The silent walk back to his house is a little nerve wracking. A part of him really wants to ask what Illiendi thinks about his idea, and a part of him is just worried that the demon finds it all very stupid but just doesn't want to tell him for some reason. He's worried about setting aside the man's advice and doing his own thing, since after all, that's why Illiendi's here. To advise him, to show him the right way to accomplish his goals. . .[i]'But, I think my ideas are good. I think they will serve me well, and I know my mother better than he does. . .I think, I think this is for the best. . .'[/i] Despite reassuring himself he still feels a bit uncomfortable as they enter his home and he puses, staring at Illiendi as he just stands there, eyes closed, not moving.

When the demon announces the locations of those in his house he can't help but smile appreciatively. “Could have used that skill when I was little.” he murmurs, giving the male a half smile. “Would have helped save me from many a prank from my dear brothers. . .” Letting out a long sigh he takes to staring at his flower, thinking, until at last he nods. “I think I'll give her the flower first. The talk will take a bit, so it's best to get it out of the way.” With a deep breath he nods to the demon, then heads off towards where his mother is located. Once they arrive he speaks softly to Illiendi. “Mother may or may not want you here. Please gauge her mood and act accordingly.” Opening the door he walks in, holding the plant carefully as he walks over to his mother who is sitting near the window, looking out.

“Hello mother.” he calls as he approaches. She turns in her seat, looking both delighted to see him, and immeasurably sad. She holds out a hand to him which he takes carefully and gives a kiss before sitting on a cushioned bench beside her. Holding out the flower he murmurs softly, “ Here mother, I bought this for you.” He sets it near her on the broad sill and he watches as she begins to cry softly. He does his best to simply keep a brave, happy face as he reaches out and takes her hand. She hasn't acknowledged Illiendi yet, positive or negative, but as he takes her hand she glances at him, a pleading look in her eyes.

Her eyes fall back on her son and she whispers, “You can't go, you just can't. My baby, my Amano. . .” She reaches out with her free hand and cups his cheek and he smiles at her softly.

“I will be fine mother. I will be careful. I'm not the son of one of the best merchants in the city for nothing.” He nods towards Illiendi. “Besides, I have the best manservant anyone could ever hope for. He's good at his job and I have all faith in him to keep my head firmly attached to my shoulders.” He smiles brightly as she looks over at the demon in man's clothing again.

With a stern, sharp tone despite her tears she demands, “You keep my boy safe!” Amano strokes her hand, bringing her attention back to him and she smiles wetly at him. She speaks softly for a while about memories of him. Of his birth, his fist time walking, his first skinned knee. The first time she found him locked in a closet by his older brothers makes him grimace a little but she simply laughs it off, convinced it's normal sibling things. In truth, they had tied him up snug and if they hadn't blabbed to  Raoul what they had done he very well could have starved in the unused little hole they'd stuck him in. Not a pleasant memory for him, though it did serves as a good warning in later years when they started trying more drastic measures. He recognized the tone of voice.

And hour passes before at last her attention goes back to the flower and he brightens considerably. “You always told me you wanted to work in the gardens but never have time, so this will be perfect for you!” he chimes, touching the side of the pot gently. He knows the other reason is she doesn't like getting filthy, but a potted plant should cause minimal mess when being cared for as far as he knows. “You can ask the gardener how to care for it, and then, when I come home, you can show me how well it's doing!”

She smiles sadly at his enthusiasm but nods in agreement none the less, reaching out and stroking one of the delicate petals. “I shall care for it every day, praying my son will return to me whole. . .” She gives Illiendi another sharp look but this time there is a touch of something else Amano misses as he's looking at the tulip that says she needs to speak to him later. They spend a little more time speaking of the past, Amano talking animatedly about how he'd won the sword competition and how he was never caught by the dock workers when they got upset with him over various things. She smiles and laughs at the stories and by the time he and his manservant leaves she looks to be in a considerably better mood.

Closing the door quietly Amano half slumps against it, letting out a long sigh. With a faint smile he looks over at Illiendi and murmurs softly, “Well, that went well, don't you think?” Pushing off the door he heads towards his room, keeping an ear out for the demon's reply, his insides aching over making his mother cry. [i]'I am sorry mother, but I have to do this. I have to make my impact on the world. . .I need to live a life I can be proud to leave behind. . .'[/i]