Office of the Provincial Commander

[Riconus Xind'ell]

In the middle of Frigid River's military district, the Command Centre for the Prince Maverius Regiment (PMR) stands tall, seperated from all other buildings near by. Three stories in hieght, only one room resides on the top floor, occupying its entire area save for a small hallway leading up to the room entrance. The hallway, with portraits and exotic plants covering its walls, is ended by two large mahogany doors with a plaque installed at eye level. On the plaque, it reads:

Lord Commandant Riconus Xind'ell Kaldres
Provincial Commander of Lauryl

The simple yet blunt plaque identified this to be the office of the provincial commander. Once passing by the doorway, Xind'ell's elaborate quarters were displayed, gleeming of the aristocracy that the commandant had only found after several patterns on the frontlines of battle. Taking up practically the entirty of the floor itself, an enormous window at the end of the room lit up the entire space. The way to the commander's desk was guided by a fine carpet of red wool and gold trim, laying atop marble tiles that covered the floor. The walls of the office were either painted white or blocked by grand bookshelves, keeping writings of knowledge and fiction alike. Four seats of black leather rested in front of the large oak table at the end of the lengthy room, with a larger fifth chair of similar fabric on the other side of the desk, in which the commandant occupied. Gargantuan red draps flanked the large window behind the desk, hanging behind the Flag of Lauryl, Banner of Audrey, War Banner of the PMR, Kaldres Coat of Arms, and finally the Allerian Imperial Coat of Arms.

However, before any of this room could be seen, one would have to pass by the two large soldiers who always stood guard outside the office, ordering any visitor to speak up before being granted entrance.

"HALT! What business have you with the Provincial Commander!?"

[Klue Malinconico]

Late spring, Era XI
(Riconus-Maddyn)

Continued and Grandfathered from here:

http://www.alleria.com/forums/showth...739#post971739

Shackled in irons, escorted by a mob of stooges…Translate…a corporal who was damned lucky Klue had decided cooperation was better advised than beating his subordinate to a bloody pulp, and his sidekicks…, out of uniform…This was prior to the order to remain in uniform even when off duty, after all… and about to be paraded in front of the commander like a common criminal, Klue had come to several undeniable conclusions. Honest hardly ever paid, doing the right thing was vastly overrated, and this was all that bloody cat’s fault.

He was dressed in baggy trousers and a tunic left untucked, and nobody had bothered to pick his hat up out of the street. He was armed, he guessed, with the two knives he’d relieved Harry of, nice ones too, and tucked into his belt…lest someone had thought to relieve him of them while trussing him up in chains. And his face and clothing was smudged with dirt, soot and the remains of experimentation.

A fine picture to present in front of his commander. Prevent a robbery, save the mercantile district from going up in smoke and tell the gods’ honest truth while he was at it, and this was what he’d bought himself. He’d remember Corporal Dathien…who should in turn remember his own rank, and he’d remember that cat.

Still, he halted with the rest of the retinue when they reached the guards and waited for one of his escorts to volunteer an explanation. It was uncommon, that he’d nothing to say. But under the circumstances, talking was getting him nowhere fast. At least, nowhere he wanted to go.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Before the chaos of Klue and the others, Riconus was peacefully discussing provincial matters with one of the Regiment's top commanders, Captain Laandrack Frostblood. A nice breeze was flowing from outside, and all in all, the provincial commandant was planning on making this a short, easy brightening before retiring to his quarters in the late afternoon.

"We'll need the LPA to be constructed in order to restore peace to the province." said Riconus, as he smoked back a cigar.

Captain Frostblood quickly retorted. "I agree, but taxes first need to be collected to raise a provincial army, and they cannot be collected without the LPA to enforce the laws. Have you considered Imperial support?"

"As much as I would rather not, I believe it will be necessary. In the morn, I plan to go to Castelli-"

And then, chaos entered through their door. Frostblood quickly withdrew his sword after being startled by the interuption, but Riconus told his captain to stand down just as fast. Nevertheless, the Commandant was anything but impressed by the situation; and he had not even seen Klue's face yet. It seemed as though the man this corporal had in shackles was just a simple prisoner and not someone he would be concerned with... and then he looked closer, to see that it was his young officer appretice bonded in chains.

"... Malinconico? Release the lieutenant from these chains immediately!"

Captain Frostblood quickly stepped in to investigate what the problem was, and why it would come into the office of the provincial commander.

"What in Diana's name is the meaning of this!? Explain this intrusion, and what you are doing arresting a military officer in such a manner!"

[Shaaw]

ooc: ok guys... bear with me. I've red most of the thread preceding this one, and I think I've got the general gist of what is happening. If however I make any significant mistakes, PLEASE tell me... I'm just not familiar with the town so its gonna be a learning process. =D

Ohh, and I promise... as I get more used to the city and how things are run, my posts will get better

ic: Whatever hightened level of confidence that the dwarf Corporal Dathien had possessed before walking into Riconus' office quickly evaporated upon entry. How was he to know that Captain Frostblood would be in attendance? Needless to say; upon his CO's orders, Klue was quickly released from the shackles which contained him, with Dathien exceptionally careful not to drop the heavy metal bindings which would undoubtably damage the office floor.

"Uhh... I'm sorry Sir. I had to arrest the Lieutenant here due to his connection with a murder ealier tonight." the Corporal spat out quickly in his own defense, his voice shaking noticeably with uncertainty. "We found him at the scene of the crime. He set the man on fire! Lieutenant or not, he is not above our city laws!"

The two Privates under the dwarf's command fidgeted as well. It was obvious that they barely supported the decision to arrest Klue. Only their training plus innane respect for whomever commanded them kept from voicing this opinion.

[Klue Malinconico]

When the order came to release him, despite the misunderstanding…one he’d somehow manage to avenge at the dwarven corporal’s expense, mind, Klue still looked a little sheepish. Humiliating, being paraded in front of the commander this way when he’d worked so hard to impress the man. But sheepish turned to indignation quick enough, and he rubbed at his wrists where the shackles had been. They hadn’t been there long enough to wear on his flesh or cause much physical discomfort. It was the principle. They rubbed him the wrong way and if he was meant to wear shackles, he darned sure wanted to know he deserved it. In this case, on the other hand, he had to prove he didn't.

Still, he squared his shoulders and somehow managed to keep his mouth shut through the corporal’s explanation, though a storm was brewing behind his expression. The two privates, Klue had no argument with. They’d a duty to follow the orders of their superior. The dwarf was a different matter and Klue leveled a hard stare at the dwarf before clearing his throat in an effort not to throttle the man. ”Gen’ral sir, permission to speak?”

Waiting for the opportunity, but determined to be heard, he offered an explanation. He’d avoid though, all the exhaustive details of his experiments and small adventures that tended to leave the average listener with a glazed expression in their eyes. Just the facts without the elaborations, a hard pressed task for a young human who didn’t at all mind the sound of his own voice.

”Sir, I did not set that man a’fire. A man died, aye sir, but t’was his own doin’ that brought it about.” Better he gave the short version, but from the start. ”Sir, I’d rented th’ workshop from th’ carpenter at th’ furniture shop s’ I could work off duty on some d’signs I’d been thinkin’ on. I’d been at it sev’ral bright’nins an’ was finishin’ up jus’ this last one. I was there alone and heard a window break from th’ front room. I turned off th’ lights where I was workin’ and had a look. There was a human fellow, along with a giantess, an’ they were workin’ on stealin’ th’ safe from th’ shop. They didn’t know I was there, s’ I was hopin’ t’ distract one of them t’ try an’ stop their thievin’. It was th’ human fellow that came t’ investigate. I was unarmed, but he wasn’t. I took these off ‘im later,” Klue added as he removed the two ornate knives from his belt and surrendered them to the captain.

”I was plannin’ on subduin’ him or knockin’ him out, not killin’ ‘im…bu’ I never got th’ chance. There was th’ start of a scuffle an’ he fell forward, sir, an’ somethin’ cracked underneath him. A vial, a bottle, I don’t know what. I’m not sure how, I think he tripped over th’ cat tha’ had been comin’ round, or m’be his own feet or my tools. Bu’ he didn’t get up, sir, only started screaming an’ twistin’. Smoke started comin’ from his lower back and when th’ giantess came t’ investigate, she ran as if she was fearful of what would happen. It was an odd smoke sir, an’ blue flames that ate a hole through ‘im, but not th’ cloth around. Slow burnin’. I tried t’ snuff it out once I realized, bu’ I couldn’t. I didn’t want th’ place t’ go up in flames, nor th’ buildings nearby, since I’d been working with lamps full o’ quick lightin’ oil, s’ I wrapped him in some cloth and dragged him outside. I still couldn’t get th’ flames out even with the cloth t’ smother them, and ‘e died. That’s when I heard the rangers’ whistle. I called for help and sev’ral rangers arrived, along with th’ corporal an’ his men. I know how it might've looked, commander, bu' I swear I didn't kill that man,” Klue added with another hard stare at the dwarf.

”One of th’ rangers said th’ fire was th’ r’sult of somethin’ called Eddingburg’s oil. Whatever th’ case, the corporal ordered me arrested. Th’ giantess escaped through th’ streets though sir, I imagine, and I told th’ corporal as much. Though ‘e didn’t think it worthy of tryin’ t’ find her b’fore she got too far. I can give a d’scription though, if need be.”

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Captain Forstblood listened attentively to the words of the lieutenant, absorbing his entire story before realising just who this would be prisoner was. Klue... no, this couldn't be that Midpoint cadet, could it? A puzzling expression laced itself across the human's battle-hardened face. Turning around to see Riconus standing there, he inquired as to whether this was the bright young prospect he mention earlier, now covering the floor with the dirt of his clothing.

"Wait a minute... Sir, is this that lieutenant you were talking about!?"
"It appears so," said Riconus in moderate embarrassment. "Lieutenant Klue Malinconico, meet Captain Laandrack Frostblood, your company commander."

This perhaps was not the way Klue had anticipated meeting his immediate superior officer. Nevertheless, after the brief and awkward introduction, Frostblood took temporary leave to find Klue some cleaner attire, while Riconus took over the investigation. All the while, he couldn't help but notice the two privates standing behind the corporal, holding timid looks on their faces. Being the well-trained soldiers that they were, they said nothing unless spoken to directly. It was likely the orders of the corporal to keep their mouths shut, but it would soon be the Commandant's decision on whether they voiced their opinions or not. Very nonchalantly, Riconus moved past Klue and Dathien, staring both soldiers straight in the eyes interchangably as he spoke.

"Alright, privates. I know that you're here because you were ordered by a soldier of higher rank to escort a prisoner; whether you thought it was necessary or not. But alas, with the corporal inferior to my command, you understand that you must now obey my orders, correct?

So, without looking at anyone other than me, tell me: do you feel it was necessary, or do you find that their was a substantial amount of evidence, to putting this individual under arrest?"

[Shaaw]

Throughout Lieutenant Malinconico's recounting of the ACTUAL events that had transpired in the recent candlemarks, all three of the 'arresting soldiers' reacted exactly as could be expected. Both privates fidgetted near uncontrollably, obviously more inclined to believe this story than that of the far less than genius corporal. The taller of the two; a half elf named Marek Sur'an who had only just finished basic training, was more discomforted than his fellow private; Private Dridath.

Corporal Dathien too was fidgeting; however, he was moreso just trying to portray a general feeling of disblief and complete disregard for the possibility of Klue actually telling the truth. Knowing full well he'd made a mistake in jumping to unbased conclusions rather quickly, he'd chosen to follow one of only two options: one, admit he was wrong and take the punishment which would likely be minimal; or two, stick to his own story and risk a greater reprimand. Obviously, the corporal had gone with option two.

The provincial commander's order came as no surprise, though both privates dreaded having to answer it. On one hand, they both knew that Dathien had been too hasty in his decision. On the other, they had to stick up for their commanding officer to some degree. Private Dridath, the short stalky human was the first to speak.

"Yes'Sir, I understand Sir." the man said, giving a quick and sharp salute after being addressed, "In my opinion, Corporal Dathien was a little hastey in his arrest, but I must also admit that we did catch Lieutenant... Malinconico in a rather comprimising situation."

A moment thereafter Private Sur'an took the stand, mimicing the slightly more experienced soldier with the mediocre salute of a man who was very nervous. "I'd... uhhh... have to agree with Private Dridath here, Sir. Corporal Dathien was... uhhmmm... a little bit quick, but he dud have a reason."

After that, both Privates stood at attention, awaiting the commander's response. The man had put them both in a hard situation, and they both hoped they had managed to spare Dathien some dignity while also being honest to their leader.

[Klue Malinconico]

When introduced to his superior officer, Klue wore an understandably sheepish expression. More than sheepish, frankly, for the position he’d found himself in. Not the way he’d have anticipated this particular introduction going. And equally unpleasant, for the embarrassment he’d inadvertently caused the commander. ”Captain Frostblood... An honor, sir,” he said though with straight back and shoulders squared. Not as dignified as he’d have liked, given his sooty and tattered appearance.

But when the commander moved past him, Klue remained unmoved, though he lacked a view of the proceedings behind him. Only from the corner of his eye, he could view Dathien while looking straight ahead. If he managed a fair and right conclusion here, he could only console himself with imagining all sorts of retribution he’d like to heap on that dwarf’s head later, whether he could allow himself the pleasure or not. Nevermind he’d been viewed in a rather compromising situation, as the private pointed out behind him. Even at that, he’d stayed with the body and called for help when he’d heard the guard and rangers a ways off. He might’ve tried to remove himself from the scene, but stayed believing it was the right thing, and truth would hold out over appearances. He hadn’t taken an overzealous dwarf with something to prove into account.

Whatever the case, his training was enough to keep him silent until spoken to, but his jaw clenched with the effort. He’d kept his nose clean since joining up, made every effort to toe every line imaginable with the goal of climbing up the ranks without mishap. And in turn, excel at every turn he could. He’d done it with a mind for keeping himself from getting tossed out by a sergeant bent on doing the tossing, and showing he was more than capable. But this was more serious, if the facts didn’t hold their own. It wasn’t only his career at stake, but his life. That alone made it harder to observe protocol and remain silent till addressed. But he did his best in that regard.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

There was certainly much room for reasonable doubt, and it was likely that Corporal Dathien was trying to get some glory for arresting a man who did nothing wrong. However, he tried not to let his feelings for Klue get in the way, and tried to deal with the situation in a down-the-line fashion. The fact remained that niether of the two privates offered a substantial amount of evidence pointing to Klue for the crime, despite their obvious attempts to protect their direct NCO.

With the privates offering little to no helping in resolving the matter, Riconus turned to Corporal Dathien, shaking mildly but for what reason, he did not know. His arms were crossed, with a metal clinging underneath his officer's blazer indicating he wore bracers underneath. The unusually tall elf stared almost straight down at the dwarf, with his icy blue eyes trying to pierce their way through Dathien's mind to find the truth. Finally, Riconus left the decision up to the corporal.

"Alright, Corporal. If you are 100% certain that these actions against Lieutenant Malinconico were necessary, and you have full confidence that he was in that area with the intent to harm, be it through violence against a civilian or collateral damage, then just say so. Malinconico will be confined to his barracks for an indefinate and a full investigation will be launched to discover what truly happened. If the results of that investigation are that the lieutenant did as you say, then I will even grant you a citation for your duties.

However,"

Riconus said, as he moved in closer to the corporal to make his point stand out.

"If the results of that search conclude that you were wrong in implicating the lieutenant for any crimes on this brightening, and that Malinconico was restricted to his quarters for no reason, you will be the one charged instead. I will personally see to it that you are indited for warranting an unlawful arrest against a military officer, and even fraud for baring false evidence which prompted an investigation at the taxpayer's expense. I am not a lawyer, but I can predict that if you are convicted of both counts, your sentence will likely be that of execution.

So, I ask again, Corporal. Are you, or are you not, positive that this man committed a crime?"

[Shaaw]

Corporal Dathien had little shoice in his decision here. What little bravery he had shown in arresting a superior officer in the first place had dwindled down to the point on non-existance. The simple fact was, the dwarf was not the type of person to risk his own life for much of anything that didn't provide huge benefit to himself. Not to mention that the odds were it seemed that Lieutenant Malinconico had the support of both Commander Kaldres, Captain Frostblood, and even his two privates. The chance of him benefiting in any way was almost nonexistant.

"I uhhh... I guess maybe I made a mistake." Dathien admitted, following up with an apology that though required was obviously bitter and insincere. "I appologize for my hastiness Lieutenant, and appologize to both of you Captain Frostblood and Commander Kaldres, for spending your time in such a manor."


Not a moment after he finished, the group heard some commotion from outside the door. A second later, much to the dismay of Riconus' secretary, a young private burst into the room. The skinny young man; barely eighteen patterns old, was panting heavily as a sign that he'd been in quite a hurry. Throwing out a quick but enthusiatic salute he started to hurriedly speak, not even thinking to wait for permission from the Commander.

"Commander, Sir! I... umm... I saw her! The giant! I remembered the Lieutenant's story and when I saw her running on the street, I followed her I did! I know where she is! If we hurry we can catch her, but she's got friends with her... Four of them! A human, two elves, and a gnome I think..."

Obviously Klue had just had his name cleared, and his story proven to be true. Good for Dathien; however, who had only just finished his appology. He'd be looking at some major jailtime if he hadn't fessed up that short moment before.

[Klue Malinconico]

Though Klue was unmoved, his jaw clenched when Dathien finally came clean. He was torn between relief…for he’d admittedly been worried, and wanting to beat the corporal to a bloody pulp for putting him through it. If he was lucky, he could indulge both reactions. Only one of them would have to wait. It would take some convincing, or at least calmer contemplation on his part to come to the conclusion that possibly the dwarf wasn’t a bad sort, but was only over eager to prove himself. That too, later. Still, he guessed he was expected to make some show of accepting the apology. Better he not be expected to be enthusiastic about it though, nor offer smiling platitudes of reconciliation. So he only nodded his acceptance of the apology, a silent sign he was willing to give it a go.

Still, the commander hadn’t spoken to him, so he was quiet, but unable to resist turning to look when the private rushed in. They’d seen the giant? Not surprising really, she was hard to miss unless she’d already managed getting out of town. And a gnome…He wondered…Was it the same gnome he’d come up against not long after coming to Frigid River? The one, w ho along with a dwarf, he’d thwarted in their attempt to rob a warehouse. Thwarted, not by skill but by pure folly he’d have to admit. Still, the bugger had assaulted him with a megaphone,, chased him through the gates while he was at it, and been solely responsible for the young human’s bitter disregard for the whole of gnomedom. He wasn’t about to confess that misadventure, for he hadn’t come out of the business looking very heroic. Foolish, yes. Heroic, no.

Still, if not for the private and those other men, and left to the corporal, the giant and her compatriots would likely have gone undiscovered, and him still under the cloud of suspicion, save the corporal’s confession. It waited the commander’s reaction, of course, but he wouldn’t mind seeing that giant brought down a peg or two, and her accomplices with her.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Once again, Riconus was shrouded by confusion. Who was this giant? Was this the person that truly comitted these crimes like Klue had mentioned earlier? Rubbing his eyes with his index finger and thumb, he returned to his desk to see which units were on duty for the brightening, and to decide who could be given the task of finding this giant. He didn't much admire the barging in of the soldier, who was somehow successful in penetrating the wall that was his two able guardsmen at the front. Nevertheless, upon receiving word that this giant, who he presumed was the true perpetrator, he quickly picked the two closest squadrons on duty to deal with the situation. Upon Captain Frostblood returning to the room with fresh clothes and a box of complete PMR barding that Klue could use until he retrieved his own, Laandrack was given further orders by Riconus.

"Captain, I have another job for you, it seems. This young private claims that he knows the location of the giant, along with her small gang of four or five. I would like you to take command of Bravo and Foxtrot squadrons from 2nd Company, and follow this private to their location. Lieutenant Malinconico, suit up immediately, as you will act as the Captain's XO for the raid.

20 soldiers should be enough, but in case more of these hoodlums come out of the woodwork, I'll place Delta squadron in reserve for you to call if necessary. Corporal Dathien, you and your subordinates are dismissed; You may return to you previous duties. Captain Frostblood, you may follow the private to the giant's location.

And Lieutenant Malinconico... you are to report back here for debriefing when your current objective is completed. That is all."

[Shaaw]

On command, both Dathien and the two privates left the room. They left their fellow nco with the officers and it was obvious he was about to get some recognition in for a job well done... Even if his entry was a little unconventional. Regardless it was now time to spring into action and see about finishing this entire incident in a pleasant mannor; that being the arrest of the female giant. Stepping foreward; only now aware of exactly what the situation entailed, but also mildly excited, the young private spoke.

"Uhh, yessir...s!" the young man snapped off a quick and proper yet inexperienced salute still a little unsure as to which of the three men he should 'aim' his salute at, "So I should... uhhh... go get my stuff? I'll wait for you guys downstairs?" Obvious that indeed it was a question far more than a statement.

ooc: ok, I'm going to assume that you'll control Captain Frostblood; Riconus? I'll make a new thread soon for the rest of this, dun wanna clog up your office afterall =)