Having used up a great amount of mana Lanthim lay tired on the meditation platform. Over an hour ago Leinea had ended the gathering after noticing his fatigue. Now he was still completely exhausted having very little mana remaining.

What he had done none would understand. For only they who were like himself, and others tied to the Haldrathin genetic memories. Could understand what it was like to have past individuals try to assert control. What he had done for the boy was the same. As what he had performed for Syrelia.

Putting in place regalia that would block undesirable mental outputs. It was only after coming to the library that Lanthim. Found that Syrelia's ability to see the future was actually. The ability of many past Haldrathin ancestors. All bleeding through at once making the little girl's early life a living hell.

It was fortuitous that Lanthim had without knowing. Found a way to help other Haldrathin half-breeds. Sadly though, unlike Syrelia when Lanthim constructed such regalia the amount of mana was too much. Even when at his best, such a thing took a lot of mana from him.

Regardless since the child's mother was so loving. Lanthim felt that allowing a small gesture of good faith. This would allow for better relations between the clans could be brought about. At the back of his mind, however, was a small annoyance that he could not ignore.

'The Yuikra clan is subservient to the Dreclimos clan. A Haldrathin clan and one that is globally ranked and rival to the Helgothma clan that I have been currently trying to get recognition from.' {Lanthim}

Thinking this Lanthim felt a little saddened. For it was apparent to him that an attachment f some kind. Had formed between Illtris Yuikra and his brother Melryn. As far as he could sense their feelings were not something fabricated. But he could not hide the idea that she was at the academy for something more.

Regardless he was prepared to put the resources behind, Melryn. If his intentions in the future were to marry this young woman.

Drathalkin Estate Leinea's Territory

All gathered together in a building Leinea never had to use before. The entire group of women gathered having left Melryn, and Aldain at Litralia's holdings. Even with Melryn trying everything he could to come along he was promptly rebuked. For Illtris the sudden reality of inferiority became immense. With herself and Litralia being the only first-order beings in the room. Whereas Leinea had her grandmother and her three sisters present.

Now at present, the situation could be seen more as a friendly gathering. Then an official clan event seeing as the Drathalkin were new to this level of clan interaction. That, however, would have to be changed quickly, seeing as no clan who could not entertain their neighbours would be taken seriously.

"Ha. To think that everything would just happen. I hope that the Halgothma take their time with recognition. I don't want to sit and meet with representatives from so many clans." [Leinea]

Looking at her tea with a sour expression Leinea complained openly. With the actual representative for the Yuikra clan at his apartments at present. She decided to not care if Illtris saw her act naturally.

"I would agree. Being the head of a powerful clan. Does have some undesirable work that goes with it." [Caltyen]

Being the daughter that became matriarch after her mother Caltyen knew well what was about to unfold for Leinea. All the balls, and parties that while for a young woman attending. Could be an enjoyable experience if the host planned everything well. But now Leinea was the planner, not the attendee alone. And with Lanthim unable to do anything, she would bare the entire weight of any venture with her power. Which is a residence where Lanthim was king of all things made her feel like a painting to be seen.

While Leinea complained Litralia was sitting with her attention towards Illtris. In the six weeks since Lanthim had been injured. The attraction between this woman and Melryn seemed to increase. Now she had never been one to doubt that two people. Could come to find loving affection for one another after a short meeting. But it was always possible that the affection felt was fleeting. With both going their separate ways.

"It may be inconvenient for a time but you have me, and Mynrea to help you whenever there is a need." [Litralia]

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To this, all nodded except Illtris who felt that she had just walked into a conversation she shouldn't have. The feeling that things were being said. That could be communicated back home as a potential weakness. While at the same time wondering how such a report would harm, Melryn.

But that was the reason that Melryn was not here. Leinea had every intent to find out how deep Illtris's feelings for the young man went. Having seen his actions towards Illtris.

Leinea understood well what would come next. Even if Melryn's half-breed blood did not surface completely. The dragon in him was pulling the young man towards Illtris with great power. Like his elder brother who only because he was in control did not take his desires to the extreme.

Melryn with the training he had received was competent in controlling his urges. But not enough for a dragon to see through.

{Grandmother, I feel Melryn will do something rash if left to himself with Illtris. He is soon to turn fifteen, and I feel he will not hold back if the Yuikra denies a marriage proposal.} {Leinea}

When she had talked to Melryn earlier in the day about the prospect of marriage. He put on an air of offense acting as if the idea was some joke. Leinea knew better, she could see when at the academy they walked or talked with each other. That they both gravitated to each other more and more.

{For today let's wait. Representative Yuikra is being briefed by Melfsol at present. So and it would be best for us who have the advantage.} {Mynrea}

{Advantage?} {Leinea}

Tilting her head to look at her grandmother. Everyone else took notice.

"Ah! You two are talking through the bonding. Come now what are you talking about?" [Tayrie]

Realizing she had given their communication away. Leinea looked at Illtris with an unresolved expression. For a moment she pondered how to approach this gently.

"Sigh." [Leinea]

"Lady Yuikra, what are your feelings for Melryn?" [Leinea]

Six pairs of eyes turned the young woman. Who at that moment not only turned bright red. But looked to have suffered from a mental block. Litralia like the rest wanted to know the answer.

'No, no, no! How could this have happened now? True I wasn't discreet. But how can I deny how I feel?' {Illtris}

While she had not been too impressed at their first meeting. The proceeding days were a blend of trying to avoid him turning to fascinated attraction. While she could accept the fact that she had feelings for someone two years younger than her. She had the impression that there was something more to Melryn. And today she found out what that was.

"I will not lie to you, Leinea. For some time now I have been moved by my feelings. In a way, I have not felt it before. Melryn has been kind to me." [Illtris]

Listening Leinea simply nodded. Turning her attention to Litralia who also seemed to be content. At least with what had been said so far.

"He is a good boy but also impulsive. There is a struggle with parts of his character. That magmatism responds to his emotions over zealously." [Litralia]

To this, Illtris could attest for just today he had released his limiter. Revealing a secret that was meant to be hidden. But there had been other times as well. When he would respond to something concerning her to the extreme. Not to the point of harming another person but simple things.

"From what I have seen I would think. You both have talked about this. Being partners for the tournament even though it has been cancelled. I would assume he has at least advanced the conversation." [Leinea]

Illtris's face turning redder could not be helped. A lot of what Leinea knew came from Syrelia.

"We have talked about things." [Illtris]

'Of course, you have.' {Leinea}

Thinking this Leinea could sense a maid arriving. Waving her hand the door opened with the maid just at the door.

"My mistress the master has had this sent to you."

The box that the maid held to everyone but Illtris was something akin to a sacred relic.

'Melryn's Neytriel."

Rising from her seat Leinea walked over to the door. Placing her hands on the box she bowed her head in reverence. No matter what anyone had thought before. This was a third order Neytriel none here could stand before it. Taking the box Leinea returned to the table. Placing the item at the center of the table everyone looked with amazement. Placing her hand on the stone on top the box opened. In an instant, the room was filled with a sudden scream. None looked away from the item that was present before them. Except Illtris who sat so far in her seat that she was almost falling over.

"You should feel honoured. None outside of this group know that there exist beings. Who has had their order seals removed." [Mynrea]

Hearing this Illtris could only look at the Neytriel with dread.

"Is this Melryn's?" [Illtris]

With a nod, Litralia marvelled. She had never seen a Neytriel over the second order. But she knew because of the seals being removed that something like this would appear.

"Illtris what are your intentions towards marriage with Melryn." [Leinea]

If what she knew about Melryn. If Illtris was ordered to return home and marriage denied. Melryn would go get her through a pile of bodies. Leinea had come to the same crossroads in her relationship with Lanthim. For all her young life she had only heard stories about her husband.

The exploits of his early life, and then her father returned home almost dead. Being told that she would marry a monster that had smashed her father's chest in. Over time brought her to the realization that the marriage was unavoidable. The situation while different was the same.

"Will negotiations be possible?" [Illtris]

"No need to worry, leave everything to me." [Leinea]