(Andraus)<br/><br/>Anthony would close his eyes and nod towards his Goddess, not trusting his voice as she laid her lips on his cheek, before following after the Dark Mage. He would keep his voice low, to avoid detection. "<b>So you know who I am.....You're more clever than I gave you credit for. I will not make the same mistake again. "</b>Anthony said, before sighing, as he looked towards the woman. She had lead to his death, his homes decay, and everything he knew having been stolen from him, but when he looked at the mage all he could feel was....pity, for some reason. It did not replace the rage in his heart, as nothing could quell the dark fire that burned in his chest, but it was enough to give him pause.<br/><br/>He would follow her to the Gardens out front, as they were around other guests, but far enough away for a modestly private conversation. "<b>What do you wish, Mage? Everything I was is gone- Zion Aoiros is dead, you have the woman I once loved dancing on your string, and now you know my identity as I try to rebuild the shattered fragments of my life." </b>Anthony said, twirling the wine in his hand. "<b>I have nothing to offer that you do not already have, nor am I a threat to you, you ensured I wouldn't be. I was given a second chance at life by my goddess and I don't intend on wasting it." </b>He told her. He knew that she likely already knew who revived him.<br/><br/>Every word that Anthony said was true, but Anthony had to be careful WHICH truths he told. She had not dug much out of his mind, just his name and the day he died, but he knew she'd try to dig more information out of him. He'd reinforce his mental walls barriers, as he would pluck a black rose out of a bush, before placing it in the Mages hair, an affectionate sign which did not go unnoticed by the rest of the crowds. She had to feel like she was getting something out of the conversation, which Anthony was giving her, but nothing good enough to actually give her leverage on him. Who would believe that he was Zion Aoiros? Everyone saw him burn to ash. That would be impossible even for HER to spin a tale.<br/><br/><b>"If you intend on destroying the Empire-in-Exile, as I saw in your dragon's mind....feel free, <i>I</i> will not stop you. They are the decaying remnants of a failed idea. Just next time, do not bring your creations here....." </b>He said, before letting out a smirk, as he would black a kiss on her cheek and whisper to her. "<b>They pale in the face of your overwhelming beauty...."</b>He said, before he began moving away, to relax and enjoy the night with the rest of the crowds. He needed to get close to her, so he had to ensure that she felt power, important, and above all else? Respected. Dark Mages thrived off being more powerful than others, and Anthony had to ensure that she believed that she had the upper hand.<br/><br/>It was the best decision he had and the current time.<br/><br/>The Dragon, whose mind Anthony freed, spread the Goddesses Light to others in his flock close to him. As the fires from their kin raged, these Light-Touched Dragons began attacking their darkness-cursed brethren, spreading the light to some, and purging their lives from this world to others. The Albino Shadowscale would let out a gust of icy wind from his powerful maw, as the flames died out in direction of his breath, saving the Empire-In-Exile from major devastation. The Goddess had a net of Dragons to protect the Fallen Empire, giving her a weapon to use against the Dark God Maddox's influence.<br/><br/>Oscar would look towards the Queen as she approached, before looking as he saw the Arch-mage and Merchant Prince converse. "<b>It seems our new resident Merchant Prince has coin and resources in great measure. This will be good for the city...."</b>Oscar said, before he saw the look on his Queen's face. He knew that look, it was one he had seen all too often. "<b>My Queen....Miri.....I know what you're thinking- That's not him. We both know that." </b>He said, as they spoke in private, leaning against a railing. "<b>I too know what it's like, to spend your life chasing ghosts.....You are not fault for what happened- We needed to do what had to be done, to keep order in the kingdom...."</b>He said, trying to reassure the troubled woman.<br/><br/>When he saw the Jewelry piece, he raised an eyebrow, before an idea came to his mind. He'd let out a sigh, as he pushed himself up. "<b>Still though.....If you wish to see more of the man, so that he may flatter you with gifts such as the one on your neck, perhaps invite him to court? We still need a Lord Steward, someone to manage coin and who can bring wealth and trade back to our Kingdom.....If we're to survive, gold must flow again, and this man appears to be the best off of any Merchants we've seen thus far." </b>Oscar said, before placing a hand on her shoulder.<br/><br/>Oscar then saw how....familiar the man acted with him, and knew the Queen would likely not be comfortable with it, as it was all to familiar to Zion. "<b>We must also talk of arranging a possible suitor for you....My Queen, you're the last of your families line- You need an heir, which means you need to find a suitable husband. I know it is not my place to speak of this, but I must urge you to consider it, if nothing else than for the future of this Kingdom, which I would lay my blade down to protect." </b>Oscar said. He knew things would not be easy, especially given history, but they both had to put the Kingdom before their own personal feelings.<br/><br/>"<b>I merely offer my advice, as a friend and former comrade in arms, Miri....The Choice is yours, my Queen."</b>