[Krome] When old meets new

[Xander Andaris]

81st Ashan, Arc 717

Xander had yet to meet Andráska Venora, the brother of his trusted ally Alistair. He had not heard much about the Lord, he only knew that he was an old friend of Celeste and sibling of Alistair and Zvezdana. He had met with both of those two, one long ago and the other just last season. The trial before this Andráska had met with Celeste alone, much to Xander's silent disapproval. She was still unwell, recovering from her sickness and even the attack from Rafael Warrick only trials earlier. Poor Celeste had been through so much this past season and he worried for her well being. However, he had seen how she had been excited to see the man and so he had not commented on his worries. It was better she was happy than cooped up and miserable, still he had spent the time worried.

Since the attack he had been hyper vigilant and had taken to nearly always carrying his sword at his hip, ready to fend off any unwanted visitors or attackers. He would not allow her to come to harm again, not when he could stop it. Two attacks was enough, he would protect her better now and he had even been practising more to increase his chances. She was to be his wife and it was to be his job to keep her safe and out of harms way. Xander would make sure she was able to live freely but also safely and for that reason he believed it best to meet with this new Venoran Lord and to keep her safe.

He approached the other Lord who was already there alongside his fiance. The two seemed somewhat close and he was sure that they shared something himself and Celeste were only in the process of constructing. This man had likely been there during the hardship of Celeste's past engagement to Alistair, the man had, after all, humiliated and hurt her. He had refused to marry her and to his understanding disappeared off to anywhere she was not. He, after the short time he had known her, could not understand why he had done so. Xander knew his ally had none standard preferences in his lovers but Celeste made for more than just an attractive companion but also an intelligent one.

The young wolf walked up to his prey with a charming smile on his face, ready to greet his guest correctly. He did not yet know if he could trust the man, who looked very unwell. His arm was in a sling and cuts and bruises covered his hands and some his face. He was not in good shape for a Lord, Xander had grown used to seeing them dressed richly and with perfectly groomed hair and unmarred skin. Apparently, this Andráska Venora knew how to get his hands dirty and was not afraid to get involved in whatever fight had taken place to give him the injuries. He was assuming there had been a fight of course.

"Goodtrial Lord Venora, I am sorry to have kept you waiting." He extended a hand in greeting as he looked the man over. He stood the same height as himself and was of a similar build, in fact the two were quite similar in appearance. The biggest differences being the eyes, Xander's blue and his green, also the face shape as Andráska had a stronger shape than Xander. "It is a pleasure to meet you Lord Venora, I hope Celeste has kept you in good comfort while you waited for me. I must say I can see the resemblance of you from your brother but not so much your sister." Xander did not know what had come of the poor Zvezdana. Her sad fate was unknown to him and for that he would apologise if he was informed of this soon.

[Celeste Andaris]

She was nervous, Celeste realised as she sat in the comfortable lounge room with Andraska, waiting for Xander to join them. Nervous about these two men meeting. How very odd that she should feel that, she thought, but then she examined it and realised why.

It was, simply, that she wanted them to like each other. Andraska was her friend and Xander was her fiance, and someone she was growing to respect and admire. No, that was not true she reminded herself. It was not that which was developing between her and her soon to be husband. He had earned her respect a dozen times over, already. What was between the two of them was a genuine relationship of some kind. Could it be what they both hoped and thought it was? Celeste did not know but she was surprisingly open to the possibility.

What a strange world it was.

"Well, I am on good terms with one of the healers in Krome. An ithecal lady by the name of Rita. If you wish it, I am sure she'd have a look at that arm, you know." Celeste smiled at Andraska, assuming that he'd wave the idea off. Then, she turned as Xander walked in to the room and her smile widened in pleasure at seeing him. "There you are. Lord Krome, this is Lord Venora who is my very dear friend." To Andraska then she added, "Lord Venora, my fiance, Lord Krome." With a perfectly polite and yet somehow wicked smile she looked between the two of them.

"Or, as I will continue to call you both. Xander, Andraska. Andraska, Xander." She smiled between the two of them and then looked to Xander to check that he was happy, which he seemed to be mostly. Wary, Celeste thought, but happy. "Now that Xander is here, I have good news." Xander, of course, already knew what Celeste said next. "The papers arrived today, officially marking my adoption of Ala'ni. Ala'ni is a six arc old little girl I met when we went to town to help with the sick," Celeste explained to Andraska. "She attached to me and still will not speak to anyone but me. Her parents died of the sickness."

Celeste's eyes turned to Xander and she gave a soft smile, "I could not leave here there, all alone. So, Xander and his family have been very accommodating. She's getting much better with Xander, too." Celeste smiled at Andraska. "When your arm is better, I would love her to hear you play. She used to have singing lessons, she tells me. I haven't heard her sing, but music is very healing for the soul, I think."

Sipping the glass of water she had, Celeste listened to the conversation of the two men who had just met. Xander mentioned Andraska's sister; Celeste had said nothing to Xander about the conversation she and Andraska had engaged in when he first came here. It was too private and she would not do so. She wondered, briefly, if she should have mentioned not to mention his sister, but then that would have prompted questions.

[Andráska Venora]

81st of Ashan, 717

Andraska Venora had slept sparingly the night before but he was already feeling a bit better, both mentally and physically. He had taken a long bath that morning and now had a fresh sling for his arm, as well rested as he could be from his arrival yesterday. He had declined most breakfast offers from the servants, but nibbled on some unripe fruit from the kitchens, smirking to himself when he began mentally comparing it to the yields in Venora, remembering Celeste's playful taunt and their house representations.

Now, he was standing beside his friend, watching her with eyes that spoke of a working mind as he began crafting a witty retelling of the story, but before he could find a way to slip it in, Celeste wanted to make sure his own health was taking precedence and made an offer regarding healers.

It was true, normally he would have shaken off the offer... but given his job description and how much he wanted to play an intrument... “I think my arm is almost recovered. It looks worse than it is... But, if it makes you feel better, it's something to look into.” he smiled and turned at the sound of footsteps.

And there he was.

Lord Krome in all his glory.

The man was remarkably similar to himself in height and build, and something about him struck the Venora noble as familiar. He scoured his memory, and then recalled – it was the man that Alistair had been talking to at the masquerade... They had looked awfully friendly then, and he couldn't help the glancing between both Xander and Celeste. “Good trial.” Andras offered his good hand, the extension hesitant when he made a comment regarding his appearance and his siblings. Both of them. His face remained impassive as his fingers wrapped around the other lord's in a strong shake, “You knew Zvezdana?”

Perhaps his voice was a bit cooler, more detached than it would have been had she not been brought up, but he met Xander's eyes, green clashing with blue, when he released the other male's hands, “I never saw her with many friends... forgive me.” Andras stepped back, trying to imagine the two spending time together. Had he really been so detached from his own house he had missed those moments. Something dark swirled in his eyes before he caught Celeste's eye. She was watching them closely and he immediately brightened, offering a smile that looked surprisingly natural despite the effort it took, “Seeing you two at the ball, I was under the impression you were close to Alistair. I'll make sure to relay the observation. He loves compliments.”

Celeste introduced the two men and informed them of the progress with a little girl, Ala'ni. Andraska remained politely quiet for majority of it, arching a brow. An adoption? He remembered his own nephew who waited at home, in the care of wet nurses who were far more skilled in childcare than himself, “Of course,” Should he have told Celeste about him or would it have been too much to handle all in one confession? He focused back on the conversation. She wanted him to play for the orphan. Music was indeed just that – the only self medication that had never left him in pain the morning after, “If she's comfortable with it, I'll play as much as she wants.”

“I was hoping to have a fundraiser, however I was sent out of the city and was forced to reschedule. I have been trying to find a good time, but if you three would like to come when I have a better time frame planned, it's supposed to be rather fun.” He looked to both of them, “I'll send you invitations?”

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[Xander Andaris]

The man used his good hand to shake his own and Xander smiled politely as he saw something ever so briefly in the other man's eyes. A flicker of pain, maybe sadness, he couldn't say for sure. He had not expected surprise at the fact he had met his sister, even if it had just been once for a brief time. Lords and ladies met all the time, normally due to parents in search of potential marriages or just at social gatherings. "Indeed, only once a long while ago, I am not sure if you could call us friends. We are more acquaintances than anything." Xander decided not to linger on the girl he knew little about, so little in fact he had not learnt of her demise. Instead he allowed the topic to flow on, naturally to Alistair.

"Yes, your brother and I became quite good friends in Cylus. Although I have not seen him for some time. Is he well?" Xander assumed the Lord had seen his brother, if not it would raise some questions about the closeness of his ally's family. Then again, he had not seen many members of his own family and with the treatment he had been given by his parents as a child he understood how distant families could be. Not all were as caring and compassionate as Celeste, the new mother it appeared. She was rather maternal and he had discovered it earlier thanhe would ahve expected.

Xander had already heard of the adoption papers coming through, there was nearly nothing that got past him in his own home. At least not if he wanted to know about it. For example when Celeste and Andráska had their last meeting he'd made sure to give them space and allow them to have freedom of speech without worry of eavesdroppers.

Although, perhaps Xander was not as good at allowing his fiance freedom as he thought. He felt a twinge of jealousy as he looked at the handsome man, the one who was now being asked to play for Ana'li. Xander could offer no such gift to the newly adopted girl, not unless she wished to learn to fight or organise a household. Not to mention the fact that he had no clue what lay in their past.

They must have known each other for some time, it was clear from their casual attitude to one another and the fact they could once have been siblings-in-law. "Of course, send us an invitation, we would be honoured to attend." Xander smiled and looked the man in his green hues inquisitively. "For what did you plan this fundraiser exactly? I am always happy to support those in need." It may appear odd to Celeste to see Xander acting so politely and suddenly political. He was acting how he did with other nobles. He was not meeting with a friend like she was but instead a potential ally or enemy. He would be either of those two and he was sure it would soon become evident which it was. Xander did hope for ally, due to current alliances and the friendship he had with Celeste. Not to mention the man seemed like he had a similar attitude towards getting involved as Xander, from his bandages that was.

[Celeste Andaris]

They looked alike, Celeste realised. How had she never noticed that before? Xander and Andraska stood together, similar height and similar build, their hair. How on Idalos had that passed her by? She looked between the two and she realised that she needed to tread carefully here. Xander was every inch the man she had met, not the man she knew now and Andraska was polite but reserved.

What was going on here, she wondered. Andraska could be a powerful and useful ally to Xander, she had no doubt, to them both. There was a potential for an alliance in this room which might be as useful or moreso than the one with Andraska's elder brother. Celeste wondered just what she was seeing, though, the pair of them circling each other like two wolves, Celeste observed.

At Xander's assurance that he could see a family resemblance between Andraska and Alistair, Celeste looked and wondered if he could. She did not, really, see any similarities between the two although she lowered her head to hide her smile when Andraska said that he would tell Alistair of Xander's observation; it was the fact that he would do so because Alistair loved a compliment. "How difficult it must be to have such an egotist for a brother." Celeste responded with a smile. Of course, whether it was difficult for Andraska or Alistair, she did not say.

Moving to sit, Celeste looked at Xander and she wondered at what he was thinking. She reached out, as they walked back to the sofas, her hand just brushing against his. Why, she did not know, but she felt that she should, that he needed that contact from her. Sitting, she lowered herself into an armchair, so that she did not sit next to one or the other of them, but could see them both. "A fundraiser?" Xander asked what the fundraiser was raising funds for and Celeste listened carefully.

"As long as it is not in Saun, that will be wonderful. I fear that we might be somewhat busy in Saun." Her smile to Xander was very genuine. There was no doubting how fond she was of the man she called her 'wolf pup'. Turning her gaze to Andraska, she wondered, "We have not heard anything from the King, following our letter. I wonder if he will follow suit with his own wedding." To say she would be interested to see was a gross understatement. "But if this fundraiser is in Ymiden, we are all yours."

[Andráska Venora]

81st of Ashan, 717

Xander met his eyes, looking in them as he questioned what the fundraiser was for, and the other noble man furrowed his brow. Did he not say? He was so sure he had! “Apologies,” he said with a slow smile, “Mention of the adoption reminded me. It would be for The Little Garden, a orphanage in Venora. I have been giving what I can and we've made quite a few updates in the seasons since. Specifically, the money would continue to go to providing food, better clothing and books. Toys. Medicine... Repairs on the building itself are mostly done,” he glanced at Celeste, “It's looking great,” And then he stepped back, seeing how closely Xander watched him.

Was he suspicious? Threatening?

“I would like any extra funds to be used to ensure future apprenticeships, perhaps establish some sort of savings for those who do not get adopted as children and end up leaving the orphanage, to help them find housing, or travel costs to pursue dreams. I understand when one has a hard past, it can be just as difficult to create a future.” For a moment, Andráska's eyes were not in the room looking at the pair before him, but seeing his own childhood – how his father had beaten and degraded him, how he had been isolated and how his family had watched, not knowing they had horrors of their own to endure The walls of Venora had been soaked in secrets and agony, and suddenly he blinked and returned, “They must feel as if the world has turned their backs on them, and I aim to make sure that never happens again.”

Celeste mentioned Saun and being preoccupied, and Andráska had to look towards the window, his mischievous smirk rising to his lips as he aimed to behave, “Busy,” he repeated, giving a light hum to himself, “Busy, indeed. Well, it's not everyday two houses merge.” Andráska didn't care for the atmosphere of the room. Xander was acting like his brother – his tone political and maybe calculating, and while there was a time and place for those things, he wanted to enjoy the day before he had to go back to Venora and drown in those things.

As for the mention of the King, Andras tried not to tense, “I cannot say,” he muttered, “I doubt he was happy with your announcement. He's still a boy. I don't think he ever imagined a humble wedding and you've forced it upon him.” Truth be told, Andras had barely had a full conversation with the young leader, but could imagine he didn't like being backed into a corner. Celeste and Xander will be setting a tone that favored the people. Given the RCA, doing anything but following suit would be a slap in the face to the people. It could threaten an entire rule.

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[Xander Andaris]

An orphanage was an interesting place to be sponsored by a young male noble such as Andráska. It was a still good to hear that the man cared for the people, it was a good sign and made Xander think that perhaps he was being too quick to make a view of this noble. Some southern folk had surprised him recently and it appeared this Venora did not wish to disappoint on surprising him. "Very noble of you Lord Venora, I am sure the children appreciate your care and affection. That is something I am sure they do not often experience." Xander could relate to the neglect, his own parents had neglected him after all.

The Venora continued to speak of the orphanage and seemed somewhat distant, like he was remembering or looking to the future on something. Xander would often have a same appearance when thinking of what he wished from the future. He would picture what he wanted in his minds eye as if it were already real. This seemed to be like Andráska at that moment, there but distant in thought. "I have no doubt your support and donations to them will give them a better future." Xander smiled at the man across from him, still trying to fully understand him and struggling with the feeling of him being some kind of challenger. He was also still acting politically and not truly friendly, it was sort of like a fake friendly. Sort of like offering a hand to shake while holding a knife in the other. Xander needed to keep his emotions separate when meeting those who could one day be an ally or enemy. "Give them a future and they will care about you for a long time. Of that I have no doubt."

Although Xander did not dislike the lord before him he could not say he liked him either. He seemed honourable and noble and yet he seemed to still have a childish side. The smirk that crossed his face and he tried to hide being the main show of this. "I assume you will be attending the wedding Andráska? We intend to give money that would have been spent on the wedding to charities so perhaps we should add the orphanage to the list?" Xander's offer was sincere, they needed to decide on charities at some point so why not start now. After all it was better to give it to a charity you knew was true and Celeste seemed to trust Lord Venora and he seemed to believe in his orphanage so perhaps this was a good one to start with.

"We could never force the king to do anything Lord Venora, we merely suggested he follow suit. If he wishes to continue with extravagance and huge expense then he can." Xander regarded the other Lord to gauge his response to that, surely he knew that no one could force the king of Rynmere to do anything. "I suspect you will be marrying soon too though? If I am not mistaken I was sure I saw you at the Cylus Masked ball with an old friend of mine?" Xander was curious what had come of that relationship with his old friend Olivia.

[Celeste Andaris]

Andraska's vision for the orphanage, and his wish for the children caused Celeste to smile. "I would hope that could be true for all children. It is a very noble goal, Andraska." When Xander suggested that the Venora orphanage was added to the list of charities, Celeste smiled and nodded, "I think that is an excellent idea! Andraska, would that be something you would be happy with?" The list of charities was growing, both of them choosing one in each of the seven areas of Rynmere. "I would be more than happy for that to be my charity for Venora?"

She turned to Andraska and smiled, "We choose one charity each, in each Duchy. So, there will be fourteen charities in all who receive an equal share." Their discussion on the king and what he thought of their letter, though, made her recognise the feeling in the room even more. Xander was playing politics, Andraska was growing wary. Celeste wondered what it was that was going on here, they were very uncomfortable around each other.

It could not be because of Alistair, or Andraska's belonging to House Venora. Xander himself had allied with Alistair, curse his traitorous soul, so it was not that. Celeste couldn't quite put her finger on what it was that was getting under the skin of the two men in the room. She raised an eyebrow though at Xander's news that Andraska had been at the ball with an old friend of his? Celeste's eyes flashed with emotion as she felt a rather possessive streak rush through her.

"Old friend?" As Celeste asked that, her eyebrow was arched. "Why, Lord Krome, what old friend is this?" An old friend could mean a myriad of things and she wondered, not for the first time, if Xander spoke the truth when he told her that he had taken no lover. There were a lot of women in his background for a man who had been so chaste, she considered. However, she turned her attention to Andraska and her raised eyebrow and steely expression turned on him, although she was teasing him there was no doubt. "And what secrets is my fiance speaking of? I am afraid that any woman seeking your hand will have to be carefully vetted. It is quite a process, you know." She smiled at Andras, teasing him with good humour.

As for the King, Celeste saw Andraska tense. "Working in the King's Guard puts you in a unique position. How will you manage that and all the demands of a Barony?" It was a big job he had taken on and she could not say she entirely liked it. It sounded dangerous. "I hope it means you can still attend our wedding, your duties? I would be very sad not to share that trial with you." She took Xander's hand and smiled; the two men knew her and the look of excitement on her face was genuine and her smile to Xander told much more of her feelings that Celeste would have been comfortable with.

"We are very much looking forward to it, the start of a life together. Getting to know each other before has been a very sensible thing to do." She looked at Andraska and her smile turned mischievous. "Who knows, it might catch on as a habit?"

[Andráska Venora]

81st of Ashan, 717

The more they conversed, the clearer it became to Andráska that Xander Krome would never be his biggest fan. Xander gave small praises of his efforts to help the less fortunate, but looked upon him as if he had ulterior motives. Andráska had to remind himself that the man's fiance had just had her life threatened by more than one person, and he tried to chalk it up as stress, but the longer the atmosphere lingered, the more irritated he felt.

He was not Rafael Warrick, and he certainly wasn't a traitorous hand maiden. Yet Xander Krome was quicker to befriend his brother, who had jilted Celeste and shamed her than to trust her own alliances? 'Will you always doubt your spouse's alliances, or do you just like to control everything? How romantic.” Andráska had to resist the urge to defend himself, not quite sure why he felt attacked in the first place. He didn't help orphans because he wanted them to care for him. He helped them because it was the right thing to do.

What kind of man was this Xander Krome? Celeste had talked well of him, and yet every move he made felt judged. How was he not to take offense?

Thoughts still darkened by the death of Zvezdana, Andráska reasoned he was more on edge than usual, and when Xander suggested adding the Venora orphanage to the list of charities, he ignored the small, prideful voice that hissed in offense, 'I can provide for my own.'.

Instead, he gave a flash of white teeth, relaxing only slightly when Celeste offered her own excited exchange. 'Perhaps I'm being childish', he reasoned, imagining the good that could come from the agreement. It was simply business, nothing personal, “Ms. Maybella will be over the moon when I tell her.” Andráska would always sacrifice his pride if it meant providing for his people. Venora was the responsibility of his family, but he needed to remain open to assistance.

The young lord settled when Xander brought up his old friend. Andráska knew exactly who they were discussing, and he tucked his hand into his pocket, “I do believe your fiance is referring to the breathtaking Olivia Warrick,” he said softly to Celeste, his mind pulling back the memory. They had danced, and kissed... a lot. If he was being completely honest with himself, he still thought back to the memory fondly, having almost hoped something would have come out of it. With his new promotion and all the chaos going on, he had written off the little expression as a passionate first impression. Both Venora and Warrick, having historically been close allies, they were seeking a marriage, “I'd like to think,” Andras said, trying to carefully choose his words and also speak truthfully, “that I'll love someone one day. Olivia was a sweet girl, but I'm afraid given my current position, a union with me would be ill advised.”

Besides being a Warrick, a family that may or may not be behind the attempted assassination of Celeste, and the assault of Rynmere monks, he simply couldn't focus on the political dance of seeking a lady's hand, especially one with such complex ties, “As Celeste has noticed,” he looked at her and gave a polite smile, “It's...” Pause, “A challenge to protect the king and then fall into a new position of leadership. I give a piece of myself everyday,” his hand still tucked into his pocket, he dug his thumbnail into the side flesh of his pointer finger, focusing on the pain to keep a calm expression. But he saw them – saw the flames, the two heads of the beast, the darkness that rocked him. He was empty, still floating in the void of purgatory, “I...”

Killed her.

Andráska dug his nail deeper, feeling the skin give and then break, the light stickiness of blood trailing down to his hidden knuckle, his face emotionless while a storm raged behind his emerald eyes. He looked down, to the floor, seeing Celeste's skirts and Xander's shoes and suddenly he was flung back into the present, and he had to blink to regain his bearings, “I'll try to make it to your wedding, of course.”

He had to think of what Celeste had been saying, “I hope it does catch on, I just...” The room was suddenly feeling restrictive, and when his heart began to pound, he wanted to leave, “I'm sorry, I've gotten a little light headed.” It was both a truth and a lie, woven together in hopes to not worry his friend nor seem rude to her husband to be. Suddenly his suspicions of Xander were in the farthest reaches of his mind, and he looked to the man, “You've been gracious to allow me to stay in your home. Thank you for that. But it might be best for me to take my leave,”

Andraska wanted to apologize to Celeste, afraid his hesitations were too obvious for her knowing eyes, and he tried to lighten the mood, “I'm afraid my body isn't fully recovered from my expedition. I don't know how I keep forgetting. Honestly, you've been excellent hosts, but I should head back to Venora and give myself proper time to rest. It'll give you lovebirds all the time in the world to get to know one another,” he tried to smile, but his mind was crackling with a sense of irrational (or was it?) dread.

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[Xander Andaris]

Xander was beat to his explanation of who this old friend would be by the Venoran, the description he made likely worsening whatever it was Celeste had been thinking. "Indeed, Olivia is a friend from my childhood, we grew up spending a lot of time together me her and my..." His voice trailed off as memories rushed his mind, bombarding him with a swarm of emotions. He could have sworn he felt heavier as his legs felt weaker. Celeste might note his use of only her first name, a rare thing for him to do. "Just a childhood friend, Lord Andráska was courting her last I saw."

Xander wrestled with his emotions and memories, forcing them back inside the mental prison cell he had spent arcs creating. Locking them away as he returned his mind to the present and the issues at hand, making sure he would not be overcome by that side of him again for the time being. His body was still somewhat shaken by the onslaught of emotion and memory. Still he managed to force it into submission and focus on the Lord.

Xander listened to the Venora and he could feel the disbelief in the words he spoke. He did not know why the man had lost his belief in love but clearly he had. Xander, strangely, offered then some words of wisdom. "Do not worry if love seems lost Lord Venora, one day it will sneak up on you and your world will feel brighter again." He had no idea where that had come from, he felt strange having let it come out of her voice. It was something that she would have said, perhaps it was the memories making him say it. His hand by his side searched for Celeste's, he wasn't sure why he wished to hold it now.

Andráska continued to speak and Xander listened as he spoke of the struggle of being part of the Ouroboros Guard and leader of a Barony. Xander nodded as the man spoke, sure it was a challenge for any, himself included. One thing the young Baron said caught him though and he was then sure this man truly new what it meant to lead, even as his suspicions and worries remained he gained a little more respect for the man. Leading and caring for others does take away from you, chips away at you bit by bit but it is those that keep going even with this that deserve to lead. That was his belief.

Suddenly the man seemed to have gone distant, even as his face was emotionless his eyes gave away that mentally he had not been present, even as he replied correctly. He spoke of being light headed and then excused himself to leave. He continued to give a correct and well formulated reason but Xander did not believe it. "Any friend of Celeste is welcome in my home, no need to thank me but I am sure it would not go amiss with the servants, they are hard working and deserve the credit more than me." As the Venora went to leave, clearly meaning to depart for Venora and not just go and rest, Xander reached out and took his arm.

"Be careful Andráska Venora, the roads are not as safe around Rynmere as they once were. Make sure to keep your wits about you and don't be deceived by the cunning tricks bandits will play." Xander suddenly realised how this could be taken as a threat, no matter how sincere it was. He let go of the man and nodded, not smiling as if he thought it was good as it would be even stranger if he did. "I hope to see you at the wedding if not sooner." He stepped back to Celeste's side and watched.