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In the Land of Arborea	By : Sweetsong22 Category: +S through Z > Tera Online Views: 6239 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Tera Online. All rights go to ENMASSE Entertainment and their collborators. There is no profit being earned from this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
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This was actually one large chapter that I split in two, the second half should be ready to go by the weekend.

Lektus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2hyQlVj2uE&feature=plcp

Clovon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvPms5p-PfI&feature=plcp

Chapter 10

          Laeyla was absolutely livid when she saw the delegation that had arrived outside the manor that morning. She'd barely gotten enough time to get hers and Reginaldd's stories straight when they'd been knocking on the door. Juleus' investigation had revealed that two rogue soldiers had indeed dumped Luceus unconscious body in the river leading out of the city. The Commander had taken care of the problem by eliminating both of the soldiers at fault, but it was too little too late. And unless Luceus was blessed with divine intervention, he was quite likely dead. It was bad enough that Tristtan was not speaking to her after she was forced to place him under house arrest when he threatened to travel to Herald Fort to seek out Luceus himself. She knew the General would not be there, but could not reveal as such without indicating she was aware of his fate. She could only imagine how Reginaldd was feeling knowing that both their careers were on the line. It would be difficult to pull rank in this situation with someone as powerful as the Prime Minister of Castanica on the opposing team.

          The dignitary had arrived with a delegation of about one dozen guards and attendants, coupled with the soldiers from Herald Fort, over twenty people were now gathered in the Stanhope greeting room. Laeyla's eyes fell to Traviis briefly but he gave her no pause. She had to admit it hurt that he was well and truly finished with her, and she had no one to blame but herself. However, it was the suspicious glances she was receiving from the rest of the group, including Rosalinda and Brie that made her realize Traviis was the least of her worries.
          "Prime Minister Lektus -- greetings." Reginaldd bowed formerly before the head-of-state. When he straightened, he purported a look of diligence and sophistication. "I would imagine that such a visit would have at least come with fair warning. To what do we owe the honor?" Although Reginaldd was absolutely furious that these brats had involved someone as powerful as the Premier, it didn't show on his face one iota.
          "I am here to give you fair warning, Lord and Lady Stanhope." Lektus' booming voice echoed off the walls. "It has come to my attention that there is some sort of feud between yourselves and General Magelus. And now the good General is missing. If he is not produced within twenty-four hours, then I shall be conducting a full investigation of this matter."
          "Your Grace, with all due respect," Reginaldd began. "Your tone suggests that we are guilty of something."
          "Only time will reveal the truth of that," Lektus replied somberly. "I've called an emergency meeting with your High Elven council. We are to discuss how to proceed should the General not show up at the appointed time." Lektus turned his gaze to Reginaldd. "You will not be part of that discussion given your personal ties to this matter.   This investigation will be conducted discreetly -- with all the dignity and grace deserving of two people in your position. And should General Magelus turn up by tomorrow, you shall have my apologies. Until then, I bid you good day." Lektus then turned and led the way out of the manor. His delegation followed, but some of the Herald fort group remained.
          Lycineus squared off against Reginaldd. "What have you done with my brother? If you tell us now and spare us a long investigation, then maybe we won't press charges."
          "Maybe?" Reginaldd eyed the Castanic male as if he were an immature toddler. So, this was Winstone's other offspring. "You're not very good at negotiating are you?"
          "Are you admitting that you had something done to him?" Rosalinda spoke up.
          Reginaldd glanced from both Rosalinda to Lycineus and back again. "You're the mother of the General's son, and you're the man she cuckolded. Back together again I see." His intent had been to anger, but the couple seemed to have a firm grasp on theirs. When Laeyla's former lover stepped forward he suspected he wasn't going to like what came out of his mouth.
          "You both may have proven that you have the resources to learn other people's secrets. But what you'll soon realize is -- so do we." Traviis noted the slightly stunned expression on Laeyla's face but ignored it. "Let's go."
          Brie, who had said nothing during the entire encounter simply pointed at them both with her index fingers like a sniper taking aim in the crosshairs. She then turned and followed her group from the manor, content that they now knew there was a bulls-eye on their heads.
          "We should have asked to see Tristtan," Rosalinda said once they had returned to the air transport that had brought them to Allemantheia.
          "Although I don't trust either of the Stanhope's, I doubt they are going to hurt their own son," Traviis stated.
          "Hmm, would they even know if they were hurting him," Rosalinda murmured.
          "I hate to say it sis, but we're not here for Tristtan. We're here for the General, and if those bastards have harmed a hair on his head --"
          "We get it, you like really good hair." Brie ruffed Traviis' silky tresses removing the trademark bangs that covered one eye. She did get a chuckle out of the group which had been her major driving factor. She didn't want to think that Luceus could be dead. The thought of never seeing him again frightened her to the core. It was bad enough he was set to spend years in prison, but at least she'd be able to visit. However, there was no going back from the finality of death. She really hoped that Luceus did show up before tomorrow and that they wouldn't have to investigate the Stanhope's. For at that point, things would really begin to get ugly.
OOO
          "You don't remember, or you just don't know?" Saeylas had never known anyone who had lost their memory but he had heard of it happening due to serious head trauma. Given the beating Tell had taken, that was quite likely. The Castanic didn't respond for a long time, if Saeylas couldn't still see that his eyes were open, then he may have assumed he'd fallen back to sleep.
          "How could this be happening?" He may not know who he was, but he knew he had a life, he had a purpose and he'd be damned if he'd survive to live as a shell of himself.
          "Maybe it will help if I explain how I found you. Perhaps it might trigger something." Saeylas noted when Tell turned his head towards him but said nothing. He realized the man was perhaps so overwhelmed that he wasn't certain which route to take himself. Saeylas decided to take the initiative.
          "I'd gone to the river to collect kelp weed to aid in soil fertilization. Sometimes it will gather and deposit on the shore. When I first saw you lying there, you were partially covered with the stuff." Saeylas paused briefly as he recalled the dramatic moment. "I must admit I thought you were dead at first, but then I found a pulse. You were -- you were dressed in only underwear, and your hands were shackled. And it looked like someone must have beaten you repeatedly."
          "How long ago was this?" The Castanic figured it couldn't have been that long, not with the level of pain he was still feeling.
          "Only a few days ago. That first night I thought I was going to lose you. In fact, I'm not really sure how you survived." Saeylas had been well and truly puzzled that Tell could have taken a beating like that and survive the river currents -- while bound -- without drowning. "Velik must be looking over you."
          "The goddess..."
          "Yes!" Saeylas was excited that Tell knew of her. "So, you do remember some things..."
          "I feel as if I should be doing something important -- yet I'm here, in the middle of nowhere." The injured male winced as he felt the insistent pressure of nature calling. "Have you facilities?"
          Saeylas was confused at first until he saw Tell's fingers clutching his groin area through the sheets. "This is a simple farmhouse that was built long ago, there are no indoor facilities. But we do have a chamber pot. Wait one second, I'll get it." Saeylas left the room and returned shortly holding a clean, iron chamber pot. He placed the container beside his patient and soon realized that Tell would need assistance in order to use it.
          Saeylas slowly pulled the sheets down and instantly felt his cheeks flush with color when he noted that Tell's penis was erect with what his father liked to refer to as a 'morning piss boner.' He held the pot up waiting for Tell to take aim and complete his business. However, he soon noted that his patients' hands trembled so badly that there was no way he would be able to aim himself. He quickly changed positions and moved to Tell's left side before grasping his penis gently, he aimed it towards the chamber pot. Almost immediately, a clear stream of bright yellow urine flowed into the pot. It was thankfully no longer tinged with red as he'd noticed the first night of Tell's recovery. Saeylas shook the man's cock to dislodge any last drops before setting the pot aside. Then he covered Tell once more for decency.
          "Thank you," The Castanic stated noting the high color on the younger man's cheeks.
          "You're welcome." Saeylas wasn't certain what else to say but suddenly had trouble meeting Tell's gaze.
          "I should be the one embarrassed by this, not you."
          Saeylas realized if Tell knew what he was thinking, then he'd understand the true meaning behind his blush. "My skin is fair -- it's easy to see color on me."
          "Like Tristtan."
          "Is Tristtan someone you know?" Saeylas hadn't expected him to remember this quickly. The Castanic was clearly suffering from some form of amnesia, but there was no way of knowing how long he'd take to recover his memories -- if ever. Yet it seemed them some of them may already be returning.
          "I hope so," The Castanic murmured as he tried to latch on to the name, hoping it would trigger something else. "I'm guessing he's fair like you are."
          "Then perhaps he's also High Elven, once you're well, you should travel to Allemantheia. Maybe someone there will recognize you," Saeylas regretted those words as soon as they'd left his lips, for there was still the possibility that Tell could be an escaped convict. The fact that he'd been bound, bothered Saeylas. If Tell hadn't fallen into the river during an escape, then just what had happened? Was it possible what had befallen this man was not an accident?
          The injured male nodded only slightly so as not to increase the din of a headache that was slowly growing in size. "If only I could remember how to get there."
          "If my father doesn't allow me to escort you, then I can draw you a map that should work just as well," Saeylas managed a slight smile although he already knew it was quite likely that Clovon wouldn't want him anywhere near Allemantheia.
          "Your father?" It hadn't occurred to the Castanic that Saeylas didn't live here alone. "Then perhaps I should be speaking with him as well."
          "He's currently not at home." It was on the tip of Saeylas' tongue to inform his patient that Clovon would not appreciate his presence. But he couldn't bring himself to heap more problems upon the very serious ones Tell was already facing.
          Threading trembling fingers through his matted hair, he soon felt the missing part of his horn. Despair threatened to overwhelm him when all he wanted to do was embrace the rage he felt against the unknown forces that had done this to him and gotten away with it. "I can't even fucking remember my own name!"
          Saeylas grimaced at the man's tone but suddenly an idea struck him. "What if I begin reciting names, maybe I'll hit upon one that you'll find familiar."
          The Castanic glanced at Saeylas with a tired expression on his face and nodded. He had nothing to lose at this point.
          "Okay here goes. Christopher, William, Thomas, Smith, Harrison, Michael..."
          The injured male listened silently for almost five minutes. He could sense an excited aura around the younger man as his mind no doubt dug deep to produce as many names as possible. He couldn't help feeling as if he were some pet project to Saeylas. But the High Elf seemed to genuinely want to help him. The words continued to drone on and soon the Castanic felt he'd had enough, as he was about to put a stop to the pointless exercise, Saeylas hit on a familiar sounding name.
          "Joseph, Lucas, Stefan..."
          "Stop -- Lucas," The Castanic murmured.
          "Is your name Lucas?" Saeylas was hoping he'd hit the hammer on the nail with that one.
          "I don't know," He honestly replied. "But it seems familiar."
          "Lucas it is then, at least until you remember your true name."
          Lucas nodded his agreement, a part of him suspected it wasn't really Lucas but no other names seemed to grab him at the moment.
          "I'll see about making us some breakfast." Saeylas smiled at him before removing the chamber pot and leaving the room. The billowy shirt he wore that reached to well below his knees caressed his overly sensitized skin. He doubted it had anything to do with the sexual encounter he'd recently engaged in with Clovon's friends. But for some reason, simply speaking with Lucas sent the blood humming through his veins. He found he liked the man's company. However, he knew when Clovon returned that his patient would be forced to leave. If he had his memories back by then, at least he wouldn't be abandoned in the cold. If it were up to Saeylas, he would allow Lucas to stay indefinitely. But rarely was anything ever left up to him.
OOO
Tristtan returned home from his most recent therapy session with an armed escort at his side. Laeyla's house arrest was only superseded for his scheduled appointment sessions. He didn't think he'd been more miserable in his life, not even when he'd been a prisoner in Ulrikk's torture camp. He was certain his therapist knew her efforts were in vain but alas, she was being paid after all.
          He'd been planning to ignore his mother as usual when he passed her in the hall and noted that her eyes were red-rimmed. She'd no doubt been crying. "Let me guess, did father win another one?"
          "I suspect all of our actions will soon be affecting us for the worse. I need to speak to you, it's about Luceus." Laeyla knew that dropping the General's name was the only way to keep Tristtan's attention. She guided him towards her office where she was to meet with Sarlena later to go over plans for dealing with the backlash, should the team of lawyers -- Reginaldd was busy hiring -- not be able to get them off on the charges Prime Minister Lektus would no doubt bring against them. But since Tristtan would be involved indirectly, then he had to know almost as much as they did concerning the missing General.   She realized she should have simply allowed Luceus to see Tristtan that day, and perhaps they wouldn't be in this situation right now. It didn't help her conscience that this entire situation could be laid at her feet.
          After locking the door behind her, she strode towards her desk before leaning against it. She wasn't certain how she was going to get the right words out of her mouth, especially since Tristtan was already looking at her with a hurt expression on his face. He already suspected the truth.
          "You lied to me didn't you?" Tristtan could barely look at her when she made no move to deny it. He'd asked her after Juleus had dropped the bomb on him if Luceus had come to the manor, and she'd stated simply, 'no.' He'd had no choice but to believe her as he had no means of finding the truth otherwise. Everyone in the household was loyal to either her or Reginaldd. But she had to have known how much it would hurt him to feel abandoned by Luceus, and yet she'd lied anyways.
          "I knew I would eventually have to tell you about his Tenlis Culpas, I'm not certain how you found out so soon..." Laeyla's voice caught in her throat as she was aware that one day soon she would permanently lose her son because of these deeds.
          Tristtan would have ousted Juleus but held his tongue. The Commander may have revealed these things to him out of spite, but he'd given Tristtan more truth that he'd received ever since returning to this accursed home. "When did he come?"
          "It was while you were at a therapy session. "
          "That day, you smiled in my face and asked me if I wanted something to eat," Tristtan's voice was unusually calm given his intense anger. "Yet you knew that Luceus had been by to see me, and you didn't say a word."
          "Tristtan, I regret that with all my heart, you have no idea --"
          "Why are you even telling me now? Something must have happened," He surmised.
          "Maybe you should sit down..."
          "Tell me, mother!" His hold on his anger was finally slipping.
          "Luceus is missing and uh -- a team from Herald Fort is here searching for him."
          "Why don't you add in the words you left out? What did you and father do to him?"
          "He was alive when he left here, that is all I can tell you. And I swear, it is the truth." Laeyla felt an ache in her chest as this nightmare got even worse. She should not have blurted those words out, but he way Tristtan was looking at her was breaking her heart.
          "By the Titans, are you saying Luceus could be dead?" Tears pooled in his blue eyes so quickly that his vision of his vengeful mother was instantly blurred. "Are you and father the cause of his death?!"
          "Tristtan, I can't say anymore, Because it is very possible that your father and I will soon be on trial, and the less you know the better."
          "You're just as hateful as he is." Tristtan turned to leave and was grateful she didn't try to stop him. He kept going until he reached the front door. When the guards moved to stop him, he heard Laeyla speak from behind him. He hadn't realized she'd been following him until now.
          "Let him pass. He's free to come and go as he pleases."
          The guard nodded his understanding and stepped aside.
          Tristtan did not chance another glance back at his mother. He didn't want to risk seeing a look on her face that may change his mind. He was well and truly done with both his parents, and soon they would know it.
OOO
          "I imagine now that you're awake that you're going to get tired of having pea soup every day." Saeylas had just finished helped Lucas into a seated position before placing a dinner tray over the man's lap. The tray was really only a small section of wooden floor board, but it worked to hold the bowl of soup with the bread on the side. Saeylas knew he would have to assist his patient with the meal, for they had already established that Lucas had suffered some type of brain injury that was not only affecting his memories but his motor skills as well. It wasn't lost on him that the Castanic was once a proud man and that this lost of function must be hitting home in more ways than one. Therefore, he'd come up with an idea which he hoped Lucas wouldn't mind.
          Saeylas produced a straw made from reeds and placed it in the soup. "It's warm but it's not hot, so you should be able to sip it." He held the bowl and straw up to Lucas' lips and waited for him to take the first sip. This process may not have been entirely self-functional, but it was better than Saeylas having to spoon feed the man every mouthful.
          The warm liquid beat a soothing trail down Lucas' throat. He took several sips before removing his lips from the straw. "Thank you."
          "You're welcome." There was a broad smile on Saeylas' face as he realized he loved having company that was not his step-father. Or maybe he just preferred this man's company. It allowed for his storytelling side to blossom. "My mother once told me that my grandfather could quite literally inhale his soup. I wonder if it had something to do with our pointy noses -- they work just like dual straws." He chuckled and noticed that he'd managed to bring a half smile to Lucas' lips but the man sobered quickly.
          "I have to be honest with you, Saeylas." Lucas regarded the younger man as if he were about to impart something of the utmost importance. "I don't think I'd like to see you drink from you nose."
          Saeylas laughed out loud, thrilled that even in his injured, memory-less state, Lucas could make a jest. "Here, have a snowball." Saeylas tore off a piece of the not crusty part of the bread and fed it to the Castanic. "When I was a kid, my mom would take me up north and we'd have snowball fights. And I've got to tell you," He pointed a thumb in his direction. "I've got a mean right hook."
          "I'll take your word for it," Lucas replied as he chewed slowly. He had to admit the handsome youth had an excellent bedside manner.
          "We'd also make snowball sandwiches, so now -- whenever I eat bread. I call it a snowball."
          "As long as you don't make the bread with snow or balls, then I'm fine with that."
          Saeylas grinned, "I'll keep that in mind."   He fed Lucas another piece of this bread instead.
          After Lucas finished chewing he realized he wanted to learn much more about the young High Elf. "You've mentioned your mother -- shall I assume she's also away with your father?"
          Saeylas lowered his gaze briefly. It had been nice to share fond memories of Telena with Lucas, but there was always that open wound left inside him by her glaring absence in his life. "She died several years ago."
          "I'm sorry to hear that, your father must also be devastated." Lucas was uncertain how to relate to Saeylas' loss, he didn't even know if his own parents still lived. He did notice when the boys' gaze hardened at the mention of his father and had to wonder at that.
          "She is missed," Saeylas said nothing more on the subject and was grateful when Lucas decided to change it.
          "Is this what you want to be doing, Saeylas? I imagine you could get a scholarship to college if you traveled to Allemantheia."
          "My father can not run the farm alone," Saeylas replied.
          Lucas nodded his understanding, "As long as this is what you want to do."
          "I never imagined another life." Not until he'd met Lucas.
          "I wish I could remember my life, if only to know if I'd have the ability to help you."
          "You wish to help me?" Saeylas was truly touched by his words.
          Lucas chuckled and wondered why the boy would find that so far fetched. "If only to repay you for the tremendous favor you've done for me. You saved my life, Saeylas."
          Saeylas lowered his gaze and blushed. "I wish I could have done more." He returned his gaze to Lucas' face which was no longer covered in bandages, but the ones around other parts of his body including his ribcage were still necessary. The wounds on his face had stopped seeping and were now being allowed to heal in the open air. Even with the dark bruising circles that still surrounded his golden eyes, lips and both cheeks, Saeylas was beginning to make out the signs of the handsome man hidden beneath the injuries.
          Suddenly, the portable lamp light flickered as the wind outside howled through the open single window. Saeylas stood up to close it before returning to Lucas' side. "Looks like a storm is coming, sometimes the temperature can drop in the middle of it. I'll get extra blankets before bed." They finished their dinner within the hour and Saeylas soon began to feel the exhaustion of the day seep into him. He removed the tray and helped Lucas lay back down on the pallet before leaving the room to get the extra blankets. When he returned he pulled the blankets up to Lucas' neck before using another one to make a new pallet for him. His cloak had not as yet been mended for he simply didn't have the time. And normally he would have already gone to sleep as soon as the sun went down, but he'd opted to stay awake longer to keep Lucas company.
          Lucas soon realized when the boy lay down on the make-shift blanket pallet that he intended to sleep without any covers. "Here, take one of mine."
          "You're recovering, you need to stay warm more than I do," Saeylas replied.
          "Then we'll share." Lucas managed to pull the sheets down to his waist as he gazed at Saeylas expectantly. He noticed the boy's hesitation and didn't blame him. Lucas was still basically a stranger who was opting to share a bed with Saeylas, never mind the fact that he was also naked beneath the sheets. The High Elf had already seen every inch of him in his attempt to keep him alive, so it wasn't as if Lucas had anything to hide at this point. "I'm hardly in any position to take advantage of you."
          Saeylas knew that and it warmed his heart to realize Lucas meant well. He promptly abandoned his hesitation and moved his pallet right next to Lucas' before pulling the double blankets over both of them. "You know, it's a good thing neither of us snore." He smiled at Lucas before closing his eyes. Within minutes he was asleep.
          Rest did not come as quickly for Lucas, but it gave him the opportunity to gaze at Saeylas' face unguarded. The boy was truly lovely with his smooth alabaster skin and fine aristocratic features. He hadn't once seen the High Elf's face hardened in anger. He was like a soft dewy flower. As Lucas stared at his sleeping form, the image of another man with a similar build flashed across his memories. This High Elf's hair was much shorter, and it was made of golden sunshine. His eyes were a deeper shade of blue than Saeylas but he was just as lovely. He wondered if it was all just coincidence that he would recall someone similar in appearance to Saeylas. Or was it simply perhaps his mind's way of telling him that this man was important?   Whatever the case, Lucas couldn't concern himself with it, not until the gods saw fit to return to him all that he'd lost.
OOO
          "What the fuck, Saeylas! Have you begun to whore yourself like your mother?" Clovon barged into the boy's room the following morning to find him sleeping next to an unknown male. He grabbed him up by his hair before shaking him fully awake.
          "Father," Saeylas rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he waited for Clovon to release the tight grip on his hair. "You've returned."
          "Yesss, I've returned! Did you expect that I would die on the hunt? You fucking bitch." Clovon tossed Saeylas away from him with such force that the boy slammed into the wall behind him.
          Saeylas hit the floor with a grimace and quickly glanced over at Lucas whom he noticed had begun to shift slightly, no doubt awakened by the ruckus his father was causing.
          "It's not what you think father, he was injured and I was only helping him."
          "Oh yea? I bet your idea of help includes him sticking his cock in you!" Clovon turned hateful eyes away from Saeylas to the man he now realized was Castanic. He then noted the bandages covering a few of the visible areas of the man's body. "Hmm, I guess he really was injured. Who are you?" He noted the cool golden stare that was looking his way from a bruised and battered face.
          "I am Lucas." After noting the manner in which this man had treated Saeylas, he knew instantly that no sympathy would be coming from him should he reveal his lack of memories. "I give you my word that I will move on as soon as I'm able to walk."
          "Well unless your word also comes with coin, you'll move on this second!"
          "Father please, he can't. Not yet." Saeylas had come to his feet and now clutched his loose shirt tightly around him.
          "Oh, it's like that eh?" Clovon looked his step-son up and down as if he were eying a wayward cockroach. "Then let's make a deal -- come with me." Without another word, he left the room.
          Saeylas swallowed before giving Lucas a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'll make certain he won't force you to leave before you're ready."
          Lucas felt he had to ask the obvious as it was something he couldn't bring himself to ask the previous night. "Why are you helping me? You don't even know me."
          "That may be true, but if I were in your position, I'd want someone to help me too."
          "Saeylas! I'm waiting!" Clovon's voice yelled from the other room.
          "I have to go," Without another glance at Lucas, he left the room making certain to close the door behind him. He found Clovon seated on the couch drinking a beer. He hadn't smelled any alcohol on the older man earlier and hoped that this was only his first which meant his senses would not yet be dulled. Perhaps he could reason with him to help Lucas further. Clovon had already removed his grey, hooded over-cloak and was dressed in the remainder of his hunting attire which consisted of a black body shirt with matching pants and boots. Aside from the fact that Clovon was in his late fifties he was still well built for a man his age. Although the grey hair and beard tended to fool many.
          "I found him by the river a few days ago, he was unconscious and --"
          "I don't give a fuck. If you want him to stay then he has to pay," Clovon cut him off.
          Saeylas pressed his lips together as he realized he was dealing with typical Clovon. "He had no money on him."
          "I figured as much. Then you will have to earn the money to compensate for his care." At the distressed look on the boy's face, Clovon continued. "I see you know of what I speak. See I always suspected you were a smart boy, you just like to pretend to be stupid."
          Saeylas lowered his gaze and swallowed visibly. "Those clients may not wish to make use of me again, given what happened last time."
          "Well it's a good thing the world is vast and we can always find new clients. Ones that don't know as yet what a fucking bitch you are."
          "Please, there has to be some other way," There was a pleading expression in Saeylas' shimmery gaze as he raised his head once more.
          Clovon rose to his feet. "Alright then, I suppose it's time to kick your friend out right now."
          Saeylas quickly held his hands up. "No, wait. I'll do it."
          Clovon strode towards his step-son and watched as he valiantly attempted to keep the tears from rolling down his pale cheeks. "Hmm, you really like this one don't you? Try falling for someone who has money next time, you idiot." He was about to head towards his own room but paused when he remembered one more thing. "Oh, and do be certain not to mess this up. If I receive even one complaint -- Lucas is gone. Is that quite understood?"
          Saeylas nodded, "Yes." After Clovon left, he couldn't hold it in anymore and he soon broke down in tears. Yet not even for one second did he consider not making this great sacrifice for Lucas. It was in his power to help him and he would do so, regardless of the consequences. Yet a part of him wished that Clovon could see his point of view, his mother certainly would have. Perhaps she wouldn't understand why he was willing to risk his sanity and peace of mind for someone who was still literally a complete stranger. But Saeylas knew in his heart that it was the right thing to do and he wouldn't deter from that.
OOO
          Prime Minister Lektus' delegation along with the Herald Fort team had not been idle during the twenty-four hours allowed before the main investigation began. Discreet searches were conducted around the Stanhope's property and they had not come up empty handed. Lektus gazed at the giant six foot long great-sword with an intricately carved golden hilt that was displayed on his desk. They were currently within the hastily set up headquarters of a rented conference building that would house both groups for the remainder of their stay in Allemantheia. He noted when Traviis walked up to the desk and verified what he knew to be true.
          "It belongs to Luceus he'd been using it for the past six months." Traviis was aware that the weapon had been recovered from the man-made lake not far from the Stanhope's home.
          "Well, if we needed anymore damming proof that they had something to do with his disappearance, then this is it," Brie spoke up. "Luceus would never leave this behind.
          "I agree," Sarrion began as he stared at the weapon grimly. He only hoped that his friend still lived. "Let's go pay them a visit."
OOO
          After Lektus had put them on notice the previous day, the Stanhope's were aware that they'd receive frequent visits from the Prime Minister, what they didn't expect was that his lackeys would constantly be at his side.
          "Is it really necessary for you all to be here for this interrogation?" Reginaldd asked with a snide expression on his face. He was wearing some of his most formal attire, including a black collared jacket with a white cravat, grey pin stripped trousers and polished knee high boots. Laeyla had also dressed for the part in a rich burgundy colored gown with a high neckline that clung to her curves in the right places. It helped to portray them as the members of polite society which they were, making the charges against them seem ludicrous.
          "Let's see, I counted about half a dozen lawyers on your side. Does that not also seem excessive?" Sarrion raised an eyebrow in their direction.
          "What you call excessive, we call precautionary," Reginaldd replied with a slight smirk.
          "Shall we get down to business?" Lektus stood with his hands crossed before him, there was a steely glint in his silver eyes as he gazed at the Lord and Lady of the manor.
          "I like the way you operate." Reginaldd grinned for a few brief seconds. "I do have other duties that require my time and I hope this won't take long."
          "You need not worry about your duties on the High Elven council, I've commissioned them to give you a leave of absence while you deal with this matter," Lektus stated.
          Reginaldd was almost flustered by this turn of events but recovered quickly. "Well, you certainly were thorough." There were a few other choice words he had in mind for the Prime Minister but kept them to himself.
          "We recovered General Magelus' great sword in the river not far from this place. Do you deny that he was here?" Lektus asked.
          "We never did," Laeyla began calmly as she managed to avoid eye contact with Traviis. "The General had been banned from the city, he entered illegally and came here. Then he was asked to leave."
          "And why would he leave without his weapon?" Lektus asked calmly.
          Laeyla shrugged. "He wasn't wearing it when he came in, but I believe he did swim here so perhaps he lost it in the river himself."
          "Bullshit," Brie knew she was out of line but what Laeyla had just described didn't sound like Luceus at all.
          "See, these are the types of crude distractions that occur when you bring so many unnecessary people to a meeting," Reginaldd stated snidely.
          "These are the men and women that know General Magelus the best, in order to get the truth then their presence is required," Lektus began. He then returned to the questioning. "Why exactly was Magelus banned from the city?"
          "He'd just pleaded guilty to all the charges brought against him. And one of those crimes was the murder of a High Elven youth by the name of Curttis." Reginaldd began.   "As a result, the council felt that during his Tenlis Culpas, he should not be allowed to return here."
          Lycineus swore silently as he realized these bastards had thought of everything. But he wasn't about to let this smooth operator get away with painting his brother black. "I can't imagine that either of you were happy that he broke that ban, seems like a motive to try to get rid of him to me."
          Sarrion glanced at Lycineus briefly before turning his gaze back to the Stanhope's and nodded. "I agree."
          "This is absurd. Why would we kill him for breaking a ban?" Reginaldd asked with an incredulous look on his face.
          "We never said that you killed him, but are you suggesting that you believe he's dead?" Lektus pinned the male Stanhope with his steely gaze once more.
          Reginaldd glanced at Lektus cautiously wondering why Castanic males seemed to be the bane of his existence. Lektus however, was unlike the one's he'd dealt with recently, at least in appearance. The man possessed golden blond hair, slicked back in subtle waves with two black and crimson horns sprouting from beneath the silky tresses. The goatee he sported was the same color as his hair, and a string of black beaded piercings that graced the lower edge of his pointed ears made him appear almost rebel-like. However, the fine robes he wore -- a mixture of earthen snake-skin and shimmery coco - revealed him to be very much the dignitary. In fact, he was probably the most 'covered-up' Castanic Reginaldd had met in a long time. "I am not suggesting anything, your Grace. And I pray that General Magelus is found alive and well." He soon noted when a large group of Lektus' delegation entered the foyer.
          "Unfortunately this will be treated as a criminal case." Lektus began. "And a search warrant has been issued for your entire home. While they do their job, we shall continue our questioning. Is your son at home, we'd also like to speak with him."
          "Tristtan left late yesterday," Laeyla replied.
          "To go where?" Rosalinda asked. She was very concerned about the boy being so close to these two conniving people he was forced to call his parents.
          "He's doing some soul searching in an undisclosed location. He's suffered some trauma as most of you may know." Laeyla truly had no idea where Tristtan was, the guard she'd sent to follow him had lost him in the first hour. A part of her regretted letting him go, but she knew if she held onto him he would only hate her more for it. As the interrogation continued while Lektus' men had the run of her home, Laeyla was grateful that most of the remainder of the questions were being fielded at Reginaldd. He was better at remaining aloof in situations like this. But Laeyla felt her resolve falter because of the situation with Tristtan. She only prayed that one day her son would forgive her for these most egregious mistakes.
OOO
          Juleus was in a terrible mood that morning, especially with the investigation of the Stanhope's having already begun. He knew it was only a matter of time before he was dragged into it. Although he may have silenced Riku and Selik permanently, what was done was done. And there was no bringing the General back if he had indeed perished due to his soldier's incompetence.
          Upon entering his office which was on the second floor of a state building overlooking the Allemantheian streets below, Juleus knew instantly that something was not right. The first clue was that one of his windows were open when he'd remembered closing them before leaving the office the previous day. His eyes darted around quickly and he didn't notice anything out of place. If his office had been broken into, the culprit had been very careful not to disturb anything. His file cabinet was too small for anyone to fit into, even a Popori or Elin. Therefore the only place in the room that could conceal a hidden person, was beneath the large oak desk.
          "Come out now, before I slice the desk in two and you along with it." Juleus had already retrieved the twin long swords from his back, ready for action. He immediately heard shuffling noises coming from beneath the desk, and within seconds, a naked High Elven male emerged.
          Juleus' mouth fell open as this was the last person he expected to come here, much less in this state of undress. "Tristtan?"
          "You once desired me?" Tristtan asked as he gazed at Juleus unmindful of his nudity.
          "Once," Juleus admitted.
          "But no longer?" Tristtan tilted his head to the side which caused his hair to fall provocatively in his face.
          Juleus could feel himself hardening beneath his armor as he sheathed his actual swords. His gaze kept going to the semi-hard pink penis nestled within a light bush of a yellow-gold pubic hairs. He found himself imagining what it would be like to bury his face in that crotch and inhale. Juleus knew he didn't need to answer Tristtan's question for the younger man to know the truth.
          "Then perhaps you will once again." Tristtan slowly closed the distance between them, making certain his cock swayed back and forth with each movement of his hips. He noted the Commander couldn't take his eyes off him which meant everything was going as planned.
          "What do you want?" Juleus wasn't stupid, the boy was not here without a reason.
          "Tell me everything you know about Luceus' disappearance."
          Juleus scoffed, "I should have known. And just what do I get in turn for imparting this valuable information?"
          Tristtan tilted his head to the side as he gazed at Juleus wantonly. "I think that should be quite obvious -- you get me."

A.N. Seems like Tristtan is doing a little Guys Gone Wild at the end there. Speaking of which, if you haven't seen Madonna's Girl Gone Wild Video, you should check it out here. These guys are so hot!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYkwziTrv5o&feature=plcp
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In the Land of Arborea