Douglas
Rhiander Alder, Thalia Alder, and Head Advisor Robin Swillwater
Bentwater Port, Erba

"Aye, cheer up, will ye? S'only da first day away, ye cahn't be _vhat_ 'omesick uhlready."

Thalia merely sighed in response to Robin's gruff form of being 'comforting,' leaning on the railing of the huge Leviathan that shuddered into place along the docks of this Araedian... Place. She scrunched her nose, looking down on the soil as if it were a pile of festering manure.

"Poor lit'l Mirajane.. Ta think I 'ad ta miss 'er betrothal ceremony ta come _'eeere_ of all places," Thalia murmured, standing herself up and untying her hair from its ponytail. Her trench coat flared out about her ankles, snug at her waist and jet black against her casual traveling clothes, a simple cream colored dress falling daintily above her jade riding pants and dark brown boots. Her formal attire was packed below, for the dinner that evening. For now, though, she shook out her hair, just in time for Rhiander to come running up the steps of the Leviathan, carrying a flute case in his hands.

Seeing Thalia turn to face him, her released hair bounce along her shoulders, Rhiander nearly tripped over his own two feet. 

Robin rolled his eyes, folding his hands across his abdomen. His skin was always quite tan during these months, and he'd traded his usually scruffy beard for a well-trimmed hedge that seemed to almost swallow his face. His hair was braided back into a long tail, some streaks of gray showing through. He towered over both Thalia and Rhiander, having filled out his tall form after 15 years living a softer life in the Alder's Estate.

"I found it, Thalia! Yer flute! Was tucked away ba'ind ya, uh, clothing and such.." Rhiander said, trailing off as he gingerly handed his half sister the polished case. He looked down at her, searching her eyes. They weren't entirely cheery, as usual. "I know ya aren't quite happy, at the moment, what with having ta miss out on seein' Mirajane. The timing isn't the best, but servin' The Pirate King so directly is a reward all on its own, aye?"

Thalia smiled at Rhiander, taking her flute from him and tucking it at her side. "I 'spose yer right. It'll be exciting ta see how I can work my way in, here," The young woman said, looking over at the sprawling land of Araedia, her eyes glistening with thoughts of the possibilities. She missed Mirajane and Tobias dearly, but all of this would make up for it. She firmly believed in that, and would let that be her anchor.

"Let's be off, then," Thalia said, smiling and turning on her heel to walk toward the gangplank of the huge Leviathan. 


When she was out of earshot, Robin looked over at Rhiander, raising a brow. 

"Ye didn't have _too_ much fun looking through her clothes, I hope."


———————————————


The trio stride down the gangplank as a unit, some members of Tobias's hand-picked members of the Navy striding own with them. Rhiander led the group, sporting a long, black trench coat, embroidered with gold. His olive green scarf poked neatly out of his button-up shirt, his mustard yellow vest doing well to set off his eyes. He kept his stride cool and his gaze confident, able to spot The Pirate King right away. 

His chest swelled with pride at being able to be in his presence, again. It didn't happen often, but when it did, it always had ended well for House Alder. And ultimately, for himself.

Thalia grinned as she observed everyone bustling about, still holding her flute close to her side, despite her attendant's request to carry it for her. She'd already lost the thing once, she wouldn't be content with that happening again.

Robin merely grunted, looking around once their feet had touched Araedian soil. His gaze was mostly indifferent.

"Dimitri's here? Ah, he's ma fav'rite!" Thalia whispered, practically squealing. 

She swung her arms up to stretch, happy to be on land for once.

Rhiander chuckled, straightening his collar.
"Well come on then, we shan't miss introductions." The two left Robin to dispel those who'd traveled with them, ordering where their belongings were to go.

Meanwhile, Rhiander and Thalia strode over to where the Pirate King and his Head Advisor stood, shielded by the Kingsguard.

"My liege," Rhainder said, giving a bow to the Pirate King, with Thalia following suit. 

They had joined the trio of Leviathan's, but hadn't had the time to properly greet the Pirate King beforehand.

"Always a pleasure, Your Majesty. You as well, Novikov," Thalia said as she straightened herself, her smile still bright despite her doubts from before.
Erik
The Pirate King Bradai Maith

Erba, Araedia.

"Yeah." The Pirate King pursed his lips and formed a half smile, pleased to see everything absolutely buzzing. The guards looked more then confused at the Pirate King being called a most welcomed guest. It wasn't normal for him to receive such a warm welcome party, especially in Araedia. "Now, it's up to you, lad. I've brought your favher some ample gifts, and I'm willing to set up shop tonight. If we can meet wiff your favher, 'oo from what I 'ave been told still _owns_ vhis port, we can provide 'im wiff tha dowry for what will more vhen likely be a union between our two 'ouses. Entirely business oriented, I assure you." Despite everything, the festival music, the shouting of Islanders setting up rigging, the white hot tension between the town and kings guard, Bradai remained nearly stoic. The conversion was public, but it was only between two men. This changed the moment House Alder came onto the scene. They had been sailing with him the entire time on the Leviathan Quay, but had only just made contact now. 

"Brandon Welles, vhese lovely individuals work for me. Vhey represent tha interests of 'ouse Alder, one of my most trusted vassal 'ouses. You will treat vhem wiff tha respect vhey deserve. And to you two—" He turned to face Rhainder and Thalia, "Vhis is Brandon. 'e's a good lad. Don't rough 'im up yet. 'e 'asn't earned tha privilege." 

To Thalia, Dimitri Novikov supplicated a brief glance and a raised eyebrow. "Evening, milady."
Douglas
Provincial Brandon Welles
Bentwater Port, Erba.

Brandon was clearly torn between being a good host, and wanting to participate in the festival and the islander style partying happening on the decks of the three ships. The Araedian guards seemed to be settling down, despite their intense confusion. The more Brandon spoke to Bradai, the more clear it became that there was no threat. Their aggression melted away to confusion, possibly a little anger from the old dogs who grew up hating Islanders. 

Brandon smiled when the Pirate King said he'd brought gifts for his father, "Yeah? How kind. After the evening he'd had, he'll be needing them. We'll talk more inside." When the Alders came to join in, of course he was kind. Brandon nodded politely to them when they were introduced, sort of. He laughed shortly, "Aye... Respect. We're all friends here." He looked over to the Alders, "Good to meet you, and if this is your first time in Araedia... Welcome to your worst fuckin' nightmare! You're all welcome to stay at Meros, even him." He said gesturing his head towards Dimitri, he was making a little joke about him shooting him. He hadn't seen him since then. "I'd suggest we go now, but who can think of business and warm beds when there's Islander music and rum. There's also a festival of our own that will begin when the sun sets. Do any of you have a preference?"

Rhiander Alder, Thalia Alder, and Head Advisor Robin Swillwater
Bentwater Port, Erba

Thalia closed her mouth, a pleased smile still playing on her lips given Dimitri's slight recognition of her. Though Rhiander would probably prefer she save face while they were greeting mainlanders, she had trouble hiding just how _interesting_ Dimitri was to look at. Even more importantly...

_I wonder if he knows how Newry is doing._

 At this thought, her smile sobered a little bit, and she glanced over at Rhiander, as if wary he might somehow hear her thoughts.

One of the first rules him and Robin had instilled once they took over House Alder was to never mention Newry and her marriage to the Pirate King. Tobias had been rather opposed to the rule, but seeing as their mother was firm in supporting it as well, she'd never taken the time to question it. She'd trusted Rhiander rather easily from the beginning. Her mother, she naturally trusted even more. If she could just get the Novikov fellow alone...

Rhiander gave a short laugh, observing Brandon. _For an Araedian, he doesn't seem all that bad. We'll see how the night goes on._

"Friends might be a reachin' word, but it's good ta meet you anyways, Brandon," Rhiander said. "Even still, you'd best watch out fer ma sister. She'll be dealin' most closely with ya."

Thalia snapped out of her daze, looking to Brandon and waving a hand, her cheeks rosy as she perked up her smile just enough to be present.

"Aye, ma crew _moight_ tell ye that I'm not all that scary, but.. You'll have to find it fer ya'self, yea?" The young woman grabbed her flute in both hands, tilting her head just a tad. "In the meantime, if it's a party yer askin for, s'pose I can spare ye for the night. Wouldn't want to scare ye off right away, would we?"

Provincial Brandon Welles
Bentwater Port, Erba.

He laughed when Rhiander gave him a hard time about being friends, but that was to be expected. He didn't know them yet, but it was pretty obvious that they were people he'd be working closely with. When he directed him to his sister Brandon gave her a quick nod and a smile when she waved. "Looking forward to it," He said even though it wasn't made entirely clear what exactly he could expect. To him, it was all an adventure. He'd done more in the past month than he had over the past 5 years for Leon. 

He shook his head when she said she wasn't all that scary, "Time will tell, and I thank you for loosening the reins but if you're all ready to discuss business tonight, the festival lasts for a week. What will it be?"
Erik
The Pirate King Bradai Maith and Head Advisor Dimitri Novikov
Bentwater Port, Erba

When the guard detail visibly relaxed, so did most of the Islanders. They, understandably, were trained for the allegiance of the Araedians to switch at any moment. Bradai remained on guard and kept mostly to himself, inspecting the area and intermittently removing a journal from his coat pocket to note his surroundings. 

Dimitri, on the other hand, made it a personal note to wedge his way in between Rhiander and Brandon. "We _will_ be discussing business tonight. I assume that your father will be more in the mood to discuss any future business with me. Islanders here are..." He paused, "Not as well liked as we could hope for. This festival hopes to change that. I have no issue discussing business with your father while the rest of you have a night on the town. _After_ dinner, of course. Oh and uh, Brandon?"

The Head Advisor placed a gentle hand on the man's shoulder, tugging his ear towards his mouth with a deceptive amount of strength. His whisper was soft, borderline sultry: "_It would be best if our own personal business wasn't mentioned around House Alder. They are—_" He smiled, his glance briefly connecting with Rhiander's, "_just as associated as you are. But House Maith prefers to keep these things separate. The Islanders are kinfolk. We are outsiders. You'd be smart to remember that. Now smile and laugh like I just told you a dirty joke._" 

The Head Advisor pulled away and covered his mouth with the back of his hand, letting out a soft chuckle.
Douglas
Rhiander Alder, Thalia Alder, and Head Advisor Robin Swillwater
Bentwater Port, Erba

Robin sighed and wiped his brow, watching as the Leviathan was finally grounded along the docks. Their crew kept themselves as orderly as could be expected. Naturally, some of the gang members had disguised themselves as normal seafarers, always keeping a close eye on Rhiander, and by proxy, Thalia. _You can never be too safe,_ Robin thought as he nodded at them, before deciding it was alright for him to approach the half siblings.

"Everythin's secure on the ship. Your belongin's are en route to the estate," Robin said. He paused, taking a few moments to watch the Pirate King. Robin has always insisted that Rhiander, even when the young lord was, well, younger, deal directly with the Pirate King, even if it was truly Robin calling most of the shots. He preferred to remain in the background. It was safest there, after all, and the best place to orchestrate everyone else to do his dirty work, even if they didn't realize it. Such was the life of a gang leader.

The man settled his eyes back on Rhiander, lowering his voice.

"Don't get too comfortable. Our ways aren't taken too kindly, 'ere. The fairy boy the Pirate King keeps 'round helps 'im get by, but we don't 'ave that luxury. Even Thalia's charm can only go so far. Just do as he says, and enjoy yourself _with moderation._ Understand?"

"Clear as day," Rhiander said, swallowing slightly. He smiled, a bit uncomfortably at Dmitri's glance and subsequent chuckle, immediately growing protective over Thalia. _What did he say? Is it about her?_

Meanwhile, Thalia had begun taking a lay of the land, even now trying to envision the opium operation. Her eyes narrowed as she surveyed the shore, sighing. It wasn't anything like home, but it would have to do.

Provincial Brandon Welles
Bentwater Port, Erba.

Brandon stopped walking when Dimitri placed his hand on his shoulder. He leaned in to listen then smiled and laughed shortly, shaking his head like he'd just told him something delightfully disgusting. He whispered back to him, as if he had some sort of secret retort, "I won't be telling tales of dead men to your friends. Took care of it, if you were wondering." He winked then playfully tapped him on the shoulder. Before he turned back to the group, "Seems like the general consensus is a meal before our debauchery!" He looked over to a member of his crew, "Run back and tell the cook about the change in dinner plans. Get him anything he needs."
____________

The walk back to Erba was a smooth one for Brandon, but he was used to the hills and bridges. He tried to keep their pace, but ended up walking next to Tresten who couldn't stop smiling. Brandon looked over to him, "What?" He shook his head, "Nuffin'..." He was a huge supporter of Bradai Maith, and his story had long inspired him. He didn't get to say a word to the man, but the fact that he was helping to host him was enough to get a smile out of the usually stoic man.

Brandon took them to the drawing room at Meros, leaving them sit for a few minutes while they were served Araedian wine. Brandon left for a moment to tell their crew which rooms to take their things up to. He couldn't bring himself to let anyone be in Reyum's or Evelyn's rooms. Meros was a very large house though, there was plenty of rooms for everyone to get their own room. When he finished directing their belongings, he headed towards the library where Leon was still waiting. He was a bottle of wine in when Brandon came through the door. He paused for a second, "Well, at least I know where I get it from." Leon lowly growled, "Piss off." Brandon rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Come the drawing room. Leave the bottle." Leon slammed his glass on the table then stood up. He walked close to Brandon's face, but didn't say anything as he exited the room. Brandon followed behind him into the drawing room, and he nearly crashed into the back of his father when Leon stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of crew assembled inside.
Erik
The Pirate King and Head Advisor Dimitri Novikov
Bentwater Port, Erba

The Pirate King briefly looked up from his quickly amassing list of notes to address Brandon, "My men 'ave brought over more vhen enough imported food to frow a fuckin' feast. I will provide tonight. Tomorrow, providing tha meal will be on you. Prepare accordingly" He glanced up at Brandon, then to his side, where Ollie was standing by. "Go on vhen." Bradai motioned with his head, and Ollie began pushing through the crowd, signaling for the ships to be unloaded. Over the sides of the Leviathans, dozens of crates were being lowered onto carts that were being quickly constructed right on the harbor. Bradai promptly went back to taking notes. 

Dimitri shot Brandon an almost knowing glance, "_Our_ friends, Mister Welles." 

______________________

Things were slightly different for everyone in Meros. Being on dry land, especially a nice estate, was always refreshing after being on the open ocean for a while. The Pirate King, typically striving to be the center of attention, made himself scarce. He took a seat in a couch towards the corner of the drawing room, spending most of his time chatting idly with the help. It was something he made a point of doing every time he came to an estate. Best he know the person that would poison his food. 

Dimitri Novikov stood in the center of the room, actively waiting to receive Leon when he entered. The moment the lord of the house came into view, Dimitri stepped forwards, bowing his head in respect and holding out his hand. "Provincial Welles, I presume?" He spoke in a near perfect Feyorian accent. "Dimitri Novikov. Should we speak in private?"
Douglas
Provincial Leon Welles and Brandon Welles
Meros Castle, Erba.

Leon narrowed his eyes at Dimitri then begrudgingly hummed when Dimitri asked his name, a head nod followed... He was Provincial Welles. He looked over the man's shoulder, taking a quick survey of the room. From their chatter, he knew they were from the isles, and of course he'd seen the flags on the three massive ships pulling into his port. He glanced at The Pirate King, sitting in the corner of the room chatting up one of his staff. He hardly heard the offer of speaking in private, but he looked back to Dimitri... "Alright." He turned to walk away, leading Dimitri back to the library, nearly knocking into Brandon who stepped out of the way. 

Brandon exhaled silently as the two of them walked away, regardless of how much shit he talked earlier he still found it difficult to walk into the drawing room as if nothing happened. He took a glass of wine, stood by the window looking at the fires growing on the shore as the festivities began. The Spring Festival in Araedia centered around fire- a celebration of the sun after the winter months. The sun brought flowers, grain, and fruit. The cuisine being eaten around the fire would include all three in interesting and delicious ways. The ships in the distance were just barely visible now, simply shadows on the horizon.