[center][b][h2]Tallurian Capital Estate, Lalrial, The Heartlands[/h2]Odvin, 7th of Gerna 1200 AU - 07.03.1200[/b][/center]
 
The rooms of the Tallurian manor within Lalrial were nowhere near so well adorned or spacious as those back in the ancient palace in Rianis, but they were plenty comfortable and certainly serviceable for such meetings. There was no need for the most formal of rooms to see use, Varminia was not here holding court.
 
The room most often was used as a study, a mid sized table dominated the center of the room, surrounded by padded chairs with crimson cushions. Bookshelves and a large wine cabinet were the other prominent fixtures in the room. The Queen of Tellaria sat straight backed and regal in one of the chairs, her brother-in-law seated beside her as the two awaited the arrival of the potential heiress to the empire. Several of Lady Marra's choice wines, hand picked by the great socialite herself had been set out upon the table as well.  
 
After a period of waiting the silence was broken as an attendant clad in the white and crimson of House Tallurian entered the chamber and lowered his gaze before speaking to the high lords within the room. “My Queen, Bannerlord, the Duchess Allianna has arrived.”
 
“Very well, please show her in.” Varminia spoke quickly to the servant who nodded and departed from the room.
 
Moments past in silence before the shuffling feet of the servant returned, along with the soft padding of another. It was not long after, that the servant was bowing out of the room while the richly dressed Allianna was standing expectantly in front of the table, wearing a pearly smile and purple velvet.
 
“Good-day to you Queen and Bannerlord,” Allianna courteously addressed the waiting pair, “you wished for my audience?”
 
Varminia extended a pale arm and gestured to one of the several chairs on the opposite side of the table from where she and Lothar sat. “Thank you for joining us here Allianna, please take a seat and help yourself to the wine, Lady Marra is as many agree as true connoisseur of such things and she assures me that these are the finest.”  The Queen paused for a moment to allow the potential heiress to the imperial throne to take her seat. Allianna kept her smile as she sat, her head tilted in focus.
 
“We are pleased you accepted our invitation for there is much to speak about. These are difficult times and the passing of your father has left a void.”
 
“Indeed it has, and not just in our hearts,” Allianna agreed solemnly, “what would you like to discuss?”
 
“We wish to ask you what your impression of the state of the empire is and what course you see yourself taking should you become empress.” Varminia stated seductively.
 
“With the questions I’ve been hearing in the courts and the halls since that black day, I’m afraid to report that it would seem the Empire has no singular direction or plan of action to solve any of it’s crises,” Allianna answered simply. “Each one of us has a different idea of what the Empire needs to be significantly better, but that in itself is an issue. Without stability in our choices, the diets of the land are going to be fickle and fragile, in all things; not only economy or military, but all things. So I suppose the first thing we ought to do is compromise and agree on a course of action. What do you two think this course of action shall be?”
 
Varminia’s crimson eyes focused on Allianna more then and her lips quirked upwards into a bit of a smile at the younger woman’s words. “One of the first steps to ruling is to find the best people and delegate. We have people in the realm with great skill. Ralltene bleeds gold as the story goes and I can speak for Jakinius’ military achievements from experience. But you are the one who spent time learning the true secret to ruling. If it were my choice, I would place Jakinius in in the Marshall’s seat, and make Ralltene the Master of Coin. Both would be wasted as emperor for they would be forced to divert their focuses from their strengths. There is no reason that the empire cannot confront all its challenges with the proper organization and delegation.” Varminia paused there. “Your father raised his children to serve a purpose. Jakinius was sent to us, Ralltene journeyed the realm, but he kept you close, you are the one trained to rule.”
 
Lothar nodded in acknowledgement at Varminia’s outline of a possible direction forward, though looking slightly more reserved. He began to speak. “Variminia’s suggestion is as viable as any number that have currently floated through the Imperial Courts and the discussions of Prime Magistrates, of course. Ralltene and Jakinius, with some possible exception on the latter, are very much.. Known quantities, shall we say? I would not hesitate to say they would excel in the positions my wise Sister-in-law outlines, if they would be inclined to accept them. I would not wish to offer a solution to the current situation, but rather, measure and offer my support to the most prudent course of action, as I’m sure both of you can no doubt sympathise with.” Lothar paused, considering.
 
“Varminia speaks of your abilities, and while no doubt tested to a level exceeding competence here in the Heartlands, I know they are not enough to rule alone, but that is not my primary concern. You are somewhat of an unknown, an unmarried claimant, arguably, in my view, an asset, to others, a failing, which does not allow me to discern from even something so, perhaps, unrelated, what kind of person you are. Queen Varminia views you as a strong candidate for your skills and for your gender, the former wise and the latter understandable. I wish to know what kind of person my Sister-in-law, and myself, if I choose, would be supporting. If you’ll entertain a follow on question, too, what is your solution to the current possible impasse?” Lothar asked, looking at Allianna and taking stock of her as she considered her response, though not at all unkindly.
 
“The other contenders are my family,” Allianna answered, “and as a family we have run the heartlands and governed the leading cabinets for many years, and only when we put knives to each other’s throats did this ever start to truly fail. To put it simply, Bannerlord Lothar, the best solution is one of unity, where each person does what they do best for the whole; be it finances as the treasurer or battle as the marshal. We all have a place, and I think I agree with the wise Queen when I say I second her placement of my brothers in the cabinet.”
 
Allianna wagged a finger and smiled, “but of course a contender would say these words, and explain in the end that this means they are the only one capable of being the Empress, which would be untrue. What I am saying is not a defense to my own candidacy, but a mere observation of politics. Ralltene is a businessmen, Violette would prosper under him, but I dare say he is not a philanthropist willing to throw his money at the rest of the nation like people seem to assume, no, he is a businessmen, and they are good at keeping money to themselves. I think he would make an excellent treasurer, and likewise Jakinius’ ability at war. The north favors Jakinius for his desire to quell the north, but perhaps he aims too far north than is good to invest the title of Emperor and all of the land into. I am as you say, an unknown; but only to you as I was the hidden voice of my father while he was away on his adventures. This is nothing new to me, and I truly think that with no ties to favor a particular house, perhaps others might see how it is the Empress’ goal to help all of the houses, and not a singular interest.”
 
She folded her hands, “simply put I return to my original thesis; unity without bias, stability without confliction.”
 
“Those are lovely words, with pleasant associations. But they are simply words. You have offered little in the way of actual policy or plans that you would seek to undertake should you become empress.” Varminia began speaking again. “What you say is appealing but I see clearly enough to see that you promise nothing and that what while you speak of helping all the houses you do not speak of what that entails.” The queen shrugged then. “Show us that there is a solid plan behind your clever words and I will listen. My own reputation is well known and I will vote for whoever is most capable, you just have to demonstrate it.”
 
“Plan?” Allianna raised a brow, “but of course. I’m sure you are aware of the works the Imperial court has been striving towards the last few months. Let me explain.”
 
“In my father’s absence the courts have undertaken the brunt of the Empire’s current situation and likewise we collectively have formulated plans, as well as individually devised what we would consider the best course of action, let me map out the latest.”
 
Allianna cleared her throat as she started talking with her fingers and hands, her eyes bouncing between the two as she started to explain, “currently the Empire has seven major issues felt by all the provinces, seven issues we are working hard on mending; these issues being Emperor Taramyth’s debt, Lack of naval funds, shortage of resources and garrison in the north, heresies, vilespawn incursions, vulnerability to Eastern and Western invasion, and of course provincial crime lords. It is agreed upon that the North needs to be settled, but without further indebting the imperial treasury, the naval fleets need to be reinforced -- effectively fixing our west and east flanks, our interior needs to improve on its garrison presence and response to incursion and heresies, and our policing force needs to… well frankly be enforced. So the fix is tough and long, but it isn’t a bandage, such as throwing money at the issue or stabbing it until it goes away. First the debtors may be petitioned by the court along with the newly elected leader to cut or dissolve outstanding debt by simply providing the clause of Taramyths debt, considering his love for personal loans. We could even take the brunt of the challenge by giving his late belongings to the debtors. If this is not possible then negotiations on a reasonable debt and payment plans will be enacted. Expeditions Imperially funded will cease save for scouting missions for a select period of time to diffuse tensions on our borders and our wallet. Recruitment will be enforced in troubled crime areas of the provinces to thin the youthful population and send them to the troubled border to fill in for our missing garrison while weakening the crime lord’s potential. Returning youths will be militarized by the process, lowering criminal efficiency and making them ripe for new policing recruitments in these troubled areas, creating jobs. Of course more direct actions will be taken, and I will negotiate with my Uncle Shamgar to cooperatively use the national church and inquisition to aid in policing and routing of criminal activity. The recycling of military units, and slackening of outright invasions will provide a trickle of money to be used in giving our navy a true backbone. Should our positive status continue, than a palisade built on integers between us and the troubled north might be plausible for protection and job creation. I hope to also open negotiations to the closest tribes and their chieftains, perhaps a common ground can be met about the more violent tribes, and maybe a buffer can be created.”
 
Varminia nodded periodically as Allianna explained the more details plan for how exactly she wanted to work to fix the realm on the whole and it appeared that she approved of it. “Thank you for your time Duchess, we shall think on what was said here today but I for one can tell you that you have met my expectations and that I believe you would make a fine empress.” Varminia smiled then. “I have heard from Ralltene, and I have spoken to you, I wish to speak to Jakinius as well before I make my decision. But it has truly been a pleasure to speak with one so knowledgeable about what it actually takes to rule and so clear a plan to fix the problems.” Varminia rose from her seat as a sign that the meeting was now over.

“My attendants will show you out,” She said finally as she gestured magnanimously towards the doorway.
 
“Glad to be of service,” Allianna nodded her head as she stood up. A courteous smile flashed from her face as she gave her proper goodbyes.