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[center][h1][color=brown] The Father [/color][/h1]
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[h1][color=#9999ff] The Mother [/color] [/h1][/center]
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The sudden downpour of rain meant Avidan no longer felt as if he needed to travel back to the palace. His quarters upon the ship would suffice for the night, and it meant he could sleep without feeling as if he was going to be attacked in the night. Call him paranoid, or call him a survivor, he did whatever it took to live longer, even if it meant being petty. 

He had awoken to a flurry of activity in the early morning. Luthran sailors walked hurriedly and avoided his gaze. He could not find Drot, or the two other Luthrans he had banished back home, which was good. He would have to speak to the captain to figure out what was really going on.

After a brief discussion, one with more grunts then actual words, Avidan learned that a bear attack had occurred in the night. Many of Exodus’ guards were dead, and so too were Earthican’s own. He had shaken his head at the news, such mutated animals needed to be exploited from distance. It was the only reliable way to fight them, either that or pray you can run fast enough. He had many scraps with the mutated in his travels, most had been wolves and the only time he was ever afraid was when he had come across a creature that resembled a lion, but with several eyes, fangs far to large for its mouth, and bat-like wings. He didn’t like to think about it, but if such a creature as that were too attack a town, then surely all would die trying to defend themselves.

Luckily, it only sounded like the other kingdom’s had lost men, which he could live with. That was until he was told of the tragedy that had befallen the Mother. Melchior, Prince of Luthra had died. He had pushed aside the messenger who had delivered the report and swiftly made his way to the palace. Though he had never truly been fond of Melchior, such a loss did not go unnoticed upon him, and his anger was boiling. It had always been Exodus’ fault for such a tragedy, but now it was personal. Now, there would be repayment or else. His plans would be bolstered by this, if he could push it in the right direction. 

Having shoved those thoughts from his head for now, he eventually found his way to the Temple that housed the dead. There had had been told, Angeline grieved. Now was the time for such a thing, later would be the time for action.

He found her, laying her head atop of Melchior’s chest. Her arms clutching at her son, desperately hoping for death to free him. He said nothing as he approached, and The Mother did not move her head.

Yet she spoke all the same, [color=#9999ff]”We Thanatos are no strangers to death, its always such an abstract concept. It happens, we see it happen, we even cause it and yet when someone dies that we are close to, that we care about, our facades turn to agony.[/color] she paused sighing, before looking up at Avidan with red eyes. The makeup around her eyes had streamed down her face, seemingly forming a river of black. Angeline spoke again, her voice broken and full of sorrow, [color=#9999ff]”He was my son, one of the only people I ever cared for in life. The last words I ever spoke to him were of chastising his behavior. He shall never know what he truly meant to me, for he died with only thoughts that his mother hated him. I… I cannot bare knowing such a thing…”[/color] Angeline said as she broke down again, then falling towards the ground in a heap.

Avidan had listened intently, with a neutral expression on his face. He was not a stranger to such pain, but all those he had ever cared for died a long time ago. Far too long ago. But as Angeline fell, he mustered his old swiftness and managed to catch her before she injured herself on the floor. There she cried, there he held her. It was a strange thing to him, in all honesty. He had never married, had never had a woman to call his own, nor sisters to be a brother too. His mother had died early, and his only experience with women were that of a sexual nature. This was none of that, therefore, he knew not what to do in such a situation. But Avidan was no fool, and even his hardened heart could express comfort if needed. So, he continued to hold her with tense muscles, and Angeline buried her face in his chest as he wept. 

After a long time, Avidan finally spoke. His voice was softer then normal, yet still held its gruffness, [color=brown]”Angeline… He Knew. No matter your differences, no matter what was spoken between the two of you, he knew that you loved him in your own way. Now come, no longer should you tarry here with the dead. Prince Melchior shall be safe, I promise you that.”[/color]

He waited for a moment but heard no reply from her. Thus, Avidan stood, and made his way slowly out of the temple, and into the palace proper. Stopping on the way only to threaten guards into watching over Melchior’s body. With a little help from a servant, Avidan was directed to the shared bedroom that he had not slept in. Standing guard were two Luthrans, who seemed to stand straighter when they saw the Father.

They opened the door, and Avidan walked over to the bed, gently placing Angeline under the covers. Her eyes were closed, but he knew not if she was sleeping. He would leave her there to rest, telling the guards to station one of themselves inside at all times and to bring servants to help the Mother with any task she required. This was heeded and Avidan went on his way. 

He felt many mixed emotions, chief among them was anger. Most surprising was that he only felt angry that Angeline had been hurt so deeply, that Melchior had died in a kingdom that had promised them safety. If this place did not have the means to protect itself, or its guests, then he would take matters into his own hands. First there would need to be reparations for their prince’s death and Exodus would be held accountable. He would make sure of that.