Rakarth: *Alaihandra might be mistaken for anything else other than a prisoner it was odd really, Lorian had her fed daily, free reign of his villa and was constantly being looked after the servants that work at his villa. Even when inquired about how Lord Castellan is toward his own people they say nothing but good things, he'd be willing to place himself in front of any major conflict..Valanice has never been in safer hands. The clear thing about him was he had a soft spot for those in true need, some servants were found in pleasure houses that were ruthlessly used as the populace saw fit until the Lord Castellan brought them to a safe haven. Personal guards, known as the "Black Knights"; men of expert martial combat and were in black armor spoke how most of them came from the arena and he offered them a chance out of hell, but the Villa it was something to behold indeed.. Lavish place that was decorated in the finest silks and beautifully carved wood. Statues and art presented themselves around the estate itself and the garden could rival that of the Empresses’.. Such a big place some found it odd that the Lord never took on any bride, no squires.. Nothing.. The maids were nothing but polite to her and for once no real prejudice could be found.. Depending on how much she inquired it'd be noted that Lorian has on several occasions spoke to his guards and swore an oath that Valanice would always be his top concern. Lorian arrived at the Villa, contemplating to himself as his crimson overcoat sat comfortably over a beautifully carved chair.. Akin to a throne in some respects as a goblet rested to his right, sat upon the table filled to the brim with a crimson liquid. He had ordered his men to bring her to him but don't drag her unless truly required.*

Esylana: Alaihandra, being a woman of grace herself, certainly did not need to be dragged. She came into the lavish room, as lavish as the rest of the villa, but her expression was anything other than impressed. In spite of how well he'd care for the folk who worked for him, no matter their back stories, no matter their trials he had rescued them from, they'd forever be tainted by the cruelty she'd witnessed with her own eyes, there in Darshire. To watch as even children were put to the stake, for simply… her mind stopped there. It was no good to focus on the past - it was done, and in spite of what had happened, he had not needed to respond in the way he did. She stood, she did not sit, merely waiting for whatever it was he wanted, her blue eyes hard and cold as she silently regarded him.

Rakarth: "If you allow anger to consume you, then you'll never move forward." *Lorian started off with allowing the rim of the goblet to be brought to his lips as he'd take a gentle swig of the liquid.* "I'd like to apologise for what you witnessed Alaihandra.. Understand that I didn't wish that fate on anyone there." *He didn't look upon her just yet, simply staring off in front of him as he'd then state with a genuine tone of guilt* "Though I'm willing to sacrifice a few hundred to save the lives of thousands, something that your compatriot not only has taken on but embraced it.. I assume you're unaware of the events at Chardesh?"

Esylana: Alaihandra blinked at this, then frowned - what was he talking about? "No… I have not heard. What has happened in Chardesh?" Her thoughts suddenly jumped to Esylana - his tone, his words, something was wrong. What had happened? What… had Esylana done?

Rakarth: "Esylana activated the dormant Volcano in order to cover her escape from the castle, the resulting damage has been the complete eradication of Chardesh, thousands of men.. Women and children have been killed, countless more from the ash that dispersed across the land." *He stated as a sharp glance was offered to Alaihandra to analyse her reaction before adding.* "We've also got reason to believe that she's being accompanied by a man whose intention is to utilise Esylana's gift for his own uses.. If successful he'll have enough power to begin a coup that will plunge the world into a war like none other." *He stated once again with a genuine look in his eye, taking yet another sip of the liquid.*

Esylana: She quietly regarded him with a pinched expression - an expression of pain. She might not even really be looking at him, and soon her eyes would shift downwards slightly as she processed this news. It was clear something was off. She soon elucidated what it was. "If this is true...then I can guarantee you that it was not intentional. Esylana would never hurt another living soul for her own sake. Not on purpose… but to cause such destruction? Such widespread death? It would be by accident… but not her first time, either..." Alaihandra trailed off, her eyes closing as she sighed deeply. Her protege, she'd known far longer than their time together in Rembrant. And the history they shared was wrought with quite a few mistakes on Esylana's part. And her own, for that matter. But she wouldn't elucidate that openly to Lorian.

Rakarth: "Regardless of what you once knew her as, Alaihandra… that is gone. The man that is currently with her has manipulated her actions into one of widespread disaster with nothing but carnage and annihilation in it's path, this is no longer a simple matter." *The man took another sip* "This isn't the first time?" *The mans curiosity showing as he'd keep those cold, sapphire orbs upon her form.* "Do tell."

Esylana: "...So she has gone and set off a volcano, and is now being… manipulated… into these acts," Alaihandra stated, crossing her arms. "So I suppose that leads me to ask what, exactly, I am to do about it? Why bother telling me?" She was very clearly ignoring his question about it not being the first time, indicating she had no intention of talking with him about the past.

Rakarth: "Stop her." *He'd state bluntly.* "The person I desire isn't Esylana for she's become nothing but a tool for something far greater, the man using this tool is the creature I wish to put into chains and seen brought in for his crimes.. In truth I wish to make a deal with you Alainhandra." *The man placed his goblet on the table before standing up from his seat, arms coming behind his back.* "I wish to offer you, Esylana and all those associated with her a pardon for all crimes committed against the Empire and furthermore.. Protection from the Empress. You'll be welcome in Anthem and Valanice without fear of attack, in return all I ask is that you come with me in order to stop the man with Esylana."

Esylana: Alaihandra listened, and a thoughtful, considerate look came over her face. She then raised an eyebrow as she met his eyes again. "How do you propose I stop her? And on top of that, how do you have the power to guarantee that protection and pardon?...It seems to me that the Empire, no matter how much power you may hold in Valanice, would seek to see us in chains, regardless. After all, the Empress already took friends of ours… cursed one, the other one gods knows where. I doubt you, oh Lord of Valanice, could stop her wrath..."

Rakarth: "That's where you're wrong.. The Empress is aware of her current situation and she's more than aware that with the loss of Chardesh that the people are starting to reconsider her position of power. She's currently unable to take the risk of declaring war on Valanice as I'm personally one of the most influential members of her council." *He'd state with a confident tone.* "As for how you'll stop her. I've came up with a rather ingenious plan to incapacitate the group that she's with but we'll require you to get close to the male. I've come up with a serum specifically designed to bring him down, in which I'll explain myself to Esylana and we'll be able to return to Anthem without any issue." *He stated with a soft smile curling up at his face.* "The Empire is beginning to rot.. Anyone who's got common sense can see change is in the air and I do believe it's time people began to pick a side, the old.. Or the new.."

Esylana: "...And what exactly is the new, then?" All of a sudden, she seemed to be listening. She tilted her head, a genuine look of curiosity crossing her face. "I assume you know why Esylana is wanted?..." She hesitates a moment, a torn look crossing her face, before she finally sighs. "If we stop Esylana and bring her back… you can ensure our safety?... But after what I saw in Darshire… how do I know you… wouldn't be as bad as the Empress? Or worse." It's clear she's faltering, still not trusting him. But something has started to change her mind, slowly.

Rakarth: "The Empire was meant to be a symbol of stability and peace in a world bound by new rules.. It eventually was corrupted by those who held all the power, disregarding those below them and believing that those beneath them aren't to be cared for.. This has never been so wrong.. The Empire that I look for is one that gives everyone a chance to rise, humans, Drow.. It doesn't matter." *He'd pick up the goblet, taking another swig* "People should be in a position from what they've earned not from their birthright and whilst it's a hypocritical statement coming from me as I've been born with Valanice as my land.. I've not sat back and done nothing but worked to be the best leader I can be for both Valanice and Empire." * Lorian's gaze fell upon her now noting the slow change in her mind.* "If the Empress desires you or Esylana harm then I'll be forced to enlighten her on who's currently in control.. All I ask is that Esylana is to be stopped, leylines untouched and the man brought to a swift justice. You'll be able to live in Valanice as lavishly or as common as you please." *She then asked how would she know if he was going to be worse in which Lorian replied simply with* "My act on Darshire was cruel but was required, I meant for Esylana to bring herself in with her leech of a companion but I was unable to sway her to do so..Thus causing the Chardesh incident."

Esylana: She was silent for a very long moment, and then she slowly nodded. "...Very well… I will work with you, if only to keep Esylana from… well, it's clear that the mage magic has, once again, been her undoing… I can't imagine the guilt she's suffering right now." Alaihandra slowly exhaled. "A volcano..."

Rakarth: *A sympathetic look was offered to the woman as she spoke in which Lorian's voice finally showed emotion, softness to it that held genuine empathy* "I'm sorry.. The best things to do aren't always the easiest. I'm aware of the burden that became present.. I'm sure Esylana didn't mean to condemn so many to their deaths but that's the cost of her mission.. I'd like to show you something if I may?" *He'd ask with a curious look*

Esylana: She still didn't like him, much less trust him, but she would nod, the stone-like facade of her demeanor slowly melting into something at least amiable. Business partners, perhaps, but never friends. "...She was deceived by another, once before, and it led to the raising of a great elder monster that destroyed a lot of lives. It also destroyed something she loved dearly, a lovely city beneath the waves… I can guarantee you she would not have let history repeat itself if she could help it… this business with the leylines," she snorts, shaking her head, wincing. "She'd sacrifice herself for the sake of the world, but… Fate is never so kind as to let herself be the only casualty… and even then, I didn't want her to do it."

Rakarth: "I'm aware of the cruelty of fate personally...I'd like to inform you that Valanice has been recently attacked by the Sky Fleet." *He stated* "But I understand the concern for your friend...Once I've obtained the Void Crystal, I assure you that the new regime will be a lot more fair than the current rot that's taken place." *He'd offer her a soft smile before coming onto the creature* "Creature? Something of that size and power.. How has that not been recorded?"

Esylana: She pauses, regarding him carefully, her lips pursed. "Well… I'd rather not get into the details of it, but we're foreigners to Rembrant." It was all she said, her expression growing wary again.

Rakarth: *He'd keep his gaze upon her before offering her a simple nod.* "I'll inform you of the full plan before we depart.. I've already sent out word to assure that we catch and stop this madness when we need to, you may go." *He'd offer her as he sat down back on his chair.. Going into his own mind.*

Esylana: She didn't need to be told twice - she didn't ask what it was he was going to show her before, she didn't really need to see it, and he didn't seem to be insistent on it. Whatever it was would either reveal itself in due time, or it wouldn't. And so she turned and left him, without even so much as an acknowledging nod that would be customary of a guest - she may be treated like one, but she hadn't chosen to come 'visit' him as it were.