"So is there a right time to pick fights then?" The question was mostly rhetoric. "Thing is, she doesn't do anything in half measures. When she got pissed at me, she banished me on the pain of death. No explanation, no nothing. I dunno... when I talked to her when she was the Puck I kinda got the impression that she did it to protect me, but I just think she's a sucker for punishment. Her father was the same, but with a century or so of practice behind him. I just... she ain't an easy woman to talk to. So, most of the time it's just easier for me to ignore what she does and do what I want anyway. Because I think if she got her own way, she wouldn't have many friends left, and the ones she had, they'd be locked up tightly where nothing could harm them."

Marcello smiled weakly at that. "That's about the sum of it," he agreed. "And she would do something rash for a friend. Everything else she would be cautious with, but not that."

Jochy sighed a little. "True. I wish I could argue, but no. She was that way as a kid too. Even more so." He gave Marcello a thoughtful look. "I know yer sister is heading back home, did she try to talk you into going back home too? On account of things being too damn dangerous here?" That would be very much like Nialla. She didn't have Titania to blame anymore, but the Erins were still dangerous for unprotected humans. Hell, he wasn't sure how Magi reacted either in the long run.

Marcello laughed at that. Although his voice was weak. "No, god, no. She might have a month ago, but now she's in love with Niabheara's guard and she's trying to convince me to let her come back."

"Miranda? Good on her..." Jochy laughed, looking a bit relieved. "I had a talk with her a while back, and had a feeling it was mostly duty that made her want to go back. Well, and that she likes her family, but she doesn't want to live there. She and Nialla is quite a like in a way."

"I don't think Niabheara is anything like my sister," Marcello answered. He sighed. "I'm worried she's going to have her heart broken. He's much older than she is. And when I say much, I don't mean like I'm much older than Niabheara or you're much older than Elaine. I mean by centuries."

"Well they both seem to think about what they are supposed to do for such a long time that when they finally snap and do what they want to do, it's a huge backlash. I mean, your sister went on and on about how she was supposed to be the one that got married, had children and were dutiful and boring. And now she fancies a century old tuatha... nice to know I'm not the worst cradlerobber here." He shrugged a little "And age ain't have anything to do with breaking hearts, that can be managed no matter what I think."

"Centuries," Marcello corrected. "Plural." He made a face. "I mean that I suspect they'll have nothing in common," he said. "Once they get over the initial fascination. There's no reason for them to..." He shrugged. "I just want her to be happy. I don't want her heart to be broken."

"Well, everybody wants that. But hell, it's impossible to say who will break yer heart or not. The only way to be sure is to never fall in love, and that's boring. Besides, it doesn't kill you, just leaves you miserable for a while. Life goes on. I know yer don't fancy to hear this as her brother, but... she's gotta make her own mistakes. yer can't protect her."

Marcello smiled weakly."It doesn't stop me from trying. Anyhow, what's this business with Elaine?" he asked."I hear she's sleeping with Bram and you, now? What..." He frowned. "What is that like?"