[Imperial Court] Office of the Minister of War Arkahn Th'alashar
The Ministry of Defense was a grandiose place, and while the Minister certainly had a place in the citadel of the military district, there was a second office within the Ministry of Defense for him to reside and use. Arkahn disliked using the office but understood it was a necessary evil. In the citadel he wouldn't be as easy to reach for most politicians as he was in the Imperial Forum. Arkahn mostly travelled between offices, the one in the citadel reserved for those who had announced their visit in advance, the office in the Forum for those who needed him without announcing themselves. The office in the Forum also proved to be a very good place to take care of the tedious work a Minister was burdened with. Budgets more often than not.
Upon approaching the door, which was constructed of a fine, heavy oak, the first notable thing would be two guards standing outside the door, both Shield-Daekins. One was an agile Quel'anthasan Elf, ageless youth making his age hard to guess, with pulled back blonde hair and twinkling green eyes. The other was a muscled Pantheri Katta, his black fur turning silver at the edges in some place, belying his age and experience, though he'd lost none of his speed or strength, and his amber eyes were constantly alert. Each held a spear and had a shortsword at their side, and wore glinting chainmail armor. Their collars and sleeves had room to designate their ranks and legions. These were none other then members of the First Legion, the Empress' Own. They stood straight and hardly wavered at all, paying attention only to any who approached the door or regarded it with interest.
The door itself was never left open, Arkahn being a man who valued his privacy, and upon it's surface read the plaque,
Quote:
Office of the Minister of Defense
Arkahn Th'alashar
Once one stepped inside the office Arkahn's sanctuary unfolded before them. On one side of the office was a set of couches with a coffee table between them, a place for a more informal and relaxed venue. It was hardly ever used. The small cupboard next to it against the wall was a place where a few glasses and drinks could be retrieved and had. Similarly, on the left, there was a simple large table with several chairs around it where one could spread out to do research, open different maps, or have a gathering of a handful of senior officers. From the wall behind the table hung a decorated sabre which reminded Arkahn of his time with the Alyssans.
On the back wall were two windows, staggered wide, and between them a large map displaying the Empire, with several different colored pins and notes hanging from it. In the back corner once sat a chair, left there by Motito Gil'dae, which Arkahn had replaced with an armourstand. From it hung his scalemail armour and his large shield. A kopesh, sheathed in a large leather scabbard hung from a shoulderbelt from the standard.
Next to the armourstand was a smaller, unassuming door that led to his private room. Inside was a simple bed, a small armoire that contained a clean uniform and a dresser. On top of the dresser stood a washing bowl and a mirror. It was all Arkahn really needed to get by.
At the rather large oaken desk that dominated the center of the room was an equally large Tigron. The coat of his uniform closed high around his neck, orange fur errupting over it's collar if he turned his neck. His large head was a myriad of scars, something a child would see in a bad dream. His face was parted in two by a blue cloth that was tied around his diagonally, covering his left eye, or the gaping hole where it had once been. A scar that ran from his forehead down to his cheek was still visible. Both his ears were tattered and decorated with a few studs, his memory to the Malice campaign.
When he looked up he seemed to move surprisingly fluidly for a man his size. His body was large, shaped by military exercise and a the natural figure of a Tigron. He was burly without looking chissled. A man who had gotten his muscles from using them rather than training with weight. The Tigron quickly stepped to the side of his desk, his back straight, his chest out, both hands clasped behind his back.
A small Kemite woman dressed in robes of crimson and black stepped quickly through the endless corridors of the Imperial Palace. Her duty this particular brightening was to deliver a thick envelope to the desk of the newly appointed Imperial Marshall. Every seam of the package was sealed with green wax and stamped with the coin-and-scale seal of the Imperial Exchequer. Inside was a short letter followed by several pages of documents detailing the financial costs associated with the operation of the Empire’s military. The letter was written in the script of the Imperial Exchequer, though the language was far more terse and sparse than usual
Quote:
To His Imperial Excellency the Imperial Marshall Arkhan Th’alashar,
Congratulations on your appointment. Enclosed in this budget presented to your predecessor in Optia of Era XII. Since your predecessor was unable or unwilling to respond to my inquiries, the theoretical budget of the Ministry of Defense has changed very little.
In practice, the Imperial Legions are fully funded. The active Imperial Classis consists of three hundred vessels. All the crowns budgeted for classis and not spent on its upkeep and operations are being held in the Imperial Treasury as reserves. They can be used for the re-activation of the classis, or any appropriate project that I deem fiscally responsible.
If you are not otherwise occupied, I invite you to a brief trip outside of the confines of the Imperial City. There is a location in Arium I believe would serve as a reminder to our duties: Aslangrad. I will provide transportation if you see fit to accept my invitation.
Alleria Prevails,
Hsin Zhou
Imperial Exchequer
Quote:
Budget of the Imperial Marshall: Legions Salary
Imperial Marshall: 5000 crowns per cycle.
Provost Imperatis (Both Naval and Legion): 440 crowns per cycle.
Kestor Imperatis: 360 crowns per cycle.
Imperatis: 200 crowns per cycle.
Provost: 160 crowns per cycle.
Kestor: 120 crowns per cycle.
Cencoris: 100 crowns per cycle.
Daekin: 80 crowns per cycle.
Sword-Daekin: 60 crowns per cycle.
Shield-Daekin: 40 crowns per cycle.
Private: 20 crowns per cycle.
Administrative Upkeep
For the Imperial Marshall:
3000 crowns per cycle for administrative staff & costs.
4000 crowns per cycle living stipend
For Daekin upwards: 28.05 crowns per cycle.
For Sword-Daekin and below: 18.04 crowns per cycle.
Total Salary (Legion): 8,451,600 crowns per cycle (422,580,000 crowns per era) Total Upkeep (Legion): 6,335,719.5 crowns per cycle (316,785,975 crowns per era)
Administrative Upkeep and Outfitting: 1,000,00 crowns per cycle (5,000,000 crowns per era) Building Upkeep: 600,000 crowns per cycle (3,000,000 crowns per era)
Total Budget (Legions): 16,420,949.5 crowns per cycle (821,047,475 crowns per era)
Budget of the Imperial Marshall: Classis Salary
Provost Imperatis (Both Naval and Legion): 440 crowns per cycle.
Ducor Navarch: 360 crowns per cycle.
Navarch: 280 crowns per cycle.
Ducor: 200 crowns per cycle.
Zeton: 160 crowns per cycle.
Trierius: 120 crowns per cycle.
Navit: 100 crowns per cycle.
Helm-Navit: 80 crowns per cycle.
Sail-Navig: 80 crowns per cycle.
Oar-Navit: 60 crowns per cycle.
Senior Seaman: 40 crowns per cycle.
Seaman: 20 crowns per cycle.
Administrative Upkeep
For Helm-Navit upwards: 28.05 crowns per cycle.
For Sail-Navit and below: 18.04 crowns per cycle.
Based on preliminary research, this is a reasonably normal distribution of vessels. Depending on composition of each classis’ specialist units, the number of ships in a given category varies slightly.
Total: 277,230 (Again, varying slightly based upon the composition of a fleet.)
Total Salary (Classis): 8,545,200 crowns per cycle (427,260,000 crowns per era) Total Upkeep (Classis): 5,094,021.9 crowns per cycle (254,701,095 crowns per era)
Administrative Upkeep and Outfitting: 1,000,00 crowns per cycle (5,000,000 crowns per era) Harbor Upkeep: 300,000 crowns per cycle (1,500,000 crowns per era) Ship Upkeep: 600,000 crowns per cycle (3,000,000 crowns per era) Mothballing: 400,000 crowns per cycle (2,000,000 crowns per era)
Total Budget (Classis): 15,939,221.9 crowns per cycle (796,961,095 crowns per era)
Total: 32,360,171.4 crowns per cycle (1,618,008,570 crowns per era)
Ponutis 35, late afternoon, Era XII
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Arkahn greeted the guards, presenting them his writ of office. They immediately snapped to a salute and stood at attention. Arkahn returned the salute. "At ease." He said calmly as he opened the door to his office and stepped in. It was the office of a politician. Gil'dae wasn't a true soldier, and eventhough Arkahn respected the man, he felt quite disappointed at the office itself. It smelled of cinnamon and vanilla, sweet scents that had nothing to do with warfare. There were comfortable chairs too. In the private office there stood a comfortable bed and a snack cabinet. They were unneeded.
Behind him there was a sudden knock on the door. Arkahn turned around. "Come in." He said, raising his voice enough to be heard on the other side of the door. The door opened, a man well in his forties stepping in. He was human. His black hair hand been cut short, his uniform looked crisp and told Arkahn he was a Daekin. The man wore a longsword from his right hip, designating him as left handed. It was odd what things you noticed. The human's uniform closed high around his throat. The man looked well-groomed, his face shaven clean, brown eyes looking at Arkahn from underneath thick black eyebrows. The man had a sense of determination about him. The kind of man that went about his business quick and efficient without any unecessary flair. He saluted Arkahn. "Daekin Marius Grecca reporting for duty, Minister Th'alashar. I am to be your personal assistant for as long as you fulfill your duties as Minister of War." The man stood at attention, chin up slightly, chest out, eyes staring straight forward looking at nothing. A shining example of soldiery. Like Arkahn had done to the guards, he returned Daekin Grecca's salute. "As you were Daekin Grecca." Arkahn ordered the man, watching as Grecca stood at ease. "My personal possesions are still in the Crown and Tavern Inn. Send someone to fetch them please. Also, see to it that the chair in that corner is removed and replaced with an armourstand. The bed in the private office is to be replaced with a simple bed, replace the snack cabinet with an armoire with two regular uniforms and a dress uniform and put a dresser with a washing bowl and a mirror in there. That will be all for now." Arkahn wasn't about to keep these unneeded things around the office for too long. "Oh, and see to it that you find the origins of these sweet smells and remove them." Arkahn added. "Yes sir. I have also taken the liberty of sending over a tailor to take your measurements for a uniform, sir." Grecca spoke, still standing at ease and looking straight through Arkahn. Either Grecca was sucking up to him or he was really as thoughtful. Arkahn would soon find out. "Very thoughtful of you Daekin Grecca, but I'd hate to think that you are brownnosing me. Are you a Brownnoser?" The man seemed shocked at Arkahn's insinuations and even forgot his blank stare for a moment as he turned his head towards Arkahn. "No sir, I'm not a brownnoser sir." Arkahn smiled. He wasn't going to go easy on anyone for now. "Very well Daekin. I suspect you will be wanting to fullfil the orders I have given you. That'll be all." Grecca nodded, saluted and wheeled around on his heels before marching off. Arkahn just grinned. Bloody Minister of War. Amazing wasn't it?
TS: 3rd cycle of Melora, Winter of Era XIII Post Fractum
The Senator for Arium who had replaced Mordeneb was a rather smallish man. So quiet you'd hardly notice him even if he was standing right there. He rarely made a great spectacle of himself, given to smiling in a way that was vaguely apologetic, as if his very presence was slightly offensive to someone. Despite all of this he was one of the Governor's most trusted men, and for good reason. With the recent interest in the Senate being miniscule though and the changes made by Arabella the Reformer to the system the Senator for Arium had chosen to sit most of it out in silence, his task was for the most part, to deliver official dispatches. Just as he was doing now.
He gave a small envelope, sealed with the Falcon of Arium to the secretary of the Minister of War with express orders that this was to be opened only by the Minister himself.
Secrets :
To His Imperial Excellency, the Minister of War, Arkahn Th'alashar
Greetings and salutations, my hopes are extended to you and I commend you on your meteoric rise to such a great station in life. That such fine, young men as yourself are able to rise to the occasion are a great sign for the future of this Empire. I do not merely write this to commend you however, given that there is enough trouble in the Empire which requires the services of one such as yourself without me taking up any more of your time.
I was merely hoping to extend my congratulations to you and to inquire into why trainers from the Imperial Army have been moved from the border legions and into the Arium. If they had been sent here to enforce the legions after the incident in Paxia, it would be understandable, however as they have taken up station outside Nexus Prime and have not contacted the local Imperatis, I am somewhat concerned as to the reasons for their presence in the Directorate.
From the desk of his Imperial Excellency the Northern Falcon, the Master of Solace Isle and Terramarique, the Defender of the Great Mountains, the Director General of Arium Marquis Jenius de Merchante.
Ponutis 38, Era XII
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Arkahn looked up as Grecca came in with a envelope from Minister Zhou's office. With a quick nodded to the human Arkahn accepted the papers from him and kept his assistant waiting as he read through Hsin's letter and glanced at the papers in front of him. "Right,'" Arkahn said, placing the letter in front of him before retrieving a piece of parchment from a drawer and dipping a quill into ink. He only then realised that Grecca had been waiting for his order. "Send a messenger over to Minister Zhou that I will be meeting him in his office in two candlemarks. Also, I have here a few more letters I need you to send out to Provost Imperatis Xin'dell, Provost Imperatis Kaldres and Imperial Admiral Sapienta." The Tigron ordered the man, waving Grecca out of his office as he returned to his papers. Several things about the budget needed to be altered in the light of restructuring. Arkahn would hand them over to Minister Zhou when he arrived to meet him.
Grim
3rd cycle of Melora, Era XIII Post Fractum
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The letter from Arium had been lying around on Arkahn's desk for about half a brightening. Grecca had told him a letter had come, but the Tigron hadn't had the chance to get around to opening it yet. Once he did he fell silent for a few moments. He leaned back into his chair, ran a hand over his head and read the letter again. Legionnaires from the border legions going into Arium without notifying their Imperatis? This was going too damn far. As far as Arkahn knew the border Legions were headed by Riconus Xin'dell. The Tigron took two sheets or parchment from a drawer in his desk and wrote two letters, sealing both of them with wax before ringing a bell on his desk. Moments later the door swung open and Grecca appeared, snapping off a crisp salute. "Daekin Grecca, see to it that both these letters reach their adressees. Thank you." Arkahn got up from his chair, handing Grecca the rolled up pieces of parchment. As Grecca closed the door behind him Arkahn walked over to the window and looked out over the Imperial Forum. The Legions were full of idiots these days.
Whether the authorities liked it or not, news of an important appointment like that of the position of Minister of War spread over the Empire like a wildfire. Or at least in politically interested circles. The former to hold the office had retired some time ago and with interest Malkaer had waited for his successor. When the news finally reached Mystique it was well received by the esh’lahier. He quickly wrote a letter to the new Minister, which was carried to Prime by the fastest messangers.
Secrets :
To His Imperial Excellency, Arkahn Th’alashar
Upon hearing the news of your appointment I find myself greatly relieved. No longer is the highest military office in the hands of a dandy or mustang, but a true officer of the Alyssan school. It amuses me greatly to think that only a few eras ago I subjected the man who is now Minister of War to rigurous trainings. Thinking of those brightenings brings a smile to my face as I write this letter.
Yet aside from relief I also feel somewhat surprised to see you raised to your office. Whilst I am able to judge a man for his strategic skill because of my own knowledge in the field, those who lack such cannot. The office is therefore usually assigned to an acquiantance, friend or relative, with little regards to his actual competence. To become Minister of War out of ‘nowhere’ you must have some influental friends in Prime.
Secondly I wonder why you decided to run for the position at all. I know you for a soldier, Arkahn, but the function of Minister is also a political one. This is true for the rank of Imperatis and increasingly so upwards the chain of command. ‘Politician’ seems to be a curse word these days, uttered even by those who are in fact politicians. I do not consider it so as the greatest victory is not achieved through armed conflict, but I wish to warn you; although perhaps this is unnecessary for one who has witnessed first hand at Malice how deadly the combination of politics and the military can be.
Malice; a letter to you would not be complete without a mention of that place. Even if I had had writing material during my long captivity in a Malicean cell I would not have been able to make a complete list of the mistakes I made during that war. But I will speak no more of the past; at least not in this inpersonal manner.
I will look to the future and am hopeful that the state of crisis in which the Empire finds itself will be overcome through wise use of it’s Legions. My congratulations with your appointment.
Your old brother in arms,
Malkaer Andares
__________________ Dear Enemy,
May the Lord hate you and all your kind,
may you be turned orange in hue,
and may your head fall off at an awkward moment.
Daekin apparently weren't the most perceptive of people, as evidenced by Grecca nearly running over the other member of the Council now present in the Marshall's office. Ogabe had heard of Arkahn's appointment already, or at least that someone had stormed into Motito's old office and caused quite a stir in doing so.
With that in mind, the lithe Judicator had decided to investigate personally, and make introductions as necessary. Ebon claws closed about the edge of the door before it could close completely, and the slender cheetari slipped into the inner office quietly. "Seraa and well met, I am..." he trailed off finally getting a good look at the scarred cyclopean tigron. Unbefethinglievable he mused, standing there a moment as if he'd been poleaxed. Politeness, wasted as it might be on Arkahn, demanded that he continue the line of conversation. Or at least speak, for crying out loud.
"You again? How's the shoulder?" he asked, remembering the Bloodsnow Darkening entirely too well.
__________________
His Exalted Excellency, the Imperial Judicator of the Aelyrian Empire
Many hugs and smooches to my darling wife for the banner!
Profuse apologies for posting delays, everyone. Trying to catch up.
Arkahn read Malkaer's letter with a grin. The Esh'laheir and him hadn't always seen eye to eye on matters, but the fact that Malkaer had been captured at Malice had never been to the Tigron's liking. The Elf had always been a sound man, his mind had been clouded by visions of honour and glory at Malice, but he was a good soldier nontheless. Still grinning Arkahn picked up a quill and began writing a letter back. A plan was forming in his mind.
Secrets :
Malkaer Andares,
I trust this letter will reach you in good health since you're apperantly one who doesn't die easily. As much as it pleases you to think back on the times you trained me, it pleases me to hear from you, hopefully with all parts still attached to your body. It was a shame what happened in Malice and could I have prevented it, I would have. I still have a letter from your relative, Lady Tiyribi Andares I would like to give you.
While I could answer all your questions through writing, you and I know that I am not one to sit down at a desk for longer than necessary and I would like to invite you to Alleria Prime so that we can talk about the good old brightenings and discuss my apperantly strange choice of carreer. With this letter I will send you an invitation that will get you into the Ministry and to my office without trouble.
Your old brother in arms,
Arkahn Th'alashar
Ogabe
Arkahn couldn't help but grin at Ogabe. The Cheetari had never been fond of Arkahn, and frankly that feeling had been mutual. Just a shame that the man had to go around bringing up his shoulder. "The shoulder is alright Minister K'tinga, I'm not a man who's put down by wounds easily." Arkahn answered with a hint of sarcasm. It was quite true though. The Tigron had sustained several wounds that could have well proven lethal, yet somehow he'd always survived. Some people were concerned with the fact that a commanding officer had been incapacitated that many times, but to the men in Daltina it had meant that they could trust their officer in his battlefield experience.
"Please Minister K'tinga, be seated. Daekin Grecca here was just on his way to propose a meeting with you, but it seems you have saved him a walk." The Tigron rose from his chair slightly as he pointed to a chair opposite to his, on the other side of the desk. "Daekin Grecca, Minister K'tinga has seen it fit to disturb me just before my meal, unknowingly ofcourse. If the Minister so wishes maybe we can have our meal together here in this office, and if he wishes not to eat, let's hope he doesn't mind me eating."
Arkahn didn't quite care wether or not Ogabe cared if he had his meal. The Tigron was a creature of habit, and one with a very busy schedule at it. He always had a meal mid brightening before going over to the citadel, this brightening was not going to be any different. As soon as Ogabe was seated and Grecca out of the door, Arkahn spoke again. "I'm quite sure you didn't come to talk to me about the good old brightenings, so let's do away with that nonsense for the moment and start all over again." It was as close as Arkahn would go towards an apology. He wasn't sorry for what had happened, he just felt it wouldn't be very professional to let it stand in their way. In effect, he offered a peace treaty.
Early brightening, Second brightening of Cryxatum, Winter of Era XIII
-two candlemarks before official meeting in Milo’s office-
Private Correspondence
To the attention of his Exalted Excellency, lord Arkahn Th’alashar, Minister of War
Excellency,
I am writing in advance of a scheduled meeting in my office so that I might forward to you information that found it’s way to my desk earlier this brightening. The official portion of this letter, which I have taken the liberty of having my personal scribe reproduce for your benefit, I believe would have been better addressed firstly to your own offices. While I much prefer to not be put in the position of passing along the specific text, or a portion thereof, of letters addressed personally to myself, I feel that the circumstances of the current situation warrant such.
Regards,
Milo L’Evienne
Regent to the Allerian Empire
Secrets :
As I'm sure you're now aware, scouts from the Western Legions have discovered new found territory beyond our borders, that we once believed to be under Xetan control. We have since confirmed the new nation to be considered N'danosh, though the structure of their government and how unified these "free cities" are is still to be determined. At the time that I am writing this to you, I know only as much as what was said in the Herald article, and have not been given orders in regards to dealing with this new... situation.
M'lord, though our investigation of this area is still preliminary, I am still unaware of how I am to approach these people, and if I should treat them as friendly neighbours or hostile rivals. Would you elect that I hold off my troops until diplomatic means have first been explored? Should intelligence be gathered covertly to find the true roots behind this civilization? Or should force be used immediately before we are put on the defensive? Whatever you commands may be, me and my valiant soldiers stand on guard, and pray that your guidence finds us swiftly…
Riconus Xind'ell Kaldres
Grand General of the Western Imperial Host
__________________
I believe that the moment is near when, by a procedure of active paranoiac thought,
it will be possible to systematize confusion and contribute to the total discrediting of the world of reality.
TS: Morning, Dianara, second cycle of Cryxatum, Era XIII
A quiet morning, the air fresh with the smells and sound of spring, and a short walk through the imperial city brought the young woman to the grandly styled building which was the Ministry of War. Along side her walked a man of tall and solid frame, the white of his goatee and the grey in the hair showing he was old enough to be her father, but there was a different relationship between the pair – that of protector and charge. MacIntosh Blair was no doddering fool however. He walked with a straight back, carrying himself with the presence of one used to watching for danger, and at his hip hung a long sword that could be wielded with practiced ease.
Nell spoke with Mac as they walked along, not about anything of consequence but general observations about how pleasant their surroundings were now that the season had changed, some references to a trip out into the countryside later that cycle and finally an enquiry as to the man’s health for he had been afflicted with a mild cough since their return from the Mnemonya Isles. Soon however they reached their destination, and asking Mac to wait outside in the fresh air, which would surely do him some good, Nell entered alone. After all, if one wasn’t safe within this building then where could one walk alone.
The young woman presented a fetching picture that morning, fresh-cheeked and dark eyes sparkling with good health, her hair unbound and flowing over the shoulders of the long forest green cloak and matching dress, short-sleeved and well made from good quality linen. At the door to the Minister’s office, she paused and smiled at the guards.
“If the Minister is available, Lady Nell du’Galle would like to have a moment of his time.”
__________________
Thanks to Nikki for the banner! | "Stalking through the brush, Hazudar shot a bunny with his wristbow!"
On the other side of the door Nell was facing Arkahn sat at his desk, bent over a piece of parchment. He was writing down ideas, checking maps wether they made sense or not and wether or not they would fit in with the budget. As a guard entered and salute he looked up from his work. "Lady Nell du'Galle wishes to see you, Minister Th'alashar." The guard said in a formal tone, standing at attention. Arkahn froze in his chair. Lady du'Galle, the Regent's wife. He'd seen her once. She looked nice enough, but one could only guess with politicians.
"As you were..." The Tigron mumbled absent minded, looking around the office, his eye falling on Daekin Grecca who was studying some figures. The Daekin had a good mind for figures but he had the tendancy to get too caught up in them, ignoring whatever happened around him. Arkahn rose from his chair and slapped his hands on the desk. "On your feet Daekin." He snapped at the man. He rejoiced in messing with the Daekin's head and watched as he jumped from his chair and snapped off a crisp salute. "High company about to come in, Daekin." Arkahn clarified to the man who looked at him with surprise but maintained his stance at attention. "Let the Lady in." Arkahn ordered the guard, standing next to his chair as the man opened the door.
As Nell entered she'd be met with a salute from both the Daekin and Arkahn himself. "An honour to have you here Lady du'Galle. I hope you are well?" Arkahn felt like slapping himself in the head. Asking a lady if she was well, the mere thought of it made him cringe. What if she wasn't well? He'd put her in a compromising position. Blast it.
Timestamp: Fifth Brightening of Aperitus, Spring of Era XIII
A letter preceding Malkaer’s coming had arrived a few cycles earlier in the Minister’s office. After a long journey from Mystique over land and sea the esh’lahier was finally here as promised. Before searching for the Ministry of War the Lieutenant Governor had freshened himself up at the Lauryllian provincial embassy. Strengthened by a cup of tea and a clean set of clothes he went to the Ministry of War unaccompanied.
His clothing was rather plain for a high provincial official, consisting of a simple if finely crafted light grey tunic. This was intentional, for he knew Arkahn would not care much if at all for fripperies. That the tigron had changed since they last spoke was a certainty, he must have to become Minister of War of the Allerian Empire, but he would not have changed in that respect. On his belt the former soldier carried a scabbard with a sword and a long dagger even though he knew he would have to give them up upon entering the Ministry. Sturdy gloves and high heeled boots completed the picture.
”Serale” He nodded at the Daekin. ”Would you alert his Imperial Excellency Arkahn Th’alashar that Malkaer Andares has arrived.” He handed the man Arkahn’s invitation. With some anticipation the esh’lahier waited to be admitted to the Minister’s office, and meet his old brother in arms.
__________________ Dear Enemy,
May the Lord hate you and all your kind,
may you be turned orange in hue,
and may your head fall off at an awkward moment.
The Daekin Malkaer had nodded to returned the nod with a slight smile. "Very well m'Lord, if I may just take your weapons from you? You will see them returned when you leave." Once Malkaer had handed over his weapons the Daekin quickly patted him down, throwing him an apologetic glace before sticking his thumb up at his partner who disappeared inside the room for a moment. Quickly he returned, completely opening the door for Malkaer. Through the door the Esh'laheir could see part of Arkahn's office, his large desk and the window in the wall behind it. However, that window was largely obscured from sight by a rather large uniform which fit snugly around an equally large Tigron. It looked like a wall of fabric with some buttons standing behind a desk. Quite the silly sight really, especially taking into consideration the fact that the Tigron was missing one eye and both his ears were looking more like cut up pieces of what once were ears than true organs. All in all Arkahn looked like a pretty goo
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