The Villa of the Governor (tag: Elmayria)

[Aerienne Sarista]

North of the city of Diana, on the grassy, rolling plains of Carmelyn Province, lies a great wall of stone and steel, stretching high into the air. A mighty gate stands within this wall, and two armed Provincal Guards stand on ever-vigilant guard by these gates.

"Serale and halt, stranger!" One demand, made in unison. Two halberds crossed each other as the guards, in their gold-edged red and blue armor, snapped to attention. Two sets of sharp eyes stared at the visitor. "What is your business at the home of the Governor of Carmelyn Province?"

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

Once she was permitted inside the holy city and had asked for directions to Aerienne's home from one of the guards Elmaryia requested the carrage in motion and off she went. The ancient along with her daughter had come for the wedding. Aerienne was the first ancient that Elmaryia had ever seen and in the beginnign she was a little awe struck. Though the lady govenor was a lovely woman as was her daughter. Never before had she seen someone so cheerful and happy.

Even the kindest had enemies and needed protection, and Elmaryia was not surrpised by the guards. Opening the door Elmaryia greeted two guards with a friendly smile. " Greetings, I am Elmaryia Leonard and the Imperial Consul of Carmelyn. I wish to speak to Lady Govenor Aerienne Sarista if it can be arranged."

[Aerienne Sarista]

The guards snapped into salutes. One nodded. "Yes, Your Excellency! We were told to expect a visit from you at some point." He turned inward and boomed "Open the gates and inform the Governor at once!" Within seconds, the great gates were opening on well-oiled hinges. A guard inside the compound stepped forward while other could be seen running off into the distance, to be replaced by yet a third guard. "If you will follow me, Excellency?"

A spacious interior was revealed to sight as the guard led the way. A mile of carefully cultivated gardens stretched out from the gates, rolling hills in some places, flat in others, all decked out in flowers of every shade, size, shape, and hue. The flowers were neatly arranged into sections, with rosebushes nearest the gates and the rainbow of color stretching nearly as far as the eye could see. Mighty trees reared high on the terraced hills, their limbs spread to the sunlight. The trees themselves were different, with oak and ash, beech and willow and elm all carefully spaced out. Small springs and fountains ran down the sides of some of the hills, creating miniature rivers. A main path led through the garden, made of shining white marble, but there were numerous side paths to led to shady spots or smaller fountains, even into a carefully trimmed hedge maze. One path led into what looked to be a child's playarea, replete with toys and equipment for a child to play with. Another led to a large pool, carefully hidden within the garden.

Following the main path would lead to a large fountain, shaped like an Archon. Crystal-blue river water flowed from the hands of the Archon and into a basin at his feet, shaded by two great weeping willows to either side. Just beyond the fountain, the path led to the villa proper. The villa, rebuilt after the attack of the Tirisfal Druids, was four stories high, constructed of pure white marble with a tiled roof of red marble. The entire place was constructed to be light and airy, with many large windows, balconies, and a solarium built into the upper levels.

The four guards in the shadows of the high-arched doorway saluted when they were informed of the visitor's identity, then they swung wide the great wooden double-doors of the estate, the ones carved with loving images of the Aetherian Gods stretching the arms wide in benevolence towards Telath, and admitted Elmaryia into the manor proper.

The interior was just as spacious as the exterior. The first room entered, the Foyer, was a gigantic, and near-empty, space. A large, plush sofa sat in the center of the room, on a red rug of Arakmatian make, with a low table set in front of it. Plants and flowers hung everywhere. There were arched passages leading off to different areas of the first floor and a spiral staircase that led to both higher and lower areas of the villa.

Within moments, Aerienne was coming down those stairs. The redheaded Ancient was clad in a dress as white as her wings today, and her smile was bright and cheerful. "Serale Elmaryia! It's so good to see you again! Would you like something to eat or drink?" The guards discreetly withdrew at this point, leaving the Consul and the Governor in peace.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

With her new position of Imperial Consul Elmaryia had visited lavish and fine places, though still at times it overwhelmed her senses. After all while she dressed like a lady she was still a small town girl. Leaving the carrage she followed the govenor's guards up the marble stoned pathway. It was beautiful and the gardens were well tended for. The sound of the fountains were relaxing to the ear and Elmaryia would have to discuss adding fountains to their property.

A warm smile curved her lips upon seeing the children toys hopefully one brightening Elmaryia would have a child. Approaching the ornate doors with the gods of Atherian Elmaryia appreated the artwork. On the matter of religion Elmaryia was in limbo while she did not denounce their existance her belief was not concret.

Upon being saluted once again by the guards, Elmaryia nodded her head as the display made her feel uncomfertable. Though the interior of the foye was sparce it was lovely. It seemed as though Aerienne was an artist in her own right. Hearing her voice, Elmaryia raised her head and returned the warm friendly smile in greeting. " Sereal to you as well Aerienne it is wonderful to see that you are doing well. A mug of tea will be lovely. I shall tell you it is difficult to get used to the frigidness of winter again. For our honeymoon Straylor and I spent it at Iefferon. It is quite warm their and lovely. Have you ever been to the Island?"

[Aerienne Sarista]

She shook her head. "No, I've never been there. Is it nice? And don't worry. You get used to the winters up here." She laughed, smiling. "I had a bit of a time readjusting myself after my time in Frigid River. I grew up in Aelyria Prime so I was used to the winter, and then I became Lady Thane of Frigid River. Despite the name, Lauryl Province was pretty nice when I was there. Then I came to Diana and practically froze my first winter!" She shook her head, a look of fond remembrance on her face. "I'll be right back!"

She headed off towards the left-hand arch, her wings fluttering behind her. She was away a few minutes, then returned, carrying a silver tray. On it was a steaming teapot with two cups, and a small plate filled with biscuits, butter, honey, jam, and sugar for the tea. She set it down on the table and sat down on the sofa, gesturing for Elmaryia to sit too.

"So your honeymoon was a good one then, dear?" She looked up, smiling.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

It was wonderful to meet someone so genuinely happy and content with their life. While Elmaryia loved her cousin's dry humour and even her sarcasim it was refreashing to be in the company of another with a cheerful disposition. The small talk between the two was not forced and Elmaryia felt comfertable with the ancient. " The Island is very lovely and beautiful and the people are friendly as well. I do hope one brightening to purchase a summer home their. I have never seen such beautiful white beaches. I even rode a gecko," Elmaryia said with a chuckle.

The aroma of the tea was quite pleaseing as were the biscuts. During her trip she had eaten little and she was quite hungry. Taking the offered seat Elmaryia joined Aerienne on the sofa. " Yes our honey moon was wonderful. I had a glorious time." Elmaryia said as she took a cup of tea and placed a sugar cube inside of it. " I shall be setting my office in order is their any concerns with Diana that you believe should be addressed? Along with buisness I shall also love to experience the culture of the city. I have yet to see the Consul office I also understand that it is a home as well."

[Aerienne Sarista]

She smiled and nodded. "That sounds lovely, and riding a gecko? I'd love to see one some time! And I am truly glad that you and Straylor had a wonderful time there. Marriage is such a blessing."

She looked up as she considered. "Well, the Province should be better unified. A lot of problems might be avoided if there were better and more timely communications between the Province's cities. Re-establishing better law enforcement and a protective force across the Province might help, and maybe we can give the poor and needy a chance to earn crowns and a sense of self-worth by offering them jobs working to repair the roads and other important things. Maybe you can help with that? I did start work on a giant garden for the whole Province to enjoy, but there is so much more that can be done. Oh, and yes, Palacrisis did use the Consul's office as a home when he was here." She nodded.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

" Yes I am very happy, even if their was some drama at the wedding. The honeymoon was quite lovely," Elmaryia murmured before she took a sip of her tea. It was dreadful to have one's past exposed to everyone, and have ones former slave master show up declaring ownership of you. Though that storm had been withered and all was well.

It seemed from the suggestions of Aerienne the two wanted simular things for the province. The young lady's salary was quite high in sum and she had far more money then she planned to do with. She also was frugile with her expenses and had a substantial sum of her living expenses funds saved.

" Well I am all for repairing roads and helping the citizens. Do you offer any incentives in your city? In Trysvale we offer free farm land but with a minimal tax fee. It has been quite successful in giving the citizens an income. Also does your city have a place for healing such as a hospital? I was thinking that students who wished to learn healing or thaum could learn as well as aid the wounded. Of course it would be voluntary and minimal cost to the city as the students would be learning as well as practicing. Thus it could be a free hospital. I would be willing to help with the costs of starting the hospital."

OOC: sorry for the delay I did not know what was going on with the wedding, but Min said it was alright if I continued my threads as I am not in Ft lock. It is getting very dramatic her former slave master showed up.

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aeri smiled sympathetically to Elmaryia and gently patted her hand. The events of the wedding weren't something that would leave her mind soon either, and she still felt anger at what Arrentius had tried to do.

The question of incentives redirected her attention though. "Well, I offer the jobs to the poorest, those who have the greatest need. I hope that this way the people who most need the jobs and crowns can get to them and find some self-worth in honest labor and honestly-earned crowns. A free hospital sounds like a lovely idea though! We have a free hospice run through the Church but I do know that they can use all the help they can get. Sadly, there are often more that have need than there are beds to place them in. I can speak with Llanwyn about getting Church Thaumaturges and healers in to teach students. That way they'll have both a strong religious foundation and the tools they'll need to help others when they graduate.

I've also been working on a Provincal Gardens project. I intend it to be an open-air park free for all to attend where species of flowers from all over the Province and beyond are gathered to ease the mind and delight the soul. the project has been stalled in recent eras with the various problems the Empire has had, but I'd like to get it going again and offer it as a source of work and income. I'd also like to finish the rehabilitation of the Carmena Ruins in the eastern part of the Province. The ruins were once used by a cult of Haya-worshippers that some brave people cleared out some eras back. One of them was transformed into a statue by divine powers in doing so. I've rebuilt part of the site as a shrine to this hero, Saint Bossa of the Onion, but I think completing the purification and reconstruction offers more jobs for the people.

Hmm. And maybe we can find a way to be more in touch with the rest of the Empire? It seems like we often don't find out about things until long after they happen. Part of that is probably the poor communication we've always had in this Province, but I'm hoping we can fix that. What do you think?"

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

OOC: sorry for the delay

INC: The woman before her was very intuitive and without a spoken word, the govenor sensed her fears. Indeed she was a wonderful woman and Elmaryia held her high regard. During the wedding Aerienne's bravery and anger at Aerrientus was potent and a bit frightening. Such raw uncontained emotion her friend exhibited and Elmaryia admired her for it.

" Then we shal speak to the archprelate then. I would love to make a seperate facility and aid him in his aiding the sick and wounded however I can. I have funds saved for projects. Also the garden would offer many jobs I am sure it shall be beautiful. Also we can grow fruits and vegitables that the citizens can eat."

Much like her companion Elmaryia too had ideas to better the province of Carmelyn. These ruins sounded interesting and never before had Elmaryia heard of them. " I have never heard of the Carmena ruins. Would that be a place for worship and exploration? I have always been fascinated by history. Perhaps one brightening the two of us can explore them."

Pausing Elmaryia took another sip of her tea. " For communication perhaps we can have a province wide newspaper that focuses on local events. Also I wish to instil some laws that give escaped slaves amnesty if they come to our province. Though I am new to politics and do not know how to go about that. It angers me how men are considered property and while it is impossible to ban it, I do hope to provide a sanctuary."

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aeri nodded at the mention of the ruins. "I think they can be a place for worship and communion, and I would love to go there with you. Maybe when we see them we can think of a better way they can be used to help the people.

And I completely agree about the slavery issue. Carmelyn was a region of safety and asylum for the Fae when Julos the Mad tried to kill them all. I think it should be a permanent place of safety for all who have need. I can pass the law in this province at the least, and if you support it, then we should be set. We'll have to speak to Milo of course, to get him and the Senate to make certain that such laws cannot be overturned or challenged. Maybe we can convince them to completely outlaw slavery. It would be the right thing to do.

Maybe we should create something? A place where freed slaves can work and earn their own way in the world? And not just slaves, but all who are abused or mistreated. What do you think?"

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

History of places and cultures had always interested the young woman and she was eager to explore the ruines with her friend Aerienne. " That is an excellent suggestion and I would take great pleasure in seeing these ruines," Elmaryia said truthfully.

Allies the young woman had made powerful allies and it was refreashing to know that other's were concerned about their fellow man. " While I know that a utopia is a foolish dream. It is my dream that the province of Carmelyn can offer sanctuary and support for the abused and miss used. I am grateful for your support Aerienne. I shall send a letter to Milo perhaps early spring to inform him about our plans. Though I fear I have missled him. I was not a citizen legally of the empire when I applied for the position of Imperial Consul. Though my slavery was my private shame however all is well now thanks to you my friend," Elmaryia said as she affectionatly patted her friends hand with her own.

Though if the cities did take in slaves they would need lodging and employment for a moment Elmaryia was quiet as she thought of solutions. " Well in Trysvale we do offer free farm land with a minimal tax fee. Houses are already built on the plots. Though we can build lodging for the slaves to stay. Also many of them shall be malnourished and wounded, the students of the hospital could learn to heal on the former slaves. It pains me to say this but we have to make sure that the province does not become bankrupt from taking in the former slaves. The city of Trysvale should not lose much due to the free farm land. The escaped slaves shall have something of their own and learn to work the land, make coin and in turn prosper the city. I am sure that we will meet resistance from fellow thanes if they fear that their cities will become strained with taking in the wounded and forgotten. Do you have any suggestions Aerienne."