bittersweet symphony

Though he'd known they were all here it was weird to see so many semi familiar, definitely related faces all in one place. He'd met everyone present - some more than once - so for him this would have been just a simple reunion as well as a good-bye. Tyrian certainly would have been comfortable (well, as well as he could be all things considered) leaving Rhythm with those he liked well enough and trusted enough to treat her right. He quickly returned Rhyme's smile and meant it. The gesture faded quickly, however, as the dark mood Rhyme had brought with him mixed with the low spirits of the visiting Imperialis party. Instead of taking offense he subtly shifted closer to Rhythm; instinctively offering her the comfort and security of his presence and bolstering the appearance of a united front.

His gaze slid between his father and Rhyme as he tried to grasp the totality of the situation. Torrent was quick to address the problem and more or less voiced Tyrian's sprouting misgivings. He hated the idea of leaving Rhythm with someone who could be so cold to such a sweet woman. Torrent was right. There wasn't a wolf in Legion who would be unkind to Rhythm. She deserved better than what Abaven appeared to be offering and she certainly didn't need the added stress of getting a cold shoulder from Rhyme whenever she had the misfortune of bumping into him - something that was inevitable no matter the size of the pack.

Theory's over the top response drew an incredulous noise from Tyrian. Yes Torrent had growled and made her aggravation clear, but she hadn't lunged for Rhyme or voiced her desire to do him harm. She hadn't even addressed him and had chosen instead to speak lowly to Rhythm. Theory throwing herself in front of Rhyme as though the old man was about to get mauled was the epitome of Destruction melodrama. The warning was just as goofy. "Oh, please," he said in exasperation. "Is that really necessary?" In all likelihood it was counterproductive as he strongly doubted any member of his family would respond well to a flex of any sort.

To Rhythm, whose shoulder he aimed to bump gently, he said, "Torrent's right. No matter how anyone else feels about you we love you and we want you around." With a reception like this could she honestly say the same about Abaven and its inhabitants? "And we can turn around and go home right now."