STAR WARS: RETROSPECTION- Brothers

Well, I meant inheriting despite elder sibling being alive. Melkor actually doesn`t want to be Castellan that much... but he doesn`t want Einar to rule and get away with what is suspected of him. And he thinks he would be much better

"Exactly, the fact that I was born second son gives me more options, ..."- Still, the thought of Einar in power brings angry frown at his face, which he hides behind a glass.

"But all the talk about me... what brings the Lady of House Solshteim to Erengard? I am not sure it is only the funeral of my mother."

Oh, you're sure there's the odd first son that qualifies as an invalid that could not possibly lead due to mental illness or crippling sickness.

"House Kosta," she corrects, nonchalantly. "My father wished for me to represent Solstheim's sympathies for your father. He is preoccupied with negotiations with the Empire regarding this military matter that has Einar so riled up. Not to mention that, despite his strength as a leader, he is socially awkward at events such as these. I am far more the socialite.

"But I will admit, I intend to start traveling, now that peace is assured. I suppose Erengard will be the start."

"It seems that we have quite similar interests then...."-Says Melkor, offering her more wine.

"Certainly, we should speak with my father about Einar`s dangerous plans. He should know that most of major Houses won`t choose the path of open confrontation with Empire.... Actually, would you mind if I give you a tour of the Palace and city?"

Frankly, maybe it could be better for Einar to do something foolish... it could mean him losing power.

"I would gladly accept, Melkor," Anztazia says, "but I must admit that I am tired after that strenuous march up to the tombs. Forgive me, but would you prefer to do so tomorrow? I should enjoy it much more when I am rested."

"Naturally. I will make sure that you are given the most comforable quest chamber and I will look forward to seeing you tomorrow." -He bows and looks if his father is present, trying to decide on his next course of actions. There was much to think about, but at least Anastazia`s presence was something to look forward to.

Anaztazia thanks you for the offer to stay in the Palace, but she is perfectly comfortable onboard her luxury starcruiser, currently orbiting Erengard. She will return via shuttle when you are ready to give your tour.

"Jusq crasain, fi secun," Anaztazia says, calling on her knowledge of High Galactic to give you a proper farewell. She sets her wine glass down, curtsies, then takes her leave of you.

Janus comes up shortly afterwards, giving you a friendly nudge. "Who was she, then? Eh?"

Lost in his thoughts, Melkor doesn`t notice the approach of Janus and quickly turns to him.

"Oh it is you.... she is from Solstheim, daughter of the head of House Kosta. Quite impressive person, I must say."

"Anaztazia Kosta? Really!" Janus says. "An impressive acquaintance to make, Melkor. House Kosta has been standing strong since the first days of the Republic, and they will continue to stand in the days of the Empire. Quite impressive indeed."

He pauses to fill his wine glass, taking in the scent of the wine.

"Melkor, I must be on my way. I have business to attend to. We shall discuss matters further tomorrow regarding you-know-who having done you-know-what, yes? Goodbye, friend, and again, my condolences on your mother."

Janus too takes his leave.

With no-one else to occupy your immediate attention, it occurs to you that your father is not present at the wake. Many of the guests are seated on lavish canapés, pursuing conversations and drinking wine. Mostly nobles of Erengard, but your father is not to be seen.

Melkor will ask about his father. Maybe he is with Einar? Anyone interesting around.

Perhaps he is, but perhaps he isn't.

Not that you can tell, Melkor. Erengardian nobles you have little interest in; mostly military wives or officers on leave from army exercises. They could not be more dull.

Foreign nobility is uncommon. Those that you do notice... are also, regrettably, military wives and officers. Solstheim, Charnel, Antonon, and others. But nobody that you would deem to be actually important in any way.

No more people like Janus, I quess?

Melkor will look for Castellan, then. He wonders how much Einar is running things right now.

Not particularly.

Being in control of the military is very big on Erengard. There is very little you can't do if you have the military under your command.

The Castellan is found in his empty throneroom, seated on his throne.

"What is it, Melkor?" he asks. "Why are you not entertaining our guests?"

Melkor stands firm after making a respectful nod. He studies his father for a moment, wondering how much he knows about his wife`s death. Would he dare to suspect Einar and do anything about it.

"Well, I have been entertaining guests, including quite an interesting Lady from Solshteim. But it seems that quests know more about our political troubles than I, which I find quite irritiating."

"You have been away," Mauren says. "You would do best not to concern yourself with the affairs of Erengard."

"Do you deny my heritage, father?"

"I do not deny it. But you are your mother's son, not my own. You have not grown to know my wisdom, but instead curiosity has ingrained itself within you, planted by your mother from the day you were born.

"Erengard has no need for curiosity."

"Erengard has a need of change, father. You know that I have always respected your wisdom, but Einar is nothing but a stubborn fool. He has not idea how to deal with the growing power of Empire." -He stops for a moment, turning his head away to look through the window at the night sky, than turns back, with a hint of sadness on his face,

"I don`t understand, you knew of my talents. You could think of trying to utilize them on Coruscant, for the greater good of our House."

Mauren sighs.

"In my elder years, my resolve has weakened. Erengard has lost the strength that it knew from me, but such strength can be found again in Einar. Einar is a talented military leader and an excellent combatant. Such things are inspirational for Erengardians. Not political jargon and the attainment of knowledge that you seek for yourself.

"Einar has adopted our ways for the embetterment of Erengard. You only seek knowledge and power for yourself."

Melkor clenches his fists, but keeps the composure.

"I respect the warrior heritage of our people, but it is not all that is important. My mother has brought a wider perspective to this world and you insult her memory by calling it weakness." He takes a breath.

"And everyone seeks power because they think they are worthy to wield it. We are the nobility, responsible for leading the people and deciding what is good for them. Einar lacks wisdom to do this. Of course, maybe it would turn for better if he does something stupid and Empire removes him from power." - Melkor`s lips twist at the corner.

"That will not happen. Einar may express brash comments about the Empire, but he knows his place in the Galaxy. He is the heir to a planet, not a Galaxy. He has power and seeks no more, whereas you lack it and seek higher than your station."

He does not care to contest anything about your mother.