Patron
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Selinthia Avenchesca
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zelna@sprint.ca
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[Several centuries before the start of "Homeland"]

For most, it would be an honor. She had smirked in his face, though, when she had bestowed the position, the rank. They had been lovers upon occasion for years, each using the other, taking from the each other what they wanted, as in all things during their association. He was her weapon master, her prized warrior, to flaunt in the face of lesser fighters of other Houses. He did not mind her perceptions in that regard, as his own agenda was advanced in the position of weapon master. But what she had bestowed now was but an insult, purposefully granted for that very reason. Patron. It sounded so . . .grand, so dignified, in the face of its reality. A position that held no true power, a position that often turned out to be a death sentence, for many, though he doubted it would be for himself. Glorified marriage of lust. That was what the position entailed. And she had granted in upon him. Zaknafein Do'Urden laughed. She had won a point in that regard. It had indeed insulted him, and angered him. That was the reason, of course. So, she had been the victorious in this round of their war of wills.

So, now, he was the Patron as well as the Weapon Master. He smiled to himself. Irony, in truth, that it would elevate him in the eyes of others. To hold both positions in the House. Not that, no matter his skills, he was high in the eyes of those that knew his beliefs. A sudden, edged smile appeared upon the dark elf's thin lips. To keep him here, even knowing that. To keep him alive, and elevate him in the eyes of others. His own eyes flickered to those of the Matron Mother who sat upon her high throne of stone and velvet. She was making a mistake. She had made a mistake long ago, to allow such a one into her family. One who did not believe as she believed, and would act against her deity. She should have, the weapon master noted, killed him long ago.

end