A Visit with the Governor

[Kyonos Weatherstone]

Third Brightening of the First Cycle in the Month of Ioannes in the Season of Summer; Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIII Post Fractum. The First Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne.

Kyonos had been doing a lot of thinking and a little bit of talking about the sad state of affairs in Primus Gaudeo and the Administrate of Centripax as a whole. The Dwarven community has been run by a whole lot of people who are not Dwarfs. He saw no reason why the positions of authority should not be held by Dwarfs.

The Governor is a Fae, that is sort of a tiny Elf that flies.

The Lieutenant Governor is a Human; he also seems to be a General and a Knight. A pretty busy fellow. There ought be a Dwarf around who is not that busy to take the job of Lieutenant Governor.

The Thane is an Elf. Kyonos got to meet Keldon, he seemed a decent sort of fellow, surprising for an Elf. Still, it ought to be a Dwarf as Thane.

All this has been building up in his mind and now Kyonos has decided to do something about. He is about to visit the Governor and put his opinions before her. He heard that on the previous brightening she had been meeting with the rest of the alien races who hold high office in Centripax, so she ought to still be in whatever office she has. After asking a passerby, he went to the appropriate door and knocked.

[Sharinya]

Ooc: Now that Keldon is a retired character I am going to accept that he resigned and move on from that point.

Sharinya had been sitting at her desk contemplating her dilemma with regard to the departure of Keldon Elsdragon. Centripax was once the Kindom of the Dwarves. Over time many other races it seemed had moved in and made their claim on the land.

The fae were almost older than time itself; indeed they had probably been here long before any other of the races perhaps with the exception of the ancient Allerians. Sharinya considered herself to be a caretaker Governor, just biding time until the right dwarf was ready and willing to step up and take control of the province once more. She had a great respect for the race and nothing would please her more than to see them in a position of power once again.

The knock on the door made her start and getting up from her seat near the window she flew across the room to the tiny door with in a bigger door and opened it to see who was there.

"Serale. Can I help you?" she asked questioningly of the dwarf standing there.

[Kyonos Weatherstone]

There he was, dressed in his best attire waiting to be admitted to the Governor's office. He was not much for getting dressed up but his sister Bethel Beanhopper had taught him that though comfort and casual garb were preferable, there came a time and a place when one must dress for the occassion. ...and this was one of them.

A peep hole within the door was opened. It really was not a peep hole, it was a door within the door, a Fae sized door. What foolishness, and in a Dwarven community to boot. The Fae ought to be out in the forest, dancing with the Elves or whatever it is that they do. He wondered how such foolishness could manifest itself in a Dwarven community. The answer was obvious. The Dwarves had become complacent and almost lackadaisical now that they did not have an enemy threatening them.

There fluttering in the tiny doorway was a Fae, obviously a female. She greeted him and asked, "Serale. Can I help you?" The Dwarf mustered up some good manners for the occassion. "Serale. I'm Kyonos, blacksmith by trade and a miner for now. I come here to talk to the Governor about the sad state of affairs in this here city and in the province. Can I see her now?"

[Sharinya]

Sharinya looked at the dwarf with interest her mind ticking over faster than any clock on Telath. Now here was someone who could help bring her plans to fruition.

" Kyonos! Please come in." she told him and flew back from the door so as not to find herself on the wrong side once he entered.

"Please take a seat I shall be most interested to hear what you have to say.

But please forgive me I have not introduced myself; I am Sharinya, High Queen of the Fae and Governor of the Centripax." she said as she waited for him to seat himself.

"I am most interested to hear what you have to say and I think I should tell you that it has concerned me greatly that the dwarves do not appear to be in positions in government as I had thought they would be... she went on with a smile her voice tinkling around the room.

[Kyonos Weatherstone]

Kyonos opened the door, entered and said, "Thank you your excellency". He then seated himself, thinking, that this was the Governor who rules over the Dwarfs. He could not quite comprehend how that ever came to be. It was a very strange situation. With the polite comment out of the way it was time to get to the point. A Dwarf does nor beat around the bush, least of all Kyonos.

"Well if it has concerned you greatly that the Dwarves do not appear to be in positions in government, then let me tell you that it concerns Dwarfs even more. Even the Orcs in Alleria run their own city and have their own government with their own leaders. Around here all the appointed leaders are races other than Dwarfs. Somebody even had the nerve to appoint an Elf as Thane of Primus Gaudeo. That was not only uncalled for but it was an insult to every Dwarf in the city. In addition to the Elven Thane, there is you, a Fae, as Governor, the Lieutenant Governor is a human.

"Not only is it insulting to not have Dwarfs in leadership roles but you people treat the community as if it were yours. Do tell, what has the Provincial Government done that benefits the Dwarven community? You spend your time doing Fae things in the forest. The Lieutenant Governor watches his Knights prance about and salute each other. What has the city government done for us? The city treasury supports the fancy life style of the Elven Thane.

"The only time you people think about Dwarfs is when its time to collect taxes. The time has come that you need to do what is right and have Dwarfs running things in the Dwarven community. Now I am a simple individual. I do a bit of prospecting and work as a Blacksmith too. But........ there are a lot of Dwarfs who have the time, ability and inclination to run things here and there's no reason for it to have not happened already.

"That's about all I got to say. I already talked a lot more than any one person ought to."

[Sharinya]

Well he certainly got straight to the point without flowering his words in the way an Elf would. Nor could she disagree with anything he had said.

"You raise a lot of issues Kyonos so let me tell you of my plan..." she said with a momentary pause before going on.

"I am offering you the Thaneship of Primus Gaudeo. I believe you will have the strength of character needed to take on the job.

The current Lord Thane, Keldon Elsdragon has tendered his resignation and I have accepted. I wholeheartedly agree that Dwarves should take the lead in Centripax. So if you are willing the job is yours." she finished leaving the way open for him to accept or decline.

Perhaps people would consider her decision to appoint him hasty but she felt that anyone who had the courage to come before the Governor of a Province and say just what they thought was wrong (and which she herself had already come to know).

[Kyonos Weatherstone]

To say that Kyonos was surprised would be an understatement. He came here to talk with the Governor and tell her what was wrong with the way the Province and Primus Gaudeo were being governed. He did just that, quite bluntly as was his way. She not only agreed with him but put the onus on Kyonos to be the solution to the problem. Well, not the whole solution but certainly a major part of it.

The Dwarf had no experience in governing anything anywhere, not one bit. But then how much experience did Keldon have when he stepped up and took charge? Regardless, after saying as much as he did, how could he turn down the opportunity to remedy the problem. At first appearance the position of Thane seemed a very formidable one. However, it had already been shown that even an Elf could do it.

He had no idea that the present Thane had resigned. Nor could he even guess why he would have, but it created an opportunity for a Dwarf to step in. It was just that Kyonos had no idea that he would be that Dwarf. However, when his sister Bethel Beanhopper took on the appointment as High Priestess of Imperia, she could have turned it down and claimed to not be ready for such a position. She did not make excuses, Bethel accepted the challenge and met it well. It was just a matter of doing what was right. At least that is what he hoped when he replied, "I accept. Who will describe the duties, responsibilities and authority of the office to me?"

[Sharinya]

Sharinya watched Kyonos carefully once she had made her offer. She had taken him by surprise of that she was sure. To his credit he had not faltered in stepping up to the plate and accepting the position. She was also ready for his question when it came.

"The Lt.Governor will guide you through the initial phases of your becoming Thane. You will of course now be know as Lord Kyonos." she responded wondering how he was going to like the title.

"I think now would be a good time to invite Sir Raliric in so that we may better discuss your new role." she said before moving over to the bell pull so she might have someone fetch Raliric to join them.

[Kyonos Weatherstone]

So it will be the Lieutenant Governor who will tell him about being Thane and such related matters. Though Raliric was not up there among his favorite people, Kyonos did not have a problem with that. He was ready to deal with whomever he had to deal with. Then came the part about how he would be known as Lord Kyonos. Somehow the two words did not go together all that well, but it was not an important matter for him. Things will sort themselves out in due time and it will all work out.

The Governor then said that she thought it would be a good time to invite Sir Raliric in so that they may better discuss matters. The Dwarf nodded his head in agreement. No need to put it off, might as well get it out of the way. Things had been moving so fast thus far that it might well keep going that way. He just relaxed and waited for things to keep happening. The Governor seemed to like having things move along swiftly, maybe that was the way with Fae. Right now it was she who was setting the pace.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric had been in his office which was right next door to the Governor's when the summons came and after taking a few moments to finish writing the train of thought he had been on, and making a few notes on a separate piece of paper about what he would write next, he stood and gathered a few things, one of which was the journal that he always took with him. He moved out of his office and through the reception area, inclining his head to Regal Nebrask his secretary and informing her that he would be with the Governor and that anyone seeking him should be told to wait until his return. Then he moved out of the double door and over to the Governor's double doors, he knocked once and entered, inclining his head to Manijor, Sharinya's secretary, before moving to the doors to the Governor's Office and knocking twice before entering.

He moved a few steps inside before closing the door again behind him, then he inclined his head to Sharinya and then to Kyonos before moving over to the desk and taking a seat in one of the available chairs in front of the Governor's Desk. ”Serale Sharinya.” He said before turning his gaze to Kyonos and inclining his head. ”Serale, Kyonos.” The Knight and the dwarf had not gotten on well it was believed from their first meeting in the Heartlands. Raliric thought the man a coward, but he was well aware of the fact that such traits meant nothing when deciding government positions. Thus, he would reserve his judgments of the dwarf and simply do as he was directed and what was best for Centripax and the Empire.

His completely black gaze turned back to Sharinya, ”How may I be of assistance, Your Excellency?”

[Kyonos Weatherstone]

Kyonos responded with a nod to Raliric and returned the greeting, "Serale".

His thoughts when back to their previous meeting in the Heartlands. Keldon had invited him to what was to be an adventure of sorts. Unaware of what he was getting into, the Dwarf accepted. He had not been doing anything but work for quite a while and was ready for a change, maybe even a scuffle of sorts. From the time he arrived at the assembly point, Kyonos gradually realized more and more that this was not what he expected.

Most evident at that meeting was regimentation and silly orders. People were marching and passing orders around. Some of the orders were asinine. Like with some of the people wearing chain mail and even plate mail, they were going scale a steep cliff in order to surprise whomever was up there. They were clanking and clattering enough even without trying to climb.

Before long Kyonos pointed out that he did not come there to engage in such foolishness and he was not about to pretend that he was a soldier ready to do silly things. Most others there seemed taken aback by his attitude. Even a group of Dwarfs led by the Provincial Senator seemed surprised that Kyonos was not eager to fall in with such silliness. Maybe the Senator was trying to impress the Lieutenant Governor. When even the Dwarfs behaved like Elves, it was time for him to leave, and he did.

Hopefully, Raliric would be better in matters of governing than he was back there. He would listen and then decide. Time would tell.

[Sharinya]

Sharinya was always surprised at the promptness of her Lt. Governor and once again he did not let her dow.

"Ah! You have both met before... Good then I need not make unnecesary introductions.

Sir Raliric I have appointed Kyonos Weatherstone Lord Thane of Primus Gaudeo." she said pausing momentarily for Raliric to take in what she had said.

She fully expected to hear more on the subject later but than there was little he could do since it was she that was Governor and was at liberty to choose who ever she pleased.

"A rather sudden and unexpected appointment as I am sure even Kyonos would agree but I feel it is a good one for Primus Gaudeo and Centripax as a whole.

It has long been my belief that Centripax should have a Dwarven presence and more so since the province was once the Dwarven Kingdom.

I would like you to take charge of his introduction to the city officials and assist him in easing into place as Keldon makes way for his departure to his new position." she finished.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric nodded, smiling. ”I will trust in your decision, Sharinya.” His gaze stayed fixed upon hers for a moment to convey that he hoped she knew what she was doing before he turned to Kyonos. ”It would please me to introduce you to your staff. The Lord Thane Elsdragon will be performing his duties for another month at which time you shall take up his responsibilities. Until that time, you will both be working together; you will be learning from him whilst he governs the city.” A pause so that he could stand.

”Where would you like to begin your tour and introductions, Kyonos?” He was not about to send for every staff members Kyonos would be working with in order to meet the fellow who would be thane in forty-nine brightenings. No, Kyonos had no real power as yet and thus they would be going to each of those staff members.

Raliric wished to get the tour and introductions out of the way as quickly and efficiently as possible so that he could resume his duties. He had a great deal of work to do on a plethora of different subjects and every moment he stayed away from those duties more would undoubtedly be piling up.

[Kyonos Weatherstone]

Kyonos nodded in acknowledgement when the Lieutenant Governor offered to introduce him to his staff. He had not been thinking much in terms of a staff but then he had heard several times before that governing was not a simple procedure. However it ought not take a lot of people to get things done. He would see in due time. Working with Keldon for a month should make things easier to grasp. He had occasion to spend a bit of time with the Thane and found him to be easy enough to get along with. Especially considering that he was an Elf.

His reply to Raliric was, "Introduction to the staff would be useful and appreciated. I guess there aren't all that many of them so let's get it done as soon as your time permits. Right now is fine by me so long as you have the time. Then I guess you'll take me to the present Thane and I'll get to see just how he runs this here city.

"One other thing, will one of you be telling me what the official relationship is between the Thane and you two? Or will you leave it to the present Thane to cover this."

He thought that he would have to soon write to his sister Bethel Beanhopper and tell her all about this.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric nodded. ”We shall start with Thane Elsdragon then. After we have spoken with him, we can move on to the Aedile, Prefect and Commander.” With regards to the later question his brow rose in wonder. It was quite obviously what their relationship was and it always amazed Raliric when people asked such foolish questions as that. He cleared his throat and answered the question simply, ”Our relationship? The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are your bosses. Very simple.” He turned to Sharinya.

”Is there anything more? We can begin meeting people now and then I can leave Kyonos in the hands of Keldon.” If there was nothing else he would turn to the dwarf and motion him toward the door.

They would have a short walk down the Hall of the Governor and then after a few corridors and corners they would come to the Local Government section of the Concordia Incola, a section which would soon be revamped. Raliric would lead Kyonos to the Office of the Thane and after stepping inside he would speak to the secretary. ”Serale, the Lieutenant Governor here to see the Thane.”