Inside the Governor's mind is a scary place... (Adder, please)

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Timestamp:1st Junctior, Autumn, Era XIV PF

"It's too Elven"

That was the greeting that Alicia Elsdragon gave to her assistant Manijor. Now the two of them had travelled to Prime and back, he had seen her when her beloved died and she had flung herself with undecent haste into a marriage to a complete stranger.

But never, never had Manijor heard Alicia refer to anything as "too Elven".

"The Government. This place. Me. It's all too Elven. If I am to rule this Province, and Gods knows how long that lasts, but if I am then I have to do so properly. We need a thane of Primus Gaudeo. Or a Lt Governer and they need to be a Dwarf. Or someone like a Dwarven Emissary or something it's just... it's all too Elven"

She grinned at Manijor, as she looked up from her desk. The morning sun was streaming into her office through the large windows and Alicia looked... chipper. She was wearing a black dress, fitted and austere, with a misty-grey jacket over it. Her hair was tied loosely back and her pale face looked happier than he'd seen for a while. She had the bit between her teeth and there was no doubting it.

"What do you think?" she asked, raising an eyebrow and wondering what her old friend would advise.

[Adder]

It was probably fair to say that there were a number of three word phrases that Manijor didn't expect to hear from the lips of the woman that he served. Some of them were just not appropriate, some were ones that he would have liked to have heard, but this particular grouping represented a truth that left him open mouthed for a moment, something that was in itself an unusual break in his composed nature.

He smiled at her and shook his head very slightly. "Too elven?" He paced closer to her to have a moment to put his thoughts in order.

"It would be a very wise decision I think. There is an undercurrent of unrest in the city which was present when you were here before, one that I was hoping might subside while we were away, but it is I think as strong as ever." He frowned a little. "It's strange, I've never been able to quite pin it down, but it's dwarf related and they close ranks against everyone else when there is something going on with their own. It started with the refugees from Zerdargia, it sparked something that had been lying dormant for a long time. It created a fracture in the trust that existed between the Clans and the Imperial Government and I suspect that there were those who were only too happy to exploit it."

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Well, he hadn't expected it, that was for sure. And that was a good thing. She liked being someone that surprised people now and then.

So, she nodded and listened "Indeed. I don't know quite what it is myself, I know its stemmed from, as you say, Zerdargia, but quite what the whole situation is, I couldn't tell you. But we have to deal with it somehow, and I think that we need to do so in as constructive a manner as is possible. So what do you think? Advisor? Lt Governer? Thane of PG? What are your thoughts? I need to have a Dwarf in here working with me, giving me a hard time and hopefully coming to realise that I mean what I say and do the best for all the people of Centripax... what are your thoughts, old friend? "

She stopped talking and looked at him, smiling slightly as she did. She relished the fact that she knew she could trust Manijor and so she could sit here and be honest and open with him. That meant a lot to her and she needed to know that she had it.

[Adder]

He was pleased that she was receptive to what he had said, even more so that she continued the theme and asked his advice again. He wondered briefly if she were merely looking for a scapegoat, but the thought was almost immediately dismissed as unworthy of her. He knew that she would take responsibility for her own actions and this might be just what the Province needed to take the lid of this particular boiling pot before it simmered over into something nasty.

"Having experienced and heard about what was tried before, I'm a little unsure. Having a Thane allows the city to have a voice, to be seen to be in independent of the ties of the Provincial Government. But having a Lieutenant instead who takes the same role might allow the city to feel that it's voice can't be so easily ignored. I can think of reasons for and against both."

He mused for a moment, his expression somewhat distant as his mind worked. "You need a dwarf, so that you are seen to be listening, and you need a dwarf that is important enough in the clans to be listened to. Now that I think about it, the Thane won't work, the role is too junior and I suspect that the problem extends well beyond the city itself."

[Alicia Elsdragon]

She sighed slightly, considering her options and nodded. "I think that the reality is that we need to have an Lt Governer, or even a consul who is a dwarf. One or the other. It's a tricky situation, that's for sure. So the question, my friend, becomes not just who but what. Let's deal with them each individually then...."

She considered and nodded to herself "Alright. Firstly we need to decide on the role itself. I think Lt Governer at the very least, since it isn't in my authority to promote a consul, so Lt Governer is the best I can do..... what do you think?"

That said she sat back and looked at Manijor with an expression of perplexity on her face "So.. then the question comes of who and how we get them. As an Elf I don't rate my chances of being popular... do you have any thoughts?"

She considered "In this city, what would be the best way to contact the clans? I could send a personalised request to the Chief there, in order to see whether they would pick someone approrpriate.. but that has a lack of control which I find disturbing"

She sighed slightly and looked at Manijor. "What are your thoughts?" she asked, her mind obviously ticking over at a rapid speed.

[Sifu]

The Governess' personal assistant was pleased at the way the conversation was unfolding. There was a moment where he thought she was looking for a scapegoat, an easy way out. But the two had known each other for a long time and Manijor felt like he knew her better than that. For her words made it seems as if she was truly concerned about the city, the province, and the dwarven people in all. With the situation that has been unfolding it would take a lot of careful stepping to make her plan work. If it did then the whole province and perhaps the Empire would benefit, thought the dwarf.

He stroked his neatly trimmed beard as the elven Governess spoke. He contemplated what she said about the actual role that would need to be filled. 'I would like to remind you that the last Lieutenant Governor, the dracon... erm sorry. The former Lt Governess Neav'ekel Nia'mnyth. She served the city, and the province well... but as you mentioned with the large population of dwarves, and the current situation...' he let his further reasoning remain unsaid.

'The idea of Consul is a rather interesting one. It would be more of a prestigious role, with official backing. Perhaps putting out the suggestion, and get permission. If not we can always go with the Lieutenant position, which as you said is not focused on the city itself but the province as a whole.'

He paused, looking up to watch the elven lady's face. Perhaps he had spoken out of turn, but the Governess had asked for his input.

'As for who... and how... that is trickier as you may well know. My first thought would be Count Dogrumbound Copperhand. He is currently serving as 'Acting Prefect', and has done the position much service. Then there are many others... A posting in the Herald could bring out interested parties.' He said chewing on his lip, one eye was squinted as he was thinking.

'Yes... there are plenty of prime candidates. I just mentioned the first I could think of as he on of the most senior dwarves in the city, and is a blue blooded Liard of his clan.' He said explaining his first choice.

'The best way... or the official way? Those are two different paths, madam...' He mentioned. For sometime the official way got lost and postponed through protocol. But Having the message sent during one of the Clan leader meetings... after a few casks of ale they could be well open to all sorts of talk.

ooc Hope this was ok... PM me if you have any further input.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

oocthat's great! Thank you so much!

She listened to his words and nodded. She and Manijor had worked together for many-a-long era now, and she knew that he could almost read her mind sometimes. So she listened to him carefully and considered.

"Well, what do you mean by the best way? I assume it involves ale and a predilection for talking? And it also means that there are limited people who we could send the message with. I think the most expedient way, Manijor. It needs to be done. Alright. Let's do this. I want you to collect.. not personally, but to see to it that it is done, so, I think that the thing to do is this.."

She folded her hands together, steepling her fingers as she looked at him. "From now until the first brightening of Winter, I want to have as much intelligence as is possible on who the message should be given to, and find the exact date. Then, during Winter, we will execute the plan properly. What do you think? I'd rather be prepared if possible. she said, and then she considered further.

"I think that the two positions should be made available to our chosen candidate." she said, thoughtfully "I suppose.... but let's wait on that and see who is the best candidate once we have gathered the appropriate intelligence. What do you think, Manijor?" she asked, looking to him with clear gray eyes.

ooc2!I thought this might help with the significant grandfathering! Hope that's an ok plan!

[Sifu]

The Governess' assistant was an elf of proper upbringing. It was only due to his tenure here in the Heartlands that he had began to think like the more corse dwarven citizens. The thought surprised him, and truthfully scared him. Manijor Devrin had served his position quite well, and that often required him to take steps that a prim and prober bred elf would not do. But he felt it was his duty to perform them, for he could not allow Governess Elsdragon to sully her hands. He moved to stand and take in all that the Governess had proposed.

His head nodded in thought at her direction to do more background research, and he felt he had a grasp on whom he could call upon. He needed to have information on what dwarf could serve them, well the Empire well. It would take a while for his contacts to form the relationships they would need. For to make the correct decision, then the Governess would need to have as much background information that he could drudge up. It would take till the end of next season to do that, perhaps earlier but not by much. Then of course there was the issue of crowns. His life was not a cake walk, but it was one he quite enjoyed. Plus it gave him plenty of time to be with Alicia.

'Ohh pardon my manners, would you care for fresh tea?' He said turning back to the Lady. His hands already busy with preparing her a cup. He set it before her, without pause.

'Madam, have you thought of the Concordians? As they represent the law of Centripax, would you care to take their consul to this matter? That is understanding that others do have their own agenda, but outside feedback may be welcomed.' He thought out loud still going over the question his mistress had prescribed to him.

'What ever your course of action, I will follow it to the letter.'

[Alicia Elsdragon]

oocsorry for the delay - holidays!

"Fresh tea would be lovely, thank you" she said and smiled at him as he moved around the room and then sorted it out. He was certainly a man who was able to turn his hand to anything and Alicia found him to be very competent. There was no greater praise than that in the young elf's eyes.

She looked at him and sighed slightly. "You're right about the concordians, in a way, but... you know, one of the issues is that I don't really want the Dwarves to see it as a charity giving situation. I think that maybe the thing to do is to minimise the number of people who are knowledgeable about what we are doing and to merely inform the Concordia when we have someone to fill the vacant position. They know that the vacancies are there and that we need to fill them.... "

She smiled at him and looked at him over the rim of her tea cup as she took a sip "I fear that we need to play politician here, my friend, and in the true nature of the beast, I trust no one save you and I. Because those are the only two people who have never let me down.... and I'm not too sure that's true of me!" she grinned and then sat back, looking at Manijor with an intense expression.

"And tell me, old friend, how are you?" she asked, her misty grey eyes watching him and his response.

[Sifu]

After handing the Governess her tea, he sat across from her. He lifted the small cup and took a testing sip, then nodded to himself at the brew. His bright eyes then focused on the woman before him. As she spoke of the Concordians, and her outlook on the situation his thin eyebrows rose.

It seemed the young elf was learning, soon she would have no need of the older secretary. That was not a day that he looked forward too. For his work for her had given him a purpose, to assist her in her position and do what he could to assure her success. To him they were a team, and they worked well together bouncing ideas back and forth.

His mind was already spinning thinking of the next course of action. There was another name he had been hearing lately, and the creature.. uhm dwarf was sure to make a good partner as Lieutenant Governor. Manijor had heard of him working busily to secure the cities of dwarves that had fallen into disarray after attacks in the past few eras.

'Have you heard the name of a Coulter Minith? He has proven to have the...' He paused taking note of his tea partners look. He felt a slight blush coloring his face, to which he lifted his cup to hide. Quite uncivilized he held the cup there till he drained the porcilin container. He stood up to the table where the tea pot rested. Listening to her words he turned back around with the pot in his hand to refresh her cup once more.

'Ohh me? I am just fine, could not be better, well I am sure a trip to the wooded country sides would be refreshing. But we... Excuse me I have work to do here, I will not rest until that is accomplished.' He said finally recovering form his momentary fluster.

'Ahh speaking of trips into the countryside... There has been a rumor of some of the Cether clans wanting a revival of their people too... Much like the dwarves have done with their 'gatherings'.' Though he did not want to redirect the Governess' questions about him, he was worried he may let slip some of his more base feelings. He care for the lady, more than one in his position should.

The Cether call to restore the boundaries they held for a millennium was fairly strong. Though most of the city officials failed to give the Cethers much thought, in Centripax there was a large portion of the population. Most lived in the rural areas, in small habitats that they kept to. The had been pressing their local representatives to acknowledge their work and service more. Perhaps the simple request to organize the Province into Shires would do much to calm the emotion filled folk.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

She looked at him and sighed slightly, putting down her tea. "I can not tell you how much I appreciate your advice, Manijoor. I hope that this is a team that we can keep going for long time to come.... although I'd hate to ever stop you from following your own ambition, too." she said, looking at him and considering that he was an absolute gem, a rare find and that she was truly lucky to have worked with him all these Era's.

"Coulter Minith? I... no, I don't think I've met him. But the name seems rather familiar" she said, frowning. But then she shook her head slightly "No.. I'm not sure that that's who I'm thinking of. Sounds Dwarven, though" she said, with a grin "Might be just who we're looking for?"

There was something wrong, of that she was sure, but Manijor was not the kind of man to disclose his feelings unless he wanted to, and Alicia was quite sure that he would tell her when he was ready. After all, they had been friends far too long for her to think that he wouldn't tell her - they shared everything. In truth it was more of a partnership than she had with her husband. They were not in love, were married hastily and for political reasons. Alicia had no desire to consummate her marriage to Keldon and welcomed the sudden calling away to Terramarique on business that meant the prolonged absence from her husband.

But still, she was distracted and she pulled her attention back to Manijor. "The Cethers? Hmm... I've been reading up on them and they seem to want some fairly simple things. Could you arrange a meeting between myself and their leader? I can listen to their requests and try to accomodate what I can.... what do you think?"

Those small people who most officials didn't listen to... those were by far and away the most dangerous ones, in Alicia's opinion.

[Sifu]

The calm composed demeanor of the elf had returned. And with full honesty he was able to reply to his Governess. 'My ambition to to see this Province rise up through these hardships we have suffered. The last few eras have been devastating for us, and we can not expect the stout folk to do it them selves. They would rather hide in a hole, and seal themselves off from the rest of the Empire.

No madam, my role and my only ambition is to back you in your quest. You are the light that I rally behind. Your quick wit and ability to call the people together is what will hold us together.' He stopped to sip a bit more of his tea. He was a student of government, and law. Also he was a teacher, and it was the greatest honor for ones student to rise above and outshine those who taught them and helped direct them when they did not know they were ready to do so on their own.

Once Alicia moved on to the topic of Coulter Minith he nodded, then paused to allow his head to dip to once side questioningly. It seemed would have to do some further work, call upon a resource or two to gather a bit more information of this dwarf. 'Yes my Governess, he is the type of fellow that we should look into. But I will have my resources look more into it before the end of Winter. I want to be sure you have all the information you need to make a sound decision...'

His eyes caught hers, he saw the questions and the confidence dance merrily back and forth. She wondered her own thoughts, but was sure in their relationship that he would voice anything that needed to be said. To a degree she was correct, but the formal elf knew his place. He was a servant of the Empire, and Alicia was the figurehead of the Empire in the Province of Centripax. There was a line he could not cross, plus she was married. Married. That was a bond he would not put himself in between of...

Manijor was a confidant elf, yet with his Governess that was weakened. How could he even think that he could 'put' himself between those two. Alicia had never acknowledge him in more than the role he served. Not like she would go from nobility to servant... True he was of a noble blood, it was much removed, and he was not a true servant just in job. But those small things mattered to the elf, they mattered a lot.

Tossing the idea form his head, for the millionth time in the last cycle, he acknowledged her last statement and question.

'It is true the Folk are rarely demanding nor proud but they do take pride in their people, and history. If you remember the last Heartland Games... they can be as feisty as some of the crankiest dwarves. I believe we should schedule a meeting with them. They do make up a good portion of the Heartlands populace, though they have very very little representation. As the humans near their villages take most of the official spots available.

So if it is agreeable to you I will send for a delegation to visit the city. From there we can acknowledge their requests, and perhaps looking into having them more responsible for their areas. Each 'Shire' have their own uhm... constable... err I think they use the term 'Sheriff'' the elf finished with a smirk.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Alicia smiled at Manijor and nodded. "Thank you" she said, quietly. She sighed and moved over, looking out the window as she did. "It's such a beautiful place" she said, standing at the window and crossing her arms tightly around herself "I just want to Govern it as well as I can. I... oh dear, I'm getting maudlin in my old age, Manijor.." she smiled at him and then breathed in.

"Very well. That's good. So we have a meeting with the cethers and the dwarven situation. In the Spring, His Royal Highness is likely to visit. We will need to be prepared for that. It is a time of change for the Empire, Manijor and I really don't know quite how it will all go - but I know that we must support His Royal Highness. He's never done anything but prove himself to us, time and time again."

Alicia nodded at Manijor "I.. yes, I'll meet with the delegation... Sheriff? Oh dear. Alright, let's do that then."

She looked at Manijor and smiled "Other than that, what else do we have to get on with?" she asked, eyes wide and pleased "ANd yes, I do indeed remember the last Heartland Games. We must.. I must make sure to be more seen in things dwarven. Yes indeed...."

In truth, she looked rather tired, but then that was probably the shadows from her place in the window.

[Masamune]

With Alicia's joking words and whimsicial yet sad half-moon smile, Manijor felt himself grow slightly dizzy. Her smile had always had that effect on him, even when it was tainted with such emptiness as she displayed here.

"Pardon me for saying so, Madam, but of all things that you could be described, 'old' most certainly does not fit." He knew she had experienced a lot in her life; been through several tough moments. And yet her live was not even a quarter ended, there was still so much more to look forward to. Most of the shorter-lived races couldn't tell the fine details on an elf's age; to them all of them from eighty on forward to three hundred looked the same endlessly youthful way that they had from the moment they were born until the moment they die, lest they were born at the same time as the elf, then they might live to see the elf barely reach maturity before dying of old age. Manijor, however, blue-blooded elf that he was--however far removed that blue blood might be--could see the finer details of the elven features, and knew their aging patterns.

No...Alicia had a long way to go before she even reached the middle of her life.

"Of course I will support My Lady in whatever way I can, and though I know naught of the His Royal Highness personally, If Your Excellency says that he is worthy of respect, praise, and trust than so shall he recieve from me as well. I will do everything in my power, Madam, to ensure his visit goes flawlessly." He might speak big words at that moment, but what could he do, really? Get the Crown Prince another cup of tea when his current one ran cold? Advise him on statistics that the aide had no true idea of the meaning behind? No, even if he could, those were not his jobs. The first was that of the housekeeping staff, and the second that of the gracefully elegant woman before him. He would not lower himself to the level of scullary maid, and he most certainly would never be arrogant and disloyal enough to try and usurp Alicia's position by attempting to impress her boss.

He could, however, oversee the staff and make sure they were doing their jobs properly for Milo and for Alicia, not wishing for Milo to be displeased and not wishing for Alicia to lose face. He would simply have to settle for that role for now, until he could find a better way to serve his Governor.

Yet again the thought of finding a way to bring her true smile back flickered through his head, and predictably it went the same direction most men's thoughts went at such a thing, and yet again he tossed it aside, wishing it did not distract him so. He was an aide. Nothing more. It would be wise for him to not lose his place or forget his station. Besides, she was married. For the briefest of moments he wondered, if she decided to cross that boundary and open herself to him, if he would be able to resist and cling to the principles he held so dear rather than his attraction to this Shining Beacon of Centripax, the epitome of it's very name--which, when translated from the ancient tongue, meant 'Center for Peace'.

Instead he forced his thoughts towareds business once more, and throughout it all his tranquil smile never once flickered, though he hesitated before speaking the next words. He would in the end, though, he already knew it, because he would say what needed to be said.

"Your Excellency, I thought it wise to share with you...there are rumors of...unrest...among the people of Primus Gaudeo. Stirrings of the dwarven clans communicating their displeasure of the current way things are being run by the provincial government, and especially distaste at the current lack of a thane in favor of a governor that seems to run double-duty in that regards...an elven woman, no less, when census shows that now over forty percent of our population are dwarven, with another twenty percent human and twenty percent cether. You represent a grave minority within the city, Madam, and many think it's time to call forth someone from one of the other races who will think about their needs rather than simply listening to the words of an elf.

"Centripax needs a Lieutenant Governor, this much is true, but just as much, Primus Gaudeo--Centripax's capital--needs a leader too." His words were softspoken and gentle at seeing just how tired she looked, and if he could have, in that moment he would have reached out and gently stroked her face...but of course he wouldn't. He knew his place, after all.