Offices of the Imperial Bard

[Mimesis]

Most, if not all, of the buildings in the Imperial Forum were impressive and that which housed the office of the Imperial Bard was no exception. It stood out, however, rather because of its unique circular design than because of its magnificence. Tall, thin windows were inset into the smooth stone walls overtopped by a lightly slopping domed roof.

The main entrance of the building was distinguished by a stone porch that jutted out from the main building, lined with grey-veined marble columns and with an inscription carved onto the pediment of the triangular porch roof which read: Offices of the Imperial Bard, topped by the picture of a seated young aelyrian playing a harp.

Having entered, a visitor would find themselves in a spacious waiting area with a floor of checkered pink and white marble. To the left a row of red plush chairs allowed the uninvited to cool their heels; along the straight back wall of the reception hall, which neatly divided the whole building in two, three doorways led to separate offices for the many functionaries who worked under the Imperial Bard himself. The middle doors were larger than the rest, and clearly led to the offices of the Bard himself. A winding stairway built along the outer wall rose on the right hand side of the main doors upward to a second story where other, more private rooms were located. But mainly the business of the brightening was performed here, on the ground level.

Sooner or later the visitor would be invited through the middle doors into the office of the Imperial Bard himself. This room was long and rectangular, lined with large paintings among which stood out a grand portrait of the Emperor Valerian Constantius. Between paintings stood elegant wooden bookcases and at the back, across from the doorway, holding its own against the massive paintings and the tall bookcases, was a large oak desk. In a corner, by the tall back window which shone down directly on the desk, sat a large gilded harp.

Behind the desk sat an odd-looking figure: a middle-aged female halfling dressed in a bright blue gown and her braided brown hair pinned around her head like a circlet. Every now and again she'd raise her pinky to push up the thin unrimmed glasses that sat on her small nose. Despite having the thicker body of her kind (and, if one looked under the desk, the hairy large feet of her kind, too) she was quite pretty if one didn't mind such things.

Furthermore, she had a lovely low alto voice, quite out of keeping with her short halfling stature, which felt rather like swimming in a deep warm pool on a cold winter's brightening. Her name was Tomasina, Tomasina Heatherbloom, and she had been managing the Offices of the Imperial Bard since the demise of the last Bard. She enjoyed her work - she always had; and though sometimes she'd take a break from her duties to pluck an air or two on the harp in the corner, on the whole Tomasina didn't mind being thrust into the "limelight", so to speak, now that her predecessor and former boss was gone.

[Milo L'Evienne]

The Fifth Brightening of Kalendryas in the Winter of Era XV

The missive from the Imperial Palace arrived in the hands of a young courier, a redheaded human both tall and wiry in frame. His was a freckled and boyish face and though great effort was made to the contrary, his hair short as it was, was unruly on its very best brightening. In spite of an otherwise awkward appearance, he was on the contrary every inch of him gracefully efficient and professional in manner. Having requested a personal audience with Mistress Heatherbloom, he directly handed over two narrow leather tubes embossed with the Imperial insignia before departing again with the cether’s blessing.

The first of the leather tubes contained a letter, the second when opened would reveal a newly created writ to office. Both documents penned on fine parchment and rolled neatly, each bound with a wide band of black velvet, then both finished off at their seams with a puddle of scarlet wax stamped with the Imperial seal. The second of those, a writ to office, was a somewhat more ornate affair than its companion, the edges of the document edged in raised gold filigree and the Imperial seal in faded relief in the document’s center.

To the attention of: Mistress Tomasina Heatherbloom
in the Advisory of the Bard

From the desk of: His Most Imperial Excellency Milo L’Evienne
Imperial Regent to the Aelyrian Empire


Mistress Heatherbloom,

In hopes this missive finds you in good health and high spirits, I bid you good brightening from the Imperial Palace. I have come to the conclusion that the Advisory has too long been without its primary official in the person of the Imperial Bard. Given my belief that the arts are an all important and integral part of the Empire’s collective spirit and character, this is a void I wish to fill without further delay. Word has come to me of your tireless and learned dedication to the Advisory during the long absence of our previous Imperial Bard lord Honets, and so it is my great pleasure to inform you that with your acceptance of the role, I would fill that void this very brightening.

You will find enclosed a writ to office dated this fifth brightening of Kalendryas in the Winter of Era XV, naming you henceforth Her Imperial Excellency, Tomasina Heatherbloom, the lady Imperial Bard, and granting you in your new role the designation of Minister Emeritus. May I personally offer you my congratulations on an appointment well deserved, and further indicate my desire in the coming cycles to meet personally with you in your own offices so that we might become better acquainted, a discussion that I very much look forward to.

A warm welcome your Imperial Excellency to the Imperial Court of the Crown.

Warmest regards,
Milo L’Evienne
Imperial Regent

[Milo L'Evienne]

The Sixth Brightening of the Winter of Era XV

To the attention of all Ministers and Advisors of the Court of the Crown Your Excellencies, Be advised that in order to clarify recent events as indicated by the arrival of the Ancients; and in an effort to provide our officials with the opportunity to best chart a course forward during this time of transition, His Royal Highness has called for a closed session of Court to convene on the fifteenth brightening of Kalendryas, mid-morning. All Ministers and Advisors to the Court of the Crown are asked to attend. Gods Bless, Mrs. Ada Stromb Senior Adjutant to His Royal Highness

[Milo L'Evienne]

Late Melora in the Winter of Era XV

To the attention of her Royal Excellency, Mistress Thomasina Heatherbloom
the Royal Bard

From the desk of HRH Milo I
lord Protector of the Kingdom of Aelyria

Mistress Heatherbloom,

What a great pleasure it was to find a letter from yourself waiting for me on my desk this morning. It has been a personal disappointment that recent demands have prevented me from personally visiting your own offices sooner, for I have very much looked forward to the opportunity to get to know you better, and to discuss matters as related to your offices, as they are of great interest to myself as well.

I am in full agreement with your thoughts in regards to the importance of promoting in a positive way the many colorful and varied cultural aspects of this vast land, and in light of this I would very much like to discuss this proposal with you in person. Suffice to say I look forward to hearing more and should mutual schedules permit I shall plan to visit your own offices on the second brightening of Spring in the mid morning. Until then your Excellency.

Warmest Regards,
Milo

[Milo L'Evienne]

The Second Brightening of Cryxatum in the Spring of Era XV

The Advisory of the Bard in the Forum was distinct amongst its peers there was no denying, and in a way that appealed and there was no need for guessing outside of its titled designation of the realm and activities that went on inside. The Prince had made himself a date that brightening to meet with the halfling that presided over the Advisory and though he hardly knew her yet except through correspondence, even her name appealed in an artful sort of way. His was a well known interest in the performance arts in particular and having arranged a meeting for this particular brightening, the subject matter to be discussed was a more than welcome distraction, if only a temporary one, from the business of politics as usual and its inevitable process of crisis management.

The carriage rattled to a stop in front of the advisory, accompanied by six mounted Rosemen who’d ultimately accompany him inside, and Gwygin had come along as well, the colorful and eccentric mage turned out as usual in his Arakmatian style robe and his raspberry beret atop an unruly crop of snow white hair. Milo himself had cast off the darker and heavier clothing of Winter by way of embracing the coming Spring and wore black boots and light gray breeches, a cranberry doublet with bronze flourishes worked into its weave.

Then having alighted from the carriage and strolled in side along with Sir James and his fellows and Gwygwin, he took in his surroundings and found them both unsurprising when taking into account the outside as well, and just as appealing as the rest. Sir James efforts on his behalf would most certainly yield the desired affects and so ultimately finding their way by invitation through the middle doors, it was Milo himself who’d make the introductions, and with a smile broad and genuine when spotting the halfling behind her desk. ”Your Excellency,” he said and offered her a smiling tilt of his head. ”Good brightening and I hope that this one has been treating you well. I should tell you that I’ve been very much looking forward to our discussion.”

[Nikki L'Evienne]

Timestamp:
5th Cryxatum: Spring: Era XV

To: Thomasina Heatherbloom, Bethel Beanhopper, Sebastienne Baxter, Duerain Whurfick, Armach Yri, Llanwyn Siannodel, Parreyon Syndicus, Alexis Sapientia, Kynaxa Rosetiva, Atl Myrsa From: Her Highness, Nikki L'Evienne, on behalf of His Royal Highness. HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL: FOR RECIPIENTS EYES ONLY It is my sad duty to inform you all that Her Highness, Nell du'Galle, wife to His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Milo, has died in suspicious circumstances off the Eunesian coast. We have reason to believe following this letter received that the untimely and tragic death of Her Highness is the work of either this man or his colleagues. Therefore, you must all consider yourself to be in danger at this point, and on a formal note, the Palace advises most strongly that you increase security immediately. There will be a Herald Article, but it will be when His Royal Highness believes it prudent, which may be in a brightening or so. Until such time as it becomes public knowledge, I would stress again that this is a highly confidential matter, not to be discussed with others not included on the distribution list of this missive. I will ensure that you are fully informed of all funeral arrangements in due course. Yours,

[Mimesis]

ooc: sorry for the wait!

Tomasina's cheeks turned bright pink when the name of the Prince and his short retinue were announced. Working in the Office of the Imperial Bard was one thing; being the Imperial Bard was quite a different thing entirely. Tomasina was not such an old hand at the business that she had learned to take such occasions as this in stride.

Hopping up from her chair, she approached Milo herself as he made his introductions, dropping him a curtsey and nodding to Sir James and the rest. "My pleasure, my pleasure, your Highness. Please, won't you sit down?" Two servants, without having to be asked, had already brought chairs in from the waiting room. "I must say, I did wonder whether your busy schedule allowed time for less... less immediate business, shall I say, than wars and Aelyrians." Like most halflings, Tomasina had a down-to-earth heartiness and straightforwardness about her that no amount of living in the capitol managed to efface. "Would you care for something to drink?"

[Milo L'Evienne]

There was something undeniably appealing about a blushing cether on an instinctual level and it was enough to bring a smile to the Prince’s face when she hopped up to greet him. Likely that appeal came not only from the very notion that he’d yet to meet a cether he had not liked, but from spending far too much time in the company of career politicians, battle hardened warriors and officials alike, and cynics of every ilk and trade. It was, admittedly, refreshing.

”Thank you your Excellency,” he said and took the offered seat though Sir James and his fellows politely declined, but did with a glance from Milo arrange themselves away from the scene in order to make a less imposing presence of themselves while Gwygwin wandered curiously and in general threatened to make a good natured nuisance of himself. ”If you’ve any coffee on I wouldn’t mind a cup,” he added with a smile when offered and then made himself comfortable.

”And I’ve always the time your Excellency or will make a point of arranging it for myself, a man cannot live on politics alone,” he added with a grin and that was the truth of it, lest he go stark raving mad in the process in fact. ”As I mentioned before I’ve always had a great deal of appreciation for the performing arts in particular, I trained on the stage prior to entering law school and while my fledgling talents are admittedly not at all worthy of public acclaim, I've recently taken up the violin and have quite enjoyed the distraction and sense of relaxation playing provides. So tell me more of this brainstorm of yours then, I’ve very much looked forward to learning more.”

ooc: no worries. =o)

[Mimesis]

"The violin! How lovely!" The words themselves might have been what anyone could have said, but the real interest and pleasure with which they were imbued could only have come from an art lover. "Coffee, please," Tomasina directed to one of the servants, who bowed and withdrew. The other stood quietly by, waiting on other orders.

The cether took a last glance around, as if to see whether anything else in the way of common politeness was missing, but finding that nothing was out of place and there was really nothing for her to do, she sat herself down as well. Milo's words had evidently provided her with extra courage - a Prince was an awesome figure, but a musician was a sympathetic soul.

"Well," Tomasina began, her already lively features acquiring added animation as she spoke - as much with her hands as with her voice. "I must say that it has always been an opinion of mine that culture is one of the first things to be neglected in times of turmoil, such as we have unfortunately seen in our lifetimes, but that it is also one of the first things to establish peace and understanding, if properly understood. I can't say I have travelled extensively - but I have been to most of the provinces, and the striking variation of cultural practices which is contained under the aegis of Aelyria is, I think, something to be fostered rather than something to be... ah! Thank you,"

The coffee had arrived. And just in time: otherwise Milo might have had to lend his ears to a lot of theory and history and detail which had little to do with the actual matter at hand.

"So then, yes... these cultural practices ought to be fostered, that's what I think. And how best to do that? Well, by creating a cultural center here in Aelyria Prime devoted to the promotion and dispersion of the distinct cultural practices drawn from each area of the Kingdom."

Tomasina took a breath, and a hot sip of the coffee, after she had finished. The coffee made her eyes water and her tongue burn so much that the cether's face turned sour. No sugar. Letting out a long breath, the Royal Bard reached for the sugar bowl, her fingers trembling.

[Milo L'Evienne]

The fiftieth brightening of Cryxatum in the Spring of Era XV

From the offices of His Royal Highness, Prince Milo I

Excellencies,

Please be advised that as of the fifth brightening of Aperitus and throughout the following two cycles, I and my family will be residing outside of Aelyria Prime. Rest assured that I will be remaining in constant contact with my offices in the Royal Palace and will be maintaining consistent oversight of all concerns courtesy the efforts of Mr. Barrett Tierney, Senior Adjutant, and Mr. Manyc Ulairi, Sorcerer in service. I will further be making myself immediately available courtesy these two gentlemen should critical matters arise that require my personal attention or an audience with any given official.

All matters of an immediate or critical nature in addition to regular requests, updates and reports should be referred first to Mr. Tierney who shall advise me and arrange an immediate audience or response where applicable. All other matters arriving in my offices via correspondence, if requiring my personal attention shall be referred to myself, while all other matters shall be forwarded to the offices to whose realms they best apply in anticipation of a prompt official response. All concerns and requests during this time should thus be referred to Mr. Barrett Tierney, Senior Adjutant.

Best regards,
Milo L’Evienne

ooc: reply to topic of discussion coming soon. =o)

[Milo L'Evienne]

”The violin yes,” Milo confirmed with a grin while one of the servants went off after the coffee. ”For all that my initial efforts at learning were dubious ones, I find I quite enjoy playing, cathartic somehow in the way it helps to clear and refocus the mind…My sister Valanthia plays piano as well,” he added with a smile when his coffee was brought round. ”Thank you.”

That said he settled back in his chair with his cup after dropping in a splash of cream and listened to the cether’s description of exactly what it was she had in mind. He could hardly argue her point, he was in wholehearted agreement with her thoughts and impressions. Cultural diversity was a funny thing after all, it could either divide, or it could unite, both in peaceful times and moreover in tumultuous times. He’d thought along similar lines in regards to a role that Pala had been good enough to take on for him, and this, a different aspect of the idea but similar in some ways, appealed as well.

And well, the cether certainly had herself a receptive audience and considering his own interests, an enthusiastic one so he could hardly argue with her proposal or any of its aspects. ”You know I’ve recently spoken to someone about taking up a scholarship foundation on my behalf, where I might offer scholarships to promising individuals throughout the realm, one of those areas being the pursuit of cultural studies be it literature, art or music, so its no surprise that your proposal interests me lady Tomasina,” he said with a smile in the wake of a swallow of his coffee.

”So it should come as no surprise either that I’m in complete agreement and support it fully. So the question is then, how exactly do you propose setting up this center, how to promote it and how specifically may I lend my support?”