A deGrey Returns [open]

[Wesley deGrey]

Fanfare. He'd be a liar if he said he didn't enjoy it. And maybe he enjoyed it a little too much. Wesley deGrey had been nothing but smiles as he and his crew rode through the city towards the castle with crates upon crates of goods from other lands, no doubt. He was a people-person, and a random bystander might think he was some heroic general returning from war.

Not quite, but he'd like to think himself heroic regardless.

Although Tresteria was a strong and grand nation, there were particular imports they had to acquire from outside sources. As head of the deGrey Trading Company, it was his job to execute these trades with other nations and to search for more and better exports to offer. To receive specialized items, you had to offer up some of your own, no?

Abandoning the carts and his horse out front, Wes made his way through the halls of the castle in search of his family, for any familiar faces. It had been months since he'd been home, maybe almost half a year...but news of Edward's death prompted an early return. Despite the smile that had been on his face just moments ago, his expression was a bit more serious, maybe even a little worried over this information.

What had happened?

[Triston deGrey]

Triston had heard the news of his brother's ship docking and that Wesley had returned to Tresteria. He wondered if he had received William's letter and if the death of Edward was the reason for his return. Regardless, he was happy that the four brothers would be reunited once again. It had been some time since all four of them were in the same stone walls. There was always at least one missing at any given time.

He wandered down the halls of the castle, towards the main entrance, and he didn't stop until he spotted his brother in a distance. He grinned and picked up the pace of his steps until he was in earshot.

"Wesley... Welcome home." He smirked and finally closed the distance between them, clapping a hand on his brother's shoulder before pulling him into a manly hug, smacking his back in the process. "You're still alive?! Hmm...? Or are you bleeding anywhere? Let me take a look." He laughed and held his brother at a distance, looking him over as if expecting to see some kind of wound on him. When he didn't he laughed again. "How are you, brother? I've missed you."

[Wesley deGrey]

Sometimes, it felt strange to come home, almost as though he didn't belong here. Not that he didn't love his family or Tresteria...he just felt more alive when he was out on the sea. Exploration and adventure were just in his blood and he couldn't always stay stationary. Even his family weren't enough reason to stay home. And now, with this business about the regency that was surely causing a stir, Wesley really didn't want to stay long.

Still, at the sight of his older brother's smiling face, he figured he could linger around for longer than intended. Embracing Triston in return, a deep laugh escaped his chest. "Oh, I'm quite alive, brother," he replied, stepping back so that he could investigate for himself. "There were a few close calls, but...all is well, I assure you." Shaking his head at himself, he adjusted the bag that was still slung over a shoulder. "I've missed you all as well. I know...I should have returned sooner, and a funeral shouldn't have been the only thing to bring me home." So yes, he had received William's letter. Wesley didn't know what to think about it.

"How have things been here?" Wes was almost hesitant to ask. He knew the death of the king was probably creating a whole new slew of problems.

[Triston deGrey]

If Wesley shared these feelings with Triston (about feeling like he did not belong) he would have told him that he always belonged. But he understood Wesley and that he preferred being out on the sea and traveling and seeking adventures. He envied him in some ways because he had managed to get away from court and was living his own life and pursuing his own dreams.
Although Triston enjoyed the politics and helping at court, he (at times) grew tired of it all and wished he had taken a different path in life. Now, he was being urged to fight for the regency.

He looked his brother over and chuckled at him. "well, I am glad you are well." He clapped him on the back before shrugging his shoulders. "It is what it is, Wes...You have things to deal with, places to go... No one expects you to drop everything to come home...But we are glad you are here now... Even if it is for a funeral."

At his question, Triston let out a heavy sigh. "Exactly as expected..." He laughed. "There's already arguing over who should take regency until Edward grows up. Aric hasn't even returned yet, and with him being Edward's brother... He rightfully has claim over anyone. So I think the fighting should at least wait until we know what Aric's intentions are." He shrugged. "But you know... Mother... Expecting me to step up to try and take it."

He moved to stand beside his brother and urged him to walk along with him. "Will and Lucian will be excited to see you. And Olivia, of course."

[Wesley deGrey]

It was that need and purpose that he often craved for that kept him traveling all of the time. While both older brothers were meant for politics, and Lucian went the route of the sword, Wesley was sort of left in the middle. It was almost as though the trading company gave him the best of both worlds, and he got to see new sights on top of it.

He smiled at Triston as he clapped him on the shoulder. Regardless of it all, it was good to be home. Wes just wasn't sure how long or short the trip was going to be. His mind was already wandering to what was going to happen once their cousin was buried...things that were already happening in the background, according to Triston.

Ah, yes. Mother. He already felt bad for Triston.

Looking sidelong to Triston, it was clear that he wanted to ask more about what happened to Edward, if he knew anything, but decided this wasn't the place for it. Perhaps the whole castle didn't know why yet, so this time he kept his mouth shut while he walked next to his brother. "So, is William still engaged to that bi-"
"UNCLE WESLEY!" squealed an excited voice. The little girl was rounding the corner right in front of them right before that one curse word could slip from his mouth.
Wesley nearly choked as he stopped himself from finishing that sentence; slipping that bag from his shoulder as he dropped to a knee, his arms outstretched. "Oliviaaaaa!" Her name trailed off into nervous laughter and embraced his only niece. "How've you been, little love?" Bright eyes were looking over her shoulder to find William approaching them now as well with his usual, warm smile.

[William deGrey]

Fortunately for Wesley, his eldest brother hadn't heard his near-comment that was about to spill forth from his mouth. He was feet behind his daughter as she rushed through the halls like a little madwoman, searching for her other uncle. News of his brother's arrival had spread quickly to the castle...and William wouldn't be surprised if Mother was already on her way.

He wondered where Lucian was. It would be nice to have all the brothers together again, despite this being a horrible reason for it.

Rounding the corner, there was a giant grin on Will's face, watching Wesley embrace Olivia who practically threw herself at him. "Good to see you, little brother," he told him, casually folding his arms across his chest. He'd wait for Olivia to give her uncle space before he stepped forward and hugged him.

[Olivia deGrey]

The little girl was always so excited to see any one of her family, especially her uncles. Uncle Wesley often had stories he would tell her from his traveling abroad, and she was already wanting to hear all about his latest trip!

"I've been mostly okay. Daddy has been making me read and learn piano... Not very good at it." She held her fingers up in front of her, spread out for him to see. "My fingers...can't spread that far, so... I miss keys!"

Quite oblivious to the fact that others might want to talk, she kept going after drawing in a deep breath. But she leaned in so that only her uncle could hear. "And...I've had to spend time with...heeeeeer."

Daddy was drawing closer so she quickly backed up to let him hug Uncle Wes.

[Triston deGrey]

Triston knew what question Wes had been about to ask, and he started to laugh, just as Olivia came running, interrupting his brother's question.  He just nodded.  Yes, yes William was still planning on marrying that bitch. 
That smirk of his remained on his lips as he quietly watched Wesley and Olivia, allowing them their moment of reunion.  His gaze shifted, though, when William was soon to follow behind his daughter.  A reunion indeed.  Right in the castle halls. 

He nodded in greeting to William, folding his arms across his chest as he stood and watched and listened to his little family.  All that was missing now were their mother and youngest brother.  "Perhaps we should have a family dinner, tonight?"  He finally suggested, with a grin on his face.  It had been so long since the four brothers were together, it would be nice for them all to catch up and spend the evening together.  Even if that meant William had to invite his damn fiancee, too. 

[Lucian deGrey]

Lucian had heard of the king's death. The military island was buzzing with rumors and speculations of what had happened, but no one really knew. But because the Tresterian king was his cousin, his family, he was ordered to go home.

It wasn't too long of a trip through the channel between the two islands, perhaps a few hour boat ride at best. So when his boat docked, he stepped out and made his way back towards the castle. He had not heard that his older brother Wesley had made his way home, too. Honestly, he wasn't even sure if William would be home. But he knew Triston at least would be. And their mother.

He wandered down the halls, quietly. Until he came across his family in one of the hallways. Well, that was easy, and he hadn't expected to find them all there in the hall. He smiled widely and continued down the hall until he approached them all. "Well... All the deGrey brothers... in one place... Now this is a rare sight."

[Wesley deGrey]

Truthfully, he didn't need to ask to know their older brother was still attached to the blonde. Sure, she was beautiful...but the moment she opened her mouth, it just proved that that heart of hers was black. Wesley didn't understand why William couldn't see it. Or, well, maybe he did.

He understood the being lonely part...but still.

"Is that so?" he said while Olivia began to ramble on. He was trying to follow along, a smile still on his face, but in truth, she was already losing him. "Just keep practicing, doll. You'll get it." Wesley knew he shouldn't have chuckled at the mention of Margery, but...sure enough, he was.

Embracing his eldest brother, he patted him on the back. "It's good to see you, Will." Then, his face was lighting up even more when the missing deGrey suddenly appeared. It seemed as though he walked down the right hall at the perfect moment. "Lucian!" he explained. Not that he wasn't close to any of his brothers (albeit all the traveling), but he'd always been a bit closer to the youngest deGrey. Perhaps it was the fact that they were closer in age and didn't go into politics.

Quick steps brought him closer so that he could hug his knightly brother.

[William deGrey]

"Good to see you, too, Wesley," he told him, hugging him back. He'd heard most of Olivia's rambling and was chuckling...even though he knew exactly what she was telling his brother when she got quiet and thought she was being sneaky. Right now, he didn't want to get into it, but he did give his daughter a pointed look when she looked over, and she smiled nervously.

And the reunion continued as Lucian showed up and he regarded Triston with his suggestion. "Dinner would be a great idea...maybe just the four of us." He was hesitant to say that, letting his eyes drift down both ends of the hall as if expecting their mother to have had magically appeared in which she'd be scolding him for not suggesting she be there as well.

As she always did, Olivia was already running towards her other uncle, leaping up into the air because he always caught her. William admired her blind trust.

[Triston deGrey]

Triston watched Wesley and Olivia interact, with a smile on his face. He couldn't help but chuckle as he glanced up at William, catching his pointed look of warning to his daughter. Triston felt that children were rather honest with things. And William really should listen to his daughter's complaints about her soon-to-be stepmother.

Lucian showed up and Triston grinned even more. All four brothers under one roof. It was a rather rare sighting. He laughed and at William's suggestion, he rose a brow and gave him an 'are you serious' kind of look. "She will sniff us out, you know it. She probably is already planning dinner right now. She knows we are all here. You know she does." Triston laughed and shrugged his shoulders.
Truthfully, he'd prefer a dinner with just his brothers. If they could pull it off, he would be all for it. But, William saw firsthand how their mother had found him the day they found out about Edward's death.

[Lucian deGrey]

A large grin formed on Lucian's face when Wesley approached him and grabbed him into a hug. He tightly wrapped his arms around his slightly older brother and clapped his hand on his back several times. "It's good to see you, brother. I've missed you!"
Lucian was able to return home every so often since he was just at the military island, but each time he was home, it was usually just he and Triston. Sometimes William, too. Wesley was his favorite brother though, but he'd never admit that to any of them.

When he let go, he laughed at the talk about dinner and whether or not their mother should be invited. Oh yes. Mother. He could imagine that she was already all over Triston about becoming regent with Edward dead.

Olivia was lunging out towards him and he quickly caught her without hesitation. He hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek. "Olivia, darlin'! How are you my little love? I've missed you!"