Dionysus The house is in shambles.

• Avery expected nothing less, but it still shocks him. he sighs softly, sadly, and approaches. How much, if any, is still standing?

Dionysus A half a back wall, a servant house out back, and part of a carriage.

• Avery then picks his way through the rubble to roughly where his room once was, whatever floor it was on, kneels as he can and leaves the flowers there. "...I'm sorry, Mother...I wish I could tell you. I wish I could tell you it wasn't me...the force behind the blow wasn't me...I'm sorry it's taken me so long to come back...I always meant to, but...well. things never seemed to go right until now."

Avery "I hope you're at peace, wherever you are now. I love you." and with that he gets up and turns to go.

Dionysus You sense him as soon as you start to move away.

Dionysus Jack the Diamond, approaching from a distance.

• Avery goes stock still, looking towards him. "Father...?"

Dionysus "My son." His voice is weak.

• Avery goes from eager to worried almost instantly. "Are you alright? Your injury...is it still bothering you?"

Dionysus "I'm recovering slowly. I've been hiding out here for some time."

• Avery sighs softly, relieved, and cocks his head. "Why here?"

Dionysus "I thought you'd come here eventually."

• Avery smiles faintly, with more than a touch of sadness. "I've been meaning to...I just...there was never an opportunity until now. But I had to say goodbye."

Dionysus He nods, "He took my sword. I was going to give it to you."

• Avery looks surprised. "I barely know what to do with one."

Avery "They're teaching me archery now."

Dionysus "Well, if you see him, get it back for me." He smiles, weakly, "Arcerhy's a good skill. How are you holding up?"

Avery "Better than I have been, honestly...A lot's happened since Madziar. I've...learned a lot about myself, what I can do. but there's a long way to go yet. I don't know how to lead..."

Dionysus He nods, "Me either." A pause. "I'm no help am I? Is there anything you need?"

• Avery chuckles softly. "Probably. there usually is. But seeing you again has done wonders for my spirits, I can tell you that much...I was worried." suddenly reminded, he holds up the wrist with the bracer. "Thank you, by the way...Damon Argent said you'd sent it to him for me."

Dionysus He nods, "I found it and thought you could use it."

• Avery nods. "It's come in handy, on the moons."

Dionysus He smiles, "Well, I tell you what. If there's aught you need that I can provide, leave a note here and I will see it."

• Avery nods, then is struck by a thought. "actually...I don't know if you can help, but...well...the band is preparing for the Contest, we've got all our songs, and it was suggested that magical weapons and instruments would come in handy...except I have no idea how to find the good stuff, because you have to know the right people. and I don't."

Dionysus He pauses, then grins, "Where are you all based right now?"

• Avery starts to smile himself. "Maraddon City, special forces compound."

Dionysus "In a few days, a man will be there wanting to talk to you."

• Avery grins. "Thank you, Father..."

Dionysus He bows, "Thank you, my son."

• Avery looks surprised. "For what...?"

Dionysus He smiles, "For walking your path."

• Avery blushes faintly, not quite able to hide his pleasure at the statement. he hesitates, then hugs his father tentatively, unsure of what the reaction will be.

Dionysus He hugs back. He feels very... odd. Like he's both metal and flesh.

• Avery is slightly confused by this but doesn't much mind it. "...I'll see you again."

Dionysus He nods, "And I you. Good luck, son."

• Avery nods, then turns and gives the wreckage and flowers one last look before heading back to Maraddon, rather bouncier than he was when he left.