[Office of the Vicegerent] Wherein Andares meets du'Galle (Malkaer: Private)

[Nell L'Evienne]

TS: Brightening 7, Aperitus, Spring, XIII

The Office of the Imperial Vicegerent was an unusually shaped room, dodecagonal in shape. Set on the second floor of the Imperial Palace and some distance from the Throne room, it backed out onto the gardens with an overlooking balcony. The interior was clad with marble, creamy white with veins of deep pink running through the smooth surface, covering the twelve walls and extending into a vaulted ceiling, the joints of the arches radiating out from a central point from which hung a chandelier. Long, red velvet drapes framed the windows set into three of the walls to create a wide alcove of concentrated sunlight during the brightening. On the wall opposite the window alcove was a large marble fireplace, with logs ready for use piled in a small cast iron stack. Additionally a large round rug from Arakmat covered the centre of the room and reached out to finish its circumference a foot from the walls. A wide desk was placed in the window alcove with various chairs designed for comfort during long hours of use nearby, low cabinets and shelves were placed against the walls and all made from the same red-brown wood.

Oil lamps were set where most convenient, for although there was the chandelier, it was rarely used and its candles remained whole and pure. The paraphernalia of offices was also present, although most folders of parchment and documents were stored away out of immediate sight. Four of the walls were occupied with oil portraits which hung from a dado rail above the cabinets, including one of the Regent in casual pose, leaning against a tree with his unmistakeable smile quirked on his lips. The other three were of a woman and two men, each handsome in feature and holding a certain nobility in their gaze. A final oil painting adorned a fifth wall showing a winter landscape of the Sherian countryside.

Two doors led off from the office; one to small quarters for the occupier to use if required; the other to the reception that was manned by a young secretary of Taralon extract, one Oscar Lustig, with blonde hair lying flat to his head, and a pleasant countenance only marred by a large mole on his cheek. Here he worked at a functional desk, with a sofa to one side for anyone who might have to wait, and a side table that contained a vase of flowers, freshly cut from the Imperial gardens each brightening.

On the morning of Srennia in the first cycle of Aperitus, the suns’ rays were streaming through the windows, casting a warmth over these offices. Nell was occupied in checking the Articles of Imperium, in particular those Articles which had been superseded by the arrangements for Government that had come into use with the reign of Arabella. She sat at her desk, dressed in a blue linen gown of simple lines and full skirts, her long, dark hair gently pulled back into a loose chignon exposing her slender neck adorned with a silver chain along which five subtle sapphires were linked. The chill of the long winter was evidenced in her pale complexion, a perfect setting for her dark brown eyes and deep pink lips. No other jewellery was present save for her wedding band and the diamond engagement ring which glittered as she made notes, the fingers of her right had slightly besmirched with dark blue ink.

OOC: You may assume that you’re expected and that Oscar shows you in.

[Malkaer Andares]

Even though he was the Lieutenant Governor of a province of the realm as well as a member of a well-known family Malkaer was pleasantly surprised about the swiftness with which his letter was answered and the following audience was arranged. In the early morning of Srennia he rose to bath and dress himself properly in preparation of the meeting. Eventually the esh’lahier settled on a long, silk robe with an off-white colour as base though it was difficult to discern as the complete garment was decorated with intricate patterns of pure silver. It was not for naught he was nicked the ‘silver elf’ at the provincial court at Mystique. An Enamorian Black hawk was weaved into the robe over the left breast. Underneath it were three purple stars. Arguably he was wearing his finest piece of clothing, as was to be expected for a meeting with the most powerful woman in the Empire. His hand (and skeleton claw) was covered by thin white gloves. Golden spurs attached to his boots signified his noble status, which was a must even when faithful Marnair was eating fodder in the stables in Mystique at this very moment.

In this spectacular outfit Malkaer approached the Imperial Palace, flanked by his trusted advisor and a bodyguard. They were not allowed inside the complex, as was another good friend: his sword. But rules were rules and these rules even applied to him. During a long tour through the grand palace, guided by two knights of the Black Rose, the esh’lahier was delivered to the care of Oscar Lustig. The blonde secretary quickly affirmed his identity and disappeared shortly inside the office to alert Nell of the Lieutenant Governor’s arrival.

Throughout his short political career Malkaer had built up experience in dealing with women of high status. As a result he was not very nervous, but his heart filled with some anxiety when Oscar returned and held the door open to allow the esh’lahier in. Malkaer did a few strides inside the office and bowed deeply before the Vice-Regent of the Aelyrian Empire, remaining in that precarious position until Nell chose to relieve him.

[Nell L'Evienne]

Nell was hastily trying to rub the ink off her fingers between Oscar leaving and the doors being opened once more to show in Malkaer. The damn stuff seemed to be a constant stain on her right hand, fading under the scrub of hot water and soap only to be replaced the following brightening. However she ceased her efforts as Malkaer entered the room and rose from her chair to receive the lieutenant Governor of Lauryl, coming around to greet him face to face and allowing the tall elf to make his bow according to etiquette. Nell then held out her hand in welcome.

“Serale, Your Excellency,” she said in a quiet, low tone effused with warmth. “It is an honour to make the acquaintance of one of the House of Andares, alongside a loyal servant of the Empire. Please come sit.” Nell gestured towards the leather-clad chairs in front of her desk. ”I hope your journey from Lauryl wasn’t too tiring. Have you been in the capital for long?” Settling herself in one of the chairs, Nell looked at Malkaer with thoughtful eyes, politely smiling. She wondered if he would be similar to dear Moranor, an elf who had struck her as one of a dying breed in relation to his adherence to gentility and manners, but one, all the same, she had respected and liked greatly. It seemed a long time since she had seen him last though, the occasion of his pracenda in Medonia feeling like it was eras past.

[Malkaer Andares]

The esh’lahier rose from his bow, his grey blue orbs taking in the countenance of the Vicegerent for the first time. If Nell had missed it before, the long vertical scar over his left eye was now clear to see. She was human, were the first things he noted. Uncommonly young, even for that short lived race. ”Serale, Your Most Imperial Excellency.” He nodded once more and took a look around the Pink Room, invariably drawn to the portraits on the wall. Malkaer recognized the Regent from the wine tasting event in Mystique. The others were no doubt of House du’Galle.

His gaze settled on the Vicegerent again, incidentally also the Regent’s wife. He wondered when they would have to call them Majesty. ”The honour is all mine.” The phrase so often voiced sounded surprisingly genuine. Malkaer strode through the office and seated himself on the other side of the desk. He folded his gloved hands, showing two rings worn on the ring finger of each hand: a silver one of House Andares, the other of gold, bearing the seal of the Provincial Government of Lauryl.

”The journey is a necessary evil, but I fear the pile of paperwork when I get back more than I do saddle sores.” He remarked with a polite smile, not failing to miss the ink stains on Nell’s hand as she held it out. ”A mere two brightenings, which is not even enough to get a grip of the Imperial Forum I’m afraid. This is my first visit to Prime.” His voice was dubious; he had yet to make up his mind on this exceedingly large metro pole.

[Hsin]

Edit: Sorry, mispost. ><

[Nell L'Evienne]

“Well, I hope it is a fruitful and pleasant visit, Lord Andares,” Nell replied as she settled into the chair beside the Lieutenant Governor. “The capital is not to everyone’s taste, its sheer size and number of inhabitants can be overpowering at times, but there is much to see and absorb. I hope your business here allows you some time to venture beyond the Imperial city and into Prime proper. May I enquire what brings you to Aelyria Prime, Your Excellency?”

As she finished speaking there was a knock at the door and after Nell had called out a clear “enter”, it opened to reveal a maid of the Palace bearing a silver tray on which was freshly brewed tea in a tall pot and the various accompanying pieces of crockery and spoons. With the refreshments poured, during which Nell sat in comfortable silence, the maid departed as discreetly as she had arrived. During that short time, Nell had the opportunity to regard Malkaer more closely, noting his fine clothing and the various accessories. Dressed to impress, she thought, a politician surely, although the scar indicated perhaps some time with the military – or else just the result of an unfortunate encounter.

“I’m sorry,” Nell murmured to excuse the time taken with the delivery of the tea. “So, yes, Lord Andares, what brings you all the way from Lauryl to grace the capital with your presence?”

[Malkaer Andares]

It was certain that he had not ‘fallen in love’ with Prime as might happen to others whom stepped through the large gates of the majestic capital. But perhaps Aelyria Prime was like good wine, in that one would appreciate it after one had developed a better taste for it. Malkaer could only hope so, but if Prime turned out to be anything resembling the stubborn Sherian wines he could strengthen himself with the thought that his stay would only be temporary.

He was about to answer Nell’s question as they were interrupted. Once in private again he took up the word. ”Mostly to ensure that the interests of Lauryl are properly safeguarded. To communicate in person the latest happenings in the province to our Senator that might influence his diplomatic stance and visa versa.” With the current senator that would be more difficult than the Lieutenant Governor initially thought it would be. ”I am also here to visit old acquaintances; and perhaps to make new ones.” Knowing his place Malkaer did not speak on, leaving it up to Nell to decide the course of the conversation.

[Nell L'Evienne]

Nell smiled pleasantly at the elf in her office as he explained his reasons for coming to the capital. “It’s always good to hear that province and senator are keeping in close communication,” she commented, and then with a wry smile, glanced at Malkaer with a slightly raised eyebrow. “Although I’ve gathered from reading the Herald that you’ve been less than impressed with the Imperial Government’s communication with the Provincial Government in Lauryl? You will probably find that any new acquaintances you make here will already be aware of your name as a result.” It was a reference to the articles in the Herald in the previous month, although not touching on the specific subject matter. There was no intention in Nell’s mind to go over the issues that Malkaer and Ogabe had chosen to debate in the public eye, yet she felt some acknowledgement to the matter was needed and decided to test the water with her question. Picking up her cup of tea, she sipped the hot liquid and then held saucer and cup in hand as she relaxed back into her seat, the very picture of calm repose.

[Malkaer Andares]

While the smiles offered by the Vicegerent might invite to loosening of the mood the esh’lahier’s face remained straight for now. The question that came was expected. His criticism and loudly trumpeted voyage to Prime would have passed only the busiest clerks.

"I am." The esh’lahier nodded and took a sip of his tea, giving him time to formulate his answer to precision. "I do not presume that all decisions and reports made by Ministers should be send in twofold to the Provincial Governments, but I do feel that the Provinces should be made of aware of major projects that occur within their borders before preparations are in such an advanced state. Even our Senator misses some matters, and through the long channel of communication information is distorted or lost."

"Also, Her Imperial Excellency, Consul Lothain Kaldres has not graced our capital for some time, closing another channel of communication between the Imperial and provincial capitals."

Malkaer put down his cup. He smiled modestly at the mention of his name, before returning to his plain expression. "I surely hope it is not mentioned with bad connotations." Though he did not feel in the defense as such, a clarification on his herald contributions might be in order. "Any criticism I voiced was aimed at policies implemented by a Ministry and its Minister, not at his Imperial Excellency personally."

[Nell L'Evienne]

“Well, if the Imperial Judicator did take personal offense, that would be for him to voice,” Nell replied quietly, and with a curious look at the elf. She really couldn't imagine that his decision to publically debate matters would be well perceived by others within the Government unless they had a particular dislike of Ogabe K'tinga. It had been a bold political move of the lieutenant Governor and he either wanted to make a name for himself, or perhaps thought that the Imperial Government would be deaf to any direct correspondence. Still it was not for her to air such assumptions. Malkaer would find out for himself how his decision to use the Herald as a debating ground was taken. After all, wasn't she herself, speaking to him quite happily.

“I cannot speak for how others will receive you. But your point at communication is taken, Your Excellency. The Regent and I recognize that Government cannot function efficiently without clear communication between relevant parties and are hoping to work towards a system which will bring Governors and Regent into direct contact to avoid such issues in the future. And without the need for recourse to a public debate unless one party feels that the situation is being … ignored? There is no wish to stifle the airing of public opinion, naturally, but misunderstandings can often be cleared up with the exchange of a few frank letters. Especially when the subject matter is of a nature that could be deemed sensitive. If we try and remember that we are all on the same side, and all working for the common good …”

She paused and for a moment her gaze was fixed on the middle distance between the pair, as she thought of the Old Guard that the Imperial Chronicler had mentioned, those with past history within the Imperial Government, whose feathers were ruffled at the influx of new blood and whose egos were consequently bruised. Gods preserve us from those with a personal axe to grind, she thought, merely glad that for now they had remained silent and in the shadows.

“Well, anyway,” Nell resumed, finding her smile once more. “You wished to speak with me about the upcoming Senate meeting and other matters, I believe? I’m delighted that your Senator will be joining the Committee to discuss the proposals tomorrow. The more input at this stage will hopefully mean that any obvious objections are made now along with suggestions that the Regent and myself might have overlooked, so that come the Senate meeting everything goes smoothly.” Her smile brightened, looking forward to the next brightening when the committee would meet.

[Malkaer Andares]

Sadly Ogabe had not taken Malkaer up on his public invitation to sort the matter out under the pleasure of a drink or meal. Apparently the minister had no desire to ‘stoop’ to his level. Or perhaps his Exalted Excellency feared the confrontation? The Lieutenant Governor had a good idea of the implications of his actions prior to initiating them. The matter was not over yet, but the first reactions had been as expected. As of yet the balance was in his favor and he did not regret his actions.

“We are all on the same side yes, but we are not all in the same place. Everyone involved in a government has duties that differ from other officials. It is my duty to govern Lauryl; it is a Minister’s duty to oversee his or her mandate. Given this difference, it is logical that sometimes these duties will run alongside and at other times they will collide. This is not a bad thing though; it ensures that every level of government functions at the highest level of efficiency.”

Malkaer wondered how the Vicegerent would take his philosophy on government. He knew he was potentially taking a risk, thus the esh’lahier spoke very humbly. “The upcoming Senate meeting, yes. To put it simply, I am rather curious to what changes are planned.” He smiled pleasantly.

[Nell L'Evienne]

Nell nodded her head in apparent agreement with Malkaer’s words. Indeed there was nothing to fault over what he’d said with regard to the working of government, but she only hoped that the point made about the choice of stage on which to debate matters when such collisions occurred was taken. But when it came down to it, Malkaer was the Lieutenant of Governor Klen-Ais and if that lady was happy to have such public methods used to make points which might otherwise be cleared up by letters, then any eventual consequences if it continued would reflect on her. Malkaer was her Lieutenant to rebuke – and not Nell’s.

She was content to move on and her eyes twinkled at the Esh’lahier’s open curiosity. “Ah, well, if you’ll forgive a moment of pedantry, no changes are planned at this stage. Merely proposed. Changes will only come with the Senate’s approval. But, we are looking to clarify the government structure that was introduced by Empress de Lylles. It’s rather lacking in some areas which has created past confusion of role and mandate. Asides from that, a few small changes, for example the desire to strengthen the channels of communication between Emperor and Governor and to clarify the role of the Imperial Consuls.”

“And although we will be starting from the position of considering the proposals which have come from the Regent, he is keen for this to be seen as a opportunity for senators to voice changes which their respective Governors would think appropriate and to add these to the final proposal that will be put to Senate. I’ve no doubt that your Senator will bring up any suggestion from Lauryl at the meeting, but perhaps you would like to take the opportunity now to share some thoughts on the current way that the government is organized?”

The tea cup was placed to one side as Nell asked her question, her head inclined towards Malkaer and genuine interest in what he may have to say resting in her dark eyes. As far as she was concerned, the more opinions expressed and heard at this moment in time the better – and it was not often that she would get the chance to speak face to face with one who was at the forefront of a provincial government. After all, whilst it was only just over five months since she was a Governor herself, she’d hadn’t had the experience of being a Governor under her husband’s rule.

[Malkaer Andares]

Planned, proposed; Malkaer did not think the Regent would allow his prestige to tumble by having his proposals refused by the Senate. If he could not enforce his will over the Senate he might as well pack up and go back to Sherian right away. Whatever would be proposed would be accepted eventually, but what mattered was the cost the Regent was willing to pay.

”I believe there is one change to the Council of the Crown already effectuated, without the Senate’s approval.” He looked around the Pink room before settling his blue grey eyes on his hostess once more. The esh’lahier did not speak out the underlying question, preferring to find out how perceptive Nell was.

Malkaer had great doubts that his Senator would propose anything useful, given the man’s stubbornness to accept any suggestion his little mind was not capable of thinking up. The Lieutenant Governor would have the man replaced as soon as he got back in Mystique. So in a way this was Lauryl’s only chance to voice its concerns and receive compensation for its loyalty.

”There is nothing amiss with the theoretical workings of the Imperial government structure as described by her Majesty. Unfortunately practice tends to lay a world apart from theory. Lauryl has two concerns on theoretic level and a few more on practical level. For one there are too many Ministers Maiestas, leading to bureaucratic inefficiency. Secondly the Mandates of the Ministers Maiestas are not clearly defined, leading to abuse of power.” Malkaer waited for the Vicegerent to comment, otherwise he would continue with the practical concerns.

[Nell L'Evienne]

“Indeed, there have been several changes made to the new government system, almost from the moment it was introduced,” Nell said, smiling slightly at the reference to the newly created position which she now occupied. “And those changes have been made, as you note, without senate approval. I suppose one could call it the teething problems of a new system, but the Regent is determined that the Senate is used and consulted as it should be henceforth, and not ignored as it was prior to his term in office. The position of Lady Imperial Vicegerent, for example, will be part of the proposed changes as a retrospective addition to the Court of the Crown.”

She nodded at the observation of the distance between a theory of government and the actual practice, yet tilted her head at the suggestion that there were too many ministers holding the power of maiestas. Compared to the past workings of Government, there were considerably fewer, however the problem of ill-defined mandates was one she agreed with.

“The problem of poorly defined mandates has been recognised and will be addressed,” Nell replied, “but I’m intrigued by your comment on too many Ministers Maiestas. If you would elucidate, Your Excellency, as to how this has been a concern of Lauryl with regards to too much bureaucracy?”

[Malkaer Andares]

“That is an admirable stance of his Imperial Excellency.” The esh’lahier commented and wondered what the Regent needed the Senate for, which was essentially a brake on his power. “What if the Senate refuses to acknowledge this preliminary change?” He asked innocently.

The Lieutenant Governor made a bold statement, now he had to defend it. “The number of Minister Maiestas is a problem because each Ministry attempts to force its policies on the provinces. Some Imperial service is created to do a task which is long covered by the Provincial institutions, forced through the Maiestas of the Ministers.

In one case that is helpful; the Imperial Legions ensure a measure safety that would be difficult to equal by the provinces independently and in this case more is better. The Treasury works efficient in that it leaves the actual collection of taxes to the Provincial Governments and for the rest sees to the transportation of these funds and to the status of the coin. I have a concern in the way the height of the Imperial Levy is determined but the system itself is well enough.

The Prefecturor is a good example of a Ministry that attempts to usurp Provincial authorities by implementing its own institutions in the provinces. This leads to two institutions carrying out the same duties, and thus to inefficiency. If the Minister of this Department lost Maiestas the Provinces would be better protected and the interest of every party better served.

The Chancellery is truly a department that does not require a Minister with Maiestas. The highest diplomatic treaties will always have to be signed by the Emperor or Regent and for treaties of less importance Maiestas is not required. Neither does the oversight of land usage.

Frankly I fail to see the reason why the Lord Imperial Magus should have Maiestas. Admittedly the whole problem is closely entwined with that of the mandates. If the mandates are more defining that would also work.” It was quite a speech against centralization and Malkaer hoped he had managed to make some sense. With a sip of tea he oiled his dry throat to defend the possible storm that would come.