Office of the Imperial Minister of War (private, Alexis/Talinnar)

[Talinnar Skybreak]

Here lay the inner sanctum of the Imperial Ministry of War.

Upon approaching the door, which was constructed of a fine, heavy oak, the first notable thing would be two guards standing outside the door. These were only the visible ones. Each held a halberd and had a sword 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 somewhat ajar, and upon it's surface read the plaque,


Quote:

Office of the Imperial Minister of War


Once granted entry, one could see that a few bookshelves lined the room. On one side was a set of couches with a coffee table between them, a place for a more informal and relaxed venue. 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.

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. From the room, a faint scent of vanilla and cinnamon eminated, and it had a very calming effect.

In the back corner sat a chair, unused for the most part, except it seemed as a storage location, for upon it was hung a black leather greatcoat.

Double-doors by the side opened up to a larger conference room, with a table sufficient to comfortably sit fifteen, a diorama of the Empire and its seas at center stage. The Imperial Standard was at the head of the table, and surrounding it, the standards of the differing provinces and entities that constituted the Aelyrian Empire.

This was where the future of the defense of the Empire was to be planned, and so long as Someone held the mantle of leadership, they were there to ensure that, as the Articles declared, "...guarantee of the sovereignty of Aelyria, the defense of its territorial integrity and the imperial order."


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Timestamp: First brightening of Spring, Era XIV pf

It had been a longer wait than Talinnar initially had expected, but he was pleased he was now allowed to speak with the Imperial Minister of War. The letter of recommendation was tightly held in his hand, when he approached the office. After all those brightenings of travel and wear, the letter did not look as formal and official as it had before, though the seal had remained untouched. It had slipped the Half-Elf's mind a couple of times to open the seal and look what it said. For all he knew the council somehow overruled Kiri and delivered everything but a letter of recommendation to his house. But that were all thoughts he quickly erased from his mind as twists of the mind at moments like these.

The two guards at the door had noticed him much sooner than he did them, as silent and solemn as they guarded the office. Talinnar was not sure, but judging their clothing and polishedness of armour he reckoned them to belong to the First Legion. That proved the Empress liked to take good care of her direct subjects. When he arrived at the gates he showed the sealed envelope to the guards as to suggest his reason for coming. Shortly added by:

"I have an appointment about this letter. The name is Skybreak."

[Alexis Sapientia]

The First Brightening of Spring found the Imperial Minister of War sticking a finger through his tight uniform collar, and gazing forlornly outside the window. It just seemed so wonderful to shirk work for the brightening and just catch up from where he left off. After all, he did work better come the late afternoon and the darkenings...somehow once the suns had reached their zenith, it tended to have the effect of drying his mind and soaking all possible coherent thought from it.

What was it that was lectured at The Sentinel?

One's surfeit of courage is directly proportional to his decisiveness on the battlefield...

"I'm going out...everyone else stand fast, or as you were. Marshal Baktar has the deck, Berlitz has the conn," grinned he. It was a naval insider's joke, the order usually given when the senior officer commanding left the bridge or the quarterdeck of a ship. The Imperial Marshal may be in command...but it was his second-in-command at the Imperial Navy who was in charge.

"Minister's prerogative." That came with a smile.

If they didn't like taking orders from a squid, too bad for them mudeaters.

A pity, then, that an Alyssan beat him to his redemption.

"My Lord Minister, sir, missive from a Master Skybreak."

Puzzling, that most certainly was. With brows furrowed, Alexis half-sat himself on the edge of his massive desk, leaning his form against it, the tightness of his full dress uniform irrelevant for the moment. As he beckoned the visitor in, so would the guards search him in the anteroom, to ensure he had no capability to endanger life or limb.

This was the Ministry of War, as it was, and center of the defenses of the Allerian Empire.

[Talinnar Skybreak]

After some formalities, which concerned nothing more or less than a thorough search for possible hidden weapons or indications Talinnar meant harm, he was allowed to pass. From the anteroom he came into the Minister's office. It was an office the likes you would expect from a person in such position. It had this flair of elegance and status, although it might also be caused by one's realisation that he is among a person who belongs to the higher echelons of society. The Half-Elf had been in such situations many times before and it did not affect him as much anymore. But perhaps this feeling was also caused by the dungeons of Malice, which generated a certain general dullness when encountering various situations like these.

Once led inside by one of the guards, his eyes focused on the desk and the figure behind it. He knew not what to expect, not what kind of person he had across the room. Nevertheless, he was very relieved it was not Arkahn. Though, Talinnar knew not whether he was relieved because it concerned his position or he had the very strong incentive to kill the Katta for his betrayal at Malice. He wondered how the Katta ever managed to get away with it clean and obtain a position like he had here among the Empress' close trustees.

Slowly he advanced towards the desk, his eyes still visibly absent in thought. It was untill he was within a few feet from the desk he snapped out of it and looked the Imperial Minister right into the eyes. A moment too late perhaps, he realised his position again and he quickyl made a polite bow as to show his respect and a greeting. Now, it was the Minister's call to start the conversation. The letter of recommendation still held solidly in the Half-Elf's hand.

[Alexis Sapientia]

"Alexis Sapientia, Imperial Minister of War." A grim look crossed his face, followed by a sigh, as he stood up from the corner of the desk, offering his hand.

The memory of recent events still tore a hole in his heart, though rare moments of levity lightened the load. There was still much to do.

There was still much to do.

"Master Skybreak, was it? Salvaluti. How may I help you?"

[Talinnar Skybreak]

Now leveling eyes again with the Imperial Minister, Talinnar noticed a slight distantiated look on the face of the man before him. Perhaps the Half-Elf had interrupted him during a session of thoughts concerning his duties. For a moment even, there seemed to be a troubled glance. Nevertheless the man stretched his arm to shake hands and after they did, he also recalled Talinnar's name while asking how he could be helpful. Now, the Minister seemed to have fully regained his senses to the here and now.

"First of all, I would like to thank you for your time sir. Here .."

Waving briefly with the letter at about chesthight before handing it to the Imperial Minister.

"..I hold a letter of recommendation formulated by the council of Daltina. They formulated this letter based on my services for the Daltina Armed Forces as General in the War at Malice. During and after this war I spend a long, long time in the dungeons due to a grand betrayal of certain characters on our side. Now, after all this time the council of Daltina has been so good to pay the ransom for me and would like to see me reinstalled in a proper way. Thereto they wrote this letter, to leave the choice upon you shoulders. I know not what the letter says and I need not hear it. Your word suffices."

[Alexis Sapientia]

Nodding as he did so at the young fellow's request, so did Alexis return to half-sitting, half-leaning against the edge of his desk, perusing the proferred letter as he did so, after having broken its seal quite easily with his very own dagger. It was an old one, but had great sentimental value. Given to him at the spring of his youth, it signified his first foray into leadership and responsibility, and was a poignant remember of where he was now and where he'd come from.

Aurora Palace,
7th Kalandryas.

His Excellency, the Imperial Marshal,

Greetings on this day and I hope this letter finds you well. I present for your inspection one Talinnar Skybreak, a man who has been an invaluable asset to the militia of Daltina whilst is was in operation. He has braved the city of Malice, and as a general, commanded his troops courageously but with regard for life.

I would like to recommend his service for the command of the 16th Legion, which is currently stationed in our fair city, or if this is not available, any other office suitable to his station and experience. I and my collegues feel, as, I am sure, does Mr. Skybreak himself, that he would be utmostly pleased to serve the empire is such a capacity as you see fit, and we have high regard for his capabilities.

Wishing you well,

Faithfully,

Kiri Barleyhorn, acting head of the Daltina city council.

He pursed his lips at that, setting ceruleans lightly on the fellow's frame, and knowing full well that if matters came to a scrap, he wouldn't want to have him anywhere else but on his side.

"You were at Malice, General?"

Is wasn't so much a question as it was a statement of fact, but the barrister in him just knew how to get answers to complicated questions.

One started, for example, by telling the truth just as it was.

Recognizing the fellow's rank, for one, and acknowledging the same.

"Betrayal, you say?"

[Talinnar Skybreak]

The Imperial Minister had taken the letter from him and elegantly opened it with an old looking dagger. Next he had read the contents with little or no rush, before making two short remarks concerning seemingly the contents of the letter and what Talinnar himself had stated earlier. The Minister seemed most interested in Malice and the betrayal. Now the Half-Elf had noticed Arkahn was stationed in a position well thought of amongst the Imperial spheres, he realised that perhaps he should not have brought it up. For all he knew the Imperial Minister and the Katta were friends. Nevertheless, since the word was out, he decided there was not better thing to do than just explain it all.

"Yes ... Malice. The Daltina council was kind enough, although after a while, get me out of the Gaol pits and underground prisons. I have no measurement of my own to determine how long I have been there. I am also not fully recovered from it yet at this very moment. It takes time to regain muscle strength and my eyes hurt still while riding in the sun. The fact I still know about it and stand here breathing, might be that the council took the way best suited for getting me out whithout being brainwashed or whatsoever. They bribed a few guards to bring me to a forest near the city Malice under the cover of night.

But that about inside Malice. Near the end of the war between the Enamorian Forces and Malice, there was a conversation between both parties concerning the continual of the war or peace terms. During this meeting things went out of hand and the Malicean party, led by Magus the Red, brought some armed muscle to overpower the Enamorian command. This might not have been such a great deal, but Arkahn - who, at that time was a General of Daltina as well - prevented guards and other Enamorians to reach the tent in time. Following Malkaer Andares and myself were teleported into the dark city for imprisonment.

The betrayal of the Katta was as much a torture as the physical ones that followed ..."

Talinnar stopped talking. His face grimaced and he had trouble getting even one more word out.



OOC: Link Tent of Peace? Tent of Destruction? on one of the last pages Duncan (Malice side) states about the agreement with Arkahn.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Pinching the bridge of his nose, and trying very hard not to let loose an audible sigh, so did the Lord Minister get up from the edge of his desk, and walk around to sit on the high-backed seat behind it.

This was just wrong, so wrong. It was bad enough that good citizens had to die for Regent and Realm (or Empress and Empire, as it had been, then), what made matters more reprehensible was the fact that comrades-in-arms--as developing matters would have him believe--could not even begin to be trusted.

What a terrible set of ideas. What was that word he used?

Ah, yes. Reprehensible. Word for the brightening.

It took him some time before the meaning of what Talinnar Skybreak was saying hit him.

Arkahn prevented guards and other Enamorians to reach the tent in time.

"Mother of Ioannes..."

If that was what had happened, then that would very well have been a genuine reason for Sheng Kaldres--no mean soldier himself, a decorated veteran of many of the Empire's campaigns--as well as the other, Riconus, to refuse to serve under such a katta.

After all, if--assuming for the sake of argument that it did occur-- Arkahn could sell out his fellow Imperial citizens and comrades while wearing the uniform and serving under the standard, what would stop him from repeating it while was Minister of War?

Poison, if that's what it was, would have been too good for him.

With eyes steady at the letter, so did he fail to realize how his ceruleans seemed to turn almost gray, and his face pinking, fingers bundling into fists, as he recalled the events just past.

It took some time, and in the silence, little did Alexis realize how he'd let the poor soldier standing all this time. Once he'd retained control of his senses, so did he bid the veteran to sit at the chair across his desk, solid eyes peering deep into Talinnar's soul.

"Daltina's people bid you gratitude for your service."

He swallowed, taking a deep breath, and setting the letter flat on the desk, for the man to gaze at, and if he wished, to read and hold. All this time, he maintained a direct gaze, almost marveling at the intense valor of this individual who did all and risked all, ostensibly in the service of the Empire and the Sacred Three, but in truth, for those he fought with.

Tortured for his beliefs, disparaged for his courage. If that was not loyalty, what tangible action would that be?

When all was said and done, he imparted but a single, simple, question.

"What is it that you would now like to do?"

[Talinnar Skybreak]

The Imperial Minister was silent together with the Half-Elf. There was no direct response to the summarised story Talinnar had just spoken out. This provided the latter with a short pause to recollect his senses and focus on the conversation once more. The flashback of the dark city only briefly ached his bittered soul. Simultaneously the Minister across the desk was visibly troubled with the words of the Half-Elf. There was a long, very long silence on his part in the conversation.

Only after several moments in which Talinnar knew not how to act, respond or nor take a stance, there was a disturbance in the silent pause. But it was hardly what Talinnar had expected. He was thanked for his services thus far. Next, the man behind the desk layed the letter flat on the desk surface, almost as to provide Talinnar the content of it. This he rejected silently and without moving a muscle, as being for the Imperial Minister's eyes only. He knew his place.

Continuing, the man behind the desk asked a question Talinnar again had not expected. What is was he wanted to, it echoed in his mind. On the one hand there were a lot of things he wanted to do or learn about. ...Malkaer, Arkahn, Naskhel, Magus... Different names and places flashed through his mind. But on the other side he was undecisive. There were duties as well. Perhaps fulfilling these duties would grant him time to think and a regained purpose in his life for now. During his imprisonment, mainly during the last part of it, hope was fresh air and purpose was non existent. A bit startled it took the Half-Elf a few moments to answer:

"What is there besides my duties in alignment with your commands? I have my life to thank upon the Council of Daltina and indirectly to the Empire. There is no smaller favor to return my gratitude, than through my humble person serving the Empire best."

[Alexis Sapientia]

The fellow was quiet, too quiet, if Alexis was asked, though perhaps his experience in the dungeons of Malice had something to do with it. Taking a deep breath, so did Alexis assess the fellow further, taking in his full form with his eyes. Tall, he was, most certainly confident, and looking like he could do quite well in a scrap.

What is there besides my duties in alignment with your commands? I have my life to thank upon the Council of Daltina and indirectly to the Empire.

Oddly enough, Alexis was starting to like the fellow. Having been out of it (the political game, that was) for quite some time, he was uncorrupted. Courageous, most certainly, humble, for the most part; competent, without a doubt, but most important of all, loyal.

At times like this, with the Empire as it was, he knew that the Empire needed a few friends. As did he, with the viper's nest of Imperial Government being what it was.

"...no smaller favor to return your gratitude...than through your humble person serving the Empire best," muttered Alexis, repeating the words, standing up, encircling the table, and looking the half-elven fellow over.

"Well said, Master Skybreak, very well said."

So did he begin to muse, seating himself on the edge of his table, his dress uniform prominent, crossing his arms as he made a decision.

"I met this fellow once, you know. Kiri Barleyhorn. Noble fellow. Met him when I was in Daltina, negotiating how best to defend themselves with the recent threat from Narim...oh, must have been some months ago. Dammed if I can remember then." Alexis pursed his lips as if in deep thought.

"Daltina didn't have a government...nothing more than a junta, a collection of notables running the city without benefit of law as if they were but discussing business at the local club," prattled he, continuing.

"I assume you've heard of the recent incidents involving Paxia, Imperia, as well as Narim?" More a statement, that, than a question.

He looked to his left to pick up the paper, rereading it once again.

"...a man who has been an invaluable asset to the militia of Daltina...braved the city of Malice, and as a general, commanded his troops courageously but with regard for life."

"I would like to recommend his service for the command of the 16th Legion..."

His gaze was withering, level as it was. Fellow didn't seem the sort to have family, what with his extended incarceration, but who knew what loneliness lay at the heart of such tortured psyches?

The answer was swift as it was brutal.

"Denied."

That said, so did the Minister of War cross his hands, giving out a triumphant smile.

"You may speak freely."

[Talinnar Skybreak]

The Imperial Minister once again seemed to dissappear in deep thought. Occasionnaly uttering fragments of their conversation thus far. It gave the man a less intelligent appearance, but Talinnar had already determined this was absolutely not the case. Shortly after the man almost congratulated the Half-Elf on his answer. Proceeding with his memories of meeting Kiri Barleyhorn in person. In the same sentence it became clear there had been trouble between Daltina and Narim Talinnar knew nothing about. The council had not informed him about that either. But this was not the time to ask for such matters.

However, continuing his seemingly monologue the Minister touched upon incidents with Paxia, Imperia and Narim. This made the Half-Elf more curious what exactly was going on and how things led to these 'incidents' during his absence. This was one of the moments Talinnar realised once more that the world did not stop moving when he was not there. Several things seemed to run out of hands and there must have been a reason for the council not to inform him about these matters. He felt tiny ... and on the other hand extremely responsible somehow, to resolve matters.

The man still continued by reading out loud the contents of the letter, as if he wanted to force Talinnar to know the contents. To what goal? There was short pause, in which there appeared a frown, at least it appeared so. Denied. It echoed on in the Half-Elf's mind for several moments. Moments after which the Imperial Minister said, as if he had expected or calculated it, he was allowed to speak freely. Freely? What did he want to hear? Was it a test? It took him a few moments to respond.

"... I do not need a reason for denying that request. Moments ago I stated my gratitude and service to the Empire in the best possible way. Seemingly, that request was not it."

The Half-Elf stopped. In his opinion there was no obvious thing for him to say right now.

[Alexis Sapientia]

The man knew his place, that much Alexis had conceded, gazing pensively at the fellow as he did so. A pity this Skybreak wasn't the vociferous sort to off and challenge every single thing he'd said--unlike some of the other headstrong officers under his command--but at least he wouldn't have a particular obnoxious bootlicker or a mutinous fellow in his hands, oh, goodness, no. He had enough of those. He'd picked a soldier, after all, and not a scholar. 'Twas true, if he wanted wit and eloquence, it would have been better to off and visit the Hall of Representation or whatever it was they called themselves these brightenings.

Then came the silence. Quiet, uncomfortable, nearly extortionate, but not to one who had spent months in shackles, craving nothing more but sunlight and pure air. There lay Alexis with arms crossed, weighing his options, just as he most assuredly ascertained the depth of the soldier's commitment to Regent and realm, not to mention the integrity of the fellow's soul.

He removed himself from his desk pediment, sitting himself down again at his chair, the tabletop a very effective barrier and delineator of status. Taking quill, so did he begin scratching out two documents, laboriously and in a spidery script. Opening a drawer, so did he extract several tiny crimson-clothed pouch wrapped in ribbon, settling it beside leather folios, before dripping red wax on foolscap and stamping it thusly with the seal of the Imperial Ministry of War, folded accordingly as was the custom.

"Very well."

That had as much finality as the sealing. Just as one heard tomes close, so did a new chapter seemingly begin for the formerly incarcerated Imperial Citizen.

"Indeed it was not, Master Skybreak, as you succintly had said," acknowledged he with the words the half-elf had said a few minutes earlier.

"I have a task for you. You will seclude yourself at the barracks of the Empress' Own in Prime for no more than a few brightenings. No more than one cycle hence, you will present me with a document."

So did Alexis stand up, sliding over the collective documents, sealed as they were, to the General's hand.

"Your first mission is to report as much as you are able on the events surrounding the Malice campaign, and to take as much time as you can on details. I want names, I want dates, I want ranks. I want more on this so-called betrayal you encountered, and I want as much information as you can provide on Malice, its government, its leaders, its organization, its troop quality, and its strength of arms. You will report to no one but me. You will speak of this to no one but me. You will divulge nothing of what you are doing to anyone else but me, seeking all things to ensure the integrity of your document, even your life, if necessary. No one else is to read that but me and whomsoever I wish. Are we clear on that?"

Then did he set the small pouches over as well.

"A small donative, two thousand crowns. Get yourself a good tome, a quality quill, strong ink, and a good meal. After what you have gone through, you most certainly deserve it."

Surprisingly, he offered an ungloved hand and a ready smile.

"Welcome to the Imperial Ministry of War, Kestor Imperatis."

[Talinnar Skybreak]

There was a decisive change in the bahaviour of the Imperial Minister affecting the atmosphere in the room in a positive manner. He was almost laying behind his desk as if to shout out loud: Let me think. Then his eyes looked back at him again, while before they had been far away in deep thought. The next moment he reached for documents from a drawer and started writing with extreme fervor. Not long after he stamped it with a seal of his own and almost euforiously exclamed: Very well.

Talinnar was ordered to go to the barracks right here in the city and write out the story. The story of Malice, his story and an extensive one at that. Next, he was quickly handed two thousand crowns to provide him of food and materials for writing. He had no need for that. The Half-Elf hadn't lost any of his money during his captivity in Malice. It was kept safe at the bank in Daltina. All material needed for his stay the next couple of days were not that expensive and he didn't mind to pay for them himself. He could use the quil and ink afterward as well.

Though before he could say anything the Imperial Minister welcomed him to the Ministry of War and declared his titel as Kestor Imperatis. The Half-Elf felt embarrased he knew not what Kestor meant. But he still wanted to refuse the money offered to him. First, the Half-Elf made a polite bow and then he stated:

"Thank you for your generosity, Imperial Minister. But I can simply not accept the sum of money you offer me. During my captivity my money was savely stored in bank of Daltina. Financially I have not suffered and therefore find it difficult to accept money, while not needed. I will do as you ordered and write all my knowledge on the war. Though, I have to state beforehand I do not know everything that happened. Neither do I know what happened after my captivity. Nor about the current status of power with Malice. Mainly the last period I only met with the lowest of guards. Nevertheless I will present everything as complete and as objective as possible."