KARANTHIR:

I don't see a problem. Brynie wanted some beer and

I let him have it. What’s the harm in that?

FIN:

Do you know how sick he is right now?

KARANTHIR:

No, but I can’t say that I’m surprised. Oh don't look at me like that.

KARANTHIR:

... You can’t blame this entirely on me. You know how I am. If I’m such 

a terrible influence then why did you leave him alone with me? 

You act as if I don’t have Brynie's best interests at heart.

FIN:

Explain to me how this benefited him, or did you just need to 

get him out of the way so you could … No, you couldn’t be 

that calculating. Could you?

KARANTHIR:

Whatever are you talking about?

FIN:

Mez. Please tell me you didn’t do anything to him.

KARANTHIR:

What do you take me for? Nothing happened 

between Mez and myself.

FIN:

Oh? Then why did Brynie think you were wrestling?

KARANTHIR:

Why that little monster, he was supposed to be out cold.

FIN:

So something did happen. Look Karanthir, I'm not interested in your 

love life, but Mez is a friend of mine and Daprima’s brother. 

Is there anything I should know?

KARANTHIR:

I've already told you - nothing happened. Mez had too much to drink. We got ... friendly. He had second thoughts. Mission aborted. End of story.

FIN:

What do you mean by ‘friendly’?

KARANTHIR:

Oh what does it matter? He said no. No means no. I take that word very seriously. Mez is fine. I just came from his room. If you don't believe me, go ask him yourself.

FIN:

You’re sure?

KARANTHIR:

My dear brother, you should know by now that I’m all about the chase. 

Mez is a big boy, he can take care of himself. Besides, last night I was 

the designated adult, remember? I made sure everyone got to bed safely.

FIN:

The designated adult, huh? Then you shouldn't have let Brynie 

drink at all. You were supposed to look after him.

KARANTHIR:

Oh but I did. Isn’t it better that he get plastered with me than 

somewhere else with who-knows-who? This way, he was safe at 

home the whole time. So you see, I am looking after him.

FIN:

That's not how I want him looked after.

KARANTHIR:

Do you really think I’d let something happen to the little monster?

He's my brother too. And now that he’s enjoyed this over-indulgence,

I’m sure it’ll be quite some time before he craves another beer.

FIN:

You just don’t understand, he’s too young for this.

KARANTHIR:

Oh please, the lad’s in middle school – when are you going to let ...

FIN:

Karanthir, Brynie’s in fifth grade. Have you ever really talked to him?

KARANTHIR:

Have you? He’s a clever fellow Fin, and you want him to remain 

in the dark about some serious issues. Isn’t it better that he comes 

to us with his questions? And since you won’t tell him 

anything of any substance, it falls to me.

FIN:

He shouldn’t have to grow up so fast.  I want him to have a normal childhood. A real one, not like ...

KARANTHIR:

Ours?

FIN:
Yours.

KARANTHIR:

Mine? You can’t possibly think you robbed me of my childhood. 

Honestly Fin, it’s not as if you were responsible for the storm that 

blew the tree on our house killing mom and pop.

FIN:

Of course not but ... I never should have

let you come with me when I left home.

FIN:

… Sometimes, I can still hear the wind, and the crash.

KARANTHIR:
I know …

FIN:

That was such an awful night. I didn’t know what to do.

KARANTHIR:

Yes you did. You got us out before the house collapsed, which is exactly what mom and pop would’ve wanted you to do. 

FIN:

But I couldn’t get to them in time. Then, when grandfather

rebuilt the house and moved in, it was too much.

I had to go, but when you followed, I should have sent you back.

KARANTHIR:

It’s not as if you didn’t try. I couldn’t bear to be in that house any more than you could. Besides, it’s my job to look after you, while you’re looking after me. Honestly Fin, you enjoy my company. Face it, you need me.

FIN:
Of course I need you,  you’re my brother.

KARANTHIR:

It’s more than that. I amuse you, always have. And most 

importantly, you need me so you can be the good one.

FIN:

The good one? So that would make you the bad one?

KARANTHIR:
Now you understand.

FIN:
That’s ridiculous.

KARANTHIR:

Maybe, but it’s true. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll just be ...

FIN:

Wait a second, I'm not finished with you yet.

KARANTHIR:

What is it now? Oh, I know, perhaps a promise that Brynie won’t be 

permitted to drink again on my watch? Fine, you have it.

FIN:

He’s you all over again.

KARANTHIR:

Really? I don’t recall ever being so ... chipper.

FIN:

Karanthir, I’d rather you didn’t drink either.

Vampire blood or not, you’re underage,

in this realm and in this state.

KARANTHIR:

You know Fin, someday you’re going to make

some dear child a wonderful mother.

FIN:

Very funny.  I don't know what's going 

on between you and Mez …

KARANTHIR:

That again.

FIN: 

... but I don't want to see him get hurt.

KARANTHIR:

Either do I. Let's just say I'm helping him find himself.

KARANTHIR:

… May I go now?

FIN:
Sure.