Family?

[Malerion]

The tranquillity of Serenno was like a balm to Malerion as he took in the beautiful view across the valley’s around the Wessex family castle. He stood leaning against the outerwall, gazing off into the distance, a soft westerly breeze blowing down off the mountains bringing the sweet smell of spring through the moving trees to the smartly dressed Sith. A smile crept over the man he could live here Malerion thought as he placed a pair of shaded glasses over his sickly yellow eyes. It was a shame then that he may need to raze this place to the ground if things went awry.

A sum of credits had gotten the Sith through the maze of political intrigue that was Serrenian politics and a meeting with the Lady of the Castle, Corneilla Wessex, his ‘Auntie’. Malerion stepped through the large gates into the courtyard of the Castle, his eyes dancing up and down the stone walls, trying to understand the history tied to the old structure as he walked.

Two children were playing in the green with sticks for swords. “Lady Wessex, will be with you shortly.” The steward who had escorted him through the gates said in his ear, before disappearing into one of the nearby buildings. Malerion watched him go, before turning back to see the two children had given up their little fight and where walking towards him.

“Hello.” The older of the two, a young girl with blonde hair no older than ten said. “Are you here to see mummy?” So these were Corneilla’s children, his ‘Cousins’, how interesting he thought. A smile crept onto his face as he knelt down so he was not looking down on the two children. “Yes I am, do you want to know a secret?” He asked, both kids nodded enthusiastically. “I am your cousin, your uncle Artorigas’ son.” The younger of the two a boy seemed excited whilst the girl was a bit confused. Before she could say anything however an older woman appeared.

“Awyn, Artorigas, please don’t bother our guests.” “Sorry mummy.” Awyn replied as Malerion stood up and turned to face Corneilla Wessex. “It is no bother.” He said, patting the young Artorigas on the shoulder. “Auntie.” Malerion finished with a smile, one hand rested on his ‘Cousin’s’ shoulder the other slipped his glasses down slightly to show his sickly yellow eyes to Cornelia.

 

[Malerion]

Corneila’s eyes widened in shock before quickly narrowing into anger, the Force began to flow inside the once Sith apprentice. But Malerion quickly calmed her down by tapping on Artorigas’ shoulder again, the woman would quickly come to understand that anything she did would not be quick enough to save her son from him. “My brother didn’t marry or have any children.” She said boldly, Malerion smiled. “I was born out of wedlock I am afraid.” He replied, continuing the bold faced lie. “My mother was a noble on Adumar, she comforted your brother whilst he was in Avillion. I was born after he died.”

Corneila had edged closer as they spoke and Malerion didn’t mind, even though Corneila was older he could tell he had the power advantage over the woman. She hadn’t inherited Caelestis' strength in The Force it seemed. “Why.” “Why have I only shown up now? Because my mother wanted to protect me, she knew my father had enemies. Andruil was dissolving Avillion; the last thing she would need is an heir to the throne. I only found out a few weeks ago, she gave me this.” Malerion tossed the seal over to his ‘Auntie’ who caught it and took a quick glance at the seal of Avillion before her eyes shifted back to Malerion and her son.

“Let.” Before she could continue he raised his hands up and Corneila quickly ushered over her children who looked confused by the exchange. Stepping in front of the pair she continued to question him. “I do not believe you, but a DNA test will prove it?” “No. I won’t be doing that. I have no interest in taking anything from my father or from you.”