Ravin had been feeling distracted. There was so much at stake: for him, his doves, for Odina, for Ben, for Nevermere. He wished the world could just pause, give him a second to breathe before resuming its business. But things didn’t work that way. Ravin was muttering to himself, rattling off some sort of mental to-do list as he came down the stairs. Even if Rosamere talked to him, he woudln’t see her or register her presence until he was practically right on top of her.

“My darling,” Ravin mustered a smile, genuinely happy to see her, “What a delightful surprise.”

Ravin laughed breathlessly, not letting her sit before he pressed a kiss to her cheek. Then, he dropped into the chair opposite her with a sigh, as if every aching muscle in his body was at last granted relief. He sat for a moment, just breathing before he realized his attention had wandered.

‘I’m so sorry, darling, do you want something to drink?” He shook his head as if banishing the sleep and fog from his eyes.

Ravin laughed, nodding to Tulip who scampered off to fetch some tea. “Is it that obvious I haven’t?” He ran a hand through his hair, then ran both over his face. “There’s just…” He glanced over at his doves, voice quieting as he spoke directly to Rosamere, “A lot of people that need me. I’m glad to be there for them, but sometimes…it’s a heavy responsibility to carry.”

Ravin raised an eyebrow of concern, wondering if such a practice was healthy, but deciding he was hardly an authority to speak on such things. He smiled at her offer to help, reaching forward for one of the treats, “The warmth of your presence is a great a help as any could give,” Ravin took a bite out of a sweet bun, chewing it with relish. After a moment, he tilted his head in a question. “And what of you, little Rosamere? What is it that has you turning to the potions for strength?” He winked at her, smiling goodnaturedly.

Ravin made a ‘hmmm’ sound; not one of judgment, but one of interest. He did, however, earmark this bit of information for later consideration. It was in his nature to play guardian, even when it meant sticking his nose where it didn't belong. He had yet to decide whether this was one of those times.

“That’s quite alright, darling,” Ravin smiled taking another bite, “I’m happy to indulge my martyr complex. I’m not sure who I’d be without it.” Another wink, another pause, before: “You didn’t answer my question love,” He smiled gently, prodding her, “What is it that’s on your mind?”

Ravin raised a singular eyebrow, the playful host shifting seamlessly into the businessman. The negotiator. At the Midnight House, Odina’s true identity was a mystery even to his doves. She and her children had become a fixture in their little makeshift family, but never once had he mentioned or even alluded to the fact she was anything other than just a Cambrian visitor that needed rest. But clearly, Rosamere knew better. And, evidently, she was doing something with that knowledge.

“Odina is a treasured guest of my family,” Ravin said, folding his fingers together as he leaned forward, “But as you can imagine if our mutual friend and your cohort developed any…firm ideas about what the future holds, I trust you’ll let me know before you make any moves.” Ravin’s expression was one of the utmost seriousness, “I wouldn’t want to leave my family vulnerable to any kind of retaliation, should your efforts be…unsuccessful.”