In Lieu of Formalities

The boy stared up at Neron, wide-eyed but solemn, listening in careful silence. His head did nod, indicating he understood Neron's point - if only that he was not to call him father. "What are you then?" he asked, head tilting slightly. The only person who did not have a title in his life was Beatrix. That he would not be Uncle or something else did not even occur to him. Zariah was not thrown off by the undercurrent of criticism in Neron's words. She held his gaze with confidence, knowing her reasons for her actions to be valid. "As would I, but I am afraid, my dear, that your little brother is the part that frays in dire times." she said, dulcet tones low in her velvety voice "When we first arrived in the Hollowed Grounds, he resisted pulling together, wishing to be as far from us as possible. When he became ill - as he claims he was - he vanished without a trace, rather than leaning on us for support." The Archmage shrugged, lifting a hand to examine her pointed nails almost absentmindedly. "Loren is as fickle as a young girl's heart and about as intelligent as a toadstool. Why would I want such a weak link within our ranks?" zariah If it is danger you seek, come on over. I covet tranquility but beget the tempest storm.