<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/54/29/2e/54292eda7aecbf7e8de1395949b4700a.jpg)<div align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><strong>Asher Bray</strong></span></div></div><strong>Ashburne - Amberthorne</strong><br/><br/>Asher was left no choice but to sit in austere silence as the two nobles bickered, but he did not do so idly.  He was very much engaged in the conversation, taking it all in as the two batted the idea of going to the king for support back and forth at each other.  It was not a comfortable discussion, knowing it was that very monarch who put both of their father’s to death, but Graham claimed his refusal to reach out was not a matter of pride.  It was being practical.  He had only a fraction of power left, and his hold on the land was tenuous at best.  If Graham sought aid more times than was deemed appropriate, King Ivern could very well decide that the young lord was not fit to rule an ant hill, much less a duchy, and strip him of land and title.  He would lose everything.  But they needed to think of the people, as that was where Graham’s loyalties lie.<br/><br/>While their fuses simmered, and since they had reduced themselves to petty jabs, Asher decided to offer his own thoughts.  He cleared his throat, looked to his lord, and calmly started to explain his position in a deferential tone.  “I think Lord Stanton brings up valid points.  That is not to write off your concerns, but if King Ivern wanted the ‘strings attached’, he could come up with ways on his own… without you needing to strike a bargain.  Let us not take that option off the table if things become dire.”  One could argue that things already<em>were</em>dire, but they still had a couple of playing cards up their sleeve.  If all other tactics fail, the king would need to be a last resort.<br/><br/>And, turning to Stanton, he put some steel in his voice so the man wouldn’t question who he was being addressed by.  Frustration and concern were acceptable things to vent during discussions, but Asher would only allow things to escalate so far before they were forced under control.  Whether by Stanton’s own self-preservation or Asher’s firm hand was up to the elder noble.  “The deal is still on the table.  You need to have more faith in your lord, and trust that he will consider all available options.  He will do what is right by his people; you already know this.”  He turned that crystalline gaze back toward Graham as he finished.<br/><br/>“Well, I’ve said my peace.  I'm sure the others would agree with me were they here, but the burden was left up to me to convince you.  Obviously I've failed.  There is nothing more I can say that will persuade you one way or another, so I will take my leave.”  He sounded disappointed that his position wasn’t taken as seriously as he’d wanted.  Somehow he thought his experience would sway Graham easier than it did.  Stanton rose from his chair, walked behind it to tuck it in beneath the table, offered Graham a slight bow and Asher a nod, then turned on his heel and walked toward the door.  A servant who’d been standing off to the side, ready to carry out orders of refreshment or, in Stanton’s and Meg’s case, usher people coming and going, helped the older man into his coat, then had him out the door, though leaving it open to extend invitation to another.<br/><br/>It was Meg’s turn to enter, and Asher looked to his left to watch her approach.  She had cleaned up nicely.  Fresh clothing and a long bath provided by their finest housekeeper brought a bit of life back into her; her posture alone was a little less weary than before.  “My lady,” he offered, sliding out of his chair and bowing his head.  He would have provided more pleasantries if the situation were different; he hardly deemed it appropriate to ask if she slept well, so he said nothing more.  House Ellery prided itself with having impeccable hospitality, and refusing to allow that reputation to tarnish, he had an empty chair out from under the table and awaiting her attendance, and only when she was properly situated did he reclaim his own seat.  Her chair was equal distance between his and the one reserved for the master of the estate, with her back placed strategically to the door so she wouldn’t feel cornered.  He could tell by the lingering redness in her eyes that she’d had a hard night of mourning all that she'd lost.<br/><br/>They all had that in common, at least; losing their family in one way or another.  But while Graham and Asher had each other, she had nobody.  Only them; for however long that arrangement lasted.<br/><br/>They were about to find out.