The hunt was over and sitting out at the edge of the forest, Larcius was already starting to clean one of the deer. Not in the least skirmish he started removing the innards, placing certain ones in wraps and pouches to keep them preserved. For most of the hunt he had been quite but that wasn't exactly far from the norm was it? He was more broody, if such a thing were possible.?

Standing beside him, watching the cleaning process, Aquillia studied her brother a moment.? She'd known him her whole life and for most of that life, she'd looked up to him.? She thought that she knew him quite well.? And it was for this reason that she began her conversation as she squatted down beside him to help as she reached to collect the edible organs as he removed them from the carcass.? "Are you going to tell me what's bothering you now or later?"?

He didn't answer at first but after slicing into the ribcage of the deer he shook his head at her. "I hate these lands. It is as if they are cursed to tear people asunder. I see our family breaking apart and acting far from their normal selves. It is like this land is filled with chaos and insanity and they are being dragged in. That is why you do not see me leaving my forge all that often. Also it seems every time I come out Max seems to step up to me as if challenging me. His latest was an insult and a public slap to the face." There was a violent jerk of his knife as he tore through flesh and fur.?

She chewed at her bottom lip for a moment before she said anything further, perhaps she was wondering if he would continue.? Larcius had always been a little on the quiet side, but since coming here, his words had become increasingly rare.? This was the reason Aquillia had gravitated toward him.? She missed his counsel, his wisdom and even his stupid jokes.? She sighed lightly, shaking out the waxed pouch to prepare it for receiving the innards of the stag.? "Max is full of hot air, Larc.? You know that, he's always been.? He's just thinking that since he's getting older, he's meant to rebel.? And with father...well, with father not being here and grandfather looking for any excuse to knock him into next week, he's targeting you."? At least that was her opinion.? "Max is a loudmouth."? This last sentence was spoken so quietly, as if she could use the gentle tone to somehow make it true, "And we're not breaking apart, Larc."?

"If you believe that comment you are blind, Qui, and I know you are not. You are one of the sharpest of eyes in the family." He dumped a glory of innards in the pouch she was holding. "Mother is falling apart, Our sister sneaking off to be with some commoner that I am expected to remember, Max standing up to me and mouthing off to me in the public eye. The list is long and is killing the ties of our family." Sitting back on his ankles he started wiping his hands on his longcoat. "That is why I have decided to hand my list of duties to Max."?

"Yes, but...."? She stared at him, disbelieving that she had heard him correctly.? "Wait...what?"? She dropped the bag and hung on his sleeve, "Larc, you can't mean that?!"?

"I am and you are not to say a word to anyone, Qui. If he wants my duties let him try it. Let him see how it is in my shoes." Reaching over his hand settled against hers. "I am not leaving the family, Qui, but I will not be talked down by Max any longer. He insults me and doesn't seem to care that he does."?

"But you...you just can't Larc!? Then we truly will fall apart!"? Her eyebrows were wavering as her voice pleaded with him, only to shift as quickly as lightning, "Oh bother on Max!? Just smack him around for a bit and make him forget his stupid ways!? He....he can't do what you....he's not you, Larcius Apius!"? She continued to tug on his hand as if her movements alone would sway her older brother.?

Well she was swaying him but it wasn't the way she was hoping for. "I fear that smacking him around would do nothing more than encourage him to lash out more." His hand stroked over her hand in attempt to calm her. "I suppose it was bound to happen that he challenges me for the rights of heir."?

"But he's not the heir of this family, Larcius.? YOU are!"? She felt lost, betrayed and panicked.?

"I think it would be a good learning lesson for him, Qui. Now stop whining or I'll leave too!" Not that he would really do that to the family. "He will realize what it is that I do and? most likely apologize and hand back the duty."?

Her eyes were wary of letting loose their tears.? Instead she held on to him in something resembling a bear hug.? No more words, she didn't want him to leave.? She felt she'd die if he did.?

"Not a word to anyone, Qui. Your word of this." His thick arm slipped around her and he pulled her under wing. "It will give me some time to rest as well. Do not worry I will make sure that he cannot do any permanent damage to the family."

Aquillia tightly clung to her big brother, her raven hair pressed against his chest as she snuggled under his wing. They remained like that for a long time; and eventually the soft smile returned to her lips.