“Sularia…yes, I’ve heard of that place. So that is where she is from…” He was only familiar with it in name, not that he had business affairs with that nation. But he suppose that exotic goods would do his business very well regardless. “Enchanted artifacts and endless food….sounds delightful. I’m pretty sure there’s a market hungry for such things here. We can hash out the details about that with either Lady Draconis or Rose, whenever possible. I’d look forward to the negotiations.” Honestly he hadn’t expected much from this bargain, but it was a turn of events for the better.

But the real prize was when Lilith accepted his offer of friendship. The delighted look on his face when she accepted it was priceless. “Yes, yes. I knew I felt something much different about you at the start of this. Though, I am concerned about that whole “owning souls” bit you mentioned. Just think of me as the sort of person you can talk about anything with. You seem like the reserved sort, but even then you can’t keep everything inside forever. It’ll linger like venom…”

Nikolas stood up and finished his drink before his hand came over to her. “Come walk with me, we can discuss some more.” He led Lilith around the beautiful gardens around them before reaching the rather large koi pond. His eyes and smile never left her as he showed her around. “I have no problem assisting in the trade setup. For generations my family had been profiting off on trades to the mainland, particularly Abed. I’m sure that Sularia will produce similar results in gaining us plenty of profit. Father had been a ruthless profiteer but I prefer a much more delicate touch. We differ in many ways, but the goal has always been the same regardless- The Crowley empire continues onward, strongly into the future. Have you or Lady Draconis have any thoughts on how you shall thrive here?”

Lilith watched Nikolas for a while before she spoke from her deep thoughts. “It was a long time ago. Something was rustling outside the farm house. Father had gotten his sword to investigate. The next thing I knew my mother and brothers were being corralled like cattle. A single vampire. His name was Edgar Draconis, a rogue vampire from the prestigious vampire family that held rule over the land. By day the Draconis used their human army to patrol and by night they took care of business themselves. We knew of them but it was against their laws to do what was happening.” Lilith shook her head for a moment. “He killed my whole family and sparred me for a ‘companion’. Chained me up and led me around like a prize. I was twenty at the time. Twenty-five when Harkon had captured him and brought us back. I swear that Marius looked at me the same way you do now. Except I didn’t speak. I was so scared and I couldn’t look at people without being scolded.”

Her red eyes flickered back to his. “Harkon handed down the death sentence and killed him immediately but when he went to kill me. Marius stopped him. It wasn’t my fault. That was when I was branded as thrall to Harkon and Marius. Primarily to Marius but if he stepped out of line Harkon taught him a lesson through me. Harkon ruled his house harsh and barely bent the rules. He did it for me and he never let us forget he did. So for me in my long life I have always had my soul owned by someone. Aaryona owns me now even if she doesn’t consider it to be that. She is still head of the house that enslaved me. Not that I give her ill will. Harkon’s sins are not her own.”

She told him because he was right she had never sat down and told anyone before. She had never showed those scars and maybe Aaryona didn’t know everything that had happened. “That is just a scrap of my pain. How I live my life so reserved… How I’ve survived thousands of years through the torment of my rebirth.” She took his hand and walked with him as they spoke.

Her eyes stayed on the koi fish. She had never really ventured far so she had never seen many of the fish before. “Aaryona had thought of going to her mother before but most of the wealth comes from the family reserves in Arri. Eventually Aaryona would like to not take from it but the situation right now is a little too dire not to. This will help her hold her own especially if she can speak with her aunt, the current head of trade in Sularia, about all of this. Arri is an empire of wealth and Aaryona is entitled to it being one of the daughters of one of the great queens. I have seen many children of Angela’s roaming in Kurayo though Aaryona might now realize it. She has many allies here but vampire houses are better for what we’re aiming for.”

She thought about it and shrugged. “In the past the Draconis House made money off taxes. The way Harkon ran it was almost like he was king to his own kingdom. He offered protection from neighboring vampire families and the humans who lived there were taxed for that protection. When Aaryona had her city it was a textile trade. She had managed to make fabrics and clothing to sell. She taught her vampires how to sew and they managed to make good money off of it. The way the girl thinks and comes up with her plans is generally in the way I see her mother doing it. That doesn’t surprise me, for most of Aaryona’s life Marius wasn’t there. She learned everything she knows from Angela and Angela’s culture. Which is why she needs a teacher now. Angela and Nemesis also have history though… You will probably see it when we go to see the Red Queen.”

He listened good and well as she explained the whole situation that was her turning. Pity that it happened under such dire situations, but he suppose nothing could be done about that. Besides, had she not undergone such a past, she wouldn’t be here to grace his home today. It was a pity though that she lost everything near and dear over the course of her life. One had to think that she was primarily continuing on with life for the sole purpose of duty. If so, what sort of life was that? For now, he couldn’t voice his opinions about that for it wasn’t really any of Nikolas’ business.

“Sounds a bit like my father, Albert. He too was very strict and a hassler for the rules. If anyone stepped out of line, especially if it threatened the livelihood of the business, then there was hell to pay. Fortunately I knew how to tread lightly and not get on his bad side, for the most part. I don’t like to ruffle someone’s feathers unless I absolutely must.”

He was curious as to why her Lady did not take advantage of her birth rights and have her homeland fund her. Starting out from scratch was a difficult manner on its own- but in this city it was damn sure infuriating. But he supposed that he could think a good amount of reasons why she’d want to do this on her own.

The young vampire cocked his head innocently to the side when told of Aaryona’s trade prior to coming to Kurayo. “Intriguing, that is definitely something outside of the box. Perhaps she could take that up again, especially if done very well. As I’m sure you have seen from the other families, fashion is a big part of the culture here. Taking advantage of that as well as producing trade routes to Sularia could generate a good deal of wealth for you all.”

“I suppose that Nemesis wouldn’t want me to know that tidbit. He is quite private about his life outside of his business affairs. I won’t pry about it, sorta a gentlemen’s agreement. Regardless, I do look forward to discussing the matter further.”

Lilith chuckled a bit. “Before Aaryona was a terrifying vampire queen she was just an older sister to four younger siblings. Angela for as great of a healer as she can be can’t sew worth a damn. So she took charge and fixed her sibling’s clothes. Wasn’t that long ago with her younger sister got married and she had to fix her dress.” There were things only being a normal person could teach. “Angela raised them in a small cabin despite their status as nobles.”

Thinking for a moment she smiled. “Whatever you see when we talk to Angela I would prefer if you didn’t say anything in the same of the agreement.” She gave a wink.

Once they had the made the arrangements Aaryona opened a portal for them. “I’ll wait here since someone has to watch the clan. Thank you, Lilith, for speaking to my mother. I hope that we become better friends as well Nikolas when you come back.” Lilith nodded and took Nikolas through the portal. It was a direct link to the indoor garden of the Red Manor.

“She is good. We should be able to go into the foyer from here.” Lilith smirked at him and took him through the hallway finally reaching the main foyer. There stood a look-alike of Nemesis except his eyes were green and red. “Lucian, where is your mother at today?”

There was joyous squealing down the hallway as Lilith gently pulled Nikolas off to the side. Another white-haired Nemesis like woman appeared and tackled the boy. She had gold eyes. “LUCY!!!” She was squealing as she rubbed her cheek against his. “You promised you would spend today with your only important sister.”

Lilith took a sigh a bit. “Hello Nerezza, I hope we can borrow your brother for a bit. These are the twins Nerezza and Lucian. This is Lord Crowley from Kurayo. We’re hoping to establish a trade route for your sister.”

Nerezza had a less than amused look on her face as she pulled herself up. “Fine, but he promised me that today he would spend time with me! He said he would help me pick out the carpets for Kaiser and mine’s new manor!”

“Again congratulations on your marriage to Kaiser.” Lilith’s words made Nerezza squeal again and she took off. After a sigh, she looked at Lucian. “It’s hard to believe she’s the stronger of the two of you when she has her magic… I’m sorry about that.” She offered a hand to help Lucian up. “She’s in a good mood today… Her new manor must be done?”

“Yes, yes. I will agree to those terms. Just as I have with Nemesis, I will not unveil information that you will not wish to be discussed with a third party.” Nikolas had no intention of ruining what could be a beautiful partnership, especially if it meant angering Lilith. That was about the last thing he wished to do right now. “I’ll follow your lead into this, after all, you know so much more about Madam Rose than I do.” He gave her a polite smile and they spent the rest of their time talking about various things before she was to take her leave for the eve.
A few days later when he had received word to come to the Draconis House, he came with a pair of guards that were left at the door as he ventured inside. Aaryona was a beauty in her own right, but ever since entering, the rather large and dark man watched him with some fierce staring. He gathered that whoever he was, he was protective for her so he kept his distance and manners. Not that she had his attention in that regard. “As do I”, he agreed with a seldom smile before he looked to the man and gave him a more sheepish smile. The portal was made the duo crossed through landed them into the desert heat, something he wasn’t used to at all. Thankfully it was only mildly irritating and they walked around a bit before he noticed a young man that bared resemblance to Lord Volkov. It wasn’t heavily implied but it might had been of his youth. Nikolas stared at him for a bit while he looked to the two and bowed. “Hello Lilith, I wasn’t planning on seeing you today. And it is nice to meet you, Lord Crowley.”

“Likewise.”

“Mother’s in her study…”, he started to say before he was pounced by his flesh and blood. “I told you not call me that, Nerezza!” Nikolas looked at the girl as well- she too looked like the vaewolf. Soon his memory recalled what Lilith had once said to him about Angela and Nemesis having a history…

The young lord put two and two together and mouthed an “ooooh” to her as the siblings talked to each other. “You’re my only twin sister, Rezza. I’ll help you, just get off of me!” Lilith was able to convince Nerezza to leave him be for a bit while he was still needed. Nikolas just watched on with wide eyes as he hadn’t quite expected anything like that.

“Yes, and she’s also the more annoying one”, Lucian returned as he was helped up to his feet. “It’s been done for a while now, but you wouldn’t be able to tell since she’s usually here when Kaiser is away on business. Anyway, I’ll lead you to mother.” The three headed into the goddess’ study where she was surely dealing some sort of work since she’d been in there for quite a while. “I’m surprise that you came here, given the relationship between you two…”, he stated before opening the door. “Mother, Lilith is here with a Lord Crowley. Apparently he’s a new ally to Aaryona and wishes to discuss trading between Kurayo and Sularia.”

“I was hoping that Aaryona would have warned you all I was coming. She is as on top of things as always.” Lilith chuckled a bit. “It might be that no one was here when she tried though. Gods know your mother spends more time out of Sularia than in it.”

Lilith made a face at Nikolas before chuckling at the two of them. “Oh Lucy you need to lighten up. You’ll be king someday but you don’t have to act like it now!” Nerezza was laughing as she tickled at her twin.

Soon the elder vampiress nodded to Nikolas as he figured it out. Soon she shooed Nerezza off and chuckled at Lucian. “I’m sure its because the manor feels empty without Kaiser. As soon as she has children that will change. For now, she is relying on you and you are the closest thing she has. As unfortunate as that is for you. Also… As long as Marius isn’t around we tend to be civil with each other. Something about him always made us fight.” She chuckled a bit.

Angela was up in her study reading through advanced alchemy books. “There has to be something here,” the goddess was mumbling as she flipped the pages of 20 books at once. They were all opened on different tables. She had magic glasses on her that were reading all of the books or at least helping her. “Oh hello Lilith… Been a while. Haven’t seen you since I bit you. Oh wait… Last time I saw you was Nerezza’s wedding.”

The goddess was beautiful and it was clear where the other half of the beauty for the twins came from. Her waist-length red hair was pulled back and she had on a green and gold halter dress. “What are you even doing?” Lilith looked at all of the books.

“Looking up advanced alchemical recipes. I’m looking for the recipe for advanced eternal youth. Melina needs something in case I go and decide to die again.” Before Lucian could say anything she turned the page on every book and put up a finger. “I know if I go and die… I don’t get any grandchildren from you. You can leave now Lucian. This room is cramped with this many people.”

“Maybe if you didn’t have five tables full of books,” Lilith chuckled as Angela turned the pages and moved her glasses up onto her head.

“Very funny Lilith. Har har.” She tilted her head and looked at Nikolas. Once Lucian was gone Angela stood up and locked the door. “I don’t have to say what will happen if someone comes after my darling twins… Nemesis might not care but…” The room washed over with a pressure so fierce that Lilith gasped for air. Soon though Angela had a smile on her face as it dissipated. “I’m just a concerned mother.

“I’ve already made sure of that Angela. You have my word.” Angela studied the woman for a few moments before sighing. “Besides the last thing I would want to do is piss off someone who could sink the entire island of Koschei.” Lilith waved her hand about.

“Very well.” Angela said amused as she sat down in her chair and two crystal chairs were summoned. “Please sit so we can discuss this deal with Kurayo and Sularia. I will have to talk with my sister but for the first trade I can send my daughter Furtuna with an order for immediate trading.” She pointed at Nikolas. “I’m assuming she brought you so that you can talk with me about it. You’ll find that I’m easy to negotiate with.”

Lucian knew that she might have been lonely and despite his annoyance, he would have deal with it. He did care for his sister, no matter how agonizing she could get towards him. He suppose the same could be said about Lilith and Angela- he had never met Marius before but knew of his importance to both Nathaniel and Aaryona. Though it was the last thing on his mind when he learned of what his mother was up to. Just as he was about to protest, Angela had already beat her son to the punch and he sighed before leaving the three to their business.
Meanwhile Nikolas watched the goddess and could easily see that she was Lady Draconis’ mom from their resemblance. It was a most curious thing as he couldn’t help but to look at her with awe before looking to Lilith who for some reason seemed overwhelmed. There was a feeling in the air that he couldn’t exactly pinpoint but it was weird that it followed after the redhead’s words. Even stranger was her words about Koschei sinking if she was angered. Just who was this woman?

He blinked before he realized his rudeness and nodded. “Yes of course. I would like to make sure that all parties had been properly made aware of this. The proposal had been made between your daughter through Lilith and myself. Lord Volkov wanted to make sure that the Draconis house has plenty of friends to support her clan’s endeavors and to come to aid in cause there are some external conflicts from the other houses. Kurayo is a dangerous place without help. I had already expressed interest in aiding her, but Lady Jonquil felt it was necessary to help strengthen my business as well by exchanging trades between the two cities, or more to my house personally.”
“In any case, I do hope to see her fare well in Kurayo personally. Her house intrigues me.”

More so, someone in her stead did, but he kept face about that for the time being. “Forgive me for intruding on your personal time, my lady. If I had known you’d be very business right now, I would have suggested another time.”

Angela waved her hand softly at Nikolas. “You are fine. I suppose I should explain just who I am. Lilith probably knew that without bringing you here you wouldn’t have understood.”

Lilith smirked just a bit. “No one in Parvpora quite understands. It’s better if I brought him here and had you tell him.”

Shrugging Angela nodded. “Sure, I am Angela. I’ve been known as Mother for a long time here in this world. Mother Death at first. Mother… then Mother Life. I am the Goddess of Life and Earth. I am also the current Queen of the Red Court. My daughter Aaryona is the product of two great houses. The once mighty Draconis and then the Rose family itself. As you as probably tell from her reluctance Aaryona isn’t thrilled about me helping her at all. She is the type of person who wants to build things with her own hands. She quite possibly got that from me. I was a master prodigy Alchemist and Healer before I was a Goddess. You might know my work if you’ve heard of the barriers in Komiteia and Varaz.” It wasn’t that she was gloating she was just proud of her work as an alchemist.

“Aye, she is also Marius’s ex-wife.” Lilith sighed a bit and chuckled towards Angela.

“Technically, he died and came back. He negated any marriage we had. Anyways! I am always busy with everything that I’m involved in. It means I have to make time so don’t feel so bad.” Angela relaxed a bit and got a bottle of wine as she poured them some glasses. “I make my wine myself,” she pushed the glasses towards them and smiled.

“I was hoping you could actually get food and artifacts for your daughter. Aaryona knows I’m here to negotiate the trade with you but not what I’m trying to get.” Lilith took the wine and sipped on it. “You’ve gotten so much better at winemaking since you’ve become a god here in Revaliir.”

“Artifacts? You’ve come to the right place. Normal enchanted items are my forte. Food as well. See my temple is found of food no matter what and well artifacts.” She waved her hand and thousands of rings glowing with enchantments appeared on the table. “I can make them as well.” With a wave of her hand, they disappeared. “I suppose that’s why Aaryona doesn’t want to ask me. I can make wealth appear with the flick of my wrist. She doesn’t consider that earning it… However, as long as she doesn’t know I’m making this happen for her—”

Lilith cut her off with a nod, “Then her pride as a leader won’t be hurt. We need the gold and silver though. You are her mother… I’ve seen you perform miracles even when you weren’t a god. You’ve loved them since the day they were born. Probably what has made them so stubborn is your will not to give up.”

Angela’s smile softened a bit and she nodded. “Aaryona especially so. She has always been my troublesome one never quite wanting her mother and father’s envy. Never wanting that second place trophy. She wanted the world. It’s why I asked Nemesis to look after her. She is naive but she can learn and that will make her a good leader.”

Lilith crossed her arms. “You are the reason why Nemesis keeps coming to the house then… Aaryona has been rather secretive about it… Or rather annoyed too much to talk.”

“I gave his wife the ability to conceive a child without losing it. I’m also Celeste’s personal midwife whenever the two of them want a child. That would be why Aaryona is annoyed with me. I didn’t give her the chance to tell me no. I can’t ask Raeguel to do it because Nemesis is in Kurayo. Those two cannot meet. Nemesis is aware of Raeguel. For our friend here… Let's just say Raeguel is Nemesis and Nemesis is Raeguel. The splitting of the world we come from did it. Nemesis isn’t involved with the twins because of Raeguel. Since we’re in the realm of keeping secrets.”

“Angela, is it a good idea to be saying things like that?” Lilith narrowed her eyes on Angela who was looking amused at Nikolas.

“Nikolas won’t tell what I am saying. He has something he doesn’t want to lose.” Lilith groaned again as soon as she realized that Angela was invading personal space again. “Anyways I am just making sure that my twins and Aaryona are safe. Nemesis wouldn’t betray the trust I have in him. Just like he knows I won’t betray him. I’m making a special case for Lord Crowley since he is going to be helping my daughter. I can convince my eldest daughter Furtuna to bring a whole war airship full of trading supplies to Kurayo for you lot. HOWEVER, she won’t be happy about it. Might I suggest giving her two cases of Kurayo’s finest alcohol? Along with the alcohol, I’m going to steal from her so she does this for us.”

Lilith chuckled a bit, “That’s dirty Angela. Stealing from your own kid so they do what you want them to do? That I wouldn’t have expected from you.”

“You try having a rogue pirate daughter who listens to no one but a bottle of rum.”

“Touche.” Lilith smiled at Nikolas as she chuckled more. “So is there a contract or are you just going to hold this over our heads.”

“I’m just going to hold this over your heads… Though if you want a contract for record's sake I can do one. Though in over fifteen hundred years I’ve never forgotten a bargain I’ve made. Also, since Lilith forgot and she was thinking about it earlier: I can send silk and good cloth to Aaryona as well.” Lilith sighed a bit as she drained the glass of wine.

For the many titles she gave him, Nikolas acknowledged plenty of them though the goddess bit was a bit much to swallow, not surprisingly from a citizen of Kurayo. While the denizens didn’t deny that such being existed, they weren’t as everlasting as most believed. Instead, they worshipped the moons for they had existed since the beginning and would continue to as the gods would find themselves replaced over time. Still, he humbly nodded and saved face. The forest back home was a reminder of the past follies when entangling against the “immortals”. “Yes, I can understand her motive, coming from similar beliefs.But unlike her, I will use what is available to me and use it to carve my own way. Pride can be a dangerous thing and cloud minds if done overly.

Lady Rose certainly had quite the set of feats done and he could only wonder what her daughter would be able to do in her own right. What was really surprising was the ties that she and Lilith had, mainly that of Marius. While he enjoyed the wine that she offered, Nikolas listened to the terms of the trade between the houses. While he wasn’t too much thrilled with going behind her mistress’ back with these terms, he felt as though the two women here knew what they were doing. Besides, it was all for Aaryona’s benefit, he suppose.

The whole thing with Nemesis sticking his neck out for Aaryona soon made sense to him as he was informed of precious information that he was sure he wasn’t suppose to hear. But the news got a lot stranger than what he could imagine. “Fear not, I won’t speak of that to anyone, especially Lord Volkov. I doubt that he would be thrilled with that knowledge going outside of the few that he knew. He’s not known for having a great…temperament.” He’d prefer not to angry any of the parties involved, least of all him.

The further talk of arrangement was lost to him, but if her other daughter could produce the goods, then so be it. Pirates weren’t unusual to be around the island, much less in its ports and such. Much of their economy relied on those with far less good intentions. Lilith’s smile brightened up his mood though and he smiled back. “I’d prefer a sort of contract as I do for many of my deals outside of Kurayo. And as I told Lilith, the terms of my allegiance to your daughter will remain regardless of what happens in the future.”

Angela mused to him. “Don’t worry Aaryona will find out about this. It’s just she wouldn’t be the one to go about it. My daughter isn’t stupid but she is stubborn. Still being as young as she is makes her do a lot of mistakes. Unlike you who have learned to use what you have, she hasn’t learned that yet. Though from what she has done in the past… make it known that my daughter is hardly a fool, that is my worry, not yours I assure you. In no way do I think you would insult my daughter. She’s been through much and Nemesis has taught her a lot already. Even encouraging her to kill her own brother for the sake of her clan. As you can imagine my relationship with Nemesis can be rocky at best because of that. My twins are because I tried to keep him from killing her as well though as I later found out wasn’t his intention at all. Rather safe than sorry. Not that I regret my loving twins at all. I would do it all over again to have them as they are precious.”

Lilith chuckled a bit. “I’m sure that Nemesis trusts you enough not to say anything. He is well aware of Angela’s title as a gossip.”

“Oye, I can hear you.” Angela waved her hand towards Lilith. “She’s not lying though. I’m the worst secret keeper though I only tell people I know I can trust or threaten with death. Death and I are best friends you know.” It was clear she was referring to death as a person. “As for the temperament thing… I’m aware. I had to stop him from slaughtering Adeluna a few months ago. It’s where we realized each other existed still and have been putting up with each other ever since.” She rubbed her head softly and smiled towards Nikolas. “I trust you and that’s why I’m putting my faith in you. I’m sure Nemesis knew that it was possible for you to meet me if this happened so he probably planned on it. If not he should have.” She shrugged a bit.

“Consider it done.” She cleared her throat and a parchment paper and quill appeared in mid-air. “Please take note.” The quill readied itself. “I, Angela Rose, hereby swear to a partnership with the Crowley and Draconis Households. For better or for worst should even their partnerships fold my word stays. I shall supply Koschei with artifacts and food. Should my passing happening my son Lucian Rose will take over as overseer of this trade. Things will need to be made to be adjusted as far as goods to be traded but he shall follow through in the name of the Red Court.”

When the quill was done writing she took the parchment paper and quill to sign her own name. She stamped the family seal next to it and slid it over to Nikolas. “Does this suffice?” After they worked out the details or he approved of it she smiled. “I shall load up Furtuna’s airships with my supplies for you. It will be quite a bit to last until the sea ships can make it to you from Arri. Cathrine knows all those fancy details but I can have a defined number for you after I bother her for it.” She seemed rather pleased she got to bother her older sister.