The greater Titanoboa huffed out a spray of water and nudged Blas with the tip of her snout, nearly knocking him over with the force. He had the widest smile on his face, rubbing the snake with utter glee, “Ohhhh! I’ve missed you too. I’m sorry I’ve stayed away… I’ll be around more. I promise.”

Alister braved the beast to tap his father’s hip, “Dad… what is this creature? Is it one of yours?”

The snake, able to understand him to some extent it seemed, gave another huff and tilted its head to look down at Alister. Blas laughed, “He’s my son. Alister, this is Amaiara. She’s the guardian of the swamp. I wish I was able to have such a fantastical beast in my repertoire, but no. No one owns her. She was here before the city was. When my dad controlled the city, when my grandfather did, and so on. I’m the one who decided to greet the snake more than just tossing scraps to appease her.” He pulled back and the snake flicked her tongue across his face, making him laugh again, “She’s wonderful. She helps keep the city safe. In return I helped her find a good place for her eggs and help to keep her young safe - she doesn’t have clutches very often though… not exactly many suitors that are… up to a task of this size.”

“Salvator also loves playing with her,” he chuckled as Amaiara reached up and patted Alister with her tail, knocking the poor boy over, “She says you look like a tiny me but with your hair flipped colors.” He focused on the snake and nodded, “Yes. I know. I’m sorry it’s been that long. I needed to handle some things in a quiet place… away from all this city stuff. No… I’m not staying… not right now anyway. We’re headed to a funeral in the capital. Y-yes ma’am… I’m going to be moving back here soon.”

“At least she can convince you!” Alliana huffed, a hand on her hip, “I’ve been trying to tell you we need to move back practically since we left. Why is she so much more convincing?”

Blas paused, giant tongue flicking in his face again, “…well dear it’s… a bit hard to argue when you have her staring you down… Besides! I said I think we could move back soon. I just… being here makes me feel nostalgic.”

“Yes yes,” she sighed rather dramatically, “Amaiara may we go inside please? It’s been a long trip.”

The snake nodded and nudged Blas one more time before slinking back into the water. The group went inside shortly after, Alister brushing himself off while Wisteria gushed to him about how cool that was.

“She said Felthinus is being difficult,” Blas said, glancing at his wife.

“I’m sure the words she used were less kind.”

“Oh, yes. She called him the little bitter one, and said he was being a toxic striped wood leech.”

“That does sound par for the course, yes…” Alliana said and put her hand on Wisteria’s shoulder. “Dear, as much as I want to avoid whatever Felthinus has to say to you, no doubt he will slip in some unsavory comments. Do prepare yourself for that.”

Wisteria nodded, “Yes, Auntie. Whatever he has to say means little considering I have your and the duke’s approval.”

“Good girl. That’s the right sort of mindset to have. Alister, no causing fights! He will likely be… less than kind, but he is still doing us a great favor by managing the city while we’ve been on extended leave.”

Upon entering, there was an extensive main hall that stretched from the large canal entrance to the front door of the castle estate. The interior was made mostly of polished wood, with a long green carpet that almost seemed to be made of moss stretching from one door to the other. There was the occasional seating and curio cabinets displaying finery. Most impressive though were the many potted plants both hanging from the ceiling and sitting on the tables and floor, with a broad variety of flora from all kinds of environments. It went from striking jungle flowers all the way to cacti.

Alister was quiet, still mulling over the giant snake living in the canals and the fact that this looked like a futuristic elven city to him, and now he was worried about whatever his Uncle Felthinus would try. From every description of the man, he sounded horrible. A “proper noble” as some might call it. Servants greeted them with bows as they walked past, Blas giving only a passive wave in response.

Turning the party left at a doorway in the middle between the two entrances, Blas led them into an opulent throne room - though not so opulent as the royal throne, as to not seem like they were trying to show up the king and queen. On the floor was a beautiful green runner rug, seemingly made of moss like the one outside but with extravagant vine patterns throughout it… or were they actual vines embedded in moss? It was hard to tell at a glance. Either way, it was incredibly soft, like walking on a cloud.

At the end of the runner was a… tree? It appeared to be a mangrove tree in the middle of the floor, with implanted scales from the giant snake outside, polished and shimmering in the light in a rainbow hue. It was like a thousand diamonds implanted into the tree itself. It quickly became evident that this illustrious tree was more than just that; it was a throne. At its base was a divot filled with fine cloth and beautiful embroidery, above which sat a massive humanoid skull larger than Alister himself, with curved horns that ended in split points. It seemed like Alister could easily fit into this thing’s jaws… and possibly even Blas.

Upon this throne sat a pale, broad-shouldered man, whose straight black hair went down to his shoulders, with a topknot sitting atop his head. A finely oiled black beard and mustache adorned his face, highlighting his grey eyes. He looked like an older version of Blas, though Alister’s father didn’t have a mustache.

To either side stood a tall shoebill stork, each easily as tall as Blas.

“Ah, brother. You’ve finally arrived,” he said as he lounged on the throne. “Have you returned my galavanting daughter, by chance?”

Blas didn’t answer verbally, instead opting to ignore his question. It was always this annoying power struggle every time he visited… which Blas this time resolved with a short, sharp whistle. The shoebill storks on either side of the throne, lending Felthinus an even more dignified appearance, let out their signature bill clattering as they excitedly rushed over to the duke. One of them extended their wings on the way, lightly bopping Felthinus on the side of the head.

“Hello my dears,” Blas said to the two now excitedly crowding around him, petting and patting them. “And hello to you too, brother. Morgan is with us, yes, but opted to take a different gondola. You know how she is, who knows when she’ll arrive,” he said with a shrug. “Want treats?” he asked the birds, gesturing to a servant to bring the duke some fish.