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Alistair Krixus

Alistair Krixus

The Rune Knight
Dreadlords
Chronicles Posting Majesty Sir Dabsalot I love it! Lore Maker III
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Though the beautiful sights before him were unseen, the warm kiss of the sun shined down upon Alistair Krixus, whose dull grey was hidden by a protective pair of glasses. His face failed to hide the slight annoyance from their delay. They should have already arrived by now, but either these sailors were incompetent or the ship was shit.

It didn't help that the deck was crowded with others who considered themselves of money, all of them treating this like some sort of vacation, they were all idiots. No this was business through and through.

The island of Dostan was the former home of so old noble family that had fought to the last man in honor of the former pre-revolution government. That same family's head now rested at the bottom of this very straight. Alistair would have to thank them later because the Republic was finally getting around to selling the property...the entire freaking island.

A toothy grin spread onto Alistair's face, he had been looking for a new construction project.

His ears picked up on the sound of footsteps behind him as he turned to meet one of his two companions for the trip. His little sister, although not as little as he seemed to remember, now stood before him. It already felt like she was up to no good.

"Mari, please nothing crazy until after this auction starts...I really want this one."

The sounds of laughter and talking were all around them. The truth was all of these families were from old money, still living off the fruits of the past, born with gold spoons in their mouths. They had not yet taken advantage of the opportunities that the Republic had to offer them and by the time they got around to looking for them, Alistair was going to have taken all of them.

He was going to walk up and snatch the golden spoons right out of their mouths.

Mariana
 
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Mariana wore a sleeveless blouse, a pair of trousers with speckles of paint across their surface and a flared coat with deep pockets that held several scones, rolls, and other snacks. Her hunger went beyond the norm. She was always hungry. At first Natasha and the rest of her family thought it was a lingering effect from having lived on the streets for so long.

But now it seemed due to her magic.

Always hungry and always eating but never a pound gained.

She finished off the scone in her hands. Krixus blue eyes stared indignantly back at her reflection found in her brother's shades. A new style and fashion to this island place. She didn't seem to notice the looks she got from the other young nobleman. It was true, her brother was right about one thing. She was no longer that scrappy young girl.

Okay, maybe a little scrappy. But her figure was filling out more into that of a young woman. And the elites of Vel Anir were noticing. She looped one arm through her brothers, already longing to shrug off her coat in this bright sun that reflected like glittering diamonds off that deep blue water. She wanted to paint...everything. Her eyes swept across the approaching land and strange trees she'd never seen as they grew closer to the docks. Dockhands waiting on the other end to grab ropes and tie down their ship and readying a gangway.

Everything was a feast for her eyes. Her artists' fingers twitching.

"I will be on my best behavior," she hedged, keeping one hand with fingers crossed behind her back. "I bet you'll get it," she clung to her brother as she looked out. Dark, loose hair swirling in the breeze.
 
Yeah, Alistair would believe that when he saw it, so likely never. He noticed his sister's reaction to the area around them, maybe he should look into having her meditate or something, but he could understand it on this occasion.

This area was supposed to be beautiful, located just across the straight from Viret, but more importantly to Alistair's purposes was that it was located on a ley line which resulted in rather unique interactions with the algae and sea life in the surrounding ocean.

"If you actually keep your word this time, then you can have the first pick of the rooms when we get this place up and running."

Almost as soon as he said that, he could tell that they must have been drawing near as voices paused in their merriment before quickly speeding back up now focused on the island. This was followed shortly by an announcement stating they would take one lap around the whole island before making landfall so that everyone could get a proper view of the place.

Mariana
 
"Who said I'm staying here?" She muttered, knowing he'd snatch up her whisperings easily enough and half regretting saying anything out loud.

Mariana shifted restlessly beside her brother but finally released her hold on him, wandering to the railing. She knew more than most about the mask he wore. Those gentlemanly clothes. His 'relaxed' countenance. All hid the adept killer inside. Arms slumped on the wooden barrier that separated her from tumbling into the waters below. Blue eyes raked at the landscape as they made their slow, in her mind tedious, circle around the place.

She had never been one to sit still for long. Except when doing her artwork. Workers were readying crates on the other side of the deck. Pushing off the rail, Mariana decided to wander over and see what the cargo was.
 
"I meant as a vacation stay. I'm not going to lock you away on an island. I'm not some evil wizard from a fairytale."

Alistair did his best to relax beside her, now that he knew that the real business would not conclude until the showing was done.

Even now, he could overhear others speaking about how that beach would make a lovely place for children to play and other dimwitted ideas. Alistair's thoughts were more focused along the line that the geography of the island made it easily defensible if the proper structures were put in place.

He could even see the tower of what remained of a falling apart old estate of the former owners which would need to be fixed up, if not outright demolished. There was even a small fishing village that supported the estate. If enough money was put into it, the place could even make some coin as a tourist destination.

All in good time, but he needed actually to have the place first.

" We'll get you into a high room, that way you can look out the window and see the whole island. It would make for lovely paintings...What do you think?"

Alistair was more than aware that his presence among his family in the past few months had been lackluster. He was so busy managing the family's affairs that he did not even spend time with his actual family, and that needed to change, starting with his mother, sister, and brother. His brother, Raziya, would be difficult as he was currently away in Elbion studying zoology, but he could at least focus on the others.

Mariana
 
Mariana wandered back over to her brother as their ship began to dock. Sailors threw lines across, tying the vessel off. "Looks like most of the cargo is food," she said to her brother. "Fresh fruits and vegetables and some more popular brands from Vel Lameus."

The unassuming food mecca of Vel Anir.

"I think as long as you are around, too, any room would be fine." Although her brother's absence brought her a certain amount of extra freedom, she always missed him. She could tell Natasha did, too. "How long do we get to stay here?"

How long before he went away on other business?
 
Alistair could tell that there were some underlying emotions in those words, but what they were remained a mystery to him. He would have continued to think about them, but the crowd was unloading and they were being swept up in the tide of people. They were all met with finger foods and drinks, continuing some appearance as a sort of vacation.

"Well, the auction will be today, and then if we win the estate then I will stay for at least another two weeks to ensure all repairs or other projects are at least started...Whether I get taken away after said time is unknown." But it was likely, Vel Anir was currently preparing for war. While Alistair would not be placed on the frontlines, he would be just as busy as any soldier and likely asked to venture even further abroad.

"I want you to have your pick as this place will hopefully become our winter home while keeping the Krixus estate as our summer home."

The Krixus Estate was only a year-old sprawling complex that housed the extended Krixus family, located just on the outskirts of Vel Zrada. The complex was modern, peaceful, and a perfect place to unwind although Alistair often found himself making any reason not to be there.

Mariana
 
"Thanks Al," she looped her smaller arms around him and gave him a big squeeze. Holding on probably a few seconds too long before stepping back. She hated to admit it but when he'd found her? Just after her mother had died...she'd been pretty desperate.

And though she was well taken care of now, the past of not-having never truly stopped haunting her.

The ship pulled up to the docks. Gangway was secured. The posh of Vel Anir were beginning to clamber to be let off and head toward the island estate. For once, instead of wandering ahead and getting into trouble, Mari hung back with her brother.

"Do you think...we'll be safe where we are with the war? Do you think...they'll make you go to the front?"

She was young but she wasn't stupid. She knew a war was brewing. And all too well what that might mean for Al. If she was just a little older, what it might mean for her.
 
Alistair silently just felt the weight of his little sister hugging him. It seems like a lifetime ago that he had found her that day and then brought her back to Vel Anir. They had both grown and changed, all for the better.

He let the crowd of ravenous nobles off the dock first while he and Mariana followed from the read. Already he could hear some talk about the lovely atmosphere, but Alistair was far more focused on how even from a distance the estate needed work done. The part meant for living was in good shape and that was the part most of these people cared for.

However, Alistair's eyes glowed with runic energy as he noticed how some of the defensive building and security measures had nearly fallen into disrepair. Those would all need to be fixed before he began anything like experiments here.

He had instinctively begun thinking of the military and academic possibility for the building, but Mariana's continued questions brought him out of the line of thinking. This estate was not supposed to be solely for work. It was for family.

"I..." For a moment he considered lying to her, but he knew that she would notice quicker than anyone except his mother.

"Yes, I will likely be called for the war effort, though maybe not necessarily on the frontline." He added helpfully, not mentioning that what that probably meant was he would be sent behind enemy lines.

"However, you do bring up an important point. While you will not be called for the Guard for this war, I do wish to bring in a tutor for you to train in the arts of warfare. I won't bring anyone related to the Dreadlords because I know that isn't your path, but we should prepare you just in case."

Vel Anir would come knocking at some point and he wanted his little sister to be ready.

Mariana
 
She couldn't help the relief that was openly on her face. She'd never been good at hiding emotions even if it didn't matter much for her brother right now and the kinds of things he could see and couldn't. She got off the ship first and knew better than to offer a hand to help him. It felt odd to be on land after being on a moving ship for as long as they had been. The ground still felt like it swayed beneath her feet.

There was a noble young man ahead of them. He glanced behind at Mariana and offered her a smirk and a tip of his hat. She ignored him, turning to her brother.

"I suppose I can tolerate a tutor," she began and shivered absently. She hated fighting. And never wanted to do it. But even she saw the sense in learning how to defend herself.

"I wish you didn't have to go," she added quietly.
 
"I..."

Alistair hesitated as he knew he was about to lie without even thinking about it. He enjoyed being him, but he also knew that he would lose his mind were he not be called to assist in the war effort in some way when all of his friends were involved.

If he did not serve Vel Anir in times of war then what was it all for? Had he been tortured, beaten, and bloodied day after day all for nothing? It was certainly possible, he could send the money to the right places and there would be some bullshit assignment to control supply lines from the comfort of his own home, but...that wasn't who he was. That wasn't what Dreadlords were.

"I would like to end the conflict as quickly as possible with our victory. The Cortosi are divided. We should find it easy to conquer several of their city-states."

The crowd slowly gathered up once again as the guide led them through a tour of the estate, showing off its wonderful views, gardens, and even two baths. Alistair largely ignored all of it as he had already performed any research he deemed necessary for the place.
 
"Just. Promise that you'll be as careful as you can, okay?" And those big Krixus blue eyes looked up at her brother. Even ignoring the tray of drinks that were being passed around to the others. And it looked like Obanese champagne...her favorite kind!

She couldn't imagine life without her brother after he just found her.

She'd just gotten a family and it scared her more than she could admit to losing them again. And what if something DID happen to Al? No-NO...no. She couldn't even let her mind wander there. It made her feel sick.

Maybe if there was a way to sneak away with him when he got called. Maybe she could try to keep him safe. She was sure she could stowaway in one of his trunks. She let the thought wander around her mind as she looked out at the grounds of the estate.
 
"I will be and I always am."

Alistair quickly reached out and grabbed one of the drinks and offered it to his sister. He was more of a wine man himself. It was reassuring to know how his sister cared for him so, even if their time as family was not the lifetime that others shared, but maybe that very fact was what made their relationship so important.

There was not a mission that Alistair went on that he did not think about the consequences of his failure whether that be a failure for his country, or more importantly failure for his family. It would mean leaving behind his cousin, his mother, and yes his sister with only his uncles to serve as representatives of the family. While he would not go so far as to call them incompetent, but they reminded him more of starving dogs than people.

"I will be fine. Besides, now is not the time for such worrisome matters. We can only take one day at a time."

Mariana
 
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She took the offered glass of champagne reluctantly. Her dour expression an odd contrast reflected in the happy amber bubbles. She tipped it back.

"Well, some of us worry about you and we can't help it," she muttered and paused as they went through another great room. This one though? The way the light hit those walls? Looked like the perfect spot for painting.

Her frown loosened.

"This room has really good lighting," she told her brother as they were ushered onward to sit for the auction.
 
Alistair paused and looked around the room only to snort out a chuckle when he remembered that he no longer even saw light in the same way. His eyes flash momentarily to take in the room before nodding in slight understanding. He would not pretend to know art but if his sister liked it then good enough for him.

"Consider it your art gallery then. Go wild."

He had chosen to ignore her worried words because he did not really have a rebuttal to it. He was happy, but at the same time, he like all soldiers before him had no way of completely removing such concerns.

The next room was one of the largest, likely the reception hall that was currently being used as the auction room solely because it could fit the most people. He could also tell it was the most intact of the room, likely having had the most work done so as to impress them all.

They were led to their seats while the excitement in the room was building, the auction beginning any second now.

With a quick snap of the gavel and a short introduction, the bidding war began while Alistair chose to stay silent for the beginning.

Mariana
 
Mariana sat, no, fidgeted next to her brother.

B O R I N G

This was so drull. But she promised she'd try to be good. And stars, she was trying. Several nobles raised their hands to put in their bids. That young man who was far too old for her who'd been eyeing her on the ship turned and had the gal to smirk at her before he raised a gloved hand to throw himself into the race.

Mariana crossed her arms stiffly and slouched in her chair until she was nearly sliding off.

Then she stuck her tongue out at the back of that noble man even though he couldn't see her. The bidding went on as the caller raised the price again. This time no other hands raised. And the price was repeated once...twice...about to close to that young man and his stupid tophat.
 
A slight smile slipped onto Alistair's face, an evil smile, one that was looking forward to putting these spoiled nobles in their place. He had worked hard for his wealth, and now it was time to use it.

Alistair raised his hand and joined the bidding, offering up an additional thousand gold pieces to the prices. At the moment, the price was right within the range of what he believed to be the market value. However, he was prepared to go higher.

He would even go as high that some might consider it a poor investment. Why? For three reasons, the first was his own pride, the second was he liked the waters, and the third was he had caught the wink the old man had shot his sister...

It would be a cold day in hell before Alistair let that man win anything.

Mariana
 
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There were murmured whispers of shock at the sudden price increase. Many in the rows ahead of them shifted uncomfortably. That noble young man who'd been eyeing Mariana looked a little put out but raised his hand to match her brother's bid.

Mariana looked at the ink on her hand. There was a small tattoo of a bee.

Brushing a thumb across her skin, she felt her magic awaken and the ink lifted from her skin as a real and living bee. No one else seemed to notice. That little bee darted toward that noble young man and rested upon the collar of his jacket. Inching closer to his neck as the bidding feud went on.

Mariana couldn't help the small smug smile, one which nearly matched her brother's, growing on her lips.
 
Alistair casually continued his bids now. There was no need to pay attention to the price too much. If he heard someone else bid then he just went higher, simple as that.

He would admit that there was a smug satisfaction that came from watching the turbulent auras of some of the people around him. What started off as confusion was swiftly turning to awe and even a few spikes of anger.

Reading the emotional states of an aura was a new intricacy that he was learning in his vision, but that didn't make it any less easy to notice the magical bee that slipped through the room.

His first instinct was to quickly tell his sister to stop and avoid trouble, but instead, he leaned in close to whisper to her. Others probably assumed he was talking about their financial situation.

"Do it underneath the shirt so no one else notices."

Mariana
 
As Al leaned over, Mariana prepared for a chastisement. Surprise flickered across her face as he whispered his advice, instead. Mariana's smile widened and she nodded.

That little magical bee that came from one of her tattoos crawled beneath the man's perfectly coifed collar. As he raised his hand to bid, he flinched and withdrew it feeling a sting.

"Shit!" He hissed, rather un-noble like. And smacked at the back of his neck. There would be the smallest of ink stains left on the inside of his shirt. And a growing, nasty welt but that was all as the auctioneer called the final bid to her brother.

Mariana, bumped her brother's shoulder.

"Congrats, you got it." Now the others were staring at them. Curiosity and interest in their gazes. That young nobleman openly glared.
 
Alistair kept a straight expression as he offered a polite smile to those around him. He could already feel the attention turning towards the two of them, and since this was the major item of the auction, he stood up to go and confirm the information of the sell with one of the clerks.

Before he did, he looked around the room and paused a moment longer to state down the nobleman.

"Well, seeing as I am now the host. Tonight, drinks and food are my treat. Enjoy yourselves on the island until you leave."

He did not often give in to childish intuition, but he did enjoy today's events. He would have to get Marianna a gift.

Mariana
 
Mariana ignored the stares and beamed as she watched her brother go up to sort out business. A few of the nobles huffed and immediately headed for the docks. Mariana guessed the ones who stayed were probably a little more cunning. They knew how to..what was the phrase? Brown-nose? Mooch? Suck-up? All foreign concepts to the once street-urchin.

Finishing off her glass of champagne, she stood and began wandering out of the ballroom. The need to explore was a growing itch and one she didn't want to ignore anymore. She didn't notice the hard stare of that nobleman who watched her as she left. And, tipping his hat to his companions, he began to follow her.
 
Thankfully, the paperwork was pretty simple as it had all been dealt with beforehand. Now, all he had to do was sign his name in a few spots and initial in others. Within a minute he was the proud owner of Dostan, or at least the owner of any part that mattered.

With all of the work done, he was ready to turn back and celebrate with his sister but was treated with the horde of what Mariana would call ass kissers. They all congratulated him, some asking him business questions, others were so clueless they just asked where he had gotten all that money. Alistair just politely smiled and deftly dodged the questions.

When he finally got a moment to breath, he turned to look for his sister only to find her having disappeared. Likely up to trouble, he just hoped that she was careful this time around.

Mariana
 
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