Siège Principal de Le Protectorat du Paix (Local Law Enforcement)

[Time]

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Not designed to be a tourist attraction, the form of the Siège Principal de Le Protectorate followed more its purpose than anything. The two story stone structure covered with dark gray clay was rather forbodding in nature, which was accented by its smoothed edges and buttressed corners. Actually the building had three levels with the lowest being buried three quarters of the way benieth the surface. A series of stone steps led up to the arched double door entrance. Narrow arched windows were spaced sparingly along the upper two levels. The windows gave evidence to the two foot thick walls.

On one side of the building was training center which was surrounded by an eight foot solid massonary wall that was attached to the main building. The training center was actually an open courtyard that allowed an area for sword drills, archery range and it also housed the stables for several wagons and horses used to transport prisoners.

Inside the main building the walls were plain and stoic. The main floor was completely open and only sectioned off by waist high wooden partitions. Tall stone beams were placed about to give support to the ceiling and upper floor. One fourth of this floor, the part including the large double door entrance, was open to the public. The rest was occupied by members of Le Protectorate. Each corner of the build had an enclosed circular staircase that lead to the upper and lower levels.

There two other entrances to the building. One in the back of the building, which was locked and for Protectorate use only and one that connected with the training courtyard.

The upper floor only occupied the back half of the building. Windows from this level could overlook part of the main floor and the entrance of the building. Obviously as way to view who entered and exited the building. This area contained offices for the higher ranking law enforcement officials.

The lower level housed several holding cells, storerooms and temporary quarters. This level was marked for Le Protectorate personnel only.

As you enter the main, you notice the calm but business like nature of the Protectorate. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the large but narrow desk directly in front of you. The top level of the desk is about four feet high. On the other side sits a rather portly and blading dwarf in a blue and gold uniform. It may seem a little odd that a dwarf of all races, is actually staring down at you.

As you approach, he removes his spectals. "Yes, may I help you?," he says in an effectient tone of voice.

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland nodded at the man. He was not sure who to ask for, so he decided to go with the highest-ranking official that he knew of. "I'm looking for Captain Alsaille, please. My name is Roland Moonstar; he'll know who I am." Having worked with Prefects and Constables all his adult life, Roland had a few things to talk about, and he figured starting with the Captain was as good as place as any.

OOC: This takes place a day or so after 'Moving About the Streets.'

[Wynd]

Accustomed to getting such requests for one of the over three thousand watchmen that composed the tightly knit network that maintained law and order in the city, the dwarf gave nothing more than an exasperated sigh. He liked to be helpful. Perhaps that was why he didn't mind sitting at that desk all day, but constantly having to track down one of the countless employees of le Protectorat du Paix grew wearying. Not only was it nearly impossible to find any individual in the expansive building, but half the time those that were asked after were out on patrol. Only the highest ranking officiers ever kept to their offices all brightening long. Even at that, they often went out onto the street for the more advanced cases and problems. To both his and Roland's benefit, captains were among those that spent quite some time in the building, keeping their eyes on everything their patrols did, and having a hand, or at least a finger, in almost everything. On the other side, because of that, they rarely appreciated being dragged down to the front desk to deal with some complaint or request. All the dwarf hoped for was the this 'Roland Moonstar' was a close enough friend to disturb Alsaille, who he knew was in the middle of wading through all the paperwork surrounding the infamous Lworn case.

"Of course, I'll send someone to get him," he replied, amiably, not showing his inner distress.

At that moment, a motley trio appeared in a far corner of the main floor. Having climbed the cirucular, pillar-like staircase from the bottom floor, the host to a handful of holding cells for prisoners and temprorary residence for watchmen, none other than the jester, the one that had been sent to the gaol purely by Roland's deed, flanked by two unfamiliar watchmen. When the vividly garbed busker caught sight of the rogator that had been responsible for the last few brightenings he had spent in one of those holding cells, he stared desparingly at him. The last thing he had heard from the Ariumite's mouth was that he would vouch for how was improving, and how he'd improved. A glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes. Perhaps he was here to get him out. Yet that look fell back into one of grim depression as the guards marched him past the front desk. They were going to the courthouse, where his fate would be decided.

"Rialle!" called the dwarf after them, and one of the two watchmen spun swiftly around, "You busy?"

Before the watchman could answer, the dwarf hurried on, "Go get Alsaille for me, would you? He's just at his desk."

"You know I can't. Prisoners need to two escorts to take them to the courthouse."

"You don't mind waiting, do you, Chaum?"

"I guess I can wait, if it's necessary," answered the second watchman flatly.

Without another word, Rialle departed, climbing the nearest stair case to the second floor.

Then the dwarf spoke again to Roland, "If you don't mind my asking, just what do you need Alsaille for?"

[Roland Moonstar]

OOC: Ack, I just read this. I had forgotten the Jester was in it. Ok, I'll improvise something.

IC: Roland smiled at the Jester. "Do not worry. I am a man of my word. Let us not speak of the fate of the other fellows, but as to you, I will indeed testify." In fact, Roland was rather hopeful for the fellow. He did not dwell on what actually happened since the moment when he and Captain Alsaille performed their charade by the jester's cell door, but as the man was back in custody and ready to do his time, that spoke of his character and integrity. Roland would mention it to the authorities as diligently as he could.

He turned to the dwarf. "Ah, well, as a matter of fact, I will not take up more than a moment or so of his time. As I promised the busker, I am next going to the courthouse to vouch for him, and ask that he be let off with community service and time served."

He thought it was important to reassure the dwarf that no matter how frivolous his request, it would be over and done with so quickly it would only merit the dwarf a single annoyed glance, if that. "I was the fellow who helped Jack and Ajheed, you see. So first of all, I thought I would come by in case I needed to sign any depositions or transcribe any testimony, and all that sort of thing."

And of course, if publicity of the case went as expected, and Captain Alsaille was on the path for a promotion, Roland thought taking a moment to remind the fellow of his aid would be beneficial when it came time to lobbying the Thane for a position for himself.

[Wynd]

"Oh, so you're the man that was so 'important in the success of arresting Lworn'," remarked the dwarf, with a contradictory voice. Part of the tone was lined with envy, perhaps esteem, and regard, while there was also most certainly the presence of snooty disregard and jibe that tained the statement. What followed, though, was flat, unadulterated information. "There have been rumours and tales going on about that even since it happened. I don't doubt that eventually the Thane will get word of it. Even if none are permitted to see him, he still hears everything significant that goes on in the Empire, and his city. No doubt this will make its way to his ears in less than a cycle, if it hasn't already, that is. And the rest of the city, the cives, they'll certainly have busy tongues once it spreads. It's like a disease, almost, spreads from one to another until everyone's infected, though one shouldn't talk like that in these times, what with the Pox and all. In any case, it'll no doubt spread from the mercantile caste to the cive sooner than later."

"When that happens, be prepared to quite a bit of acknowledgement, if anyone recognizes you," added the second watchman, the one left guarding the jester.

"Oh yes, indeed. Free food as you pass from bakeries and fruit vendors, one or two mugs of ale on the house in pubs. Any merchant that's been conned by Lworn, and that's quite a few, I know, will probably be tossing gifts at you for a cycle or so, until you become old news," continued the dwarf.

Until then, the jester had been silent, listening only to the talk of the circumstances that surrounded his arrest. But then, in a wavering, hesitant voice, he said, "And one such as myself-" He never finished.

At that moment, Captain Alsaille, mildly perturbed at having been interrupted from his steady streams of paperwork, reached the main floor, and called out to Roland.

"Bonjour, Monsieur Moonstar!" he exclaimed, cheerfully, "To what do I owe this visit?"

Rialle, the watchman that the dwarf had sent to fetch the captain, returned to his partner, and they busied themselves with removing the busker from the building, leading him out into the growing flurry of snow that ensnared the city.

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland listened to all that the dwarf had to say. His first apprenticeship was under a dwarf, and so he was intimately aware of the many fine shadings that so often went into a speech. But as the fence that was so central to Lworn's scheme was also a dwarf, Roland took the initial comments with a bit of salt-- after all, he would have mixed emotions about a human of Arium being arrested, no matter how villanous the scoundrel. So he understood the mixed emotions the dwarf was no doubt feeling.

And therefore he merely nodded, letting the little man vent. As to the rest-- well, he had never encountered any such public spectacle in all his born days, so he would not know what to make of it until it happened.

He did not know what to say to the Jester to make that one feel any better, so he merely nodded, letting the man know that he was acknowledged and would not be forgotten. Roland did not know about the practice in Jaedaxia of chopping off hands-- he did know of such a thing, but thought it confined to Arakmat-- and so merely smiled at the man. "Break a leg!" he said, wishing him good luck.

When Captain Alsaille arrived, Roland nodded, giving the man the formal bow his position deserved. "Serale, mon capitaine. If I may have a private word with you in chambers?"

[Wynd]

Roland's attitude to what the dwarf mentioned about public praise was probably the best one. In a city as large as Jaedaxia, where familiarity amongst the people was as foreign an idea as privacy in a hamlet of twenty. Although tales and rumours ran like wildfire through any large settlement, the amount of people actually affected by that one grifter was probably a very, very small one in comparison. Why would they throw the odd gift or discount at the Ariumite? Of course, there was the natural greed that plagued any person, especially mercantiles. Ingratefulness was something that seemed to be bred in such situations as cities. There were many an ungrateful soul in Jaedaxia, and no doubt there were plenty of them affected by Lworn. Perhaps they'd throw a word of thanks or a compliment at the honourary corporal, but none of their actual goods. They'd just as soon try to overcharge him as though he were any other random chap off of the street. That was why it was such a spectacle. It never happened, despite what the dwarven clerk had to say about the whole thing. In the end, it was best not to expect anything, so if anything did came, it was wholly appreciated, and if nothing did, there wasn't so much as a glimmer of disappointment.

Maybe that was a cynical point of view, but society, as a whole, was cynical enough to match it.

"Of course. Please, follow me to my office," answered Captain Alsaille, after a moment's awkward silence. His tones were tinged with traces of curiousity, and there was no doubt from his voice that his mind was piqued with intrigue at Roland's curt demeanor and brief statement. Had it not been for the many strange hypotheses going through his mind, he would have added something along the lines of 'You know the way, but coincidentally we're going the same way, or anything of the sort. Yet his thoughts were already too abuzz with what the Ariumite had come to speak with him about to say it. The captain had two distinct moods: jovial, and serious. His austere side was what he worked with, while the more gleeful one was used whenever the mood struckhim. Severity and resolution was what he soon adopted, as he led Roland through up the staircase, and through the hallway that led to his office.

Slipping through the door, he left it open for his companion to enter without having to invest the effort of opening it, but leaving him with that of closing it. Little had changed in the office since the man's last visit. Still paper cluttered his desk, and things of all sorts, from uniforms to crumpled parchment, and half-empty boxes to field equipment, littered his floor. A candle sat dormant on the sill it had before. Now it was a different candle, of a different colour, but had burned down to the stub the previous one had been at when Roland was taken to the office. Gray half-light poured through the window, a pseudo-sunbeam made dull by the thickening clouds gathering in the sky. Frost's touch had marked the glass plane. A crystalline pattern of snowflakes and intricate designs decorated it in the corners. Outside, spots of white flew down in flurries, as if it were an army charging to strike the ground.

"So, what is that you've come here to discuss?"

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland waited until the other man was comfortably seated, then sat down himself. He remembered the room well enough, but last time he was here was 4 in the morning, and his memory of the hallways back and forth had been a bit hazy in the excitement of going after Lworn.

He smiled politely at Captain Alsaille.

"Forgive me if I seemed a bit austere in my manners out there, but seeing the minstrel again was a painful reminder to me that not all criminals can be rehabiliated. Some are pure recidivists, be it out of greed or sloth or just plain cowardice. I had high hopes for that fellow, and to see them dashed... well, it's just sad."

He hung his head for a moment; it was a humbling lesson that not even he could control all the x-factors in any plan. But then his mood shifted as he contemplated the room he was now in, and the burning candle.

"First of all, I need you to edify me about something. Can you explain this town's Thane to me? Is he a recluse? An invalid? Is it absolutely certain that nothing illicit is going on in that area? I totally apologize for what must sound like impudent questions, but I don't understand the Thane situation at all."

He glanced down, fingering his lucky mask pendant. "I don't ask idly... to be honest, I went there to seek an audience. Before I consider working in an official position in a town-- and here I mean at the level of Aedile, Prefect, or Constable-- I make sure I am compatible with the Thane. What's the point of having a job at that level if you're not comfortable with each other?"

He gave Captain Alsaille a moment to think that over. "But still, I liked helping out the Protectorate, and think I would like to work here. The men are good and fine fellows, and you are a crafty and competent leader. I would be honoured if I can count on you for a recommendation."


Roland

[Wynd]

"Constable?" Roland had just thrown a rather massive amount of things to be dealt with at Captain Alsaille, and it was impossible to handle them all at once. One word in the second piece, the one regarding an audience with the thane of Jaedaxia, and looking for some sort of official position, had struck him as ood. That was 'constable.' Rarely was it spoke of with the same regard for it as Aedile and Prefect. It struck him as odd that it would be. Then realization dawned. Before him was a man not of this city, but of Arium. Perhaps in Arium they had a different set of ranks in their watch forces.

"Ah, it seems you've brought some knowledge that works elsewhere, but not here in that second bit. While I realize that there are many places in the Empire in which Constable is a high position, the person in charge of the watch, correct? Here, it's a little different. Constable is a more mundane position. Allow me to shed some light on the ranking system of le Protectorat. New recruits start at the bottom, of course, at lance-constable. Most of them are promoted to constable after an era or two. This is usually dictated by time, not necessarily performance. Poor enough performance, though, may prevent them. What follows isn't necessarily a guaranteed promotion. In order from lowest to highest, it then goes corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and finally Prefect. There is an assortment of other positions as well, considered under the Prefect, but have the same authority as a captain, such as Chief Inquisitor, or Rogator.

"As for the thane, well, no one quite knows, not even me, at my station in the watch. I doubt the commander knows, or even the Minister of Defense. No one does, which is probably the same answer the guards at Lord Thayron's estate, correct? That's that way it's been for as long as anyone can remember. Well, not necessarily. Elves, and other peoples of longevity, have seen the thanes before Thayron, and they were here when Thayron was a fledgling leader. There is one elf I know of, the man that owns that tavern for statesmen and the middle-class, who was around during the reign of MGanzi Hal, and survived the centures of civil war and internal strife that plagued Jaedaxia following those events. But even they don't recall ever seeing him. Jaedaxia doesn't do elections for its Thanes. The Archprelatess, or Archprelate, whoever rules Carmelyn at the time, appoints our Thanes. Since the eastern city's republic failed - for it never was given the elections it was promised - democracy hasn't been entirely too popular here. It's not so much dislike as apathy. They don't want to get their hopes up, in case they're stripped of it again. Thayron was appointed by the Governor of Carmelyn. I'm not sure which, but it was probably Sarista's predecessor.

"Now, you say you'd like a position here, if possible, I think that is something I could help you with. The position of Chief Inquisitor, investigating large crimes, and organizing the investigations of smaller ones, has just opened up. The previous one just retired a cycle ago. They were planning on hiring one of his staff, but I've heard none of them are competent enough to even be considered. Perhaps if you applied, they'd see your past experience, and what you've already done for the Protectorate. You'd probably have a good shot at it, especially with a recommendation."

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland nodded. "Yes, some jobs do change depending on the city that one is in. There are even some cities in the south where the City Council President is considered of higher authority than the Thane, and there are jobs such as Justicar and Legate that very depending on whether one is in a capital or not."

The part about the Governor was a new wrinkle to him. He had never met Aerienne, though he had some small familiarity with Diana. He supposed it would not hurt to send a letter that way.
He did not know how popular or unpopular Thayron truly was, since the man was such a complete man of mystery.

He then looked at Captain Alsaille. "Ah, all right, I will take your advice... investigating high crimes is what a Prefect does, and that's where my talent lies. Jaedaxia speaks a different language from many other cities-- I suppose it's the language of Rau or Alngea-- and some terms may get lost in translation, so it matters not to me if it's called Chief Inquisitor or Inspector General or what-have-you. If it's easier for the paperwork, I'll just apply to the Prefecture then let them tailor my duties a bit as Jaedaxia needs, which is to say I'd still be willing to help you and the Protectorate out as needed."

He glanced outside. "I expect the recent increase in inclement weather to keep most low-level crime down anyway; who wants to pick-pockets in the snow? If it's a quiet tenure at first, that's fine with me; I'm busy researching a few things and need not go running all over the place."

[Wynd]

"Haha," laughed Captain Alsaille slightly, when Roland speculated on the origins of Jaedaxia's unique language. It was a point of pride for many inhabitants of the city, and while he was far from a perfectionist, he wasn't about to allow such misconceptions about one of the most unrivaled aspects of the city's culture. Of course, almost every race had their own langauges. Even the human subraces possessed languages entirely separate from Charismean, like the drawling speech of the Baijani, or the foreign, harsh words of the Kemites. But it was rare that an entire city claimed a language all to its own, that was spoken by almost all of its inhabitants, regardless of race and background. Were it not for the absolutely dominance of Charismean in the Empire, and the fact that it was often the second language of most citizens, new comers would have found it extremely difficult to communicate.

"No, mon ami, the people of the eastern Libertine Peninsula had been speaking Jaedaxian, or at least older variations of it, for centuries before MGanzi Hal arrived, and linked it with Algnea or Rau. In fact, no one is really quite sure where Jaedaxian originated. It's certainly not a form of the old, forgotten Baijani language. Some speculate that it was a tribe of Northern Humans that brought it from across the Northern Seas, when a massive wave of them landed and settled on the northern coast of Carmelyn. Others tend to think it was from the Trident Isle. But that doesn't matter.

"That aside, and back to your job hunting, I think I've an application on hand for you. In Jaedaxia, the Prefect is the chief of police, one rank higher than commander, and at the very top of le Protectorat du Paix. Whether that's the same in other cities I couldn't say, but yes, that'd be who the application would be sent to anyways. The Inquisition is considered a branch of the Protectorate. Here you are."

After a moment of shuffling through stacks of paper and parchment, Alsaille removed one rather yellowing page, flourished it, and handed it to Roland. Following it came a quill and an inkpot. The application had several fields to be filled out:

Full name:

Age:

Race:

Position being Applied for:

Length of Residence in Jaedaxia:

Past Careers and Poisitions:

Past involvement with law enforcement:

Language/s spoken:

"It's a rather standard application form for most any position above constable in the Protectorate. I've got loads of them, if you need anymore, for some reason or another. You can fill it out here if you'd like, I'd be more than happy to enter it, with a letter of recommendation from myself."

[Roland Moonstar]

Full name: Roland Moonstar

Age: 19

Race: Aslangardian Human (Ariumite)

Position being Applied for: Prefect

Length of Residence in Jaedaxia: 8 months

Past Careers and Positions: farmer, student, blacksmith's aide, rogator, intelligence agent, deputy, inspector, courier, sheriff, ship's guard.

Past involvement with law enforcement: worked for the Prefect of Nexus Prime, the Prefect of Tirisfal and have assisted Captain Alsaille here; honourary corporal in Le Protectorat Du Paix.

Language/s spoken: Lutranic, Chemisean, and some local language picked up over the months here.

Comment: Have studied law and politics, and am taking continuing courses in such as Soc de Amberbois university.

[Wynd]

Once the scritch of quill on paper came to an end from Roland, Captain Alsaille seemed to take no notice at first. He was entirely immersed in the stacks of paperwork that had become his to deal with, in the fall-out of the entire Lworn affair, the other events and arrests that stemmed from the Lworn affair, and the other, less major events that his patrol had been up to as of late. His own quill danced endlessly over pieces of yellowing parchment. In the wake of the scratching point flowing a river of ink, forming his spidery, messy scrawl. For a time he continued like this, until he realised that the sounds of the room had decreased by half. This was because the only noises had been that of the writing of two people. Now it was but one. Glancing up, he saw the Roland was finished with the application.

"Ah, sorry about that," he apologized, picking up the application, "I'll get this to the Ministry of Defence, which controls both the Protectorate and the city militia before the end of the brightening, along with my recommendation letter. You'll probably receive word in a cycle or so, I would believe. They'll probably be able to find your residence through the Aedile's, or they'll just have it sent through us.

"If that's all, I've got a lot of drudgery to attend, though I am loathe to do it over speak more thoroughly with you, it must be done." He threw the hint in the air, for indeed, he did have much work to be dealt with, and although he would rather have remained in Roland's company, there was paperpushing to be done.

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland nodded. "I'll see myself out. I know the way, and I still need to go testify at the jester's trial. I'm still very disappointed in him, but I did promise I would ask for some small measure of clemency. And so, now that we have everyone, I will ask that he serve his term in the federal gaol at Diana capital, instead of here. This way he won't have to forever fret that Lworn or the dwarf will arrange some sort of 'accident' behind bars while the guards are busy elsewhere."

"Oh, and here's my residence for the moment." He made sure to give his student address. "While I'm waiting for the paperwork to go through, I'm taking a class at Soc de Ambergois university. I'll get a regular place once my position comes through, and I know what my salary is and what I can afford."

He got up, bowed politely to Captain Alsaille, and headed off for home.

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland decided to visit Captain Alsaille one day during the week while he was studying his varioud classes. He had forgotten to mention to the man one of the things Lworn told him, and he wanted to make sure that the Captain was appraised of what was going on.

In fact, Roland was thinking of killing two birds with one stone.
He headed for the dwarf that seemed ubiquitous and ever-present in the Protectorate. "Serale. I meant to ask you-- though I apologize if it's an indelicate question-- have you met Pat at the Aedile's office? You're both stout and stalwart, and I think you'd get along well if you haven't met already."

After chit-chatting with the dwarf, Roland headed down the hallway to the Captain's office, now that he knew where it was.
(He'd sign any ledger the dwarf gave him, and would be amenable if any guards wished to accompany him.)

He gave the door a polite knock. "Serale, mon capitaine. Bon Jour! I have something I need to add to the official report concerning Lworn's capture, something I may have neglected to mention before. Or I may have... it was such a harrowing and exhausting adventure, you can understand my confusion. At any rate, I want to make sure I've detailed all the things Lworn