[Office of the Governor]

[Sharinya]

The Hall of the Governor might have been the official entrance to the offices currently occupied by the leader of the province of Centripax, but the actual realm of the Lady Governor was deep within the arched double doors at the end of the corridor. Outside a pair of blue-and-white-bedecked guards stood at alert attention to either side of the wooden frames. Their dress was both ceremonial and official in a blend of elegant formality and common practicality, as matched with the extent of their duties. They had been charged with both scanning the petitioners to the inner sanctum of the Governor as well as providing a symbol of the strength of the city of Primus Gaudeo and the province at large.

All walls, floors, and ceilings had been fashioned out of the cold white marble typical to the Concordia Incola district, although this particular stone seemed to shimmer with sheen of blue. In direct contrast stood the darkly stained wood of the front door, often seen to swing on their heavy hinges as the guards allowed yet another guest that had passed their thorough inspection into the Governor’s inner sanctum. Echoes of the footsteps of aides and other politicians resounded in the hallways before finding themselves muffled underneath the closure of the arched doors.

Inside the office, the feeling was unlike any other in as much it there was another office within for Sharinya, Queen of the Fae. The furniture preferred by her predecessor was suitable for most races but to the small Fae Governor it might as well have been made for a giant. It was with this in mind that a Fae sized replica was suspended from the ceiling.

There were numerous windows bedecking two out of four surrounding walls, all intended to bring in the fullness of the light allowed from the twin suns outside. A few elegant curtains, colored in a matching demure shade of blue, had been hung at either side of the panes of glass but found their shading abilities falling into a continual disuse under the preference of the office’s owner for the extreme amount of natural light.

The streams of illumination fell onto the surrounding four walls, broken into round pillars standing between the windows on the horizontal sides of the room. The wall directly before the entrance, however, had been dressed with only two windows on either side of the center expanse. Cold stone was replaced with the warmer tones of an expansive crest colored light and dark blue with the crowned flower of representing the province of Centripax. Underneath the Province’s motto, ‘Peace and Tolerance Shall Set Us Free,’ had been carved in elegantly-scripted letters and painted dark in the center of the embedded desk as a contrast to the pale colorings of its background wall.

Underneath the crest, the white-marble desk of the Governor stood in all its expansive glory, stretching four lengths further than one could reach with outstretched arms on either side. Its top was clear, shining and clean, showing a woman in complete control of her surroundings. A few fat cream candles sat on dishes of silvery metal in artfully arranged trios, although their original heights had been greatly reduced by late-darkening use.

The large arm chair that had previously been occupied by the personage of the former Governor had been made in the overstuffed style and upholstered with a thick, velvety deep blue embroidered with threads of silver-grey. Matching sapphire chairs had been placed at equal angles before the desk itself and centered around a deeply-stained wooden table. The latter held a small tray of various empty glasses and half-filled bottles, all waiting to perform their duty of refreshment to any and all visitors. A few bookshelves, mostly carrying collections of leather-bound tomes of knowledge and the memories of the past deemed useful to the Governor’s usual doings had been set in carefully-arranged order in their appropriate sets. Little other decoration of the office could be seen, minus perhaps a few more collections of candles and their following candelabras placed in strategic areas of the room.

The Governor herself could usually be found working on a piece of parchment. Nothing save the piece of parchment currently being worked on was to be seen on that desk, and Sharinya would have been horrified to have clutter anywhere in this room. A set of feathered quills rested in a crystal cup at her elbow, matched by an elegant dark ink well to aid her business of the brightening. Various aides and secretaries often made their way into the office, carrying important notices or information needing the Governor’s approval, or at least knowledge, immediately. Representatives from both Centripax and the Empire at large would often reside in the seats before the expansive desk, carrying on official conversations with the High Queen Sharinya

Ooc: Description taken from that of previous Governors.

[Grimkate Overearth]

32nd of Junctior, In the Season of Autumn
Era XIII Post Fractum, Era I of the Celestine Mandate
Morning

Grimkate gave himself a day to settle in, with his last two gold pieces having been spent on a room at the dingiest, grittiest Inn he could find. Enough to pay for a day or two's stay. He left his hound there as well. In the past, the dog had given him some trouble at official places, such as the Aedile's. He thought it best to circumvent any potential problems, like an allergic Cether for instance, in order to better his chances of making a good impression.

He'd heard from the gate guard that there was a dwarfen thane now, and with that in mind, he'd eventually made his way there... only to find that the office was vacated, the Thane having stepped down a good number of cycles ago.

The dwarf's beard was neatly combed and braided, falling down to his chest, with various golden and silver beads tied into the hairs. Atop his head rested a sturdy skullcap, with copper banding around the rim of it and coating the noseguard. Otherwise, he was dressed in blacks, hidden underneath a brown leather jacket whose hem dropped below his knees. Strapped across his back was his large, dwarfen steel warhammer, and in his belt were four throwing axes.

He nodded brusquely to the guards as he showed them his visa and gave his reason for being here: To meet the Governor. It was uncertain whether he'd need to hand over the weapons that were visible on him. Whatever the case, he would make his way inward, once the guards were satisfied, to meet her.

Eventually he came to the actual office, and once repeating his reasons for being there, and waiting whatever amount of time was suitable, was ushered into the office by the guards. Grimkate squinted his eyes as he scanned the room, trying to find where the faerie might be perched. Eventually they settled on the Governor's desk, at which point he gave a short nod, "Greetings, Yer Excellency." He said with a quick salute. "I was wondering if I could have a moment of yer time?"

OOC: Cheated horrendously by copy pasting large portions of Grimkate's entrance to the Thanal Manor.

[Sharinya]

Sharinya looked up as the dwarf was ushered into her office.

”Serale, I am Sharinya S’Alvia Governor of Centripax.” she said as she flew over to hover just in front of him.

”Please take a seat and tell me what it is I can do for you.” she replied in answer to his request for a moment of her time. She waved towards the seats arranged about the room that he might choose one that suited him to conduct his business.

[Dagrun Murrough]

OOC: Grimkate you cheater! You should be like me. I do homages. Appreciate this homage to your post!

3rd of Kalendryas:

Dagrun the dwarf had spent some years serving in Centripax. He was as proud as anyone to hear that a dwarf was now Thane, and he was as disappointed as anyone to find out that there was some sort of resignation.

Dagrun's red beard was neatly combed and braided, falling down to his chest, with various golden and silver beads tied into the hairs. This was apparently how dwarves looked, and Dagrun was a typical dwarf, except that he never wore skullcaps. He had a wonderful mane of luxurious russet-colored hair, of which he was quite proud of. It was perhaps his only flaw, this slight touch of vanity.
Otherwise, he was dressed in the colors of the province, and he wore a basic business suit.

He nodded kindly to the guards as he showed them his visa and gave his reason for being here: to meet the Governor. He had no weapons or anything that might cause alarm; if anything, his face was probably often seen around the province, especially in the government Western district, and on Avon Row.

Eventually he came to the actual office, and once repeating his reasons for being there, and waiting whatever amount of time was suitable, was ushered into the office by the guards. Dageun squinted his eyes as he scanned the room, trying to find where the faerie might be perched. Eventually they settled on the Governor's desk, at which point he gave a short nod, "Serale, your Imperial Excellency." He said with a formal bow. "I realise this may be a bit against protocol, as I am but a humble provincial lictor, but even so I was wondering if you could spare a candlemark?"

[Grimkate Overearth]

Grimkate took a seat near to the desk, trying to avoid getting the faerie in his face too much as he moved. Grimkate hadn't met many fae in his day, so he wasn't quite sure how to feel about the one that was running the province. A dwarf would've been infinitely better to deal with, but that was hardly in the cards, at least at the moment. "Thank you." He said as he lowered onto the chair.

Clearing his throat, he began with his reason for coming here, "Yer Excellency, I'm here to see if I might be of service somehow in the Province or city. My most recent employment has me as a deputy constable in Paxia during the invasion, with some small experience as an adventurer otherwise. If I could be of service, even on a temporary level, that would be good."

[Sharinya]

GRIMKATE
Sharinya moved back from the dwarf not wanting to cause him undue discomfort with her fluttering wings. (She didn’t want to be swatted by accident either) Once he had seated himself, she made her self comfortable close enough that he would be able to hear her when she spoke but not so close as to make him uncomfortable.

”As luck would have it Master Grimkate you have appeared at just the right time. Before I tell you what I have in mind given what you have told me so far; tell me of your duties in Paxia.” she asked with a smile as her voice tinkled across the space between them.

DAGRUN
Cynthis was hard at work when the red bearded dwarf walked up. She thought he looked quite spiffy for a hirsute male although she would never dream to tell someone just what she thought. That would be much to forward of her to say such a thing. It also had not escaped her that this dwarf was not your usual run of the mill dwarf; in fact he was anything but he didn’t wear a skull cap.

It was perhaps fortunate that the Governor had just come out to speak with her; allowing the newcomer to speak directly to her.

Serale… Master Dwarf” she said taken by surprise when he addressed her, not having heard his approach.

”I can spare you some time now if you would like to come into my office.” she said with a polite smile as she moved to one side allowing him to precede her into the room.

”Please take a seat Master….” she waved a hand to encompass the arrangements of seating with in the room as she waited for him to give her his name.

[Dagrun Murrough]

OOC: Ok, now to deviate away from the Prefect of P.G.'s posts.

IC:
Dagrun chatted amiably with Cynthis for a moment, thought he did not ravish her with his eyes the way a dwarf might normally.

Once he saw Sharinya, he followed her, though again he simply saw her as a person with no overtones. Perhaps he only liked dwarves?

Once they were in her room, Dagrun nodded at the little woman, taking a moment to understand her, as from his perspective all her vowels were one-off. To him, for example, it sounded like she was saying 'Mostur Dworf' and that was because the fae had a songlike lilt to her words, whereas dwarves had a more guttural slur to their speech. Or perhaps it was the difference in sizes.

At any rate, he nodded, and gave a formal bow. "Serale, your Imperial Excellency. I am Dagrun Murrough of the clan Murrough, a humble servant of the province who serves at your grace and pleasure."

The clean, well-groomed dwarf sat down as requested, crossing his legs in a delicate manner. He spoke with what was for a dwarf, a slightly high-pitched voice, though he was clearly no youngster. "I respectfully request a moment of your time, your Imperial Excellency. The clan had a meeting with some other clans, and it was decided amongst the Real People to send a representative to see you." He modestly clapped his own chest with one hand, glancing at his nails for a moment. "In my youth I was an outcast and became an adventurer, and spent a great deal of time exploring ruins and delving into dungeons, accompanied by humans, elves, sprites and so forth. At the time my family thought me an oddity and a bit of a strange bird,-- oh that hurt my feelings tremendously-- but ultimately my experiences have proved useful as a bit of a diplomat and a negotiator." Well, he certainly did not sound like your average dwarf, that was for sure.

Dagrun looked down at the ground a moment. "I realize humans see us as all the same, all beer-drinking miners who live in groups of seven and have highland accents, caring only for making weapons and mining minerals, but I assure you dwarves are as unique and varied as humans and fae." Dagrun hesistated, attempting to choose his words carefully. "For example, as hobbies I like arranging flowers and cutting hair. I won't deny that dwarves are more insistent on tradition and that there is more peer pressure to remain the same, but the war here changed everything. Once Zerdargia was attacked, some realized that strictly sticking to the old ways was not working as well in modern times as it has been in the past. And so dwarves like myself, who might have once been ostracised, now are at least tolerated and are used when a diplomatic solution is called for."

Dagrun giggled nervously, and adjusted his clean shirt. "As it does now. The clans have noticed with distress the rampant turnover in many positions since Lady Gil'dae left office. Justicars, Prefects, Aediles, Thanes, Marshalls, Lt. Governors all coming and going. The dwarves have read with concern with Herald articles where the very Thane and Lt. Governor seem at odds with one another. The dwarves of Centripax value consistency and tradition."

He seemed rather afraid his next words would send him to Terramarique. For a dwarf, he spoke timidly. "With all due respect, this is not Fae'run or Kel'rondar, and being whimsical, arbitrary and carpricious is not valued here. Coming and going is not appreciated here. May I speak candidly with your Imperial Excellency? The clans think that if you had a dwarven Provincial Chamberlain, there might be yet some stability to come to these lands."

Dagrun blushed. Should he apologize? For a human or fae, that was probably not a very diplomatic speech. He hoped she understood that it was not meant in the spirit of questioning her decisions-- he was sure that from a fae point of view there were wise reasons to have ever appointed Raliric and Keldon. He wondered if there was a way to say that outloud without having Cynthis and every guard in the place burst into laughter. And that's why he was here, because he was able to keep his mouth shut about such things. Even so, he feared he had said too much.

[Sharinya]

Sharinya listened to the dwarf without interruption. She kept a straight face as he spoke relieved to find that all he wanted was a position within her government. She had been hard pressed not to show her amusement when he mentioned the flower arranging and hair cutting. Anything less likely for a dwarf to be seen doing was arranging flowers.

”Master Murrough; you have led a most interesting life it seems and one that would certainly open doors for you in today’s modern society.

It has troubled me greatly that the Dwarven race is not as well represented as perhaps it should be within the Province.

I myself was born in the Dolwoods not too far from the gates of Zerdargia so and a native of the Province as well. I would agree that those of other races have preconceived notions about Dwarfs and Fae folk and to say the least it is something that should be remedied

I am afraid the time has come that we must move away from the old ways and create new ways for all the races to live in harmony.’ she said pausing a moment to gather her thoughts.

”Master Murrough, I do believe you hit the nail right on the head when you said we needed consistency with in the province. Your suggestion of a Provincial Chamberlain is to say the very least an excellent one.

I do believe you have talked your way into a position in the Provincial Government. It will have to be on a trial basis to start with of course. After all we may not like each other.

When can you start?” she asked hoping he was going to say right away.

[Dagrun Murrough]

OOC: In case it comes up later. From the Kaelon files: "2. The Lord Chamberlain, head of the Diplomatic Corps and the Imperial Relations Ministry, the foreign affairs wing of government."

IC:

Dagrun nodded, running a finger through his hair. "I had no idea you were born in the Dolwoods. That will actually help matters, as it at least establishes that Centripax is the province of your birth and that your claim here is a valid one. The clans will find that reassuring." He nodded to himself again, thinking on the matter. Yes, so long as they kept the carpetbaggers out and away, then all should be well.

He listened to her proposal, and he blushed. "Oh! Oh, my stars and garters, I wasn't referring to me.... oh, but it would be impolitic to refuse, especially after all I have already said and done."

"I accept, and I can start at once."

Dagrun smiled at the fae. "I totally agree. You need to be sure that you have made the right choice. As for me, you need not worry. I would not be here if I did not believe that you were the best person in that chair since the great Socrates himself. My friends and family, my kith and kin, we fully support you. We do not condemn you for being stuck with the mistakes of that D'Jones fellow. Arakmat may find itself doomed and sinking into ruin now but at least Centripax shall live and thrive."

He stood up and put a hand over his heart. "You have my word that I shall do everything in my power to make sure things are as smooth for you as possible, allowing you the freedom to govern without fear that subordinates will be tripping over themselves in their haste to attack each other. If the province does not seem a warmer, happier place for you by the end of the season, I shall take my leave, no questions asked."

Dagrun snapped his fingers. "Which reminds me. I do not believe that Kyonos fellow ever really had a chance. He had barely a cycle of training, if that, and suddenly found himself in over his head. I am going to suggest something for you to consider. You don't have to consider it, or reply at once. I ask only that you listen:"

"You must have seen something good in Kyonos, or you would not have appointed him in the first place. Maybe he just needs time, attention, and grooming. There is a position available for someone who desires to someday be Thane, but is not yet politic enough to carry it off. That position is called "Equite." Why not consider making Kyonos the Equite of Primus Gaudeo, on a temporary or provisional basis? Easy enough to promote him in a season or two if he thrives, or to let him go if he fails. This way, it appears that you have censored him for his impertinent article about the orcs, but you are still leaving the door open for him to have a career in politics in Primus Gaudeo."

[Sharinya]

Sharinya found Dagrun fascinating; he was to say the very least unlike any other dwarf she had encountered in recent times. A smile curved her lips at his reaction to finding she too was a child of Province and not an ‘outsider’.

His acceptance of a position on her staff made it extremely difficult to keep a straight face. How she managed to she would never know. Suffice to say she had taken to Dagrun Murrough and felt that he was going to add something to the Provincial Government that had been lacking up till now.

She listened to Dagrun’s proposal for Kyonos, mulling it over in her mind for a moment before responding.

”That is a good idea. I believe Kyonos is taking instruction in Politics’, Diplomacy and some history of the Empire at my suggestion.

Making him Equite would be quite reasonable if he would be interested.” she replied,

”I would like you to meet with him too discuss what he has learnt to date and determine if he would be ready for such a move.” she finished with a warm smile for the dwarf

[Dagrun Murrough]

Dagrun nodded. "All right. Once I am all set up and moved into my new quarters and office here, I will invite Kyonos over. I have taken Basic Politics in my youth, so I will be able to tell if he has been serious about it or not."

Dagrun pondered on the government of Centripax for a moment. He hoped Kyonos stuck around. "It is good that he is sticking with it. But then again, tenacity is a dwarven virtue. I only wish I had more of it." Dagrun sighed wistfully, clearly thinking about something or someone that had nothing to do with politics.

Dagrun stood up. He paused for a moment to adjust his clothing, then bowed to the Lady Sharinya Sianoddel S'Alvia. "By your leave, your Imperial Excellency. I will need a candlemark or two to put my other affairs in order, and then I will be at your disposal."

He glanced left and right. "One last thing. Should I arrange a meeting with Sir Raliric, as well? General Omorath? Baron Jaq'len?" As Chamberlain, he would be working with Loricial Jaq’len, and presumably his cousin the Baron, but he had no idea whether Sharinya wanted him to contact the Lieutenant Governor and the Provincial General.

[Sharinya]

Sharinya nodded as her new Chamberlain requested time to get his affairs in order and settle into his new accommodations.

"That will not be a problem Dagrun; as for a meetine with Sir Ralirc and General Omorath and Baron Jaq'len I think that can wait for now. There is something else that needs to be addressed first before any meeting with Sir Raliric." she replied

Once Dagrun was settled in she was sure there was going to be more than enough to keep him busy.

[Dagrun Murrough]

Dagrun was satisfied with the answer. In fact, from his demeanor it was clear that any answer given would have been satisfactory: this was not a man who forgot that everyone on her staff served at the whim of the Governor, meant to help explain and enforce her will. In the viewpoint of a dwarf, when you are part of a clan or team, your job is to make the team leader do as well as possible, not to puff yourself up and make it crystal-clear you are doing this only as a stepping-stone to something else. There was no room in Centripax for those who selfishly did everything just to make themselves sound important. Was Kyonos a good man, loyal to Sharinya, or did he care only about getting his name in print?
Dagrun would have to find out, and advise accordingly.

On the plus side, Dagrun agreed with the spirit and intent of the article. It was his private opinion that the Lt. Governor had no business speaking out in the first place. Of course, Kyonos had no business speaking out either. But at least Kyonos had made logical points, even if he had said them impolitically.

Still, no one should be speaking unless they first ran things by Sharinya. And this was something that Dagrun meant to enforce, regardless of whether anyone bid him to, or what his actual title was. A good, thriving province meant having the carriage trains run on time, and that meant the will of Sharinya was total and absolute, and any dissension... eliminated. This was good. The center must hold, and things must not fall apart. Here was a woman touched by Carmelya herself, charged with saving the life of Audrey-- and it was common knowledge she had succeeded. If the gods themselves wanted Sharinya here in Centripax, then Dagrun was going to make sure Lady S'alvia held onto that power, retained it, and had as much of it as she wanted.

He had said it: "You have my word that I shall do everything in my power to make sure things are as smooth for you as possible, allowing you the freedom to govern without fear that subordinates will be tripping over themselves in their haste to attack each other." And he meant it. Everything in his power.

The time of mavericks, loose-cannons, and rogues was over. Now would begin a new era, a time of peace and propserity. Centripax would thrive. First Riparia, then other dormant cities would return to the fold. And Sharinya would be the figurehead of that new, golden era.

Once Sharinya had officially dismissed him, Dagrun went on his way. There was much to do. Much to do.

[Milo L'Evienne]

attention: Her Imperial Excellency, lady Governor to Centripax and Queen of the Fae, Sharinya, copy to P.G.'s currently acting Thane and Provincial Justicar

Hand delivered by courier on the 15th brightening of Kalendryas, Winter of Era XIV

The Gala of Empress Michelle

~*~

You and a guest are cordially invited…

On the forty-ninth evening of Kalendryas, Winter of Era XIV, his Most Imperial Excellency Milo L’Evienne will be honoring a number of individuals within the Allerian Empire with public recognition and awards in celebration of Empress Michelle Day – a holiday that traditionally celebrates cultural advances of the Era – and Imperial Day. A banquet for the purposes of celebration and formal presentation is to be generously hosted on behalf of the Imperial Regent by Her Imperial Excellency, Liselle Vampyler-Sapientia and the lord Imperial Admiral, Alexis Sapientia at Palais de Lumiere, the Governor’s Palace in Alleria Prime. In commemoration of Empress Michelle Day and Imperial Day, we invite you to join us for an evening of celebration, for the purposes of honoring those individuals to be so deservedly recognized.

~*~

[Milo L'Evienne]

Brightening 13 of Kalendryas, Winter of Era XIV

To the attention of: Her Imperial Excellency, Sharinya
lady Governor to Centripax, High Queen of the Fae

From the desk of: His Imperial Excellency, Milo L’Evienne
Imperial Regent

Sharinya,

A pleasure to hear from you again, and I do hope this missive finds you in good spirits and good health. Hannah has been asking after the flying lady with regularity I should mention and she’ll not soon forget your visit to the palace. And I imagine Nell would enjoy visiting with you should you pay another visit in the near future.

As to business, I have discovered that it is a simple reality that even where it involves any number of officials with equal passion, loyalty and dedication to their shared sworn duties, there will sometimes be differences in views, opinions or ways of going about things, whether minor or moreso occasionally. In a realm so spirited as the political one tends to be, neither friends or simple fellow officials are immune to such challenges, nor am I myself in fact. A mortal condition that cannot help but create an inescapable air of incompatibility in some cases, and unresolvable differences in others so that changes must need making to best move onwards in pursuit of service. And so while it is unfortunate that a resolution did not come without it’s challenges, one was reached all the same and to the apparent agreement of all concerned.

Nevertheless, with the sending of this missive and my well wishes, I look forward to hearing many a positive word by way of the Centripax.

Warm Regards,
Milo