death incarnate & night triumphant

The alcohol coursing through Lani is almost visible to the eye, her face flushing that familiar hue as she continuously drinks. Normally, Andras wouldn't have minded, perhaps make a teasing quip to put her off balance but now... now she seemed so fragile. He wasn't sure he could tease her without the woman bolting from the table, away from him. He would try though, to get some sort of emotion, true, emotion out of her by the end of their meeting. Gods above he would accept raging anger or hate. It would be easier if she hated him. The Fae Lord would accept anything at this rate, broken bits and all, and gather those broken bits he would if she so wished it.

His offer had been genuine though he was entirely prepared for her to deny him, fully expecting that as his hazel gaze remains steadfast on her face. The wine glass pausing, in perhaps, surprise? And it was surprise, he could feel it flicker between them. Whether she felt it or not was beyond him but he can't help but feel a moment of astonishment of his own at the sensation. He hadn't directly established a link with her, hadn't wanted to invade her thoughts. Though, it wasn't as if he were reading her thoughts more just a feeling of her emotions. Interesting. Perhaps it had something to do with their unusual connection, he didn't really have anything to base it off of. He pushes the moment away, promising to reevaluate it at a later time.

Once she fully lowers her glass back to the table, he glances down for the briefest of moments, noting the empty wine glass. Though he makes no move to comment and instead re-centers his attention back on Lani. When she doesn't immediately shoot him down, Andras's heart leaps, if only for a moment, "If I recall correctly, you were rather talented at taking photos, I'm sure I could help find you work at a number of galleries in the city. If that doesn't suit you," he shrugs, "Well, I'm sure we can find you something else."

"There are a few coffee shops that have popped up through the city, that could be a possibility too," he hums after a moment, his mind whirling through the different options. He would keep it open, something he didn't need to decide right now, surely she wouldn't return to Somnia so soon? Would she? Perhaps she was simply saying she would accept a job offer and ofter this encounter, wander off and he wouldn't see her for another three years. It was a possibility and yet, he didn't want to think about it. Not yet. He didn't want to have to say goodbye so soon. Her comment on wanting to see Ida again has him perking up slightly, attention returning to the wine bottle in her hand. Waving his hand in dismissal, "You wouldn't be imposing and Ida would be delighted to see you again," I know I am, was what he wanted to add and yet he bites his tongue. "The townhouse is keyed to Somnia, I can give you a key to come and go as you please or you're welcome to reach out directly to me. We've had some recent... disturbances and I've shut down all other portals into the country," he admits before adding, "The city is still perfectly safe though so you need not worry."

Once the waiter leaves, he watches the young fae woman ply herself with more alcohol, her cheeks flushing darker by the minute and not that delicious flush he once was allowed to see. Brows furrowing slightly, he doesn't comment, though he does take another drink of his wine before finally having enough of the conversation behind him. His tone is sudden and demanding as he captures her attention, a dark smile toying at the corner of his lips before he lifts a finger and chaos unleashes. The screaming of the women is almost like a serenade to him as dark laughter rolls off his lips, hazel eyes glancing every briefly at the trifecta behind him before his attention settles on Lani once more. And there it was, that musical laughter floating on a breeze to his ears, the first genuine smile he had seen her make all night. There she was. His Lani. "Of course I am," he murmurs, wanting to tell her that though things were different, he was still the same.

It's as if a long lost memory surfaces in her, Andras leaning forward as her soft voice speaks up once more, "Hmmm? Did you think I wouldn't be?" He arches a brow, curiosity dancing in his eyes, his gaze heavy on her's. "I'm more than certain I would start a snowball fight here, right now if there was snow around. It might be more of a commotion than a spilled bottle of wine though," he admits, his dark simper returning. He's interrupted by the arrival of food and he's almost disappointed by its arrival, the man having to lean back to allow the waiter to deposit the dishes on the table. The scent hits him, wafting into his nostrils and it is positively delightful, his attention momentarily distracted by the meat dish placed before him. He hadn't had cooking like this in a long while and he was rather delighted he had decided to come. Especially since he had run into Lani. "Thank you," he murmurs, the waiter asking if they need anything before striding off. Immediately after the waiter leaves, the three women, now frowning, file single line down the patio and out the door, still complaining about the stains never coming out. "Well, that went far better than I expected," he says, gaze trailing after them before glancing back at the young blonde woman. "Would you like some?" He asks, gesturing at his dish.

Andras Steinhello darling