[hider=Trusting a traitor]
Alasdair was pacing back and forth across his chambers. He had just received news that Isabel’s condition was worsening and that the mages had done all they could. Now all he could do was wait and hope the gods would be merciful. Though if they were they wouldn’t have put his sister in this situation in the first place, Alasdair thought bitterly. The alchemists had left her in a comatose state, stating that if she were woken the pain would be excruciating for her, with the stress caused likely to worsen her condition. Alasdair was exhausted yet he was too worried about his sister to rest. He had asked one of the alchemists to give him something to help with his insomnia though it had done little to help his sleepless nights. Alasdair felt helpless but there was nothing he could do. He had brought in the greatest restoration mages, surgeons and alchemist from Hartland, Cawanor and Telmarion and they had all said the same. 

It was then a thought occurred to him; their were restoration mages in the circle who had far greater skill then could be found anywhere else in Formaroth. By their own rules the circle did not involve itself in Formarothian politics anymore than it was absolutely needed to, hence why he hadn’t asked them before. Even as emperor the circle would turn down his request without hesitation. However with Lanaya’s help he might be able to convince them to help him, maybe even to send magisters to heal his sister. Ever since his last conversation with Lanaya, Alasdair had been avoiding her. He had constantly been questioning if he had been right in allowing her to live, let alone still work for the empire. But now he had no choice, his sister’s life was on the line. If she were to die, knowing that he hadn’t done everything he could to save her, Alasdair might as well through himself from the keep ramparts.

Lanaya was pacing back and forth in her quarters atop the keeps tallest tower. The mages tower, once Aurelia’s home, was now the gilded prison she confined herself to in the name of salvaging her political career. Every day had been a struggle in this place. The balcony was not locked, she was free to step outside, and from there, she was sure she would be able to shape shift and fly away before the guards could catch her. Every day she considered doing just that. She yearned to be free, to feel the wind in her wings, prance through the forest, ride the waves and sing to the sea. Yet it seemed that was not to be her fate. She would not make an outcast of herself for such petty desires.

And so, she paced. Paced, and plotted. Her options were few, but she could not help it. She had to keep her mind busy, and this was the best way she knew to do so.

As Alasdair approached the door to the mages tower the two steel fist guards who had been assigned to shadow Lanaya stood at attention.

“Inform the lady Lanaya that I wish to talk with her” Alasdair commanded. In response the corpsman on the right sharply knocked on the door before announcing “Emperor Alasdair wishes to speak with you, make presentable”.

The moment she heard the guard declare that the Emperor had arrived, one thought went through Lanaya’s head. [i]Finally.[/i] She found herself suddenly quite excited - at long last, the playing pieces would move, the board would change, and maybe, just maybe, she may be able to act. She swiftly and carefully wove a spell over herself, and in a moment the light, plain dress she wore was covered in swirling patterns and color. Then, she called out in a pleasant voice.

“Enter.”

As Alasdair entered the room he made his face and posture as prentable as possible, despite his current sickly appearance. 

“Lady Lanaya I was hoping to have a word with you regarding the circle” Alasdair said, trying to seem as affable as he could. Despite still being wary around Lanaya after her betrayal he had to ensure he didn’t insult her, not now that he needed something so desperately from her.

“Of course, your grace.” Lana replied, keeping her voice level, free of the mixture of excitement and frustration she felt so strongly right now. “I have kept in touch with them via correspondence, despite my current… predicament.” She was careful not to let any resent in her voice, she did not wish to come across as blaming Alasdair for her present restrictions.

“As you are aware my beloved sister is...her condition is not improving” Alasdair said trying not to dwell on Isabel’s current state. “While I have ordered every restoration mage worth their title from central Formaroth, I can’t help but wonder if the circle might be better suited to help her cure her aliment”? Alasdair continued trying to keep desperation from his voice, “I have heard that their are magisters there who specialize in restoration who have been able to cure conditions previously thought to be untreatable”?

“There are indeed restoration mages of superlative skill at the circle. I cannot promise that they would be able to treat Isabel’s ailment…” Lana said tentatively.

“Surely there is someone”? Alasdair asked unable to keep the desperation in his voice anymore “If the cost or travel time are an issue for them I can promise they will be well compensated”?

“I’m sure the gesture would be appreciated.” Lana began, in a conciliatory tone. “I know this is important to you your majesty. I will write them as soon as possible. If it is a request from a Magister, they will be more inclined to respond quickly.” She turned away towards her desk, but then paused for a moment. Turning back, she looked directly at Alasdair, and spoke, her voice genuine. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry I cannot be of more help. I know how much your family means to you.”

Alasdair was happy to hear that Lanaya would write to the circle, though in his heart he knew there was realistically little she could do. While he did not have much knowledge on the inner politics of the circle Alasdair knew that Lanaya was not popular among their hierarchy, particularly after the incident with the collective.

“Thankyou Lady Lanaya, it is kind of you to say. Tell me, have you ever had the misfortune of a loved one suffer grave illness”?

“Illness… No.” Lana began, trying to sound sympathetic. “Much of my life was spent on the Summer Isles in the Circle. Illness is rare there… And I am rather lacking in family members. I’ve lost many friends to war…” She thought better of mentioning murder, not wishing to remind Alasdair of Aurelia. “But I cannot say I know what you are going through.”

“There is no feeling worse, not only to have one that you love suffer but to be utterly helpless in alleviating their pain” Alasdair paused for a moment wondering if he should speak so casually in front of Lanaya. Though he decided that after her confession any sign of emotional weakness on his part would pale in comparison to what she had already shown him. Besides Alasdair was desperate for someone he could confide in and as of now Lanaya was his best choice. “I know realistically there is little that can now be done for my sister” He said hating the words that came from his mouth but knowing them to be true all the same “but even if it is futile, I must do everything in my power to save her”.

“I know how important family is to you.” Lana began, here tone sincere. “I… won't pretend I know how you feel… But I will do all I can to help. You saved me. Perhaps I can repay that kindness by saving Isabel. You cannot give up hope so long as she yet lives.” She  reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, in the hopes that her touch might prove reassuring.

Alasdair had not been expecting a show of such affection from Lanaya, let alone a physical one as small as it was. Though his first instinct was to pull away or brush it off, he found it strangely comforting. It had been the first time since his sister had fallen ill that anyone had shown some degree of compassion. Even if it was from a traitor Alasdair welcomed it. “Thankyou Lady Lanaya, I would be grateful. In repayment I will now permit you to be able to travel freely throughout Nyhem again.” Alasdair paused for a minute as he realised he was being too generous, for all he knew Lanaya’s affection could have been nothing more than a farce. He didn’t think it was; Alasdair was good at reading people and could easily tell the difference between the noble sycophants who feigned concern and the surprisingly real concern Lanaya showed. Though he had been wrong before. “In the company of the imperial guard that is” He added.

Lana smiled when she heard Alasdair’s statement, barely able to contain her excitement at the prospect of flying again. Though, it quickly dimmed to only mild joy when he added the caveat… No guard would be able to accompany her through the air or the sea when she shape shifted. Still, it was a significant improvement from being confined to the castle.

“Thank you.” She began, her voice clearly joyful. “Thank you very much.”

“Continue to prove that you are indeed loyal to me and I will further extend your privileges” Alasdair continued, once again allowing a more formal attitude to surface “Do not delay in sending your message, I am unsure how much longer my sister has”.

For a moment, Lana considered pointing out that the fastest way to deliver the message would be to fly herself, but quickly thought better of it. It would likely be pushing her luck just a little too much.

“Of course your grace. I will see to it that the message travels by air as soon as it is written.”

"See that you do" Alasdair replied before heading towards the door and opening it. He took one step towards leaving before stopping, looking back at Lanaya and said a simple but genuine "Thankyou" before turning back and leaving the room.
[/hider]

By [@TheDuncanMorgan] and [@Sundered Echo]