Anaztazia pauses, initially unsure how to respond to that at first.
"That is not the vibe I have received from Einar," she says, finally. "Though there are many disagreements between the two of you, on how power should be used or relations with the foreign bodies, Einar expressed to me that he loves you dearly, as only a brother should."
"I am willing to say that it is a result of these stressful times for your family and your world," Anaztazia says with a confident smile. "I will fetch the doctors..."
It is another day before the doctors consent to your release. Roughly about this time, Janus informs you that you have one week left before you must return to your studies at the Imperial Academy on Coruscant. As ever, he reminds you that he will not stand for you dropping your education.
Melkor wants to continue his education, but the very thought of living Einar in charge disgusts him.
"You are right, and I appreciate your concern, friend"- He responds curtly.
"Tell me, do you have any idea who may be behind these attacks, besides obvious suspect." He speaks his last words with sarcasm.
"Besides the obvious?" Janus says. "Not a clue. I do believe that it was not Einar himself that attempted to assassinate you. He was in conference with his security team at the time, which conveniently keeps his hands clean. I will do my best to discover whom he has hired out... in the mean time, stay in doors and keep your pistol at your side. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am actually scheduled to have lunch with your brother. I am glad you are well, my friend, and will see you later."
Over the next few days, though you feel somewhat drained of energy, you decide to fulfill your promise to Anaztazia to give her a grand tour of the Palace and its grounds. Most of the tour remains inside, at her request, but when you venture outside you are escorted by soldiers armed with high-powered rifles and rocket launchers. There are no further attempts on your life, and Anaztazia is well-pleased with you. Though she says little, she beams a great deal.
During a stroll through the garden maze, near the courtyard where you nearly died, Anaztazia opens conversation.
"I am returning to Solstheim tomorrow," Anaztazia says.
Melkor finds himself captivated by Anastazia`s presence. He knows he should be investigating his brother`s schemes, but somehow her presence makes unpleasant thoughts about his family drift away. When he hears about her leaving it feels like the end of pleasant dream.
"It had to happen of course." -He says somenly. "I have to say that I grealy enjoyed your companionship, you were a wondeful companion, Lady Anastazia."
"I have my studies to return to as well, but I think I could find time to visit your homeland. I demand tour of Solshteim in return, you see." -He smiles.
"Thank you, Melkor. You are a delightful companion as well. I have enjoyed every single discussion we have held during my time here on your world. And of course you must come visit me on Solstheim, when your schedule permits. I am sure your life at the Academy will be busy, as will life in the Empire. But Solstheim will always greet you with open arms as a friend of mine. You'll like Solstheim; though I have found Erengard interesting, it so cold and imposing, whereas Solstheim is..."
She babbles on like this for some time as you stroll through the garden maze, her arm linked through yours. She describes the many wonders of Solstheim that she holds close to her heart and hopes that you will find them to be just as endearing.
Though you find a great affection for Lady Anaztazia and her homeworld, you know that the people of Solstheim are relatively weak. Anaztazia is unique in her charismatic approach, as is her father. Unlike Erengard, Solstheim will make no difference in the Galaxy. It is somewhat disappointing.
"I do have two requests for you, upon my departure," she says, abruptly.
"Set aside any grudges you may have against your brother. In my time talking with him, I have learned that, despite his gruff personality and militaristic views, he has a good heart. If you were to join with him, his military prowess and your unparalleled knowledge, you would be unstoppable! You could most certainly work out a deal between Erengard and the Empire.
"Second, write to me daily." She says the last one with a bit of a giddy grin, blushing slightly.
There is a pause before Melkor responds, as he is torn between his growing hatred for Einar and his respect and admiration for Anastazia. Could she have a more level perspective on the situation than him? But...
"I will do my best to reconcile with my brother." -He finally says, grudgingly. -" And I will always have time to write to you, I promise." -He smiles in response, as warmly as he can.
"It is indeed," he says. "A most delicate flower of a lady is always welcome in the Palace of Maurenburg, but she is needed on her homeworld. Negotiations with the Empire are not happening just here, after all. Solstheim has its worries and her people will need her."
"So very true," Anaztazia says, nodding at your brother. "My father is a strong man, but he will need me in these turbulent times. I do not think many on Solstheim will be displeased with the Empire, so long as no restrictions are placed upon our art..."
"We shall see," Einar says.
"I am confident that closer cooperation between our worlds will help us reach the settlement with Empire." Speaks Melkor, trying to judge Eina`r`s mood.
"I wonder to what extent does father agree with your opinion on this matter. He is giving you more responsibilities, but we should rely on his experience on such important issue."
"No," Einar says. "He has left the decision in my care."
It is a possibility. Then again, if he does something reckless, the Empire might try forcibly making him understand the matter. The armies of Erengard are mighty, but the armies of the Empire are vast. You know how it works because the Emperor has already made his ultimatum while you were staying on Coruscant. If you do not join the Empire, you are an enemy of the Empire. It is not a subject to be dealt with lightly.
"You understand the gravity of the situation, brother? -If we don`t treat carefully, Empire will crush us." -Melkor scratches his chin, thinking.
"Maybe it would possible for me to conduct talks on Coruscant on our behalf? I know few people there." -He says finally.
But if Einar tried to fight Empire and lost, woudn`t Melkor be a better candidate to rule?
Maybe, maybe not... it depends on who makes that decision. They may decide that keeping another Esgabath on the throne might risk more confrontations with the Empire. They may not. All down to politics, that one!
"I would prefer the talks to take place here in our Palace," Einar says. "I feel most secure there. But... in the mean time, would you be interested in discussing things over a hunt? I find that it clears my head..."
Beside you, Anaztazia looks thrilled that you two are getting along.