The day started to get cloudy as the carriages and the armed escort moved down the road, and soon enough, the rain that enveloped the country caught up to them, the drops banging loudly against the top of the carriages, and making a sharp metallic sound when they hit any of the exposed metal of the armour that the guards carried. Inside the carriages however, there was almost perfect silence, as the internal padding prevented outside sounds to penetrate the vehicle, only a slight tapping from the raindrops as they hit the windows were able to be heard. In there, Marcus talked about random things: the weather, rising prices on some resources, combat training, pretty much just aimless banter.<br/><br/>From time to time, the captain of the guards, Folke, moved the curtains to one side, to check outside if things were going properly. He had taken off his visored sallet, placing it on his lap as he stayed silent, letting his employer talk. Lord Bellport, meanwhile, had stayed silent most of the way, without daring to direct his gaze towards Marcus or Folke, just looking down towards the floor of the carriage, without knowing what to do or say. He had lost everything he cared for, he was a broken man. Next to Lord Bellport was a small, closed chest, although neither of the men acutally payed much attention to it.<br/><br/>Eventually, Marcus finally mentioned the offer he was talking about. "Mister Bellport." He started, unofficially stripping the title of 'Lord' to the man in front of him, another thorn to place on his side; "I'm willing to purchase your manor at a slightly increased price on what other Lords will offer. Enough to let you live with some comfort for some time." It was a rather generous offer, without the support Bellport had, and not a lot to claim for his own, the price of his manor had plummeted to the ground. "However, I'm aware that you know that expenses will be increased when you take your family into account... So I'm giving you this choice: You take the box next to you that has the money I'm offering for you manor and get off my carriage on the next town. You'll leave this country on your own, never to return,and that money shall be enough to buy yourself a good business and home in other lands... You can count it, if you want." Marcus said as he montioned his hand to point to the chest. As he claimed, all the money was there, a small fortune for a regular man, but a rather low price for the young lord.<br/><br/>"The other choice, is that you come with us to my state, where I'll arrange transport for you and your whole family outside of the country, giving you the same chest, of course." Marcus said as he laid back on his seat. It was a test that was made to test Bellport's commitment to his family. He had kept a small detail from the senior nobleman though, on the back of the carriage was a larger chest, enough to support the whole family abroad for a decent time. Disappointment was planted on Marcus face when Bellport left the carriage on the next city, with the small chest on his hands. "Takes us back to my manor." He said after sighing, talking with Falko during the rest of the trip.<br/><br/>Back in his state, he ordered the preparation of living arrangements for the Bellport family, who showed distraught after Marcus told what happened to the head of the family, how he left them behind. He offered the same thing he had done with other noble families that had gone through the same things against them: Keeping their noble lifestyle, provided they pledged allegiance to him and the Hawksmith family, just as the Richmour, Kenthall and Lockster families had done before them. They had kept residence in their former homes, now under the protection - and vigilance - of the Hawksmiths, aiding them in information, business and politics. The eldest son of Bellport - being the new official head of the family - agreed, and shook hands with Marcus. He left the Bellports settle on his guest house, before being approached by his chamberlein, who delivered him two missives, both from the Stoikos family, one of his father's former business partners.<br/><br/>One of the letters already shocked Marcus. Lord Stoikos was dead, and it claimed that if Lady Ainara Stoikos didn't marry within 8 months, Marcus would have an important degree of influence in the administration of the Stoikos assets. It was an unprecedented affair, basically conceding control of a household if the conditions were not fulfilled. Marcus didn't know why he was being chosen for that, but it actually put him in a very dangerous - but also very profitable - position, as the clash with Lady Ainara was unavoidable. If he stoped that from happening, he'd increase his power and possibly gain new followers... but he also had a new target painted on his back. The other letter was from Lady Ainara herself...