Blackfeather Woods To Be Alone

Taking others by surprise was Damien's biggest pleasure, it made him feel in control and doing it on someone like Kove was even more rewarding. His friend was a Dark Brother, someone Damien admired in more than one way, and someone whose presence made Blackfeather Woods feel more like home, especially after recent, devastating events.

Damien knew that the late re-encounter with Kove had been half his own fault. Damien had been distant even from his family ever since he returned from the 'Grimnir odyssey', and meeting with old friends had been far from his priorities. Those had been dark days for Damien, but it recently had just became darker, and more dangerous, and Damien could not afford to relapse. Having friends now wasn't only a priority, it was a necessity if Damien didn't want to spiral down.

"I will be okay..." Damien assured, shrugging undesired feelings off. Damien noticed Alexander's reaction to Kove mentioning his name, and met the boy's eyes with a keen look. There was a lot of interest in the kid in that moment, and both of them had a lot to gain if things went well. Damien's pale eyes returned to Kove, followed by a friendly smile. "It is good to have you here. Both of you..." he said suggestively. Damien knew that bringing his son was Kove's way of saying he still shared the Brotherhood's interests, and that he remained loyal to it even after Bearclaw Valley's downfall.

Damien turned his attention back to Xan for a moment, his expression unusually friendly. "Are you interested in being a warden, boy? Or is your father trying to stuff it down your throat?" he asked with a sly smile, his words obviously meant to tease the older male. He knew Kove was a warden by trade, and it only made sense for him to want his son to follow his steps, but Damien believed that everyone deserved a chance to follow their own path, and Alexander wasn't showing a lot of interest in the task in Damien's opinion.