An Old Friend Visits

He clucked his tongue as he taped the side of his glass in contemplation. Kings, queens and Crows huh? What a tangled web you're weaving my friend. Antivan politics were messy. Messy enough that Cara himself never even had the slightest inclination to become personally involved. Once upon a time he did enjoy a bit of political intrigue, playing people off each other, manipulating them from the shadows, but that was a long time ago. These days he very much preferred the quiet a sea bound clan like Varahel offered him. 

So he needs a lesson in humility. Noted. He was well versed in the notion himself. We'll sharpen his talons well enough for your discerning taste. He smiled in return. Very well, what's the lad's name and what did you have in mind as for us finding each other?

Magnus leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers behind his head.  [color=#7CD98A]"Yeah - who the fuck would have thought I'd find myself wrapped up in the middle of this bullshit.  Back then...back then I was so consumed with being the best that I didn't give a flying fuck about working angles or people or the political chess match shitshow I now find myself in.  The shit men do for love, eh?"  [/color]

He smiled devilishly as Cara agreed to help with Julian.  

"[color=#7CD98A]Kid's name is Julian Mesonero - son of Jorah, if you remember him.  Youngest, actually.  Firstborn got sick, and Jorah jumped his quite capable daughter to name Julian heir." [/color]  Magnus shrugged as if to say he wasn't going to get into the family drama surrounding that particular choice.  [color=#7CD98A]"Kid is strong - really fucking strong.  The problem is that he suffers from the hammer problem.  Y'know the one...if the only tool you have is a hammer, everything starts looking like a nail."[/color]  He unlaced his fingers long enough to roll his hand in a gesture that basically said "you know the rest of that story."  

[color=#7CD98A]"What the kid needs most is to realize that the best way to get someone to do something is to make them think they want it.  Not that they have to do it - that they want to do it.  But that'll never happen if he thinks he can just swing his cock around and batter people into doing what he wants them to do."  [/color]

He sighed.

[color=#7CD98A]"With everything happening...I need the kid to be good.  Better even than he thinks he already is."  [/color]

He shrugged again.  

[color=#7CD98A]"Plus, you look bored."  [/color]

Certainly not me His tone was teasing, gesturing forward But look at you now, love sick and cocksure. King of the assholes. This was their rapport, this back and forth with no real bite or true intent. It was just the banter between two very old friends. Thanks in part, of course, by copious amounts of wine. All the while they both knew Carasson was the last person to tease someone else about love. 

He listened to the details about the kid in question, nodding along. Well Jorah sounds like he's doing well for himself. His tone was indifferent as he didn't have any strong opinions one way or the other about the man. But if he was being very honest, all Crows tended to blend together into a inky feathered mass. 

Carasson waited for Magnus to finish speaking before he spoke again. Well that's a little unfair isn't it? Seemed to work well enough for you. Or maybe you're worried he'll turn out too much like you? He winked conspiratorially. We'll make this kid a Talon yet, if that's what you're training him for. Does he want to follow in his father's footsteps? 

A grim somewhat humble expression took over. Do I? So kind of you to rid me of my boredom. I was growing restless with all of this comfortable serenity around me He drank from his glass. Expression turning warm again. I'm happy to do this for you Magnus.

Magnus returned the warm smile before letting the banter emerge again. [color=#7CD98A] "Look, I figure that if I keep you entertained with my chaos, you'll get into less of your own.  You're welcome."  [/color]

He took another large pull from his glass, the liquid giving him a warm sensation.  

[color=#7CD98A]"As far as the kid - he wants everything to be on his own terms.  That's all well and good in an imaginary world...but it doesn't always work like that.  On your own terms is all well and good - but you've gotta be clever enough to recognize it when it happens."  [/color]

Another drink.  

[color=#7CD98A]"Y'know, it's almost too bad Jorah didn't pick the other twin.  In many ways, his daughter would have been a much better choice.  She got lost in the family dynamics, though.  But that's neither here nor there.  Tell me, Cara, how can I repay your kindness?  Need me to crush the ego of a child or two on your end of Thedas?"  [/color]

Cara leaned on his forearm as she shifted into slouch in his chair, his legs kicked out, one bent over the other at the ankle. They were keeping in pace with their drink, something Cara couldn't help but notice when there was nothing else near as titillating to his boredom. It was also helpful insight when things inevitably started to tilt in a downward tide, the longer the night continued. 

However fortunate, Carasson wasn't even nearing the limits of his capacity for mulled spirits. They were safe, he was aware nothing hunted them. Nothing except the monster wearing his body like a favorite winter coat. The one that growled inside his head every time Magnus moved a muscle. He clutched his hand into a fist in his lap below the table. Am I to take that to mean you don't think him clever? he drank from his glass, shrugging as he spoke. 

If you think his sister better suited for the succession, why don't you pit them against each other and see who comes out alive? he raised his glass in weary celebration. Then we'll have our answer. He shot back what was left in his glass. In the meantime how do you suppose we can lure the little crow out of his gilded caste for his lesson? He mused allowed, hoping that Magnus could at least point them in a general direction.

Magnus enjoyed drinking with Cara...he always had.  Somehow things were just easier with friends who had known each other so long.  

When Cara suggested pitting the twins against each other, he smiled.  The thought had crossed his mind on more than one occasion.  

[color=#7CD98A]"I think they each can be very useful if things are played right.  Together they present a great deal of opportunity.  There might be a time when pitting them against each other would serve a better purpose, but we aren't there yet.  And as for him being clever - he has great potential.  Besides...I don't want someone too clever - then I'd have to put more effort into the subtlety of the nudges I give.  He'll do just fine, after a few lessons.  That's where my dear friend comes in.  If I send him your way...perhaps you can just break him a little.  He'll come if I tell him to - though he'll probably be sullen and a little petulant about being sent on an errand.  All the better, I think."  
[/color]

He appreciated the comradery, much in the way he appreciated the appeal to his pride. Magnus Rhysand was one of the few who could claim true familiarity with Carasson. There was his clan, but outside of that he made a point to remain aloof. There was nothing the world needed to know about him save for what  he was willing to volunteer. An adolescence of thievery and all too necessary subterfuge just so he could survive prepared him well for a lifestyle of obscurity. 

The elf pondered for a moment, a slightly cock of his head off center gave him a contemplative expression. As if he was trying to decipher some grand scheme he couldn't quite wrap his head around. Sullen and petulant, why if we had more Crows like him I'd say that we were on the up and up. Certainly in terms of the extinction of everyone else's patience. He smirked Very well, perhaps it's for the best that he's a bit indignant. Certainly ideal to keep the details any errand you send him a secret. It will test his self control and ability to follow orders when he isn't being watched for every second. I'm sure you'll think of something cryptic and outrageously inappropriate.

Cara smiled despite his general mood. Maybe your Crowling and his sister can help find a better existence for all of us. It wasn't a question really, more of a wayward pondering.