[color=00a99d][h3][b]2nd of September, 1939
Yllendost State, Imperial Castle of Yllumírë[/b][/h3][/color]

Yllumírë, the Shining Star of Yllendthyr. Walls plated with nothing but perfectly polished Mithril, shining dazzlingly within the morning light. A spiraling giant tower which served as the foundation of the entire city, a landmark that could be even seen from a hundred miles away. Yllumírë, the ever known home of the Ymherodre en' Yllendthyr (Emperors of Yllendthyr), the famous symbol of the Empire's might. No matter how many times he visits, Prime Minister Radidnahr en'Lóthien Gosodnelh watches Yllumírë in near-religious awe. As the leader of the Chymanfa (Parlaiment) he is effectively in control of the Empire. Yet whenever the esteemed high-noble visits the Castle, Radidnahr realizes just how insignificant he is compared to the Creator's chosen.

Radidnahr's chauffeur stopped the car and along with his escorts the Prime Minister walks through the pure white marble streets which seemingly spiral up for eternity. A hour later they almost reached the top floor when they saw a familiar gate guarded by golden soldiers. They were Heruntirith (Royal Guard), the Emperor's hand-picked personal soldiers widely recognizable for their armor layered with beautiful sun-bright Orachaldyn. Also called Anorhaud (sun-metal), Orachaldyn (meaning: Superior) is a rare metal alloy praised for not only its beauty but properties which surpass even the Mithril. Their creation is secret to any but a select few alchemists in Yllendthyr who work exclusively for the Emperor. Orachaldyn is the universal symbol of the Emperor of Yllendthyr. Even though the Ymherodr's power had been reduced to a shadow of its former heights, his glory and opulence remains untarnished. Radidnahr is a fearless and prideful elf who triumphed in several battlefields in the past. Yet no matter how many times he approaches this gate his stomach aches with a burst of nervous feelings.

Radidnahr left his escort at the gates and entered the Holy Gardens alone, lead by one of the Emperor's knights. As its name suggests the Holy Garden is a beautiful sanctuary, an unique paradise formed on the top of this artificial mountain. A lush almost forest-like garden filled with plants and flowers from across the Empire or even beyond. It's a man-made paradise collecting all wonders of the nature. This is the world where the Emperor of Yllendthyr resides and spends most of his life. Radidnahr's entire castle could not measure up for a square inch of this beauty!

Radidnahr was lead to a different route than usual. He and his Royal Knight guide took a detour and instead of the Imperial Palace they visited the large artificial pond in the back, Menael. Statues and many of the greatest pieces of art decorated what is obviously the greatest attraction of the entire Holy Garden. If one stretched his neck high enough even somebody from Radidnahr's spot could see the view down to Yllendthyr's most famous sea, called Gaeargiliath. But Radidnahr didn't care because his eyes were fixed on the radiant figure in front of him. Here he was, Ymherodr Ilehnaed IV en'Yllendthyr, a young elven ruler who just recently passed 96. He sat on his modest chair made of 8 kilograms of Orachaldyn. Since this was an irregular meeting the Emperor only wore his common clothes yet the vision that bombarded Radidnahr's eyes was simply overwhelming.

[img]https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxrl14OL6i1qgi0pqo1_500.jpg[/img]

[color=00a99d]"[i]What brings you here, Hîr Gosodnelh en'Lóthien? I do not remember we had a scheduled meeting.[/i]"[/color]

Emperor Ilehnaed IV en'Yllendthyr asked his prime minister in a commanding yet melodious tone. Of course he spoke in Old Elvish, a language known for its complexity. The ancient elven language of Yllendthyr is infamous for the lengths they go to describe all details. By the time the Emperor had finished his sentence over 2 minutes had passed. The mention of the Prime Minister's full name in Old Elvish alone took 27 seconds. For the record with the same tempo saying the current emperor's full name takes 187 seconds, 19 seconds longer than his father's. This clear acknowledgment of respect and accomplishments at such youth makes Emperor Ilehnaed the Fourth supremely proud.

"[i]I have important news, your highness! The situation on the Zanshir Islands grew tense. Unknown elements planted bombs across our borders. Dozens of dead, including Hîr Esnathemar en'Brascad, esteemed high noble and one of the Cyngorgad.[/i]"
Because the Emperor was irritated he talked fast. In comparison Prime Minister Radidnahr en'Lóthien Gosodnelh used a respectful tone and he spoke for almost half an hour.

[color=00a99d]"[i]Did that old fool also grew senile? Dying like a commoner to a mere indiscriminate attack.[/i]"[/color]

"[i]Indeed, Hîr Esnathemar was a living legend and one with legendary count of enemies. For him to die should not be a mere coincidence.[/i]"

[color=00a99d]"[i]I agree.[/i]"[/color]
For the record in Old Elvish this took the Emperor 15 seconds and almost 10 times as much syllables to say.

"[i]It goes without saying that investigations are already underway. Suspects are to be found both inside and outside the borders. Yet there's an even more pushing issue regarding esteemed Hîr Esnathemar's replacement. He was a great man and his loss would be felt across the Empire.[/i]"
Actually the Prime Minister's last sentence in Old Elvish took more than the rest of his line combined. His respect for the high-noble was coming from such depths.

[color=00a99d]"[i]His age was long past, Hîr Gosodnelh. In this era we have plenty of ambitious nobles to replace him. I'll submit you a list of approved candidates within the next week. I'll leave the final selection to you and the Ministry of War. Either way, the great accomplishments of Hîr Esnathemar should be remembered for eternity. I approve a national day of mourning in his honor. I'll leave the organization to you. Speaking of which, make sure that Hîr Esnathemar will be remembered as someone who died befitting a hero of his caliber![/i]"[/color]

The sun was beginning to set. Indeed, the Prime Minister knew what to do. The truth about Hîr Esnathemar's death should not be revealed. Instead the official story will be that the aging noble sacrificed his life to save elven youths from the bombings. His honor should not be tarnished!
It was 18:30, thanks to the ceremonious and complex nature of Old Elvish they spoke for 5 straight hours. With his duty done Hîr Gosodnelh was free to go. Yet something was bothering him.

"[i]Your highness, if you may. Are those intelligence reports I'm seeing? I don't remember receiving any from those countries today.[/i]"

Yes, with his sharp senses Prime Minister Radidnahr en'Lóthien Gosodnelh can easily see the same envelopes that were used by the Central Intelligence Agency on the Emperor's 'modestly decorated' solid Orachaldyn table. He can also see that they came from the PRK and the Tin Sultanate, it even included photographs of the latest rulers, Premier Commissar Yekaterina Velikaya and Sultan Tartu Babur Genghis Khaghan. The latter was the first ever time the Prime Minister ever saw the face of the new Tinite Sultan.

[color=00a99d][i]"Don't worry, these are just part of my collection. I enjoy watching children playing house with the fate of entire nations.[/i]"[/color]