turn of ilburg's tide

"It holds beauty and opportunity unlike any other, but.. as for what you make out of that opportunity?"

"That's something that depends on you."

Quite clearly, Alabastre wasn't exactly the place where you get your hand held into the greatness.. but instead, you're supposed to make use of the opportunities present around here, if you're crafty enough for that.

Although, his gaze drifts to the idling Kofe in the back.

"Something up, Kofe?"
(Basil)

Kofe gave a small nod at the question.

"Yeah. I figured you probably saw the mess I made. It wasn't my idea— the Prince's need to protect his people at all cost made me wanna help him. He got scared when we were in Myllenoris, though. Could've been executed, but... I let him go back."

A few steps brought him closer.

"He was ready to submit himself to other people's needs and wants to avoid civil war. Crazy, but it takes guts to admit. He's got his heart in the right place— anyway.

Basten's decided that he wanted to take over our family and assimilate them. He already made the threat before the war council that he'd 'adopt' the Ilian, now he wants me dead for it. Figured I should tell you."

A pause, and a shrug.

"We're probably going to have to claim back Ilburg. I've got no interest in leading, though. I'm sure you can figure out someone to sit there."
(Kofe)

"..."

It seems that there's quite an unamused glare given to Kofe when he speaks out of that; if anything, this only goes to show that he cared about Osrona enough to try and help them.. but he isn't necessarily mad, just..

Disappointed.

"Kofe.. you have a family of your own. It's about time you actually start focusing more on what transpires within your own family, and not what happens to Osrona."

"Alice? I could understand. She's your wife. But what is it with you helping the lost prince? Besides.."

"Don't you think that it's too little, too late? The army is quite literally marching as we speak. They will be at Osrona's walls soon." And quite frankly, as much as attempt might've been appreciated..

It doesn't matter.

"As for Basten.."

"Let him die for his mistakes. I care not for that fool, and I already said that Osronan Rhoynish are to be freed - which is more than Basten could ever do. However.."

"I might consider marching upon Ilburg and taking over. He's gone asinine at this point."
(Basil)

"Yeah. Being too nice to some people ends up backfiring." He admits, shaking his head a bit. The mention of Alice brings forth a few words from him.

"Alice broke things off with me around two years ago now. Back when I was locked up. I.. It took time for me to get over her, but I think I'm fine now."

Onto those matters.

"I've gotten closer to someone I've known for years. I'll introduce her to you when we do really decide to get together. This time it'll be the one."

It wasn't like Kofe had an issue with many partners, but... losing Alice hurt. Bad.

"Marching on Ilburg might be necessary. Though I don't think you should take that decision on your own- doing all those crazy things for me might get your life in trouble, too. I brought that one on myself."
(Kofe)

"...Oh."

The news of breaking off with Alice caused.. somewhat pensive expression, if only because he felt bad for Kofe in all of this; truthfully, as much as he wasn't close to Alice, this is something that he could empathize with regardless. But..

"I hope you're doing well."

But with that said, there's only a shake of his head.

"I won't declare it immediately, Kofe."

"But you forget that I belong to this family as well - and by extension, he tries to own me as well. I think he clearly forgot his place at this point, and I think that he's lost his mind."

"The power has gotten into his head and he thinks that he's the ruler of all - while I am about to obtain the arm-ring of the last High Lord, restore our culture, and free our people from a millennia of being in servitude to Osrona."

"He's not doing anything - while I do all the work."

A pause. His lips curve, but.. a sigh follows.

"..I think Pariah made a mistake trying to make him our High Lord."

"And.. I think maybe it's about time that I became one, taking it from Basten." Although, with that said..

"But I cannot do it all alone. I cannot split myself over two kingdoms - even if I become High Lord by challenging Basten."

"Would you remain my Lorekeeper, Kofe, and be in charge of Ilburg to watch it over for me?"
(Basil)

"Lorespeaker." He corrects. Basten waving around the wrongfully-named title for so long had a bad influence. But Kofe nodded all the same.

"I think it's best that way. I've got no interest in ruling the place, but... I don't mind sticking around and teaching the younger generations. Especially if he's gone from there."

The push they both had made by showing up to that war council and playing actual politics left and right along the years certainly were more helpful than Basten's kicking and screaming. While it wasn't for now—

"We can march on Ilburg when Osrona's fallen. Not for Myllenoris's sake, but for the sake of our people. Ilian or not. They don't deserve an unhinged maniac who tried to destroy spirits in order to make himself more powerful."

Those kind of news were something that may just make Basil want such a bit more.

".. I found that out because Ella, the girl I'm..." He trails off, shaking his head. "She found that out when he tried to have her help with it. She cut his connection to our ancestors and left him wounded."

A pause.

".. Anyway, I'd be glad to watch over the place. So long as I don't have to take the weight of all those crazy decisions."
(Kofe)

To damage the spirits?

It caused an evident frown to appear across Basil's features, clearly displeased to hear that Basten even attempted such a thing in the first place. Truthfully, he didn't think that the other Rhoynish would fall so far as to do such a thing, but.. apparently, that was the case here.

"...he did what?"

There's almost disbelief to that, at first; but as much as Kofe keeps on speaking, there's less and less disbelief that it might be a lie. If anything, the stardust which often encircled Basil seemingly only flared more, fluttering in response of hearing such. For one thing is clear..

He's of Alph, the Star of Judgment.
And he would cast it down upon Basten if he has to.

"--No. They do not deserve him to be their ruler."

"They won't have him either. I will prepare necessary elements.. but for now, avoid going to Ilburg. We don't need you to die before this has a chance to occur."

Besides.. this could only send Basil into a frenzy - as it already has, back in Osrona, back when Sethon tried to kill him.. for as much as Kofe blacked out and could not see a thing..

Basil was a frenzied beast that day, pushing aside all to try and kill Sethon.

"If his connection to ancestors is forfeit, then he has no claim as leader of the Rhoynish."

"He's a disgrace to our kind."

"And he'll fall like one."
(Basil)