The World of Secfenia

:: August 3, 1657 ::

Bright eyes grabbed hungrily at the sight of land. It was not that she did not enjoy the ocean, she had sturdy enough sea-legs, but it was the fact that that beach meant safety. Security. Hope. The wild winds tugged at the long, near-white tendrils of hair, as if luring her closer with whispers of all that. She needed little encouragement to reach those shores, especially with the same winds filling the sails as they had done for the last one and half days. The wind made for smooth sailing and a swift journey, surely a good omen.

Fenian flags beckoned with that same wind of fate. There were tents pitched, people wandering and waiting. The sight made it clear that the Fenian King received her last letter before they had set sail from Paz. Admittedly, the immediate welcome was a surprise, but she hoped it was a good sign. They may not have been at sea for long, but times changed quickly. Even still, there was little she could imagine that could have happened to have turned King Zuan against them. Her fingers absently twisted the wedding ring on her finger before turning from the approaching shore and the situation that awaited them.

Leaving the helm, Aishe trailed her fingers along the wooden side. Such a simple sailboat it had been when she bought it weeks and weeks ago. While having to abandon her vardo for now, they had set sail on the redecorated sailboat. It was now adorned with lavish carvings of unicorns and the bright colours of the Sanchari, gold and aquamarine. It had taken time to do, but seeing as she had little use for sleep, it was a welcomed nightly task. In truth, she bought the sailboat to ensure safe escape for both her and her family should Rieron return to Bravia City. Escape by sea was her only sure getaway should anything had happened. It was no secret he wanted her head on a spike, or whatever the Druchii did to their enemies - which she imagined was far worse. While she had held hope of never needing it for such purpose, it was still being used as an escape vessel... Even if it was not from her clear stated foe, but a thought-of friend.

Silently, she stood still for a good moment as she watched her wife. Akos sat atop a crate of food, peering over the edge and into the water. Things since the battle with the Xanthareels had been unwell, in terms of her wife's state. Regrettably, Aishe had been forced to keep Akos drugged... Conscious, but comfortably distant and content in the ultimate goal of keeping the evils in her soul at bay. It was no easy task to keep Akos like this, if just because of how much it hurt to see the feisty raven-haired woman like that. The children did not make it incredibly easy either, as the twins were too young to understand why Akos had to be this way.

The vampire's gaze shifted to fall onto the rest of her people - her family, her friends. They had stood with her, time and again. They gave it all up, down to their very homes, for her. Some, nearly their lives in the vicious Xanthareel battle. There was a certain weight on her shoulders for all that, a debt to be repaid that she was unsure could ever truly be. As their leader and as their friend, however, she would do her upmost in honouring their actions with her own. For so long, she had felt unworthy in the Romani culture, ever since the fateful night with Lucifer. And while she had felt she had a place for a bit of time, that place was long lost to her and bridges surely burnt. There had been many days of fear, of being adrift to her heritage, her ways... And now she found herself a leader of fierce individuals. Romani individuals, both born and changed. If there was one good thing of Nocturne's revolt, it was truly opening her eyes to her position as the Durri Vatave of the Boreens Durri Roma.

Alright, ye scallywags! Full lips turned up into a wide grin while Aishe surveyed her 'crew'. There was a few giggles, undoubtedly from her half-sister and her daughters, at the pirate imitation. She, herself, had to work hard to stifle a giggle before carrying on in a normal voice. Make sure all is packed and ready for landing. I want our first steps on Fenian shores to go smoothly! It looks like we'll be having a royal audience.

People nodded and went about their business, while their captain returned to the helm. The grin faded as Aishe turned from view, a sigh rising in her chest. Their world was changing, rapidly out of her control, and she disliked that. It was time to take it back.

And there it came. The sound of bottom of the boat, scraping against the sands of shore. A lurch of mild nerves accompanied that sound, eyes turning towards her children. They seemed to be excited, but if it was simply to be on land again or meet the Fenian King, she was uncertain. She only hoped that they would mind their manners and heed the advice she had given on the ride over. There was little worry their daughters would cause issue, but the twins, on the other hand, were trouble makers like her wife. It was unlikely either girl would be able to keep ahold of the boys' hands once they reached shore.

Pulling her gaze from them, she moved to help the others secure the sailboat, tossing ropes over the edge to those who offered help from the land party. Ice blue eyes flicked to where the king awaited before forcing a steadying breath. It was certainly not the first time they had met, but the gravity of the situation sent her stomach in a tumble. If things were ill-fated, there was nowhere else to go but to leave anything and everything they knew and further into the realm and continent. It was not a future she welcomed, but one that had been entertained out of preparation. Zion was the next likely choice. Isrea Li was a renown warrior and leader and the Viceroyalty was not unwelcoming to her kind while others like Puria would have her killed on sight - like they very nearly accomplished last year. The downside with Zion was its shared boarder to Puria. Failing Zion, Valleria was a decent option, Chris Jabre III being another strong ruler, but she was uncertain how welcoming he would be to a foreign politician entering the lands he lost so much to build. Would he think her a spy?

Shaking her head lightly, she glanced over her shoulder to offer a smile to her people before being the first to jump off the ship. There was much satisfaction gained from the simple sound of wet sand crunching under her boots. It was extremely rare to find her wearing shoes in such warm months; she much preferred feeling the world beneath her bare feet. Alas, in an attempt to present herself decently, she wore tan, strapped boots. A pair of leather trousers were hidden beneath the long, near dress-like length shirt that held various hues of blue, although predominately matching her eyes. A modest cut was lined with some golden thread, while a blue, thin cloak shielded her shoulders from any wayward chill, despite cold temperatures never being a bother. Her hair lay free to frame her face and whip in the wind, absent of any usual adornments like beads and feathers. It was not, by any means, the most formal attire, but one of traveling with subtle representation of her family's colours and modesty for a meeting with a monarch.

Firmly on ground, Aishe reached up to help others disembark. She had no concern of their belongings just yet, far more eager to have everyone else ashore and greet the king. The process seemed slow, but perhaps it was merely her impatience to see what fate brought her into. With everyone down, she offered a quiet thanks to those who helped secure the sailboat before giving her wife's arm a gentle, nervous squeeze. With that simple motion, she willed away the nerves and steeled herself, beginning the walk from the boat to the awaiting king and his party. She laced her ringed fingers in front of her, chin held high in a meager hope of looking like the leader she was and not the refugee she felt. It did not take long to cross the distance, company of her own in tow, all the while she fought to keep her racing thoughts under control. Upon reaching a respectful distance, the vampire stopped and dropped into a formal bow, however unnecessary it could be deemed outside of that situation.

Your Majesty. Bright eyes rose as she did, a soft yet polite smile on her lips. Her gaze briefly left him to glance around, better taking in the camp made and creatures present. Surely, all simply necessary arrangements for the king's travel. After all, no one had drawn a weapon yet; it currently stood to reason her paranoia of betrayal was just that: paranoia. Aishe looked back to him, smile unfaltering. I have to admit, I am surprised to see you here. Honoured, but surprised. I am but a mere woman on the run, King Zuan. You flatter me.

He and his men stood and waited upon the beach as Aishe and her party made their way from the boat, his men staying at the vessel either to assure its safety in the docking or to begin removing goods and making them ready for transport toward the major cities of Fenia. As she approached he offered her and her party the briefest of smiles, which really should have been reserved for after the introductions, but nonetheless he was glad to see that after their various difficulties that they had managed to arrive unharmed upon Fenian soil.

As she approached and bowed in his direction, he returned the favour, by bowing his head slightly in greeting before she began to speak, and finally he offered a more bemused smile across his face at her response, as he took two steps forward, moving away from his party and closer to her own, as the wind slowly brushed at his hair, throwing it back into the wind, but he did not put much thought into the matter. Instead finding her words somewhat amusing, afterall, they had agreed she would arrive at this point no? It would be foolish not to bring a company to assure once on Fenian soil they’d be safely led into the towns of the Kingdom, and besides, he always enjoyed a good ride into the wilderness, even if those rides were often accompanied by a party of guards and squires. ”What we are, at our lowest points M’Lady is naught but a seed that can grow if the conditions are right.” He said gently to her, as if his own soldiers were not behind him. ”Sometimes in winter you must accept a tree will die, so you cut away a branch and plant it in new soil, so when the spring comes it can grow into a new, stronger tree. Thus what you are now, is hardly important. Now you have set foot on Fenian soil, the new plant has now sprouted, the question is will it grow as strong and as significant as the one trimmed and displaced in Bravia?” He said softly, always using riddles or philosophy in his language. He knew it annoyed some, but alas, when he had been King for so long he had spent much of his time either training or in the library cycling through various ancient tomes. Thus it was hard for his to converse without using the knowledge he had gained from years of study.

”That being said M’Lady, I am glad that you and your family have made it safely to our shores, the fates have been kind to grant you quick passage to my lands, and I hope they will continue to be kind to you all in your stay here.” He briefly trailed his eyes across her entire party who he was sure she would introduce in a few moments, and offered them the same polite, courteous smile that he had first given Aishe. ”But rest assured M’Lady, the honour of greeting you is mine and my companies, and in truth it was a good excuse to stretch my legs and go build a sand castle.” He joked lightly ”Now might you introduce me to your companions, so we can move past the formal gestures and get out of this wind…my tailor is lightly already threating over the condition of these clothes, and standing out here much longer will do scarce good for his health.” He said equally lightly, his tone one of more amusement that severity, implying he was happy for the introductions to take as long as they needed, but also granting Aishe and her party, if they wished it an excuse to cut the formalities short and take their conversations in private to the main pavilion.

The king's opening analogy was a welcomed one, even if it pointed out her fallen position. It was a reality she was forced to accept, but the wound was still fresh. Nocturne had ruined her in Bravia. Everything she had built, burned down out of spite and revenge. She boldly stood up to him and paid for it. The damage was done and it ran deep. It was a harsh, but fateful realization that neither her nor her family could truly thrive under the Bravian flag again. Her home was lost to her. She'd likely always be tarnished, which would get in the way of her good work as a politician and citizen. She had no energy to fight it, to rebuild there, and by the time Bravians finally started heeding her words and standing up, the decision had long been made.

Despite the sting of the situation, a smile kept to her lips. After all, she had waited two weeks for this very moment. Aishe couldn't resist a grin to his joke of a sand castle that followed the welcomed comment of his honour. The grin stayed, softening only slightly as she began to motion to her companions in introduction.

I am sure some of these folks are familiar faces. You know my lovely wife, Akos, but may I introduce our four children: Aileigh Mae, Amalie, Aian, and Aeton. Her gaze shifted from the somewhat-absent Akos, to which she'd explain to him privately later, to the three raven-haired children with their own light blue eyes, their adopted daughter standing out with her brunette locks, tanned skin, and big brown eyes. The seventeen year old girls both offered a respectful curtsey, which they had clearly obsessed to perfect in their own excitement of this venture. The identical boys, however, offered no such motion except fidgeting, trying to be free of their sisters' tight grasps. Withholding a sigh, she gave a dismissive wave of her hand, to which the girls released their firecracker brothers and off they shot. The girls offered another curtsey before following the twins, who were curiously making their way to the tents. She looked back to the Fenian King, silently hoping the restless four and a half year olds would keep out of trouble or that, at least, the childless king would be understanding of any mischief they caused. I'm sure the boys would gladly help you build your sand castle, Your Majesty.

Grinning, she looked back to the Romani company. Each introduction was accompanied by a motion to the individual, each given a chance to give a greeting before she moved onto the next. You've met my half-sister, Mallory. This is our cousin, Skye Sommers. This is my sister-in-law, Sokanon, who, as you can see, is Akos's twin sister I've mentioned. These lovely redheads are dear friends, Serendipity and her daughter, Zipporah. I believe you know Kiara le Faye, who I am sure is quite relieved to be on land given her condition. And then here, you have my former husband, Draven, and our daughter, Meira.

There was quite a handful of them, which had made for cramped travels despite the decent size of the sailboat. That was ignoring Aishe and Aileigh's three cats, who were always under someone's foot at inconvenient times, and her two yellow canaries that offered pretty song during the journey. Much like her vardo, however, her horses and hippogriffs had been left under the care of her aunt in Bravia City until they could be retrieved, along with everyone else's larger animals. As it turned out, it was no easy task to pick up and leave on a mere sailboat, forced to leave most things behind for now.

Her attention returned fully to Zuan, offering yet another, small grin. Most nerves were gone now, feeling reassured in her decisions and arrangements. If it pleases you, we can certainly get out of this wind, Your Majesty. I've had my fair share on the journey over. I long for a moment to just breathe, worry free, before we continue on our way - if possible. I already feel guilty of pulling you from your regal duties back in the cities and I certainly do not wish to keep you.

Aileigh Mae was filled with conflicting emotions as the Fenian shore finally came into view. She had been born in Bravia City and spent most of her life there. It resulted in a deep sorrow, having to leave behind such a home. Yet, she was becoming a firm believer that home was not a place, but the people one was with. For that, she had the best home still, even leaving behind the strawberry capital. With that came excitement. It was a change for sure, but an adventure in a mostly dull life that her heart yearned for. The months spent traveling with her mothers and siblings unleashed a greater desire, a desire for something more beyond just the walls of Bravia City. In her heart, she was Roma. Her spirit was wild beneath her polite and well-behaved demeanor.

As she often did, she gave aid by keeping the boys under control, while everyone else worked to land smoothly per the captain's request. They were little rascals, always up to something or another. With Amalie's help though, she kept them out of the way. She eagerly awaited her turn to disembark, first handing down each brother to her mum below. She then jumped down to the sand with a grin, black locks being pulled wildly by the wind.

Unlike her mother, her feet were bare and her toes happily wiggled into the sand. She only took a moment to relish the feel before moving forward and taking both of her brothers' hands until passing one off to Amalie. Following Aishe, she quietly observed the scene before them with great curiosity. A monarchy, in theory, was not new to her. She was an avid reader and learner, she knew well enough about such a government. But, while her mother was well-acquianted with King Zuan Winterbourne, Aileigh had only heard stories. Most of them were not the best of stories, but the ones that came from Aishe gave a different light to the monarch that had her attention. She tried not to stare, peering through her lashes at the man before them, continuing in her silent observation.

When appropriate, she offered the king a curtsey. Admittedly, she was dismayed at being dismissed merely because her impatient kid-brothers were unhappy at staying put. With a quiet sigh, she followed Aian and Aeton away from the group with Amalie in tow. A curious glance went over her shoulder, listening to every word she enhanced hearing could catch amongst the wind and waves.

I'm not sure he is what I imagined at all. No horns, no wicked green skin... A grin spread across her lips, glancing to Amalie. Really, he's surprisingly handsome.

For a older man, maybe. The words were quiet as Amalie often was, but she also tossed a glance over her shoulder before giving a shrug. I don't see the appeal.

Laughing, Aileigh shook her head and focused on the wandering twins, who occasionally stopped to look at something in the sands. Here's to a new adventure.

Salty air brushed her skin as the danced across the water, and she closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the freedom of that sensation. Her sister, Aishe, was at the helm. Sister, her eyes darted to the golden haired woman as the thought crossed her mind. Her sister. She was capable at the task, keeping them true to course. Mallory was looking forward to seeing the new lands. She did not mind travel, it had called to her often, though she wasn't able to answer its call. Her first trip alone had resulted in some life changing events. As she sat with her knees drawn towards her chest, her pale arms looping around the tops holding them in place keep them in place, she thought back over the weeks leading to this.

She stayed hidden beneath her shelter, working on a way to leave it. Her new cloak, two cloaks sewn together to prevent sun spilling across her skin, a wide brimmed hat, tall gloves, and a veil were stacked beside her. Those items did the job, but from time to time she felt the sharp burn of the sun slide between two pieces of cloth. She turned her body back to sitting cross legged and wove the second layer of reeds and straw onto the broken spear handle she'd found as they boarded. Her fingers were not as quick as someone more experienced might be but slowly she could see the pattern in the tight circle she was weaving. Each time making the layer before offset by three and two bigger. Until she had something quite a bit bigger than her arm span, with a stick attached to adjust it's height and protect her from the sun. When Aishe called out she leaned forward, careful of the light, and listened.

When Aishe spoke Mallory sighed. She wanted to be in the new lands, but she really wanted it to be night so she could explore free of the clothing that kept her safe but hampered her movements and her vision. She did not fully wear the heavy cloak this time. She kept her arms free and fastened the simple metal cloak pin securely at her neck leaving the material hanging down her back. The ribbon to the hat was the same color as her eyes and she swore Aishe had something to do with, though she wasn't really sure who had given it to her. She tied it in a small bow and adjusted the veil over her face, tugged the gloves up, and held her newly created portable shelter aloft, it kept her safely covered. It was sloped so it kept her covered well and the wind didn't catch it. One of her talents had always been weaving, she made beautiful baskets and nets and apparently covering to keep a fledgling safe.

She moved to the side when it was time to leave and looked down. While the others could easily jump hers would have to be carefully staged. If she lost any of her covering, or dropper her shelter she would be in pain. She had not tested what Aishe told her, she trusted her sister, and she did not like pain. When her turn came she moved to the edge and looked down, thankfully someone saw her predicament and took the "shade" from her, holding it high for her. Just in case she slipped on her cloak, pulling it tight around her body. She braced herself and jumped, praying for something graceful looking, and by some newly learned skill she landed softly on her feet. She took back her shade offering a quiet word of thanks. The small bag of belongings she had bounced against her back as she moved forward behind her sister, and her leader.

When Aishe introduced her Mallory took a half step forward and bowed in respect. "Greetings, Zuan, King of Fenia. It is wonderful to see you again." She stepped back to where she had been standing and quietly looked over the men around him. Her eyes searching for a familiar face. She didn't see him and so she simply stood and waited as everyone was introduced.

A soft water breeze gently blew at her hair which was already wild and untamed, but the breeze felt good. Skye did not mind the breeze but she did mind being a boat surrounded by so much water. “What if I fall overboard?,” She had ask her cousin Aishe since she was the… what was that word again, captain. Yes that was it captain. “Then I will come and get you," Aishe had replied. Skye gave her cousin a big smile but in the back of her mind it was more like she would be screaming “swim you crazy cat! Swim!” That thought made Skye laugh. Skye found a pleasant spot in which to view of water, water everywhere from.

Thinking back on the events some events made her said. Cork had been her home, where her parents, met married, lived and died. A place she thought she would live, love and die in too but, that was then and this was now. As long as she had family she had a home. She watched everyone from a distance with a smile, this too will be good for us she thought as a fish jumping in the air caught her attention.

"FISH!" And me without a net, she thought as she moved to the furthermost edge of the ship. "Maybe if I must lean over a bit… Almost… just a bit closer… Hey jump into my hands you crazy fish,” She said leaning too far forward over the edge. Ooops! SPLASH! "Cat… Lady overboard," she yelled waving her hands like no one could see her. After a few moments of splashing about the ocean Skey was fished out of the water, "Thank you, I thought I would have to swim the rest of the way," she said with a smile. Feeling Aishe gaze giving her the why did you do that look. Skye, decide she find a spot to dry off and stay away from the edge.

Skye stood up when her cousin said it was time to head for land. Note to self stay away from boats and oceans with bad fish. Skye followed them gracefully exiting the boat. In her head she could hear herself saying… LAND! And diving for the sand. Nuts isn’t it, but he knew better. Aishe looks were enough to kill her for that commotion. Skye had some if upbringing if only some. She was part cat and very mischieves at time but she couldn’t help when it came over her it was like WHAM! And she couldn’t stop herself.

When Aishe introduced them Skye took a few steps forward and bowed.. "Greetings, Zuan, King of Fenia, or do we call you His Majesty. I could never get that straight but then again you're the first king I have had the pleasure to meet." She turn her head to the side and sorta looked at him funny. "You don’t look much like a king. I always thought kings were fat and very old. You are not fat and nor are you old." She was going to continue talking as if she had known the man for a long time when she felt that look Aishe gave gazing at her. She stepped back to where she had been standing and quietly waited for other to speak.

He walked with Aishe across the sands to greet the various members of family and companions she had brought along with them. No doubt in the coming days he would find more out about them all, but nonetheless as his advisors so often said ‘first-impressions’ and all that. Rather bemused at that thought again he turned his attention to Aishe as she began to speak, directing him toward her family. It struck him how calm and retracted Akos seemed to be, but decided best not to comment at this point, given that this was a public greeting rather than a private meeting and so simply smiled politely at the woman before having his attention turned to their children. He offered a warm smile to the girls before nearly breaking face and laughing at the attitude of the two young boys. Oh to be young and restless, to wish to be free and enjoy the sands and waves with no concerns or fears.

Before they could escape the formalities however, the King sunk to a near knee so he was at face height to the young boys, and pulled from a small black leather pouch attached to his belt two Fenian freznics which had his face upon them, as the official currency in Fenia. Thus he handed one to each of the boys before drawing another two from his pockets to give to Aileigh Mae and Amalie, before finally speaking. ”I wish you welcome in these lands, take these freznics not as gifts but as tokens of a King’s value to his subjects and theirs value to his. So long as you hold these know that any Fenian of good character shall come to your aid if required…Now…” He said in a lighter far less formal whisper to the two small lads who were clearly eager to escape. ”How about you two go have some fun aye? T’is not fair to be cooped up so long on a boat, just don’t go stealing any swords now. Last thing my men would want is a real challenge from such strong lads aye?” Before finally cracking a smile as they ran off to play in the sand.

At which point he stood and turned to meet the rest of Aishe’s family, he tilted his head slightly in polite greeting to each and likewise offered each a new freznic to mark their new lives within the Kingdom of Fenia. He smiled politely at Mallory as she spoke, remembering her well from the tavern and was glad she had decided to come with her family to his Kingdom. ”Aye and it is wonderful to see you as well M’Lady, hopefully you can enjoy these lands more freely in the coming nights, and know that you are protected in these land. And I also still have that dagger if you wish of it.” He said calmly before turning along with Aishe to Skye and grinning somewhat at her inquisitive attitude, before finally failing to keep the formalities up at her last line and the look from Aishe which he noticed in his side-vision. ”Officially it is Majesty, M’Lady." He said politely "But I do disappoint for not looking like a king, in future I will do my best to look much older so people can recognise me for the Monarch I am.” He joked, before turning to the group as a whole now the individual introductions had passed. To you all, I bid you welcome. I know your journey has been difficult and much has been left behind, potentially forever. Yet, today, on this very beach you can see evidence of your first steps into a new realm, a new life. So long as you help this nation it shall help you, as together we are one, citizens and King, united in the protection and advancement of our home. And thus I welcome you all to Fenia, may your stay be long, your life grand and your futures bright, for the royal wolf of Fenia will travel with you so long as you seek his banner.” He said before bowing again to the entire group, before turning his attention back to Aishe as she spoke again.

”I assure you, no regal duties are quite as important as making sure those who need safety are granted it. So if you long for a moment to breath, you and yours will be welcome in my pavilion and food will be served” He paused before his voice fell to a whisper. ”However there is two matters I wish to discuss, one involving a dagger, and one involving your dear wives passivity.” He said calmly, even though he did look slightly concerned as he looked over at Aishe’s shoulder at Akos. However before anything else was to be said the line of soldiers, squires and other fellows broke and split into two sides, enabling the King and his guests to pass through, as if they were the gate to the Kingdom, and head toward the pavilion where food already lay aplenty upon the wooden table. Chairs set for each, and food of all tastes and wants sat upon silver platers.
Despite this, the King led Aishe into one of the side sections of the main pavilion so that they could speak in private. The room was well spaced, but yet it contained but a few chairs, all oak, and one small book-shelf, which within it held several bound tomes of various dead men and wise words, yet what sat atop it was most interesting. A dagger, which glinted against the sunlight as he opened the inner tent flap and the sun was able to dance upon the sheen of the blade. Having taken a jug and two goblets from the main chamber as he passed it he proceeded to pour both Aishe and himself goblets of wine before turning to examine her for a moment, wondering what he did not yet know about their journey. ”So now we are out of the wind, and out of the way of ever-hearing ears, perhaps you could explain the sigifcance of all this, the blade, Akos, it all. For if you want my aid, I need to know what exactly I am supposed to be dealing with here. He said calmly, yet with a twinge of both concern and authority, once again the striking balance between Monarch and friend was clear in both language and tone, as he observed her features for any hints they might give about the situation.

Aishe gave a silent nod to his whisper before offering a wide smile and following his lead away from water. With introductions and immediate formalities out of the way, she was much more relaxed while still carrying herself the purpose and clarity of a leader. It was a poise she had perfected during her various terms as Viceroy, being the highest authority the republic had. Of course, that paled in comparison to monarch and meant even less with her reputation in tatters at the hands of Nocturne. Somehow, her mind always ended back to that point. The thoughts were pushed down as they entered the tent. She gave a warm smile to her company, nodding to the table in hopes of them settling in for a good meal, before she followed him off to a side area.

Blue eyes scanned over the room absently, quite quickly finding the dagger. Her eyes narrowed slightly in thought, as it had not gone unnoticed he mentioned a dagger to Mallory. She took a small step towards the bookshelf, head tilting in slow recognition. His voice drew her attention away, causing her to turn back to face him. She rose an eyebrow at the inquiry before heaving a light sigh, thoughts pulling away from the dagger momentarily. The tone was expected, but she was uncertain if it was a gentle reminder he was a friend or a reminder that he was now her king. Full lips pursed, she quietly neared and reached around him for the goblet awaiting her, however informal the motion was. She hardly retreated, goblet in hand, as she straightened up. The silence lasted a moment longer while she brought the cup to her lips for a sip. On one hand, she was quite thirsty for some good wine, and on the other, she was making an attempt to gather her thoughts. The goblet lowered with yet another sigh.

On the account of my wife... I should have sent an update of that with my letters following the battle at the iron mines. I suppose I merely held out hope that it would be resolved before we landed and I did not expect to see you here, in Athena. Something during the battle... Aishe paused, trying to find the right word as her eyes flicked up to his concerned face. Broke her. She snapped. I couldn't talk her back this time, so... I had to knock her out and my aunt gave me something to help along the journey. The potions have worked thus far, but, I will not keep her this way forever. It's no way to live and it kills me to see such a strong-willed woman so.. Docile. I have already starting lessening the doses...

Her words stopped, brow furrowing and eyes dropping. The slender blonde slowly turned, stepping away from him as the events surrounding her wife began to visible weigh her down. In truth, this was one of the few moments she had away from the eyes of the others in the last nearly fortnight. For so many days, especially aboard the boat, she had to keep a strong face and bury the heart wrenching fears she had deep down. Zuan's mere inquiry blew open the lid atop those emotions. Until now, the goal and focus had been to get to Fenia safely and now that they were here, there was no further distraction from the treachery raging within her wife. Now, they had to sit and twiddle their thumbs, hoping for the best in the moment of truth and she was not sure she could do that... Face the moment of truth of whether her true Akos would come back to her or if she was finally lost to the evils of her soul. Facing away, she struggled to keep down the threatening crimson tears and took another, much longer drink. Perhaps too long, as the goblet lowered empty. Giving a light shake of her head, Aishe fought to keep her voice steady.

And once we reach Imperius, where our children are not forced to stay in close proximity to their potential deaths, I will stop the doses altogether. And we shall see. Unless... Voice trailed as she turned back around, a small glimmer of hope entering her words that contrasted to the tears that were beginning to blur her vision. Have you found something, yet?