“So what have you been up to, dear. Tell me all about it. And this boy? How did he come about?” Myriam's mother asks before taking a sip of tea.

Myriam let's out a bitter smile. “Well, I've been studying in Growvine Forest for the last few years. My knowledge of medicinal herbs and nature magic have grown quite a bit. I've even dabbled a bit in practicing the Beast Tongue; the creatures of the forest have been a great help in my studies.” She says, touching lightly on her life these past few years.

“Oh my. The beast tongue? How might that sound?” Myriam’s mother asks.

“Hmm. It’s less about sound, than it is about signals and intention. Each animal communicates with different signals, so the sound can vary quite a bit.” Myriam says as she picks up her cup.

“Hmm. And the boy?” Myriam’s mother asks, her gaze focusing to process the information.

Myriam lets out a sigh. “Must we speak of this mother? Is it not enough for me to say that he’s my son?” She asks, a little frustrated.

Myriam’s mother’s eyes widen. “Why of course it’s enough, dear! But you must understand our family’s position! You know how the nobles are; for many of them, such things are not below what they could stand.” She says, trying to explain.

“Hmm.” Myriam says, considering the matter. Eventually, she let out a sigh, deciding to tell the truth. “I found him collapsed outside of my house, bruised and bleeding.” She says.

Myriam’s mother’s eyes widen once again. “Bleeding? A boy? How?” She asks, shocked.

Arias continues to sip his tea, also processing the information.

“I don’t know. But some armored men came by soon after, looking for a boy. They said he was dangerous.” Myriam says, looking to Arias with worry.

Arias takes another sip, and smiles.

“Well that’s just unbelievable. And this matter does seem more of an accident than anything… more nefarious. But you understand, that Arias won’t receive any inheritance of worth from the family. They wouldn’t dare to risk it.” Myriam’s mother says, explaining the state of things.

Myriam lets out another sigh. “I understand.” She says, accepting the matter.

Myriam’s mother looks to Arias once more, this time, with a more gentle expression. Her guard had been let down slightly, and now that she looked at him, the boy was quite comfortable to look at. And she wasn’t going to deny it, the idea of another grandson was able to ease her soul. “Will you enroll him into the academy?” She asks.

“Of course. He’ll have to be educated like any noble.” Myriam says firmly.

Myriam’s mother smiles. “And what do you have planned in the afternoon? Maybe Arias can meet some of his cousins. He should be introduced to his family as soon as possible.” She says.

“He’d like to see a play. Is there anything playing today?” Myriam asks.

Myriam’s mother’s eyes brighten. “A play! Delightful! I’ll invite your sister; maybe they’ll have time in the evening. The Masked Prince is playing in the evening; it’s a wonderful show.” She says.

Myriam smiles. “Wonderful.” She says.

…

…

“And to you, who dances upon the night, masked and obscured, gallivanting about on privileges stolen. To you who presents grace and charm, a sheet to cover ill-intent and demonic hunger, in a garden of women to stroll in. To you, I say, take off that mask! You are no prince! You’re a hack! Raised in the dirt to step on our backs! Reveal yourself to be, those who should be ignored, those who would live in a shack!”

“Ha ha ha! Ortulio, you are correct, these are privileges stolen, and many sweet kisses I've picked from lips, swollen. But unlike thee, the height on which I stand, is not defined by stolen land, or on made-up titles! It is defined by the honor of men, the respect of the people and their values so vital. You won’t understand, you’ll never understand, your mind so small and buried under dust. You've gone so long, deluded by fallacious ideas, that your mind has begun to rust. What are riches, what is wealth? Are they what the words duke and prince offer? Or are they what fills the soul, the heat of health? Life and love is what fills my coffer.”

Arias watches the play intently, throwing peanuts into his mouth as he is engrossed in the story. This is awesome. He thinks, having his fill of the drama. It’s almost better than troll’s blood. He thinks.

Suddenly, Arias senses something and his eyes widen. Demons, monsters, and armored men. More and more of them were appearing around the square. Quickly, Arias expands his senses. Garl and Telzen… He thinks with furrowed brows.

Arias lets out a sigh as he considers his options. He very much didn’t want to ruin the play. Must I capitulate? He thinks somewhat unwillingly. But eventually he makes his decision. Fine. He thinks reluctantly as he reaches for the minds of Garl and Telzen.

Don’t make a move. I have a proposition. But wait till after the play…