[hider=Council Meeting]
“We must find a replacement for Nizaar and waste no time about it” The council meeting had only just begun and Alasdair was already receiving bad news from the north. While the heretics had been dealt with Nizaar had been killed during the conflict leaving Uzgob leaderless. To make matters worse Rendon had also lost his life during the siege of Medea. Or at least that is what Lycaon’s report had claimed, Alasdair feared that Rendon had gotten too eager and attempted to kill Lycaon before Alasdair had his plans ready. If so then Lycaon might already be aware of Aladair’s intentions.  “We need a family who is loyal to the crown and respected by the Uzgobian people”.

“House Ravat is a respected house within Uzgob” Alex replied “and they have always sworn loyalty to the crown.

“As has every house in Uzgob, they rode side by side with Andris in the battle of Telmarion. Placing them in charge may just result in another rebellion” Cerlina said “Perhaps we should look outside of Uzgob, find someone from Orog or maybe even Coruneon?

“A reasonable suggestion.” Lanaya said, addressing Cerlina. “Yet fraught with its own concerns. If we place an outsider in charge of the people of Uzgob, they will likely resent the crown even more. What nobility still remains might well be galvanized into action and unity by the perceived snub.”

“We could simply leave Lycaon in charge until we find a suitable leader” Alex chimed in “He has the support of the church loyalists and the military experience to put down any diessertants”.

“In doing so we would make him one of the most powerful men in Ellendia. No that will not do” Alasdair said firmly. Lycaon was even more unpredictable than the average Mandarass supporter. He had a respected title, supporters, an army and if he were giving Uzgob he would have the land needed to make him a viable threat to Alasdair’s reign. “Though perhaps we could place Rendon in charge. Being a high ranking member of the inquisition Lycaon would have no choice but to support him”. Alasdair turned to Alex “Send word to Claus, that he is to install Rendon as the temporary head of Uzgob”.

“And tell him that the Steel Fi- Imperial Guard needs to keep careful watch over him” Cerlina added “If Rendon were to die then Lycaon would be next in line to take his place. It is important that Claus keeps him safe from any assassination attempts from members of the Ellenor Order”. 

“Agreed” Alasdair added “Now. Lady Dionisa, I trust you have heard back from the circle”?

“I have.” She stated, pausing for a moment. The room turned to her, waiting expectantly. She had mixed feelings about what she was about to tell them. It was at once both exactly what she had wanted for a very long time… and delivered on the back of her failure. Though not particularly religious, she couldn’t help but wonder if it was a cruel trick of the gods.

She produced a letter, adorned with the seal of the Circles highest authority and made to read from it - though it was mostly just for show - the words were burned into her mind already.

“High Magister Ascelina, Head of the Circle sends her regards to the Emperor; and decrees that, by unanimous decision, the Circle of Mages will ally itself directly with him provided that one condition is met:”

Lana paused for a moment for dramatic effect before continuing, using all her skill to keep the nervousness from her voice.

“That his excellency the Emperor marry a ranking member of the Circle of Mages, namely, one Magister Lanaya Dionisa.”

There was a moment of silence in the council room. For the first time ever Alasdair wished Claus was there to break the uncomfortable silence with one of his unfitting jokes. Cerlina was the first to break the silence.

“That is a very demanding request. To ask for the hand of the king in marriage, and to marry a mage at that. They must know that won’t sit well with much of the commoners, particularly with the current unrest with the heretics”.

Placing the letter delicately upon the table, where everyone could see and reach it, Lana responded, her tone passionate. “The High Magisters feel, and I agree, that in this difficult time, the Circle must seek powerful allies while retaining a degree of autonomy. We will not be used as expendable weapons of war, but neither will we stand idly by while the world turns against us.”

She paused for a moment, before continuing in a more measured voice “Those commoners that sought to rebel… already have. Those remaining may well come to appreciate mages, and indeed the Emperor, more when they see the benefits of having a restoration expert in every city district.”

Alasdair took the letter, slowly contemplating the words as he held it in his hands “And if I were to accept these terms how would the circle perceive me? As their ally or their emperor?”

“As their Emperor.” Lana stated matter-of-factly. “Eager to serve Formaroth, secure in the knowledge that they have a respected place in the hierarchy.” She was backpedaling somewhat and she knew it - she had forgotten that the Circle was often not considered as a true equal to the other kingdoms, but more of a powerful special interest group, more akin to the bank. She could only hope her statement of where she envisioned the circle to be would satisfy the  Emperor…

"I see, so they will swear fealty" Alasdair stroked his beard as he thought "I suppose they have given me what I wanted. Though the terms…" 

"Are unreasonable" interrupted Cerlina firmly "To marry not only royal blood but the reigning monarch… Take no offence Lady Lanaya but house Dionisa, while respected, is hardly of a high enough standing to be a suitable candidate".

Lana’s gaze snapped immediately to Cerlina, her eyes burning with fury at the affront. The Emperor made her feel nervous, but Cerlina’s input was most definitely unwelcome. “And which bloodline is in high enough standing to be suitable?” Lana asked rhetorically, the venom in her voice making it clear that she certainly had taken offence. “Yours perhaps? [i]Lady Tuania?[/i]” She spoke the respected family name as though it was one of the worst invectives imaginable. “Twenty years ago you would barely have deigned to give a De Reimer the time of day. Now you kneel at the feet of the first Emperor of Formaroth. Two short years ago, House Dionisa was dead. Now it is only by my good graces that Nyhem remains fed. Tell me Cerlina. How fare the fortunes of the Tuania bloodline?”

Cerlina’s head snapped back, "How dare…" She was cut off once Alasdair raised his hand for silence. Alex looked increasingly unsettled. He too surprisingly missed Claus in moments like these. 

"It might not be too unthinkable. Dionisa has been a respectable name in Nyhem for centuries. During Helyots reign they were one of the most respected families in Sypius. However…" The mages were important if he wanted to be victorious against the inevitable war against the Blackwells, who knew how dangerous the collective had now grown with the power of the blood gems. Still, Lanaya was a traitor, for all he knew she could have orchestrated this. As he thought on this he passed Lanaya a look of suspicion. Though perhaps not, the circle did not think highly of Lanaya and likely only chose her for her title and position next to Alasdair. Even if she had tried to manipulate them he doubted it had much outcome on their final decision. 

"Very well lady Lanaya. Convince me." He said finally. "This is your chance, make the most of it.”

Lana continued glaring at Cerlina for a moment, before turning to Alasdair with a determined look on her face. “You see how vehemently I defend my name. I will defend the De Reimer name with every bit as much vigor. My political skill and capacity for management is self evident. Despite everything against me -” She glanced at Cerlina for a moment. “I have gathered great influence and built a strong position for myself. Imagine what I could do for the Empire with the resources of an Empress. Further, the word of High Magister Ascelina is unshakeable. She has declared that you will have the full support of the Isles. The economic and naval power of the isles is significant, and combined with Cawanor, no other nation on the continent will be able to challenge you for control of the seas.”

She paused for a moment, her face and tone mellowing somewhat. “And… Although we may have had our differences in the past, I owe you my life. That is a debt I will never forget…”

Alasdair fell silent once again. The council members exchanged looks with each other but none dared to interrupt their emperor's thought. Finally Alasdair gave his response.

“Very well Lady Lanaya. I agree to these terms”. 

Cerlina was quick to object “My emperor, surely we should think on this longer, or at least try bargaining with the circle”?

“To what purpose” Alasdair responded plainly “I have done dealings with the circle before. There is no bargaining with them. Either we accept their terms or we do not have their support”.

“The circle isn’t the only place to find magic users” Alex replied “There are mages throughout the kingdoms that we can recruit for our efforts against the Blackwells”. 

“Ones who can compete with blood magic and high magisters”? Alasdair questioned his voice filled with doubt. In response Alex was quickly silenced. “I thought not” Alasdair continued “Regardless whether we are happy with their terms or not we need the circle. House Dionisa though small is well respected, it is an acceptable union. Besides it is high time I was married and furthered the royal line”.

As soon as she heard the response, Lana couldn’t help but relax, releasing the tension she hadn’t realized she had been holding. At long last, her future was secure. She didn’t really know what to say at this point, nothing she could think of seemed quite right, and she didn’t feel the need to be excessively petty towards Cerlina. She decided to settle with a simple “Thank you, your excellency.”

[/hider]

[hider=A Private Discussion]
The rest of the meeting had been spent dealing with monotonous administrative and bureaucratic responsibilities. Soon the council members were making their way out of the room to carry out their tasks for the day. Before Lanaya left Alasdair called out to her.

“Lady Lanaya, if you would I wish to talk to you in private”.

“Good. Yes, I do wish to talk in private.” Lana responded affirmatively. She had been about to request the same thing.

“I… realize how this appears.” She began. She had quite a reputation, and she expected the whole room had suspected her of manipulating this scenario into being herself. She looked straight at Alasdair as she continued.

“I swear. I had no hand in this. This comes entirely from the High Magisters. Although it would be a lie to say that I did not desire such an outcome all the same.”

“You disappoint me. Had this been of your doing I would have been impressed by your deft manipulation” Alasdair said leaning back in his seat “Please take your seat. I suggest the wedding take place within a fortnight. Enough time for the nobles to prepare themselves for the ceremony but not enough for them to begin disputing it”.

“I - “ Lana spluttered, taken aback by such a direct admonishment. When she recovered, slower than she would’ve liked, she decided to take an equally blunt approach.

“Under the circumstances, I do not wish to become your adversary, Alasdair.” She used his given name as a means to punctuate her point. “Therefore, against my nature, I have decided to continue being as truthful as possible with you, and, if you wish it, the rest of your - soon our -  family.”

Lana paused to take her seat once again and directed a piercing gaze at the man who would soon be her husband. Her instinct was to finish with a barb of somesort, but she held her tongue. She did not want to begin this relationship, however political it may be, with snide remarks.

Alasdair looked at Lanaya. The woman who only a few months ago had confessed to treason was now to be his wife. He knew there would be little love shared between the two of them, but after the death of both Anna and Aurelia he knew there was little chance of that ever happening.

“That is appreciated. Though I hope you know that this means the Dionisa name dies with you”?

“I have no love for that name.” Lana stated plainly. “I reclaimed it only in the name of power. That it dies now, by my hand, will be the final slight on my uncaring parents for discarding me as they did.” There was real vitriol in her voice as she spoke. It wasn’t often Lana expressed feelings about her parents aloud, but that just meant it was all the sweeter to figuratively twist the knife of her resentment when she did.

Alasdair’s brow raised as Lanaya talked of her parents “I trust you to have more loyalty to my own family name then you seemingly had for you own”. Alasdair stood and walked over to a small wooden table atop which stood two pitchers and six goblets. One of the pitchers contained water, the other wine. Alasdair poured wine into two goblets before handing one to Lanaya “I toast” Alasdair said, though his voice while not apathetic was without enthusiasm “To our engagement”.

“To our engagement.” Lana replied, with a tone measured to match her new fiance. She kept eye contact with him as she sipped the wine. Once she lowered the goblet, she let silence hang in the air for a moment, contemplating what to say next.

“You came to find me when no one else did. You saved me. You evidently care more about me than anyone else in this city.” She suppressed a grimace as the thought of Drevala briefly crossed her mind. “I will not forget that. No De Reimer has ever betrayed me. That name means more to me now than my own ever did.”

Alasdair smiled before taking a drink.

"I am happy to hear that. As will Patrick and-" he was interrupted as a messager burst through the door and knelt before them. 

"Who are you to barge into the high council chamber" demanded Alasdair. The messager looked fearful, though the fear on his face was present long before Alasdair had scolded him. 

"Your grace" he stammered "it is to my regret and sorrow that I bring news of Isabel De Reimer’s demise".[/hider]

By [@TheDuncanMorgan] & [@Sundered Echo]