Ulian was most likely the most nervous he had ever been before. He knew his mother would welcome him warmly of course but he wondered how she would greet the fresh news. He recalled the previous night’s events. It seemed like the night would never end. Of course not because of his sisters return, but of what transpired afterwards. Not only had he just confirmed his suspicion but his hand was force into actions he did not want to take.

Lilith had returned to her home at the veteran’s hospice after Ulian returned. So any news only came to her at least a week after it had happened. But Ulian knew this was something that could not wait. He walked up the steps towards the entrance and was greeted by some familiar faces. Not that some of the people he encountered actually recognized him. It had been a long time since Ulian had called this home for the short while he stayed here for his rehabilitation.
Once he arrived at the front desk he announced his arrival to the receptionist.

“Ulian Andilien for Mother Lilith Andilien.”

“A yes my Lord! She is expecting you in the garden out back. Please follow me.” The young female said.

“Actually, that won’t be necessary. I know my way around.”

“Very well my Lord. Have a splendid visit.”

Ulian walked down the hall to the back entrance feeling his heart sink with every heartbeat. He could feel a cold sweat roll down his back. The day’s breeze welcomed his outside again this time in the garden. He paused down the steps to look around for his mother. He noticed more veterans outside chatting up and enjoying the weather. Some were even helping with the gardening. These veterans did deserve their rest after all they had given to their people. He noticed his mother not to far away sitting on a marble bench under the shade of a nearby tree. Ulian immediately recognized the place as the little corner of paradise he enjoyed during his stay here. Almost fitting for he hoped that it would bring some peace to the news he needed to address with his mother.

“Are you recollecting happy memories?” Ulian cautiously asked his mother as he approached.

“Ulian my dear! It’s such a pleasure to see you. How dare you not tell me that you got discharged from the Blood Knight Order? And for the blessed Light, Regent Lord! Honestly, can you give me a reason why you would go so far? And why I have to find this out second hand?” Lilith stood up graciously extending her arms to welcome Ulian.

Ulian smiled at his mother and gave her the warm embrace she was expecting. She looked at him for a moment and adjusted his collar.

“Well you look presentable enough. I had a harder time with your brother when he took the title. I hope your cousin is assisting you?” Lilith continued her questioning.

“Mom! Please I have urgent things to tell you before you launch into more questions and little time to explain everything.”

“Well yes. Yes!” She sat down on the bench taping the spot at her side indicating that Ulian should sit beside her.

“First, did Lunith come by to see you this morning? I’m happy she’s back.”

“She certainly did. Almost gave her an earful about not sending word in all of two moths of her whereabouts…” Lilith started to ramble off.

“Mom, she did not have the means. Give her a break.” Ulian exclaimed.

“Now coming back to your questions, you know I need to take appropriate action against the Blood Knight’s move against our house. Taking the title was the only thing that would guarantee the safety of our house until Aigun returns.”

Lilith sighted hearing Aigun’s name.

“I am still looking for him, mom. Anyways with the title I had to get discharged to maintain the house. I do apologize for not coming any earlier but I’m sure you noticed the pile of papers on Aigun’s desk.” Ulian took a moment to gauge his mother’s mood.

“There is something else I need to talk to you about.” Ulian felt his heart beating up his throat.

“Lord Blackswan has all but declared war on House Suncrown.” Ulian took another moment as his mother eyes widened at the news.

“And because of this our House is especially under fire. Although I cannot prove anything, I think it’s fair to assume with his realm of influence he had a hand in the Blood Knight’s investigation once I was captured. But I’m afraid it doesn’t end there I’m afraid.” Ulian took a gulp of air.

“It seems that Lord Blackswan has ears and eyes everywhere.” Lilith looked sternly at Ulian as his head shock in despair. Lilith took a moment to center herself. And she awaiting for whatever else her son had to say. She understood when it came to House Blackswan nothing was to be taken lightly.

“Lord Blackswan cornered me last night at the inn and asked me the most particular question. He asked me about the health of my house and then he commented about Agho’Linn’s reaction towards the disappearance of a certain member of House Andilien.” Ulian sight heavily and looked in his mothers eyes. He could see the fire brewing in them. He knew he didn’t have long.

“By Kael’s hand! Spit it out boy! Why does this concern that Nerel’Thos? Is this your brother behind this? I told him to stay away from those women!” Lilith crackled hotly and she stood up and started pacing before Ulian. She was obviously getting more agitated by the moment. The scene looked like a page out of Ulian’s childhood when he did something bad and was scolded for it.

“No mother! Aigun did not have anything to do with this! That’s a little harsh don’t you think? Fiamma has been nothing but a true good friend to this family and so has Agho’linn! I’m sure you recall her efforts while I was away?” Ulian retorted angrily.

There was a moment of silence before Ulian continued. Lilith did not calm down one bit but rather Ulian noted was like a circling vulture ready to strike at his next words. Ulian took a deep breath before he continued.
“Anyways, I had already figured it out before that particular conversation…”

“To the point!” Lilith stated angrily cutting him off.

“Theradiel married Agho’linn in the Tauren capital back in the spring.” Ulian finally gave in.

“What?!? To Whom?!? Why that no good vagabond…” Lilith stood still now waving her arms frantically out of amazement.

“Mother stop! Now!” Ulian stood up in turn and grabbed her by the arms.

“OH no! NO! NO! NO!” Lilith threw her son’s arm of back forcing to sit back down on the bench.

Ulian was taken aback by her reaction.

“I cannot believe this! How dare she? How dare HE?!? This… This… ” She was almost shrieking.

“Mother, your tone. Please!” Ulian stood up again.

“This was not sanctioned. There is still time to undo this! Where is Velurian? I must have some words with that boy!’ Lilith shuffled around.

“Mother we made the official announcement last night.” Ulian grabbed her arms again.

For a moment, Lilith and Ulian kept their gaze. Ulian noticed the fire in her eyes had spread. It wasn’t long now before she would explode!
“If he thinks I will sit down and let this happen…" She said as coldly as possible

“Mother! This is happening and will continue to happen because I say so!” Ulian interrupted her. He had enough of it. No more circling the bush.
“I am the acting patriarch of this family not you or any other of our kin. My word is the final word. It’s enough my dear sister decided to go off against my word to find Aigun so he can rectify this. I Have had quite enough of people doubting my ability to lead this house! Do you honestly think I wanted this title! Honestly!” Ulian threw his arms up in the air as he walk in around the bench to get some distance from his mother.

“This is a mess that I did not need in the wake of Blackswan’s threats. Aigun is missing! Theradiel is still out in the wild and no were to be found! And now Lunith just decided to gallivant of back into the wild! I come to you for support since you are the only on left I can truly trust and this is what I get!” Ulian paused for a moment to recompose himself.

“Now if you excuse me I have business to attend to.” Ulian then immediately proceeded out of the garden leaving his mother standing there stunned at Ulian sudden outburst.