Watching the Sands Run.... [in the Governers Palace]

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Timetsamp: Midwinters Brightening.

It was the shortest brightening of the era and Alicia felt the cold wrap around her as she watched the sands run down through the hourglass. She wondered what on Telath she was doing as she watched the sands trickle.

She was leaving... again . Was she running away as she had before? Maybe? But she did not think so. She was being promoted and moving the children and herself to Alleria Prime. She thought of the city of Prime and considered that she was about to have a role that spanned the Empire, and if she did her job well, effected and affected each and every citizen of Telath.

She reached out and turned the hourglass slowly, watching the sand trickle its way through the small gap and she thought back to the time since she had left home. Home? she almost snorted as she thought of that. It had never been home, it had been Rodericks house and home and she would not, could not simply accept it as home.

As the men took away the paintings that had been carefully wrapped up, Alicia wondered where had felt like home in her life, and she had to come to the realisation that nowhere had since she left her parents house. But that was such a long time ago to the young elf that she could not really remember the feeling.

So, she walked across to the window of the place that she had called home since Motito had asked her to leave the Cheb. She wondered if that had been home, but she knew better. It was Char's home, Motito's home. But it was not hers. She had only ever been a guest there, Char's mistake and Motito's fling. Never again, she thought to herself as she looked around the now empty room.

It would be time to leave soon.

She had done her best here, but Alicia wondered whether she could do more. She did not doubt that she could, but she also did not doubt that it was time for a change. And a change it would be. She looked forwards to her new job and she idly considered that in truth she had probably just gotten about as far up the career ladder as she could manage. There was nowhere else to go, save becoming Empress one brightening of course, she thought to herself with a small smile, fairly bursting with irony at the thought.

She wondered where Manijoor was. She knew that her leaving had hit him badly and in truth she would miss him too, he had been a stalwart friend. But as she wrapped her arms around her waist, Alicia Gil'dae hugged herself and considered that she and her children would be alright. They would have to be.

So, looking around the room that she had called hers for a short while, Alicia waited until the carriage was ready and stood, maudlin over her past. When the children started to cry she went to them with a sense of almost palpable relief. She held her babies in her arms and allowed herself a few moments of being simply content....

.... and in the next room, the sands finally trickled down to the bottom.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

The clicking of the Vysstichi Lord's hazel boots against the wooden floorboards of the governmental palace heralded his arrival. Though the dark elf was notorious for his ability to nullify the sounds of his rhythmically-striding feet at a whim, there was little urgency for discretion at this hour of the brightening. Faust D'Rinishad was not unfamiliar with the predominantly human vicinity and nor was his obsidian visage one that was phenomenal to the numerous guards dispersed throughout the facility. The dark elf had sojourned to the plaza on one or two previous occasions, all of which were for the equivalent purpose of visiting his friend, the Governess of Centripax, one Alicia Gil'dae.

The thought of the regal Silrosian woman drew a smile across the Vysstichi lord's lips, an expression that he had discovered himself adopting quite often whenever in the presence of the noble maiden. And though he was uncertain why Alicia possessed the rare ability to invoke the dark elf's compassionate side, he was positively certain that he enjoyed her company. Seldom did the Vysstichi Lord confide in his light-born cousins, not because he was nonchalant or repelled by them, but namely because they tended to converse with the points of their blades as opposed to the sensibility of words. Faust had attempted on numerous occasions to appeal to the amiable natures of his kindred, but he had learned through experience that obstinate prejudices were virtually impossible to severe.

The immaculate face of the beautiful governess instinctively surfaced to the Vysstichi’s mind as he halted before the doorway of her private offices. It had been several months since he had last seen her, which was regrettable as the dark elf had intended to visit shortly after the devastation of Narim a season before. Unfortunately, though, the ransacking of Vortex at the hands of the orcish insurgents had restrained the Prince of Har’oloth from returning earlier. Nevertheless, as he was grateful for the opportunity to see his friend once again, Faust had excitedly offered to escort the elven lady to Alleria Prime. He not only fancied the notion of being able to spend some more quality time with the woman, but as he had never been to Telath’s capital before he was immensely thrilled.

Four black digits curled into a tight fist as the dark elf knocked against the doorway in hopes that Alicia was present. Waiting for her to answer, Faust could not help but wonder about the multitude of thoughts that must certainly have circulated through her head. As far as the dark elf was concerned, Alicia had been content with Primus Gaudeo as her home. Subsequently, to so abruptly leave and depart for Alleria Prime must certainly have been a daunting decision indeed. As Faust had never been one to reside in a sole location for extensive periods of time he was unable to relate to her situation, but he nevertheless imagined that it would be difficult for Alicia to adjust. Hopefully, though, she would be comforted by the notion that her role in the Imperial Government would make a difference for those of the empire.

Aside these contemplations, Faust was equally baffled by the knot of nervousness that welled within his stomach. For a moment he thought that it was born from the prospect of the rigorous journey before him, but upon a more thorough analysis he realized that such was not the case. He had ventured from one end of the Empire to the other many times before, yet this time it was different. But why? Smirking slightly, the dark elf suppressed his curiosity of the unknown. There was time to dwell upon it later.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

The sound of the knocking on the door was something that pulled Alicia out of the reverie she had entered. The babies were back to sleeping in their small cots, suitable for travel and she smiled down at the twins who were her life and she went out to what had been her office, closing the door gently behind her on the sleeping babies.

Alicia moved forwards and opened the doors and her face broke into a smile of pleasure as she saw that Faust was here. Faust! she said, her voice brimming with genuine pleasure. It is so good to see you again! she opened the door, revealing the emptied office, the desk the only thing remaining, with, of all things, an hourglass in its centre.

Come in! Can I offer you some refreshment? she asked, quietly looking at her friend with an expression of warmth The children are just asleep next door she continued, explaining why she was talking quite so quietly They will hopefully sleep a few candlemarks now. They should be tired out. I... thank you, Faust, for offering to escort me to Prime. I really welcome the chance of the company, especially such pleasant company as yours.

When she had seen to his needs regarding refreshment, Alicia looked at Faust and her forehead crinkled into a frown How are you? Narim was... bad, I understand?

In the next room, there was the sound of the nanny taking the sleeping babes into the carriage. When both were taken out, there was a gentle tap on the door, indicating that the carriage was ready.

Alicia looked at Faust and there was nervousness in her eyes Are you sure that you have the time to do this? I cant tell you how much I appreciate it, but I do feel guilty that I'm taking up so much of your time.

She looked at him and felt better knowing that he was there with her. Leaving was harder than she had thought it would be, and she was pleased that there was a friend with her in this time.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

The Vysstich Lord's mouth curled into a tender smile at the sight of the elven maiden. Though it had only been a few months since he had last seen her, the dark elf acknowledged that he had missed her considerably. There had been something about their relationship that the D'Rinishad was consistently excited for, and thus upon seeing her once again he could not contain his evident elation. "Alicia. You are looking quite lovely today." the dark elven prince flashed an innocent grin and dipped into a short bow. He had learned before that the Governess was not fond of formalities, and thus he refrained from using the proper titles deserving of the Silrosian governess. That was one additional thing that the Vysstichi treasured about the elven woman; she was both humble and genuine.

"Do you have any drink?" He asked, pointedly accepting Alicia's cue and lowering the tone of his voice. Chuckling slightly at the mentioning of the slumbering little ones, the dark elf advanced further into the room and glanced about as Alicia prepared his refreshment. He curiously retrieved the hourglass and tipped it over with his gloved fingers. "It really is no problem. I, too, am looking forward to your company. The road is not so long beside a friend." the dark elf sincerely commented.

Accepting the drink, he nodded his thanks and quickly downed the liquid in his throat. His amiable expression turned somewhat serious as Alicia inquired about Narim, though as so much had transpired within that accursed city it was difficult to decide what to tell her. "It was not what I hoped it to be." He solemnly said, sighing before gulping down the rest of the cup's contents. "The orcs were far too considerable in number. By the time the Imperial forces did arrive, most of the city had already been devastated." There was clear bitterness in the Vysstichi Lord's voice as he commented on the latter.

"Bah, that's a memory now. Everyone did what they could." Faust said, once again presenting his cheery demeanor. "What of you, though, Alicia? I am fascinated that you were able to capture the attention of the Imperial Government itself, not that you aren't worthy of their eyes, the Gods know that you are, but still it is a remarkable honor that you are receiving."

At the sound of the raking the door, Faust turned and glanced to Alicia and canted his head agreeably as she remarked that it was time to go. "Don’t feel guilty.” He laughed, “I want to take you to Alleria Prime. It is the least that I can do.” Nodding as if to drop the subject, he pointedly looked towards the room where Alicia’s children were slumbering. “Do you need help with them before we leave?” He offered.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

At his compliment on how she looked her smile widened into a grin and a slight flush touched her cheeks at the same time. You are born to be a flatterer, mi'lord she said, with a smile at him Thank you for the compliment, though, I feel like I must look rather like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards, in truth. Still, the sentiment is well received, I assure you she smiled, pleased that he had managed to avoid using her stream of titles, as between friends there should be no such formality, in her opinion.

Drink? Well, that I can manage.... she said, moving to the cabinet under the desk I thought that I should leave this for whoever gets this job next she added, motioning to the small supply of fruit juice and elven wine that was kept there. She turned back and smiled at him as she saw him holding the hourglass. That was bought in a moment of high drama from myself. I do it often, you know. I thought I would leave it here, as that particular drama is behind me now

She listened and nodded as he spoke about Narim. She had heard such terrible things and she wondered how anyone could manage to live a normal life after that. She admired those who went and fought on the side of right, for she was completely not suited to such a life, as she had discovered when she had trained as a soldier.

She did not say anything to his comments on Narim, but she did put her hand, briefly, on his arm, as though to communicate with him in that manner, rather than with words lacking eloquence or real meaning. Then, as his words turned to her promotion, Alicia smiled slightly, a flush once more touching her cheeks.

Oh, I am well enough she said, with a slight wave of the hand that had moments before rested on his arm I am to take up the role of Chancellor... so I will have many more titles for people to over use outrageously. she smiled slightly Honestly, Faust, I think it is a case of being in the right place at the right time. I went to visit the Empress and found the Intendent. He is a good man, you know she said, and smiled And His Imperial Excellency and I discussed my request to move from Centripax, a request that I have given the Empress a while before, but which Her Imperial Excellency had not had a chance to act on. So, Lady Imperial Chancellor it is she said with a smile and a slight salute to him. She looked vaguely nervous about the whole thing, frankly, and that reflected her true feelings. What if she was not up to this?

Thank you, no, the Nannys are here to take care of them. Although you will undoubtedly get to know them a little in the carriage. They are two era's old each now, and their personalities are quite distinct already. So tell me, my friend, enough of Narim and my looming move... how are you? she asked, standing and smoothing her clothes down, ready for the carriage ride ahead.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Tilting the hourglass upright once more, the Vysstichi Lord nodded and set the item back upon the table. He imagined that Alicia was partially reluctant to leave Primus Gaudeo behind, not only because it had served as her home for the duration of her office, but also because so much had transpired before she had arrived in Centripax. Faust had never pried for details, but he had envisioned that Alicia's separation with the Imperial Marshal could not possibly have left a sweet taste in her mouth; no, it was more like bittersweet. "To a new and brighter future then." Faust replied with a curt smile as Alicia commented that had finally dismissed the drama that had unfolded. He had no doubt that she would be able to do so. She was, after all, stronger than most that the Vysstichi knew.

Though the events of Narim had occurred some time ago, they were very distinct in the Vysstichi Lord's mind. Most notably, however, was the image of the raped woman at the hands of the Silver Fist mercenaries. The Lord of House D'Rinishad had slain both of the offenders, though surprisingly the assaulted woman had not received his kind gesture with gratefulness. Ironically, she had spat in the dark elf's face and condemned him for all that had happened to her city. To this brightening the Vysstichi Prince was uncertain why she had responded so hostilely despite his clear demonstration of good will, but as it was impossible to ascertain the logic of mortals outside of the sphere of mysticism, Faust supposed that he would never know.

Momentarily distracted by Alicia's touch, it took the dark elf a second or so to focus all of his attention upon the woman's words. He nodded partially as she explained how she had acquired the job, though the mentioning of the Imperial Intendent did not evoke any agreeable expressions upon the dark elf's visage. He only canted his head in response, biting back the instinctive urge to dispute her claims. The Imperial Excellency may have been an amiable person, but his wife certainly was not. The Du'Galle family was highly renowned for its intolerance of the darker races, and frankly the Vysstichi Lord naturally presupposed that they would only wed those who shared similar perceptions. Nevertheless, he dismissed the extraneous thoughts as he was more interested in what Alicia had to tell him.

"You will do fine, Alicia." He offered with a tender smile as he noted her grim expression, one that did not radiate her typical confidence. "Do try to remember, though, that you are only one person. I am not saying that you should not do the best that you can to fulfill your role, but if you do not receive the results that you expect, do not be disappointed." the dark elf nodded again.

His smile only widened at the mentioning of Alicia's children, both of whom he had never received the chance of meeting. "Two eras? They will be walking and participating in the government like their mother in no time." Faust chuckled as he moved aside to prepare for the departure. As he readied to make way to the carriage, he shrugged slightly at Alicia's inquiry. "I am doing fairly well. Over the past months I've been looking forward to seeing you again. This has certainly helped me to forget the horrors previous season. And I hate to reminisce on the horrors that befell Narim, but I can't help but wonder if that atrocious event was an indicator of many more to come. I am not sure if you were aware, but Vortex and Paxia sustained similar devastations at the hands of the orcs. It troubles me that all of this has happened so suddenly.” Faust sighed, throwing his hands up in bafflement. “But once again, I guess that we can only observe and find out. We should probably be going.”

[Alicia Elsdragon]

THat he thought that she would do well in her job was reassuring to the young Silrosian and she smiled gently. Do try and remember that I only have the one pair of hands? she asked with a wry grin Well enough indeed. I will work hard, I always do, but I am aware of my own limitations, I think. We will have to see, of course. But that is for another brightening.

She nodded Two eras. Although as full blooded elves they develop slower than human or half humans, of course. But they are wonderful, Faust her eyes beamed as she spoke I've been looking forward to seeing you again, too. I ... I've thought of you a lot over the last few months, wondering how you are and what has been happening to you The truth of this was something that Alicia would not deny, the Vysstichi was in her thoughts a lot lately. She nodded as he said that things were progressing Indeed. I think you might well be right, Faust. The situations in Vortex and Paxia have been very worrying. I hope that we can start to bring peace to the Empire soon... I hope that I can do something to help there. I'm not good at observing, I'm afraid and as such I want to go and put it right. But I'm no warrior she said with a grin, reaching down and picking up the Darkblade which she strapped to her waist with a small smile So I will have to use words and diplomacy. But you are right, we should be going indeed.

She turned to him and smiled, a genuine smile of warmth and she spoke quietly My friend, shall we? she asked, pointing towards the door.

Her carriage was comfortable and when they were safely within it and the door was closed so that it was only them and the sleeping children, Alicia turned to Faust with an arched eyebrow and a smile on her face So tell me, then, if you would, what is the problem with the Intendent? Is it the fact that Lady du'Galle is well known for disliking the "dark races"? Or have you and he had a run in?

Her eyes twinkled mischief as she asked, wondering what it was that had ruffled Fausts feathers so.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Chuckling as Alicia jested about wielding only two hands, the dark elf left the remark at that and offered a sincere smile. It was difficult for him to imagine the rigors of politics, not only because a politician was burdened by the knowledge that their actions immediately affected the people, but also because politics was a subject that Faust did not ordinarily dabble with. He knew not the tediousness of government and nor did he ever believe that he would personally be involved. Nevertheless, he always respected those who were willing to devote themselves to such a challenging lifestyle. "Either way, Alicia, you will be excellent. And though I know next to nothing about Imperial affairs, if you ever did need help I hope that you would feel free to ask me of it at anytime."

Once again, like so many other times, it was fortunate that the Vysstichi Lord could not blush. Despite the inability of his visage to change hues, Faust D'Rinishad felt Alicia's words arouse a sense of pleasure at knowing that she had thought of him over these past few months as well. He was not sure where this feeling had been born from, but he was very conscious that it meant a lot to him that she had treasured his friendship as much as he valued hers. Like Alicia, the dark elf had felt the full weight of betrayal upon his heart either through romantic connections or friendships in his life, and thus to know that his relationship with the elven woman was budding considerably and healthily was exhilarating indeed.

"No, you do not have to be a warrior to promote and instill peace." Faust said with a trace of lamentation. As if to emphasize his words, he pointedly glanced to the bejeweled hilt of his own sword, Blood Winter. How much more blood would stain the edges of that cruel weapon before it was no longer needed? How many enemies would succumb to Blood Winter's icy bite before peace finally descended upon the land? The Prince of Har'oloth did not honestly know, and sometimes he wondered if fighting was merely an illusion falsely conceived to advocate peace and ideology. Looking to the Darkblade as Alicia retrieved it, the dark elf sighed and smiled faintly as they prepared to depart.

Unbeknownst to the former governess or not, as the carriage left the governmental plaza, it was soon accompanied by a host of ebon-shrouded riders atop obsidian-hued elven windsteppers. The glimmers of many pairs of crimson eyes denoted their races beneath their cowled mantles, though they subtly maintained their distance as to not impede or distract the young lord of House D’Rinishad. In the air too, the silhouette of a mighty winged beast could be spotted weaving in and out of the clouds: it was Sarnor, the Prince’s own resplendent beast.

Within the carriage, however, Faust paid the envoy no heed as he had personally instructed them to maintain a low profile as he did not wish to agitate Alicia’s children. In truth, however, Faust was quite interested in the young twins himself. He found his eyes intermittently drifting to the bundles within Alicia’s arms. He grinned innocently, though, when she asked him to explain his opinion of the Imperial Intendent and his wife, the infamous Nell Du’galle.

“I did not know that Alicia Gil’dae possessed such an acute sense of observation –or insight for that matter. Do I really reveal my thoughts so openly? People say that I’m usually quite adept and concealing my feelings.” Faust asked with a bemused laugh. “In all sincerity, though, I have nothing against the Imperial Intendent, but I cannot say the same for his wife. She may not have been directly responsible for Taralon’s racial inquisition several eras back, but she and her family definitely participated in it. I refuse to acknowledge the position of any such person that would betroth a woman like that.” Faust shrugged, seemingly more serious. “What of you? Do you know her personally?”

[Alicia Elsdragon]

She smiled gently at his offer of help "Well, if you feel inclined to become my bodyguard at any point, I'm sure I could put you to good use" she said, completely missing the easily misconstrewed content of her own sentence.

As they left the plaza, Alicia was completely unaware of escort that they had, she was too busy fussing over the babies. She watched Faust and she saw his fascination with the twins. When she was settled she looked at Faust with an expression that told him she was about to ask him a question and then said "Would you hold Hannas for me, please? I just need to sort out Scyllvanus a moment"

Assuming that he agreed, she handed him her baby, smiling slightly as she did so. He was obviously interested in them, and holding one would be the best step forwards from that, so she smiled and busied herself with sorting out Scyllvanus' dress.

She glanced at him as he spoke and shrugged slightly " You are so enthused about everything when we talk, it is obvious when you are not so enthused. Add to that the fact that we were talking about Nell and her husband and it wasn't hard to work out" she shrugged slightly "I know her yes. I met Hannas Darkblade through her, in a way. She and he were friends, you know, as well as he being her Lt Governer. But what I saw of her was a very pleasant woman who was doing her best."

Alicia shrugged "But then I am a Silrosyan elf. I rather suspect that people show me a different face to the ones that they show you. It must make you want to hate races in the way that your own is. Racism breeding racism, which is rather ironic really, isn't it?"

She looked at Faust and smiled sligtly "So what are your plans once we reach Prime? Are you going to stay there a while or move on straight away?" she found herself hoping that he stayed, but she was rather surprised by how much she hoped that and so she tried to hide her flush by putting firstly Scyllvanus and then Hannas (assuming that he gave him back!) in their travelling cribs.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

"Bodyguard?" the dark elf's elongated ears twitched comically as he leaned back against the wall of the carriage, a pleasant smile flickering across his bemused face. "It is quite interesting that you mention that. There was a time when my brothers of House D'Rinishad and I proposed to establish an escorting service throughout the empire. Our plans never came into fruition, but it was nonetheless an entertaining prospect at the time." Faust smiled pleasantly at the recollection. He could visually imagine his Uncle Adinirach and the assassin Trevlyn Darkwind at each other's necks. The two, although comrades, had never been an agreeable pair. "Returning to the point, though, if that is how I could help you, I would be more than honored.” the dark elf nodded.

“Oh, of course.” Faust replied. Uncertain if his mythril gloves might irritate young Hannas’ skin, the Vysstichi Prince removed both of the articles of clothing and set them on the seat before reaching out and carefully accepting Alicia’s child in his arms. For a long moment his crimson eyes bore down upon the infant, and it was evident that he was marveled by the sight of the newborn. “You have very beautiful children.” the dark elf bluntly stated, and it was clear from his intonation that he was very sincere about his compliment. “I can’t help but wonder if this one will live up to the man whom he was named after. Can you picture it? Young Hannas wielding a sword…” Faust laughed faintly.

The dark elf glanced to the Darkblade situated by Alicia’s side on instinct. Every time he glimpsed the weapon he felt a twang of sorrow in his heart. As he and Hannas Darkblade had been comrades-in-arms, Faust naturally felt a deep affinity towards the extraordinary human.

Faust’s head subtly dipped as Alicia explained how she had determined that he had been distasteful of Nell Du’galle. In truth he was quite amazed by the former governess’ perception, for the mask of composure that the dark elf normally adopted was not an easy one to permeate.

“Racism breeding racism…that is an interesting way to put it.” Faust concurred with a sigh. Glancing down at the child in his arms, he impulsively stroked the boy’s cheek gently with an ebony digit. “[b]I admit that it is tempting to hate those who hate you and I for one will not lie and tell you that I have not considered doing so before. But then I have to remind myself that there are exceptions in all things. There are humans who accept for the merit of the heart and not the color of the skin, humans like Hannas Darkblade. And there are elves, too, who do not allow inborn prejudice to manipulate their own perceptions, elves like you and several others whom I’ve had the privilege of interacting with. I make a point of this because I hope that people would view the same of me, truly believing that there are exceptions from the norm, that not all dark elves are evil.[b]” Faust smiled faintly.

Leaning forward to pass Hannas back to Alicia once she finished adjusting her daughter’s dress, the Lord of House D’Rinishad relaxed and considered the governess’ next question, one that he had considered even before he had agreed to escort her to Alleria Prime. “My cousin, Opelya, is currently residing in the capital city so I was hoping to pay her a visit. Likewise, I was intending to see an old friend, Aerienne Sarista. You probably know her yourself. Anyways, I suppose that I will be staying for awhile.” Faust chuckled somewhat. It was seldom that he was able to reside in one place for a long time, and thus when he did have the opportunity he was always grateful. “What of you? Do you plan on getting to work right away? Or has the Intendent permitted you some time to adjust to the newness of things?”

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Alicia raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly "Well the escort service makes a lot of sense to me. These are dangerous times that we live in, and I'm sure it would get a lot of business you know" she looked at him with some surprise on her face when he agreed to be her bodyguard. In truth she had been only joking, but she would need a bodyguard there was no doubt of that "I wouldn't ask you to do that" she said, quietly "But I am very touched that you would. I'm sure that a whole fleet of burly men come with the job, frankly" she said and smiled.

As Faust held Hannas in his arms she felt a stirring of love for her son in a way that she could not describe. "Thank you" she said, when he told her how beautiful the children were "I dont know what Hannas will be when he grows up, but I only hope that he has the integrity of his namesake..." she looked at Scylvannus and smiled "I hope they both do, come to that. This little tyke is named after my Master" she said and smiled a gentle smile at her daughter also. She caught Fausts glance to the Darkblade and smiled gently "He was a good man. I'm sorry I didn't know him better, but what I knew was amazing" she said, quietly.

She busied herself with the children and then listened as Faust replied to her suggestion of racism breeding racism. She nodded and smiled slightly watching him carefully as he spoke. "Well, I agree completely with what you are saying, and I think that everyone should be judged on their individual merit, on their actions and intentions. Not on the colour of their skin, nor on the person they fell in love with?" the last a quiet point, but nonetheless one that Alicia thought was appropriate to make at this point. "The Intendant should no more be judged on his wifes beliefs than you should on your peoples actions, hmm? But I have something of a tendency to be a moralistic snootball, or so my brother told me many times" she grinned slightly and moved on to other topics.

"Well, I'm glad that you are staying in Prime at least a while. I do believe that I will feel better knowing that I have a friend in the city." That this was true she was unsurprised by, but the fact that she was quite so pleased was something that amazed her. She considered it briefly and then pulled herself back to the question that Faust asked her "I um.... sorry, I slipped off into Alicia-town there. It's a nice place, I visit it a lot" she said with a quirky smile "Oh, I think that we'll be right into work. I like it that way, to be honest, I want to get my teeth into what I'll be doing now, get in there and start getting the job done." she smiled, well aware of her tendancy to over organise and a new job was the perfect opportunity to do just that!

"I must admit, I like the idea of a new challenge. And I like the idea of living in Prime. It is somewhere that everyone is welcome in. ... I would like to think of it as home, one brightening" she smiled slightly, and considered that in fact she'd like to think of almost anywhere as home. This would be the place, thugh, she thought. This would be the place and that would be that. She grinned at Faust, and looked out of the window of the carriage.

"People are saying that the meteor strikes are the gods way of showing us that they are displeased. What do you think they are?" she asked, not looking at him but watching the land disappear beneath the carriages wheels.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

"Burly men?" the dark elf questioned with a hearty laugh. Pointedly looking down at his slender frame, the Vysstichi Lord could not contain his chuckle. Though possessing a relatively athletic and muscularly-defined frame, the Prince of Har'oloth was certainly not stocky in any way -at least not in comparison to the many humans and orcs that he could have been contrasted with. "No, competent and capable perhaps, but certainly not burly." Wearing an innocent smile across his features, he nodded once more to indicate that he had indeed been sincere in his offer. Friendships meant a lot to the Vysstichi Lord, not only because he did not frequently invest in them, but because those who had warranted his trust were very special to him.

"Yes, he was certainly a great man." Faust replied as Alicia commented on the former Master Darkblade. Once again overtaken by a solemn expression, the dark elf's visage metaphorically brightened as he looked to Alicia's daughter. She reminded him of the young girl, Lily, whom he had saved in Narim some time ago. He had considered bringing her along for the venture as he had adopted her into House D'Rinishad, but given her youth he had wisely decided to leave her with Ka'ris and the others back home at Castle Evernight. "Scylvannus? As in the master that taught you the art of thaumaturgy?"

The dark elf's silver brow ascended bemusedly as Alicia outwitted him with a clever use of words, so elegantly articulated that it ashamed the Vysstichi Lord that he had not considered the governess' logic in the first place. He laughed briefly, though, and nodded his head approvingly. "Well put, Lady Chancellor." he jested, smiling widely as he folded his hands in his lap. "It is no wonder that you managed to capture the admiration of the Imperial Intendent. But I do believe that you elucidate a very good point. It would be wrong of me to judge the Intendent based upon his wife's previous antics. Thank you for admonishing me for that." Faust admitted, and it was probably the first time that anyone had ever heard him verbally acknowledge the error of his ways.

Chuckling as Alicia momentarily went silent, the Vysstichi's crimson gaze fixated upon her attentively as she jested and explained that she was grateful that he'd be in the city for some time. In truth he was touched by her words, more so than he would ordinarily have believed, but as emotions were often difficult to organize, he presumed that it was subsequent of the newness of the moment that it had been heartfelt. "Then I doubt that I'll be able to see you very often." Faust said, and he was surprised by the disappointment that radiated from his voice. "You're not bound to be receiving much time to yourself given the multitude of tasks that you'll be appointed to?"

"It will become what you make of it." Faust said, following Alicia's gaze out the window and to the horizon as she spoke of home. He instinctively looked for Sarnor, his gryphon mount, but he failed to distinguish the beast amidst the thick patches of clouds. "I had never believed that I could make a city so vile as Vortex a home to me, but over time I grew attached to it. I guess that sometimes you feel closer to something the more time you spend with it." the dark elf equivocally inputted, though afterwards he was very quick to add, "Alleria Prime might be the same for you."

As he thought about Alicia's remark about the meteorites, the dark elf could not help but shrug. "With all of the chaos, war, and destruction transpiring throughout Telath, it is very possible that they have been displeased. But I try to believe that they have more faith in us than we give ourselves credit for. The meteorites may very well be an indication that the Gods are unhappy with us mortals, but it is hard to believe that they would destroy so man