[Collab between @eliyon-starfury and myself!]

The man known as Eli’yon took his steps toward the door before Mat’aeas cleared his throat to gather his attention. “Father didn’t mention she was such a lovely little bird.” He called over, grinning as Eli’yon turned to approach him but not before his attention looked toward the exit where the priestess had left.

“Hello, brother.” He greeted the man as he finally stood with his arms crossing over his chest.

Eli’yon had watched her go for a long moment. He was partially sure if they had been in any sort of other location, he would have put up more of a protest of her returning to the main estate without her. Perhaps that was the price that came with keeping a watchful eye over her. Though he was at least content that she’d allow the companionship of Valion on her journey and he would send Eros as well to continue to keep a watchful eye. The tone of the voice was the first that had caught him by surprise. After all, there was little business anyone from his family had here. He attempted to spin on his heels to look at Mat’aeas but his foot prevented much movement from the injury he had recently sustained.

“Father doesn’t seem to mention much that does not somehow enhance his title,” Eli’yon shot back and provided a once over look of his elder brother. It had been some time since Eli’yon had actually seen him. Between deployments and his less than friendly demeanor towards his family, which was no fault of his siblings, he went months or years without any sort of contact between them. Eli’yon sighed quietly as he approached the bar, attempting to suppress his limp as possible.  He had given Sheri an order to refill his bourbon and serve Mat’aeas with whatever it was that he pleased from the bar of the Smoking Crow. “Let’s leave the Lady out of conversation, hm?” He remarked as he nodded at Sheri and quickly brought the metal cup to his lips to take a sip of the amber liquid. It burned the entirety of its way down but he savored it and he was going to need it most likely to deal with whatever reason his brother was here for.

“What do you want, Mat’aeas? More of father’s bidding I take it?” Eli’yon asked with little patience, his pale gaze finding his brother’s figure hesitantly.

Mat’aeas clicked his tongue as he shook his head before downing the entirety of his drink. “Why would we leave such a pretty little thing out, little brother? Something like that is definitely worth discussing.” He continued to dig the metaphorical knife into Eli’yon’s gut. “Oh, and the other one? The dark haired feisty one, she could be just as fun I’m assuming.”  He placed his glass down and moved to standing, looking down at Eli’yon’s foot and gave it a gentle tap with the toe of his own boot.

“Somewhat, though I would have hoped you missed me. Seems father was curious as to why you had not made your leave for Argus though it would seem an easy enough answer. Your temper become too much of you, Eli? Or were you protecting that Lady Eventide from being accosted by naughty words from another?” He hand came to place firmly on Eli’yon’s shoulder.

It wasn’t a long process for Eli’yon to toss back the remaining liquid in the metal glass before beckoning Sheri for another. Between the few drinks he had prior to his discussion with Kaeiva, a slight buzz was beginning to form in his head and his weight heavily leaned onto the bar. Despite Mat’aeas reasoning for explaining why he was here, Eli’yon found it hard to believe that he was actually being honest. “If the women who run or contribute to this establishment are who you wish to discuss, perhaps you find another patron to discuss it with?” His statement came out more like a question and his fingers loosely ran along the condensation that began to build up along the golden colored glass. His brow lofted as he allowed his eyes to trail over Mat’aeas’ attire. Always the one to show his birth right, it made him roll his eyes.

“Situations arise from time to time that are unavoidable, the injury is one as such.” He replied in a flat tone and allowed himself another drink from the glass. “Lady Eventide recently gave both our troops and hers replenishment of food, other stock and luxury items. We are also waiting for forces to regroup until we deploy. Since when is it your business or father’s on how the military might of someone else’s forces is doing? Unless you’re here for something else, Mat’aeas, and you’ve ulterior motives.”

“Come, Eli’yon, maybe I just missed my little brother. Is that so hard to believe? Or perhaps I, too, yearn for a bit of free will away from our father’s estate.” He released his brother’s shoulder and kicked back as to rest his elbows onto the bar and leaned back against it. “I rather like this place…I think I might stick around for a bit. Maybe get to know your Lady Eventide or even the little raven.” He grinned as he winked over to Eli’yon. “Or maybe you already have stake in one of those territories, brother?”

Eli’yon nearly found himself choking as Mat’aeas spoke both of sticking around and his chances with either Lady Eventide or Lady Sun’rael. While he hadn’t known Kaevia for an entirely long period of time, the ranger did admire her and would aide her if called upon. However, his primary reason for being within the Smoking Crow and even his presence in and around Silvermoon was solely attributed to Elenaris and the protector role that he had seemed to take on with her. “I’m sure they could find something useful for you to do around here, brother.” He started initially in a tone that seemed genuine. “Like scrubbing the latrines or waiting on those that come in here.” He laughed quietly when he finished speaking and finished the remainder of the bourbon. He made a motion to Sheri to signal that he was done drinking for the night.

“As for the latter part of your statement, I’ve no stake in either Lady Eventide nor Lady Sun’rael as I’m sure father would enjoy that far too much more than I can stomach. Both women are of their own desires and it seems that their attention is far from any men who may attempt to suit them,” His tone was stern, specifically when mentioning Elenaris but remaining as such when discussing Kaevia. His glare in Mat’aeas direction would hopefully solidify his statement, but who knew entirely.

“Well, nonetheless, you will have to introduce me to both of them as my decision is made.” He grinned a toothy grin, patting Eli’yon’s arm with force. “For now, why don’t you take me to where ever it is you are sleeping. It must be something nice if you’ve got physicians tending to that wound of yours.”

Eli’yon chuckled once more and glanced down to the spot where Mat’aeas had patted. His aversion to touch, especially that of one who shared his surname, was clearly evident. “Lord Starfury,” Eli’yon began in a mocking voice. “I suggest you hire yourself a servant if you’d like an introduction to ladies similar of your title.” He finished and offered Mat’aeas a pat of his own except Eli’yon’s touch was to his brother’s shoulder. His hand then moved to retrieve the coin purse from his belt and he dropped it onto the bar next to Mat’aeas. “Unfortunately, brother, I’m unable to extend the hospitality that others have shown me. Fortunately for you, there are fine lodgings within Silvermoon City and that coin should get you a decent room.” Eli’yon huffed as he pushed himself off of the bar and limped towards the exit. “I will send for you when necessary, Lady Eventide will not be available for an audience until further notice and I’ve things to tend to on my own.”