It was an odd occurrence, being the only one in. There was usually someone else around, someone other than his wife who, more likely than not, had been left with instructions to see that he was fed and watered regularly. He never welcomed their intrusions - at best, he would find himself mildly thankful there was something to eat as he tried to work out something particularly tricky. More often he would see that they left his rooms with the knowledge that they were very unwelcome. The only interruption he did welcome was Eos: her hands and voice pulling him away from work always found him compliant and docile.
And so, the one time he found himself alone, and should have been happy…..he found himself wishing there was someone underfoot. Someone who would go and answer the door. He was far from the knocking, almost at the door to his rooms - but the sound intruded. He was not involved in his work, only heading towards it. It was so close, it beckoned after a late night under the stars and then a little sleep….
But that noise.
After a moment’s consideration of the closed door in front of him, Astraios turned and made his way to the front door. He did so with an absent-minded grace that seemed to miss tables and chairs purely by accident. He was ready to dismiss whoever was knocking with a few short words and a closed door until he actually opened it. Then he just stopped, silent and perfectly still. Here was another welcome interruption. A smile spread slowly across his face and he held out his arm as he took a careful step forward to meet his brother.