Meeting with the Governor (private, Austin please?)

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Following on from the Governers Mansion thread.

Alicia smiled at his use of Sylrosian. She was always pleased to hear the native tongue spoken and he did it well, in fairness to him. She inclined her head and the smile on her face widened in obvious pleasure. A human speaking Sylrosian was a pleasure indeed and his pronounciation was fluent. Alicia decided there and then that this was an interesting person.

"Elven tea for two then, please" she said to her assistant and smiled at him gently. Then, as he stepped out, Alicia motioned to the left-hand side of the room where a low table offered a place to rest cups next to some large and comfortable seating. "Would you like to take a seat?" she said, motioning to the less formal side of the room. In truth, Alicia loathed the formality of the office and the desk and so she was more than happy to go and sink into a comfortable armchair, which she did. Since she did not know this person, however, she refrained from kicking off her shoes and curling up on the chair. That was bad form.

Quickly, the tea was brought in and served for them both. Alicia picked up the delicate cup that hers was in and raised it slightly, an almost-toast "Welcome to Primus Gaudeo. How may I help you this brightening?" she asked, sipping the tea before putting it down once more on the table and looking at Austin with a keen interest shining in her mist-grey eyes.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin nodded to Alicia as she motioned toward the more comfortable looking seating. Although his coach was quite comfortable, he had been sitting in it for most of the trip from Natura; sitting in a more open place sounded perfect. He walked over to the side of the room and took a seat. As soon as the tea arrived, Austin smiled. It had been awhile since he had a good taste of elven tea; the last time being in the Temple during his induction as squire to the Silver Stars. He raised his cup to meet hers and took a sip before answering.

"Thank you madam Governor, I know your time is valuable and I appreciate your willingness to speak with me. My primary reason for coming to Primus Gaudeo is that I am seeking your backing and support in being named Thane of Natura." Unlike in the business setting, Austin felt there was no need to avoid getting to his point early on and took another sip of tea.

"I have been hearing some unsettling things about the Imperial Legions and possible trouble within as well as their pulling of forces from many places, including our own province to go to war in other places. True or not, rumors of instability like this has a cascade effect that often causes unrest among the people, even in small towns such as Natura. Currently the office of Thane there is empty leaving the Aedille's office to cope with the running of a town as well as the constant in-fighting for control among the elven houses there." Austin paused to drink some more tea and lean back a bit in his seat as he tried to relax a bit. He knew that simple asking to be thane and laying out a bit of why he thought Natura needed the office filled was only a start. He gave the Governor a moment to speak; not wanting to dominate the discussion by any means. He knew in his own mind why he would make for a good choice for Thane but waited to speak it aloud.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Well, he didn't beat around the bush, that much was for sure. He wanted to be Thane of Natura. Alicia raised one eyebrow, ever so slightly and sat back, watching him and gaging his reactions.

Alicia listened to his words about the state of things in Natura and nodded. "Indeed, it does sound as though there is a difficult situation there, and it is one that I am aware of, although it is a rather complex one in truth. Now, as to your being named Thane, well, that's an interesting one. Tell me, if you would, what experience or learning do you have that's relevant to that?"

She sat back, calmly folding her hands in her lap and looking at him. If he'd expected her to simply jump at a Thane, he was very much mistaken. Alicia had played this game too long and she knew that a bad Thane was worse than no Thane at all. However, this chap seemed lucid and at least looked like he might have some semblance of wherewithal about him.

"One of the issues that we have here in Primus Gaudeo is the lack of representation of the Dwarves, for example. In positions of Government specifically. I am aiming to rectify this. In Natura there is a similar, although not identical, issue with the Elves. How would appointing a human Thane be a good move?" she asked, mist-grey eyes sharp and attentive whilst she sat back and sipped some more of her tea.

Then she quietly sat and listened, waiting for him to answer.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin nodded to Alicia's questions and said, "For the experience and learning you ask about; I am currently the owner and operator of the Eventide Winehouse in Natura, supplied directly by the Cloudkiss Winery; my family estate, in Daltina. As far as small towns go, I have been amazingly successful with serving the wealthy and influential elven families in Natura and have become rather well known and if I am not mistaken, well met." Austin studied the Governor's posture and expressions as he spoke; he did this with everyone he met in formal meetings. Even if what he saw couldn't help him much, he always found it interesting and helped focus his thoughts.

"So what does operating a glorified tavern have to do with being Thane, one may ask. To be honest, it has a lot to do with it and especially with the part of elven representation in Primus Gaudeo. You see, in the atmosphere I provide, people talk and they talk a lot. I hear a little bit of everything that goes on outside my establishment and in the lives of the various elven families of Natura. I am also pretty well trusted among my patrons. I speak the Sylrosian language fluently; as good as any human can anyway and I am pretty learned with the elven culture; both of which I was exposed to at a very young age through good tutors." Austin smiled softly at the memory of his past brightenings being homeschooled by his elven tutors.

Austin paused for a breath or two and a sip of tea before continuing. He found himself wondering how his friends/employees felt while he was interviewing them and going over their qualifications for their jobs.

"I am also a squire soon to be Silver Star Paladin, a devout servant of Carmelya and protector of Natura. Although that does not add much in the way of experience as far as Thane is concerned, it does add to the respect and support I earn from the people." Austin spoke this with a bit of pride in his voice as he was very proud for all that he accomplished during his training and schooling as a Silver Star squire.

"Now, running a successful business, gaining and maintaining the trust of those you serve, being able to speak to and understand those people on a level that they can respect as well as all that goes with managing finances and keeping the safety and well-being of the people a priority are all key to what I feel someone should possess in order to be a successful leader such as a Thane." Austin was close to finishing his cup of tea.

"I am obviously not an elf and do not pretend to be..." Austin thought that a bit funny yet kept his amusement in the back of his mind. He had always pretended as child that he was an elven paladin stalking the grapevines of the winery in search of imaginary orcs to fight.

"But as a human, living among elves, especially among wealthy families that do not want to see the others gain an advantage, I am in the perfect position to represent them as I am neutral. I cater to no specific individual or family. It is my feelings at least, that no elf living in Natura could be trusted as Thane by the wealthy and influential elven families living there. There would always be suspicion and controversy. I can bring their ideas and concerns to the office of the Governor and as a dedicated servant of Nature and Hope, I can be trusted to serve in the best interests of all those living in Her grace and not in the interests of specific families." Although Austin thought it kind of sounded as though he were rather sure of himself, he also knew that it was all true and that was evident in the passion in his voice and the sincerity he spoke with. He took his position in the Silver Stars very seriously as well as how he treated his customers and fellow Naturans.

Finally Austin took a deep breath and finished his cup of tea. He had spoke at length and laid out as full of a response as he could to the Alicia's questions. He leaned back a bit in his chair and listened to what the Governor had to say about his responses and prepared to answer any more questions she may have.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Well, she had to admire his attention to detail. It seemed that he had an answer and that was good. However, Alicia Gil'dae was no fool and she did not miss a beat.

"So, in truth, what you are telling me is that you have no training or experience which is directly relevant to the position, but that you have a lot of training and experience that you think will be relevant?" that was it in a nutshell as far as she could see.

"I don't know Austin. There are many intricacies involved in politics which are not easily slotted into. Such apparently trivial matters as titles and rankings of position is vitally important. And whilst the Thane of Natura is the Thane of Natura, they are also a member of the Government of Centripax and therefore the Empire. It would be someone quite quite amazing who could do that job without any formal training...."

There, the negative was out. But then, she recalled herself standing here, speaking to Tiyribi about being the Lt Governer herself and she smiled gently. She had experience, yes, but no training. None at all.

"Very well... I tell you what I am prepared to do. I will make a decision on who is to be Thane of Natura in three months time. Until that time, since we have no Thane in place and for want of a better candidate, I will appoint you as acting Thane. That will mean limited powers for yourself, but enough to run the place on a brightening-to-brightening basis. If, at the end of that time, you have sufficient formal training and experience, then I will reconsider. Come back to this office in that time and we will discuss what you have achieved, what the difficulties have been and what the future holds. How does that sound to you?"

Risk taker? Yes. Foolish? No. So Alicia made the offer and sat back. He was an obviously passionate and clever man, but she needed to know that he was clever and passionate enough.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin had to admit, the Governor was good. She met his response solidly and left little room for argument. It was true that he did not have any actual training or experience in purely political matters even if he viewed it as just another form of business.

Keeping his confidence steady, he said in turn, "You are right Madam Governor, I do not have any direct political experience to bring to this position. Though I see it as being similiar in approach to business, which I do know a little bit about, it is not the same."

Austin had hopes that his new business idea would go far in at least convincing the citizens of Natura that he was capable of looking out for their betterment and perhaps that would help in the political arena as well.

He considered her words regarding intricacies of politics and thought a moment before saying, "You make a good point. I am sure there are many twists and turns when it comes to politics just as their are in business; again similiar but not the same. Titles and rankings are something I am gradually becoming familiar with at least in religious form with being a member of the Temple and I look forward to becoming more familiar with such things. Though as you mention, it is not easy without formal training, I still feel it can be done." Austin may not have been very confident in his political abilities but he was more than confident in his growing business skills, even if those too were still developing.

When the Governor then said that she would accept his appointment as acting Thane and explained why, he mentally flinched a bit at the idea of having nobody else to take the position as he did not want it simply because there was no alternative but as it would seem he was also being allowed to prove himself, it would allow him the opportunity to show the Governor and everyone else that he was indeed the best person for the job.

"I appreciate your honesty, Madam Governor and a limited position of acting thane is more than fair. In three months time, I will return here with both the training and the experience you ask for." Austin was eager to begin but a few questions he felt important did come to mind.

"I do have a couple of questions if you do not mind. When you say limited powers, what exactly does that entail? Also, as acting thane, do I do business from the Thanal Manor or will my current manor house suffice?" Although Austin fancied the thought of moving into the Thanal Manor, he wasn't all that sure if it were appropriate seeing as how he was not the fully appointed thane. It wasn't that he wouldn't enjoy such a thing, he simply didn't want to presume.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Alicia watched his response because, in truth, his response to this might well influence her decision three months from now. And in fairness to him, he took it well. It wasn't what he was hoping for, no not at all, but still, it was a foot in the door. And he had sense enough to realise it.

"Twists and turns there are plenty, Austin, I assure you. For example, many Governers would be most put out at not being addressed as Your Imperial Excellency, or at the very least Your Excellency. However, since we are to be working together, behind closed doors in meetings and so on, I am afraid that I must insist that you call me Alicia. I am rather fond of it as a name and I can not abide the pomp of titles. You, however, had best get used to it...."

She rather suspected that he was in for a slightly rough ride, for in a way he was sweetly naive. She nodded her assent when he assured her that he would return in three months with training and experience "Do you know, I do believe that you will. And I will be very glad to welcome you here when you do...."

He had questions, which was good, and she listened to them carefully. Nodding, she replied.

"Limited powers means that I don't want you making any changes to staffing above Aedile level without my signature. We are not that far from each other that it can't happen quickly. Also, no changes to structure of Government in Natura itself. A Thane is salaried, of course, for these three months I'll assign someone to work with you as an assistant who is versed in politics and Government structure. I suggest that to everyone else you call him your assistant, but for the purposes of this he will be your advisor also. He will report to me on how you are doing, of course" she watched him carefully and continued, ticking the items off on her list as she spoke them, but all of that happening in her head "I will write to the Regent and inform His Most Imperial Excellency of my decision, thereby ensuring that if something happens to me in the meantime, there is a paper trail. And as for the Thanal Manor, well, I see no reason for it not to be used. It makes sense and besides, the people of Natura need to have confidence in you as their Thane. I would advise moving in at your earliest convenience, arranging your staff and so on.... your advisor will help you there with anything you need. Does that sound fair?"

She smiled gently and considered. He was an intense man and was likely to do well as long as he kept the needs of his people in the forefront of his mind. She thought that he would do that and she liked his approach to life.

"Oh, and one last thing, Austin. Let me be clear about what this is. This is not something that means that you are the best we have at the moment, so I'll give you a try. There is an element of that, of course, but I have here in my desk a draft of a Herald Article, asking for people to step forward to be considered as Thane of Natura, amongst other places. I have also a draft of a letter to fellow Governers, asking if they have any Assistant Thanes who might be able to step up. However. I will not send those now. As of the moment that we sign parchment together, Natura has you as Acting Thane for three months. If you come back here having hashed it up completely, I put out the advertisements. At that point, you are welcome to apply...."

There was a message in what Alicia was telling him. She hoped that he understood it and did so clearly. She was prepared to give him a chance, and she believed that he might just work out. But if someone else came along in the three months? Well, she'd tell them the position was taken and that if that changed, there'd be an announcement.

"I hope that clears it all up for you? Please don't think that you have to wait three months to come back should you want or need anything, but I look forward to seeing you back here in three months either way. See my secretary to make an appointment, yes?" she said. Her mist grey eyes looked at him, wondering if there were any more questions. She was certainly open to them.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin listened as Alicia pointed out the concept of titles. He never really thought about it before; the fact that those in high political positions would expect those of lesser station to refer to them in a manner that displays respect and deference to the position that the person held. For Austin, he normally addressed people in a way that fit their personality and how they treated others. He was definitely in need of learning a bit more of political etiquette. He smiled softly and nodded his agreement to refer to the Governor as Alicia.

As Alicia elaborated on what she meant by limited powers, Austin considered the idea of having a political staff. Of course he had his employees at the Winehouse, and they did help make some decisions as he took their opinions and suggestions to heart but he wondered if a Thane's staff would be all that different. For the changing of government structure, he understood that he would have to learn more about the current structure before he even considered changes of any sort thus such a restriction only made sense. Austin hadn't thought much about actually getting paid to be a Thane but figured whatever the salary may be, he would be able to put it good use for the town as a whole. At the mention of an assistant who would also serve as an adviser, Austin was at first relieved to have someone to help him get a feel for the political arena but became somewhat alarmed at the idea that he would be reporting back to Alicia but he somewhat understood the need considering he was to be acting Thane.

Alicia was going to write a letter to the Regent. Austin briefly thought about how he would be meeting the Regent in person come the gathering at Cloudkiss. Cousin Nell was after all married to Milo and it was a meeting Austin was looking forward to more than he often admitted even to himself. He was still a bit uncomfortable with the idea of moving into the Thanal Manor but knew he could trust Iveunde and the rest of his friends working at the Winehouse to keep the place up to standards.

"I must admit, Alicia, this is quite a bit to take in yet it sounds more than fair." For a brief moment he wondered what kind of life she lived as Governor of an entire province. His momentary thought was interrupted as Alicia continued. He fought the urge to flinch more openly at the mention of him not being the first choice for the position. It was true that there were obviously others out there with more political qualifications but it was something of a blow to his ego. She also drove it further that he was being tested and that if he failed to prove himself, others, perhaps those not even associated with the town to begin with may actually be considered for the job.

Austin nodded and said, "It does clear it up pretty well, Alicia and if I do need anything, I will be sure to see you about it. I guess the only other question that comes to mind at the moment is where will I meet my assistant, here or back in Natura. Otherwise I think the best way to answer any other questions that come about is to actually begin my new term as it were in the position." Austin was more than eager to begin and already he had ideas swimming about in his head. Of course whether or not those ideas fit in with the reality of being Thane remained to be seen but he felt ready to find out.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

She looked at him and her smile softened. He meant what he was doing and he had the best interests of the place in his heart. "There is another side to this, Austin. If you come back here in three months having done a good job, then the job is secure. I don't make a habit of taking risks, so consider it a compliment, alright? The life of a politician is a difficult one at times, and you need to be sure as much as I do." she smiled at his question and nodded "I have someone in mind, so I'll send them a letter and get them to meet you there. My assistant will draft up a document for us both to sign, detailing the agreements that we have come to today."

She smiled and continued "And then the only issue is money. As Thane you get 1,500 crowns a month salary plus your office operating expenses and living expenses which would include salary for a reasonable staff. Let me have a proposal for that as soon as you can because I'll need to authorise it. Now, can I get you a drink while we wait for this document to be written?.."

Assuming that he waited, there would be some parchment to sign. Nothing untoward and certainly all above board and exactly what she had said. Alicia would make small talk and answer any questions he had. The parchment would take mere moments to draw up and when it was done she looked at him and smiled "Congratulations, Austin. You are currently Acting Thane of Natura with the very fervant hope that you will become a fully fledged Thane within the very near future. Well done.."

Her smile was genuine and heartfelt. She liked this man on first meeting and he seemed to genuinely have the interests of the people in the forefront of his mind. That had to be a good thing. She rather thought that in three months, she'd be signing the declaration for him to be Thane full time and thinking that it was a good decision.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin listened further as Alicia presented him with more details on the position of Thane as well as the matter of pay. He already began going over figures in the back of his mind for staff and what he would offer them as far as crowns were concerned. As for his own salary, he would most likely use it for some form of charity or donation to some aspect of the town. At mention of a drink while the document was to be written up; the official contract as it were for becoming a member of the Imperial Government, Austin smiled.

"A drink would be quite appropriate I believe, Alicia. Before I leave your fine city, I have a small token of my respect in the form of a barrel of the finest Eventide Wine direct from the Eventide's Cloudkiss Estate in Daltina." It was one reason why Austin chose the coach over just riding by himself to the city as he wished to leave the Governor, regardless of her decision, a token of his respect for the individual and her office.

Austin engaged Alicia in small talk and idle chat while the document was written and as well offered his services as a soon-to-be Paladin of the realm if her ladyship ever required it. He was certain to inform her however that his duty to the people of Natura came first yet he would do whatever he could to also serve the province itself.

When the document was ready and presented, he read over it and with a steady hand, signed it. He smiled at Alicia's praise and thanked her.

"I can assure you that in three months time I will return and we will sit together like this once more. I thank you will all my being, Alicia, Madamn Governor, and although I would like to remain here and discuss things further, I feel it would be best for me to get started with my duties as soon as possible. If I need anything else, I will be certain to contact you." Austin finished his drink and bowed respectfully to the Governor before taking his leave.

When he eventually made his way out of the Governor's office and met back up with Garrett, he had a barrel of the finest Eventide Wine delivered back to the Governor's office before he set out to finish business within the city. Once complete, he would then return to Natura and begin his duties as the new acting Thane.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

ooc: would you like to skip forward three months here? That might be the quickest way to do it?

[Austin Eventide]

**Three Months After The Initial Meeting**

It had been a long three months since Austin had been named Acting Thane of Natura. Although it was not nearly the size of some of the larger cities in the Empire, Natura was still a town of roughly 5,000; more than enough to constitute a large town. Isolated as it was and surrounded by deep forest, Natura still held quite a bit of complexity for Austin to keep himself more than a little busy. He had achieved much, as far as he was concerned, in the short time that he had to prove himself and thus returned to Primus Gaudeo to meet once again with the Governor.

He arrived by coach as before and made his way into the Hall of the Governor for his meeting. After undergoing the routine greetings and procedures, he finally entered the Governor's office; eager to present to Her Grace exactly what he had accomplished during his "probationary" period as Acting Thane. His hopes were that she would find it suitable to name him Lord Thane and thus grant him the full title and rights that came with such an appointment.

He entered dressed in the uniform of a servant of the Temple of the Blessed Hand; black pants, a black silk shirt with silver trim, high black boots and a black cape lined in silver with a large silver star embroidered upon it.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Alicia looked up as Austin entered and smiled up at