost see it now...

Pushing away the thought and turning to move towards the table, the conversation moves away from Andras at last as he asks after what it was their own occupations were. She can hardly help the amusement that finds her then as Ruth is quick to add to Zameir's simple answer. Beylani knew that her father took pride in his work, how much he cared a out each and every little detail, which certainly explained his interest in finding that very quality in every work Andras offered him. When her mother insists on the man's talents at what he did, the fae man takes an interest as he remarks on possibly seeing Zameir's other pieces and how the townhouse needed a new table. Beylani can hardly help him it assume that while Andras was being honest, it was also his way of potentially winning over Zameir that much more - and he nearly seems to succeed. The older man gives a nod then."Whenever you might be... in town, you're welcome to stop in", he answers easily. He says nothing more on the matter though, Beylani knowing well that her father wasn't the type that boasted. With the wine glasses distributed and wine poured, the young woman settles into her chair beside Andras as she allows for the three to carry on about the city as she takes a sip from her own glass. Andras' words have Ruth smiling brightly once more before she also takes a drink from her glass."That would be lovely, Andras. What do you think, dear? Lamb hasn't shown us many places beyond that little cafe on the east side and the shops downtown after all", the older woman says warmly before turning to Zameir who gives a calm smile that left Beylani guessing what was truly going on in his mind."Why not?", he answers simply, his simple agreement with such an arrangement pleasing Ruth. Andras inquires about the activities Willowhaven has to offer and the young woman's mother wastes little time in obliging the fae man with a reply, extending to him an invitation to join the family on their next camping trip when summer returned. When Andras replies with that genuine smile upon his handsome features, Beylani imagines enjoying a summer morning around the campfire with that glittering lake a small distance away. Why was it so easy to see him there with her, smiling and reveling in the beauty of Silver Lake as nature stirred all around them, his arm wrapped around her waist as her parents stood there beside them, chatting idly about what the foursome would do for the day? Why would she even think such a thing as possible when they weren't even a couple? That was a trip she would bring a boyfriend on or something, not the one she tried to convince her parents was nothing more than a friend. Maybe she was just overreacting. Friends could still come camping with friends and their friend's parents, it wasn't like she and Andras would even share a room when there was plenty of space there at the old family cabin.

The conversation shifts once again, Andras finding that subject of hunting either by accident or not, either way managing to touch on yet another topic that her father was content to talk about. Sitting there in silence as she allows for the two men talk, again Beylani dares to imagine the most important men in her life venturing into the thick and plentiful woodlands together on a hunt together, wondering if perhaps Andras would actually enjoy such a thing or not. He never spoke of hunting before, but then again the blue-eyed blonde couldn't say there'd been an instance where such a conversation would have been fitting. The timer goes off on the oven and when Andras excuses himself to retrieve the food, Beylani's expression softening as she watches him leave the table, her mother's words have the young woman turning back to her mother and father. So far, Andras was winning them over, and for whatever reason Zameir had given that approving look, Beylani couldn't help but feel relieved as a sense of ease finally settles fully over her. Seeing her father pleased for any reason was more than enough for her, and so they begin to talk about casual family matters while they waited for Andras to return. He settles back into his chair, tenor tones answering her own and it takes everything she has to refuse that flush to brighten on fair-skinned cheeks, Zameir lifting a brow at the way Andras gives the young woman a crooked smile, but for the first time there is warm simper on the silent man's lips. What she wouldn't give to know why her father had given them such a look before he takes that first mouthful or food, asking yet another question afterwards. Beylani and Ruth begin to eat as they listen to the answer that Andras gives, the young woman remembering easily how breathtaking Somnia had looked from above when he'd carried her through the cold winter air during that day they'd spent together at the Winter Solstice Festival."Where've you flown to?", the older woman asks the fae man, seeming to steal the very question that had flickered through Zameir's gaze who was content to simply watch Andras between forks of the casserole and drinks from his own wine glass. Once the fae man answers, both Ruth and Zameir seeming interested in the words Andras offers them, the conversation grows ever lighter as they four begin to discuss small happenings or little facts about those more popular cities scattered throughout the world, Beylani simply happy that those interrogating questions cease, indicating to her that her father was finally fully at ease with Andras. Only when the man was satisfied could the young woman finally breathe, knowing that for now, she and the fae man were free and clear. At least, until next time - if there ever was a next time.

Andras is the first to finish his plate, Beylani quickly following suit as she takes that last bite, his proclamation bringing a soft smile to her lips."I couldn't agree more", she replies readily, though her words went much deeper than the meal. While she was hardly surprised, it was clear by the lack of unease on the air and the easy conversations they'd all shared that her parents had taken a liking to the fae man. And to make things even better, her parents had seemed too busy in talking and learning about him that his pointed ears had gone unnoticed - or at least unmentioned. Ruth and Zameir are speaking quietly among themselves about the weather conditions and remaining sunlight for the drive home as they near the end of their own plates when suddenly Beylani can feel Andras' hand on her thigh. Instantly, her skin is electrified and her heart jumps from it's relaxed rhythm to the familiar fluttering only he was capable of making it do as his hand massages her leg. She almost doesn't register his words, but she catches herself."I actually haven't been backpacking. Just... camping and hiking", she replies softly, that brief faltering in her words showing her divided attention as baby blues search his hazel depths. His hand shifts slowly higher and she can feel that fire in her core as he seems to tease her, that warmth threatening her cheeks again before she clears her throat."We should do that soon. It would be fun", she says then, trying to focus her attention anywhere except where it so very wanted to go. The sound of forks settling over ceramic is a welcomed distraction from that touch she wanted so badly to enjoy yet feared that her parents might see, her gaze shifting over to her mother and father. "Dinner was absolutely lovely, sweetie. Thank you for having us over. And introducing you to this charming... friend of yours", Ruth says warmly as she gives Beylani a knowing grin as she stands and grabs Zameir's empty plate, moving over to the sink where she sets the dishes. It is Zameir who stands next, taking his and Ruth's empty wine glasses over to the sink as well after pushing in their chairs."Yes, this was a very pleasant evening. But we need to be making our way back to Willowhaven if we want to be home at a reasonable hour", he remarks casually as Beylani now rises from her seat, also carrying her dishes over to the kitchen. Goodness, had that much time ready passed?"Okay. Well, I'm glad you and mom were able to come. Maybe next time you guys can rent a hotel room and stay a little longer", she says as she follows her parents over to the door, caught between sad to see them preparing to leave and relieved that she and Andras would be alone once again.

Instantly, Ruth moves to sweep Beylani into her arms tightly once again."That sounds like a plan, Lamb. We'll have to talk about arrangements soon! Until then though, we love you and hope you come back home for a visit soon", the older woman says brightly. The young woman then turns to wrap her arms around Zameir who happily returns the gesture."I love you guys", she says into her father's chest, the man smiling into her blonde hair as he holds her close for a few moments."Call me tomorrow, okay?", he says simply down to the blue-eyed blonde before releasing her, Beylani nodding in silent agreement as she watches Zameir turn to Andras, extending his hand out to the fae man once more in farewell."It was good to meet you, Andras", he says with a genuine grin on his own lips before giving the man a nod and turning to open the front door and step outside. Ruth lingers in the doorway for a moment as she casts a smile over to Andras."Take care of our little Lamb, please. I always worry about her being so far away from home", she says gently, a teasing glance given to Beylani who gives the older woman an exasperated look before she moves to stand in the doorway where her parents had been moments ago. She watches them make their way down the stairs, a soft sigh leaving her as she watches them climb into her father's old blue pick-up truck as that familiar yet slight sadness falls over her."It never gets easier to watch them drive away", she says quietly as she feels Andras' presence behind her. Now, it would be his turn to leave her, with dinner done and her parents gone... Her gaze follows the truck as it turns on to the street and begins driving away, that small prick of homesickness finding her for a moment before suddenly, she sees a figure standing there on the street corner. She almost doesn't think anything of the dark figure beneath that street light illuminating the darkness, ready to close the door and enjoy the last few moments she has with Andras before he told her he needed to return home as well. But then, as a plume of smoke bellows from the man standing there, her heart nearly stops in her chest as she realizes that it wasn't just some person. It was him. And he was staring right at her, and while he was too far away, she couldn't help but feel her skin crawl as she imagined that devilish smile twisting into his face. She doesn't realize that she'd been holding her breath, heart pounding before she slips back into the safety her apartment and closes the front door, backing up slowly only to bump into Andras. She swallows softly before turning to face him as she tries to settle herself, wrapping her arms around her shoulders for a moment as baby blues look up to his dark hazels."Umm... Do you think you could stay the night, Andras? I'd really like your company. I just... don't want to be alone tonight", she asks quietly, biting back the soft shudder as best as she could, all the while her thoughts reeling wildly. How did he find her? How long had he been standing there? She fights against the memories from that day, instead moving to wrap her arms around Andras, burying her face into his chest. Maybe he would just think she wanted him to stay because she was homesick, or simply wanted to pick up from where they'd left off before her parents had arrived... Just... Please don't let him ask why...