Mois's eyes once more go to his brother, locking on, when the pain Alexi felt is once more mentioned. Alexi continues eating silently, waiting until Joseph is going to get Uwin to mutter softly, “I simply have never felt what it was like to fail, and of all things at the time, failure was at the forefront. It is passed, as he said, but the echo remains. I am fine brother.” He gives the man a warm smile, chuckling as Mois returns it with a roll of his eyes. The elder brother's gaze becomes once more his normal impassive look as Joseph returns with the elf in tow. Alexi finishes his mouthful, humming softly as Mois returns his focus to the meal at hand, before looking to Uwin with a smile. “Welcome Uwin, I trust you slept well?”

The elf nods happily, doing his best to keep his composure despite his conflicting emotions. While he loves Master Alexi, Master Mois has always frightened him a little bit. [i]'But, Mater Alexi must have called me in for a good reason. I'm always happy to help out where I can. . .'[/i] He stands up a little straighter, glancing at Joseph before swallowing and turning his attention back to the younger Vandros. [i]'Joseph can be scary too sometimes, despite how nice he is. . .'[/i]

“Uwin, I need you to do something for me.” The elf nods rapidly. “I know some of those in the garage are trained in driving, and I need you to pick a good one for driving Joseph here to a high class auction.” Alexi watches as Uwin visibly tenses at the request, a familiar flash behind his eyes at the mention of the word 'auction'. [i]'I know, you all hate them, and I am so sorry. . .'[/i] He keeps his smile warm and after a second the young elf relaxes.

“I know a few who may work. I will ask them, see which have not been up too long. May I ask when the auction begins?” His voice wavers only slightly, hiding his discomfort the best he can. He had been the one to drive Master Alexi to the auctions all this month, but somehow the thought of any slave going without Master Alexi's personal protection makes him a little edgy. He feels a little foolish asking, having the younger Vandros's schedule in his pocket, and memorized, however if the Master himself is not going, the elf figures it must be because there must have been a change.

Alexi nods, his tone soft and understanding. “It is a one PM, like the others. However I am feeling a little under the weather today, so I will be returning home after my lunch meeting.”

Uwin perks up, despite the look of sympathy on his face over Alexi announcing feeling less than stellar. “If that is the case, then I c-”

Alexi cuts him off politely. “No Uwin. My meeting may run late, and I would rather have Joseph arrive on time. I would be fine if I were late, however it would not reflect on him well if Joseph were late.”

The elf bows his head low, it having been a long time since Master Alexi has had to check him like that. “Of course Master Alexi. Forgive me.” [i]'I should have trusted he had his reasons, I have no reason to question him. Though he has always encouraged me to speak my mind, if I had but thought on it a moment, I could have figured out the reasoning behind his order'[/i] As Uwin reprimands himself silently Alexi hands Joseph the finished work, Mois watching the whole exchange with disinterest.

With a light cough that makes Uwin jump, his eyes snapping up to the elder brother, Mois stands and gives Alexi a look of understanding, and gratefulness. Wandering around the table he gives his little brother's shoulder a squeeze before walking past the rather stiff Uwin and head to the garage.

Meanwhile Alexi turns back to Uwin, giving him a reassuring look. “Go on now Uwin, and thank you for your hard work. I will be with you shortly.” The elf's head snaps around to Alexi, his back straitening before he gives a little bow and walks swiftly out of the room. Alexi sighs softly, watching him go before turning his attention back to Joseph. “That look in his eyes. . .Please, forgive me for asking this of you, my old friend. . .”