There was a wash of emotions that went over his brother’s face. Grayson held himself together as he watched them all. It was like an unseen hand gripped both his throat and his heart. A heavy, intense feeling that swelled in him. It was hard to describe what any of them were. Relief. Joy. Peace. Acceptance. Excitement. Fear. Pain. There was a lot coursing through his body as he watched the man with his jaw muscles clenching over and over. He was really there. He looked…. great. Even as the emotions welled in his eyes, Zander looked incredible. Maybe it was the fact that he missed the man that much. That he was just relieved he was alive and had a life now that shifted his perspective. All the same Gray could not find it in him to question how thrilling it was to hear his name said aloud.
He closed his eyes and felt the hint of a smile on his face when Zander reached out to touch him. Just as it was just more, tangible evidence that this was real for his brother, Gray felt the same. This was real. He opened his eyes and exhaled at the comment that he smelled of the men who slayed him originally. It was a scent that followed him since his resurrection. Of all the things that had come of this, it was a side effect he could handle. He looked his brother in the eyes and gave a lazy, half shrug in response. “A necessary evil,” he explained. His traveled across the people of the room now. It was filled with all sorts. A sanctuary, the enchanter had called this place. A location where those of all kinds could come and find solace. A home. Perhaps one for him, as well.
He followed Zander easily to the back. He catalogued everything he could smell and hear. It was so vibrant here compared to where he had been. Where they both came from. It was something Gray knew he would have to get used to. Yet, he found the experience something he could enjoy. He waited until they were alone before answering his brother. Grayson leaned against the wall with his hands deep in his pockets and eyes trained on the space just above Zander’s shoulder. “I honestly don’t know the specifics,” he admitted. “I remember it all happening. And then after what felt like a second dragged out for an eternity, I was back. The witch I befriended, Aoife, apparently brought me back. She had seen the tail end of it all and told me how you…” His hands clenched in his fists in his pockets and sighed heavily. “As soon as we heard of another gargoyle fitting your description, I came out.”
His gaze moved from the wall to Zander’s and his eyes softened. The pain filled them, now. He wished he could have come sooner.