Concilium Sodalitatis

[Thoth]

On one of the long wings of the Basillica, there stands a building that can almost rival the Basillica itself. Set with a massive stone courtyard pushing it back from the roadside, the Concilium Sodalitatis is a massive structure that serves as the seat of
government for the Carmelyn province. Here is where Aerienne Sarista holds court, when she exercises her worldly authority.

Six mighty marble pillars rise up, supporting the front of the structure. These pillars also form an arrowhead shape, drawing the onlooker into the large, open doorway. The building is one of the few in the city where very few robed priests and other
religious dignitaries are to be seen. Instead, the men and women that surround the building are dressed in current court fashions, stylish and noble.

As you enter, you find yourself in a fine foyer. The floor is composed almost entirely of white marble, except for the center which depicts the crest of Carmelyn. The crest is a blue shield, on which is a raised red cross. The shield is topped by a metal helm from which pours something resembling golden feathers. To your right, there are a series of shelves. To your left, there is a large desk staffed by a well-dressed male elf, a young female omnicat and a formally dressed dorin male.

Before you can take another step, you hear a booming voice behind you - a member of the Carmelyn Military. You turn to see the large human dressed in the formal uniform of the provincial military - a smart blue buttoned suit with gold trim, topped with a red eagle crest on his right breast and a red cape, fastened about his neck with a gold clasp. "Before you enter the Concilium, I will have to ask you to leave your weapons on the shelves. They will be well looked after, don't worry."

Originally writen by Charles Smith

[Dante Asunder]

Dante entered the beautiful building. He was slightly startled by the words of the militia captain. Turning around he handed the man his dagger. Dante's real weapons weren't detachable, but no point in telling the soldier that. He walked over to the desk and addressing non of the three inparticular inquired, "where can I listen to the political discussion?"

[Thoth]

The guard took the weapon and nodded towards the newest guest. "Your cooperation is appreciated." He placed the weapon with the collection of others. "I am sorry. currently there are no councils meeting. I can point you towards several offficers if you are interested."

[Dante Asunder]

Dante thought for a moment. As enticing as it was to talk shop with a council member he imagined they had a great deal to do and didn't want to take up their time, for the moment.

"No meetings you say? Well I guess I'll try back some other time. Do you know when the next council meeting will be?"

[Cyrus Marius]

GF'd from here.

TS: Fourth cycle of Melora, in the season of Spring, Era XIV PF

A letter arrived at the Governess' office from the city of Jaedaxia, wrapped in humble binding and sealed with wax stamped by the mark of the Imperial Legions. Attatched to the letter was a second seal, this one bearing the Imperial Warbird insignia of the office of the Minister of War. The parchment was ordinary and plain, and the script contained within was written boldly across the page, speaking to the character of the hand that held the pen.

Secrets : From the Chateau' Rose of Jaedaxia, 38th Brightening of the month of Melora, in the season of Spring, Second era in the reign of His Imperial Excellency Milo L'Evienne, Era XIV PF. To Her Exalted Emminence Lady Aerienne Sarista, Archprelatess of the Church of the Faith and Governess of Carmelyn Province; Greetings Lady Sarista, My name is Sword Daekin Cyrus Maximus Marius, and I am a soldier of the 30th Legion stationed in the capital city of Aelyria Prime. By the order of His Excellency Alexis Sapientia and the office of the Minister of War, I have travelled to Carmelyn Province and inquired as to the current state of combat readiness displayed by the legions stationed in the cities of Diana and Jaedaxia. I was instructed to pass this information along to you as well as the Ministry, so that your office has as the most up to date reports available. Here are the figures I was able to recieve, Your Emminence. 2nd Legion of Jaedaxia: -Legion count: Currently 1000 soldiers -Legion state of readiness: Optimal for current peacekeeping status. -Legion assets: 15 frigates, deployed on three fronts. -Local threats: Borthanist cult activity, though threat level is minimal and cultist activity has diminished due to devestation in their ranks. Pirate activity around Trident Isle is increasing, however threat level remains also minimal, and a third of the active frigates have been put on alert to report on any new developments regarding this issue. Unfortunatly, I was unable to recover the information necessary for my report from the military establishment in the city of Diana. I will include this in my report to the Ministry of War, and perhaps Your Emminence might have more success than myself in discovering this information. I shall be making my report in Prime in person, so any letters regarding this subject should be addressed to the office of the current Minister of War, His Excellency Alexis Sapientia. Thank you for your time and your assistance in this matter Lady Sarista, and may the Sacred Three continue to bless you, the city of Diana, and our glorious Empire. -Cyrus Maximus Marius Sword Daekin of the 30th Legion of Aelyria Prime

[Straylor Leonard]

Current timestamp of Visit ...

Straylor easily found the massive stone structure amid the busy center of Diana. It was the seat of political and religious power for Carmelyn. One had to hold their breath to contain the awe and wonder of such a place. Upon being greeted by the strong-armed figure, Stray naturally ceded his weapons. It was customary for soldiers to relieve themselves of all dangerous artifacts. But if he wasn't told to, Straylor kept his Wand and enchanted Buckle out of sheer necessity. He felt nearly naked with his inner strength; steel and metal could be replaced, but never magical amulets.

First, Straylor disarmed his hidden mechanics: the twin knight-hilted daggers that were sheathed on his boots. He placed the two items lightly on the desk, smiling, then proceeded to unstrap his round, metal shield followed by his twin short swords, damascus and dwarven steel respectively. "I am here to see the Governor", he said plainly, "I sent a letter before my arrival. Chief Constable Straylor Leonard, I hail from Trysvale."

[Thoth]

The guard nodded his head. "Yes we were told to expect you. Please follow me." He turned and lead him to the desk. "An appointment for her Excellency." He said indicating to Straylor.

"Oh course, and you would be?" The dorian asked looking at an appointment book.

[Straylor Leonard]

Straylor smiled at the guard and followed suit. He admired the architecture of the structure still some more until they arrived at desk. At the query from the dorin, he simply reintroduced himself. "Straylor Leonard, sir", he said formally, "Chief Constable of Trysvale."

[Aerienne Sarista]

The guard nodded politely. "Yes. The Governor has been expecting you." He gestured and a guard came forward. "He will escort you to her temporary office."

The guard nodded. "Follow me sir." He turned and marched off, heading down a long, snaking corridor. The air was cool, with a slight breeze coming from the opened doors. All around were signs of bustling activity, with bureaucrats and servants sweeping, dusting, and moving files and folders about. It seemed as if the whole area was abustle with activity.

The guard eventually led Straylor up several flights of crowded stairs to another hallway, and from there to a guarded large door of simple, heavy oak. The emblem of Carmelyn Province was engraved on the door. The guard knocked, announced Straylor, and the door opened from within.

The stone office was spacious, with floors of white marble. At the moment it seemed a bit bare. Most of its' space was empty, lit by sunlight coming from large, open windows. There was a large desk of redwood and two matching chairs. A tall, willowy redheaded woman was standing on tiptoe in a corner, hanging up cutttings of ivy that flowered with fragrant white blossoms. She looked over at Straylor and smiled.

"Serale!" Her voice was whispery soft, with a strangely dream-like echo. Her skin was milky-pale, set off by flowing tresses of flame-red hair and spacious, luminous green eyes in her heart-shaped face. She wore a simple dress of pale-blue silk, her golden-colored sandals sparkling in the sunlight. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the woman, besides her height of over six feet and her angelic wings of white feathers tipped with a single black feather at the top of each arch, was the gentle warmth of her smile.

"Sorry for the mess! I'm just getting this office cleaned out and set up. It hasn't been used in a while. My name is Aerienne. Just call me Aeri. You must be Straylor. I'm glad you came all this way! Can I offer you any refreshments? I'm sure we can find some. How can I help you?"

OOC: Apologies for the lateness and any typos in this post. It's past 1 AM here and that may show in the post. :/

[Straylor Leonard]

An Ancient Aerlyian ...

Thoughts, old, boyish dreams, came back to Straylor but he refused them, and forced himself into a stiff, almost uncomfortable bow. He had no idea that the Governor was an Ancient, let alone a woman. Perhaps the Governor would somehow forgive his lack of knowledge when the time came. "Your Excellency", Stray said before he straightened back up again. But at her less formal introductions, Straylor was caught off guard and merely smirked in response. "Aeri it is then ... madam." He smiled more brightly at the mention of refreshments. "Yes, water would be good. I am parched , thank you."

Finding his seat wherever Aerienne indicated, Straylor allowed himself to answer any more queries, remarks, and pleasantries between himself and the Governor before the real talks began. "It's regarding Trysvale, Your Ex ... I mean, Aeri." It was already unerving to speak with an Ancient, let alone the Governor. But to call the woman by her first name ...? Stray took a deep breath and recalibered himself. "The town has been under the iron fist of Lady Glory." He paused, allowing the name and all its meanings sink in. Straylor never doubted that the Ancient would forget the harsh accusations and the sudden disapperances associated with the woman. That, and Stray could almost bet that she was never approved or even appointed by the Carmelyn Government.

"She has returned, quite unwelcomed, and has since done nothing to better Trysvale. She has incited the anger of the druids as well ... with her magic police." Stray paused again, restraining himself from simply mad-dogging the woman and her efforts thus far -- which were quite lacking in many aspects. "But if the Carmelyn Government appointed her ...", he hinted again at the fact that there was no possible way for this to be possible, "then I must respect that decision. I am, however, proposing that the Governor reconsider her role as Thane under this new report ..."

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aeri walked to the door and called out "Excuse me, can someone please bring some water here? Oh, and biscuits with butter and honey. Thank you!" She popped her head back in and turned back to Straylor.

Her pleasant demeanor faded as she listened to Straylor's news. Her expressive face faded from happiness to concern, and then to a rare expression of anger. Once he had finished, she shook her head, her hair cascading about her in a crimson halo. "I never knew that she was back and I never appointed her to any position. In fact, she is still wanted by the Provincal authorities for keeping slaves, being involved in a slave-trading ring, and I would like to see her questioned about the very suspicious death of Cardinal Benedict Simosus. As for magic police? I find the idea dangerous. I myself am a mage and I know that arcana can be dangerous if misused."

She took a deep, calming breath, then her expression tightened into determination. "So, in light of all that, I am hereby officially stripping Glory of any and all authority, effective immediately, and I am ordering that she be bound over for trial regarding the slave ring and a full investigation of Benedict's death." She fluttered her wings as she began to pace the room. "I would like to see this matter resolved without the problems of before. If I send troops to arrest her we might well have another battle of Trysvale and such carnage must not be repeated." She stopped and turned back to Stray.

"You are closer to the situation. Can you recommend a way that removes Glory, allows me to officially appoint a new Thane, and does not incite the people to violence?"

[Straylor Leonard]

Straylor could almost feel his skin tingle as the Archmagus Ancient flared in rare fury. He hasn't known the Governor long enough to expect otherwise, but her quite and smiling demeanor faded as soon as Stray mentioned the name Glory. It bit the Ancient like poison, removing the once-pleasant atmosphere rapidly shifting it into an almost battlefield air. He could smell distant hatred in Aerienne's voice. With concern, of course, but mostly dislike. Perhaps more than Straylor could care to compare with his own.

"I am Chief Constable so I have overall command of the militia force there", he replied swiftly. The timing of the report seemed to put a dent into Lady Glory's power. And as the Ancient Thaumaturge put it: effective immediately. "I am sorry to be the bringer of such ... disarming news." Stray offered the Governor a smile before continuing. "I can return to Trysvale, gather my men, and arrest Lady Glory. There might be some resistance on her part ... she does control this band of hooligans she call the Magic Police. But against the Constabulary I am confident that we can keep things as discrete as possible." He nodded and looked thoughtful for a moment.

"As for the people, I know many of them. None of my fellow Trysvallians like the ... woman", Stray cleared his throat and smiled, "but I must ask some aid from Your Excellency. Some healers, perhaps, in case anyone is wounded. We do not have any priests or healers other than the druids ... and they tend to ignore Trysvale unless problems reach their immediate borders."

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aeri nodded, thinking quickly as she continued to pace. "I can send some of the province's healers, the ones connected to our Imperial ARmy detachment. I am not the Archprelatess any longer so I cannot send Church healers and Thaumaturges I'm afraid." She stopped and turned back to her desk.

Just then, a servant knocked on the door and Aeri let him in with a word. The man deposited a tray with a pitcher of fresh and icy river water and two glasses, biscuits, butter, and honey, then bowed and departed when Aeri thanked him by name. Once the door closed, Aeri sat down at the desk and started writing quickly on a roll of parchment.

"I will temporarily appoint you as Lord Thane of Trysvale. This letter confirms that Glory's removal has been ordered by myself and that you have my authority to take control of the city and dismantle these Mage Police." She did not conceal her distaste when she spoke of the Mage Police. "I will send someone or come myself later in the season to see how you are doing and to determine if you should be the permanent Thane." She looked up and smiled. "I'm sorry, it's not you personally. Its' just that one of the things I have learned as Governor is to try and make sure that people I appoint do their jobs and care for the people. I am trusting my instincts with you and, given the situation, I think we can skip the normal interviews and reviews. Trysvale needs leadership now, before things get worse."

She turned back to her letter and within minutes, her spidery handwriting was complete. She signed the letter, dripped some hot wax from a candle on it, and stamped it with her seal. Then she rolled up the parchment, stamped it, and handed it to him. "There you go! Please let me know as soon as the matter is done, will you?"

[Straylor Leonard]

The next series of actions by Aerienne became a mild, almost intoxicating blurr to Straylor. For a moment, while she was scribbing, Stray had the faintest desire to jump for joy. What he did, however, was not, curtly, and politely before the governor. The scale on his neck also grew a little itchy. He scratched it without really thinking. The episode between him and the demon in Zinn'Sunn was still a mystery. Perhaps he'd solve it one brightening soon. But for now, Trysvale was on top of his priority list.

Stray watched the last few moments of the Ancient Aelyrian seal and stamp the letter. It was official. He recieved it and, for a moment, it served as a link between himself and the being before him. "Thank you, your Excellency", he said then bowed before placing the letter securely in his traveling jacket. "You my word, madam, I will send word once we have Lady Glory. I just hope that she hasn't corrupted more people to built up her mage police ..." Stray did not need to mask his obvious discontent with the witch's personal army. "Again, thank you. May the Sacred Three smile on us this brightening."