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       #Post#: 1996--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 0.11 Brothers (Malachi & Eir'Asa)
       By: DolittleMax Date: October 28, 2020, 6:47 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       While Malachi hadn’t anticipated for his presence to be
       warmly welcomed, the odd way the Drake looked at him like an
       insect was unexpected. Each word he spoke, though to the surface
       was polished and pleasant, held a razor sharp double-edged
       meaning to it. To which the subtly was not lost on him. After
       all, his parents were much in the same as this man. Proud, sly
       and snooty. It was a small victory in his part to catch the man
       off guard with his Vs’Shtak and show that he had
       endeavoured to assimilate. It was not an easy language to learn
       and took a greater amount of energy in the way it used the
       throat and the mouth.
       The young Elvi was greatful to the others who tried to counter
       the man’s slights with their praises but it would seem his
       prejudices against Malachi’s people were quite strong.
       It would seem Malachi would have to engage in this puzzle game
       of words and wit and prove his own mettle. He could do this...
       probably? The Lord felt as though for once, his actions held
       weight- a novelty to one used to being the cast aside child told
       to go play with his toys. Bracing himself with his unwavering
       smile, he looked the drake in the eye.
       “Ah yes, I am younger than most. My elder brother would
       have come himself if not for the fact he’s assisting the
       military in defending the Batestarian Humana against their local
       and very corrupt government. He would also claim himself that he
       has not the mind for politics. While I’m sure I cannot
       afford the wisdom your innumerable years may offer, I’d be
       pleased to offer a fresh perspective...”
       A tray of wine was offered to the group, and Mal reached to
       carefully take one, trying to ensure that his hand didn’t
       shake with the sudden nerves he was feeling. He needed to be
       pointed, show that he wasn’t about to bend under disdain,
       but he also couldn’t anger the man.
       “I look positively on this alliance and I as one of many
       Phonaxians have tried to learn as much as is afforded to us of
       your peoples. Though due to the lack of historical input, much
       of what we derive is from our own records and what we observe if
       your trade.  While I acknowledge our nations’ pasts are
       quite shadowed I would suggest that perceiving Elvi to still be
       a colonising and raiding race is a rather rudimentary outlook,
       no? After all, we have evolved to learn what democracy is and
       that bartering in commerce with our neighbours is much more
       beneficial than ruling them. ”
       Malachi lifted the glass closer to his lips, “ Just like
       how Glapera over time has evolved its menu; now accomodating a
       much broader selection of dishes beside the young and weak of
       their political enemies”
       Malachi took a pause and sipped from his wine casually, still
       offering the pleasant smile as if unabashed or affected by
       anything he said.
       He was toeing the line here and needed to be careful, but
       hopefully bringing up the ruthless and barbaric ancient practice
       of feasting on the flesh of their enemies humbled the man. Elvi
       couldn’t not attest to doing any such thing thankfully.
       “Opening trade routes and allowing for more foreign
       commerce would mean the expansion of power for Glapera. Your
       armies are vast, I must say, but I know of many Elvi people who
       would pay a pretty coin for some of what your country has to
       offer. Spices, textiles and ore are all things that could make
       your nation not only influential through military but in
       economics. I dare say your goods would hold a monopoly on the
       market considering their rarity. As for what my people have to
       offer? Timber, mechanical advancement and geodes of great value.
       While nothing compares to the heirloom you have there, I’m
       sure we could offer irreplaceable additions to your fine
       collection”
       This brought his thoughts to Sherish and what she had mentioned
       earlier, “And I’m sure scholars from both nations
       would jump at the chance to exchange texts and documents. While
       ignorance may be bliss, knowledge is power...
       Malachi let his words settle and he took another sip from his
       glass, letting the cinnamon warm him mouth and help him draw up
       a chuckle.
       “But forgive me,” he said in Duthul “I’m
       much too young to be making any decisions for my country or
       family, let alone to give my opinion in such a way.”
       His eyes remained steady and while he remained pleasant and
       jovial, he did not waver.
       #Post#: 1999--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 0.11 Brothers (Malachi & Eir'Asa)
       By: Kimcora Date: October 29, 2020, 2:21 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Draconians were not known to be the most gracious of opponents
       in any arena. Be it with the sword, their emotions, the pen, or
       their words, defeat was not something they took lightly. Their
       pride in themselves and their race didn't allow for them to be
       easily swayed by sincerity or even displays of power. But here,
       as Malachi began to speak and actually carry himself
       appropriately despite opposition, the first glimmer of
       irritation in the older drake's face. It was subtle, a slight
       downward cresting of his lips, nostrils flaring with an effort
       to take a calming breath. To break a drake's mask, especially
       one that had been trained through years of close study and was a
       matter of self control, was a feat.
       It was a feat that Eir'Asa internally cheered Malachi for
       achieving, as well as smiled at his friend's prowess. He hit the
       man in a way that those in the circle could see. It was done in
       a way that matched him word for word, subtle insult for subtle
       insult. The mention of the ritualistic cannibalism of the old
       world culture made most in the room balk as it was
       an...unsightly historical occurrence that occured before the
       first settlements of Glapera were formed. They once believed as
       dragons, consuming someone's heart was a way to consume their
       essence, their soul. Consuming a piece of your enemy was once
       considered a way to conquer them in life as you did death, as an
       honor to the great dragon goddess Nyth. Of course as
       civilization began, the practice was outlawed and the people
       spoke rarely of it. To have a foreigner mention it however
       certainly swayed some of the opinions once brought up by the
       Representative...If the Draconian people could evolve from their
       baser roots, how could the Elvi not?
       The eloquent way in which Malachi both complemented Glapera's
       strengths in trade and showed the value of Phonax's trade was
       admirable and got a few in the circle talking. Lor'Jah simply
       stood there thinking, his body still as he stared down the Elvi
       man with a look that could chill a furnace. The man was clearly
       not pleased and had clearly hoped to chew the boy up and spit
       him out. However, it seemed the child had bite to him. That
       would either be his victory or downfall here...Eir knew Lor'Jah
       couldn't socially lash the boy before others or lose his temper,
       such would be seen as reflecting poorly on him when Malachi was
       not the aggressor. So instead, his colder look faded for
       something more civil as he gave a humorless chortle at Malachi's
       passive aggressive statement in Duthul.
       "And yet you speak with a self-assuredness of a presumed
       erudite...I dare say you're either being facetious or falsely
       modest. I am unsurprised to see their young live up to my
       expectations." He said as he swished his wine casually in its
       glass. Even after all that, it seemed the man wasn’t going to
       buckle? Eir was wondering just what kind of ally this man was to
       his family, let alone how he felt he could get away with talking
       to people like that. Eir felt his blood pressure spike and there
       was a moment that the drake had to steel himself from calling
       the man a j*ckass.
       "If I may interrupt...Lord Hythian has an excellent mind for
       this. I believe he is as his honor shows, a man that is
       patriotic towards his homeland and knowledgeable about his
       family's trade without patronizing us for our more egocentric
       mindset. He is here in our country out of good faith to the
       Draconian people. To build that trust between us after years of
       long held rivalries between our nations. He has exceeded my
       expectations of his race and changed it for the better. And it
       honors me that he will one day be a voice for his people and
       help us build a stronger Phonax and Glapera. That's a sentiment
       you can hardly disagree with. Am I right Representative Eshad?"
       Eir's words were met with silence from the Representative, who's
       lips curled into a smirk. Odd...not the reaction he was looking
       for.
       "Ladies and gentleman, I would like to speak with the boys
       privately. I would hardly want to spoil your evening with
       political talks." The group around them cleared out upon
       request. Even Sehrish had to leave when forced under the gaze of
       the older drake. She raised up on her toes and leaned into the
       Elvi's ear.
       "Don't let him push you around...You did excellent, Malachi."
       Sehrish told him gently and privately before she slipped back
       into the crowd beyond. That left Eir and Malachi alone with
       Lor'Jah. The man's yellow eyes flicked to Eir, his humor turning
       sour enough that Eir felt a tension rising in his back.
       "I will say this in Duthul to be sure I am understood. Remember
       this day, young Aluanas. When the Phonaxian generosity turns to
       bitter contempt and your left in the aftermath of their callous
       decisions and your pandering for peace. I admire your
       tenacity...if only it wasn't misguided and tainted by your
       father's idealism." He then looked to Malachi, his attention
       there not wavering. "Had the council not already agreed to the
       proposal of opening our ports to your family days ago and
       emphatically agreed with Aharon's claims of peace, I would have
       seen you back on a ship to be done with your meddling. Let us be
       clear here young Hythian... While some may be blinded to it, I
       know exactly what your family is upto and I will not allow it to
       sully our waters. Glapera will never bend the knee to your
       people as long as I hold my power." He stated before gesturing
       to the party. "But for now...Enjoy your perceived victory..."
       #Post#: 2004--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 0.11 Brothers (Malachi & Eir'Asa)
       By: DolittleMax Date: October 31, 2020, 4:34 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Malachi was not phased by the withering look; his father had
       given him worse- said worse. Such behaviours of intimidation had
       grown the norm and when things grow to be normal they lose their
       effect. The only reason Mal had been affected by what Eir’s
       father had said when they were rescued was because he knew it
       would affect Eir- not for any injury to his own self. So now as
       the drake gave him that scathing glare, the Elvi kept aloof and
       unaffected, plastering that smile on his face. This was his
       finely honed and practiced response to the blatant attempts at
       barbing him, which this man was doing.
       He cast a small look of surprise toward Eir as his friend so
       firmly interrupted the Lords critique of the younger Phonaxian
       generation, setting things straight with his own views and
       beliefs. It took balls and Mal knew that Eir often found courage
       when spurred on by things he cared about or believed strongly.
       However, he wasn’t sure if entering into the argument was for
       better or worse. Either way, it was clear their opponent was
       ruffled, forcing a mask on as he bid everyone else to go on with
       their evening.
       Pride was such an interesting thing, and Mal felt satisfaction
       knowing that the drake had to speak with them privately to feel
       he had control, and to save face. Sehrish’s encouragement
       affirmed for him that he had stayed the course of the argument
       and that he could continue to do so.
       He listened to the man’s patronising words with an air of
       apathy. He would not feed into the man’s need to gain a reaction
       from them. It was clear that he had intended to embarrass the
       pair of them; If he knew the decision was made, why would he
       spur a public debate on it? It was clear he had come off second
       best as he felt the man were forcing up brick walls to prevent
       any more room for argument. At the mention of something his
       family was doing however, he felt some confusion- though refused
       to let it show on his face.
       Before the man left, Mal made one final comment.
       “My people say ‘Cynicism is the mask work by an idealist who had
       once put their faith in the wrong cause.’ I wish you a fantastic
       night as well. Let us speak with that man who requested us
       earlier, Eir” he said, a hand to his friends shoulder as they
       walked away.
       He could tell Eir’s hackles were raised by the confrontation and
       decided it was best if they left quickly. There was no man who
       had asked to speak to them, so instead they moved over to stand
       by an interesting looking artefact. It appeared to be an old
       text of some sort, preserved beneath glass.
       “Gods- That man must have a cactus shoved right up his ass-“ he
       hissed to Eir quietly. Mal gladly took another glass of wine and
       sipped from it, his pretty brow furrowed in dark annoyance.
       “I’d say he’s almost as bad as my father,” he muttered over the
       rim of his glass “Except he doesn’t have the same snake-like
       quality my father does...”
       The poor Lordling let himself really relax as they weren’t in
       the high pressure situation anymore.
       “I think you did really well, Eir. You held yourself well
       despite all the wyvern-shit he was spewing from his mouth.”
       Drinking the rest of the wine, he set the glass aside, eyes
       scanning for the female they had spoken to earlier. She cut a
       pretty figure, and while he knew she was married, he could sense
       that she didn’t let that restrain her. He mentally debated the
       pros and cons of a rendezvous.
       #Post#: 2010--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 0.11 Brothers (Malachi & Eir'Asa)
       By: Kimcora Date: November 2, 2020, 11:18 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Eir'Asa was somewhat relieved when Malachi led them away, though
       he did allow himself one last glance at Lord Eshan. He looked
       oddly smug still, waving to Eir as he left before he turned his
       attention to an approaching noble. He brushed off the event as
       if nothing had happened, while Eir still felt an odd sting from
       the warning. He made it sound like Malachi or Phonax itself was
       seeking to undermine Glapera and use the Aluanas's to do
       it...Surely that wasn't the case...His father trusted Lord
       Hythian and they had been in talks of business for years. Hell,
       even their child was sent to live with them. You didn't do that
       with someone you were planning on double-crossing...right? He
       thought back to his uncle's words of hatred toward the Elvi and
       he felt his stomach twist in a small knot. While he didn't
       understand the hatred completely, he knew that there was a long
       standing distrust of foreign powers and an ever-present fear of
       being subjugated like the Elviyenne of Ilydia Bay. But Eir had
       gotten to know Malachi and knew the man's heart. He was a good
       person, if not a man trying to do his best by his people and his
       family. Eir considered him as much a Draconian at this point as
       he did an Aluanas...So surely his uncle and this man were just
       paranoid...
       The comment about the cactus made Eir smirk, but he held back a
       laugh behind his tightening lips. "I think a cactus is being
       generous..." He added before giving Malachi a softer look at the
       mention of his father. He had heard bits and pieces about his
       family and Eir was beginning to find that such a life of being
       judged or having to navigate social labyrinths even in the peace
       of your own home was sad. But if Malachi turned out the way he
       did after living in a place like that, maybe he could do better
       for himself. Be the better person from his father... "I did
       little in comparison to you. I'm amazed at how clear and
       eloquent you were. I mean you actually got the guy to show
       emotion. I know lobbyists that can't do that!" He gave Malachi a
       clap on the shoulder, smiling brightly. "But thank you. And I
       meant everything I said. You are a brother to me now, Malachi.
       An honorary Aluanas. So I mean it when I say you have my full
       support, whenever and however you need it. While some of my
       countrymen want to see us isolated and will push back...I'm glad
       you and I can help be the first to end that stigma.” Eir then
       followed his gaze, noting that Malachi seemed distracted.
       "What are you looking at?" He asked since he couldn't quite
       place where or what he was looking for.
       #Post#: 2016--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 0.11 Brothers (Malachi & Eir'Asa)
       By: DolittleMax Date: November 2, 2020, 4:16 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       He chuckled and gave his friend a clap on the shoulder at the
       compliments, feeling they were really undeserved. The decision
       had been made and Mal wouldn’t of had the balls to speak so
       candidly if Eir hadn’t been there to save him if need be. Though
       his grin softened to something more heartfelt when Eir professed
       that they were practically brothers at this point. He felt the
       kinship and had grown to it over the past months, getting used
       to the idea that people could be as inseparable as they were.
       When Eir asked about what had him so distracted, he blinked back
       to attention with a look that was only partially sheepish at
       eyeing the woman so wholly. He caught her eye and gave a subtle
       wink before resuming his focus on Eir.
       “Aha- Nothing my friend... Just admiring all Glapera has to
       offer. It [i]is a shame I can’t take any of these artefacts
       home...”[/i]
       He could Eir’s look and felt the oncoming verbal wrist slap for
       his innuendos. Before he could, Mal gave a hurried placating
       gesture to show it was mostly in jest. His father wouldn’t
       really tolerate a foreign match anyway...
       “When will we find out the results of this event officially? I’m
       sure your father will be most pleased all had settled and gone
       through. I’ll bet he’s watching us like a hawk right now on
       account of our adventures giving him a heart attack”
       Malachi had endeavoured to be placid and docile for at least a
       week after the event; studying just as hard as Eir, using his
       spare time to drill swordplay or practice his Vs’Shtak with the
       kitchen staff. On the whole he’d been a right angel, so who
       could help the fact that he felt a little devious now for the
       most part?
       #Post#: 2022--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 0.11 Brothers (Malachi & Eir'Asa)
       By: Kimcora Date: November 3, 2020, 6:55 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Eir'Asa rose a brow at his statement about the artifacts, not
       understanding what he was getting at. Malachi hardly seemed to
       type to care about Draconian trinkets or old tomes. He often
       teased Eir for liking that sort of things. That was until he
       caught Sehrish was once in Malachi's line of sight. Now that
       wasn't good. While they were all the same age and station, she
       was already married to a very aggressive drake that might just
       have Malachi's head for flirting with his wife. Eir knew from
       speaking candidly with Sehrish that her and Ifram were not a
       good match, that she honestly felt tied down in her marriage and
       wanted anyone else than to have to share a bed with the lug.
       Besides, Sehrish was a dear friend of his that he wanted to see
       happy, but not in trouble with her family.
       He caught Sehrish giggling as she eyed Malachi in the way Eir
       had come to learn was interest, that sly grin there as she
       turned her attention back to the woman she was speaking with.
       That sly grin was never a good sign. He gave Malachi a scolding
       look, looking ready to warn him of the dangers when he gave a
       dismissive wave of his hand. The drake settled, figuring this
       was a sign of compliance with the rules.
       The change of subject left Eir to think on a new topic, his
       attention going to the room. He spotted his mother and father
       across the way, his father eyeing the pair not so
       inconspicuously. "We'll find out soon I imagine. The
       representatives will speak and give a toast in honor of the
       closing of the congress meetings. Then we should be free to
       leave...Crisis averted I imagine. I just...I think my father
       isn't aware of how Lor'Jah voted...I mean he's been close with
       my family for years, or so I heard from my grandmother.
       Unless..." He looked then to Malachi eyes softening some. "No
       matter, I suppose it doesn't matter since the rest of the
       representatives agreed to allow Phonax to begin bridging trade
       connections with Glapera. We should go speak with my father..."
       The pair went to join his father when a larger drake, one fully
       shifted into their dragon form, stepped in their path. Eir could
       smell the alcohol on him and clearly tensed by how aggressively
       he was looking at Malachi. Before the man could say much else
       other than "Filthy foreigner" Aharon was getting between them,
       his own scales showing. The man spat at the ground and stalked
       off before he left into the crowd. Aharon looked uneasy before
       turning to the boys.
       "Forgive that poor display, Malachi-ith. Please come join our
       family." Aharon escorted them over, allowing the group to take
       up a place near the stage set where the representatives would
       speak. Sehrish soon joined them, taking her place by the boys.
       "Glad to see you both survived your encounter." She smiled,
       offering the pair drinks to toast. "To new beginnings here in
       Glapera. And new friendships." She said as the Representatives
       gave their speech about how grand all of Glapera was, how the
       ports would be open to the Hythian family. They even gave an
       opportunity to clap for the 'honored guest', Malachi who
       represented the change...
       (Yes I left it open so you can jump it or stick around to talk
       more)
       #Post#: 2026--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 0.11 Brothers (Malachi & Eir'Asa)
       By: DolittleMax Date: November 3, 2020, 8:19 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Mal listened with interest as Eir seemed to think on the fact
       that their family friend had most likely voted against the
       Aluanas. It was interesting dynamics but Malachi supposed that
       moving forward in the world was never achieved by trying to
       please everyone. They made their way over to Lord Aluanas but
       were intercepted by an aggressive figure.
       He felt his pulse rise in his ears and he stood just that little
       bit taller as the male stalked toward them and spat the insult.
       Mal’s eyes gave a flinty glare before Lord Aluanas intercepted
       and steered the drake away. He had settled once more, albeit
       feeling very exposed on the dias with all the other
       representatives. Sehrish coming up beside them assisted his
       pleased facade and he gave her a sly wink.
       “To new friendships”
       Keeping his chin up, he once more pulled on that mask of cool
       apathy and gave a bow of gratitude once the announcement was
       made.
       ——A Few Days Later ——
       Mal sat on the edge of the bed as he pulled on his shoes.
       Glancing over his bare shoulder he could see in the hazy glow of
       the curtained room that Sehrish was sleeping soundly, tangled
       naked among the sheets and shedded clothing. With a satisfied
       smirk, he reached and brushed her hair out of her face before
       grabbing his shirt from under her bare leg. The only thing she
       was currently wearing was a large jewelled pendant necklace that
       hung about her neck and glittered. A gift from him of course; it
       had cost him a pretty coin.
       Of course he hadn’t resisted the opportunity for a casual tryst.
       This was their second meeting in her house, third overall and he
       was wondering if perhaps Eir had grown curious as to why his
       ‘exploring the city’ walks had become a regular occurrence.
       However, he knew that in two days her husband would be home and
       these rendezvous would either need to be more secretive or halt
       altogether. A shame really... Fun while it lasted.
       Mal slid his shirt on a stood, walking to pick up his rapier
       from where it leant by the window. As he secured his sheath
       about his waist, his eyes caught movement through the sheer
       curtains. A man in armor on a horse.
       “Shit-“ he cursed, now hurrying to make sure he had everything.
       He quickly crawled onto the bed to place a kiss to her lips,
       rousing her only slightly. He gave a wink, “I have to scram. See
       you around~”
       Mal hurried, and moved to the window, checking there was no one
       below and swung out. Using his well trained and practiced
       sneaking-out abilities he scrambled down the wall.
       It was a few minutes before thudding steps up the stairs could
       be heard alongside the clinking of armor plates. There was no
       knock and Ifram pushed open the door, golden eyes settling on
       his wife laying in bed naked. For a moment he seemed pleased,
       supposing that she had warmed a little and planned to welcome
       him home... That look faded from his eyes and was replaced by
       apprehension. He could smell it... the smell of sex and- and-
       His eyes narrowed and settled on her with something more
       sinister. An Elvi male... Now he wondered who that could
       possibly be. He turned his face away from her and slammed the
       door, the art on the walls shaking. He removed his gauntlets,
       tossing them onto a dresser wordlessly. He then took his sheath
       off, then removed his shoulder guards, letting them clatter into
       a pile in a similar fashion.
       “Nice to know I’ve been missed” he ground out between his teeth.
       He and his wife were never really on more than business terms,
       but he demanded a certain level of respect as man of his house.
       He turned back to face her, walking closer to the edge of the
       bed, eyes now burning with deep rage. The scales about his neck
       and along his arms has flared and grown prominent with his
       anger. This was no joke... and the way she looked at him as if
       he were stupid or suspicious make him bare his teeth at her.
       “I know what you’re playing at woman... You think because my
       eyes are not here that I can’t clearly see what’s going on?”
       He scoffed and removed a breastplate, also tossing it aside.
       Sehrish was flighty and reluctant to her responsibilities. She’d
       rather spend all her time in the library than actually making an
       effort to be Lady of the house. Not only that... but she’d
       neglected her duties in letting him sire heirs. She’d often
       refuse him or find reasons for it to not eventuate. Yet while he
       was gone she had found it pleasing to her to make some other son
       of a bitch a father? He was about to simply walk out in anger
       when he spotted the large pendant hanging against her chest.
       That’s when he snapped.
       “So that’s how it is? You’re making a whore of yourself yet
       refusing my right to an heir?!” He moved toward her, coming
       almost nose to nose with her and his fist slammed against the
       wall above her head.
       “Well I’d settle in with how things are. I just got three months
       leave and I’m going nowhere. Let’s just say we’ll be spending a
       lot of that three months together...” he stood up and tossed
       aside his wrist guards, throwing them at the wall before
       stalking to the door.
       “Get dressed... You have matters to attend to that you’ve
       neglected in my absence.”
       With that, the door slammed behind him.
       —— Several Days Following That ——
       Mal and Eir sat at a table in the library looking at a letter
       from Sehrish’s husband Ifram, offering Mal and Eir a few weeks
       in a distant villiage that was recovering from raids and fires.
       They needed ‘helping hands’ as Ifram had written cordially in
       his letter.
       At Eir’s comment on how ‘out of the blue’ and ‘curious’ the
       offer was, Mal gave a hum.
       “Yes... uh, how odd...”
       Lord Aluanas had been pleased that other influential figures had
       seemed to take a shine to the two young men and had claimed it
       was ‘a great honour’ that they were being requested for such a
       pious and key mission. To serve as healers and helpers in the
       temple for the sick and injured. Mal had simply thought ‘Yes, an
       honor’ as he listened.
       #Post#: 2030--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 0.11 Brothers (Malachi & Eir'Asa)
       By: Kimcora Date: November 4, 2020, 2:30 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Eir looked over the letter as they rode in the carriage to
       Achuak, the city-state known for being a bit more related to
       public service. The small town of Yulefrina was always a more
       impoverished town due to its connection to farming and ranching,
       rather than specific trades. Healers in the area were usually
       locals who easily were overwhelmed when any sort of tragedy
       occurred. Due to its proximity to the coast and a large ocean
       channel that led to the open sea, it was an advantageous stop
       for bandits and pirates who usually stole from the town's stores
       and supplies to stock their own for travel. Not to mention a
       recent drought had allowed for brush fires to start and have
       devastated many of the crops. It hurt Eir's heart to hear so
       many were suffering, but he knew that his people were working to
       help in any way they could. After all, he and Malachi were being
       sent to be a presence there for a small time. Eir's mother was a
       powerful healer and known for her skill. Eir had studied enough
       under her to know that he could be of help to these people...But
       it didn't take away his suspicion over why Ifram of all people
       would recommend Malachi and Eir to go to Yulefre. He knew that
       the soldiers were often stationed at a nearby fort, but why then
       if they had plenty of their own healers would they then turn to
       the Aluanas family?
       Eir'Asa's first thought was not anything sinister. He had never
       had issues with Ifram as he had been to visit Sehrish quite a
       few times due to their close friendship. The man had intimidated
       him honestly and always made him feel like he needed to be
       walking on eggshells. He once even had to adamantly swear he had
       no illicit intentions with Sehrish, in the beginning before the
       men got to know each other a little better. Clearly, one day
       around Eir and Sehrish while they combed over ancient documents
       on medical implications of roots was enough to convince anyone
       sex was off the table for the pair.
       But Eir had noted a clippedness to Sehrish as she sent a letter
       to say she would be ‘indisposed’ for the next few weeks and
       unable to attend their usual meetings at the library. She also
       told him to give her regards to Malachi, that she was apologetic
       that she couldn’t offer him further friendly conversation over
       Glaperan customs or practice with the native tongue. Perhaps at
       a later date when Ifram was being ‘needy’ as she phrased it.
       Eir’Asa wasn’t sure he liked that turn of phrase and sent
       Malachi a suspicious look in the carriage.
       “It would seem Sehrish put in a good word for us with Ifram?
       Odd...since she mentioned to me your conversations would have to
       be more infrequent. I didn’t even realize you two were still in
       contact...Wonder what that was supposed to mean...” Eir gave
       Malachi a narrow of his eyes but let it go. “Either way, it will
       be nice to have another adventure outside the city. Yulefrina is
       known to be a scenic farmland near the coast. I’ve even heard
       tales that pirates frequent it. Also it’s an opportunity for us
       to explore a little more and enjoy some time out from underneath
       my father’s watchful eyes...” He wagged his brows, but knew
       after their kidnapping attempt that the chance of being anywhere
       near the ports was an absolute NO. “We’re to be working closely
       with the Temple of Arydun there, our god of Medicine and Water.
       To let you know it’s custom to wash your hands and feet before
       entering his temple, or he might smite you with a typhoon sooo…”
       He gave a bit of a sheepish smile as he offered Malachi a raise
       of a brow. “Have you done much philanthropy in Phonax? In
       Glapera it’s considered honorable that the wealthy might offer
       themselves to a cause.” He asked to gauge what Malachi was used
       to back home. His first time in a temple of healing had
       been...overwhelming to say the least.
       #Post#: 2032--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 0.11 Brothers (Malachi & Eir'Asa)
       By: DolittleMax Date: November 4, 2020, 4:20 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Mal rubbed the back of his neck and gave his friend a smile that
       attempted to be aloof, but edged on sheepish. He hadn’t wanted
       to involve Eir in his scoundreling, knowing the male would be
       morally conflicted. In Phonax and especially areas like
       Alessandria, it wasn’t uncommon for things like this to occur
       but it would seem the pride of the Glaperan’s wouldn’t tolerate
       cuckholding.
       The wording of the letter had concerned him initially, causing
       him to wonder if he hadn’t put Sehrish in danger with her
       husband. However, the still cheeky turn of phrase eased his mind
       a little and he figured she might just be on a tight leash for a
       little while. The young lord’s mind drifted to their
       ‘conversations’ and he had to blink back to attention when Eir
       spoke more directly.
       “Oh, uhhhh- I’m sure she’s referring to our occasional meetings.
       Often in my time in the city we would meet for her to uh...
       teach me the more intricate nature of your native tongue.
       Very... invigorating... It’s a shame we shall have to pause our
       tutoring sessions...”
       He mentally cringed at his choice of words, the accidental
       entendres making his words feel even more suspicious than they
       needed to be.
       He listened carefully about the town and temple they were going
       to and nodded, “Wash feet and hands or die. Got it.”
       Malachi wasn’t entirely sure what he would be able to do to
       assist. All he had was his Zsill magis in which he could
       manipulate air. Perhaps he could assist with the fires? But he
       doubted he’d be much help in the temple with Eir...
       “So how long have you been practicing healing?” he asked
       curiously, eager to steer the topic away from Sehrish.
       #Post#: 2035--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 0.11 Brothers (Malachi & Eir'Asa)
       By: Kimcora Date: November 6, 2020, 4:12 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Eir wasn’t the best at subtleties, nor was he the best at
       reading a room. But he had spent enough time around the usually
       linguistically gifted Malachi to know when his speech patterns
       were off. He seemed halting and unsure, confident in places, but
       almost awkward in his delivery. Something was going on and he
       didn’t want to tell him. However, Eir believed whatever it was
       that it wasn’t his business. Malachi has always been forthcoming
       about things Eir needed to know. If this was something that
       wasn’t easily shared or he didn’t want to talk about, he could
       respect that.
       He just hoped whatever it was that it didn’t end with Ifram’s
       blade...He shook off the thought, horrified by the idea of
       Malachi being hurt or killed. He was his best friend and like a
       sibling. He didn’t want the man harmed. Perhaps he could help in
       keeping a closer eye on him and being sure he was safe.
       The comment about washing his feet and hands made Eir nod
       politely. “Yes, very important. Arydun likes his temple clean.
       They’ve actually proven that some disease and fungi travel on
       unwashed skin which may contribute to decreased health in
       patients and a horrid infection that—“ He went to ramble but the
       sounds of movement outside caused Eir to turn his head and look
       out the window. The small village was looking quite scarred and
       bruised, the buildings appearing singed in places and the people
       all looking haggard or busy. The smell of burning could be
       scented on the breeze, hinting that a large fire was nearby.
       Even the sky was a thick sooty color that made Eir’s brows
       furrow.
       “Man this place has seen trouble. We might have our work cut out
       for us.” He said before giving a small sigh. “I wish the
       government would step in more for these people...it’s because
       it’s predominantly Pluma and our farmers. Perhaps This is
       where...” He felt his face fall when he had a thought that this
       might have been where Lea’Vera was from. He shook off the
       thought since he didn’t want to think about her. He had come to
       forgive her over the whole mess, realizing it couldn’t have been
       her fault. She did the right thing and help them which was all
       they could ask for. He was glad when Malachi changed the subject
       to his healing.
       “Not long. I only get to practice occasionally, ever since I was
       a child. My mother is a well known healer and she always wanted
       me to learn the craft. I’m not nearly as good as she is, but I’m
       getting better. I usually do small things around temples back in
       Sililos.” He said before he tilted his head at Malachi. “And
       you? I know you work with wind but do you work with temples in
       Phonax often?” He felt the carriage coming to a halt, knowing
       they had reached the temple. It was a lovely white building with
       large stain glass windows of varying colors of blue. Out front
       was a long pool that trailed up the stairs, where many people
       gathered to wash. They all looked exhausted, some injured and
       some simply ill.
       *****************************************************
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