death incarnate & night triumphant

The blush that so adorns Navi's face has Andras grinning broadly down at her. It was, perhaps, the most honest emotion she had showed since their meeting started, though, he's quite pleased she doesn't immediately back down, instead, she continues to stare at him, her warm body merely inches away from brushing up against his. He's pleased when the conversation shifts subtly, he didn't particularly care to recall those memories that so haunted his waking dreams. "Only a small handful; though, my lodge has a staff but they don't typically dally in the city," he could probably count them all if he wanted to but he would rather the girl see for herself.

And then, their conversation is shifting again and he loses a small chuckle at her blunt question. "That's not the issue at all. There are plenty of Fae's mating with each other, it's the fact that conceiving a faerie child is difficult. I've known couples who have tried to conceive for over a century and still they were not able to. But, I have known couples who can breed as often as any human can as well. Why we were designed the way we are is a mystery and I feel we may never know," he pauses before continuing, "The issue is that for whatever reason, the faerie race is hunted, it didn't use to be like that but our dwindling numbers are due to the fact we are slaughtered like lambs," his eyes narrow dangerously.

Andras was pleasantly surprised they didn't have to stay on one topic for very long, as the girl liked to change subjects often. It takes a moment to stave off the anger that so boiled in his blood a moment ago, before he can focus on Navi once more. Her question seemed to be more rhetorical, but he listened to her. How he wished he could have had someone to listen to him during all those dark years of anguish, he would do the same for his brothers and sisters. "There was a time when the Fae flourished and there were cities purely made up of faeries. A happier time," a small shrug, as his eyes took on that faraway look diving into those memories he so cherished, it even brings a faint smile to his lips,

"We decided to open our cities to humans and for a while we coexisted peacefully. Yes, there was always such devastation when you lost someone close to you but it brings me great joy to see my friends in their offspring, to see them carry on their name with grace and do great things in the world. When you are born and raised into a city full of faeries you tend to have a different outlook on the world, you know that this is what you are and who you are. Those who are born outside of such a world and do not have that opportunity of upbringing, well, that's why I'm here Navi. I want to share that with you and show you that life does not have to be lonely if you know where to look."

As he trails off, he does as Navi says and moves closer to her, watching her sweep a hand out to gesture at the pond before them. He notes the way her voice cracks, an emotion he could understand perfectly but he allows the silence to engulf them, at least for a while before he speaks again. "The thing is, Navi, is that this is our life. To humans, we live thousands of lifetimes. You are looking at the life â€" our lifetime wrong. We are merely made differently, we have the opportunity to grow and learn and share our knowledge with everyone. Perhaps you don't understand and perhaps you never will but I would like to show you how to live with immortality, if given the chance." Watching the ripples slide across the pond, he extends a hand down to her, in hopes she will take it so he can help raise her to her feet.

When she accepts his offer, he blinks in surprise. Andras hadn't expected her to accept but he was pleased and a small, but genuine, smile tugs at the corner of his lips, a smile he rarely showed anyone. Offering a dip of his chin, the Fae accepts her terms, perhaps she would be willing to change her mind once she was settled, but for now, he was content with her acceptance. "Do whatever you want, Navi. There is no price. You could sleep away the day and I wouldn't care," he laughs delightedly, and it was true, the man wouldn't force anything on Navi, it would always remain her choice, even if she decided to leave. Her next question catches him off guard as his brows shoot up in astonishment.

Shaking his head, he laughs lightly, "My court doesn't have a queen, there is no one, I've found, suitable for the title of High Lady. Don't get me wrong, I've had many lovers in my past though most have never wanted to title, it puts a target on their back and their family, and the few that have wanted it, well, I expected a dagger in my back than anything else," he shrugs, "I'll admit, I've never offered the title to anyone," he says, honesty coating his lyrics but he didn't mind sharing that piece of information with Navi. Noting Navi's own smile, he gives a faint one in return, turning towards the trail, casting a single look over his shoulder to see if the girl was following along. "I need a couple of days to prepare a room for you but I have a house in the city and a spare bedroom I can loan you, if that is acceptable," he calls over his shoulder.

"After I have you settled in the lodge and you find that you don't like it, we can find you your own home if you prefer the isolation," he shrugs, it wouldn't be difficult, he could find something for her that was suitable. "In the meantime, my house isn't very far but feel free to ask any questions you may have, I'm certain you have many and as I stated before, my knowledge is at your disposal," there's a pause as he remembers her comment about iron earlier, "Oh, and about the iron, it depends on the faerie's tolerance. As I've lived for a very long time my tolerance would be different compared to yours."

Andras Steinhello darling