death incarnate & night triumphant
Andras had interacted with children within Somnia, though he rarely spoke to any kids outside of his home. It was with Maeve, he found himself having a rather interesting conversation with the girl. He felt terrible for the child, never knowing the world of faeries and magic, being ridiculed for her differences. No, Andras couldn't imagine being raised like that, it made his heart hurt for the child. Her question has Andras looking down at her, his head tilting to the side as he smiles, "There are a lot of people out there that are scared of things they don't understand," he shakes his head in a pitying way. "I wouldn't say they're scared of you because you're a faerie and even if they were there's no reason for you to worry about it. Being a faerie has its advantages," he gives her a nod of encouragement. "We get these pretty cool ears, we have magic, some of us can fly," he grins as he reaches up and taps at his pointed ears.
"You don't have to go back if you don't want to. I have a place here in the city you can stay at for a little while until we can make further arrangements," he smiles again just as their food arrives. He's pleased by the way she immediately digs in, a bright grin spreading across her lips as she munches away. He merely offers another encouraging smile as she responds to him once more. He begins his short speech after she settles her fork on the table, wiping at her face again, his face remaining entirely open and gentle as he describes Somnia to her. Truly, the man is ready for her eyes to fall straight from her head as the continue to grow wider. Utter shock seems to take her over briefly and Andras can't help but allow a small chuckle to escape his lips. Giving her a brief nod, "There is and it's a secret," he smiles, bringing a finger up to his lips, "If we go there, you have to promise not to tell anyone, we can't have it getting out to the bad people," he gives her a wink, though there's an entirely serious glint in his eye.
No, he couldn't have just anyone finding out about Somnia, it would be the end of their peaceful world if his trackers found it. Staving off a sigh, he's almost startled by the way she stands and dances over to him. As if she were debating what she was going to do, she finally reaches over to give him a hug, the Faerie King lifting an arm and wrapping it around her tiny shoulders as he smiles down at her. Her muffled words have him watching her, a thoughtful expression on his features. There were several families that would want to take her in, hell, even Ida would take in the young girl. He doesn't miss a beat though as he tilts his head, "I can't take you to Somnia right this very second, it's going to take a while before I can bring you there," he explains gently as he pushes to a standing position. "I do have a home here in the city that you could live at for a bit," he says thoughtfully, "My housekeeper can take care of you while I get some things ready to go but there is a family in Somnia that I know that would love to adopt you," he grins down at her.
As much as Andras would love to take her in, he wasn't capable of becoming a parent with all his duties. The thought of Lani comes rushing back to him, his smile faltering for the briefest of moments. She would make a great parent, though he didn't think she would appreciate him showing up anytime soon. Pushing the thought away, he reaches down and takes her hand just as he places the money on the table. "Shall we?" He asks before he waves a goodbye to the server and exits the cafe. "Do you have anyone else in the city that you know?"
Andras Steinhello darling