[Mnemonya Isle] Fancy Meeting You Here. [Duncan please - Private]

[Milo L'Evienne]

Early Immanis in the Winter of Era XV

A secure and private retreat when members of the Royal family could manage a brief respite outside of Prime, the lodge on Mnemonya Isle was both isolated in a clearing away from the larger manor house, with evergreen trees standing tall and thick around its perimeter and lending an even greater impression of isolation in the process, though much was an illusion given security measures both on the isle itself and off the coast as well. Beyond that patch of woods, vineyards stretched out in long rows on a nearby hill and even further in the distance was a large manor house, looking deserted save for a few souls that were likely servants watching over the property for the winter.

Of wooden construction the lodge sprawled out on one level, chimneys topped the roof at regular intervals and windows glazed along the front with shutters left open to allow a natural light inside. A woodchipped drive of sorts now under compacted snow started from the entrance and wandered off into the edge of the woods and out ultimately out again, forking to connect it to the other lodges and beyond. All in all a simple dwelling with water pumps to the rear, a covered woodpile with logs waiting to be split and a few out houses that held horses and sleds. A wide covered porch ran across the front of the lodge, several rustic rocking chairs arranged near the rail.

Rosemen would be spotted at a glance, that portion of security always visible, patrolling the area in pairs around the lodge, added two matched fellows standing sentinel on the porch, and ready to announce the expected arrival to those inside once he’d presented himself and left any weapons he’d brought with him in Sir Pious’ care. Duncan would have been instructed to arrive just inside the edge of the trees and outside the clearing a stone’s throw away, mages from the Palace having recently installed wards both here and on Ieffreon in order to satisfy Sir James’ insistence on security in all things. Nonetheless, once meeting with Sir Pious’ scrutiny and the Knight having been previously instructed to see the mage in, the tall half-elf knocked once on the heavy wooden door and receiving his reply, opened it wide for Duncan to step inside.

The main room was in the center of the long lodge and was of an unusual arrangement. The hearth, with stone base and sides, was positioned at the center of the room, extending up into a chimney hood that went through the ceiling. A dining area was arranged on one side, while a seating area occupied the other with comfortable sofas and chairs arranged near the hearth. No fine furnishings such as might be found in the Imperial Palace, but rustic and comfortable. Long dressers and sideboards flanked the perimeter of the room and smaller tables and seats ranged along the windows to the front, and wrought iron chandeliers hung from the wooden beams overhead. Along with numerous oil lanterns here and there, it was a cozy space in the evenings and filled with the white light of reflected snow during the brightening.

Dressed down for a welcome change given expectations back in Prime, Milo wore brown tweed trousers, scuffed boots and suspenders pulled up over a cream woolen shirt and at present he was seated near the fire with his feet propped up and a mug of coffee cradled between his palms. Still, his valet through exhaustive efforts managed a transformation in his master, he was to be commended some might say for the occasional bouts of resistance he’d overcome and as a result, the now Crowned Sovereign’s hair was cropped short and his face clean shaven. Several pairs more of Rosemen lurked nearby and at the table nearby the door and beside a window looking out on the clearing, and occupied with a game of chess sat a familiar Eunesian guard dressed in black, and a mage outfitted in an Arakmatian style robe and a trademark raspberry beret. They’d both glance up when Duncan was shown in, but they too had been expecting him and would merely nod a silent greeting, the same of Sir James loitering nearby Milo.

[Duncan Sythe]

Appearing well dressed for the outdoors in a heavy great cloak lined with fur and warm gloves Duncan had spent a significant amount of time rubbing his hands whilst his visa was checked, although both parties involved knew it was a formality; another mage was hardly going to appear out of thin air and announce he was the person Milo had travelled here to see.

And if he did, then poor Sir Pious wouldn't have been able to do much about it.

No weapons were evident though, only the fact that the former Imperial Mage was keen to get in out the cold, slipping past his escort and into the warm with relief. With a twist of hands and an unclasping of the clasp-like-thing at his throat he swung the cloak from his shoulders and hung it up out the way before turning back to Milo as he stuffed the gloves in the back of his belt.

“As wonderful as this place is Milo, perhaps the next addition instead of wards could be some kind of Druidic weather control system to make it a slice warmer?”

The mage inquired with what might almost have been genuine humour had Milo not known him better, but he did seem a little more well-disposed than he had previously. Although how that weighed in with the news he brought was another matter. Most likely and far more precisely; he was avoiding it for the moment.

“Or perhaps not.” The man added after a moment's thought. “It might only make things worse.”

Having shed the heavy cloak though Duncan was dressed down in a similar manner to Milo, a loose white shirt and an open brown leather coat to combine with grey military trousers that appeared to have come straight out of the Imperial Army store cupboard. He had enough spares to last him a life time, not that he suspected anyone was about to ask where he'd got them from.

Jibe aside he made his way over to Milo and extended a hand, which when taken he then covered with his other and held the Prince's gaze for a long, careful moment. At the door it could have been forgiven for thinking the blue eyed, black haired mage had mellowed, his eyes belied the fact now as they searched Milo and wondered about the situation he found himself in.

On the throneworld the possibility of acting during the events that had occurred had been...minimal. Now however, despite being surrounded by mages, wards and knights, Duncan none the less seemed entirely himself and ironically, despite the weight of the world about to fall down about their combined shoulders for new and bizarre reasons, more relaxed.

“I am glad we have time to speak Milo.” He said quietly. “About many things, although to begin with I suppose the matter I spoke of in the letter, I hope it has not caused you too much concern as I assure you she is in no danger.”

Those blue eyes scanned Rosemen, Mages and Sir James alike before he went any further. It was not to say he distrusted the contents of Milo's inner circle of bodyguards, as eclectic a bunch as they were, but what he had to say was as far as he knew intensely private and he had no desire to splurt Milo's family secrets to those which might be made uncomfortable by hearing them.

His eyes however were genuinely concerned. Ignorant as he was to how much Milo knew about Valanthia's position he had no idea that his words might actually bring Milo reassurance in any way other than to confirm that Duncan did not think his family in danger... strange really given that the danger Milo would be worried about happened to be shaking hands with him.

Equally his ignorance prevented the possibility that the guards were there because of him. Whether that were true or not. Ironic how naïve even Duncan could be when the facts were just not laid out. But when it came to Milo the man had a rare modicum of Duncan's trust or he would never have come and allowed himself to be so open in a warded house.

And so releasing Milo's hand he waited to be shown in to where Milo trusted to speak of such matters, with guards in hearing distance or without.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Sir Pious’ knock on the door prior to it opening was telling enough and Milo was quick to set his mug aside, drop his boots from the rest and stand while Duncan made way through the door and shed his cloak. He looked in need of a brightening’s rest after several months of whirlwind activity back in Prime but he was quick to grin all the same, one slightly off kilter as always. ”I might have suggested a warmer climate it’s true,” he conceded, ”Circumstances had it that I managed a few brightenings in Eunesia in Summer, similar ones seem to have had me getting my brief getaways backwards of late.”

He took Duncan’s hand in a firm grip of his own and kept eye contact through that long moment, both acknowledging the unspoken assessment and leaving Duncan to make what conclusions he would before smiling again when the gesture was complete and dropping his hand. The nature of Duncan’s letter had left him wondering of course, though of concern, he’d come to imagine that given the lack of urgency in the text, he’d not sensed any immediacy. Genuine concern still, but of course the impression had led him to long moments of conjecture and theories, and admittedly his mind had settled on one probability, bloodline primarily, differing ones in particular. He could imagine no connection to Nikki outside of that same bloodline, so that left Val, and he’d never been inclined to believe that Duncan might not be aware of as much, or perhaps quite a bit more than himself in fact.

”We don’t often enough,” he said of speaking, ”it’s been too long. And I assume you’re not speaking of Nikki.” It was a valid concern, for all that Duncan might not realize it. This particular sister had displayed her own unique penchant for trouble and had twice been kidnapped in one season from under his very nose, and both times from off palace grounds. ”I didn’t sense an immediacy in the text of your letter,” he admitted, ”and given time while I’ve been waiting to think I’ve come up with a few theories, so I imagine that it’s indeed time for a chat.”

With a glance at Sir James, the senior Knight moved away to join his fellows, though all here in the great room most often in his company had been present during many a discussion with Val in his offices, though none had ever so much as blinked or uttered a word. Still, a bit of distance was preferable while they settled in near the hearth and Milo smiled his thanks when Sir James complied and left them a semblance of privacy. Offering Duncan a chair then, he strolled the short distance to the bar and refilled his mug. ”Do you drink coffee Duncan, or would you rather something stronger?” Whichever the mage’s choice, he returned and handed it to him before settling back into his chair across from him.

”It seems Duncan that much has occurred since we last spoke, that brief opportunity on Throneworld notwithstanding. But you’ve told me that my sister is in no danger. As you can imagine that is a topic near to my heart and of utmost importance.”

[Duncan Sythe]

“Coffee will be fine for now, we'll see if it lasts.”

Duncan offered dryly, clearly prepared for a discussion that might indeed tempt both of them to something stronger, taking a seat and noting, quite to his satisfaction, that Milo had not mellowed enough to his staff to think that trusting them entirely was sensible. It wasn't that Duncan didn't think the men wouldn't give up their lives for Milo L'Evienne, not at all, but it made things a lot easier when he didn't have to watch how he said things and there were always...off chances, when dealing with the sheer number of people a Regent – now a Prince, required around him, it was all too easily for someone to mishear or hear what they might pass on out of hand thinking it nothing but idle gossip between friends.

Granted between Duncan and Milo? Less of a case, Duncan suspected Milo's staff were quite aware of some of the rumours concerning the former Imperial Mage, but the point stood. It was also entirely irrelevant for the situation at hand, if a welcome diversion from it, as Duncan Sythe took his seat along with the mug of coffee and settled himself, blowing softly on the liquid with downcast eyes and taking a second to inhale it.

“Sometimes I think I make a mistake in not settling down and taking a job that allows me to drink something this fine on a whim, sometimes.”

That was all he offered on the subject though as he reached to place the mug of currently too-hot liquid to one side and laid his hands on the arms of the chair, looking across at Milo and...preparing to tell him what he knew already, although perhaps with details he did not. Where Valanthia had perhaps one sided view of events Duncan's dealings with his...partner and now the mother of his son had meant that he had been able to look objectively at the events surrounding the Sanguine/Rhasic fiasco.

“Not of Nikki.” Duncan said at last to address the issue. “Valanthia. She is it seems, heir to a peculiar bloodline which I believe may run throughout your entire family, you apparently have not been affected but I'm unfamiliar with the exact...genealogy so I couldn't tell you why...”

He trailed off, pausing to studied Milo intently for a moment, there was something about the man's reaction that just didn't fit. Expectant? Perhaps that was how to describe it? Certainly not surprised.

“You know?” He asked with a dangerously careful tone.

The acknowledgement Milo gave with a nod of his head was enough, and Duncan nodded slowly in return. It made sense although he would not pry further into the details, it did effect what he was going to say though...it effected everything.

He glanced around him and surprise adorned the Mystic's features that for a moment was quite disarmingly frank. The first thoughts that ran through his mind upon Milo knowing of the whole predicament would have been that the man would have distrusted him, distrusted the blood inside him and the potential madness. Quite apart from the danger Duncan might pose to his sister on basis of what she would want from him.

Yet the events on Throneworld put all that to a lie, equally the way Milo treated him now. They knew each other well enough for Duncan to be able to judge he had been treated no differently than he ever had before. That Milo trusted him as much as he evidently did...had shocked the Mage as he looked from soldier to mage and mage to soldier around him.

No, they were no closer than before and all most likely knew that if he had meant any ill harm to Milo he might have a chance at succeeding before any impeded him. Not a good chance admittedly, but good enough that if they had any reason to suspect him they would have been a good deal closer.

The Mage was therefore quite speechless, although for reasons Milo would be completely ignorant of. Ever since the beginning of the events on the skyship and the affairs with the Aelyrians he had born secret, brooding suspicions of the man before him, that Milo had not so much let the power go to his head as been deluded by the stability and promise the Aelyrians offered. It had been one of the subjects he wished to speak to Milo about this brightening, whether the man was realistic in his hopes for the new world and what his basis was for thinking the Aelyrians really knew what they were doing. It wasn't that he didn't think they intended good precisely, but that he queried their definition of the word.

Yet for Duncan here and now, it was staggering to have such trust placed in him from a man he perhaps suspected of letting his ideals run away with him, not a situation he was used to in the least.

“You know.”

Duncan repeated again, softly, his eyes returning to Milo and narrowed in careful study. The direction his eyes had gone and the way he had tensed in the chair would have explained his thoughts even if Milo had needed them explaining, the surprise over not being more closely guarded when Milo had one way or another been told of events before time...so clear in Duncan Sythe as to be amazing when compared to the man's usual reserve and control. It of course spoke volumes about his feelings regarding the matter of Sanguine and Rhasic and of his feels regarding the man he was speaking to, all adding up for a very unusual reaction to something so simple as an admission of pre-knowledge.

Taking a moment to compose himself Duncan glanced away and took the mug up, sipping gently and cursing under his breath as it was still to warm. He put the mug down again quickly but stared at it for a long moment to gather his thoughts.

“I will simply tell my side then, if you have any questions then ask.”

He said at last, still looking at the table. Putting his hands to the side of the chair he straightened himself in it and looked across at Milo again, apparently hoping to gain time to regain his composure by shifting the conversation.

“But perhaps if you tell me what you know to begin with I will not repeat over-much...”

Duncan offered, almost weakly. His thoughts were far too jumbled with the impact of what he had just learnt to offer anything more concrete but sense told him it did no good to regail Milo with an identical story to one he knew. Just because he knew what his sister was didn't mean equally that he knew that much about what it meant either...better he could target the specific gaps in Milo's understanding to reassure him that his confidence in Duncan was justified than flood him with information, familiar to the Prince or not.

OOC: Given the way this went I'm pausing before I ramble further on the sanguine to give you a chance to respond to Duncan's nod as well.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Not of Nikki. Though he’d suspected not, it was somewhat of a relief to hear it anyway. The effects of her last misadventure were still felt both in a personal sense and a broader one, and those of her first one just a few months previous to it, the least of the damage had left him sporting a set of antlers out his forehead for the better part of the brightening. Not that anyone knew about that of course, not even his own wife, a fine job had been done of preserving his dignity when all was said and done. But Val, yes, he’d surmised as much, in fact this was a conversation that he’d long felt was destined to occur, it was only the timing that had been in question, and the circumstances under which it would occur.

As Duncan began, Milo sipped his coffee thoughtfully and given that a handful of words in his suspicions were confirmed for him, there was indeed no mark of surprise in his expression, no outraged disbelief…there’d been a time for that certainly when he’d first learned of Val’s kidnapping and all that it meant, but the time was gone now for nearly an era. Besides, these past few months his threshold for being taken unaware had broadened considerably.

Simply an acknowledgement of sorts in his expression that his expectations had been founded, and a curiosity for hearing Duncan’s take on the matter. Unlike his discussion with Odyleon, there’d be no awkward uncertainty when it came to not wanting to reveal what he’d given his word he wouldn’t, and moreover for the sake of his sister’s continued welfare which was by far the greater concern. Duncan already knew as he'd expected he would, and because Milo knew the extent of the mage’s curiosity, he further imagined that he knew quite a bit more than he did.

Yes, Milo knew. And he nodded slowly while setting his mug aside. The surprise on Duncan’s face was immediately apparent, though Milo was no mind reader and could only guess at the nature of the thoughts going through the other man’s mind. Of course there’d been plenty going through his own and had been since receiving the written request. And his were likely as varied as Duncan’s. Still, in spite of it all and in spite of more stressful and uncertain brightenings of late, he couldn’t help but smile only slightly…He’d not intended it if of course, he’d only been bent on protecting two, both sides of the equation to the extent that he could, but how often was it that another man managed to take the mage completely by surprise?

It surprised him too once he’d come to a conclusion in his mind at the line of Duncan’s thought, that the mage wouldn’t have realized by now the level of confidence one might've had in the other, but then given how things had turned somewhat upside down these past few months, perhaps not so much as it might otherwise have. ”Yes, I knew,” he said and after a swallow of his coffee set the mug aside. ”I’ve known for a while, maybe an era now. I knew about Val, that the same bloodline runs through my own veins, my father’s, Nikki’s, my children, and I knew about you. And because circumstances seemed to demand it then for both of your sakes, and because of my faith in you both, I said nothing.”

”I know about the Sanguine and the Rhasic, I know that it was my father who passed along the bloodline and in truth he’s a prolific man even now and there’s no doubt there’s a good number more out there somewhere. I know of the bonding process, of the attack by the Rhasic, the rebuilding efforts and how it's to occur, and the age old and never ending murderous feud between two sides. I know about the Sundering and the risk of madness. What knowledge I have Duncan probably isn’t the half of it, but what I do know is this senseless bloodshed will never end unless someone comes to their senses and another way is found, and I’ve got too many people I care about on both sides not to want to see that happen.”

[Duncan Sythe]

A slow careful nod was the acknowledgement given by the Mystic to the hints Milo made. Whether there were others Milo knew who were on his side, not his family? Well, he could not yet know and it was not yet polite to ask if Milo would not mention it...but certainly for the man himself the fact his entire family was tinged with the bloodline was most likely enough for him to act precisely as he had. It made emphatic sense now that Duncan learned the origins of the bloodline in the L'Evienne's...logical really, Milo had been involved in enough shady things in his life from Duncan's experience with him that he understood the dangers of such shadow-games to brightening-to-brightening life – and would seek some kind of resolution as a consequence.

Granted his explanation of the conflict was entirely simplistic, but Duncan doubted that was because of the measure of his understanding, more likely just what he had been told and what others knew...for him the only reason he knew as much as he did was speaking to one of the -temporally speaking - older Sanguine in existence and if Milo had only known an Era, it was doubtful he had spoken to the likes of Niravia or Albrae.

Still the implication of Milo's words were unavoidable and left him slightly uncomfortable as Duncan Sythe faced not only the truth of the L'Evienne's situation but also the truth of Milo's confidence in him. After his surprise it had been slowly seeping through his veins and forcing him to reserve judgement, just yet, about what lay ahead. He knew so little of what had passed between Auron and Milo in the past, both on Throneworld and before – and as such was uncomfortably settled between accepting Milo's trust to mean the man had not changed and worrying that there were deeper, more sinister manipulations in hand to obtain the man's co-operation whilst his character remained.

At this point though the Aelyrian matter was, by and large, not relevant. It was of course a shadow over anything given the current climate but in some ways the Sanguine and Rhasic were older...and more distressing.

Practically put too, it was something he could actually do something about in the short term. So settling back into his chair Duncan Sythe in turn settled back into more familiar territory, the surprise receeding from his features as he slowly considered the facts and how best to present them. Refreshingly also he was able to confide in Milo the full extent of the situation, knowing that the Prince would both understand the technicalities and appreciate the emotional elements of the matter at hand, along with the enormity of the situation and its consequences.

“An Era past would roughly meet my own date.” Duncan acknowledged with an incline of his head to Milo, blue eyes meeting the Prince's levelly now, watching for the understanding he knew would come and the man's reaction to specific details. None the less for a moment they darted away unavoidably as a thoughtful expression crossed his face, just for the next sentence or so as he remembered the night.

“I appeared in my rooms in the crown and was immediately attacked by a pair. One of their more experienced and older women, along with her Virkyn bondmate.”

His eyes flicked back up to Milo a moment to underscore what he was about to say. It was not that Duncan considered himself...arrogant when it came to his abilities, but he knew his limits and what had occurred had more or less broken them – it mattered in terms of emphasizing the importance of the Sanguine training and skill, simply – the danger they posed.

“They nearly killed me Milo.”

A pause, a shake of the head, eyes closing as he looked back at the man. There was a slightly distant aspect to his expression however as he remembered the details of the night and what had happened.
He had survived the first attack by luck, the second by skill and by rights the third had killed him, it was only a quick tongue and a quicker understanding of the curse that had prevented it.

“I had a sword at my throat before I even knew who they were or why they wanted me dead. I am only here because she has seen too much death.”

Fingers rapped on the arm of the chair and the silence stretched, although it was clearly out of memory and thought concerning the events and her, rather than Duncan Sythe running out of things to say. What was in a name? No, he'd not give that, it was too much even for Milo.

“I got through to her. Just.” He said softly, the layers behind the remark thick and complex.

A master of understatement and a thousand questions in six words. Exactly how he had gotten through to Albrae Nordmar with her sword about to slash his throat open and a Virkyn bearing down on his shoulders still amazed him, but sometimes Duncan Sythe's quickest thinking and most biting sarcasm was delivered on the edge of the grave...and truthfully if it saved him he didn't care too much about how the mystery worked.

Milo however might be left with a good deal more to think about than that, but perhaps it was just another question mark on the never ending Sythe enigma. Truthfully he'd begun the whole survival process by calling Albrae pitiable...but that was one particular sentence, indeed an entire conversation, that he doubted either of them would care to repeat – to anyone.

His eyes sought Milo's as he continued onto the more solid facts of the matter after having tried to impress upon him how personal this was, some part of the emotion he bore to it very clear in the preceding words.

“The Sanguine are truly trapped. Milo. Kalendryas did a worthy job of it splitting their souls between then and now and adding the Bond and the Virkyn into the bargain, it's hard enough for those in human form to maintain any sense of perspective beyond the desire to rebuild their Krevion, even if it means the blood of others on their hands. The Virkyn meanwhile...well, some of those seem truly to have lost any shred of morality at all in the whole process.”

A long sigh at that. Tyrale was perhaps an exception but from what he knew...a precisely singular one and even Tyrale bore more than a little of the Beast in him. Although Duncan was truly not too convinced as to whether that meant much. The Beast was after all present enough in the human as well as the animal, he and Albrae both testiment to it. That was a different subject however, as much as it was the cause of the sigh.

“From my perspective of course they've spent the past several generations killing innocents. I certainly had no idea what my ancestors had done and truly I doubt any Rhasic does now. I could of course go back and debate the wisdom of hoarding knowledge to begin with and the whole concept of ownership.” A hand waved absently. “But the past is done and turned to dust and it serves little purpose Who was Right and Who was Wrong. Plus I don't particularly fancy going mad before time.”

A wry, dry laugh.

“Of course it's still killing people and I must be truthful with you now... for the sake of what comes.”

The laughter was gone again and Duncan was very firm about what he said next.

“The Krevion cannot be rebuilt as it was before or fate will repeat itself. I am flexible, Gods know. But I will not allow a repeat of what is done with.”

His right hand rose to his chin thoughtfully, fingertip rubbing his lower lip.

“Another way must be found.” Duncan echoed Milo's words. “I privately suspect the Rhasic are now scattered across the entirety of eternity if not potentially beyond the reach of mortals. Thus even were it an acceptable solution, killing the entire bloodline is...most likely a physically impossible task and I am no mathematician to calculate odds. Plus as I said, I don't particularly fancy contributing to something I had no hand in creating, nor in perpetuating a cycle.”

A simple hand gesture as if to demonstrate the obvious.

“Another way must be found.” He repeated, the hand returning to cover his mouth as his eyes stared past Milo to face the next thing he had to say. Another revelation, another surprise, another mark on the Sythe enigma. Although what Milo would make of it he was truly almost curious to know...were it not so damnably personal. The Prince might know about the Event of course...but Duncan admitting to knowing meant much more than just him knowing.

Even Duncan Sythe couldn't hide the truth behind this. His eyes still staring past.

“There is something else though, a potential Other Way.” Hand moving to chin, fingers rubbing, distraction, each word drawn out of him with tongs and fire. The eyes moved upward, met Milo, the depth there unrelenting. “There is a child, half Sanguine and Rhasic. My child.”

To doubt for the tiniest possible measurable moment of time that Duncan in any way did not understand what he was a part of in that relationship was to doubt that ice was cold or that the sun was hot. Metaphoric and scientific nicety of word definition could be damned to Aeternia if someone wanted to argue that those two were untrue either. He understood what the child meant, he cared for it and he would not allow his child to be harmed. If those three were a contradiction then it was one he entered into willingly and tied into knots until it made sense again. He both saw the potential of the union and rejected it entirely...a debate that had not yet been completely finished in his mind.

He left it there, one hand poise to his jaw to let Milo absorb the varied perspective he'd presented on the matter. Much had been left out but he could have talked for the entire evening about what he had learnt from Albrae and his own opinions on the conflict, on what could be done to resolve it and what had to be done in order to prevent it reoccurring. In truth all he had tried to do was present a broader viewpoint without going over the fundamentals that he suspected Milo knew or presenting a Rhasic biased opinion. His relation to the child he knew would be a surprise even if Milo had already known of it and he knew Milo had been wanting to hear his opinion on the resolution. The rest was so that the Prince knew how deeply he was entwined in the conundrum. It lay to him now to ask questions – once he absorbed the distinctly personal details entangled in the disseminated information.

[Milo L'Evienne]

A resolution that didn’t involve continued hostilities and bloodshed, this was in fact primary in Milo’s mind when taking into account not only his sister’s involvement and welfare, Nikki’s and Tristan’s as well, but the simple fact that his own children too continued the line. He’d be damned if they were to risk being snatched away much like Val had been and involved in this never ending feud. Friends, family involved, all for whom he cared a great deal...His own children, there was hardly a greater motivator than these where the extent of his efforts would know few if any boundaries.

His mug of coffee forgotten he listened gaze fixed on gaze to what Duncan had to tell him and if anything it only increased his determination to see something done about the situation. That Duncan was nearly killed during his first introduction to a Sanguine and her Virkyn brought both a frown and a brow lifted briefly in surprise, but it only tended to add a clearer aspect to the scope of the task itself. Then again, that reason had found its way into the equation was both enlightening, and held promise no matter how small.

That the Sanguine were trapped, this he knew well and his quiet nod indicated it though he didn’t speak at present, though his nod might indicate that he’d gathered the impression from his interactions with Val, at least she seemed to him one not entirely happy with her situation…as if in being thrust on her she was compelled by something outside of want or enthusiasm, a sense of being trapped perhaps or feeling compelled to choose. She’d not said as much, but it had struck him thusly all the same and why he felt strongly enough that she’d be willing to meet with Odyleon and hear him out.

”I’m not sure it’s the case across the board Duncan,” he remarked of the Virkyn, ”perhaps not morality as you and I see it, but from what I’ve seen, there’s a semblance there.” Umbrosus in fact had been not only polite, but he’d observed a sense of humor there as well in their interactions which he’d found surprising, but the creature was trustworthy enough in his experience that he’d strolled palace halls and not so far from Milo’s own children. Then again, they were Sanguine themselves.

”I agree though Duncan that who initially did what to whom is rather a pointless squabble at this age, its innocents that are paying the cost for it now and its more than just yourself I know of, nor the only one interested in finding another way.” As to the rebuilding of the Krevion though, he couldn’t imagine what might dissuade the Sanguine from attempting to do just that, everything they did was in pursuit of just that and in fact he wondered it might be closer to a fate accompli than not or at least its beginnings. ”Do you think there’s a way Duncan, without fate repeating itself?” After all, he might like at least an alternative to one of those or else topics that weighed heavily on his mind these brightenings.

Still, the revelation that Duncan had a child would have taken him off guard no matter the particulars, but that the child’s mother was clearly a Sanguine brought an expression of outright surprise to his face. Clearly he’d done more convincing than he’d let on till now. ”Half Sangine and half Rhasic?” he repeated. This certainly added a new aspect to the situation, certainly he couldn’t imagine that the child might be in danger due to the simple fact of its mixed bloodline and there was no question in his mind that Duncan would go to the same lengths to protect his child than Milo would for his own. And all the more reason for them both to look for an alternative. ”What other way? And let me ask you something Duncan, if there were another Sanguine who might be willing to talk, to listen, who might like to find another way, and if I told you that I might be able to arrange such a discussion in a secure and controlled environment for the safety of everyone present, including another Rhasic whom I've already spoken to and who's agreed...a friend, would you be interested?”

[Duncan Sythe]

Duncan did not entirely agree about the Virkyn...but Milo was welcome to his own opinion and it didn't effect him that much. Plus with Milo he knew the man meant well even if his experience meant he was taking a more optimistic viewpoint than the Mystic. Duncan after all was not the world's most optimistic individual...holding up the Kingdom needed more than he had – of that much he was sure.

Settling back in his chair he nodded thoughtfully to his next words, agreeing completely and glad that this was Milo he had to deal with not some other...less understanding individual. His understanding was complete and as thorough as Duncan could really hope for, plus his question was relevant...if not entirely without its problems in terms of the answering.

Duncan did not after all truly know if there was a way and the pause it took him to reply said as much – but he would be damned to Aeternia if he didn't try before the madness caught him, what else was there for him to do?

Glancing away for a moment he could do naught but shake his head, then looking back at Milo in askance as if to mirror his thoughts.

“There will have to be else fate will indeed repeat itself.” He considered aloud. “Else what is the point of curing the curse to begin with despite my life?” A shrug, only the likes of Duncan Sythe capable of the next sentence. “There are possibilities regarding avoiding the curse. Although none tested.”

The shrug ended in another one of those direct looks.

“But I'd rather try those than hand control of all that knowledge to the Sanguine again without any negotiation. I'll break the curse before that happens.”

Fingers tapped the arm of the chair.

“I admittedly have no answer yet, the past Era has been something of a strange one for me and I have been in contact with the Sanguine...but still not found enough to find any answers. Gods are hardly accommodating with such things, still, I am making inquiries. As for other Sanguine.”

His lips pursed and he shook his head for a long moment – but it was not a refusal as his fingers trailed up and down the arm of the chair. Part of him didn't want it, didn't like handing control over to Milo...but that was how Duncan Sythe worked; alone and in control of things, he choose where and when and things happened when he said it.

It wasn't easy getting used to a different tempo.

“I would of course be interested.” He said finally, cautiously, watching Milo carefully as if almost still suspecting some thought of deceit. Not on his Milo's...but anything was possible. “But you know me. Who, where, details. I've had enough surprises the past Era without you offering more.”

This last said with what could absolutely be called a wry smile coming from Duncan. He held no ill will towards Milo's careful wording, knowing the man was careful of his other friends and had every reason to be careful given the situation. Duncan hadn't met any other Rhasic though, so the possibility was interesting...although it might also make things more complicated – again, he didn't work well with others.

He held his hands up however.

“I am in favour of anything that solves the problem though, within reason, let me say that.”

Within Duncan's rules was what he meant but Milo knew that...and Duncan suspected the man also knew that those rules were not set in stone – if Duncan was not a reasonable person – given reasons – then their friendship would not be what it was, as bizarre as it seemed to be despite it all. If Milo had anything to say Duncan would listen...and answer honestly, if they ended up in disagreement then he would work for an accord, simple...if only the issue was so simple.

“I just have to admit I do not completely trust the Sanguine as a group...there are too many factions, if you are not aware of this?”

A raise of an eyebrow, a pause.

“They are not united Milo, thus my earlier words about the Virkyn. Have a care you are not led astray by your sister's own lack of knowledge....or lack of willingness to admit the truth. I wish her no ill but equally I know nothing of her situation. I want only to end this – all of it. But I fear some of them are too mad to accept a solution that doesn't involve my neck being slit.”

Again that chilling tone at the end, determination, the ice that Milo seemed to so respect in Duncan's attitude to problems and that made him so enigmatic. He knew the Prince of Aelyria was...unfortunately not fully informed about the situation but equally did not intend to let that be a reason for mistakes to occur, he only wanted this all sorted...and yes, was ironically now asking Milo for favours in some respect – although he wasn't sure if he was asking for the right sort yet.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Another way. Even Duncan it seemed wasn’t convinced there was one, the oldest of feuds tended to die hard and this one certainly qualified, but if there was one it was a relief to know that the other was as determined to find it as he was. His interest of course would have been valid nonetheless had all been strangers where the involvement of innocents was concerned, but all the more a profound and personal validity given the connections of friends and family not the least of which were his own children and those of friends. Possibilities were better than none at all, and he indicated his agreement there with a slow nod of his head.

”It’s true enough Duncan, the immortals do like their riddles,” he agreed quietly with a shake of his head and in truth it could be to the topic under discussion or in fact any number of other instances that he'd been visited with over the past several eras. His proposal though, he knew Duncan well enough to have surmised his reaction might be similar when it was Milo who’d be setting most of the guidelines for the hoped for meeting. But there was no guile there in his eyes, none at all when met with Duncan’s scrutiny, only a desire to insure best he could the safety of all those involved when brought together.

”Details, of course,” he conceded with a grin of his own, and while taken aback just a little of what was a rare smile indeed on the mage’s face, no matter how wry it was. ”For all that it may seem like it Duncan there’s no subterfuge here, there’s only me caught up in the middle of something I never bought into, and trying to make sure as best I’m able that none of those I care about are hurt by this madness or hurt by its fix…including yourself. If not for all of us capable of exploring our options, those we know and those we don’t, then for the children involved and their futures.”

”As for trust,” he added and sunk back into his chair, ”Val has my trust and none of the rest of them. I’m not aware of these varied factions, I suppose if I’d pressed she might have told me more, not necessarily a lack of knowledge on her part, I only know that my impression is that she’s not entirely happy with the lot she’s been handed. Although it seems logical enough that for the feud to have continued as long as it has, odds are that voices of reason must have been raised at some point along the way to no avail. Val is reasonable in her thinking…maybe it’s that which makes me most believe she’d be open to exploring other options.”

”The who is Valanthia, yourself and Odyleon Meiers, a close friend who is, as it happens, also responsible for having saved my life and like the both of us, has a vested interest in seeing this feud resolved peaceably. I will be present, which I will insist on, as will my Rosemen. As for the location, a controlled and secured environment, not in the Palace but here I think, wards in place, no weapons of any kind. My sorcerers will be at the ready to provide transportation and the time, I’ve spoken with Odyleon and he’s in agreement but I’ve not yet spoken to Val, in the first cycles of Cryxatum. And whatever ultimately comes of the conversation, all away when it's done in their own directions.” It was the plan as it had evolved thus far, though in telling it, he imagined that the mage might have thoughts of his own, and he was certainly open to hearing them.