[Venora] My Brother, Where Have You Gone?

[Alistair]

100th of Ashan, Arc 717

"My Lord," Kamden called for the Venora, the Baron standing above his shadow as his back was shrouded by the lighting, almost like a silhouette. The torches of the estate hall blazed, revealing the throne at which Alistair stared from atop the few steps to climb. His place to rule from, a place he'd been sitting for nearly a hundred trials now. Being a Baron of a land like Novilane was a taxing profession. He'd wondered if Fridgar would begin to fall out of love with just how much time he'd had to spend away from his Lotharen mate, and instead, seating himself upon this carved wooden chair, with silken soft padding.

It was the first time he'd really ever ruled. Had he been leading well, thus far? He imagined so. Alistair was a good leader -- everyone always told him as such. He was like his grandmother, they said, worthy of respect and admiration. And he had come along with the times, not subjected to the same standards of traditionalism as Ebony, though still more detached and "noble" than the errant relatives of his who fraternized with peasants and delved mindlessly into the arts.

His family was one of prestige, and thus far, his goal had been to maintain that prestige. As such, he'd begun on many projects within Novilane - one of them, of late, was expanding the vessels fit for deep sea travel, with Zaran Ki'zola gaining the Baron's approval on a commission of several new ships, particularly a small collective of Galleons and modernized Nau to exceed the standards of the caravels the Barony had employed just prior. Novilane needed to grow, and as a result, the holding of Oxentide needed to invest.

"Kamden," Alistair called his name, though he kept his back straight and his face towards the chair. The Baron's arms were together behind his back, a palm for each palm. "How go the negotiations with Zaran on the costs?" he asked.

"Well, my Lord," the chancellor stated. "If we can get the lumbering companies involved with the production, and some of the unemployed laborers into the shipbuilding market, we can commission these galleons and nau vessels for much less than you'd typically imagine. Zaran is an efficient builder, and he's seeking extra revenue from the barony's treasuries to begin working on new ship models. It's a mutually advantageous deal, and he recognizes this," the chancellor stated, clearing his throat. Alistair nodded.

"Good," he said. "Could you task Zaran with putting up flyers in search for laborers? We'll need all the men we can get for this project," the Baron said, finally turning around, the torchlight at his back, his face shaded utterly darkly. Kamden nodded his head in response, bowing to the Lord as he knelt on one leg. Then, as Kamden began to stand to leave, Lena Chicasaw stepped forward, the Barony's treasurer.

"Shall I prepare the sums from the treasury, My Lord?" the woman asked. Alistair bit his lower lip, and stepped from the elevated platform, the light shining on his complexion.

"Firstly, tell me - do you imagine this will adversely effect our treasury in the long run? What are your projections for the profitability of these new ship models?"

"Well, my Lord, we have many recent arrivals to Oxentide who need work, and this would provide them with that. Ultimately I believe this investment would stimulate the economy regardless, though I'm unsure of the profitability of the Galleons. The Nau aren't much of an upgrade from our caravels, but they're larger and capable of tolerating more weight - I believe we can increase our foreign and national trade output significantly." The woman didn't give any definitive answers, though it was clear she didn't find the investment all too poor.

"I see," the Baron replied. "Do you imagine we might be capable of steering trade power from Astedia with the new ships?" he asked. While it wasn't his goal to try and oust Celeste, he had to advocate for his own interests, and the town of Oxentide needed remain competitive with Astedia on the Cyrene Bay node.

"Well, if they don't respond by expanding their own trade fleet, then yes - we could perhaps begin to try and monopolize the node. With the extra storage and weight on the Galleons and Nau, other cities will be more keen on trading with us, considering the expanded inventory and bargains we can offer as a result. Ultimately, more space means less trips for the same inventory, which means less expenditures from the Baron's estate and more flat revenue per deal. We could potentially reduce our prices as a result of this, which would give us a competitive edge over Astedia, theoretically."

Alistair nodded. He imagined as such - Lena was concurring with the estimations he'd already thought upon. It would have to be done, then. This investment was one he found incredibly worthy, especially considering the developmental and maritime trade approach he'd determined he would venture upon for Oxentide. The holding was already urban and wealthy, and he would make it moreso, capitalizing on its trend of growth. He would focus on economic growth for the people of his region, rather than war.

"My Lord," Kamden called, peering quietly from the edge of the room. "Lord Xander of House Krome, your ally, shall be here soon to see you. Shall I invite him in at first opportunity?" the chancellor inquired.

"Yes," Alistair replied. "That would be appropriate -- thank you, Kamden."

It had been some time since he'd seen Xander, and sincerely, the noble had missed his brother and friend. He would have had Xander - above all others - as the one sitting beside him on his chair, acting as his advisor, if he had not already been facing his own challenges in Krome. Alas, his ally held similar obligations, and the two had scarcely found the time to meet. But that would change, especially with the man's duties in Drakengard in dealing with Celeste. The two were at liberty to see one another, on the occasion, and play the long game of catching up.

[Xander Andaris]

Extravagant was the word that came time mind as Xander first set his eyes upon the palace his friend had been gifted. As Baron it appeared he had become a King, the place was massive and stunning. It was not exactly to Xander's own taste, yet then again he knew they did not get to choose their Baronies. Still the place was excessive to say the least, its long front and three stories high with ornate gargoyles and statues spread around the roof. Then you got to the main entrance, the giant columns and two stair cases that lead to the main entrance. In many ways it made Xander's heart bleed to see such an excessive waste of money had once been put into the erection of this place. Xander hoped his own estate if he ever received it would not be so huge.

He ascended the stairs at the front and was met by servants and other more rich looking folk, maybe advisors or some other nobles or merchants. Either was Xander was met by people and a well lit entrance, torches lining the walls along with art and other such superfluous items. He looked around him as he compliantly handed his sword over, he doubted he would need it at all here, not in the home of a friend. He had been unimpressed by the extravagance of Celeste's house but this was something different, a new level of insanity that the nobles of Rynmere seemed to keep throwing at him. He couldn't help but feel a little upset his ally would live in such a place, the inequality between him and the people he ruled more clear than ever.

Even so, he could not really expect much less from someone who wished to be king. He believed he could lead Rynmere into a new era that would be good for the Kingdom, he believed he was the one to do that. In truth who was Xander to argue with that, he two believed he was the one to lead Krome to greatness but the difference was he would give power to the people in the end. Either way, it was likely Alistair Venora would make a better leader than Cassander, he did have an air of leadership about him after all.

Xander thanked the man who guided him now to meet with the newly appointed Baron, walking through the halls past the many doors and rooms that the building had. Far too many for any one person to ever remember them all without having lived there for arcs. Xander took it all in and tried not to judge too wildly, the man had still agreed to support his aim. He had shown Xander kindness and support that he had never believed to gain from a Southern Noble, although Celeste was beginning to surprise him in that regard too. Xander had in recent trials learnt to not judge a book by its cover any more, after all Alistair was not a garden loving pansy and Celeste was not a baby dragon.

Finally Xander arrived at the throne room, where upon entering he saw the man he had once met in a simple northern home standing at the bottom of the dais where his throne sat. Xander smiled upon entry, ignoring any discomfort the place caused him. "It appears the life of Baron suits you. You fit well into this most, he paused to think of the word he was looking for, "humbling palace." He began to make his way along the hall towards one of the most powerful men he knew. It had been a long while since their last meeting and there was much of importance to discuss.

"It has been too long Alistair." He chuckled as he finally reached his friend and clasped his forearm, squeezing the flesh in his hand as he looked at the noble. At this point Alistair may notice some differences in Xander, he was stronger and bigger, his arms more muscular and trained. His chest was somewhat stronger and his shoulders better shaped, it was clear he had been growing in strength since their last meeting. "We have much to talk about you and I, much to discuss that should have been discussed sooner."

There was also a hint of more happiness in his eyes, like emotion had begun to be more present in him since their last encounter. He was still controlled with it but Alistair had seen the true him before anyway, there was no need for a facade around a man who knew your secrets. "Is there some place we may catch up on lost time, it appears much has evolved since our last in depth talk."

[Alistair]

When Xander arrived, stepping through the tall doors and into the room, the Venora's heart nearly skipped a beat. He was impressed, even just at first glance. Xander had developed - he had a better posture, the air of a ruler, and an incredible build. The broadness of his shoulders and the firm outline of his body was similar to Alistair, who was of a build not too far apart from the Young Wolf. The two men were similar now in height and body, and when facing each other they appeared as utter equals in many respects. Alistair was a leader, and he lived by the precepts of a leader - yet with Xander's arrival, and their very public friendship, the man couldn't help but be affectionate rather than stern and sheer.

As Xander stepped towards him, he moved to him as well, and whilst the man gripped his forearm he wrapped his arms around the other Lord's back in a firm hug, just as strong as before, though now he was sure the younger Lord could meet the full force of his grip with the same strength. He felt comfort at seeing the man again, as was embodied in the brotherly embrace, his chest feeling a certain familiar warmth.

"The life does suit me. I have always been a ruler in my heart, and my head. Leading Novilane now, and in the glorious holding of Oxentide, has been something of a halcyon era - though I admit it's been quite restrained for time." He held back a sigh. The amount of hours in each day he had to dabble about had been limited, and he'd mostly left his business to his employees of late to free himself up for other engagements. Alistair woke up, readied himself, performed his duties, managed his business, maintained his physical form, and studied magic. He only had enough time in each day for six hours of sleep, and no leisure periods, seeing Fridgar once every several trials of late. He knew he'd need to cut something out of his schedule - though he didn't know what, yet.

"I wouldn't call the Setting Sun a humbling place, however," he said, pointing out the man's sarcasm and half rolling his eyes. "It's quite overly large, isn't it? I've decided to hold court and my personal estate on the far end of it, over here, whilst I'll be leasing out the rest of it to Zaran's naval manufacturing company. It'll be a part of the deal in acquiring Oxentide some new galleons," he pointed out, still quite mentally occupied by that whole trade deal. He'd been meeting with Kamden, Zaran and Lena for hours each day of late. It had become the only thing he'd thought about these past few trials.

But Xander was here, and whilst he knew their discussions would be mostly political, his presence was a form of relief. The Baron nodded in response to his statement; it had been too long indeed.

"I hope you've been doing well, my brother. I heard from Tamlen that your ship came here from Drakengard, is that correct? How is Celeste?" he asked. It was true that they had much to discuss, and currently, his eyes searched for his valet, Kamden's younger brother. "Ah, there you are," he called on the man. "Ensure my audience room is closed, I'll be going to the bathery with Lord Krome," the man stated. The valet nodded his head, and Alistair gestured for his dear friend to follow as he headed towards the secluded area, one he'd chosen for the fact that servants were not allowed to enter the room without Alistair's direct permission.

They needed privacy, considering the secrecy of many of their plans, particularly involving the deposition of the King.

When they arrived, they were met with a rectangular room held up by pillars, with a large square basin in the center, lowered several feet and emptied of water. Above it was an adapted 'sink' running from what appeared to be a furnace of sorts, with heated stones sitting inside of the furnace and steaming water ready to flow from the sturdy metal. Alistair gestured for his friend to take a seat wherever, with a rack for hanging his clothes, several towels and two wooden benches on each side. The floors appeared to be a smooth stone, while the walls of the bathing basin seemed much like marble.

"This place legitimately has a bath house for me and my advisors," he stated, raising his arms as if to gesture around.
"It's wonderful. Do you want to partake, or shall we just sit on the benches and chat? Either way, we can talk about whatever you like. I really want to know what's been ongoing with you."

[Xander Andaris]

Xander nodded his head, the place was more than "quite overly large" it was, in fact, beyond huge, the place was ridiculous in size. There was no way anyone could possibly need so much space, so many rooms and in such large sizes. "Indeed, quite overly large. I am sure there is some reason that it was made so large, it must have had an intended use for each room and hidden area." Then it was revealed what Alistair planned to do with it at least, it was a good use for it, it meant the space would not be wasted at least. The place may once have costed enough money to feed the whole of Rynmere a meal, now at least it would end up being used and not half empty. Xander would certainly hate to see that much space wasted. "That is one way to use the space indeed."

He was doing okay, well would have been an exaggeration as his life had grown drastically more complex recently. He may not be suffering or having a bad time or feeling unwell but his mind was taxed and always working to search and figure out his next move, what was appropriate and what not. He had been informed he may be much more in the public eye now he was marrying a Baroness of Andaris. "I am doing well, yes, life has been exciting these passed trials but I am indeed well." He smiled as he thought about how to approach his question of Celeste, there was a history there after all, quite a complex one if he remembered rightly. "Indeed, I came from Drakengard, the boat journey was okay. As for Celeste, well, she too is well and has recovered well from her attack at our engagement party." He wondered if the Baron had heard of the attack, he was sure he had at least heard whispers.

Of course Xander followed his host to wherever it was they were to speak, little did he know it would be a large bath room. It was grand and warm in the room, a fire burned over the large empty water basin in the floor. It was the biggest bath he had seen, that was for sure. The ground was a smooth stone under his boots, clearly designed to be soft on the feet of the delicate nobles who would find themselves in this room. It was most certainly not designed for use by one person, to Xander it only made sense to make use of it while he was there and he needed a bath after his journey there.

"I suppose it would not hurt to clean away some of the grime that accumulates in travel be it short or long." So he moved over to the benches and began to remove his boots and socks. Wondering where to begin about his time since they had last met, of course the Baron knew of his engagement and that was clear. Still he decided it did no harm to make that clear. "Celeste is to be my wife, it was planned by her father and my parents. Now she is Baroness of Astedia and I have moved down here for the time being." He placed his boots neatly next to one another and placed his socks inside them.

He looked at the man who was his ally and a man who had been absent for the recent events, he wondered where the mage had been all this time but decided not to ask for now. "Since we got engaged she has been attacked three times and each time I have had to save her, luckily I was able to do so each time although she was almost killed at our engagement party I am sure you heard that. Then of course there is the fact Celeste has become Baroness and I too soon hope to pursue my Barony in Krome, things have moved along a lot since out last meet." He removed his shirt and then folded it placing it on the bench beside him as he thought what else there was to tell. There was one thing he would approach, some questions about the boy who had attacked his bride to be, although he would not yet say that it was Rafael Warrick who had attacked her.

"I also met one young fellow, Rafael Warrick, do you know him? I believe the two of you are related, I wondered if you knew him well and were close? He was an interesting fellow what can you tell me about him?" Xander was digging now for information that may be useful in eventually getting the boy back for what he did, or even the slightest chance that Alistair had for some reason been involved, although Xander doubted it of course. He rubbed his chin as he waited to take his trousers off until the bath was drawn.

[Alistair]

He shrugged. It was made for someone who was once a Queen, if the historical accounts were correct. His great ancestor, Queen Nora of Rynmere, died not far from here and spent many of her final days in these rooms. What sort of usages would she have had for all of this space? Perhaps she merely wished to look out from dozens of different windows, spread across the length of the Palace, with an easel before her for each point of view.

He did not fully know, or understand, but if there was some secretive usage for these rooms, that was something he'd hopefully uncover sooner rather than later. For now, the end of the palace that he currently owned - not having yet bought out the rest of it - was utilized for him, his servants, his advisors and their servants. Hopefully a family, soon enough, though he wasn't sure what noblewoman in all of Rynmere would want to consign themselves to the loveless, sexless marriage that Alistair would have in store.

For now, though, a business and manufacturing company was an appropriate usage of the rest of the... eighty percent of the place that he found unnecessary to personally occupy. When the time came that he was no longer Baron, but Duke, he supposed he could sell off that section of the palace as a blanket fund or perhaps even move the capital of the Duchy to Oxentide. Considering Rynmere had been throwing tradition out the window as of late, they couldn't complain if Dukes started moving their capitals away from the "forts".

"Life is always exciting once you fall into the public eye. The challenge for you now will be to prevent the "thrills" of high politics from winnowing you down." Such as... being attacked at one's engagement party, for example. He did know of the attack, and he was glad that Celeste recovered, but - he was still very curious about who planned the assault. Was it an attempted murder, to destabilize Andaris? Perhaps it was Cassander, desperate to damage the functionality of his rival house? It was very concerning, and it was a concern for Alistair as well - if Celeste died before he'd managed to get back into her good graces, his relationship with Andaris would be muddy for the greater half of his life. Venora was historically close to their great neighboring family - closer than any house had been to any house.

He knew, now, that it was time to begin mending that great bridge.

"I could come to Drakengard some time to see if she's truly well. I have been terribly busy of late, but there's always time for a doctor to perform his medical practices." He figured the suggestion wouldn't be implemented, and it was likely that Celeste was of tolerable health already, but making the statement at least showed his concern. It was a mistake of his to not have treated her some time ago, as it would have been to their mutual benefit, and the beginning of reconciliation.

He wasn't quite sure, however, why she'd been particularly singled out so much. Three attacks was rare - Alistair had only been targeted that many times in his entire life as a public figure. Once only by belligerent Krome separatists, and twice by the Axtons - that was it. Perhaps this was a sign of the slow, unwitting transference of power from Andaris to elsewhere, with vying factions seeking to eliminate their former overlords altogether.

Nevertheless, he held these thoughts at the back of his mind, preparing the bath by enabling the steaming water to flow into the basin. He took a breath and relaxed himself, removing his red coat, his riding pants and his boots, leaving himself only in a pair of long undergarments that he subtly removed before stepping in. The hot water immediately surprised him; it was relaxing as much as it was discomforting, though the discomfort would go away as he adjusted to the elevated heat. This bathhouse was, altogether, incredibly nice. While he missed the grandiosity of the Sabaissant du Cristel, the Setting Sun Palace was not - by any means - lacking.

"Come in and relax, my friend," the man called, beckoning for the Lord of Krome to join him. "I know it's all been very stressful lately, but you're safe here, and I'll always be a listening ear. Luckily, we're not hours away from one another now, until you decide you wish to reside somewhere else." He knew it was unlikely that Xander would stay in Drakengard forever - the man's ambitions were too great for that. Still, it was comforting for Alistair to have his friend so nearby, and he truly did wish to help alleviate his worries.

On the mention of Rafael, the mage's brows rose. "My cousin?" he clarified. "Well, he and I are... allies of sorts, I suppose. Not to the extent that you and I are, but I can see his precocious nature, and I firmly believe he has the potential to be an incredible Lord as he grows. The issue is - he's sort of dangerously ambitious, and willing to take deadly risks for uncertain gains. I believe he'll either become incredibly powerful or will die young." Alistair had no idea of his connection to Celeste's attack, though he did encounter the young Lord outside of Xander's engagement party whilst he and Damien fought. Certainly, Xander had met him, and he'd been within proximity when the Lady Andaris was attacked.

Was he a suspect, Alistair wondered? He couldn't be sure, and he wouldn't raise the suggestion, but... Xander was an honest fellow, at least with him. He figured the man would at least tell him something - Alistair and he had shared many secrets, and assumptions, in the past.

"Why do you ask, Xander? Have you noticed his lust for power? It's clear as day to me. He looks through much the same eyes as we do."

[Xander Andaris]

His suggestion to visit was something he and Celeste had already considered, they would soon be asking him to visit and dine with them. It was of course important to hold good relations between two powerful and influential Baronies, not to mention the inter house relations. "You would be most welcome in Drakengard, Alistair. I can assure you there will be no need for your medical skills but it may be god for you to establish a stronger relationship with the woman who may once have been your bride. She is now your most powerful neighbour after all." Of course Astedia was not Xander's own Barony but for Celeste he would attempt to begin building the new bridge that would connect the two, do his best to begin a good start to the relationship between the two lands.

Xander watched as the streams of hot water filled the large basin, the steam rising and filling the room. He could not say by any means that the water was not inviting, of course the warmth of the liquid would relax him and clean away the dirt that had begun to accumulate from the sea travel. He watched his friend disrobe and enter into the warm bath, he noted the slight flinch that came from Alistair at the heat and prepared himself for the temperature he might meet. "Indeed I welcome this chance to clean and relax, although, I do fear political discussion will be on the horizon today. I would love to be able to undergo safe and idle chitchat but sadly there is not the time for that, we are both busy men and I must make the most of our meetings." Xander removed his trousers and was now in a pair of shorter undergarments that covered only his manhood and the very tops of his thighs.

He took one of the multitude of towels and moved around to the side of the bath opposite Alistair. The man if paying attention might notice the still red scars upon his thigh and calf from his fight with Alistair, the wounds were fully healed but the scars had not yet lost their colour. Xander placed the towel down beside the bath and turned his back to Alistair to remove his last layer of clothing before lowering himself hastily into the water. Being in the nude always left Xander feeling vulnerable, even when alone he felt like it left him an easy target.

He listened closely as he was informed about Rafael, the Bastard child who had caused him both physical and emotional strife. Xander had not only feared losing Celeste, gotten his own body damaged but he had also tortured a man for information, hurt him and acted in such a way that he had hoped he would never need too. Xander was a controlled man and he was willing to do whatever necessary but it did not change the fact that to act in such a way to another who was defenceless was not who Xander wished to be. However, in the end Xander found what he had doubted could ever be true suddenly appearing more likely. The two of them were allies of sort, a lion and a rose who supported each other and had some sort of mutual agreement.

Xander felt himself tense as he looked at the Venoran Baron. "That boy does not see in the same way I do, as I would never act in such a foolish way." The emotion of hate managed to claw its way out of Xander's deepest and darkest crevices. He rubbed his wet hands over his face, the warmth covering his skin and acting to calm his anger at the attacker. "No, the boy may have ambition but he lacks brains, if he had even tried to research myself and Celeste then maybe he would not have tried to take her and then when caught stabbed her." He looked at his host and suddenly wondered if the man was as good judge of character as he had believed when they allied themselves.

"Who do you think gave me these scars, scars to remember that I owe him the point of my sword one day." Xander raised his muscular legs one after the other above the water to make sure that the Baron had seen the red scars that sat there. Xander shook his head and calmed his frustration remembering he was not here to lose an ally. "Perhaps the boy is not what you think him to be, perhaps it is just his age, either way I will never ally with him. We are friends, we are brothers and I would hope you can respect that wish and also distance yourself from that lion cub. He will cause us nothing but trouble." The water had been calming at first but now it could not stop Xander feeling annoyed that they had not spoken sooner or even before the attack at which point maybe it could have been prevented.

He placed his arms on the edge of tub and raised his legs out in front of him, suspending himself in the water for a few moments before again dropping the feet down. "I do not wish to lose our alliance in this but I think it shows that we must communicate better, I would use letters but I would rather not risk them being intercepted, our topics are too sensitive for that." Now they were closer maybe they could meet more often but it did not change the fact that soon they would need battle plans, tactics and plans for how to proceed once Xander was married. Losing his title would already make his conquest of Krome difficult but if he acted quickly after he was married he could likely use the Loyalty of those who once ruled over to take the rest of Krome in a quick war or by some matter of a show of true not ignorable support.

"Now is our time, we are together and we must plan, the past is the past and cannot be changed but we must look to the future and when we are to pursue our true and final aims."

[Alistair]

It was clear from early on that Xander did not like Rafael. No, it was more than dislike, it was actually... hatred. As Alistair praised him, albeit with insults accompanying, the Lord of Krome grew irritated and made his opinions clear. Rafael, to him, was not precocious - he was a fool. An utter tyke. Learning why didn't take long, apparently the young man... attempted to capture Celeste, and then stabbed her when caught? How was this not widespread knowledge? Did Xander, for some reason, wish to protect Rafael's identity? Or was he afraid of angering House Warrick?

. . .

Alistair was totally at a loss. He didn't know how to process all of this information, but it did make sense. He knew there was a sort of bloodlust about the boy, accompanying the lust for power. Violent - yes, Rafael was violent. He wanted the Qe'dreki to return to the Kingdom, after all, inviting with them carnage and retribution. Alistair couldn't have imagined that he'd be so bold, though... and his actions only made the mage scoff. This was the same boy that chastised him for being a mage - yet his own actions were heinous to their own tune.

"I see," the Baron replied. He was clearly not very emotionally attached to this topic, just surprised. It did bother him to see Xander so upset, as he considered the man to be a dear friend of his. Personally, he too was upset, and he felt... betrayed by Rafael, who must've known of his affiliation with Xander. As a nobleman, he felt similar doubts, too - why would he align himself with someone who acted so heinously and arbitrarily? Could he have even had a good reason for wishing to capture Celeste in the first place?

Knowing that his alliance with Xander was of the utmost importance, and considering their friendship, Alistair made a decision immediately.

"I will cease my political friendship with Rafael at once, and I will inform him personally of my reasons for doing so. I simply cannot be friends with someone who would stab another noble, particularly the betrothed of my greatest friend. These are trying times, and the nobility must be unified. His actions here have proven my assumptions of him totally incorrect." It was a shame, especially considering his desire to ally himself further with House Warrick - but alas. His friendship with Olivia was still strong, he was still related closely to the family by blood, and so he knew he could maintain a friendship with the House of Lions with or without Rafael, who was fairly irrelevant in the greater scheme of the House. But... Rafael was his first cousin, and a friend of his, of sorts. The mage would need to know why he'd done this. That was a discussion that needed to be had.

The Baron sighed, and moved closer to Xander, placing his hand reassuringly on his shoulder. He didn't want to lose their alliance, or their friendship. Xander was a worthy Lord, one of the greatest men he'd known, and a leader with incredible potential. Not to mention his ties to Drakengard now, which were of great importance to Alistair and his house. If Venora, Andaris and Krome allied, there were few coalitions that could ever seek to stop them.

"My brother, I'm sorry for all you've endured, and I know I haven't communicated very well with you. A lot has happened of late - my mother is the Duchess now, and she is an incredibly chaotic and arbitrary individual. I've had to do my best to keep these lands in order, and my own personal plans have changed since we last spoke. I've decided that I will become the Duke of Venora before I aspire to be King, as my mother must leave the chair at once. She is a toxic and dangerous influence, and I can't let my people suffer at her hands." He shook his head. There was no way he could allow Willow to rule these lands - the time would come soon where he would need to depose her from the chair. What did that mean for their plans? He didn't know. They'd have to find out.

"You are seeking to consolidate your power in Krome, yes? I suggest we tighten our alliance even further. I will become Duke of Venora, that I can promise you. When I make my intention to depose my mother known, I ask that you give me your endorsement. I will lobby for trade with Krome, and will direct it towards your family's estates and holdings. We can expand one another's power - as Barons, we will have that opportunity. We need to do everything we can until your marriage with Celeste becomes binding. I suggest you schedule it for the very end of this Saun."

[Xander Andaris]

Xander was glad to hear that his friend had not known of the young Lords actions, it did help Xander to trust him somewhat more. He was even more relieved when he said he would end any form of political alliances he had with the boy. Xander had no doubt that he would bring nothing but trouble to Alistair and his plans, nothing but foolish actions like what he had done that night. "It is a relief to hear that you still believe in our alliance, I know it is not nice to betray family but he has acted in a manner that should show anyone who had hopes in him that he was not suitable." Xander was happy to move off of the topic of the younger attacker though, they had more important things to discuss now. The future was a messy one for the pair.

Xander returned the grasp of his ally, the new Baron was still similar to before, he seemed happier but he was still a man who held clearly clear plans. Although, hearing that his plans had changed was not good news, it would mean for more waiting no doubt. Celeste had said only trials earlier that he should wait for her to be Duchess before he pursued anything so great. This waiting was not good for him as the longer he waited the further out of Krome he came, he less he was part of them, once he lost his name and gave up his Barony he would quickly begin to fall out of his people's minds and eyes. The longer he waited the more he risked being forgotten, yet, everyone kept telling him to wait.

He placed his hand on the side of Alistair's neck and the other on his shoulder, he looked at him. Xander's gaze a piercing blue that could disarm even the strongest of will. "My brother, you have shown great skill in politics and you have achieved great things since we last met. You are Baron and you are ruling one of the richest cities in Rynmere. You are comfortable in your place of power, there is nothing that could take it away from you." Xander released the man and stepped back, the water parting behind his thick back. It was clear Xander was struggling to deal with the southern politics well, it was far more complex than he had hoped. "I am not so safe and secure, my position in Krome is not solidified and I shall only be a Baron for a short while before I am wed to Celeste. After that point the longer I wait the more I risk being lost to the flow of time. Thinking what I should have done and be one with all the other 'has bins' of Rynmere."

Xander wiggled his fingers in the warm water and looked around the clean, expensive and steamy room. Maybe this was a sign that he was making mistakes searching for allies in the south, they all had their own agendas to deal with that meant his own goals would be further delayed. He wished greatly to keep Alistair Venora on his side but he needed to find a way to show him that speed was important. "I will support your claim to Venora and I will do my best to gain everything possible before my wedding which I will schedule for late in Saun."

Now back to what he believed truly necessary for them to succeed, speed. "However, my claim to Krome will be weak, especially once I have married into the Andaris house. I will have no legal right to take Krome, that is why I must gain the support of the people of Krome. When I become a Baron, which I hopefully soon will, I will spend my time making sure that I am what they need, showing them that I can lead them to greatness. The support of Krome's people and the military and leaders of the Barony I will rule will be enough for me to secure Krome, the issue truly lies with the King and the rest of the country. Krome can not take on every Duchy, I know that as I am no fool. This is why I must plead with you to act faster, speed up your plans and get yourself into a position where we can both succeed in this." Xander clearly showed that he was asking from deep within, a clear belief that he need Alistair in this plan.

"I have also befriended the first in line of House Gawyne, one Lord Hunter. He is a man who believes in the North and who has agreed to support me, he does not yet know completely what he would be supporting but he has agreed that us Northerners should look out for one another and that war between out two houses would not be beneficial." Xander had been doing as much to network as he could, searching for as many allied as possible to add to his growing circle of helpers and equals.

[Alistair]

Speed up his plans? He bit his lower lip, and sighed. The man fell lower into the water, submerging to the point where his lips were touched by the steaming liquid as he concentrated. Politics ran through his head -- act faster. Make haste. Play your cards. What cards did he have? The allegiance of several merchant families - Furdan, Solange, Angelreim, Grayson. A cousin in rulership -- a powerful Barony lain along a great channel of trade. Prestige for having done a great deal in the war; prestige for being a strong statesman, with exceptional political, tactical and ruling capabilities.

He had cards. He had many cards that he'd never played, and he even had invisible cards behind the scenes - the brotherhood of Damien of the Coven, and the loyalty of many Sotrosei and Naxos beneath him. He had magic, and minions with it; assassins and killers alike. Alistair had many ways to do these things that Xander asked of him, by his own merit, assuming there were no obstacles in his way. But what of their cards? The enemy?

Venora was one of the wealthiest families in this world, he imagined. One of the most powerful, long-lasted dynasties to ever reach the face of Idalos. Who was better off? Andaris alone, particularly after the acquisition of Oakleigh. Foreign lands were almost all ruled by merchants, or political administrators, or elected officials. His family's wealth and prosperity had been horded for centuries, and their greatness was one tied both to acts and sacred texts.

And these resources, these great things, were all held by his mother and father - not him. The ability to vote on the ducal council, the ability to control the army, the ability to directly negotiate with other Duchies...

Knowing he could be their greatest threat, and a source of their deposition, his mother and father were clear to play all of their cards against his. Even to make unfortunate deals for themselves, or to influence the courts illegally -- they would do all of these things, and then they would cast him off or attempt to execute him for treason. Treason. Acting faster, and rushing the process -- that was a risk that could end in his beheading, or worse, a scourge upon his name for all of history. The man who lied. The courts would say he lied about the molestation; they'd reject Lady Solange's testimony, if she even gave it, they'd call in Ebony who -- despite loving Alistair -- would likely claim it was a mistruth, considering she was complicit in ignoring it for a decade. Karl Venora was then the only reliable witness, and in truth, he would likely defer to his wife.

His plans were ones of legality. In order to win this case, he needed a strong allied relationship with the Emperor. Then, and only then, could he present this sure that it would be received fairly. He would allow Xander this information.

"Xander," he told the man, "I'm going to tell you something quite horrible, and I don't do so for sympathy, nor your tears. I do this because this is my plan in deposing my parents." He took a breath, and sighed.

"My father raped me for years as a youth, and did the same to Zvezdana. Have you ever wondered why she hated us so much, all of us? Why she left Venora for other lands, marrying a Burhan, going against the will of her house? It's because, for the longest time, the house did not protect its children... but its reputation. All of them were complicit. My grandfather was the only voice against this secrecy -- the only voice against beheading Kaleb Venora, my father. He was silenced by his inferior position to my grandmother, the former Duchess." He spoke all of this with articulation alone; no hyperbole, no emotion. It was all just fact.

"There are witnesses, however, including my grandfather. I wish to bring this to the courts of the Kingdom and have my mother and father punished for their crimes; forced to abdicate the position of Duke, as well as the castration of my father and the forcing of my mother to join the church and abandon her noble status. It is only these punishments that I will find sufficient. However, if I press this charge now, I will lose. I need the Emperor on my side, and in that matter, you can do me a favor. He is your relative - David Krome. If you can persuade the Emperor to give my case a fair hearing, I can become Duke before long, and I will do all in my power to ensure your position is secure. This is the only way my ascent to the position will hasten, however. The only way."

He spoke honestly, with no intentions of manipulating Xander to do his bidding, or any such thing. He wanted to help him -- he did. Their alliance would undo hundreds of years of tension between their lands, if they were to gain what they wanted. But as things were right now, it was only a dream, one so far from becoming real.

[Xander Andaris]

Xander watched as his ally seemed to consider his words for a while, mulling them over in the hot water. It was one of the longest feeling waits in his life, his friends words could be make or break for his future goals. Then again, he too may be going to mess up those himself. Marrying Celeste would destroy most his claim to Krome and he would likely never rule a Barony there. It made his heart heavy to think that around a decade worth of planning and hard consideration may soon go down the drain. Still perhaps it was better for him to pursue that which he had fallen in love with, maybe he was changing.

Alistair finally replied and Xander looked at the man who asked not for his pity or sadness but that he possibly support the man. Unsure what would come Xander nodded in agreement and listened as the horrible revelation was made. His own issues with his parents were much different, they had abandoned him to grow up and care for himself. This was horrible but in Xander's eyes what Kaleb Venora had done was the most heinous of crimes. Xander looked at the water and watched the small waves that were made as he stood away from the edge and bit his lip while his companion continued.

He continued to say how this related to his support of Xander and future position of Duke. He considered it deeply, knowing that waiting so long would lead to the dissolve of all Xander had planned. He turned his hands over in his palms and thought, in his dreams he would see them covered in blood. His failed attempt on his father's life had lead to the torture of those loyal to Xander, even as they knew nothing. Knowing this had granted Xander horrible and cruel nightmares. His mind wandered over these thoughts and a sadness came over him seeing how his old life was collapsing, he was becoming someone new and he was not sure he was ready for that.

He was holding onto the old him with a tight grip but even he could not hold back the tides of time that tugged on him. Finally Alistair asked him if he would help him with this, at first Xander was unsure how and was about to make the connection when it was pointed out by the Venoran.

Alistair, I am losing what was once my life, I am losing my claim to Krome come Saun. Waiting for this will mean I can never do what I had wished for over a decade." Xander looked up at the mechanism that had dropped the water into the large basin. Xander thought he felt a tear run down his cheek but it could just have been from his wet hair. ["It saddens me to lose so much work but things are changing for me, I have a fiance and you are not as present as I would have liked. I failed to take Krome when I had my chance as my father did not die as I had hoped." He shook his head and now leaned against the other side of the large bath.

"I am going to lose a decades worth of planning and thinking, every step I made was for this dream. Still, I think I have accepted that now." He was sure it had been a tear now, one shed for his lost dream. His vision had been a noble one, however, he would find a new cause, be it ruling in Astedia or something much much bigger remained to be seen. "I must admit to having never met David, yet, if you would like me too I could attempt to talk to him Krome to Krome and plead he hear your case fairly. I can not promise anything though."

With that Xander departed from the bath and took up a towel, wrapping it around his waist as he looked down at the man in the water. "You may write to me, although, I would not advise you write anything sensitive. Letters can be intercepted. If you wish to speak with me, I am just across the bay. Do not be a stranger Baron Venora." Xander took up his shirt and pulled it on, his body still with droplets, he dressed the rest of him and then smiled pleasantly. "Thank you for the bath Brother, I will see myself out." He nodded a last goodbye to the man who he felt, sadly, a withering connection too and left the room.

Time can change much and Xander had fallen victim to its cruel effects, he was not what he once was and he felt lost.