A nobleman's dinner

[Malkaer Andares]

Timestamp: Ponutis 12, Winter of Era XV PF

Shortly after arriving in the capital Malkaer’s small party set foot in the venerable Crown Inn and Tavern. It was the starting place of many adventures, friendships and feuds, but the three esh’lahier were just there to have a place for the night. Butler Emaedran booked one of the private suites for a cycle with the option of extending that duration. The suite consisted of a master bedroom, a bathroom and a dinner-living room, where Emaedran and Verak unrolled their mattresses for the night. Located at the second floor in the quieter section of the establishment, the suite offered a reasonable environment for the esh’lahier politician to prepare his meeting with the Prince and any other business he might wish to conclude in Prime. Their horses were housed in the stalls of the Crown.

The first brightening had passed while the delegation from Taralon rested from their journey. The next was filled with preparations for the big meeting, for which each had their own task. Emaedran was to check the master’s clothes for dirt and imperfections. Verak was to mingle with the common people of Prime to take notice of the latest news, while Malkaer would do the same for the upper circles.

At Pracenda the three got together in the dinner room of the suite to share their exploits, but not before they had dined. Malkaer was feeling rather generous this brightening and had ordered Warriors Feast! for both of his servants. He was not very hungry and ordered the Crowns Succulent Duck for himself. The main course would be preceded by a bowl of onion soup. The wine for the evening was a Charismean Red Vintage, which suited the steak of Emaedran and Verak's courses best and was alright for the duck.

[Archalen Andares]

Riding through town with keen eyes but sore bodies the party of the nobleman Archalen Andares sought relief from the ride from Portshire. Coming before the venerable Crown Inn, it seemed an accomodating place for the now discriminating former Thane of Imperia. (If according to the locals Archalen had his trusted aide, Iternus, ask were true enough that is.) Having only had the oppurtunity to frequent local watering holes and dives in Imperia; the sight of the legendary Inn was a welcome relief. No more drunken swills to contest seats with, no more rowdy pirates to brawl with. Tieing up their horses in the stable and tipping the caretaker the four entered the establishment with drink on their mind. Wearing a fine off white open necked shirt with dark green stitching, coupled with tailored brown trousers and black riding boots; the Andares kinsman entered first.

Following him was the trustworthy Iternus Malamar, former legionaire and adviser to the young pale elf. Armed with a shortsword and bow the fellow shadow elf Malamar scanned the room upon entering, intent to discern all possible threats and dangers. Behind him strode in the young and beautiful Lir'anna. The youthful compainon to Archalen was as vibrant as she was hating, her cunning contempt for those around her never ceasing and growing by the brighteing. She wore a flattering v neck dress that wasn't so formal yet a step above a mere commoners dress. The last of the party to enter the Inn was Mylair, a grumpy ancient with gray skin of mixed ancestry. A wooden left leg shaped his gait and the rhytmic clack notified all of his presence. Although barely tolerable of the young Archalen Andares most of times, the wizened elf served as tutor and mentor towards the young Ebon Watch member.

All three having entered and glad to be out of the chilling air; Archalen turned to Iternus and suggested he find them a nice quiet table where they could all speak. As the ex-legionaire did so Archalen extended his arm so that the young Lir'anna could take it. Although not lovers or even romantically inclined in the least Archalen had tendencies to do such things in public for some reason (unknown even to himself.) However, as the remaining trio started walking after Iternus to seat themselves Archalen stopped suddenly. Was that...? No, couldn't be. But wait, a secondary look confirmed it. There across the room was indeed his brother Malkaer. A smile started at the ends of Archalens pale lips as he wondered what his brother was doing here in Prime. A question from Lir'anna snapped Archalen back to the present time and the asked his party to go ahead and seat themselves.

Walking toward his kin he simply called out; "Malkaer?"

(ooc: wasn't sure if you are in your own private suite as in a room, or in perhaps a banquet suite off to the side in the commons area downstairs?)

[Malkaer Andares]

When you wanted something done right, you had to do it yourself. Through his eras in politics Malkaer had become dogmatically convinced of this truth. Seeing as the wrong bottle of wine had been delivered to his room, the nobleman went downstairs to the common dinner personally to complain about the mistake. *solved

“No, no, no, I specifically ordered the Charismean red of Era four post fractum! Leaning over the bar Malkaer stormed at the helpless waiter, who mumbled an apologetic response. “What?! Look at the label you imbecile, this one is from era six! Everyone knows that was a terrible wine year. Now do I have to go down to wine cellar myself to fetch the bottle I want and paid for or do you think you can manage this time?” In all haste the young man behind the bar disappeared into the cellar to avoid Malkaer’s fiery eyes.

Turning around to see who had dared to address him by his first name it was remarkable how quickly the mood of the esh’lahier politician could change. Where the scarred face was first contorted in rage, it was calm and showed a hint of pleasure once the one who had addressed him was recognized. “Archalen… what a surprise.” The pale elf did not look very surprised, except for a slight jerk of his eyelids, which even Malkaer could not yet avoid. They had much to share, their last meeting more than half an era ago.

“I have booked a suite where we can speak in private. Your meal can be delivered there as well.” After a glance at his brother’s party he added: “Bring your company with you, if you wish.” If you trust them, was the unspoken message.

[Archalen Andares]

There was much to speak of, that much was certain. Looking toward the trio that had seated themselves at a table, Archalen preformed a small whistle and a simple gesture for them to come. Once assembled the young shadow elf ordered the elf Malamar to stay down here and keep an eye out for them. Not that there were any particular threats or reasoning for it, of course. It was much more a simple way to keep the ex legionaire (who was so far an honorable and integrity focused elf, despite Archalens attempts to destroy such useless notions) down stairs while Archalen, Lir'anna, and Mylair could speak freely and without constraint. Likewise, the young member of the Ebon Watch asked Malamar to order some food for them at to have it be delivered upstairs.

He wondered briefly again what his brother Malkaer would be here in Prime for, but that would be figured out soon enough. As they made their way upstairs to the private suite Archalen casually introduced the two that accompined the Andares kinsman. "This is Mylair, my personal mentor and.....tutor." he explained. Although the elder elf had never formally accepted the unspoken role; he had indeed taught the young Andares nobleman much over the last era's. He was a tutor in the ways of Telath, of the subtler things, things that were not taught in schola or educated rooms of learning. The elf for his part merely offered a gruff greeting and a bow of his head. "And this.....is Lir'anna." Archalen offered as he introduced the young girl. There was no such role for her no, she was here only to be here it seemed, although Archalen trusted her that the two brothers could talk freely around her. She offered a curtsey to Malkaer and a "my lord".

At least members in Archalens party both knew by now the virtues of keeping quiet.

"It has been some time brother." Archalen said somewhat absently as himself and his two compainons situated themselves at the table.

[Malkaer Andares]

Malkaer nodded at each of his brother’s companions. Mylair looked like an interesting figure as far as the former swordsman could appraise dangerous folk. Archalen introduced Lir’anna as one would a lady friend for which one was embarrassed, as she was clearly beneath their station. Which was completely unnecessary, for Malkaer was very liberal when it came to pleasure. As long as they did not get any ideas of marriage all was fine. Misunderstanding Lir’anna’s presence, the scion of Astartus smiled smugly and cast his sibling a knowing glance.

He led the other esh’lahier party up two stories to his suite. “You know Emaedran and you might have spotted Verak as well.” The body guard certainly had spotted Archalen. Both esh’lahier servants got up and bowed, and Emaedran fetched a few more glasses from the cupboard. Six persons was perhaps a bit large of a company for the dinner room, which was designed to hold four at the max, but eventually they were all seated. The lord at the head of the table, Archalen at his right in the place of honour and his personal assistant left of him. Verak sat in a position where he could watch the door and intervene quickly.

“It has.” Not really in terms of time for the longlived, but in terms of what had occurred. That was the disadvantage of living amongst humans; you got sucked into their extreme hasty living. Malkaer opened the bottle and poured in a glass for his brother and himself. “But events evolve rapidly. I trust you have heard the news? All the preparation for the war against the orcs for naught. And yet I feel it is best this way.”

[Archalen Andares]

"Indeed." Archalen replied. He had heard the news alright. He hadn't decided weather or not he agreed with what happened. Once again the empire of man bowed weakly, hoping to appease all parties involved to the best of its abilities. However, much bloodshed had been avoided and surely that was worth something hopefully. The young Archalens thoughts drifted to Dzrg, the once Judicator for Arakmat. An Orc, and a fine one at that. But Archalen had heard tales of his kin, the majority: vicious and vile beings bent on choas only. The eridication of a few hundred thousand surely wouldn't hurt anything. Sighing softly Archalen shook his head. "It is a pity the energy you put into the prepartions go.....for nothing. Of course..." Archalen said with a slight curl of his lips "I am glad the city has laid safe under your charge during those dangerous events. Your skill has shown itself there." Archalen said this cooly and in honest good nature, guessing that his brother felt it was best for this reason above all.

"Is it not baffling sometimes? The back and forth of it all?" the Ebon Watch member offered off-hand. Taking one of the cloth napkins and folding it delicatly the Andares kin placed it neatly in his lap, in preperation for the food that Iternus had ordered downstairs. "I feel however....this is not the end of it. This conflict wasn't avoided......merely delayed." Archalen said with a shrug.

[Malkaer Andares]

While the experienced politician had done his best to demonize the greenskins in public as much as possible, the truth of the nature of the orcish race was a complicated matter. In part the dismissal of orcs as savage beasts, while useful for propaganda purposes, created a tendency for Imperial military and civilian leaders to underestimate their enemy. Malkaer had tried to pierce through his own prejudices by studying orcish culture. Though written or other sources were sparse he did feel he had gained a better understanding of the motivations of orcs and Ire’s political leadership, which was far more rational than Imperial decision makers had expected. Of course this realization did not mean the elf was an enemy to orcs any less.

He nodded at Archalen’s cool assessment. His sibling had guessed correctly, though Malkaer considered the balance to be in his favour only just. The preparations for the war effort were indeed great accomplishments, but the ratta assault and the disease which spread through Taralon at the conclusion of the peace dented the shine of this success. Then again, as always, appearance was more important than reality and the soon to be ex-Thane of Taralon felt he had made a favourable impression on his superiors.

“Some would call it proper balance”, he said with some contempt. Never satisfied, the esh’lahier was a breaker of the status quo. “I think many people, politicians and Sherian commoners alike, share the same sentiment. This is a truce and not a peace settlement. While many people will leave the province, the benefit for Sherian is that it is now better prepared for future conflict. Do you know that under the Du’Galle’s there was no military preparation whatsoever? At least the province now has a decent military infrastructure. As long as future leaders of the province remain vigilant, a second Narim cannot occur. That said, Ire won’t sit still either”, the strategist concluded, noting there were always two sides to a conflict. Under pressure of continued Aelyrian military watch there was a possibility Ire’s leadership could permanently integrate the various orcish tribes of East Sherian into their state and military apparatus. Formerly this was done only during emergency or under a particular powerful warlord.

The smell of roasted duck and beef filled the nostrils of the elven company as waiters arrived with large plates of food, which was distributed as ordered. “Anvael and I won’t be those leaders.” Malkaer continued when the Crown employees had left. “As you say, my skill has shown and it has been remarked by our superiors. My request to the Imperial Judicator to have certain… stipulations from my settlement with the Ministry of Justice removed was well received. A letter to the Regent, or Prince I guess, after the conclusion of the Sherian War, was replied to most kindly. I have an appointment with His Imperial Excellency in two brightenings to discuss my future in service of the state.” A hint of pride sounded through Malkaer’s voice. “So I suggest we make a toast to the future of our house.” The esh’lahier raised his glass with a triumphant smile.

[Archalen Andares]

Archalen inspected the meal before touching his utensils and trying it, cutting into it and making sure everything was cooked well. He ate slowly, with small bites, cutting very deliberate squares out of the food as he went along. It was an almost methodical and surgical affair; totally devoid of any flair or apparent zeal of the process of eating. It seemed only as a necessity of the body although he did enjoy it none-the-less. Taking a look to his enterouge he made sure they were accomadates with what they needed but they were hardly picky or critical. Lips moved upwards in a grin as Archalen listened to his brother. He was right of course, in what he said. Ire surely would not sit still, in fact if anything they would likely prepare for the next round of the fight now.

After all, they were a society that existed only for war.

Archalen had not heard of, as of yet, the ratta attack on the city. That part of the story had escaped his attention thus far so in all he thought that no loss had incurred under Malkaers watch. A fine line of eyebrow arched at the remark that Anvael and Malkaer would not continue leading Sheria. He was glad that his siblings superiors had been impressed positively by his time there.

To be honest, jealously crept in the recesses of the esh'lahiers mind however, for Archalen had rebuilt an entire city out of rubble into a functioning part of the realm and had recieved (for all intents and purposes) not even a pat on the back. It angered him honestly; where even those who were there before him and enlisted him in his service, that is Dzrg the Justicar and Palacrisis the Statesman, had abandoned him and left him to task on it himself. He had been alone and accomplished the impossible; yet no one noticed. Did he do it for the recognition? Perhaps; he'd have to think on that. Archalen released his grip on the knife he'd been holding at the thought; his knucles a shade whiter then normal.

"Congratulations indeed." he offered sincerely at the revelation that his employer had lifted the stipulations that were unjustly leveled on Malkaer. This bode well not only for Malkaer personally; but the house for sure. It went without saying that there was no doubt certain people who viewed the restrictions on Malkaer a stain on the house. (that is, if any rumours or gossip leaked out of the somewhat private settlement escaped into the populace) Archalen didn't care about those thoughts however, nor did he hold a care for those who held them. He was happy Malkaer would be allowed to return to the realm of politics unhindered. "And as well, .... good luck with your meeting with the Regen-..Prince." Archalen said with a bow of his head. "Although I'd doubt you'd need it" he said with a wink. Moving on he remarked to Malkaer how he had meet the Prince twice, and both times the esh'lahier had found him to be a seeminly honorable man. "As honorable as a human...can be" he added with a shrug that showed the neutrality of the statement.

"Yes...a toast. To House Andares and the greatness the future fates....hold for us" he said raising his glass and toasting. It was here that Archalen was indeed glad for that twisted road that lead him to discover his house and family. It felt good to belong after years of roaming the Kingdom alone and without. After the toast Archalen took small sips of the wine, savoring the taste.

[Malkaer Andares]

Culture, economic prosperity, law and order; a thorough reading of Aelyria’s history would reveal that these accomplishments of their society were directly the cause or result of war. Aelyria, no less so than Ire, was a society that existed because of and for warfare. An interesting intellectual challenge would be to claim that humans were in fact more belligerent than orcs. If one looked at the physical attributes of both races one came quickly to the conclusion that orcs are built for battle and humans are less so. The continued insistence of humans to fight in spite of their frailty could only mean that they were in fact more bloodthirsty than orcs, for which fighting is a more logical recourse given their physique.

The esh’lahier inclined his head. “Thank you nevertheless.” In fact he would need a little luck. Comfortable as the elf was in political settings, he still found the meetings with the highest officials a nerve-wracking ordeal. It sounded like Archalen had conversed finely with the Regent. While the current political elite was extremely individualistic, Malkaer was still very sensitive to overall House prestige. Indeed the scion of Astartus was greatly embarrassed for bringing shame to the family because of his run in with the law, even if the arrangement was not commonly known. It also worked the other way however, and he could be proud of his brothers who apparently were more astute in dealing with L’Evienne. “It is the honourable ones you have to watch out for. They tend to be overly confident of their own righteousness.” Malkaer said this rather as a matter of fact, not making a value judgement but pointing out a political weakness of their sovereign.

“Nosse Andaeras.” Glasses clinked against another and the elven lord took a sip of his wine. Not that he was a particular connoisseur, Malkaer’s style of eating, while extremely proper, was more fluid than Archalen’s. Perhaps it was the result of the swordsman’s lessons, which advocated fluidity of movement rather than abruptness. “Future fates…” Malkaer repeated after taking another sip. “Do you have any insight to yours, Archalen? Are you still Thane of Imperia…?”

[Archalen Andares]

Archalen nodded thoughtfully at his brothers keen observation of those who were honorable. Indeed, any man who believed himself to be righteous was something to be wary of. It was these people who would often commit the most heinous and grand crimes under the pretense of their believes, and then would be able to sleep soundly at night. A man was a dangerous animal when he could accomplish that, to be so sound of his supposed higher morals that he could undertake the most base crimes and feel no guilt, no remorse. However, the Regent or the Prince, as it were, did not seem like a man who was capable of such mindless acts. Although, one never did know.

"Imperia?" Archalen questioned with a supressed laugh, as if the question was a joke of sorts. Taking a bottle of wine and filling his glass, and Malkaers should it be low, he explained what had happened with regards to that. "No....I have become disillusioned with that festering pit. Perhaps in my niave state....., I actually believed that I could stay there." Putting the bottle back down his gray orbs returned to Malkaer. "I couldn't, of course."

"Interestingly enough, I happened to met a member of the Ministry of Justice. One thing led to another and...." he gestured casually "I'm now employed by them. The Sel'Rakrya, to be accurate." Archalen remarked. Of course, he could not simply tell his brother exactly what he was working with in the Sel'Rakrya. Not because he couldn't trust his flesh and blood, but he wanted to protect not only Malkaer but the House. From what he said he could be doing anything from simple administrative work, to accounting for the department. In telling that he was actually a member of the secretive Ebon Watch, a network of spies that worked for the Ministry, he would not only be jeapordizing his job but perhaps his life. And if not his life, then Malkaers should anyone else find out. At least, this was the young esh'lahiers rational. Of course, Malkaer was a smart elf and he could likely put the pieces together if he choose to.

Full knowing his past troubles with the Sel'Rakrya, Archalens eyes set upon Malkaer, waiting to see any hint of disgust or dissapproval from his new found employment. "As well..." he offered "I am planning to perhaps meet with House Maeve." Of course, nothing had been finialized, but the thought had rested on his mind as of late. He would not ride the coat trails of his house, he had to set out to strike his own name within the aristocracy of the fledgleing Kingdom. He waited to hear his brothers thoughts on this; full knowing the Malkaer was now more then a noble then he himself would likely ever become, if by natural deposition. "By the way,....what news of Anvael of late?" It was not very often (at least in the scale of human time, of which the whole of the Empire seemed to transverse) that he met with family. News of the house was often few and far between for the former Thane of Imperia.

[Malkaer Andares]

While he had his glass refilled, Malkaer listened to his brother. “Good.” Thaneship of Imperia did not rank high on the esh’lahier’s list of political positions. It was poor, filthy, without culture and not even the capital any longer of the province he ranked lowest of all. In fact, Imperia was not worth becoming disillusioned for. He had considered that den of thieves only useful for learning politics and to make a buck if possible, and then to move on to greater things. It was good Archalen had reached this conclusion for himself; Anvael often required thorough guiding and even then managed to make the wrong decision occasionally.

But when Malkaer heard what that greater thing was the experienced politician choked in his wine. Fortunately he was swift enough with his handkerchief to avoid coughing up the wine over the dinner table. Needless to say, the former inhabitant of the classiest chamber of the Black Tower was surprised, though the interruption did give him time to consider Archalen’s new profession and its consequences. Finding that these were mostly favourable, the stoic elven lord replied rather calmly, as though no interruption had occurred.

“I see.” Malkaer said, rubbing his chin with a gloved hand. “You should know that I attacked the Sel’rakrya out of political considerations, some might say opportunism, based on my former position as Lieutenant Governor of Lauryl. I do not have a… personal objection to the organization.” So he was fine with Archalen’s choice of career. “However after what happened, you can be certain some people will consider it a personal issue, so I am rather surprised that a brother of the man who ‘slandered’ the Sel’rakrya was accepted as member of the organization. Are you an inquisitor or part of special operations?” He asked, assuming Archalen was not a simple clerk, which would be a demotion from Thaneship (even of Imperia). While it was also difficult to compare the feeble looking elf with the Knights of the White Rose, Midpoint’s military intelligence agency, a more thorough inquiry of Archalen’s retinue did lead to that direction.

[Archalen Andares]

His brothers reaction to the new position was intriguing, and even a bit amusing. The corners of those slight pale lips curled upwards as he watched the consequence of it. In truth, Archalen wouldn't have been surprised if Malkaer had some reservations upon hearing about the move. But it had been done regardless and the former Thane of Imperia felt it was a smart move, both professionally and personally. He had now the tools to create a future more akin to what he believed was right, at least he could accomplish this far more readily then had he still been some inconsequencial thane of a backwater crime ridden den of theives. But listening to his brother speak as he eat a bit more, Archalen was glad his sibling had no objection to the employment he had recently gained.

"Well" he started, gesturing casually as if the whole incident between Malkaer and the Minsitry had been long forgotten, "I don't think the Minister of Justice even...thought on it. Either that or....." Archalen looked up from his plate with a wry grin 'he wishes to keep closer tabs on your brother." Which could have been true as well, now that he thought about it. Either way Archalen would give no cause to alarm the Ministry, he was there for his own reasons and those wouldn't harm anyone or anything truly. And as he nature of his employment was brought up, Archalen paused and raised his eyes thinking. It was apparent he was carefully choosing his words, which would reveal the sensitivity of the subject. The brief silence was broken shortly after it began. "Special operations, although the exact title is classified..." he said with a playful roll of his eyes showing that he didn't take the need for secrecy seriously. Although he did. "I keep an eye on the going about of people and things." he said simply.

"Anyways" he said moving the conversation "you say you are meeting with the Regent to.....discuss your future? Have any idea what that future may be?"

[Malkaer Andares]

Or he wishes to keep closer tabs on me through my brother. Was a thought that entered Malkaer’s mind. While he was not paranoid, the elven politician was certainly suspicious and the grin he gave Archalen in reply was without pleasure. As a man who was thrilled in knowing, but also keeping secrets Malkaer did not press his sibling for more information regarding his profession, taking the hint. Aside from feeding his own curiosity perhaps, he was not interested in knowing the exact nature of Archalen’s position, but he was politically interested in what the former Imperian Thane could do for the House in that position. “So if I were to give you the name of a person… or a thing… you could inform me about this person or thing?”

“Not exactly. Depending on how the conversation develops, I intend to offer my application for the position of Governor of Lauryl. Going by his letter it might also be possible that His Excellency has something planned.” The elf could not say for certain and cut off a slice of his duck. “If you have the opportunity to dine again two brightenings from now we could meet again when I know more.” That is, if he had not been thrown in the Black Tower again as a result of the meeting.

[Archalen Andares]

Nodding his head slowly in thought Archalen let his brother know that he would help where-ever he was able. Of course, there were limitations on that regard but overall helping his house, his family, wouldn't be a problem. And he wouldn't hesitate there either. Gesturing as if the answer was obvious the shadow kin remarked "Indeed....I could." Wiping the corners of his mouth with a cloth napkin he then wrung his hands a bit before moving on. "Although it will take me some time to set up all the.....networks I need." A disclaimer, as the process of acquiring and hoarding informations was not one for the impatient. Malkaers future employment laid open for him to pick the destiny he sought, or so Archalen believed. Hopefully the Regent would realize the value of the experienced politican. Archalen opened his mouth momentarily-on the verge of offering his help should Malkaer deem in neccesary-but then closed it as fast as he had started to speak. In all reality, there was nothing the former thane of Imperia could do for his veteran politico brother that he could not do himself.

"Well, whatever the case.....I'm sure the Regent will make full use of your....abilities" Archalen said as he cut and ate some of his vegatables. "I would love to meet in a few brightenings." he said casually. There were some things that Archalen also wished to discuss with his brother, but a few brightenings would be good to reflect and think over those proposals.

[Malkaer Andares]

Malkaer made an appreciative hum, both for the excellently prepared duck on which he chewed and Archalen’s admittance that he would serve the interests of the house where able. Indeed on that last point some doubts had risen concerning Moranor’s contributions to the cause as of late. More and more there seemed to be a cliff between the Astartus and Iliriel branches of the family. Concerning this ability of his sibling, Malkaer expected to make use of it sooner rather than later, for knowing about a person was to hold power over him or her. But the politician had also become more careful in experience and knew that patience was a virtue in the realm of politics.

“That is settled then”, he confirmed. In spite of making this arrangement, Malkaer was of no mind to cut this meeting short though. Like his half-brother, there were still other subjects he wished to discuss, and the darkening was still young. “You mentioned you planned to meet with Maeve. It is a good plan to strengthen our ties with that house. For one we should gain more formal recognition of our services to this nation through titles of nobility. House Maeve is the safe option, compared to committing ourselves to either the Lylles or L’Evienne. You could move into my mansion in Daltina during your stay there." He offered, taking a sip of his wine. "While the place will need to be cleaned up and doubtlessly requires some repairs, in itself the estate is suitable to receive high guests.”