discussions and preparations

[Aric Demarais]

ARIC:
It was a couple days after Yule and the holiday festivities had finally come to an end...which meant all the conversations he really didn't want to have, and to allow the thoughts he really didn't want to think about invade his mind. He'd requested a meeting to discuss the regency issue, as well as what was to come in regards to Saelis. Alexandria sat at his side in Eleesa's study, and those dark eyes flickered between her and his cousin, Triston. Naturally, Sevrin was late, but he wasn't necessary for this part yet. "So...you have decided to run for the regency then, cousin?" he seemed hopeful as he said this; his attention falling upon his sister-in-law to gauge her reaction.

ELEESA:
She would be having a lot of difficult conversations soon, and this one was the least of her worries, thankfully. The queen was already quite aware of what Aric wanted to speak of, but she was certainly curious as to why Sevrin was here. She wanted to ask him about it, but knew he would explain soon enough. A small, polite smile creased her lips as she regarded the duke, nodding her head to Aric to let him know that she was alright with it. If the council deemed her unfit, of course.

ALEXANDRIA:
The first part of this conversation, Alexandria knew she would not have much to contribute. She was simply here for the moral support of both Aric and Eleesa. Tresteria was not her kingdom, but it was her ally and she would do whatever she could to help. As a queen who ran a kingdom on her own, she understood Eleesa and the troubles she would face, and if she could give her advice and guidance, she would do just that.
The second part of the conversation, involving Sevrin, she knew would involve her a bit more. So she quietly sat next to Aric, with her hands folded in her lap as she listened attentively.

TRISTON:
He and Aric had already exchanged letters regarding the matter they were about to discuss. He had been contemplating whether or not he wished to run for the regency, but it was his cousin's words and Eleesa asking him to help her, that he decided he would do whatever he could. He smiled, though the serious expression remained on his features. "Yes, I have..." He let out a sigh out his nose and his smile spread into more of a light-hearted one. "No pressure, right?" Someone needed to lighten the mood, if only a little bit, right?

ARIC:
He chuckled lowly. "Sure, sure," he said to Triston's soft humor, but his expression sobered a little once again. "My heart may lie elsewhere, but Tresteria is still my home. I will not abandon it or you." Even if he would have to leave very soon. It was the worst timing, he knew, but there really was no other choice. Not with Saelis planning to attack. "When I leave, I will make two copies of a letter that states I forfeit the crown, and that I desire Eleesa to take my place. And if not-" He regarded his cousin once more. "Then you, Triston." Aric had looked apologetically towards his sister-in-law, but she knew what she was in for. "One copy will go to the council...while you keep the other. Just in case..." Those dark eyes crinkled at the corners as he was about to smirk again, clearly insinuating he didn't trust those men on the council. "I will do all that I can, even from afar, I promise you."

ELEESA:
Oh, she knew all too well the misogynistic society of Tresteria. Still, she would try. This involved her son now, so of course she would not give in too easily. Worse case, she knew she could trust Triston. "We know, Aric," she assured him. "And I thank you. Truly." From here, she knew where his conversation was going to go, so she beat him to it. "And with this...impending war, so long as one of us has control, Aralore will still receive Tresteria's help." Bright eyes flickered over to the dark-haired queen, a soft worry on her face. Of course they would continue to aid them, but if the council forced someone else in charge...? She wasn't sure what would happen.

ALEXANDRIA:
Sapphire-colored eyes drifted over to Aric as he admitted his heart lie elsewhere, and she couldn't help but smile softly in appreciation of her husband. Her attention returned to the Tresterian queen and she offered her a smile and nod in return to her promise of Aralore receiving their help. "Thank you. I.. we appreciate it more than words could ever express."

TRISTON:
His own expression sobered slightly as Aric's did and he nodded in understanding. He never, for a moment, thought or believed that Aric would abandon them, just as he was not abandoning his wife to pursue the crown himself, as it was rightfully his. Dark brown eyes shifted over to Eleesa as Aric spoke and he nodded in agreement. Eleesa should take the crown of Tresteria, but deep down, he knew the council would unfortunately not go for that. Regardless, he would do all he could to convince them.
Aric was a smart man, who seemingly had already put a lot of thought and planning into this. "Thank you, cousin. We truly appreciate your help and all you have done during your time here. I am sorry your visit was not under lighter circumstances." He forced a small smile and glanced back to Eleesa. "And I will fight, first, for Eleesa taking the crown... Do my best to convince them and stress that these were your wishes... Should they not go for it..." He inhaled deeply through his nose and exhaled slowly, his breath sounding somewhat frustrated, and he returned his gaze back to Aric. "I will work tirelessly to fight for it myself. I promise you." He turned his gaze again to Eleesa and offered her a warm smile. "Both of you."

ARIC:
A nod, he offered his cousin a light smile. "I know you will. I feel better knowing all of this, and perhaps..." Aric refrained from a sigh, because although he hoped for change, he wasn't really sure if Tresteria was capable of it. "With both of you at the helm, it'll make a difference in this kingdom." Maybe they could lead Tresteria down a path Edward refused to go, and convince the people to follow them. He was about to say more when there was a knock upon the door and Sevrin was seeing himself in.

SEVRIN:
Look, when was he never late? It had always been this way, and it still was. Growing older didn't change him, not entirely. Still, his smile was somewhat apologetic and he feigned a soft cringe at seeing he had already missed some of this meeting...whatever it was about.

ARIC:
"It was a risk allowing you here, Sev...and you choose to be late for the one meeting I requested." He pretended to be annoyed, but he wasn't really. Even after all these years of being apart, he wasn't at all surprised.

SEVRIN:
He grinned. "I didn't stay at the castle- too much of a risk. And I lost track of time." Really, he didn't know why he was bothering with excuses. Eventually, after bowing in respect to Eleesa, those eyes turned to find Alexandria, and that grin turned sly. "Well, it's finally a pleasure to meet you, your majesty." Sev was rounding his way closer to seek the woman's hand when Aric's own slapped against his chest and kept him from moving any further. His cousin snapped his fingers and pointed towards the empty chair at his side. Snickering under his breath, he took a seat.

TRISTON:
He tried not to think about how the state of the country would go--how young Edward's mind would be molded, should he or Eleesa not be given the opportunity to claim regency. Like Aric, he did not really trust many of the men in the council, it was really part of the reason why he stayed on it: to keep a presence and know what was going on, being plotted and that he could have a voice in changing things. He nodded to Aric and smiled. "I do hope so." Triston was nearly startled by the knock and the abruptness of it opening without being answered and instinctively, he moved as if ready to protect Eleesa, but he instantly calmed when he saw it was Sevrin and he fought back the urge to roll his eyes sarcastically at the man for being late. No surprise there. "I heard about the grand entrance you made, dear cousin." He grinned and let out a small laugh as he shook his head. "It is good to see you."

ALEXANDRIA:
She felt a little more relieved, and less guilty about Aric remaining in Aralore for her sake, instead of staying in his homeland to ensure it was safe from whatever corruption might occur should Eleesa lose the crown. She had only met Triston briefly, at Edward's funeral, but from what she had seen of him, and what Aric had spoke of him, she could sense he was a good man and would stand true to his word.
When the door opened, she twisted her body to get a glance at the man entering. Ah, so this was Sevrin-- the man she would be forever in debt to should he succeed in helping them. At his sly grin, Alexandria couldn't help but grin too. "It is a pleasure to meet you too... I--" But she was cut off by Aric's sudden and playful dismissal of Sevrin's approach. She laughed and playfully swatted at Aric's chest. "How am I to make a good impression on someone we may need to rely everything on, if you don't let me be charming?" She was being completely sarcastic and joking, but she looked to Sevrin and winked at him, playfully, her own lips pulling into a sly grin.

SEVRIN:
His grin widened at Alexandria's response, gesturing towards her as he looked to Tresteria's prince. "She does have a point. A very, very good one." Obviously, he was joking as well. Sevrin was known as a lot of things, but he didn't outright try and steal a wife from her husband...especially from a man such as his cousin. The merc often had a death wish, but not in this case. When his attention averted to Triston, he was chuckling to himself, "Aye, bloody Haystone..." he said, lounging back in his chair a bit. "He can bloody sod off. But, it's been awhile...I had to come back in style."

ARIC:
Dark eyes just glared at his blond-haired cousin, trying desperately to keep from grinning. Especially when Alexandria chimed in, and he looked to her in fake astonishment. "I warned you about this one..." he told her in jest. Yet, once Sev and Triston finished exchanging words, Aric was right back to business. They only had so much time. "So, Alexandria's brother has sent word. He was able to extract information from a Saelisian prisoner, stating that they did not plan to attack until at least the spring." His attention turned to Sevrin and his expression became a little grave. "If you are willing...I need you and your unmarked ships to sail close to their shores, see if you can get an accurate number. See if they are preparing to leave sooner than expected..." A pause, he smirked. "You will be paid, of course."

SEVRIN:
He should have known it was going to be some dangerous mission. Why else call upon the Brotherhood? After Aric explained, he was actually pretty intrigued. "You do not need to pay me, cousin. I would do this for free." A pause, he smirked after a thought. "However...my men will need to be paid, I suppose." No matter how righteous the cause, they would not work for free.

ARIC:
In all honesty, he didn't like asking his own family to do this, but he wasn't sure who else to ask. The mercenaries were more than capable of doing this simple thing. "And I literally mean, only sail by. Do not engage them."

SEVRIN:
Was the prince a fuckin' mind reader? His expression only faltered a little. "Yes, yes...understood. Do not engage."

ARIC:
There was something about the way Sevrin agreed that should have been a red flag, but he didn't have the time to worry about it. His gaze was flickering between Eleesa and Triston again. "Will it be possible to call upon Tresteria's military reserves, or volunteers? Any number would help, but not all. We cannot risk leaving our own shores weakly guarded."

ALEXANDRIA:
Her grin remained as Sevrin chimed in and agreed with her, but she said nothing. Until Aric feigned his astonishment causing her to laugh softly. "Oh, he's harmless-- I have no idea why you would need to warn me about him." She waved her hand dismissively and she fell silent as Sevrin and Triston exchanged their pleasantries.

TRISTON:
Haystone. Yes. Enough said. He chuckled softly and shook his head. "Of course. I wouldn't expect anything less, Sev..." He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms over his chest as Aric explained what was needed from Sevrin and the mercenary. He knew of the war between Aralore and Saelis and had actually been part of the Tresterian army that had gone to their aid. So he at least knew what they were in for.

ALEXANDRIA:
Her expression completely changed once they got back down to business. Despite this being her kingdom in danger, Aric was stepping up as if it were his too- like he truly cared. Not that she did not trust or believe that he did, but it was just relieving and nice to see him so dedicated to Aralore. She nodded along with his words and once Sevrin agreed he understood and repeated Aric's words of not engaging, Alexandria sat straighter in her chair. "There is no room for any risk..." She glanced at Sevrin with a grave expression, there was slight desperation in her voice. "If they found out you were sent, or had any part of being involved with us--" She paused and looked to Aric briefly before returning her gaze to Sevrin. "They are not the forgiving or dismissive type." Alexandria had seen firsthand the torture they committed against their enemies. She had been a prisoner once herself, too. She had witnessed people she cared for.
Her voice cracked slightly and she let out a small steadying sigh. "Aralore really cannot afford another war to fall on our grounds..."

TRISTON:
He quietly listened to the exchange between Aric, Sevrin and Alexandria and he couldn't help but frown at the Aralorian queen's words. So when Aric questioned him and Eleesa, he first looked to her before returning his gaze to Aric and Alexandria. "Of course. Just say the word. " He looked back to Eleesa, "As long as you are okay with it?" He did not wish to step on her toes, she was still their queen. "I still have some contacts I could reach out to... Gather up some men for you. Will you be needing them for this secret mission? Or just to be stationed over in Aralore?" He looked to Sevrin first, wondering if he would agree to allowing military with him on this mission, and then he glanced back to Aric, prepared for whatever answer he would give.

SEVRIN:
Those bright eyes shifted back over to the queen as she spoke her concerns, and his expression sobered a little. There was still this glint in his eyes, but it was difficult to tell just what it was. 'They are not the forgiving or dismissive type.' The smile that curled his lips was sly, perhaps even dark. "Neither are we, majesty..." he told her. Perhaps she didn't know of the Brotherhood, but they were asking this of the right people. As she further shared her worry about the war, he leaned forward in his chair a bit to regard her more, attempting to put her at ease. "I will get you a number, I promise. Everything will be fine."

ARIC:
He was reaching for Alexandria's hand as she tried to express how dire the situation was. Sevrin understood, even if he perhaps didn't show it. Aric wouldn't be asking this of his cousin if he didn't trust him completely...it also helped that he was just mad enough to do it. He regarded Triston. "Just in Aralore...and prepared to fight, in case." He hadn't wanted to say it out loud, but it had to be said. His wife understood what was happening and what could happen.

ELEESA:
The queen gently shook her head, waving a hand lightly to dismiss Triston's need to consult with her. "You have more of a mind for these things," she said in way of telling him he was far more capable to deal with the military. Then, her gaze settled on her brother-in-law and Alexandria. "If there is anything else, as well...please, let me know." She feared that, should something happen to Aralore, Saelis would not stop there. What if they tried going after the rest of Elysium?

ALEXANDRIA:
She squeezed Aric's hand tightly after he took hers. He was perhaps the only person in this room that knew how dire the situation actually was. He had seen Aralore firsthand and the damage that had been done from the war with Saelis. A war they had just been lucky enough to win. One that seemingly didn't want to stop. In all honesty, Alexandria felt she was failing her people. She had made some mistake along the way that would forever doom Aralore.
Her bright blue eyes focused on Sevrin as he reassured her. She forced the faintest of a smile and nodded her head. "Thank you," her voice was nearly inaudible. What would they even be able to do with those numbers?
Triston was agreeing to offer up military, and although she appreciated the gesture, her heart sank even further. Now they would be putting Tresteria at risk. Not only for potentially losing men, but also for the fact that Saelis might retaliate against them should they succeed in their pursuit of Aralore. Then again, maybe they would not know any better.
She looked between Triston and Eleesa and offered them both a genuine smile, nodding her head. "Thank you," she repeated before her gaze shifted between everyone in the room. "All of you... I, and Aralore appreciate your willingness to help us. I do not know how we could ever repay all of your kindness." If Edward were here, she wondered if they would be having this conversation at all. Though, she imagined, Aralore would be ruled by him at this point now.

TRISTON:
He nodded to Aric as he answered his question, and then to Eleesa as she gave him her trust in handling the military matters. He had, for a long time, been in the military himself, running as the royal army's General before he stepped into the council. Though he still had somewhat of a leadership of the Tresterian army, he had entrusted one of his closest friends with the task of being out on the line while he represented the military in the council. "We could send some men with you on the trip back to Aralore and stay there, if you would like...Or we can send them once you learn of the numbers and send word to me to deploy them. Either way, I will have them ready for you."

ELEESA:
If Edward was still here, this conversation would be going a lot differently...or perhaps, yes, they wouldn't be having it at all. That same thought occurred to Eleesa in that moment, and she felt like she had to offer whatever help she could before the council possibly took the power from her. Would they break ties with Aralore, or try to? It was why she was so desperate for Triston to claim the regency. Not only did she trust him, his own blood was now a part of Aralore, he wouldn't let it fall if he could help it. This is what allies did. If Saelis claimed Aralore, their territory and numbers would grow. No one could afford that. "I'll also be sure to send you home with whatever supplies we can offer and provide." She smiled gently at Alexandria, trying to reassure her that this was the least they could do. She wished she could do more. This was the first time she was able to have the chance to.

ARIC:
He watched his wife, knowing that this was always a lot to deal with...but if this didn't prove anything else, let it at least prove to her that she had people in her corner who were willing to help. Aralore was an ally, and you did whatever you could to provide aid, even if it was small. "Some now would help," he told his cousin, nodding as he thought about it. "Then-" A glance to Sevrin. "Once we know what we might be dealing with, if you're able to offer more reinforcements..." His words trailed off there. Aralore could take whatever they were willing to provide without risking their own safety, of course.

TRISTON:
He nodded firmly. "Consider it done." Though he never wished to send men into battle, it was necessary. Aralore was an ally, and Aric was its king consort--his wife its queen. Not only should they stick up for their allied kingdoms, but they were also his family, and he'd not dare to stand by and watch them falter if he could help in anyway.
They hadn't spoken of when they would be leaving, but he imagined it would be somewhat soon, as long as Aric felt comfortable in leaving him and Eleesa to fight for Tresteria in his place. Regardless, he knew there wouldn't be a lot of time to gather the troops to send off with the Aralore ship. "We can send more troops, as needed."

ALEXANDRIA:
Despite the matters at hand, she felt slightly more at ease due to the assurance and offering of help from all those in the room with her now. She wanted to cry, but she managed to hold herself together, keeping all her emotions at bay. She could not appear weak, not at a time like this.
She smiled to Eleesa and nodded, "That is very kind of you, thank you." An inaudible sigh escaped her, feeling guilty in asking for all of this of them, but also grateful.
After a brief moment of silence, she turned her full attention to Eleesa, "Please let me know if there is anything, in any way, I could do to help you... I know, firsthand, how difficult it is to be a woman ruler where no one accepts the fact." Eleesa's husband included.

ARIC:
He wanted to stay. He was afraid the council was going to cause more problems once he was gone, try and step over lines that they wouldn't dare with him around...but he could not. Orin's letter had worried him, and they needed to go home. He needed to get Alexandria back to her people, and they had to form a plan. They may only have so long before the true worrying would start. Aric had wanted to give his wife a nice holiday, to help her forget the woes that would befall her shoulders once more, yet it couldn't last forever. "Thank you, Triston." Dark gaze shifted to Sevrin as well as Eleesa. "All of you. We couldn't do this without you." His blond cousin simply winked and offered a half-assed salute, garnering a slight chuckle from the prince.

ELEESA:
The queen reached over to rest a hand on Triston's arm in silent thanks for handling all of that before Alexandria's words brought those bright eyes back over to her. Her expression softened, almost as if in slight awe, and she nodded in acknowledgement. "I appreciate that, Alexandria." A gentle smile curled her lips a little more. "I can only hope that the council sees what I am capable of..."

TRISTON:
He could see the appreciation in Aric and Alexandria, and he didn't doubt for a minute that they weren't anything but. Still, he wished there was more he could do to help, aside from what they could already do. If he could prevent the war at all, he would do so. If they went fully into war--it could very well mean, his youngest brother would have to fight in it, and he hated that thought. Triston gave them both a nod and smiled politely. "I wish there was more we could do for you, but please know I will do everything I can to help however I can." He tried to assure before he looked sidelong at Eleesa when she placed her hand on his arm. He smiled at her.
Alexandria's words caused his smile to falter, if only a little. He knew it must not have been easy for her, and Eleesa. And he only hoped that he did not come across as one to not accept the fact that a woman didn't deserve to rule a kingdom. He wanted nothing more than for Eleesa to keep her position as Tresteria's queen, and he felt guilty that he was trying to, essentially, take her place.

ALEXANDRIA:
She shook her head after Aric spoke, in a silent gesture that she agreed with him. They would not be able to do this without Tresteria. Once again. But she did not wish to sound like a broken record in uttering another 'thank you,' so she hoped her gesture was enough to back up Aric's statement.
She smiled at Eleesa's words and nodded, giving her a look of encouragement. "They would be fools not to," she spoke in a way of assuring the queen that she was a strong woman and she believed in her. After a moment, Alexandria looked back to Aric in silent question if he had anything else to say with regards to what the meeting had been for. After he didn't speak up, she glanced back towards the others and forced a small smile. "I think that was all we needed to discuss... Unless there was anything you needed from us?"

TRISTON:
He smiled softly at Alexandria's confidence in Eleesa and he nodded in agreement, "complete fools," he added, despite being part of that council himself.
At Alexandria's question he shook his head, "No, I do not believe so... I think Eleesa and I can handle things effectively, here, as much as we possibly can... But we will be sure to keep in contact with both of you, and we will be here for you in whatever way that we can be."