[Starshadow Manor] Turned Tables (Tito)

Tyav'ondo Gil'dae · January 21, 2007, 08:04 AM

Timestamp:First cycle of Spring, Era XIII PF

Tyav'ondo paced the library of the Gil'dae Cheb. So much had changed during the winter, and now spring had begun. Motito was gone, and in his place his twin sister now ran the house. This had made Tyav all manner of uncomfortable. Not that he didn't like Calairiel, but he certainly didn't know her. The hedgemage couldn't think of a single time they had spoken, and now she was the leader of the house. Tito was no longer Imperial Marshall, either, he and Alicia had simply retreated to the Manor in Diana, far from Syl'rosya and it's politics. Everything belonged to his twin now, the house, the quicksilver guard, even the ring that had long wrapped itself around the elven lord's finger. The world itself had raged as much as the Gil'dae drama. Meteors rained down across the Empire, a sun had simply vanished from the sky and Orcs ravaged no less than two cities. All of this had acted as a catalyst for Tyav, building to a decision that had been a long time in the making, but before he could commit to it, he had to consult his brother-in-law and teacher, Motito. Not just that, but he missed the sorcerer and worried about his well-being. With that fresh in his mind, Tyav gripped Xenos and began to shape his spell. The staff's contact maintaining a state of clara for him, the hedgemage used the ara of the library as a conduit to the plane of force, as he had many times before and drew forth the essence to combine with his vis to form mana. With that mana, he began to draw space upon itself, using not a location as the opposite of his position, but Motito himself. It took a few moments to truly connect the two spaces, but when he did, he released the spell, teleporting to Diana, though it was a toss-up as to where Tito would be.

Had Tyav seen the outside of Starshadow Manor, he would have been impressed. As it stood, however he was greeted by the sight of the Manor's library and resting in a rather plush chair with a book was Motito himself. Tyav had no doubt that the sorcerer had sensed his weave and allowed it to succeed, so he simply nodded and spoke. Though an elf popping into existence might have been odd to any other pair, to these two it was quite ordinairy.

"Vedui, Motito. How are you? Do you have some time to talk, I'm afraid I have a problem that I'd like your input on."

Tyav'ondo wasn't in a hurry, but he wanted to make it clear that there was a serious discussion looming on the horizon, should Tito agree to commence with it. The hedgemage had a secret that now would spring out into the open, should it be given the chance.

Motito Gil'dae · January 21, 2007, 10:55 AM

As Tyav arrived, he saw the former lord of Starshadow looking better then he likely had in patterns. The rather deubtant elf glanced at the appearence of his brother-in-law, student, and would-be protector with a soft smile. He had indeed felt Tyav's weave bring him into the quicksilver elf's new home, and had permitted it, recognizing right away who and what it was. As he arrived, the lord-turned-hermit glanced towards him, smiling widely. It was a smile that likely hadn't been seen for some time on the lord, and it looked good in its place. The crackling fire in the fireplace next to him was warming, and gave the place a very homey and lived-in feel.

"Vedui, Tyav. Please, sit," he offered, motioning to the chair nearest him as he gingerly placed the bookmark with his thin, dexterous fingers and slid it onto the coffee table next to him. During his time here in his new manor-turned home, he'd become quite comfortable. He was currently garbed in a loose puple tunic and black trousers as well as, of all things, a very comfortable wine-colored smoking jacket. Little wool slippers adorned his feet, keeping them snug and warm, despite the slight draft. All of his fancy clothes had come with, as had the majority of the library that the ex-Imperial Marshal had contributed himself to the Cheb's impressive array. To a degree he was sad to see the cheb go as his home, but to a much higher degree he was happy to finally be out of the shadow of responsibility that had weighed so heavily upon him. Away from his stressful job, away from his role as Lord...away from everything of the kind. Now, all he had left, was his sorcery, his position on the Aesoteric Circle, and his position in the Syl milita. To be honest, he wasn't sure how much longer he would maintain those posts either.

Glancing to Tyav with a smile he shrugged.

"I'm well, actually. Far moreso then I had expected. I thought I might miss Syl...lordship...and all that. Surprisingly, though, I don't. I've never really been happier, here in this place with Alicia and the kids." He smiled warmly, far more so then Tyav had likely seen...well...ever cross the face of Motito Gil'dae.

"So..." he began with a thin, quirked brow, "What problem is it that brings you to Starshadow Manor on such a curious brightening, and in such a curious mood?" He knew there was a serious conversation his student wished to have, and the Medonian elf was more then willing to listen. The entire time, the smile that graced his face did not waver in the slightest.

Tyav'ondo Gil'dae · January 21, 2007, 06:41 PM

Tyav'ondo smiled as he sat. He coul definitely see a change in his teacher, a lightness about the eyes that belied his new life. The hedgemage wasn't much for sappy talks, so he layed it out simply.

"I'm glad to see you're all right. It's funny you should mention lordship, that is the very topic I wished to discuss...twofold, in fact. As you, know, the demons that once plagued my waking hours have once more retreated to their prison of my dreams. I wanted to tell you first, something that only my wife knows."

Tyav sat with the staff across the arms of the chair, his bare hands lightly resting on it's shaft. He had made a point of not wearing the Gil'dae gloves the former lady Gil'dae had given him, for more than just Motito's sake.

"As you know, I have quite recovered from the state I was in when I showed up on your doorstep, thanks in large part to you. What I didn't tell you at that time, or since is that I too am decended of noble blood. When I shirked my father's name and took the name Gil'dae, House Vala merged into it and dissolved. With everything that has happened lately and my own ongoing growth, I feel as though I am doing my family a great injustice by letting their bloodline end. My madness turned my father into a monster in my eyes, my guilt made me run from my own heritage and seek a life of servitude for it's simplicity, but now I feel as though it is time to follow my own path."

Tyav let the news sink in. While he didn't expect Motito to be floored by it, there was certainly a measure of surprise that must have come with the information. He paused for a moment before continuing.

"I know that you are no longer officially the head of House Gil'dae, but to me you will always be. Though I know you can't grant me what I am asking, I come to you first, since it was to you I pledged fealty. While I am loyal to our family, my bond with you as a teacher and a brother is stronger. I ask that you grant me permission to seek a right of surname from your twin, Calairiel. As it stands, House Vala has no holdings or assets, save my own. Anannya has already agreed that she and our son will take my name and continue the Vala bloodline, should the right be granted. Well?"

Tyav did not expect the Lord to decline, but it was a matter of respect to ask, something that Motito hadn't seen much of lately. Assuming his brother-in-law agreed, the hedgemage wanted to discuss some financial and political details with his teacher. The fellow elf had tutored him in arcana, perhaps he was willing to guide his student in those ways as well.

Motito Gil'dae · January 21, 2007, 11:34 PM

As Tyav spoke, Tito considered the words of his student. His thin, delicate twin brows lifted as he heard the news of Tyav's liniage. While he was indeed not quite floored, it had come as a bit of a surprise. Tyav had never necessarily struck him as the noble type. He said nothing though and let his pupil and inheritor of his knowledge continue to explain and eventually reach his request. The former elflord did not speak up right away, mulling over the question for a long moment. It was not because he did not wish Tyav success...but because he did not want the boy eaten alive.

"Tyav," he began, looking back up to the once-crazed youth and smiling, "nothing would make me happier then to see you grow and flourish on your own. I can understand the desire to see yourself stand on your own two feet, and understand that while I wish you only the best in attempting to build your own house, there is little I intend to do with the political arena in Syl...not that my words had much clout anyway," he snorted, but continued, "so while I support your decision to move forward on your own, I also wish you to realize what an arduous path it is you choose for yourself if you go through with this. You will be starting out, essentially, alone. You, Anannya, and your child. While if you wish you can garner some support from House Gildae--assuming Cala even gives you the Rite that I would not hesitate to grant--there are no guarentees. It will be difficult." He chuckled and threw up his hands in a dramatic motion.

"Then again, rarely is anything worth doing very easy. So long as you understand the path you walk--and I'm sure you saw what it entails from watching me--then I wholeheartedly approve and back your request. In addition, if you ever need advice or anything of the like--in an unofficial capacity of course--or even a place to get away from it all, the doors of this Starshadow Manor are always open to you." He smiled and waited for a response, anticipating that more questions would be forthcoming.

Tyav'ondo Gil'dae · January 23, 2007, 03:15 AM

Tyav'ondo nodded as Motito acknowledged his request. There was a measure of hesitation, though, and a subtle warning that came with the acceptance of the hedgemages request. The elf had anticipated as much, and replied in the best way he knew how.

"I understand the tribulations that come with lordship, though my strength lies in how little I care what others think of me. This is something I think lately you've also developed. You're way of not caring is to leave the combine, my way is to join it."

Tyav had seen the downfall of his teacher and former head of household from start to finish. Everything had been all well and good when times were good, but as soon as things fell apart with the military and the cross-province politics, all parties had been quick to pin the blame on Motito. The hedgemage didn't blame the lord at all for retreating to relative solitude, Tyav had done much the same thing. Now, though, it was time for a change. Tyav'ondo proceeded with another question, one that was just as important as the first.

"Do you think your sister will allow it? I won't pretend to know what has transpired between the two of you, in fact I don't know her at all. Living under her roof where I recieved no invitation has greatly motivated me to take these steps. I suppose if you hadn't gone I would have remained content to stay living the easy life. I'm sorry I didn't do anything to help you in your time of need, but I believe that there was nothing I could have done..."

The hedgemage fingered the staff Motito had loaned him guiltily. Was there anything Tyav could have done? Surely there was, but he couldn't think of anything. He rushed along instead of dwelling, moving on to another important question.

"Motito, would you be willing to advise me in building a stable household. As it stands, we have nowhere to live and no form of income. I have a bit saved from my adventures and working with you. If I liquidated all of my random treasures I would still only have around twenty-thousand crowns. I fully intend on finding myself a respectable occupation as well as my old way of making crowns, but what I am wondering is how I should spend my initial capital? It occurs to me that it simply would not do to remain living in Starshadow Keep, but twenty-thousand is not nearly enough for a fledgeling house to gain any sort of foothold in the community. Anannya is willing to sacrifice the way she has grown re-accustomed to living, but I cannot allow poverty to befall us. Since you offered, I was wondering if perhaps we could stay at La Petite Morte d'Michelle until I can afford a proper Cheb? I realize it might take some time, but it would leave me the full amount of my crowns to invest. I could look after your businesses in Jaedaxia for you, as a means of compensation."

Tyav'ondo had clearly thought through his plan of action, though he was willing to reconsider any aspect of it based on his teacher's judgement. The hedgemage had considered staying in Diana with Motito, but that seemed as though it would be regressing to his former state. If he was to stay in Jae, he would at least be somewhat independant, and it would give him a chance to scout business opportunities in the still-weak economy of the city. There were still more questions to be asked, but Tyav felt like he had covered enough for now, he would let Motito respond and listen intently to what the other elf had to say.

Motito Gil'dae · January 23, 2007, 03:47 AM

The former lord smiled affectionately to the perhaps-new lord, inclining his head slightly. His easy smile made it clear he held no grudge against Tyav for what happened. Though he might not have been in the forefront, Tito had known he'd had Tyav's unflagging loyalty and backing of his decisions no matter what. He also knew that if he'd asked the Syl'rosyan to do so, he likely would have unhesitatingly thrown himself on someone else's sword in an effort to get at them. That kind of loyalty could not be bought, and it was not something the elf had even considered wasting. As he spoke of the businesses in Jae, a curious brow lifted as he considered the ramifications.

"I'll do you one better," he spoke to his apprentice, "You can stay at my Inn in Jae and run it and my other stores there for me. In exchange, I will allow you to keep seventy-five percent of the profits for as long as you do so. All you will need to do is pass the other twenty-five along to me. That would encourage you to develop your business skills--something imperative for Syl lordship--and it would encourage you to develop my currently lackluster shops there as well...which benefits both you and me." He grinned and tilted his head to the side, curious.

"As it is, I make enough to live off of based on my workings in Syl, so only taking in twenty-five percent of the profit for simply having the title in my name benefits me. In addition, I'd like you to scout out cities for a possible purchase. I'm looking into accquiring another store, one outside of Jae, that would allow trade between the two locations, so a similarly associated store, in the interest of getting Jae's economy to flare to life, which would also benefit our stores. Find me one that would work well for that purpose, and I'll purchase it...and make the same offer for that store as well." He grinned and lifted a silvery eyebrow.

"Running that many stores will be a lot of work...but if you could get it to work, the profits could be considerable, especially considering that one of my holdings is an ice winery, the other the best Inn in the city." He held out his hand as if his offer were something tangible to be recieved.

"Deal?"

Tyav'ondo Gil'dae · January 23, 2007, 04:41 AM

Tyav'ondo quirked an eyebrow at Motito as he spoke. His offer was more than generous, practically giving away a fine cache of businesses. Tyav supposed, however, that the lord wasn't eager to spend his time in Jaedaxia grooming his businesses in the fragile economy there.

"Tito, if you're sure...then I gladly accept. If I weren't in such need of the income, I would turn you down, you know. I do understand, though, that you've just come here and you want to relax. I can tell that by your attire."

The hedgemage gave his teacher a wink and a smile before continuing.

"It will be hard, yes, but it will give me the opportunity to develop those skills out of sight of the other nobles. Thank you, Motito, I won't let you down. What struck me last time I was in Jaedaxia was that they were sorely lacking in trade routes themselves. Perhaps with my assets I can get a piece of a shipping company so I could send out your goods as well as bring outside goods in. If I could find an outside business for you you, there might be a lot of crowns to be made back and forth between ports."

So far, the financial part of the situation was beginning to come together, but there was still a major problem. Tyav'ondo had little knowledge of the Combine and it's intricacies, and knew that there would be other houses looking to elevate themselves at his expense. So there was another thing he was to ask of his brother-in-law.

"I don't want to seem as though I don't appreciate the help you have given me already, but I was wondering if there was one more boon you could grant me. I am not all that experienced in politics, so I was wondering if you could perhaps counsel me on what actions I should take to establish myself among the Combine? Being aligned with Gil'dae, who will be my friends and who will be my enemies? I don't want to be manipulated, but I don't know exactly what means they may use to manipulate. Should I stay quiet in the meetings for a while, or should I make my opinions known?"

Motito Gil'dae · January 23, 2007, 05:19 AM

Tito waved off the question on if he was sure. Tito himself was making do, and wasn't in need of all the surplus income it would bring, plus it would only bring him more work. He was content to do his work in Syl and spend the rest of the time relaxing with his fiancee and her children. If he could help out an old and loyal friend in the process, it was only icing on the cake. Tyav didn't seem to understand exactly how much of a benifit Tito himself was getting out of the deal. Perhaps he would once he realized how much of a headache it could be to set up imports, exports, trade routes and agreements, and the like.

As the elf madeway to a small desk, he extracted a leaf of paper and a quill--in fact, one of the gold-gilded quills that had been made from his ex-wife's wing--and began to write in his neat, flowing script.

Secrets :

He then grabbed another seperate sheet after signing and sealing the first, and continued to write.

Secrets :

The merchant elf then turned to his new business manager after having signed and sealed the second, and handed them to him.

"This should help you progress a bit faster then you otherwise might," he smiled warmly, nodding with Tyav's own words, "And yes, they are lacking in trade routes. It will mean a lot of set-up work for you...but the rewards could be great, quite possibly with you coming out as a Jaedaxian Hero for your work." he winked slightly and moved back to his chair as they returned to Syl politics. The master sorcerer mulled over the question that had been posed to him and he spoke, though hesitantly.

"Well, obviously for one, I'd recommend--especially as one of the newer houses--that you keep most of your opinions to yourself. As a younger 'upstart' house, your voice will likely be ignored until heads turn your way of their own accord. That means acts in Syl that gain attention, preferrably the positive kind. Only once you have their attention will they listen to what you have to say. Speak to the powerful lords. Form alliances where you can. Offer to do deeds for them to increase your position in their eyes. Do whatever you can and indeed whatever you must to put yourself in a better light of those in charge. Only once you actually have clout can you choose how to use it." He shrugged and spoke heavily, glancing at Tyav with knowing eyes.

"And nothing says you have to be aligned with Gil'dae. Even if Cala does grant you the boon, once you have your own name, it is yours to do with as you wish. Most do offer service to their patron house, but not all...and sometimes they even stand on their own, free to chose their own path. Gil'dae particularly has bad blood with Luviel and all allied with them, and with Lothain...though I believe I was the cause of most of that. It's entirely possible that with me out of power both of their urges to see ruin upon Gil'dae has vanished, or at least lessened.

"While others might start off with these same prejudices as you're a house descendant from Gil'dae--assuming Cala grants your request--that doesn't mean it has to stay that way." He shrugged, continuing on. "The best way to establish yourself is to make it clear that you are your own house. Stand on your own two feet, and show them you are not a mere lacky house. My personal distaste runs towards, of course, Luviel and their lacky houses, especially Syl'lithar, though Mael'tharias and the Lady Firesong don't have much of my love either. Backstabbing, traitorous snobs, all of them. Trust none of those mentioned or any that have ties to them, and you would count' yourself already a few steps ahead." He sighed and summed up succsinctly.

"So, all in all, I'd suggest remaining quiet and observing, unless it's something you feel strongly about. I spoke out frequently, trying to make my place known, and in the end my words were always twisted around to suit the malicious needs of those after my head. Beware what you say as much as how you say it, though it's probably to not say anything at all until you know people are paying attention to you for you, and not for whatever house you descended from." He smiled and shrugged, hoping it helped.

"And, of course, I'm always here to offer advice, but I might not be the best of counsul, considering how my tenure as Lord ended up."

Tyav'ondo Gil'dae · January 24, 2007, 01:38 AM

Tyav'ondo accepted the papers gratefully and tucked them away in the folds of his cloak. That being that, he listened intently to the familiar names of treacherous parasites and made a mental note not to be taken in by them. It had been his thought as well to observe quietly, so when Motito said it he resigned himself to that course of action. Unless there was something he felt terrribly strong about, Tyav would remain in the shadows. If there was anything he could do to help House Gil'dae, though, he would do it.

"While I fully intend to make my own way, I still have loyalty to House Gil'dae. Though I won't follow blindly, I won't allow unwarranted attacks to be directed toward us. Though I will work to be independant of the Gil'daes, I still feel a deep bond with them. I couldn't bear to allow either of your sisters to suffer the injustices you have suffered, if there is anything I can say or do about it. You are a noble elf, Motito, and I quite admire you for it. Still, though, I believe you are too honorable for your own good. I believe that I would pursue different avenues than you did when the blame was thrust upon you. Should that happen to Calairiel, Myself or Anannya...I'm afraid words will not be enough."

Tyav'ondo's voice had grown low, his emerald eyes shining fiercely from behind jagged blades of hair that fell across his slim face. For patterns it had been Tyav's opinion that Motito was too lenient on those who didn't cut him the faintest bit of slack. The hedgemage believed that his teacher's virtue was a double-edged sword, ultimately leading to his downfall. Tyav'ondo did not share this temperment, those who attacked him would see swift retribution. That was not to say that the streets would run red with blood, but there were many subtle ways to deal with those who had no respect. The hedgemage was perfectly acclimated to revenge, it had been his bread and butter once, and though the matter of his family's death was still unresolved, that did not mean that other transgressions would be so lucky. Tyav's expression lightened as he continued.

"Of course, there's nothing to worry about until there's something to worry about. Suffice it to say that I've never been afraid of ridicule, in fact, often times it makes me laugh."

Tyav hummed a moment and spoke again, changing the subject.

"So, I think I'll head to Jaedaxia soon. Maybe even this darkening. If it's anything like the last time I was out that way, I'll have my work cut out for me. I do want to get an estimate for how much it will cost to have a reasonably sized cheb of my own built. Do you have any recommendations as to who I should speak with?"

Motito Gil'dae · January 24, 2007, 04:05 AM

Motito nodded in acknowledgement of Tyav's initial words. That was all he asked. A good head on one's own shoulders and the ability to use it went a long ways, and it was all Tito could ask. Tyav had shown Motito a loyalty that spanned longer then that of most of his friends. It was only fair now to show Tyav that same loyalty in his attempts to grow beyond the confines of his current existance. As he spoke of words not being enough, the elflord didn't even flinch. In fact, there was a slight sparkle in his eye at the mention.

"Oh, I suspect not. While I didn't take action, it was mostly for my family's sake. In my last season or two I might have, were it not for my concern for the family should I be discovered. As I am now, without lordship nor title save what I've earned rather then inherited or been given for lack of better candidates, I find myself tempted to take up hobbies, expand my skills. So far I can fist identify herbs a little, fight a little, swordfight some, and do a lot of magic. That's about it. I realize, as I am now, how two-dimensional I am. I need to expand myself...learn more...I think I might take the time to broaden my horizons." He smiled and shrugged.

"I lost my Archmage status a while back...but I'm actually not so terribly unhappy about it. If anthing, it was a bit of a limitation. Now that I'm more free..." He shrugged. "Who knows? I might stop in to help you with your retribution from time to time." He winked and shrugged, continuing on. "Ridicule is one thing to learn to take in stride, for much of it will come. At first it enraged me, but near the end of my tenure, I simply accepted it for what it was and laughed at those who tried." As the subject changed, he tilted his head and nodded.

"Feel free. It will likely take some time to build up the necessary capital for land and a good cheb, though. If you need someone to talk to or to get on the good side of, Jael Susspin is a good one. As the Merchant Baron of Syl, he's the one to talk to for just about anything needed. He's the one who helped me rebuild the Sacred Circle Guardhouse there in Syl'rosya.

"However, one of the most acclaimed architects of Syl is the one who helped with the redesign of the Gil'dae Cheb. Lord of the Twelfth House, Silvunade. His work is masterful. To have it done economically Susspin would be the one to see. To have it be a work of art it would likely be Silvunade." He lifted a thin, nimble digit in warning.

"However, be aware...Silvunade is very exclusive. To have something done by him is to have accquired status. Like myself, to even gain access to his services you might have to fulfill a boon." He grinned and winked. "...but as you've seen the Gil'dae Cheb, you know his work, at least, is worth it."

Tyav'ondo Gil'dae · January 24, 2007, 04:38 AM

Tyav smiled his crooked half-smile as Motito mention aiding him in his retribution. Gods help those that might incur both of their wrath. Though Tyav was stable now, he knew that he would fight like a madman should it ever come to that, and his teacher was widely known to have quite the tactical mind. One did not become Imperial Marshall by winning a beauty contest.

"Well, I should hope, Motito, that it never comes to that. My abilities are nearly all arcane in nature as well, save the bit of training and experience I've had with a dagger. Though, I suppose being a hedgemage I have a bit of versatility over your average Adept, and thanks the archanomechanical knowledge you've imparted, I can probably weave a bit better. Still, though, I too have the need to expand my horizons. Perhaps I should seek to enhance my political mind, or pursue something artistic and creative?"

Tyav'ondo's left eyebrow quirked upward as he heard the news of Motito's regression.

"Lost your Archmage status, really? How did that happen, I fail to believe you simply went out of practice."

The next topic was that of land and construction. Motito presented two options, the economical and the artistic. Naturally, Tyav'ondo leaned toward artistic, but crowns were a large factor. He would just have to see.

"What I have heard is that land in the Tawnleaf costs fifteen-hundred crowns per hectare, so for a reasonable sized plot it would cost me between thirty and seventy-five thousand, based on a twenty to fifty hectare lot. It would most likely cost from fifty to one-hundred thousand for the structure itself, so I'm looking at quite the investment. That is, of course, ideal conditions. I suppose if I have to settle, then I shall. The Restwood, I've also heard, is roughly five-hundred crowns cheaper than the Tawnleaf, but farther away from the Gil'dae Cheb. I think I would prefer to be close. Often I have wandered the forest around the Cheb and I have grown to love it."

Motito Gil'dae · January 24, 2007, 05:29 AM

Motito nodded in agreement. Expanding of one's mind beyond combat was always a useful path. As the topic turned to his loss of power, he elf simply shrugged.

"It was a while back, actually. I came up against a situation where a monster was about to invade Port Alyxandrya. There was a lot of wild arcanic energy involved, and I drained just about every ounce of arcanic power I had countering it. So much so that my mind closed itself down to prevent the loss of my own life, which in turn wound up with my incidental demotion." he shrugged, showing he thought it no major thing. While Archmage was indeed a prestegious position to hold, he did not think it astronomically important. The topic turned again, this time to the cheb. The former lord simply shrugged, but understood Tyav's heart easily.

"I myself love those woods. It was where I grew up. I think, however, that it's about time I return to whence I originally came. I'm tempted to see what I can find of the original Coldmoon at some point, and see too where the Medonian Elves originated from and how much of our lost culture and history can be salvaged...or if we are forever doomed to be lumped in with they Syl'rosyans." he sighed and shrugged, continuing on.

"But that's neither here nor there. I can understand wishing to be close to the Gi'dae Cheb. It was Annanya's first home, and was the first place, I believe, that you've been able to find peace since the loss of your family. A desire to be close to that is not so strange." he smiled warmly and shrugged. Cycles ago, he himeself would be missing and longing for it...but had realized instead that the only thing he needed to truely feel at home was Alicia.

"It might take some doing, I know, but once you have the capital and the cheb is up, it will be something to be proud of."