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He took in the rapture of unfriendly environs; observing the impermenance and fear of death that surrounded the city, the people, and how they searched for themselves through suffering. It was a peculiar function of their level of reality. Hyalhia'narael had managed in Imperia remarkably well, a notion that unsettled Quenthalus some, but he supressed it with unflinching expressions and silent accord given to his cousin. It wasn't necessary for them to digress in to the details of what it all meant to think the way everyone was thinking within the elfhame. He saw the same complexities of life in this matter of Imperia as he saw in the intricacies of a hawthorne leaf. He was looking for the instance where he could play his part in all these unfolding processes, but he was patient and tactful with his approach. Every act must count, he believed.
"Apart from acquiring any new information about your endeavors, relaying word to him, and providing whatever aid I can, I only know that since the fall of House Mithania, our Clan swims in the turmoil of restructure. I understand that the clan is divided between pursuing a new avenue of life and prosperity somewhere amidst the rising powers of the Combine, while your father and some of the elder members desire to lend effort in redeeming our lost House. Many of House Mithania's retainers, loyalists, and the clans who once served them have been scattered. Our honor gives us strength but weakens us. In the eyes of greater Houses we declare our sense of loyalty, but without result, it is a sacrificial statement, owning up to nothing more than sadness. The Clan is lost until it can move in the direction of its purest desire." This, indeed was made from Quenthalus' interpretations and deductions. Master Fae'nyor could not have shared so much, but few of the clan members dismissed the keen attention and perceptive nature of their kith, Quenthalus. He was a retired teacher; study was his form. But he wasn't ready to press his cousin for insight and opinion on the matter. Hylhia'narael would offer it if the conditions were socially safe enough. Quenthalus still felt a stranger, and no doubt expected his cousin to be even further away in feelings of connectedness.
"I feel unsure as to why he chose me to come here, but I have always felt as a strange omen since I stepped into the estate." It was a bold statement, but the fathoms of space between them could not hide honesty, no matter how estranged and chilly it presented itself. It was helpful though, to create the detached neutrality between them. Quenthalus used that to disclose that his intentions would be to serve their clans greater good, and not interfere otherwise. In his heart, he was fine with that tribute, for his eyes ever searched for an individuals road. In a paradox, he believed he would find that road through helping others.
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