[Thanal Manor] – Discussing the Future

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Timestamp: 30th of Aperitus, Spring

Raliric, and his entourage of knights, approached the guards at the gates to the Thanal Manor. ”Serale.” He inclined his head. ”I am here to speak with the Lord Thane, my name is Sir Raliric Ered`Gard.” He produced his visa, writ of nobility, and the writ of Lieutenant Governorship, for the guards to see. It was obvious that he did not wish to announce himself as Lieutenant Governor at this stage, he wished for the government to be a few steps ahead of the people before the announcement came, and even then it would not be anything large.

Once allowed entry he moved inside, informing his knights to stay in the courtyard whilst he went inside. Upon entering he asked to see Keldon and that he would like to do it in a more casual meeting place than the man’s office, thus he suggested one of the lounging rooms. It was there that Raliric sat and waited for the Thane to meet him.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Raliric was shown to a small private library that was becoming filled with various novels, texts and various other documents that intrigued Keldon. Provincial History, Political theory, Military Operations, Fantasy Novels, it was all here in a massive arrange of writing. Many of the books were not yet organized and despite the efforts of the manors staff sat on the edges of the book shelves, several on the table beside Raliric were the political theory and centripax history novels.

Keldon was someplace in the rear of the Thanal Manor along the guards walls taking a brief walk, and would of been out there several more candlemarks if it was not for someone coming to tell him Raliric was in the estate waiting for him. Following the hallways and various routes Keldon found himself to the Libriary where he greeted Raliric with a smile and a nod. "Serale Raliric, so what brings you to my home this darkening?"

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric, when represented with a library, could not help himself, he roamed the room, reading the titles of the books and for some that interested him he even read the first page or two. It was like this that Keldon found him, standing next to one of the bookcases with an open book in his hand turned to the first page. Raliric obviously heard the elf enter, though he did not acknowledge it until the Thane spoke to him. When Keldon did Raliric turned and gave the man a smile and a nod before closing the book and returning it to its place on the shelf.

”Serale Keldon! I’m sorry if my visit interrupted something; I came by to give you some news and shouldn’t be here for long at all.” He unclipped the fastener for his cloak and after folding it crudely draped it over the back of a chair, revealing his consulate uniform to the elf in its entirety. He looked at Keldon and decided it would be best just to tell the man straight up and see what reaction he got. ”I have been made Acting Lieutenant Governor for Centripax. I received the missive this brightening and will assume the duties of the office on the morrow.” And that was all he said for the moment, wanting to gauge Keldon’s reaction before moving onto what matters Keldon and he had need to discuss.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

A wide smile took over Keldon's face, and a brief nod of his head. "Congratulations, Lady Sharinya could of not selected another person more suited for the position at the moment." Keldon said while starting to move for a seat. "There are some delicate times ahead of the city, and province. Perhaps the Empire, and someone who has known the people in office... even if only Acting in Lady Nia'mnyth's absence." It was not known to Keldon yet that his friend was appointed by the Consul and not the Governor of the Province, which would soon be corrected.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

”As you may already know, Lady Sharinya is current disposed with other matters of urgency and thus hasn’t been able to perform certain duties, thus it fell to the Lord Consul Palacrisis D Jones to make the appointment; hence the reason why I bare an Acting Lieutenant Governorship. Once the Lady Governor resumes her duties I will present myself to her to ask for her blessing on the Lieutenant Governorship, though I intend only to remain in the position for temporary period in which it set the province to rights as best I can.” He smiled and nodded before continuing.

”And as you said, whom better to do so than one who has served the province for patterns and knows those whom have been in the provincial offices before him?” He cleared his throat and moved onto a more important subject. ”Now, when last we spoke you had plans to bolster the Guard of Primus’ ranks and wished for the Phoenix Legion to remove their hold of the Hidden City, correct? Well, now that I am in a suitable position to assist in this matter, we should discuss it further. I have my own plans for the Phoenix Legions which have been in the mix since I was Provincial Commander. However in order to affect those plans I will need to discuss with you how to make Primus safe if those extra men are gone. I would think the easiest way is to transfer Legionaries into the Guard of Primus to bolster their ranks. Not to mention it would add professionally trained soldiers who have already served in the Guard before, back into the mix. What are your thoughts and ideas? Any if you have any other concerns please don’t hesitate to bring them up.”

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon nodded his head briefly "I am sorry to hear that she is occupied with other subjects. I would of seen her to be someone who would inform myself, and the rest of her government of her extended absence. But then again I suppose this is the political life, and game I chose for myself." He said with a smile and shrugged briefly. "I think your appointment will be welcomed, however I think it could also be placed under scrutiny from some as a overstep of the Governors authority, and perhaps could cause some to bestow less faith into Sharinya. However that is something that perhaps will have to be dealt with in the future if need be." Nodding his head once more he began to speak once again not allowing Raliric to interlude if he wished.

As he spoke he nodded briefly, "Yes I would like to see the city of Primus Gaudeo come under the control of just that. Primus Gaudeo, along with perhaps the Concordia Incola. I think it could be viewed well if it was protected by the city, as if entrusting the protection of Primus Gaudeo, however something else comes to mind, perhaps joint guardianship of not only the guards of Primus Gaudeo but the other cities in the province. Politically it would be seen as a move that would help unite the province, each city offering it's part in the protection of the province, by protecting the provincial officials." Keldon crossed his legs and picked up a book about the history of the province. "Centripax stands for the Center of Peace. However peace needs protection, and the province coming together to ensure that peace, would make yourself look rather well in the political eyes of the province, it was something I had in mind to discuss with her Excellency. But alas, the boast in the guards would be extreamly welcoming, however another question comes into play. The fact of the cities budget is mainly based off a mixed financial records of both the province and the city. As they both come from the same pools, the city is perhaps the capital of the province, but since most of the funds go towards the province... well. In short the city is rather broke, more or less running drastically close to the line of fiscal balance. If the boost was to happen, the city would require more finances from the province to accommodate such a increase in pay, and the changes in the way the budget is handled would need to take effect, making the city independent in its own right." Keldon finished, he had debated noting that recently he had decided to waver the payment the city made to himself and work in the position for free, he did not think it was notable to mention at this specific time.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric nodded, ”I agree, many may believe I have overstepped the Governors authority; that is if they are aware I was not appointed by her. My job here is not to effect changes and instate new policy in order to bolster my career and reputation. I’ll be doing all of this to set the province to rights and ensure Centripax is in good hands. I will be proclaiming most of what I do to be at the will of the Government and allow the masses to take from that what they will. If something goes badly they will blame me and if something goes well they will hail the Governor and her staff. I keep no glory for myself in this.” He drew a hand up and through his long hair, pushing it back behind his shoulders, cursing the day he had lost his braided leather cord which he used to tie it back with. He would need to get another one if he was to be a political figure in the future; one of the many things he would need to do.

”That is a brilliant idea that I will definitely look into. It would indeed give the Concordia Incola a better feel of provincial unity. We could even re-instate the consulates. Primus Gaudeo used to have a consulate from each city in the Concordia Incola, however I believe these were turned into the Concordian Offices. Perhaps we would not necessarily need Consulates in this city, but we could instate a Primus Consulate in the other cities of the province, promoting provincial unity that way also.” He moved to the topic of the bolstering of the guard.

”That is not a problem, as we transfer staff from the Phoenix Legion we will transfer funds; essentially it will be a change of duties and uniform. The funding will, if anything, be decreased. Though I am unsure about the willingness of some Legionaries to accept a pay cut, I suppose its either a pay cut or the loss of their job… I know which I would choose.” He sighed, he did not wish to bring ill to those whom served in the Phoenix Legions, he was attached to them; he thought of them as his own men after the time he had spent as their commander.

”The financial situation I am also looking into. Palacrisis would like a report regarding it and I said I would have it a cycle after my reply letter. I do not believe that will be likely however better late than never… What have you discovered about the financial state of the province apart from the fact they seem to be coupled with that of the city?”

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon thought briefly "From the inquires I have made and responses from various offices in the Incola much of the provinces budget is in limbo. Sadly there was a large portion of funding that was allocated from Zerd but was never transfered. As to why I would have absolutely no idea to be honest, however it does raise some concern and as the Capital city I have been looking into a possibility of donating resources and supply's to the city instead of financial aid, as at present I have no money to spare."

"I think perhaps the idea of Primus Gaudeo taking a upper level role in the provincial affairs at first would be the best step forward. If we gain the Thanes permission of the main cities in the province to establish consulates there then we can prove to them that the Government is united and still wishes to help. In the end they have the option to establish there own consulate here within Primus Gaudeo making it not necessary to establish one in there cities other then a formal contact point. It will be upto the leaders of each city to decide, as if there faith in Primus and the Province dwindles it would likely be best for us to come to them and reassure there faith."

Nodding his head he sighed briefly. "I know hose close the military of this province is to you my friend, those of Paxia were also close to me and I did not wish to leave there sides after the war subsided. However situations changed, orders are given and here we stand today. Your now in a position where friendship takes different strides, as I have no doubt we will clash on things and your position will merit I step aside on specific topics. However I believe they would rather serve in a protecting force within the Province or its Capital then lose there job entirely, and with the absence of a large portion of the provincial military the barracks stationed around the city could be given to the guard, and many of the troops could stay in housing that they considered home, which could ease the transition."

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

”From last reports Zerdargia is making do, they have managed a great deal without the assistance of the province and that will cost us in public relations; however it is no longer a matter that can be remedied with sending resources and supplies. Sharinya and I will look into ways to assist the people and government of Zerdargia. So that leaves a fund of crowns which has been set aside for Zerdargia which can be used in a different way. We’ll have to see exactly where we can use it when I receive a report from the Exchequer’s office. Until then we’ll make do with what we have.” He moved onto the next topic, which would find as definite an ending as the last did.

”As to whether Primus Gaudeo should take an upper level role in provincial affairs I would have to say that that is the last thing we should do. Primus Gaudeo may well be the Captial City of Centripax however it has very bad relations with the other cities of the province; except for Natura. Riparia, Midpoint and Zerdargia each have their own reasons to fight Primus on every political front. The consulate idea is a good one and will be investigated; Midpoint used to have a consulate in the Incola however I believe with the destruction of the Complex it was not rebuilt because of the hostilities between Primus Gaudeo and the Alyssans. No, I think that our best cause of action is to effectively sever the tie between Primus Gaudeo government and provincial government. Create two separate entities so that if the need arose the provincial government could move to any city within the province.” He knew that this would not be accepted very well from Keldon however it was the smartest way to do things given their options.

”This would allow your idea of the consulates and the united guard forces of province to be brought into being and still remain separate from Primus Gaudeo. This way the relations between Primus and the other cities can be fostered without favouritism added to the equation. It is obvious to us that no favouritism is occurring at present however to the rest of the province that is not so obvious.” He paused bringing a hand up to stroke his chin and give his jaw a scratch whilst he thought on what he had said and what still needed to be said.

”As for the Phoenix Pavilion no longer being as full when the Legions move out, it is entirely acceptable that the guard could move some of their new troops into the facilities. Were you aware that the Phoenix Pavilion used to be the original Barrack’s portion of the city for the Guard of Primus? Though back then it was a massive force.” He waved the small history lesson aside and continued with what he had been saying. ”That should not cause many problems at all, though bear in mind that we also have ten thousand Imperial Legionaries crammed into the Phoenix Pavilion facilities at present. They were never stationed in Primus Gaudeo before and thus the city never had need to house so large a portion of the Imperial Guard. So effectively you will have three completely separate forces living in quite a small area. It merits more discussion, once more is known and the finances have been reported.” His original question regarding what Keldon’s ideas were had been directed more toward the topic they had been discussing then, not the provincial talk he was receiving from the Thane. He did not refuse the elf’s enthusiasm and want to help, though he would gloss over such talk until he had firmly set himself into his new position and could make the decisions he would need to. He would not be another Alicia Gil’dae…

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon nodded. "I am still going to see if the city of Primus Gaudeo can offer assistance, if anything I will extend the offer just to be able to say we did if things go south in relations even more. It is a political move that in the long run I can not afford not to make," He said with smile moving onto the next topic.

"The point you make is valid and understandable, although to separate both governments will not happen right away and will be a rather lengthy process that will in terms of completion carry over into the summer, and perhaps beyond as both governments are tied together rather tightly." Keldon quirked his brow at the last statement however. "Although I would be cautious to who you mention the remote suggestion to move the provincial capital. No province will be able to brace every city for a move like that, and doing so, or remotely mentioning the possibility... even if vague could send a city or province into political and financial chaos. At present there is not a single city in the province who is capable, or remotely capable of holding such a government within it."

"The task of the guard and legion will need to be addressed when it comes to pass, we both have a general idea of what needs to be done. But on the notion of size brings me to another point, after sometime and consideration along with looking over the books. I have decided to move a large portion of the refugees that Primus Gaudeo currently offers protection to, and relocate them to your newly established city in small portions. This will slowly increase your population without having a over flow at one time. After all I don't want to overwhelm you or your men. I would also suggest a small detachment of Primus Guards be sent to train your men how to act as guards. Because with all due respect your men are seasoned troops, however the ability to effectively guard as city guards is awhile other matter together." He nodded. "However forgive me for being blunt, but that is the consensus that has come from my staff while mentioning your troops coming here to assist us."

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric nodded, conceding that he had offered advice on the matter of relations and Keldon was going to continue on as he had planned. Raliric would not be the one to stop the fellow, at least not at the outset. Perhaps when things turned south Raliric would be forced into action and reigning in the Thanes of the province. ”You forget Keldon that I have served this province for a great deal longer than you. Centripax I have considered to be my home, as well as my ancestral home. I know far too well to have said such things and considered such thoughts without due process as to their success and the time it would take.” He paused, raising a brow at Keldon to see if the words had sparked any anger in the hot headed elf.

”The government has already started in its transformation. Your appointment as Thane has already taken that burden from the shoulders of the Lieutenant Governor and Governor, thus allowing them to focus their efforts upon the province. It is true that it is rather tied together, however that is easily fixed in a physical means with simply relocating the Local Government Offices out of the Concordia Incola Complex, which has always been for the Provincial Government. The Concordia Incola would then become exclusively property of the province and no longer fall under the jurisdiction of Primus Gaudeo.” He knew that restricting Keldon’s power in that regard would cause some trouble. ”It will, I agree, take some time to complete the plans and then initiate the final stages of the separation; however that should not take Sharinya and I longer than a season in consultation with the rest of the Provincial Government.” This brought him to the topic of the location of the provincial capital, and it was obvious that Keldon lacked the knowledge in this area.

”It is understandable that you would see the provincial capital as such, however in reality the provincial capital has in the past been capable of moving to other cities in the province. I believe, for instance, that Zerdargia was to be the new site of the Provincial Government, however the attack by the undead caused those plans to be temporarily set to one side. Though I am sure the dwarves have not given up the thoughts of bringing those plans into fruition now that Zerdargia is back to a semblance of its former glory. I think that you overestimate exactly what the provincial government is, Keldon. The provincial Government is not the offices; it is the people that fill the positions. It is not the location but those who are located there. If Sharinya and I traveled to Zerdargia and spent a month there, then Zerdargia would for that period be the center of the provinces government. Thus it is not the Provincial Capital that makes the provinces government.” He continued through with Keldon’s line and went to the matter of Siona and the refugees.

”You’d actually be quite surprised as to the number of refugees currently in Primus Gaudeo. That will be apparent once inquires have been made. Suffice to say that Siona is simply open to the public and anyone interested in populating it. I will be briefing the Governor on the situation so that she can endorse any plans for Siona’s expansion and population. So it would be good if you could hold off on those plans for the present.” He smiled, he did after all have to fund the city from his own pocket and that was not a very appealing prospect if the population flocculated dramatically with the addition of refugees. He then moved onto the topic of his men and what Keldon thought of them. His tone remained calm and even pleasant and he spoke, though it actually irritated him that the elf was making such assumptions based on no knowledge of the knights at all.

”With respect Keldon, the Knights are more capable of guarding that city than your own Guards. You know little to nothing of their history, whereas I have lived, breathed and nurtured it. The Knights will be more than adequate guardsmen for the town of Siona. I am going to take your words to mean that you no longer wish for the Knights to assist your guardsmen with their training; which is probably for the best given the plans to increase your guard numbers from seasoned Phoenixes. You’ll be able to utilize them with training programs.” He cleared his throat, brought a hand to his cover his mouth with a fist as he coughed into it, then he smiled again and brought his pure black, cavernous orbs to focus upon Keldon’s eyes. Keldon knew naught of the Knights, nor had he apparently absorbed the information that the Phoenix Legions used to be Guards of Primus, and before then had been Holy Warriors of the many churches within Primus. The Knights were actually quite well trained, most of them having been recruited from the Tirisfal Security Force which Raliric had been Lieutenant of at once point before being made Prefect. Before that most of them had served for patterns in various militaries and militias (both full time and part) throughout the empire. Not to mention the fact that one hundred Legionaries had quit their jobs and joined the Knights before Raliric was removed from office as Provincial Commander. But then again, Keldon knew nothing of this and thus Raliric could not get angry at his friend for not having faith.

”I believe that you should turn your attentions to the matter of religion in your city as well Keldon. It is my belief,” when it was actually his firm and complete knowledge, ”that you have less than twenty priests currently seeing to the religious needs of your entire city. A matter you’ll need to chase up with the priests and with the Church of Faith.” As he was finishing the sentence he stood and picked up his cloak.

”I think that we have made some real progress here this brightening Keldon and I look forward to our next chat. If there is nothing you had your mind then I will take my leave and go to my office to see to reports and studying my predecessors’ notes and reports.” He waited to see if Keldon had anything to add. If he did not then Raliric would smile, incline his head in respect and then move out of the library and exit the Thanal Manor. Then he would walk to the Concordia Incola with the two Knights he had come to the establishment with.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon sat there and listened to Raliric, his face never changed just the same as Raliric's, and after his friend spoke his voice remained the same as before. "Well my friend, both of us have our own priority's to be concerned in regards to various things in this city. Although I think you should keep in mind regardless weather you believe it or not. The amount of faith specific people have in the true capabilities of your knights is something you may not fully understand. Regardless of the amount of time you have served the Province, however I appreciate you informing me of your appointment before anyone else finds out and no doubt we will be discussing things, and more then often be disagreeing on a wide variety of topics." Keldon said tilting his head rising to leave the room aswel.

[Adder]

ooc: One experience point Politics - Keldon and Raliric