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[Talon Skyfire]

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"Keep your friends close...keep your enemies closer"

~Arabian Proverb

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It was an unusually quiet evening in Sanctus. The majority of the army had moved back for rest and recovery from the continuing war against the Ophidians. The conflict was dragging on with no end in sight. The victories and defeats tilted back and forth between both sides, never giving either a clear advantage.

The King walked about the city, stopping often to offer words of encouragement or lend a hand to an overworked healer.

Twilight was quickly approaching, and the city was shrouded in the dimness of the evening. As the King approached the hostel he nodded to a gentleman and quickly did a double take.

"You look very familiar," said Talon.

"I get that alot," said the stranger.

"Do you know a man by the name of Lord Aleph Aeirs?" inquired the King.

"Aye, I should. I am his brother Alyx," replied the man with a mischevious grin.

"A pleasure to meet you, Alyx. You definately have the look of your brother. Does Aleph still live? The realm is in dire need of him," Talon spoke.

"But does he need the realm?" Alex replied quickly. "I have not heard from him in some time. However, I have other news. There was a merchant here hawking blackrock."

"This cannot be....I must go search for something," said the King as he rushed into Blackgard.

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Pushing open the large steel door of the treasury, Talon stepped inside.

"It has to be here," he pleaded with no one in particular. "Ah, there you are."

Pushing open a large chest, he gazed upon its contents briefly before an intruder made him slam it shut.

"Ah, Captain Poshe, is something amiss?"

"Aye, Sire...you must see this."

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Walking back outside, Talon spotted two familiar individuals in front of the Hostel.

"Milady Regent, Sir Keris. Welcome to Sanctus. Our hospitality is given," the King offered.

"Who is this Lia everyone keeps talking about? My name is Lisa and I am a farmer!" stated Lia matter of factly.

Talon exchanged confused looks with those in attendance before Keris spoke up.

"The Lady Regent is in a delicate state right now after suffering some trauma in battle with the Ophidians," said Keris regretfully.

"Memory loss?" asked Talon.

"Aye, this is the third time it has happened."

Instantly a dozen thoughts and plans entered Talon's mind, but he pushed them aside.

"Lisa, Lia. You are the Lady Regent of Brittania. You are the leader of a government which we are highly opposed to. I find it very ironic that you would wander here into the heart of your enemies," declared the King.

"I am a farmer. Im not lost. I came here because this place feels familiar and special to me," said the Regent matter of factly.

Talon considered for a moment before turning to the crowd that was quickly forming.

"We will assist the Lady Regent in whichever way possible. the Regency are our enemies, yes, but she is a good person. We are not opposed to her, only the government in which she administers. See that the Regent is protected and cared for while she remains in our lands," stated the King.

"Love, please see if you can do anything to cure her allifliction." Talon said to Queen Saidhe.

With that, the Queen took Lia inside.

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In the Royal Quarters, the King and Keris sat opposite one another at a small table. Davaran, the King's squire, busied himself pouring drinks and tending to the fire in the hearth.

"I find this situation most ironic, Keris."

"As do I. It is not well known that she suffers from this condition. It is the third time it has happened. The previous times, the Council managed to cover it up. This time I do not think we shall be so fortunate," said Keris.

"I can silence the tongues of my own. However, many foreigners come and go here; some of whom will definately start talking," said the King.

Keris simply nodded while sipping a warm class of cider.

"It must be very difficult for you. Especially being her lover and unremembered," said Talon.

"Aye, you have no idea. But I shall stand by her nevertheless," said Keris.

"You are aware I could use this to my advantage," said Talon.

"I dont care about the politics anymore," said Keris.

"Understandable. Many call us fanatics, zealots, and worse. Im labled as a tyrant and madman by many within your government. But I will not take advantage of an ill woman. We wish to help in any capacity we can," offered the King.

"It is appreciated, although I doubt there is much that can be done," said Keris.

"She mentioned that this place felt special to her? Could you explain?"

"Her child was born here in the Hostel," explained Keris.

"Well, that definately explains it," chuckled Talon. "Does the Council know that she has fallen under this affliction again?"

"No, they do not."

Talon rubbed his chin in thought for a bit. Keris's short reply indicated to him that he had no desire to inform them of it.

"I would think that some of her -loyal subjects-, would quickly use this opportunity as a chance to dispose of her rule and take power for themselves. Isk, Barl, Porthos, and Sid come to mind. Or perhaps the overly vocal women who sit the Council."

Keris did not entertain any of Talon's notions, simply shrugging at the comment.

"Forgive me, I have a tendancy to think out loud. Lia will be offered protection and shelter here for as long as you both desire. Let us go check on her, perhaps the Queen has made progress.."

With that, the two of them ventured to the Queen's chambers.

Talon thought to himself, "Such an ironic night. First my mentor's brother appears, and now the Regent is here among us."
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~Lord Talon Skyfire
King of Sanctus
Lord Protector of Malas