Old Darkaria

=== Return ===
Inside the clean white walls of one of Old Darkaria's palaces a portal of shadows appear and from it Agir stumbles out, still reeling from the fire ball by Navira, and falls to the ground. When he does Kakusa steps out and walks on his back before looking down at him,
"Oh sorry cousin, didn't see you there.", he says with mocking sarcasm.
"Sodding prick, damn you straight to Evoh and his Xalivar!" Agir hisses as he stumbles to his feet angrily.
"Careful cousin, 'there's power in words' so you don't want to invoke him now do you?", Kakusa asks sarcastically.
"I'll give you 'power in words'... continue fancying yourself special for fornicating with forbidden arts, while I possess the power and arts of numerous main and branch families... mongrel." Agir sneers.
He eyes his surroundings. "I take it we're not at your Sancho hovel, or the Virma house hold..."
"I see you've arrived, but please refrain from fighting inside my castle if you would I just had the floors waxed.", a voice says.
They then see a tall heavy set man with fair skin, pointed ears, pink eyes with slit pupils, long wavy brown hair that frames his face and is held in a low ponytail. He's wearing a four piece suit, save for the coat and in its place wearing a white lab coat, and is holding a cane with a dragon head holding a jewel in its mouth on the top end. There are two other people with him but are dressed head to toe in laboratory gear, with one holding a large box by a handle and the other going to Kakusa.
"Thanks for meeting up with us Mr. Ryuukarada, sorry to make you arrive late to the monthly meeting on me and my cousins account.", Kakusa says taking off his cloak and giving it to the person who approached him.
"It's no trouble since you offered to test my new cloak, so how was it?", Ronowva asks.
"Pretty good, I'm surprised that the Ryuuga boy couldn't find me.", Kakusa says with an impressive tone in his voice.
"One of the major things I aimed for, he's a nuisance but valuable at the same time. Though that might be me being Dragonian as well talking but all the same.", he says.
Ronowva then looks at Agir, "Ah, Mr. Agir Virmel it's been quite a while hasn't it? Though his Majesty is looking forward to seeing you again I can't very well, in good conscience, have you two meet in the unsightly condition your in. Do I have your permission to treat and dress your wound?", he asks while the person with the box holds it up to reveal its a medic kit.
Agir folds his arms. “Try any funny business and you’ll answer to my mystic beasts.” He intones a warning.
Kakusa snorts but Ronowva isn't fazed by the obvious threat and approaches Agir with his assistant opening the box. Ronowva puts on gloves before carefully touching Agir's burnt side of his face then from the box takes out and puts on the latter some cream, that stings a bit, before putting on gauze that covers a majority of the burn.
"There, that should do for now. We'll let it heal up and if your not satisfied with how it looks afterwards I can do more to make it look like it was never there.", Ronowva says as he discards his gloves and lab coat to the other assistant and receiving his suit coat and a top hat with a gem stone and feathers.
"I don't know I think that scar would give his face some actual character, and a good reminder of his failure as a husband and father.", Kakusa says.
Agir's eyes narrow and he makes a gesture with his hand, a flickering blue flame broiling in his palm. "How about I give you a matching one, then we can be a set." He growls.
Then the flame is suddenly extinguished, but not by Agir, and they hear Ronowva clear his throat and they see his eyes glow, "Gentlemen, what did I say about fighting in my palace?"
"I didn't start it Mr. Ryuukarada, nor was I gonna humor him.", Kakusa says holding his hands up.
Agir eyes Ronowva. "Whatever, but the next time he barks, my cane will answer. Now are we planning on moving sometime this century or is the mutt's yapping supposed to be my torture? Clearly you're not hosting me out of the generosity of your good little heart."
"Yes, I suppose I've humored myself for long enough. Please follow me, the Knight's meeting is about to begin.", Ronowva says fixing his top hat a bit.
After a bit of walking they exit Ronowva's palace to a bridge connecting to other palaces but specifically taking the path towards the one clearly in the middle of them all. They then go through the palace and approach a large set of double doors, as they approach they can hear two arguing voices and loud crashing sounds on the other side and Kakusa let's an amused snort,
"Amai and Kessho at it again, never gets old."
"It's a waste of energy though, such pointless violence is one of my greater pet peeves.", Ronowva remarks.
The two butler's standing in front of the doors open them while bowing their heads, and inside is a large dining hall with seven separate round dining tables, three to the left and right and one at the other end of the room, all with three chairs save for the last table having seven. At the table to the right of the far end one is a young girl with short light purple hair, lime green eyes, and is wearing an overall dress over a plaid shirt and fuzzy slippers on her feet. She is sitting in a wheel chair and reading a book. Across from her is a woman with dark green hair held in a bun and covering her left eye, but her eye color can't be seen cause she's obviously asleep, and is wearing a short long sleeved kimono exposing her legs up to her thighs and a good amount of her breasts. To her right is a young woman with long silver hair held in four braids and has dark pink eyes while wearing a scantily version of a witches outfit, and across from her is a young man with black and light blue hair and black eyes wearing a winter like getup with lots of fur. They're both playing chess against each other with the young man's pieces being made of ice and the young woman's being made of what seems to be pumpkins.
In the middle tables the one to the left has four chairs but only two people, a young boy and girl both looking similar with brown hair styled in a side ponytail and pink eyes with slits, and wearing four piece suits with the girls being more feminine. They were both on their game systems before noticing Ronowva and getting out of their seats and running up to him. Across from their table are two men, one is larger and has charcoal colored skin with light grey hair styled into a fohawk, but his eye color can't be seen cause he has them closed but appears to be meditating. The other man has light brown eyes but his hair is covered by a modified version of a nun's wimple and wearing a modified version of a priests outfit, and is playing with what appears to be Mercury and making it into different shapes.
In the last set of tables the one to the left has an older naga with pitch black hair, tan skin, and piercing yellow eyes, his attire mostly consist of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings but does wear clothing around his crotch. Instead of sitting in a chair he's sitting on his coils while smoking from a kiseru and blowing the smoke away from the young man across from him, who's sitting with his legs on the table and hands behind his head while chewing and blowing bubbles from gum while listening to music. The young man has messy green hair, dark skin, and his eyes are hidden by glasses. He's wearing a sleeveless jacket with the hood over his head, shorts, leggings, knee and elbow pads with gloves. Across from them is a young woman with long red hair and light blue eyes wearing a crop top with pants thigh high boots and shoulder length gloves with purple jewels spread out. She's standing on her chair cheering at the fight going on above them, the two fighting obviously being Kessho and Amai who are mostly throwing punches and kicks while sometimes pulling hair and throwing childish insults.
"Dad!", the young boy and girl running to Ronowva say as they hug him which is returned by the latter.
"Roen, Rein, you two have been behaving I hope?", he asks.
"Of course.", "If we weren't we'd be like those two ding dongs up there.", Roen says gesturing to Kessho and Amai.
"I heard that you little shits-oh, fuck Ronowva.", Kessho says before stopping herself when seeing him.
"I'd rather the other way, but alas he's a faithful man.", Amai says.
"Really?! Is your dick the only thing that thinks for you?!", Kessho shouts.
"At least I am thinking while you've got nothing going on in that head of yours!", Amai retorts.
"Why you-!", Kessho gets ready to throw hands again but is stopped by Ronowva clearing his throat.
"Im sure his Majesty would appreciate the damage be kept to a minimum this time, considering the repairs from your last bout just finished a couple days ago.", he says.
Kessho let's out an annoyed 'Tch' before coming down from the rafters on a makeshift slide made of crystal, while Amai puffs out his cheeks in annoyance before flying down back to the ground. The red haired girl standing on her chair is about to argue but when she sees Kakusa she immediately sits down into her seat, in which Kakusa let out an amused snort.
"The show so enjoyable that you forgot your table manners Hibiki?", he asks teasingly.
"I-uh, well...yes, yes it was...", Hibiki stutters out embarrassed.
Kakusa chuckles, "Well I can't blame you since we haven't been sent on a mission in a long while."
"Which is frustrating! Why has his Majesty suddenly stopped sending us?", Hibiki asks with some frustration in her voice.
"He has his reasons, I know high strung you are that's why I didn't bring you with me. But I'm sure we'll get missions soon, heck maybe today in fact considering it's our typical meeting time.", Kakusa responds.
Agir merely has his arms folded, eyes shut with an annoyed expression. "Disgraceful..." He mutters to himself.
The double doors open again and a familiar voice rings out, "Excellent, everyone's here and the room still remains intact."
Everyone turns to see Hozuki Watanuki and with him are Yamikai Izayoi and Tsubasa Rensa. Those sitting at their tables stand up, save for the girl in the wheelchair who just puts her book away, and Ronowva takes off his hat in greeting as the group disperses to make room for Hozuki to walk through. He then makes his way to his seat and gestures for everyone to sit down, but stops Kakusa and Agir from sitting then sits down himself but Yamikai and Tsubasa remain standing on either side of the table.
"Glad to see you've returned in one piece Kakusa.", Hozuki says.
"Glad to be back your Majesty, though my safety was only guaranteed thanks to Mr. Ryuukarada's newest invention.", Kakusa replies.
"I see, credit where credit is due Ronowva good work and I'd like to hear more about it later.", Hozuki says to the former.
"I'm honored by your praise, your Majesty.", Ronowva responds.
Agir slowly regards Hozuki and then silently lowers himself into a kneel, head bowed in the elven tradition of respect and humility, eyes closed and mouth tight.
Hozuki looks at Agir for a moment but then turns his attention back to Kakusa,
"Now that your back I'm sure you'd like to know why I had you pulled from missions for, you may come in.", Hozuki says raising his voice a bit at the end.
At that only one door opens and in walks a young man with brown hair slicked back and the sides of his head shaved and rainbow colored eyes. He's wearing an oversized, high collared, long sleeve coat and a mask that covers his mouth that has a design that looks like the upper and lower jaw of a skull. He walks up to Kakusa and stands a respectful distance from him, to which Kakusa appraises him a bit before letting out an amused chuckle.
"Ron was it? If you were all I had to wait for I wish you'd come sooner, having one of Mr. Hakai's personally trained squad members is something I would accept without hesitation.", Kakusa says.
"Ron Kobayakawa, and I apologize for the delay but I felt my abilities weren't qualified to be that of a General's Lieutenant.", Ron responds.
"Well your here now, so welcome to my squad Lieutenant Ron.", Kakusa says offering his hand to which Ron accepts and they both shake.
"YEAH WE GOT ANOTHER BITCH AMONGST THE BIG BOY'S WE-OW!", the witch girl screams but is silenced by a hit from a fan held by the older woman at their table.
"Mari, how many times have I told you not scream or speak vulgar?"
Mari then looks at the boy across from her with puppy eyes but he just turns his head and looks the other way.
"Yukimaru you traitor!", Mari protests.
This makes a few of the people in the room chuckle including Hozuki, though the latter raises a hand making everyone calm down a bit.
"I'll give you missions for your squad starting tomorrow Kakusa, so that'll be all for now."
Kakusa gives Hozuki a respectful bow while Ron bows his head before they sit down at the table with Hibiki. With that Agir can feel all eyes on him with emotions ranging from indifference, to disgust, to anger. Hozuki then speaks up,
"It's been a long time Agir, I hope life hasn't been hard for you since when you left up till now.", when he speaks Agir can't get a good grasp on his emotions.
"...Rocks for mattresses and a few inedible berries made the time away from home all the more bitter in my mouth," Agir speaks softly, not daring to look up. "Cast out of the warmth of my father's hearth and home, and with failures piling into a mountain, I felt I had nothing to offer aside from burdens. And so I left to either find some meaning in my life, or die disgracefully in a forgotten hole. I cannot help but say my Lord, I regretfully have failed to achieve either."
"Well this just means it's not your time to die and to continue looking for some meaning in your life, which might be here considering how everything lead up to you coming back here.", Hozuki replies.
"Your being far too kind my friend, if he had thought you would provide him a meaning in his life he'd come to you. Instead he decided to run away with his tail between his legs like a coward.", Yamikai states.
"True, then how would you punish him friend, death?", Hozuki asks.
"That would be nothing but mercy, humiliation would be a better fit. In a manner that reminds him of why he cast out in the first place.", Yamikai responds.
Hozuki let's out a pondering noise at that suggestion.
"What would you have me do? Waste the lord's time, when I already knew I was useless and worth nothing? But sure, I could have made a fool of myself not only to Father, the army, the researchers, the bloody post office, let's just add the King onto the list and see how lowly of a lif-"
"I thought I heard a familiar voice... My Lord Hozuki, if I might respectfully intrude in this gathering?" A stately man's voice echoes from behind the doors, and Agir's voice chokes out in dismay when he recognizes it.
Hozuki raises an amused eyebrow, "Let him in please.", he says.
At his command the double doors are opened again by the two butler's to let the owner of the voice inside.
A towering elven man with sharp red eyes and silver long hair steps through the open doorway, wearing bulky and impressive black armor adorned with the colors of Darkaria, but also the regalia of the Virmel nobility. His footsteps are heavy and fill the room as he approaches. While elderly by comparison to most elves seen, the man carries an aura of dignity and authority as he wordlessly steps to Hozuki's side, not regarding any of the Knights nor Agir. He kneels by his side and regards him.
"It pleases me to see you in good health, your Grace. I came to the capital to regale you with the latest developments of our skirmishes with the Separatists, but I couldn't help but overhear rumblings from the splinter branch about a particular disturbance in the Capitol by a no good scion of the Virmel House. I must therefore assume this meeting is to facilitate the punishment of that good for nothing... while I have no objections to such a thing-"
"Father! The Goddess has risen by my hand, with the knowledge bestowed and blessed unto me by Gande!" Agir shouts desperately.
Hozuki sees the Patriarch of the Virmel House, Yuon narrow his eyes at the interruption, but he does not acknowledge Agir. "-I wish that you would have informed me that I might have been present to help facilitate. I cannot help but feel responsible for such ineptitude, that has come at the cost of your time and effort in keeping my holdings intact."
He slowly rises, and regards Kakusa quietly. "Boy. I understand you brought your elder cousin back to us. Your work... I am told was commendable. Perhaps one day you can be redeemed for your dalliances with the forbidden arts yet."
His demeanor is calm, but Kakusa knows the dangerous light in Yuon's eyes... the few times the Patriarch was ever enraged, he was always a force to be feared in his wrath. So when the elder elf's eyes slowly shift from Kakusa towards Agir, the necromancer can't help but feel a twinge of apprehension for what's coming next. After all, the lord of Vermia is someone that only he and Hozuki have any inkling of what's brewing beneath his mask of passivity and grace. To all others in the room, aside from a twinge of irritation at being interrupted, there is no sign that Yuon is probably contemplating ripping out his own son's throat as he stares him down like a lion sizing up his prey.
"I do apologize Lord Virmel for stepping on your toes regarding matters relating to your family, I merely figured you wouldn't want to see him again considering how he royally screwed up such an important union of two High Elven families.", Hozuki says to Yuon.
He takes a deep breath, before regarding Hozuki again. "...I rather do not wish to see him again, that is correct. However my duty is to this land before my own personal desires, and it would not do for me to neglect them as one meant to safeguard its rightful future."
His gaze slowly returns to Agir. "But you have given me an idea. Agir Von Virmel, I have suffered your stain on our legacy for far too long. You are not worthy of the name Virmel."
Agir bolts to his feet, incensed. "I have caused the return of the Goddess! Through my pilgrimage I gained the blessing of Gande, that I might restore to this world our lost Queen! Is that not worthy of your consideration?!" He yells, and Hozuki and everyone sees Yuon's face visibly tighten in no longer concealed wrath, as he begins to slowly stalk toward Agir with death in his eyes.
"You dare," Yuon says barely above a whisper, but the deathly fury is palpable as an artic gale.
Agir whips his head towards Kakusa. "C-Cousin! I am telling the truth, I beg you, tell Father! The Mutt of Navira! You know of what I speak!!"
Unsurprisingly, this utterance only makes the enraged lord all that more visibly furious, and the slow movement becomes a blur of motion as Yuon slams his son against the wall with his hand clamped around his throat.
"No more from you, you shame yourself with your every vainglorious breath!" He hisses. 
Agir gives Kakusa the mother of all desperate looks of pleading for his life while struggling to breath.
Kakusa let's out a resigned sigh and stands, "Oh alright, but you owe me cousin. Uncle he speaks the truth, before I brought him back he attacked Navira's half-breed daughter and put the Goddess inside her. Though afterwards it seems Gande had abandoned him, for what reason I'm not sure but I do have somewhat of an idea."
Yuon slowly turns his head toward Kakusa and he feels the same weighty fury broiling in his direction, but he slowly turns his head back to Agir and after noting his forehead, breathes deeply and hurls him across the room into the adjacent wall, where he slowly collapses into a heap but notably not dead where he lay.
"I will speak with you both later at the Promenade Hall in Antina." He doesn't turn to face either Agir or Kakusa as he says this. "That is not a request."
He turns his head toward Hozuki. "Forgive my outburst, Lord Hozuki. For my part, I shall maintain my worthless son's place as a named member of the family... and he shall be my daughter Andria's Seneschal. I am loathe to grant him any responsibility, but I can think of none else to teach my worthless brat humility than his sister. But surely you have your own designs for him, and it would be remiss of me to not hear your own plans."
"No, I fear I've disrespected your position in regards to your son for longer than I should so do with him as you wish. For now I'm sure your exhausted from the fighting and traveling you've done, so please relax and give me your report later at your discretion.", Hozuki replies.
Yuon gives Kakusa and Agir a sidelong glance. "Have you need for my fool of a son, or is your business concluded? If it has, I shall see that he is removed from your sight at once."
"Yes I believe the matter regarding him is resolved, hopefully for the last time. And at good timing as well...", Hozuki says as the doors open again.
Walking in is Akakuma Hakai, who's carrying what appears to be a white lion twice his size and hog tied, by one hand and over his right shoulder, and his younger brother Zen Hakai who's dragging an unknown man wearing armor and also tied up with a bag over his head. 
"Hello Lord Hozuki, I've come with news that my forces have conquered our given country. Though the battle only lasted two days, their so called best was a major disappointment.", Akakuma says.
"Excellent work Akakuma, though it is disheartening that your expectations were not meet.", Hozuki responds.
"Well I was thinking after me and my forces rest up a bit we could join Lord Virmel in the fight against the Separatists, maybe I'll find more entertaining fights there. Of course only with his permission, I wouldn't dare step on the toes of a respectable fighter.", Akakuma says turning his head towards Yuon.
It's easily noticeable of Akakuma's bloodlust by everyone, they can tell it hasn't been quenched in the slightest.
Yuon sighs. "I will be at your parlor, no need for a protracted visit to my villa."
His head tilts toward Akakuma slightly. "That is a matter requiring lengthy discussion and the vetting of you and yours for such missions. While I have no doubts as the the caliber of the lord of the realm's Knights and servants, I do not require senseless spilling of blood. Birth rates are in decline and they are my misguided children and kin, countrymen and fellow high elves. The lives of our kin are not trophies and foreigners to the put to the sword, nor our cities for plundering."
He then turns and fully stares Akakuma in the eye. "And you will obey my command, so long as you engage in battle in my dominion. I have little appetite for insubordinace and foolery in my midst. If you can stomach what I expect of those under my command, meet me promptly after your buisness here, along with our lord at the parlor. Until then, Andria!"
A flash of silver runes and light flare next to him, and a elven woman with long platinum blonde hair cropped to one side and a simple white dress with gold adornments steps forth, elegant sword strapped to her waist.
"Take your miserable creature of a brother. Starting today he will be your servant, your Seneschal. I will hear no complaints. If he causes you any trouble, I give you free reign to punish him as your regular servants would." He cuts her off as she begins to speak.
"I have heard enough insubordinate nonsense from my blood for a day, I will not hear it from you either." Without another word, Yuon walks out of the room in a much faster manner than before, and closes the doors behind him, his footfalls fading quickly. Kakusa recognizes that the elven lord's mood is still dangerously ill if he lacks the calm, gentle stride he's more known for.
Andria Virmel quietly watches the Patriarch leave with mild concern on her face, then realizes the company present and bows deeply, before moving toward Agir and staring down at him with an unpleasant expression.
"Get up you worm, I know you're still conscious. I refuse to drag you around. You heard what Father said, you are my manservant, so act like it and get on your feet, knave."
Agir stumbles as he tries to get up, and after several attempts and Andria's patience begins to run thin, he manages to stumble to his feet. Not long after Andria walks away from him, weaving a portal spell and walking through it, Agir stumbles after her and disappears.
"Nice family.", Ron dryly comments.
Kakusa let's an amused laugh, "Oh you don't even know the half of it."
"Well now that the family drama has been dealt with let's begin our meeting, so Akakuma what spoils have you brought for us this time?", Hozuki asks.
After discussions involving progress of current affairs, Amai and Kessho arguing a bit more, Ronowva talking about his latest and in progress inventions, all the while eating the lion Akakuma had brought in, the meeting is over. Everyone leaves and returns to their palaces for the current time except for Hozuki and Akakuma, with Yamikai, Tsubasa, and Zen trailing behind them, who are going to parlor in the formers palace while casually talking to each other.
Yuon rests in a comfortable chair while slowly enjoying a cup of tea, two elven handmaidens attending him at attention. He puts his teacup down and puts a hand to his face, sighing wearily and running his hand through his hair.
"What loathsome fate. To dream of unity and the glory of the people... all for a fool of a scion to tear it all down. Is this to be my final legacy...? Tis a poor jest..."
The door to the parlor opens and in walks Hozuki and Akakuma with Yamikai, Tsubasa, and Zen staying behind to give them privacy.
"It's obvious you've been troubled ever since the meeting in regards to what your son has said, please speak freely to me as I wouldn't be much of an ally if I didn't lend a listening ear. Or if you'd rather I can get the finest sake and you can drink your woes away if you don't wish to speak about it.", Hozuki says before sitting down in a chair along with Akakuma.
"I haven't drunk since the Promenade." Yuon intones before his usual demeanor resumes. "That wretch claims that he singlehandedly brought forth the spirit of the elven Goddess Ayana into the world once more, our divine Matriarch who birthed us and whose disappearance ushered in the Darkening of Alfheim and our thousand years of exile."
He drinks some more tea silently. "Into the body of a half elf girl, Navira's spawn. Can you imagine anything more offensive for a good for nothing son to claim?"
He puts the tea down and sighs. "Your Knight had better not been lying to me, your Grace. Otherwise, I fear you shall soon have to call him the Headless Knight. And if he's not..." The old elf ponders for a moment.
"Perhaps that is something that merits consideration into our operations regarding the Separatists." His tone grows more serious suddenly. "If word were to spread, my position, already requiring my full attention, will suddenly be a house of cards and an all out civil war across the whole of Virmel territory will erupt should it come to light that the Goddess has returned, in the body of a half elf girl whose allegiance is sworn... to your son."
"I know it would be a problem, but for now what would you suggest to make things easier for you?", Hozuki asks.
Yuon rubs his temples. “Your own domain is no better. The irony, halfborn children threaten to undermine everything that we have built together. The people have ever looked more to my own authority than the Crown’s. Were it that merely being your viceroy were sufficient to protect your holdings in my lands…”
Yuon grants Hozuki an ornery smile for the most fleeting of moments, and speaks only when Hozuki has started sipping a drink of his own,
”Were it so convenient a solution to bring the power of the Watanuki's and the prestige of House Virmel together under one line, like the Yon and Virmel Houses did to secure their positions of power on the continent in days gone by…“ The awful thing was, Yuon, the snake that he was, often concealed genuine offers amid jokes, so Hozuki could never be sure if he was being teased or tested.
"Hmm, what if I told you that retrieving your son wasn't the main reason for sending Kakusa back to Darkaria but instead gather information?", Hozuki asks.
”Oh? And what was the information you gleaned from Kakusa?”
"Mostly things that have bothered me before and after my son's rebellion, one such thing is the feeling I had that my wife was hiding something or someone from me. And wouldn't you know it I was right, she was hiding my own daughter from me.", Hozuki says, which makes even Akakuma surprised.
”My condolences. And after you made her into a proper demon, and chose her to be your consort, when she was but of lesser stock. You would imagine that she would devote her entirety to you.”
Yuon shakes his head. “Aspina is no better. I extended my hand in grace and she would spit upon the hand that feeds her. The Sancho line will pay dearly in time.” He eyes Hozuki intently. "My lord deserves better, and House Virmel would be more than willing to help you soothe the ache in your heart with a woman of proper stock and values. But say the word, and any of our well groomed heirs can be yours, my lord."
"Well with such a generous offer I simply can't refuse, and while I have no doubt of the value of your heirs I will warn you I have high standards in regards to ability. Also to prevent another act of rebellion I'd prefer one with similar beliefs as mine, and someone who's also at least older than the mid-twenty's. The latter might seem like an odd request but according to Kakusa's reports about my newly discovered daughter, by his account, appears to be around that age range so it seems somewhat creepy to me.", Hozuki replies.
Yuon ponders for a moment. “Alas, if my nephew speaks the truth about the return of the Queen, then my years grooming Austia will be for naught, and I will have naught to offer her either. Perhaps you would arrange a suitable candidate for her instead? As for more agreeable options…
I can think of Salarea, Andria, and Ularea. Salarea is a gifted magus and is regarded as one of the Eliumyor Beauties, although she is timid compared to the others. You know Andria well enough, Lady of the Eliumyors and presently their regent. Famiran is our weak link, and being offered to the King is the highest honor, so surely she would not object if she was exchanged for your hand instead. Her Virmel heritage is seen in her graceful form and breadth of talents. You will never find her wanting.
Finally there is Ularea Eliumyor, the Magistrate and head of the Loyalists Court in Eliumyor. Her justice is swift and certain when dealing with her enemies, gifted with the beauty of a Eliumyor and the cunning of a Virmel in spite of sharing no blood with us. She is well versed in magic and martial studies of all sorts, graceful to friends yet merciless to her enemies, and an absolute faithful of your ideals and vision.”
Yuon bows his head. “But say the word, and I shall summon them for you to meet and interview, and if they fail to meet your desires, we have many more you may have your pick from.”
Hozuki crosses his arms and ponders for a moment before speaking again, 
"Salarea is indeed beautiful and a skilled magus, however not well rounded as I'd like and, as you said, timid. Andria...", Hozuki let's out an amused snort," I may be a demon lord Yuon but not 'that' kind of one. Then Ularea...a well rounded beauty with a sharp mind and also shares my ideals. Well to me Ularea seems like an obvious choice, but of course I'd like to meet and get to know her better.", Hozuki finishes.
Yuon nods. “I shall arrange it. If you have other matters to attend to then please address them my lord. I shall meet with her and inform her to prepare for an important meeting with a suitor. If you would, dress for the occasion and wait in the Court of Roses in Virma. We will meet you there.”
After attending to matters and preparing himself for the meeting, he arrives at the House of Virmel, walking until he reaches the rose gardens of the Rose Court. Having a seat under a marble pavilion, he is eventually greeted by Yuon and a woman clad in a white dress and the regalia of House Virmel and Eliumyor, a tall woman whose stature was close to his own, long bright curtains of blonde hair grace her face while calculating red eyes like dark rubies twinkle as they size him up. Her body is a perfect embodiment of elven beauty - a large body with ample bosom and graceful curves. Her mouth raises at the corners into a faint, intrigued smile as she finally comprehends the scene.
”Your Majesty. I’m honored at your coming. At first I believed Grandfather Yuon to be jesting as is his wont, but the seriousness in which he insisted that I spare no expense for your coming… That a humble servant of your great reign might find the glimpse of your eyes flatters me greatly. 
But come, Your Grace. Let us retire to my chambers, where we might have the comfort of the hearth and the privacy befitting a lord of your stature.” She smiles and offers him her hand.
Hozuki offers a warm smile and takes her hand, "How could I say no to such a gracious offer, especially by a woman who's beauty could not be easily described by mere words.", he then pulls her hand up to his mouth and gently kisses the back of it.
She gently takes his hand and walking side by side, escorts him into the manor, ignoring the whispering that the servant maids begin in earnest as they proceed. Upon reaching her chambers, she opens the door and invites him in holding the door open. Once he is inside, she closes the door behind him and releases his hand.
"You may have your choice of seat, my Lord. You are my guest after all." Once he is seated, she walks up to him, and scans the room quietly for a moment, before her gaze returns to him and her expression changes, her more pleasant demeanor practically falling off her face as she eyes him with a serious look.
"I hope you understand, Your Grace, that Lord Yuon is a serpent who thinks only of his own satisfaction and schemes. He cares naught for this kingdom. He is not loyal to you, nor your forefathers. His goal has ever been the restoration of the Great Kingdom of Alfheim, to the exclusion of all common sense." Her face tightens.
"You are a means to an end, and to fasten his grip on his favorite weapon, he would use me as yet another pawn in his scheme, much like he groomed Austia with false hopes of becoming Queen of all Elves. ...And I will not be his toy. I have fought for this kingdom when traitors would usurp your reign and vision, and butchered them by my own hands. Yet I am chaffed and chained by 'duty to house' and 'duty to family' above the nation, the king I revere. 'The Fate of the Elves This' the 'Restoration of Alfheim' that... it's all just fairy tales and the desperate clinging to hope of a dying race!"
Her fists tighten.
"...If I am more than a pawn, if my loyalty to you means anything at all my King, I ask - beg of you to free me of this flesh. I know you possess the power to make others Demons. If you would claim me as yours, then claim my body and soul, and let me be reborn. Let me cast off the shackles of Virmel and Eliumyor that I might claim the only name I'll ever need, and I will be yours for now to eternity." She kneels before him and bows her head.
"It pleases me to hear of your dedication to my rule Ularea, if that is what you wish then I will do so but not yet. I'm well aware of what kind of snake Yuon is but for now im just playing along, mostly out of curiosity and personal amusement, but the moment he decides to try and slither away...well, I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how I deal with traitors.", Hozuki responds.
She looks up at him and breaks into a wistful smile. “You cock,” She chuckles for a moment and continues, “Teasing a woman with what she desires like a carrot on a stick. Most men fall over themselves in their frantic pursuit of me. I think we will get along splendid.” She slowly rises to her feet, he realizes that she has visibly relaxed and is showing him her genuine smile, far more carefree than her public image.
She takes a seat next to him and places her hand over his and smiles at him. “Shall we share our hearts with the company of bread and wine, my Lord? I have been saving some Ein’arean Vintage for a number of years. I have heard great things about the 600’s.”
"That sounds lovely.", Hozuki replies.
Ularea calls for attendants, and after some time, young elven maids scurry in with plates of cheeses, several bottles of expensive looking wine, and sliced breads and meats, placing them on a table in front of the two before hurriedly departing. Ularea pours them wineglasses, and offers Hozuki his glass and holding her own in another.
"To long life," She toasts.
"Long life.", Hozuki responds.
Ularea takes a sip of her wine and regards Hozuki with a faint smirk. "You know, my mother used to complain about how I was the bad girl of the bunch. I took what I wanted, never asked, and believed I knew what was best for myself. It took some time, but I learned the ways of the noble lot. ...Not that I had a shot at power in the house, unless Famiran were to kick the bucket."
She smiles wistfully. "He was the favorite, Mr. Popular. Still is. Everyone in Antina respects him, loves him. I've always had to be a bit more underhanded to be respected. Well, more like feared. I was made House Enforcer, so no one in Eliumyor really wanted to associate with me. In the end, I didn't even get courted by any of the Virmels. Imagine, the eldest daughter of your line but you're the last to be married off, and, no offense, but not even to an elf."
She stares at her drink a bit aimlessly. "Forget feared and overlooked... I don't think anyone in Eliumyor or Virmel would care if Evoh himself came to scoop me up and make him one of his concubines... if the Dark One would even have eyes for me."
"It is a shame that both elven families are so narrow minded, never appreciating anyone other than the eldest and treating them as if the universe revolves around them. Of course, and this applies to any race, such actions result in people like Agir. I find such a practice outdated and unproductive, and everyone regardless of their status should treated with respect that they deserve.", Hozuki says before taking a sip of his wine.
Ularea ponders her glass. “Elves favor the old and familiar. Even if it is better if they change, they will fight it kicking and screaming. Plus, I’m not sure if you know this, but the physique I bear is only passed down through what is called noble blood. But perhaps a better term would be Royal Blood. …If one believes the legends of the Goddess siring the Elven race, and that we noble families contain the purest blood. A tale favored by him. Lord Yuon.”
She takes a gulp of wine. “Mother may have fed it but the intensification of our kind’s egotism stems from Lotd Yuon’s ceaseless ambition. He schemes, conspires, lies, and conquers. In his youth he yearned to be King. For a while his ambition seemed to have mellowed with Agir’s crime against my mushy, plebian, talentless sister Navira. But when he approached me earlier, there was a scary light burning in his eyes, like the serpent had awoken.”
She looks at Hozuki. “Did he mention Bonding to you, by chance?”
"I've heard the term but I don't know the full details.", Hozuki responds.
She slowly holds her face in her hands. "<Blooddrinking Swine...!>" She intones in Elvish in distress and maybe... embarrassment? 
She peeks at Hozuki through her fingers, face slightly reddened. "Bonding is a form of magic that binds together individuals within elven society. When an intimate act is forced upon one of our kind, a magical seal is placed upon them, creating an Obligatory Bond. They who forced themselves upon the victim is therefore made to provide and obey the will of the violated. By default, that is. With a consensual Bond, it is more akin to wedding vows... and a ring? Yes, I suppose it harmonizes the act of placing a ring and officiating a marriage in one."
She slowly lowers her hands, but her arms are wrapped close against her body. "Therefore, we elves do not usually partake in the same abstinence as Earthen societies, and a couple's first night is therefore the marking of Engagement, being Wed, and the form of Officiation. ...To not tell you of this, he either assumed that you knew or... ...he intentionally didn't tell you." Her face narrows in thought.
"Come to think of it, it seems improbable he would make such an error, so that means he... was hoping to ensnare you to my will..." The thoughtful look turns to disgust.