Pleasure to be meeting you; quite a pleasure!

Alastor spoke of his past, burdens, and transformations, which Caedes listened to intently. The weight of the words and the gravity of the choices ahead was not lost on the obsidian brute. Once Alastor finished speaking, he let the silence linger for a moment, absorbing the full import of what had been shared with him. He could see the red striped brute greatly cherished his family. It was a relief that Mariah was truly loved, in ways that Caedes had never been, save for his grandmother. All in all. He was thankful for the honesty. It was a lot to think about, and even more so the trust just placed into his hands.

Like Alastor, he believed in no gods, but he did believe in the supernatural. When it came to Ancients, mutations, and soul bonds, Caedes was open-minded, even if he didn't fully grasp their importance. But the proof, seeing, was believing, as it were. He’d watched as Alastor gestured to his tail and displayed his crystalline claws. He got the point. He understood the significance of the Ancient souls and the traditions that seemingly bound their family. Customs meant strength and unity. Mariah told him bits and pieces, but he was hardly a pious man to begin with. His kin were all heathens and hedonists alike.

Caedes' gaze had not wavered at Alastor’s remark about his plain appearance. The scarred male wanted to grin at the time, and maybe a ghost of a curl graced his inky lips; but still he gave the older man his time to speak without interruption.

Again the mention of the soul mating ritual had been daunting. The idea of binding his soul to another was both thrilling and provocative even if he did not share their beliefs, and they seemed to think it would protect Mariah’s soul. Caedes would do anything to protect every bit of her, even if he couldn’t see what he was safeguarding. He dwelled on that for a bit wondering if her father would push him to choose now – to stay or go. Would his path follow the same one as Alastor and Manea's? Would he eventually cast aside his family, take her hand, and the rest be history..? Then Alastor gave a reprieve from the pressure of choice. A chance. An opportunity. An offer for Caedes to visit Elysium without threat or danger, on the premise that he gets to know their family. To see what he was embracing, or letting go. He could hardly imagine the latter, but abandoning his own kin was… not the life he had ever envisioned for himself. What of those he had left behind in the old kingdom? He would be cutting them off as well, he’d be forced to. It was a heavy price to pay on both ends.

Caedes took a deep breath, steadying himself before addressing the more immediate and practical offer, casting aside his unproductive thoughts. He straightened his posture, his muscles tensing with resolve. “Your proposal is generous. I understand the trust you are placing in me, sharing your story and giving us this chance.” With a deliberate and confident motion, Caedes extended his paw towards Alastor, his gaze unwavering and intense. “We have a deal. I will visit Elysium, get to know you and your family better, and learn more about what it means to be a part of your world.” He clasped Alastor's paw firmly, the grip solid and unyielding, sealing the agreement with a determined shake.