It had been a bit of time since he had spoken to Art in regards to assisting with whatever the hell was going on in the Temple District, and that which had been spilling out as well. Granted they were one in the same, he still pondered the events as separate for the time being until he had more to go on. Once the conditions were more favorable, he would set out with the Predator and go over that map in reference to the past attacks, both successful and otherwise. Perhaps some residuals could be detected somehow, and possibly new information could be attained.

He had to admit with all that had been going on, that dusting himself off and getting back into the swing of things, may be just what the doctor ordered. Even if it possibly incurred a few penalties, here and there.

But that was for another time, and place it seemed.

For he had something else to see to first and foremost....A visit with a certain house leader.

The directions were simple enough it seemed, and it honestly surprised him that he had never visited the Bristle Crios compound before, despite the the groups rather impressive presence within the City of Rhy'din and beyond for that matter. Not to mention the proximity to his own family's compound, which was settled not too far of a distance north of the 'BC' compound, itself.

In fact they shared the same forest.

So it did feel rather strange that he never had visited before, but then again with the events of 'Scarred', and 'Raven' and there after, he did have little time to do anything else save react to whatever came. That of course gave little time for socializing, and whatever came along with it. Well, that and the fact that since the fall of 'Raven' aka Jacyn Ravenlock, very few would have anything to do with the eldest Ravenlock, or what was left of his clan.

So perhaps it wasn't so strange that he had never paid a visit, despite the fact he felt otherwise.

Well, with all that pondering and what not aside, he somehow found himself before the large wrought iron gates of the compound itself, which were open. Eyes of blue panned the area about the gates, as he took note of the stone walls that seemingly were swallowed by the forest itself. Much unlike the walls of his own compound, which stood from the forest proper until one was well within. A faint smile took hold, as something just felt—-right about being here before the gate.

Despite the results of 'Hannibal' and the fact that even with the multiple layers of clothing, he carried that chill so deeply within. Still, that was a testament that he was alive, and that is a good thing under any circumstances. And who knows, perhaps he may find some answers in regards to what he felt he somehow 'lost' and what others claim he should be recalling.

So steps were taken as he slowly walked through the gate of the Bristle Crios compound, his eyes panning the expanse of the compound and its amazingly crafted scuplt, again despite the after effects of 'Hannibal'. A pause in step taken, while he glanced behind him a bit. "It's alright, Jean. They won't harm me, and she won't either. Go on back and I'll find you soon."

The large moor cat waited a moment, those large eyes of gold watching Brian rather intently. Then with no other thought, the large cat turned and simply padded on out the gate, soon becoming one with the landscape and no longer visible. Turning again, Brian continued further into the compounds center circle.

As he did so, words began to come to mind....Bits and pieces of his recent talk with Renna inside the confines of the Red Dragon Inn.

"Raven" What are ya— Charlotte left me well before that, Ren. Hell it's been a few years now easy. "

"Charlotte" I'm talking about Jenai."

"Jen—- Jenai" The CoS, Jenai" Why would you—- you know, you're not the first to say that. But she and I— No, she'd never....Not me. Hell, It's been me since Charlotte left before having the baby."

"....Your headaches. How long have they been going on for?"

"Well....Okay. Whatever it is that is wrong, you know you can find me at Bristle Crios, if you want to talk about it. I don't know if you and that Scathachian had a fight or not, but....I am always here for you. If you want help with the legal matters I am sure I could help some how. I know some people in Bristle Crios that could help."

"That Scath— she's a good woman and what not. She was a huge help with Raven, and his forces too. Very strong. Hell, she helped us all. Don't know why I'd fight with her, we never really talked much before....I'd love to visit you out there, though. Seems lately not to many want a lot to do with me, and I can't blame them till we get this mess sorted, and I am cleared of the charges."

"I am sure the Bristle Crios would welcome you, Brian, even for a visit. They're not as prejudiced as most of the people here in this cattle-pen of a history. L-listen, Brian....But, Jenai is your wife, of course she'd help you."

"What's wrong" Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Hun, I've not been married since Charlotte, what are you talking about?"

"I mean I know I've married a few time—- well twice. Yeah, Myst and Charlotte. Guess I wasn't the marryin' type, cause it's been just me since Charlotte left." "Brian. You ARE married to Jenai."

"Ren....I think I'd know if I married the woman who helped save my @ss, not too long ago. And by that I mean Jenai....I mean she's a holy warrior, and I— well, you know the answer to that. So no, we're not married, beautiful. Not at all." "Fr-freak-ah wha' If this is some kind of sick joke....Brian. Did they do something to you? Did they hurt you? This headache - a week you said, yeah, right....Did something happen prior to these headaches" It's never been me - don't bring us into this conversation. I understand if you're pissed off at Jenai about something - but....But ignoring her like this is a little extreme, don't you think?" "Pissed" At Jen— Actually I call her Lady Angelique, but why would I be pissed at her" And you know I've always loved you— don't act like I've never told you that, before or that I never meant it' And to ignore her" How can I do that' She hasn't spoken to me since Jacyn was taken down. Ren—- Hun it's okay, I am okay. I know we haven't talked in a while and I'm sorry about that. No one's done a thing to me, really!" "I-I know that just....Brian, you love Jenai. You don't love — we are not having this conversation here..."

"Nemesis! Just listen to me! You....I....We're....I do love you, you know that. I love you more than anyone in this world and I'd gladly burn everything down to make sure you're safe. But....Please, Brian, listen to me. I want you to myself, so much. Like so many other men I let slip away due to my own....Desires. My lust for power. But, listen to me, Brian - you're married to Jenai. She's your wife! You love her! You've been married to her for years now. You and Charlotte happened a long time ago!" "Brian! Don't walk away from me! Listen to me! Something's wrong " I..."

Before he knew it, he was standing in the center circle of the compound, glancing about the houses themselves. Hers was 'Eternal' he believed, so that is what he looked for and as he did that he pondered back on Ren's words, that he and Jenai were married for years.

He had to admit, she was not the first to say that to him at all.

Yet, she was the most insistent of any who spoke with him on the matter. More so, despite the fact that Ren had professed her love for him, she was dead specific that he loved Jenai,and was married to her. Despite what he felt on the matter, or could recall or otherwise. Ren was certain....Her words— their power told him, how certain she was.

That spoke volumes to the man, more than she would ever know.

So there he was seeking not only Renna herself, but answers to so many questions surrounding not only himself, but Jenai Angelique as well. If they were in fact married, or together....Did she recall as well, or had she forgotten" Was Brian losing his mind, or were others the not so sane ones?

Hopefully, some light would be shed.

Even before she had been seen, she'd been felt. Such as it was when it came to these two particular beings. Almost as if it were 'suikoden", or what have you. It seemed no matter where these two beings ended up, be it way, shape or form, they always gravitated to one another, be it good, or bad.

And this was no exception"

His eyes drifted over her carefully as she trudged through the snow, eventually settling up beside him. He was glad to see her in one piece, and able to move on her own. Especially, with the whispers he had caught in regards to her recent actions, coupled with the struggle she felt within. A struggle that he himself could relate to, regardless of how much he would tell himself, and everyone else otherwise.

A struggle made ever so more the apparent, during "Scarred" and "Raven".

A warm smile took form, as he nodded to her softly. A greeting began to slip forth and just as quickly it ceased. A cant of head took hold, as he regarded her more so. Something was—-off. Her mouth moved a bit, and nothing. To further his concern, was just how fast she clamped that mouth of hers shut. A raise of brow slowly took hold, as he watched her more so.

Wait could she"no, he couldn't hear her inside as well. There was no telepathy, at all. Not a damned thing. That step taken back was noticed, as a hand reached out for her. A hand that was quickly drawn back, by the rather surprising arrival of—-"a raven?""

Perhaps it wasn't such a wise idea, to send Jean Luc back.

That was a thought that easily crossed the mind of the elder Ravenlock more than once, as he looked between the unnatural and Renna, herself. Well that, and the irony of standing before a Raven in this manner.

Still that was set aside, in lieu of the overwhelming feeling that something was still not right here. At the very least in the way of the woman standing before him, and the large bird settled on her shoulder.

She didn't seem to recognize him it seemed, or at least that's how it felt.

His mouth opened to speak once more, and then"

"Whaddya want?" Who're ya"! Mistress wants to know if you're lost girlyman!?"

"The hell"!" was about the best thing that could sum up what Brian was thinking.

After slowly taking in the fact, that the bird has spoken with him and felt somewhat—- familiar, Brian worked to formulate some type of a reply.

Which was a great deal harder than one would think, given the circumstances. Still, the girly man shot had caused him to chuckle inwardly a bit.

"I'm not lost, but it seems I've missed something. My name is Brian Ravenlock, and your Mistress was expecting me, and I her. However, I don't think I was expecting her in this manner."

A hand lifted—- that gloved left hand. Those antique spectacles were slid off, and tucked into a pocket of his coat, as a step closer was taken. For a brief moment, one would feel a welling of sorts, for that moment. Just as quickly, as it had been felt"it vanished.

Leaning towards her, a bit he asked "What happened to you??

The expression of confusion caused a brow to somewhat raise more so, as a tentative step back was taken from Renna. Eyes of blue shifted between the girl, and raven more than once, as Brian pondered a tad more so, on Ren's current state. There had been whispers of more than tough times for her as of late, however he did not expect anything like this.

What he saw here did not seem to feel quite—-

The thought was cut short, as she'smiled"

The step forward by Ren had been felt, before it had been seen. The reaction in kind, was Brian ceasing his backward tread, as his eyes searched her features for something" anything that would lend a hand, in gaining an understanding of what he had come across in regards to the extraordinary being before him.

Before anything else could be pondered, Brian found himself embraced. Much to his surprise, mind you. Well, given the strangeness of this current encounter.

Reciprocating in kind, Brian's arms slid round Ren's form as he held her closely, despite the grumblings of the bird, flapping above the pair. Further talk from the raven caught Brian's attention more so, coupled with the tightening squeeze offered by Ren, which was easily returned with no thought at all. A kiss upon that head of hers was added for measure as Brian began to feel that edged feeling recede.

The bird spoke once more, his words catching Brian's attention instantly as an expression of concern took form. Another squeeze given to Ren, as that expression of concern changed to one of relief. "So what?s what I felt, near the market' I'm glad you're alright."

Another kiss to her head, as he chuckled upon seeing the glare offered to the bird, via his mistress.

"That's right. I came here because of the headaches and what seems to be a different account of things in my life. Seems, you're not the only one who says I'm wrong about this, Ren. A few others told me the same thing as well. Also it seems I'll be around here for a bit, as well. I'll be assisting Art with this mage mess, they're looking into. So maybe we can find some answers together, because somehow—-"

The words were caught"

He really didn't know exactly how to convey what he truly felt. He just knew that he trusted Ren to no end. Be it good, or bad he trusted her wholly and that was despite the fierce battles of body, and wills the pair had shared over the course of what some may deem to be lifetimes. The blood, sweat and tears they had shared, and drawn from one another time and again. Inside and out, the pair knew each other, in so many ways. Some would say there is a very thin line between love and hate, and these two had fit that very description on easily more than one occasion.

Another thing they shared was a rather interesting constant.

That constant being the fact that no matter how terrible things had gotten or how dire things seemed or how good things happened to be—- they had never lied to one another.

"I trust you with everything, Ren" And if I'm really as lost as some are saying, or think me to be—- I trust you to somehow bring me home, for whatever its worth."

The words were left to hang in the cold of the air, as the pair held one another.

Brian continued to hold her there, letting his words hang on that winter wind for whatever they were worth. In his eyes, they were worth a lifetime of hardships and such pains, and yet at the same time of love, and growth. Granted Brian would be hard pressed to truly express that openly to the general public and to Ren herself, for fear of being smacked around"well by Ren at the very least.

Actually that's not entirely true, as Brian had always openly admitted to loving Ren, much to the chagrin of a few family members and loved ones. What he had trouble vocalizing, was exactly how deep some of those feelings had been, and how deeply some of those same feeling still ran. However, was there anything less to be truly expected, when it came to these two beings"

A question that needed no answer in all honesty.

He felt that pull from her and there was a part of him that truly did not want to release her, just yet. A part of him that wanted to hold her, for a bit longer—- just a bit longer. A part of him that recalled so fondly such a time ago when this would have been the norm, for he and she. When it would have felt—right.

And yet...

There was that a part of him that knew better. The part that knew now— at this very moment, just as it had been back when, that it was time to let go. The part of him that knew full well despite what he had felt, despite what he had said to her the evening they had reunited in the Inn, that time in their lives had passed.

As she had felt it, so did he. Their time as lovers had come to end....

And he was alright with it— he was.

Because he understood, where many would simply scratch their heads in sheer puzzlement, when it came to he and she.

Still one had to wonder, if things had been different how would they have played out...

However, that would be a tale for another time and space, no"

Pushing all of that aside, Brian watched the exchange between Ren, and soon that voice was heard. A faint smile took form, as he nodded softly with a reply. "I appreciate that, Ren. More than you know, and Khaw— thank you too. Really, she is lucky to have you."

Brian looked to the portal, and moved towards it with Ren. Then he had paused in step, as he looked to Ren once more, as the words of the woman had caught him off guard a bit.

"Warms your—- wait, our memory problems?""