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[h3][color=navy][b]House Cragmore[/b][/color][/h3]
[b]The Gates of Lalrial[/b]

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In the early fog of the morning at the gates of Lalrial, a black goat began to make its way into the city. At the head of the long convoy was not Kenten Cragmore, but his son -- his [i]second[/i] son at that. He wore a thin golden circlet on his black mop of hair, and a gambeson in his ancestral house's traditional blue. His steed, a blonde diregoat with a coat of yellowish-white chomped on his bit tiredly, clearly having carried its master a great distance.

This was true -- The young prince had left days in advance, in the hopes that he would not so easily be dismissed by the High Court for his age, but respected for his punctuality. Though he had been riding for days, the prince had ensured that morning that he was shaved and groomed to be as presentable as he could, which also pertained to his first impression.

To his side was his sister, Reliwen Cragmore. Her armor was a lacklustre dark grey riddled in thin, pale silver scars. Atop her head was no circlet, but a mess of oily blonde hair that she had combed backwards that morning, which was the closest the princess would allow to being "Dressed up". Her steed was an old brown diregoat that was missing half of a horn and chewed a few strands of grass as it walked. Behind the two were two bannermen and six guards, all of whom were atop diregoats of various sizes and colors, though none were as large as the two that the Cragmore siblings rode.

Still in the early hours of the morning, there was little in the ways of peasantry lining up, though the few merchants that had begun setting up their stalls and shops began to murmur and crowd near the procession of diregoats, wide-eyed. To the party's sideide, two vendors -- a fruit seller and a fishmonger, began to talk over one another, before one approached the long line.

"M'lord", The fishmonger began, bowing his head ever-so-slightly, "My friend and I have recognized your banner as that of Cragmore, but we are no Erayans, and have never [i]seen[/i] a Cragmore. You seem much too young to be [i]Kenten[/i], though I have heard Tall Duncan towers over most men." He said, glancing up and down at Benjamin's height in disbelief. Benjamin did not dismount his diregoat, though he did turn and stop to face the man.

"I am Benjamin Cragmore, the second son of Kenten Cragmore. It is true that my older brother towers above most men, and I confess, I fail to do the same." He smiled for a moment, patting his steed. "Fortunately, fewer notice now that I'm on a saddle each day." He and the fishmonger shared a brief laugh as the latter turned back to his stall, satisfied with his answer, as Benjamin's small group continued on their way.

Before long, Benjamin, Reliwen, and each of their guards and bannermen reached the High Tower of The Phoenix. It was a glorious structure that nearly broke through the clouds, made of limestone and marble. One of his bannermen rode forward onto the royal court with a horn to signal their approach, sounding off loud enough for a flock of birds to scatter from their treetop abode.

"Benjamin Cragmore, Prince of Erayis, and Archelector of House Cragmore."

As Benjamin came James was suprised but didn't let it show. He stood there as two phoenix guards flanked him. "Ah, Hello. Prince Benjamin, I am Prime Magistate for your Father James Conrad. If I may ask where is he?" James said looking up to the small group.

Benjamin dismounted from his diregoat, handing the reigns to one of his larger bannermen. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Lord Conrad." He said, procuring a small scroll from a saddlebag on his steed, before handing it to James. "As he wrote, my father is tremendously ill, and has named me archelector in his stead."

James took the scroll and read it and thought his plans hopefully wouldn't be changed by this boy.

"As he spoke," Benjamin continued, "My father didn't see why he should endure a three days' ride to be bribed, when he can get that at home." He gave James a pat on the back and smiled, noticing Reliwen's dismount.

"You must not have met my sister. Reliwen, this is Lord James Conrad. He's our country's Prime Magistrate." Benjamin said, turning to meet his sister

Reliwen stood a head taller than either her brother or the lord, and carried a greatsword over her shoulder that seemed too large to bear a scabbard. Her face beared the meaty fullness of a middle-aged soldier much moreso than a young princess, which she wore with a rather stern expression. She gave James a nod, and extended her free hand to shake. "My lord."

James disliked the pat on the back and said "Well of course, my lord. Did your father keep you up to date on my dealings here in the capital? If he didn't I can bring you up to speed." James said looking at the rather mannish lady cragmore dismount. then James nodded to her, "Nice to meet you my lady, but please I'm a landless noble call me James.Now as I said Prince, did your father keep you up to date about myself and the capital?" James said trying to process this all and attempting to alter his plans.

"I know of you, though I only know your name and position. Please, explain while we wait to be met by Ralltene. I was given word he meant to meet with Erayis's elector."

James looked suprised "I wasn't aware he wanted to speak with you. Though as to why he wanted to meet you, I'd assume he wants your vote. As far as I can tell it's reallistically between him and his elder brother. Though I've heard one or two rooting for Allianna." James said while look back to Reliwen still shocked that it was a lady.

 Prince Ralltene had heard the horn before he had seen the personal retinue of the Cragmore Arch Elector. He exited the main gate of the Palace, the yawning entrance leading out into the main courtyard. As he neared he took quick stock of the group. Noting quickly that Lord Kenten himself was not counted among the delegate. He did, however, recognize the prime magistrate of House Cragmore already there.

James Conrad. He knew of the man only as a local landowner of a few business within the Capital. Dressed in a simple but well-made noble attire that included a vest and a thin over coat that hung long in the back and forked at the end; flanked by single Pheonix Guardmen Ralltene made a beeline for the group at a steady pace.

"Allow me to welcome you to the city of Lalrial," he started when he neared, "If I am not mistaken you would be prince Benjiman Cragmore correct?"

Ralltene smoothly offered a hand by way of greeting. 

Benjamin shook Ralltene's hand, smiling warmly at the older prince. "You are not mistaken my lord. I am Benjamin Cragmore, and this is my sister, princess Reliwen Cragmore." He said, motioning to his sister who gave Ralltene a similar nod and grumble. "It is a pleasure to meet you and your city." Benjamin said, passing the scroll from James to Ralltene, allowing the Valarien a moment to begin reading.

"As he wrote, my father is [i]ill[/i], and has named me archelector in his stead." Benjamin said, stressing the 'ill' as he pointed to his father's signature and seal.

  Ralltene gave a respectful nod to Reliwen before he read the handed scroll offered. As listened, he gave another nod of understanding then looked back at the young prince offering a dashing smile he had perfected during his career in his chosen profession from a young age.  Given enough time and the chance,  Ralltene had learned he could put any man at ease with but a few choice words and an unfaltering charm. 

   "Ah understandable, quite so." Ralltene had not expected the young lord but he did not miss a beat. He handed the scroll to the guardsmen and waved in the direction of the palace. "Well then, let us not tarry overlong in the sun. You must be most tired from your long journey, I have had the servants prepare accommodations. When you have rested and refreshed an attendant will escort you to a modest banquet I have prepared. Then we may talk on more weighty matters." 

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  Ralltene and Benjamin sat at a circular table in one of the High Tower of The Phoenix's many balconies, overlooking all of Lalrial. It was now about noon, and the two princes were halfway through their meal. Ralltene's plate held the remnants of his pork rashers, boiled greens, and bread, while the young Erayan prince had opted for a meal of buckwheat and pheasant. In between them stood a golden pitcher half-filled with port wine, embellished with the Valarien sigil.

  Behind them, golden curtains billowed in the breeze left by the open doors to the balcony, filtering the warm midday sun into the room with an amber glow. A few sticks of incense burned in their holders as wisps of silvery smoked danced and curled towards the open doorway, towards the princes.

  Ralltene had spared no expense in the modest sized banquet nor the presentation. He had even managed to acquire his wife's Victoria's favourite vintage. In tastes, they had at least that in common. There had been little conversation during the duration of the meal thus far. Ralltene decided he would not broach the subject until the most opportune time. 

 "So aside from the election, do you have plans for your stay in Lalrial?" He took a sip from his goblet before adding, "the elections are not for a few more days. Plenty of time to visit a few sites- it would be a shame if you left the capital without seeing some of what it had to offer."

  "Actually, I was looking forward to visiting a few of Lalrial's landmarks during my stay. With my wedding scheduled in a week, I was also hoping to buy a gift for my betrothed." Ben refilled his glass from the pitcher, staring out at the expansive city.

  Ralltene nodded, "A fine idea. Far too many lords squander their visits to the Captial. To concerned with business to take a moment to relax and enjoy this great city." He sampled another bite of sausage, taking the time to savor it before continuing. "Speaking of business... how goes Cragmore economic ventures? I know many think it a dull topic, but the trader in me knows it pays to be informed." 

  Benjamin reclined into his seat, sipping on his glass. "Rather well! Our salt trade has increased, as you know, and my betrothal to Imara Valian has given us a fair deal of new trade agreements with Xandria. I hear that they've been trading it to House Gracieux, who have been selling it overseas, and the Lointainians know it as 'goat-salt'." He said, chuckling to himself.

  "Ah, this is good news indeed," Ralltene's winning smile returning. "The true strength of this realm -any realm- is born of its wealth. I believe none can deny that. And when competent lords know when and where to establish growth, the realm as a whole can prosper." 

 Ralltene picked up his goblet, ideally swirling the bottle so that the wine within spun slowly. His eyes lingered on the twirling red liquid, "some lords of this realm, however, do not see it so. Preferring to find more.. stimulating but ultimately wasteful ways to obtain glory or fame."

  His eyes met Benjamin's. "It is left to wiser men such as us to make sure such individuals are acquainted with stations suitable for their martial skill. For the betterment of all of course." 

Benjamin paused for a moment to process Ralltene's insinuation, before nodding thoughtfully. "An astute observation to make in these times, contender Ralltene." He gave the older prince a knowing smile, taking a swig from his glass. "I surely empathise with you, given Erayis's current heir."

  The Prince of Lalrial nodded as he sat back in his chair. "As I imagined you would. I am glad my skills in judging good character have not failed me." He placed the goblet down. "So I shall not beat around the bush any longer. The coming election sees more than a few contenders, but any lord worth his salt - no pun intended," Ralltene added with a smile. "Knows the only real contenders are my sister Allianna, my brother Jakinius and of course, myself." 

 He brushed his mustache with the side of his thumb as he added, "Can I then trust in House Cragmore then to make the wise choice and support my name for the throne?" 

  Ben pondered for a moment, finishing his glass before placing it in the table. "I am a man with many friends, but I am not yet friends with an emperor." He said in a lowered tone. Benjamin leaned forward slightly, speaking even lower. "If House Cragmore's vote helped give you the imperial seat, I trust you would not forget your newfound friends in Erayis." He calmly said in a more questioning tone than one of declaration, raising a brow.

 Tapping his fingers on the table Ralltene frowned... before his smile returned with genuine pleasure. "It is the wise merchant who places his bet in the winning commodity. It is a truly the skilled merchant who enters no deal without assuring he also gains as much as he offers."

 Ralltene drained the last of his goblet, his words almost giving the air that he had been testing the young prince. Or perhaps not? Such was the talent of Ralltene that he could steer a conversation in such a way without the other man ever realizing it. It had been the primary art he had mastered that had allowed him to acquire his fortune at such a young age. 

 Ralltene's gaze fell to the empty goblet in his hand. "The realm requires a steady hand to rule, and so any wise emperor would do well to surround himself with trusted friends and advisors. Such positions would be wasted on those who did not already share that Emperors visions after all. It should be known should I take the throne. I will not overlook those who have proven themselves shrewd and calculating enough to place their support in the most capable man for the task. Any man who knows me knows I always repay my debts."


  "Excellent." Benjamin said, smiling. "It gives me great relief to hear these words coming from Ethica's next emperor." 

  "And it does my heart good to know there are loyal vassals of which I can depend when I take the gilded seat." A smirk on his lips Ralltene lifted the bottle of red vintage once more. "Now then with that out of the way," He refilled both of their glasses. "Let us enjoy the quiet while it remains before the other Arch Electors arrive shall we?