Hermes took the hand and flopped casually down next to him on the bench, lacing their fingers together in hopes of being some sort of point of comfort.
"I chose mine because he had the sense to look up instead of only straight ahead or down." A slight pause where he made a very thoughtful face. "And because him just being close to the pens sparked all kinds of interesting thoughts from the other people there. I like a challenge. And Carrick was a beautiful, ancient, ruthless challenge who might nearly be as clever as I am." Not quite, though. Close, but not quite. It was the only way Hermes had outmatched the vampire. "We all have our reasons for choosing the people we do.They may not be the most noble at first, but that doesn't mean the relationship won't be as deep or meaningful in spite of it."
He kicked his feet out in front of him, crossing them casually at the ankles. "Besides, I think Samandriel and I will be at least more diplomatic with each other once this whole mess is over and he has what he needs and I have my master back properly. Hell, we might even end up friends and isn't that a terrifying thought?"