Emergent Session to Discuss Portshire (Private)

[Parreyon Syndicus]

4th Brightening of Kelendryas, Winter, Era XV

Upon entering the main room which was thirty feet by thirty feet with a ten foot sealing, a desk set in the center for the secretary to handle the brightening’s affairs. The secretary was an elder dwarf. He stood about three and a half feet tall and was more round than muscular like the dwarven warriors. His beard was down past his chest and was pure white. He had no hair on the tip of his head but had a pony tail that went down past his collar that was from the hair that remained on the sides of his head; the pony tail was a mix of graying and white hair. The elder dwarf also wore a set of spectacles that hung on the low end of his rounded nose.

“Serale! Please do come in. The Imperial Judicator’s been expecting ya. I have food and drink awaiting you all on the table. Help yourselves and ask if ya need anything. The name’s Scurvy.” The elder dwarf then went back to his work.

Three rooms were off of the main lobby. The first room was a conference room with an oval table stained deep red and capable of seating twelve people to which there were twelve chairs stained in the same color. Two of the doors were closed while the third door had been left open. This was not the type of setting Parreyon had expected to use it for as there were no windows, but he didn‘t want to go looking for a different place on such short notice. A few pictures of various mountain ranges in the Empire lined the walls for the only décor in the room.

Parreyon sat at the end of the oval table closest to the door. He normally would have been sitting at the other end because it had an obvious more comfortable padded chair. But the Imperial Regent would be present in this room, and the chair had been left open for him. This may have been the Imperial Judicator’s office, but he would not pull a power trip on the leader of the world. In the center of the table were various cuts of salted meats, cheeses, and breads accompanied by a bottle of Enamorian Wine, Zerdargian Brandy, some juice, and water. Curled in the far corner of the room on the floor closest the padded comfy chair rested a large pillow like bed. Upon it lay Praaal the seven hundred pound and seventeen feet long great panther

“Please come in and thank you for making it on such short notice. We have a lot to discuss so grab a bite and a drink and we’ll get started once everyone arrives.” He would shake the hands of the men and offer a gentle hug to Liselle.

[Milo L'Evienne]

It was only a few moments before the appointed time when the carriage from the palace arrived outside the Ministry of Justice. It was accompanied by eight mounted Knights of the Black Rose and inside, rode two journeyman wizards, Barrett Tierney and Milo himself. While there’d been four though to start the brief journey in the carriage’s interior, Milo, having spied the most senior official from the Chancellery, apart from the Chancellor of course, making his way on foot in the same direction, his arms laden down with files and the like had given a quick order to halt the carriage, the invitation was given, and the relieved official climbed inside to join them. And so they arrived together, all climbing out once Sir James and company had dismounted.

Trailing into the main reception, Milo took the lead with Sir James at his side and greeted the dwarven secretary with a smile. Mrs. Stromb would be disappointed she’d been kept abed this brightening with a cold, once she caught wind that the Judicator had employed himself a fellow she might just take a shine to...in spite of her long time marital status. The Regent was dressed in the darkest of blue trousers and frockcoat of the same shade and three quarter length, a scarlet waistcoat buttoned up over a white linen shirt and his hair loosely bound. The fellow with him, the Chancellery’s representative that brightening, was a tall human fellow of middling eras with muddy blonde hair tied neatly back, a smooth freckled face, dark blue eyes behind a pair of round spectacles, those balanced halfway down a long aquiline nose. He was a soft spoken fellow of remarkable intellect with hawkish features and a tall, awkwardly gangly frame, and went by the name of Sebastienne Baxter.

With a word of thanks to the dwarf, Milo and company trailed into the conference room, and while Sir James put his fellows through their security paces, Milo joined Parreyon and extended his hand in a firm grip. ”Parreyon, good brightening. I wonder if you’ve met our most senior current official from the Chancellery, lord Sebastienne Baxter.” The fellow in question, having finally relieved himself of his documents and files on the table in front of one of the chairs, tilted his head in greeting. ”Exalted Excellency, a pleasure.”

[Parreyon Syndicus]

"And good brightening to you, Milo. Always a pleasure." Parreyon said completing the hand shake and looking to the fellow with a comfortavble smile that the Regent had brought along. "And it is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Sebastienne Baxter. We've not the honor of meeting before this. Know that my doors are always open to talk if the need be. I could always use a good bit of information regarding the katta nation specifically regardin Kyathis. but that is for another time less urgent than this."

Parreyon had donned a white shirt ruffled at the collar and wrists with a maroon vest and black trousers. It was the chosen colors for work he often wore. A sprinkle of honor to the Knights of the Red Rose to which he would always be true even if not actively. He nodded to Sir James as the protective boundary was set.

Parreyon wondered how Milo's sister was doing with another season behind her after being returned from the abduction. Parreyon had still not met with the lady and though maybe she was not ready to be spoken to by another inquisitor. Maybe a season had openned her up to speaking with him. Autumn had provided no fruit for the harvest in regards to seeking out information on The Hand and that perplexed him to no end. He would push his Ebon Watch to be more aggressive in learning information on this cult. He would have someone's head if another season went by unsuccessfully.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Riconus wasn't particularly enthused about having to leave his enduring city in order to attend a meeting in Prime, but he could certainly understand why it was necessary. At the very least, he would be able to gather the thoughts from Milo and various high-ranking members of his cabinent, on what should be done about these vysticchi bastards constantly attacking Aelyrian cities.

Due to how rushed and hectic his schedule had been in recent brightenings, Riconus had neither the time nor the energy to fetch elaborate garments or fancy jewellry. He simply wore a dirtied overcoat of light brown leather over a simple tunic and trousers of dark linen. The only things that might stand him out from the crowd of peasants in the streets would likely be the black band around his arm in mourning for the soldiers he lost defending the city, as well as the large necklace of silver & gold to indicate his Earlship.

Of coarse, the average peasant likely didn't have a military escort following him, either. Six soldiers of the Sapphire Guard followed & lead his path towards the chambers of the Imperial Judicator, wearing their light blue/dark blue tabards that were still stained in vysticchi blood. These soldiers stayed far back, however, once Riconus had made his way within a few paces of Scurvy's desk. He tried to put aside the abnormality of the judicator's assistant being named after a horrid disease, instead focusing his attention on the doors up ahead.

When he entered the chambers, he had found that Milo had already arrived alongside an individual he was unfamiliar with. Although giving the Regent a firm nod, Riconus still made the courtesy of greeting the host of the conference first. "Parreyon Syndicus, I presume? I would be Riconus Xind'ell, it's a great honor to finally meet you." He took the judicator's hand for a shake, doing likewise to Milo and repeating his introduction to the apparent chief ad interim for the Chancellory.

"Thank you, Your Excellency, but I was able to fill up on water and bread on my way over here. Just waiting for the remainder of our colleagues to show will be more than satisfactory."

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

The whirlwind that was Liselle was most certainly on her way…but before they saw her, they –heard- her.

Milo would recognize the age-old argument she was having…and whom she was having it with. As the one that was most often in her presence out of those within the room, he most defiantly would recognize the argument…almost in the precise words that it always occurred.

“Brennen…no. You are not coming in. We are in the Imperial Judicator Office….no one is going to scale the walls and try to kill me in there. I promise, if something happens, you’ll be the first to know.”

However, Parreyon would recognize the voice that came next. As if agreeing with Liselle’s words…a loud roar sounded throughout the hallway and filtered into the room.

The door to the office opened and Liselle came gliding through. Escorting her today was a sight common throughout the Imperial offices, her great panther Telia. Liselle had thought that Telia would enjoy visiting Parreyon, no matter how brief….and Telia had been rather insistent in the matter of going with her, even though they still had no way of communicating. Liselle suspected that Telia knew they were going to see Milo…and…well….the great panther had great affection for the Regent…or more pointedly, his boots.

Telia immediately went to Parr’s side, rubbing against his leg in greeting. She spoke to him briefly…and like always, was brief in her assessment of the situation.

“ The metal men that follow Liselle around…they are annoying.”

Even though she was speaking to Parreyon, her eyes were already on Milo’s boots.

Sighing softly, Liselle took her seat, giving each man a brief nod.

“Sorry…I got stopped in the hallway only about a dozen times and I’m tired already. The triplets were up in the middle of the night, wanting to play. Milo, forgive…Telia insisted. I swear she always knows when you are going to be around. Parreyon, I thought you would enjoy seeing her again. Riconus, I hope your trip up here was quick and safe.”

[Alexis Sapientia]

The Imperial Minister of War was in something of a grouchy mood as well, just about having had it with the details necessary with regard to the operational requirements of the forces in the Sherian. His right hand was all but worn out, his wrist aching with the repetitive manner in which he'd had to sign things. Requisitions, Imperial Ministry Directives, Admiralty Orders, not to mention the disbursements of Warrants from the Imperial Treasury in his capacity as Imperial Minister of War. It was enough to drive any man insane, which was probably the reason why many a member of the Imperial Government just went off and disappeared from time to time.

Having taken the carriage this time (Alexis not being in the mood to deal with a temperamental equine, or two), so did he continue to brood, a packet of this curious delicacy called chocolate almonds his sole recourse and distraction.

Yes, perhaps he'd buy a boulangerie and candy shop one of these brightenings.

Departing the contraption even before it had completely stopped, so did the fully-uniformed Imperial Minister of War head towards the gathering place, a crimson leather folio under his left arm, with an obsequious yeoman navit and Imperial Alyssan in tow.

Eyes widened slightly at mention of the fellow's name -something no sailor wished upon himself or his own worst enemy- so did the slight tang of food reach his nose and gladden his appetite.

A slight nod was his greeting to each man (a playful salute to his Regent), with a contrite, loving smile, kiss to the forehead, and short embrace to his wife. She was bearing the brunt of many things these days, he did his best to keep her smiling. Rough-housing with the triplets until the change of the darkening watch was, however, something else entirely.

Not good for the next brightening's appointments, of course, but wonderful for making lifelong memories. They did grow so fast, after all.

"You look dashing this morning, sire."

A quick grin came after that. Fashion was something that always meant differing things to the Imperial Regent and his factotums. His Most was of the opinion that whatever he wore (as he was the Sovereign) was (or would be, in time) fashionable, while others n the employ of the Imperial Household would take grave exception...

[Milo L'Evienne]

”And you as well my friend. It’s good to see you again be it business or pleasure,” Milo responded to Parreyon with a smile while finding himself a place at the table in order to await the arrival of the rest of the attendees. Though given there were more to arrive, he remained standing in the interim. As for lord Baxter, what the man lacked in a gregarious personality, he more than made up for in polite protocol…a bit on the dull side but a nice enough fellow and smart as a whip Milo thought…the human offered Parreyon a respectful nod of the head and replied, ”Indeed a pleasure Exalted Excellency, may I congratulate you on your recent appointment to the Ministry of Justice. My doors as well are always open and in fact I would be honored to speak with you on the topic of the Katta nation, it's one I myself find quite fascinating and have indeed put a bit of time into studying it.” He too took his seat then and meticulously poured himself a cup of tea before settling back to wait, though he would rise, and rise again as each individual entered thereafter.

Meanwhile, not to be left behind under any circumstances argued to the contrary by their charge, Rosemen had found themselves positions out of the way, where their presence might not be so keenly felt as looming over the proceedings. When Riconus arrived shortly after, Milo met his entrance with a nod of greeting and a ”Riconus,” while returning the handshake and then introduced the bespectacled fellow who’d just risen from his chair. ”Riconus Xind’ell, thane to Portshire…lord Sebastienne Baxter, most senior Advisor to the Ministry of the Chancellery. He'll be joining us this brightening.” With a tilt of his head, Baxter returned the favor. ”Your Grace, a pleasure.”

Next came Liselle and both Milo and Baxter were on their feet prior to her entrance given debates heard in advance. He’d had his own debates to wage, but given the looming presence of the Knights in the room, there was no denying he’d been outdone once again by the more tenacious Sir James. And Teila of course, not to be forgotten and indeed he hadn’t. His boots were not the polished and stiff affairs Eugene might’ve liked to see him leave the palace in, but those more preferred by the great Panther…Scuffed and softened with age. And in fact, much preferred by himself. ”No apologies necessary Liselle,” he said with a grin when she swept in and he placed a hand on the back of her chair while she sat down. ”It wouldn’t be a proper gathering, without Teila to nibble on my toes. I’d rather miss it.”

Then lastly entered Alexis and his salute was returned with a wry grin and an ”Excellency, good to see your schedule has allowed you to join us,” while finally taking his seat. Gods, he imagined his young Minister of War must be exhausted, but then so too were they all as was the nature of things and while Baxter rose yet again and offered his greetings in turn…the man must be mounted on springs Milo thought dryly, he took his own at last and settled in for the topic at hand. ”So we’re all arrived then?”

[Parreyon Syndicus]

"And an honor for me as well, Riconus Xind'ell. The last I remember of your name, you were still in the military and quite displeased with Arkahn Th'alasher being named Minister of War. That was quite some time ago and am glad no blood was spilled over the issue. Arkahn was a bit of a strange person to understand ... most of the time."

His own comment almost made him laugh because he had argued quite a bit with Arkahn and the two were great friends. The tigron had a good heart but quite the rough exterior. He was glad he did not have to be involved in that situation any. Disobedience on one part and most likely tigron brovado on the other. Not exactly a warm meeting over tea and cookies.

Parreyon took a moment to hit the floor with his knees and give Teila a huge hug. he had not seen her for so long that this moment could have brought tears to his eyes. He remembered holding her in the palm of his hands the moment she was born and naming her because her mother had died. He had promised to bond her to a pantheri when she got older, but it was not Teila's will. He realized that when she had become old enough, the choice was not his but her's to make. She chose to live with Liselle instead of being bonded, and Parreyon could not have been happier with her decision.

'How are you my kitta maaw? I have mised you dearly. We will have time to catch up later, but I must run this meeting now. Enjoy the company of you brother who has missed you even more than I.'[/i] Parreyon said to her in thier form of communication.

Parreyon then rose to his feet and greeted Liselle and Alexis. "You do not know how pleasing it is to see my sister once again, Liselle. Thank you and please come in, have a bite to eat and drink, and we'll get started shortly. Fellow Minister, welcome. Enjoy the food."

Parreyon went to his seat and took a sip from his goblet nodding to Milo regarding his question. "Yes. Your Most Imperial Excellency, we are all here and ready to begin. Please everyone get what you need while I speak. On short notice, I know how empty a belly can be during such sessions.

It has been asked of me to conduct an inquiry into the assault on Portshire and provide full accessment to our Imperial Regent. This is unique ground for me since the accused would be a city not in the jurisdiction of the Law. The elven city of Har'oloth. The initial thought is that if this was a deliberate attack, then it is to be taken as an act of war. How does one arrest and convict barbari when it comes to the laws of a land they hold no claim? Such jurisdiction usually lies within the military or foreign affairs offices of the Ministry.

Given that, I have asked each of you here to state what you know regarding these types of situations or, as would be the case from Thane Xind'ell, the details and proof of the attack being from Hor'oloth and not just some dark elven rogue unit. Liselle, this is your Province and thus called upon you to ask what type of resolution you want from this and how far you're willing to go to get it.

This is a political issue as well as a legal and potential military one. We named a city as the culprit without first consulting the Imperial Regent and his perspectives. When the investigation is conlcuded, if we were wrong in naming the city as the blame, we are going to look like fools. Here we are in the middle of a war against the orcs and we accuse another race of foul play. This has the potential to make our Most Imperial Majesty look like a racist. Let us start from the beginning with you Thane Xind'ell. Explain why this attack was aimed at you and Portshire so that we can better understand your herald Article. Then have everyone else speak up.

Minister Sapientia, if this does turn out to be a city attack on the Empire, where do we stand with our military to handle this threat? Exactly what would be a proportionate response to the death of our citizens? and most importantly, what intel do we have on hor'oloth to know what they are capable of? If they hit Portshire, they could hit Prime ... are we concerned about this?"

Parreyon took a seat, fliped his note pad, and got ready to take notes on everything that was about to be said. He expected a lot to be said and wondered how long it would take before his paw got sore from writing.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Riconus shared a laugh with Parreyon over Arkahn's character, glad to see that he could look back on that incident with a greater deal of calm, as opposed to when it first transpired. "Yes, Arkahn was indeed a unique inidividual, but I'm glad that we have been able to move on from those unfortunate times.

And thank you, Liselle. Yes, the journey here went smoothly." replied he to Liselle as well, before taking his seat at the table, and removing a small folder from within the breast pocket of his coat. He listened as Parreyon gave everyone a general summary of the entire incident, and agreed with his assesment as indicated by the nodding of his head from time to time. There was, however, a small issue that he had to clear just before revealing the progress of his investigations.

"Thank you, Parreyon." said Riconus as he was instructed to take the floor, and stood up from his chair. "I should just point out quickly, that what the Herald wrote was done by an independant, and not myself. It's unfortunate that the article was written so quickly, but as we're all well aware, the media has a habit of perceiving, and not knowing. And most assuredly, no one in this room can be accused of racism or baring false witness because of that."

From there, Riconus took out a series of replica letters from his folder, and began issuing it to all members within the meeting. It was signed by chief medical officers of both civilian and military institutions within Portshire. "Now then, here's what we know for certain regarding these attackers.

The group was made of approximately seventy individuals, all full-bred vysticchi in race. All combatants were skilled in combat techniques, and fought under the banner of three barbari noble houses; that of the Kitrye'veresi, Chaos Dawn and Embracing Oblivion families, who collectively rule over the city of Har'oloth. However, there are some considerable concerns regarding Har'oloth's involvement, and I would direct you to the medical report on these soldiers.

Those combatants we were able to capture have all had their tongues removed, and most have had their ear drums shattered, indicating that the true sponser of this attack wanted to ensure his soldiers were useless if interrogated. As well, we would be hard-pressed to believe that Har'oloth would raise such an insufficient offensive... especially when we consider how potent their attack was against my brothers & sisters in Syl'rosya." Riconus' face almost seemed to harden at the memory of the vysticchi's savage assault on his homeland, which to the brightening, had yet to be avenged by the Empire. Still, he tried to put aside such dark reminders, and returned his focus on the task at hand.

"Such measures would suggest a third party might be setting Har'oloth up, but the 'who?' and 'why?' is yet to be figured out yet. What's unfortunate, is that with our POWs being so incapacitated, there's little chance of extracting their true origin.

The only reason I can imagine for Portshire to be targeted would have to be that it is so close to the Imperial Capitol, and that their ability to venture so far away from their homeland is a symbol of their power. Another consideration might be that the once prominent slave trade in Portshire has been abolished under my thaneship, which I imagine has resulted in a significant loss for the vysticchi's underground trafficking." Following his words, Riconus returned to seat, but would stand again if it was requested for him to speak further regarding any issue.

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Some of the information she heard was new…some was not, and as it was just the beginning of the meeting, she wasn’t ready to laying blame where it didn’t belong. It was, however, her province and she would see justice done...an especially important thing to her considering those that had attacked her -still- roamed free. It seemed as though this matter would be resolved long before she ever saw any conclusion to her own matter.

When Riconus had taken his seat again, Liselle nodded her head to Parreyon and began.

“ The information Riconus has given you is the same Milo and I received when we went to the city after the attack.”

And here it went again…her knowledge of the Vyssie. Parreyon would understand better then anyone in the room how she knew so much about dark elves…and hopefully he would keep that knowledge to himself. It’s not that Liselle was ashamed of it…not in the least…but there was a time ad place for everything.

“ I agree with Riconus in the belief that the attack was used to frame Har'oloth…in fact, I’m almost certain that is the case. As I stated in Portshire, this attack was far too ineffective for the dark elves to have planned…especially the ruling three Houses mentioned. Portshire is an undesirable target due to the amount of Imperials running around and its proximity to the Imperial Barracks. It’s proximity to Prime doesn’t really make it anymore a viable target. Simply put, nothing about the attack makes sense and the fact that whomever did this went to such extraordinary lengths to keep the soldiers silent only further fuels that feeling.”

“As Governor, I want to see justice done. I want to find out who did this and why…and I don’t think you really need to ask what lengths I would go to for that result.”

Milo and Alexis’ turn.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Salted meat, cheese, and bread were the sole inducements for immediate entertainment for the Imperial Minister of War, once all the requisite introductions and niceties had been concluded. A good brand, they all were, and Alexis let his tastebuds free as he similarly digested the Imperial Judicator's opening statement.

He'd seated himself next to his wife, of course, holding her hand under the table as was his wont. Contact between them in the course of the workbrightening was getting to be few and far between, and while official business was (quite literally) currently at table, that didn't mean that they stopped being husband and wife just yet, even if they did have very large roles to perform.

Alexis mused a bit, brushing errant crumbs as questions were directed to him. He hadn't had time to immediately reply as the Thane of Portshire had taken the floor, explaning the situation as best as he was able.

"If I am not mistaken, the 28th Sons of Valimar are stationed just a few leagues west of Portshire, in Castle Marchant. I find it most curious why a..." his voice trailed as he gazed on every person in the room, "...a group of bandits, if you will, would travel so far from home to attack a very well defended city, the historical headquarters of the Imperial Navy. It was a tactical failure, as it eventually played out, of course," nodded he in slight recognition to the efforts of the Portshire forces, "...unless there was an entirely different motive. Someone may be sending us a message in an entirely oblique way, or, " he cautioned, raising an index finger, "...they may be redirecting our attention elsewhere."

He let weigh in for a moment as he took a sip of Enamorian wine.

"Please try to take matters from my own perspective," he said smoothly, laying his hands flat on the table as he gazed intently at each person. "We are about to go to war with the orcs in the Sherian. This is a matter of public knowledge. Surely many a foe is well aware that we cannot be everywhere at once, and that we cannot be expected to be focused on our standing commitments everywhere. Perhaps this is a convoluted way to test our weaknesses," shrugged he noncommitally, not entirely convinced regarding that prospect, "...perhaps this is a more...ah...domestic matter," said he with a further direct gaze Riconus' way.

"Racial supremacists may be behind this. Perhaps someone is intent on disrupting social harmony by sowing discord, and thus weakening the Empire?" He mused at that, pursing his lips as he said so. "Possible, of course. There are just too many variables, and hypothesis, while well and good, is not fact, and is even further from the truth. This requires deeper investigation, and is more His Gracious Imperial Honor's affair," nodded Alexis graciously the katta's way, while surreptitiously squeezing his a'maelamin's hand.

"...And while I echo the sentiments of the Governor and Thane of Prime, it is my considered opinion that this remains an issue for Imperial Justice, and does not require the direct action and services of the Imperial military as of yet. But of course we shall be ready to assist in whatever way possible," offered Alexis even more graciously, meaning it, "...but until certainties have been established, we will focus our efforts on external armed threats and increasing internal security."

A smile, he sent his wife's way.

"I echo the sentiments of Her Imperial Excellency. This does not make sense, but whoever was behind it must be held to account."

His thumb continued to stroke her skin, his ceruleans, yet again connecting with hers.

"I must stress that I cannot emphasize the importance and urgency of the latter point even more further then I already have. We must find resolution to this, and fast."

[Milo L'Evienne]

Having sat through the remarks of others present in thoughtful silence, and foregoing refreshments save for a tumbler of cold water…A new gastronomical concoction thrust on him by Chef Eduard that morning had left the typically adventurous Regent, even in gastronomical matters, somewhat opposed to the notion of risking further upset in a less than private setting...he waited till all had had their say before commenting.

Then leaning forward on his elbows after thinking on it a second or three more, he was ultimately inclined to agree with what those before him had said already. No sense, in fact, in repeating it. ”Given similar thoughts to those expressed by the lady Governor and Thane, and the Minister of War, I’ll not waste everyone’s time by repeating what’s already been said. Ultimately I agree…This is a matter best handled by the Ministry of Justice at this time with the cooperation and support of these offices present, an investigation which should be carried out with all possible expediency. At this time, assorted accusations and impressions aside, far too little is known to say with any certainty that those behind the attack are either from Har'oloth, or indeed are barbari at all."

"In all other matters,” he agreed as well in regards to other realms, ”unless circumstances arising from this investigation were to clearly indicate otherwise, the focus of our armed forces should remain unchanged at this time.”