[hr] [center] [h2][b][u]The Heartlands[/u][/b][/h2] [img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/36/9a/3d/369a3d8863a3950eef5030d7c8e34155.jpg[/img] [i]Valorin, 11th of Gerna | 1200 AU[/i] [i]Location: A days ride from North from Lalrial[/i] [/center] [hr] The sun was but an orange line on the horizon when the company lead by Jakinius had made camp just a day's ride from the capital. The setting sun made long shadows of the stone hills and rocky outcroppings. The river basin known as the Ethereal Tributary flowed to the camp's north. Close enough to grant easy access to fresh water. The Velathi Mountain that housed the great Flame Keep of the Church of the Sacred flame was but three dozen leagues north across that same river. The grassy foothills that the party had made camp at the foot of acted as the defining border between the provinces Dreiben and Aglil, the latter better known as the Heartlands. Their stay in Dreiben had been peaceful enough. A fine one in fact given the protection the bannerguard had extended. It had given Jakinius and the others time to heal their wounds and recover their strength following the desperate skirmish in the Lorewood. Olafgvar Kjaldsson was tending the camps fire. Burning a few pieces of deadwood and bushes he had managed to scavenge while having already set up the cooking pot above the meager flame. Metinnus had already ordered the men to pitch the tents while a small group went to collect water. They had chosen to build the fire in the midst of a small circle of small boulders. Tents circled around the fire facing inwards toward the warming fire. The horses had been tied to a pair of small trees off to the west of camp. There they enjoyed a rest of their own as they fed upon the rich grass around them. Tired himself from a long day of riding Jakinius plumped down on one of the stone seats close to the fire. He cast his gaze skyward and noted the dark clouds. Knowing soon rain would follow. He was glad for the leather tents bought while they had stayed in Dreiben. The animal hide would do well in keeping out the rainfall. He pulled out his waterskin and drained the last of the liquid within. He frowned at the empty vessel and stored it back at his waist. The sun was low but it was just dark enough to see a few stars beginning to appear in the skies above. A cool breeze wafted by him and he instinctively drew his dark grey cloak tighter about himself. He flexed his right leg while he relaxed; noting that there was less pain and cramping in the muscles where he had been stabbed by the Narkak spear. The healing had done him much good it would seem. Still the scars would remain with him for the rest of his life, all a testament to his will to survive as well as Ra-hun-ru's protection in battle so he would wear them proudly. Lynette approached the fire and, without saying a word, sat beside Jakinius. She silently stared into the flames, watching them dance and sway in the soft breeze. Their image drew forth memories decades old, memories that she normally didn’t think about. After a few moments, she shook her head, forcing her thoughts away from those memories. “You should have left us,” She said. There was no guilt or condemnation in her voice. Her tone was that used simply to state a fact, the same one she might use to say one plus one is two or that the sky is blue. Her face too seemed to be perfectly neutral as she stared into the fire before them. Jakinius eyes fell on the horizon as he watched the sun slip out of view, his face unreadable but his gaze intense. Still looking ahead he said simply, "I could not. It has never been in me to run nor abandon a friend or comrade in need..." His voice was a quiet high whisper but his tone held a kind of conviction that bespoke strength. “You need to value your own life more” Lynette said with a frown. She looked over her shoulder as she heard someone approach them from behind. “I,” The Valkyrie said as she walked towards Lynette and Jakinius, “am quite glad you didn’t abandon me, regardless of what I might have said at the time.” Her injury seemed to have mostly healed, although she still had a slight limp. The Valkyrie rendered a deep bow towards Jakinius before taking a seat on the opposite side of the fire. “Who would lead the Empire’s armies should you fall Jakinius?” Lynette asked. Jakinius looked down to his hand, his fingers slowly forming into a fist. Testing the feeling in his arm since his recovery, "perhaps it was reckless. Yet I hardly had that on my mind in the heat of the moment." He offered a half-smile, "still I don't think I am so unique as to be irreplaceable." At that moment, Metinnus came wandering over with a pack over one arm. "I'd disagree on that milord-- the north needs men such as you like never before." The Lokhagos sat down upon one of the stones and opened the pack he carried. He pulled out several objects wrapped in a sheet like material. He handed one to Jakinius and offered them to the Valkyrie as well as Lynette. "Baked bread-- the Gwethyns use them as rations. Should last us until we reach Lalrial. I don't fancy our chances in catching game out here." Both women accepted the offered bread with a smile. Lynette immediately began to tear pieces off to eat. The Valkyrie set her’s aside for a moment as she addressed Jakinius. “My lord” She began, “I’m afraid I must apologize to you for not only failing to introduce myself, but also taking some measures to hide my identity from you.” Lynette shot her friend a are-you-sure look which the Valkyrie ignored. “My name is Oktavia Kovacs” She said as she rose from her seat. “And I am the Arch Commander of the Sisters of the Silver Shield.” She rendered a low bow for Jakinius as she continued “I apologize for not introducing myself earlier, but I felt it necessary in order to obtain an untainted view of you as a person.” “I am also at fault for deceiving you” Lynette set aside her own meal so she could stand and bow to Justinius as well. “I wanted Oktavia to have no doubt about who you truly were.” Jakinius raised a hand and shook his head, "no need to explain, but I am glad to finally have a name. Referring to you as Valkyrie all the time was getting a tad awkward." He gave a light chuckle as he took a wrapped loaf of bread from Metinnus. "I am glad you trust me enough to be open with me. I hope this means your view of me is a positive one," he raised an eyebrow though his smile and tone hinted he would not hold any honest judgment against them. “I feel inclined to speak well of you in the future” Oktavia allowed as both she and Lynette sat again. “And I can see why my predecessor had nothing but praise for you.” She looked at the fire thoughtfully as she bit into her loaf of bread. Lynette smiled back at Jakinius before changing the subject. “So tell me” The princess began, “how fares the missus? I imagine you can’t wait to see her again.” At the mention of his wife a genuine smile spread across Jakinius's face. "There are only two forces that could call me back from my duties in the north. Anastazie is easily the most powerful of those reasons I return to the capital. I even admit she is one thing I look forward to when I return." He looked up at the stars once more seemingly lost in thought. Olaf mumbled a curse as he stopped stroking the fire, apparently displeased with the size. "Blasted bush makes for terrible tinder." He sighed as he got to his feet and took one of the loafs of bread which he promptly began to devour after sitting down on one of the larger boulders. Metinnus only shook his head as he turned his attention back to the conversation. "And what of you Lady Lynette? I hear you have a brother in the capital, forgive the assumption, but I assume that would be a nice reunion between family I'd hope." “It will be” Lynette answered with a warm smile. “Though I must admit that I fear for my little brother. A lot.” She let out a long sigh. “I fear that some day he’ll earn the wrath of a powerful lord and then that’ll be the last I hear of him.” She shook her head. “At least, he seems to enjoy the capital, for what it's worth.” “On the subject of wives,” Oktavia began as she poked at the fire with a stick. “Aren’t you past due to be married?” She just barely failed to keep a mischievous smile from her face. “By Ra!” Lynette rolled her eyes. “I hardly have the time nor desire for that. And what about you?” Oktavia’s only response was a shrug. “I can’t imagine what sort of hell the north would turn into if I allowed by older brother free reign after father passes away.” Metinnus hummed in concord, "I have only heard of Elek Zarand from word of mouth. I could judge the man himself without meeting him first," Eyes still off in the distance Jakinius offered his input, "I met him once." He turned his gaze to the others. "When I was stationed for a time in Acitha we met briefly, he was... aloof to say the least. His talents would ill fit a throne I fear." Lynette nodded in agreement. “My brother is better suited to reading and painting, not leading. Unfortunately, my father either doesn’t care or is unwilling to see this.” She let out a long sigh. “Elek was always his favorite.” “I will not send my sisters under battle under his command” Oktavia stated simply. Lynette frowned but nodded in understanding. “I am hoping that, with enough time, I can convince either my father or Elek himself that it would be in the best interests of all involved that he does not rule Acitha. I hope it's not too presumptuous of me” Lynette gave Jakinius a pointed look, “to assume that any future emperor would also seek to keep Elek from the throne as well.” Oktavia made a noise of disagreement before saying “The few times I’ve tried bringing the subject up to His Majesty’s attention I was pointedly ignored. I wouldn’t hold my breath that he’ll listen to reason.” "Meddling in the affairs of the provinces in their choice of Arch Electors has ever been a messy issue. One that is always a fine rope to walk for any Emperor in decades past. A rope from which he might be hung if he was not careful." Jakinius dark silver eyes met with Lynette's, "Yet the realms of the north are our bulwarks against the Nordheim and it is in the interest of all that they remain strong. Title of Emperor or not, you would have my support, Lynette. Acitha not only needs but deserves a strong ruler. I can think of none better than yourself." His words were from the heart, and any could tell he wholly meant them. Lynette averted her gaze to the ground to hide the blush forming on her face. A few golden locks of hair fell over her face as if to shield it from sight. After a moment, she replied, “I’m honored to hear you say that.” Oktavia simply rolled her eyes as she stood up. “Yea. I say something along those lines to her and she ignores me.” She stretched and yawned before adding “Come on Metinnus. Let’s go and futily look for a deer to murder or something.” “I ignore you” Lynette said without looking up, “because you say it so often.” Metinnus seemed to roll that idea over for a moment before shrugging, "Aye, can't hurt, If I have to live off bread for one more night I'm liable to eat' my own arm." Olafgvar laughed, "you have never been much of the hunter Metinnus! I suppose I can teach'ya a thing or two. If yer lucky, ye might find a rabbit to spite at least." [hr] [center]East Empire Company Office, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands Ixyan, the 8th of Gerna 1200 AU | 08.03.1200 [img]http://wallpapers.wallhaven.cc/wallpapers/full/wallhaven-30561.jpg[/img] [/center] [hr] The balcony of Ralltene's estate offered a lovely scenic view of the port side that overlooked the shining Gold Gulf. The refreshing smell of seawater wafted up from the piers bellow. Just far enough away that they were not too strong but close enough to be noticeable. Exotic plants from the Kawachian isles, as well as a few choice, plants from far away Lointaine. They gave the deck a refreshing look that any man or woman would appreciate. Resting has hands on the balconies railing Ralltene decided to enjoy the vista as he waited for his visitor. On a small round table off to his right was a single bottle of a purple vintage wine imported from Xandrian that was carefully blended with the more common Luzerne wine for a unique and flavorful kick. Two tall glasses rested beside the bottle said bottle while Ralltene waited. As he did he reflected on what he knew of the Prime Magistrate of House Tlaerie. There's was a vote that could easily swing to any of the candidates, but it was one that was easy enough to gain the prince knew. However, he would need to walk carefully, for to side with House Tlaerie blindly would alienate House Swiftwave. Hence, he believed, none of the other contenders had yet courted with the Tlaerie. Still, if Ralltene sources were correct. It was now the perfect moment to strike a deal with the Tlaerie's as quickly as possible. In them, was the rare opportunity to swing two votes in one bold move. Ralltene smiled. His sister might be a competent stateswoman. However, she would never match him when it came to reading the changing tides. The sound of someone clearing their throat alerted the prince to his aid's arrival. Alceste Léger stood with his arms behind his back and bowed his head as a way of apology for the interruption. "Milord, I present Lady Lae'Vesi Trielia, Prime Magistrate of House Tlaerie." After the aid spoke a woman passed by him to enter the room. She had long golden hair and silver skin, features that might remind the imperial claimant of his lady love but otherwise she differed. Lae’Vesi was dressed in the fashion of house Tlaerie and vaelie highborn, many strips of silken cloth wrapped around her body. But this time the were not so revealing and the vaelie woman looked visibly nervous at having been summoned before someone so important. “Prince Ralltene, you honor me with your summons.” Lae’Vesi began, her voice soft and lilting with a musical undertone but a faint one as she bowed her head and bent at the waist in respect for his position. “How may I serve you?” Ralltene offered his most disarming smile as he raised a hand, "No need to be so formal Lady Lae’Vesi, this is an unofficial visit you might say. Though I would be misleading you to say ou discussion will not revolve around that of politics." He gestured to the small round table. "Can I interest you in a glass of Xandrian wine? You will have to forgive me, but I did not know your preferred brand so I took a leap of faith." Such was partly true, for Ralltene had made sure to learn all he could of the Prime Magistrate before hand. Feigning ignorance, however, gave him just another tool at his disposal. It was sometimes better to not let on how informed you were about other nobles. “If you wish.” Lae’Vesi nodded and straightened up though she looked nervous still. She moved over to the small table that Ralltene had pointed at. “I am sure anything you have chosen will be fine milord.” Her voice was soft and subservient, perhaps she was cowed by someone so important. Ralltene looks to his aid who in turn bowed his head and left. Walking to the table Ralltene retrieved a glass and carefully poured out a measure of the wine in question. He handed it to Lae’Vesi with a practiced smile aimed to put her at ease. "Well, I do hope you enjoy it, in such uncertain times we must enjoy even the little things." The prince then poured himself a glass, "So Lady Lae’Vesi, I admit to seeing the capital far too little during my time governing Lochbridge and managing the East Empire. Have you been a Prime Magistrate in Lalrial long?" “Only for the last few months milord, Eril’Nisin Nirellia just retired from his post and I am his replacement. I am still learning how to fit in here.” The vaelie woman took the glass from Ralltene and took a sip from it, a smile showing as her lips curled upwards at the taste that many would have found sickeningly sweet. “I hope I have not behaved improperly.” Ralltene waved a hand in the air, "oh no, from what I do hear you've been doing a fine job when my late father was in power." The prince looked out over the balcony at the crashing waves at the sea as if lost in thought. He looked back to Lae’Vesi for a moment, "when you look out onto this fair city what do you see?" Lae’Vesi looked relieved for a moment though she hid it quickly and looked out at the water and the waves as well. “I see a magnificent city full of people. The heart of the empire that we have to preserve. For it is our duty to be ever vigilant, the watchful fires that burn against the dark.” She spoke words paraphrased from the creed of the Argentum and house Tlaerie despite her not being a direct member of the house. "Quite true, but see a city- no- a realm full of potential..." Ralltene tone changed to a harder one. "But...not all that glitters is gold as the saying goes... upon those very waters far to the south lies a province that has long festered on the grapevine. Threatening to poison the whole. A rot I fear that has blinded the Emperors of the past. My father sadly among them." Lae’Vesi visibly perked up at that statement. This was something she knew how to handle, it had been stressed how important her role in lobbying for the Immolation of Kawachia was to be during her education. “We have often advised your predecessors of the risks that the cancer there holds to the realm. Even the smallest infection can spread and doom its host. And this one is very dire.” Her voice’s musical undertones had perked up as well. Ralltene took a sip of his wine, the set of his eyes revealing a stern resolve. "An apt description, given what I know of them now. I was never overly concerned in days of yore. Still my father learned his love of the sea from them until he wasted days away sailing the oceans leaving the realm to deteriorate over the years." "Still, the Swiftwaves are a well-established house. Ones who no doubt have learned over the years to hide their less..savory interest from the public. Not even an emperor could move against an Arch Elector without cause... yet there are those skilled in finding out the sins of men." “We seek only to preserve the empire and protect the faith.” Lae’Vesi replied. “But a cancer so long allowed to spread and grow could be resilient and fight against the cure.” Ralltene nodded, "Quite true, so steps must be taken. The Argentum officially given the right resources it needs- yet even before that. Someone who sits on the gilded throne and is aware of such a cancer is required. I fear many of those who are eligible are... unconcerned with the soul of this empire." “And you have the interests of the souls who would otherwise meet damnation in the sacred fires at heart milord?” Lae’Vesi asked, wanting to make sure she understood correctly. “You would take up the knife and cut out the cancer in our realm?” "I would simply do as is required of me, using every tool at my disposal as any ruler should." Ralltene turned his gaze to her. “So can I count on the support of House Tlaerie in seeing an Emperor installed who is willing to do what is needed?” “Gladly. We have waited for an emperor willing to excise the cancer from the land for so long.” Lae’Vesi could hardly contain her excitement at the prospect. [hr] [center]Temple of Kammeth, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands Ixyan, the 8th of Gerna 1200 AU - 08.03.1200 [img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ab/3b/c8/ab3bc8150858f1edace89f082bdface0.jpg[/img][/center] [hr] The great hallowed halls of the Temple of Kammeth within Lalrial was filled with many of the faithful. Crowds of people having gathered to lay witness to the new voice of the gods as they were officially given the title of Arch Dawnbringer. On the large podium at its center stood the great lit brazier, standing before it stood Noluretinaus and two of his fellow lords of fire; each standing to either side of him. The red robed and hooded figure to Noluretinaus's right held a red-crowned scepter fashioned from silver and gold topped with a ruby gem. The robed woman to his left carried in her arms the caped mantle of the Arched Dawnbringer. Raised in a half circle positioned on the podium was a stadium fashioned in tiers of steps- from here the choir stood as they chanted in a high whisper the songs of the holy texts in perfect unison. Raising his powerful voice so that it echoed through the halls Noluretinaus began his speech, "Today we ordain the chosen new voice of Kammeths, we recognize Filmethi Dalfire as the Arch Dawnbringer of the Church of the Sacred Flame. May she guide the faithful in these uncertain times," Noluretinaus gestured to his right side signaling to Elder Reband, who in turn offered a smile to Filmethi as he handed the staff of the Arch Dawnbringer to her. The staff was a beautifully crafted piece of work that was emblazoned with holy symbols and intricate runes fashioned from gold or silver. "The rod of office of the Arch Dawnbringer," Reband said with a hint of rehearsal in his words. "May it serve as both a symbol of your position and a reminder of the protection granted by Kammeth." The silver skinned and golden haired woman who had once been known as Tsi’Ri Tlaerie and who now carried a new name from the divine fires above stretched out a hand to take the staff from Reband. Her hand slowly closed around the firm wooden shaft of the staff and a smile that was still very much like Tsi’Ri’s old smiles bloomed on her beautifully sculpted the face. “Thank you, Brother Reband.” She spoke softly but her voice echoed in the vast temple. “We all may doubt ourselves, for we are but mortal. But we must never doubt the one above, who saves us and preserves our souls in his holy fire.” Filmethi Dalfire raised her voice as she turned to the assembled masses. “Too often we try to delude ourselves into thinking that we are infallible, that our power and strength comes from ourselves alone instead of relying on his might and acknowledging his role.” She raised the staff up in a silver hand as she continued. “Many have said that doubt is wrong, that to doubt you is to be weak. But I say this. Had I stood before his fires with pride, had I thought myself worthy to take this role the flames would have consumed me. It is because I saw my place, and respected his will that I stand before you now. I ask you all to look within yourselves, can you truly see your flaws? Are you honest with yourselves? The first step to true faith is to know oneself and then to embrace how the gods above can make us more than we could ever be alone, how they could find us, the weak and flawed vessels that we are, worthy of their favor and love.” “Those who can look within and see their flaws have taken that first step to true faith. Humility opens the door where pride locks it shut, the humble who know their place are richer in faith than the proud who think themselves great. But how can we know the truth in the hearts of men? How can we truly know if someone is humble and pure in faith? How can we know they are not hiding their true pride, their true arrogance away like a cancer, seeking to uplift false gods or worse to elevate themselves to the level of our creators?” Her voice rose in volume and the old vaelie strains that twined through it though rusty still made it musical and pure even now. Filmethi Dalfire brought down the staff, a ringing sound echoing through the temple as it struck the stone below. “Fear not, for Kammeth has given us a way. Just as I survived the holy fires and stand before you now, so shall the righteous and true in faith survive them in the times to come. We must be vigilant, we must never falter, for the evils of pride and self-deification are always present, sneaking into the hearts of the faithful to corrupt them.” Then she fell silent for a moment as if she was gathering herself. “We do not fear the flames, for the flames are our salvation.” As she spoke her robes seemed to shimmer with a heat haze. “We do not fear the flames, for the flames are our salvation.” Now there was smoke around her. “We do not fear the flames, for the flames are our salvation!” And the fire came, blooming around her, but not burning as she stood in the center of the fiery halo. “The righteous need not fear the flames for the flames will show the truth and bring us salvation! But the wicked, the cancerous sinners who fester and seek to uplift false idols, to them the flames will bring damnation!” Then the flames that surrounded her began to fade. The gathered assembly cheered as one at the moving words of their new Arch Dawnbringer. A few nodding their heads in agreement while others merely went along with the flow. Perhaps waiting to judge her based on her actions in the coming dark days. The simple folk could pray to their gods for guidance, but all men more easily walked in faith when another more pious than they lead the way. Soon the mantle of her station was carefully placed upon her shoulders and the choir began to sing a song to lift the hearts of the faithful in this most sacred of moments. The Arch Dawnbringer had finally been chosen, and now the realm merely waited to see who would lead their nation as a whole....