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The night of Count Dracul’s death ushered in almost a week of clear night skies, a peculiarity this time of year. The Eve household managed to contain the worst of the fall out but the Royal Guard caught wind despite the House’s precautions and so their internal investigation fell apart in mere hours as the Noila’s brought the matter under their own scrutiny. Dracul’s line almost had the audacity to refuse them, pages and pages of legal jargon on the tip of the tongue ready to be launched at the face of the poor soul rapping the first knock, but their reservations quickly disappeared as Princess Nox herself demanded entrance. The Eves were all but removed from the stream of information but a few members managed to secure critical details about the operation. 

Count Pierce’s family home towered on the western edge of the branch’s immediate territory, bordering their greatest and most influential supporter, Duke Gethin Ralstir, and the dam that supplied a vast majority of the water for the surrounding territories. Verdant forest surrounded the family’s home. Like most older branches of vampires, they valued the seclusion from the mortal society they reigned over. Summer heat has started yielding to winter winds and the leaves slowly shimmer from green to yellow before they fall to the ground. 

The branch’s castle stood stately amongst the forest, two spires breaking the forested skyline and a heavy wall separating its occupants from the outside world. The castle originally held 50 individuals but at the beginning of the Blood Wars, the Royal family expanded it so they could use it as a base of operations for the Moonlight Council’s smaller reserves into the areas. Now capable of comfortably housing up to 200 individuals, the castle’s expanded design sprawls around the original structure in a winding labyrinth as a last line of defense against the Lycan forces. 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“Sir, your father has requested your presence in his study for a matter of utmost urgency.”[/color] A servant’s voice carried through Count Benjamin’s door after a soft knock. 

Gray eyes flickered from the assortment of notes scattered around the desk to the door at the sound of the knock. The words that followed caused the vampire to frown for a moment before he would gather up the mess. How odd, he had just spoken to his father earlier in the evening with little indication that they would be speaking again. It was a positive for him, if he was being honest; he had fully expected to spend the rest of the night planning out Eleanore's route for her search. Perhaps there had been something that had slipped his mind or a message he wanted to send to Duke Harrington.

Once the papers were unceremoniously stacked and stuffed into a drawer, Ben finally replied, [color=C0C0C0]"Thank you, I'll go now,"[/color] as he stood. Taking care to head directly to his father's study, he nodded to the servants he passed, reaching his goal relatively quickly. Ben adjusted his collar before knocking sharply on the door. [color=C0C0C0]"You wanted to see me, Father?"[/color] He asked through the wood, waiting for a response.

[color=007236]“Yes, enter.”[/color] The vampire responded in a typically short fashion. Count Pierce developed a well known reputation for being taciturn by immortal standards and while this has ostracized him to a certain extent, it had allowed him to learn far more than he lets on. The Count’s study contrasted the younger Count’s own room, everything neatly organized and filed away. The vampire’s desk showed no clutter, only a book, quills, an ink pot, a letter, and a page beginning his response with the title [i]Princess Nox[/i]. He gestured for his son to take a seat as he continued to write.

[color=007236]“Dracul’s heiress, a lesser member of our family, and the child of Malvik’s retainer all entered the Academy within forty eight hours of each other. It seemed Malvik didn’t approve of the second and forced him out. Now, that retainer has fallen out of favor and the spot will be empty soon. I am accepting an invitation forwarded from Princess Nox on your behalf.”[/color] Count Pierce explained. [color=007236]“This incompetency ends with you. The Eve name is slandered enough. This is an opportunity not to be squandered away. Both the heir of the Sinnenodel and the previous heiress of the Marivaldi are in attendance. You will court them, earn their favor in whatever method, and we will use that to strengthen our position for the Council Seat. If you have questions, this is your opportunity.”[/color]

Ben was all too used to his father's curtness, prepared to take the seat swiftly so he could focus properly on the topic at hand. The last thing that he had expected, however, was being told that he was to replace the current attendee at the princess' academy. His brow furrowed at the news, his initial feeling one of a minor disappointment. He had hoped to be around for Noah's Awakening, but it would seem his father had other plans. Typical, but instead of annoyance, Ben was more confused by the news. No less than three Eves had been in attendance? He wasn't surprised Arianna had withdrawn from the academy, but he wasn't aware that the next Eve had been replaced so quickly. The Eves must have been the laughingstock of the school already. 

While he agreed that the opportunity wasn't one to be squandered, there was something very off about this situation. [color=C0C0C0]"This is sudden,"[/color] He murmured, allowing himself a reaction before he would continue with his own questions. [color=C0C0C0]"While I have no qualms with associating with the Marivaldi heiress, is it wise to consort with the Sinnenodel heir? Surely you've heard the rumors."[/color]

[color=007236]“I am not one to act on unsubstantiated rumors.”[/color] Count Pierce responded sharply as he waved off the concern. [color=007236]”’Tis the nature of the Devils to court a final death. If it is true, it is not the first nor last time power has shifted violently. You know how the favorite won his spot, correct? We have a rare opportunity to openly court the favor of two diametrically opposed Houses for their favor. I will not see Princess Nox’s gift squandered.”[/color]

There were so many questions about nearly everything he said that Ben genuinely didn't know where to start. His knuckles tightened for a moment before he relaxed his hands on his knees, his eyes searching his father's for a few seconds. A power shift so soon, the Sinnenodel house was an unpredictable one. But was it wise to approach the heir? Count Pierce may not believe rumors, but Ben himself believed that even the most erratic always spun out some semblance of truth; they were spread for a reason. Still, his father had reason here, even if it didn't erase the feeling in his gut. 

But for now, he would rather use whatever time he had before his father dismissed him on better things. [color=C0C0C0]"Of course. I understand this is not a chance to be wasted,"[/color] He gave in just enough to placate the older vampire. [color=C0C0C0]"That said, is there anything substantial that you feel I should know about the heirs or any other happenings of importance?"[/color] Anything would do, really. If he wanted to get an edge in, then he would take what he could get. 

[color=007236] “The Marivaldi girl has been mourning for most of the past years. Despite her lack of direct succession, the current Lord Marivaldi was obsessively loyal to her father. She likely has far more influence over the family than she is aware of. Lord Marivaldi has rebuffed every Houses’ attempt to discover more about the girl viciously. Unlike his previous master, Salazar is far less inclined to mercy, status notwithstanding.”[/color] His father explained as he continued writing Ben’s acceptance letter. [color=007236]“As for Varis, he is far less dangerous than he presents himself. Any Sinnenodel but their Lady is. Their webs are more for their own protection than anything else. Stress his relationship with Ryner and see how shaken he gets. He’ll move quickly to reestablish that thread and if you present yourself properly, you may be able to take its place. Earning his trust should open up a few avenues and if he becomes a liability, you know just where to slash his support.”[/color] He sat back, carefully blowing on the ink and folding the paper and sealing it with wax. He pressed his ring into the hot substance and pulled it out to let it cool. Count Pierce never cared for technology, only introducing wi-fi to the castle so his servants could keep up with the current events for him. 

[color=007236]“Bind them to our branch however you like. To yourself, to me, to the damn art gallery if it pleases them. So long as we have their support when I make my bid for the Council, I couldn’t care less. We can address whatever slights they incur on you then.”[/color] Count Pierce rapped knuckles on the desk loudly and one of the castle servants entered with a deep bow, scurrying to take the letter from the Count's outstretched hand and scurried out with a bow to the room. [color=007236]“This next piece does not leave this room. Use it as you will but do not let anyone know where you found it.”[/color] He passed an old folder, marked in faded ink. Ben would recognize the handwriting as his mother's. 

[color=007236]"One of her last tasks was translating a book we recovered a century ago and forgot about until she rediscovered it. Do not speak what you read, for everywhere has ears if you look hard enough."[/color] What Ben would find is a description of a settlement that dated past any known civilization, including various ruins published under the Council's strict allowances. And the documents suggested it would have laid exactly where the Noila Academy now sits despite Ryner's claims that the area had been entirely woodland prior to development. It made note if several odd arrangements of buildings and pathways, discussing something known as a "Nithrexal".

He took careful note of he was told about each heir. It seemed he had his work cut out for him on both ends. Nonetheless he wasn’t the type to complain nor was he about to do it at this moment. If he was replacing the current Eve representative, then there was a possibility that whatever mage was assigned to them would have already established relationships with the other houses. Hopefully they were positive.

His line of thought was put aside as the conversation shifted. Quirking an eyebrow at his father, his eyes widened as he noticed the familiar handwriting. [color=C0C0C0]“Mother found this?”[/color] His tone may have come off a little more surprised than intended, but he could hardly believe any of what he was reading. The oddity of the word “Nithrexal” stood out more than anything. As his eyes trailed around the pathways, he wondered why the princess would hide this information.

Choosing his words carefully, he looked up at his father once again. [color=C0C0C0]“Are you finally putting your faith in me?”[/color] He asked. [color=C0C0C0]“This is all interesting information to share.”[/color]

[color=007236]"Consider this a test."[/color] His father responded. [color=007236] "If you fail this family, you will not have earned a place in it. I expect results and the ones I want."[/color]

That seemed more appropriate than his initial assumption. Still, it paled in comparison to what the folder held and that took more of his attention. Nithrexal, Algeria...he was going to have a busy school year. Better to have something interesting to focus on instead of boring lectures. The thought made him smile as he leaned back in his seat, a chuckle suppressed before closing the folder. 

[color=C0C0C0]“And what is it that you want?”[/color] Ben continued questioning, taking advantage while he still could.

[color=007236]“The honor of our House restored and our position on the Council solidified, as any of our family does.”[/color] He replied simply but Ben could tell there was something more that he wouldn’t be allowed access to just yet. Between the new information and Princess Nox’s involvement, there seemed plenty Count Pierce was keeping hidden from his son. 

How typical, but expected. He was sure the older vampire wouldn’t be interested in any insignificant progress and only actual advancement, but if this was to solidify his place in the family, there really was only one position he was interested in. It was actually thrilling to think about, as if handed a treasure map from the stories he was told as a child. His smile faltered as a thought occurred to him.

[color=C0C0C0]“Malvik and Dracul...they, too, were in place to go for the position of Lord.”[/color] It seemed slightly out of left field, but he knew his father wouldn't be surprised. He gave him a tiny smile, eyes glinting with a mischievous thought. [color=C0C0C0]“If all this helps you in any way, I hope I can do you proud. Who knows, maybe we’ll finally grant Mother’s wish and be more than simply amicable.”[/color] And when he did find what he needed, his father would have to eat out of the palm of his hand for once.

Ben was dismissed shortly after that with little more than a wave of his father’s hand. After making a swift yet proper exit he bypassed his office and headed straight for the mage wing. There was something he wanted to set in motion sooner than later, an excitement bubbling within his chest as he entered the room. He closed the door behind him as he scanned the room, his fortune still in his favor as only three occupied the foyer. A pair of parents and their child, the two adults his most trusted allies in this time. Their son would join them, soon, albeit there would still be some time before he would be up to the task. All three looked up, standing from their seats as Ben approached the table. 

[color=C0C0C0]“It would seem my father has pulled some strings; I am to attend Noila Academy,”[/color] He announced.

The youngest of the three couldn’t hide his disappointment in time. His mother placed a hand on his shoulder, choosing to speak first. [color=90EE90]“What would you have us do?”[/color] She asked cheerfully.

[color=C0C0C0]“Depart at your earliest convenience; if my father has already made his move, I need to do whatever it takes to get ahead of him,”[/color] Ben instructed. [color=C0C0C0]“You have your task set.”[/color]

[color=90EE90]“Yes, sir,”[/color] She bowed deeply, coming up and snatching her son into her arms. Amid his protests she asked, [color=90EE90]“Does this mean you’ll no longer be attending school with Noah here?” [/color]

[color=C0C0C0]“Sadly, no, Eleanore,”[/color] He gave the young man a warm but sad smile. [color=C0C0C0]“In the meantime, I expect you to keep to your studies. I’ll keep in touch, of course.”[/color]

His words did well to reassure him, even as his mother pinched his cheek. [color=778899]“I’ll support my father and practice my magic. You’ll have another expert shadow mage at your disposal!”[/color] He assured him.

[color=C0C0C0]“Thatta boy,”[/color] As much as he would have liked to have brought Noah with him, he presumed he would be getting another mage once he got there. He was attached to the boy, but hopefully he would get along with his new mage and add to his team. He gave the silent father a more serious look. [color=C0C0C0]“Geoffrey, you will be my eyes and ears to this place. Tread lightly, if there is anything drastic, I would rather hear it from you first.”[/color] Hopefully his fortune would last and he wouldn’t have to hear anything.

[color=2F4F4F]“Of course,”[/color] Geoffrey nodded.

Ben gave the three another smile, choosing to take his leave. He’d have to make a few arrangements, yet the prospect was actually very exciting. The Noila Academy was sure to be entertaining at the very least.