[center] [h3]Vandaster City, The Septentrion[/h3]

[i]Ceveut, the 5th of Gerna 1200 AU - 05.03.1200[/i][/center]


   The chapel of Kammeth was a modest structure within the city of Vandaster. A building of tilrinic Heartlander design that bespoke of its Imperial craftsmanship. It was a single story temple possessing one large chamber and a smaller closed off section to the rear that held a few rooms. Pews fashioned from wood - likely of southern origin- stood in six rows in total. The altar rose up three large steps, centered there was a the heart of every temple of Kammeth. A bronze bowl-shaped brazier, one fashioned with intricate cut out symbols that circled its circumference. The flame within the brazier glowed brightly; the fire meant to accept what offerings the faithful provided. 

   Transgressions were often written on a piece of paper and thrown into the fire to be consumed. So that the sin would always be between man and god. Though it was not uncommon for those illiterate to merely casting an offering of food or wood. Jakinius Valarien had not come to ask for forgiveness this day, however, but guidance. 

  On his knees before the sanctified flames of Kammeth, hands clasped together before him he was as unmoving as the statue of his god standing behind the lit brazier. News of his father's passing had filled him with both grief and doubt. He had felt lost adrift at sea and so he had sought the unmoving grace of Kammeth to which to anchor himself. All his life. As long as he could remember he had sought the acceptance of his father that his youngest brother had seemingly so easily earned.

  He had never known why exactly he had been so distant with his old man. Sure they had shared different ideas and goals yet something more had driven them apart. Perhaps it was because he had spent the least time with Taramyth, growing up largely under the care and training of House Tallurian. They had almost become a second family to him. When he had returned to the Capital - a full grown man- he felt like a stranger returned to a place unfamiliar. Filled with strangers who shared only blood. At least, he had gotten on well with his uncles. One of the primary reasons for his going to the north at all was because of Carles urging. His father more interested in trade and finding new lands.  

  The doors of the chapel creaked open with an audible groan that awoke Jak from his reverie. Lokhagos Metinnus Jaroaria -adorned in his segmented imperial armor - entered the modest temple of Kammeth. The double wooden doors began creaking shut behind him as he walked down the aisle to the still kneeling prince of Lalrial. Metinnus looked about the fairly empty temple and whistled. 

  “And they say the south of the Septentrion is more devoted…” Metinnus said under his breath more to himself than anything.

   Jakinius rose to his feet with a sigh, “I take it preparations for the ship are complete?”
 
   The High Captain of the Riffleford company nodded though the prince with his back still turned could not see the gesture. “Aye, my apologies mi’lord, I did’a not mean to disturb you. But yes everything is underway, we’re ready when you are.”

   Jakinius looked up at the statue of Kammeth. The unblinking figure of stone imposing in its stern stare, yet the craftsmen had done remarkably well in capturing the compassionate air of their god. “You know you needn't be so formal with me Metinnus.” A touch of amusement in his words.     

    “Ah well, a force of habit I picked up from being around nobles all me life I suppose.” The older man smiled. “Still might’in be a good habit to keep should you take the throne.”

   At the mention of the throne and the election to follow in the coming days Jakinius frowned. Shifting he turned to meet Metinnus in the eyes and for the first time the company captain saw the uncertainty in his once and now former soldiers eyes. “Is this really the right move to make Metinnus? I feel I would better serve here as I always have, not on a warm safe throne countless leagues away.”

 Metinnus understood his comrades anxiety all too well. The two had known each other for many years after all. They had first met before Jakinius’s identity had ever been revealed. So of course, Metinnus had treated him no differently than any of the other men under his command. In fact, after he realized the boy's potential he had pushed him harder in the months of drills and training as they prepared for the north. 

  “Aye, but that is not just any ass warmer Jakinius,” his former captain pointed out, “it's the seat that keeps this whole damn realm from falling apart and being scattered in the wind. I can’t imagine any man more worthy or capable of sitting on the gilded throne then ye’self.”

 As usual, his former captain’s advice was crude and blunt- but exactly the truth of it as he understood it, nothing more or less. Jakinius merely inclined his head in understanding, his eyes falling to the fires that still burned in the brazier. He felt the hand of Metinnus fall on his right shoulder. 

 “Still unsure?” the captain more stated than asked.

  “I am.”

  “Good.”

Jakinius turned a puzzled gaze to the grizzled veteran. “How is that good?”

 Metinnus only smiled. “Cause it means you don’t want the throne or its power. And those who don’t seek only power are less inclined to abuse it. Now come, the ship awaits and the sooner we’re off the better.”

[hr]

[center] [h3]Lalrial, The Heartlands[/h3]

[i]Lalaifia, the 6th of Gerna 1200 AU - 06.03.1200[/i]
[/center]

 As James walked back somewhat disheartened as his plans have been failing which come to think of it wasn’t very unusual. He then went down to his desk to look over the daily planner and began to read it over making sure he hadn’t missed anything out of the ordinary. Looking back throughout the day however he had failed with Benjamin and Lady Marra, but was able to strike a deal with Prince Aldrick which was something. He then set the papers down for a moment and just sat there and thought. About the future and tomorrow.

   "James Conrad of Erayis," came the melodious voice. Sounding disembodied and sinister yet amused. From the far corner of the room, the shadows seemed to come alive as the space distorted and out stepped a cloaked and bent figure. He parted the shadows as if they were but a veil to step through. Yet by some trick of the light, it appeared as if he had always been standing there.    

   The man wore a hood that concealed much of his face; all but for his mouth and chin. The details of which revealed the figure had to be well advanced in years as evidence from the scars and wrinkles. Pale pink lips cracked into a smile before the figure continued talking. A smile revealing dark yellow stained teeth. "I see you have been a very busy little bee. Dear James."

   James fell back into the nervous. As the shadow startled him “ You really shouldn’t do that you know, could give someone a heart attack. Also, yes I have been busy trying to get things to work out, usually to no avail but I must look productive. So what brings you here?” James said looking at the shadow.

   The man seemingly ignored James's seeming discomfort on his choice of entry. He glided to one part of the room and inspected a single chair there, running a nearly withered finger over the polished wood. "I understand you have placed your efforts in Allianna," the figure more stated than asked. "The spoiled child of Taramyth, ever the silver spoon in her mouth since birth. "

   He inclined his head as if listening to something... or someone. The smile returned. "Still, yes why I have come. You have ever asked the obvious Conrad. Report then. You have zipped your way across this spider web of politics, where stand these."  

   A waved a hand in the air almost dismissively, "[i]Nobles[/i] of the empire? Even if you have not swayed them they have at least made in some way clear where they or their arch electors will swing."

  “Indeed, I have spoken to at least and half and even if I wasn’t able to convince them. The main contenders as expected are Ralltene and Jakinius.  Hard to see who will win, though. Jakinius has the respect and honor of his “famed” tales. While Ralltene has the money and connections to buy anyone he needs including my own arch elector it seem Benjamin Cragmore.” James said as he rose from the seat. “Do you want me to change my current plans or continue as I am learning the field?” James asked the man.

   "Yes yes as expected, but The Elysian is more concerned with the apparent clear supporters." The figure turned to James then, only now was his left hand visible, a single coin easily juggled through the knuckles of his fingers. "[i]Who[/i] supports who Conrad. Aside from the obvious of course, House Duvard will pledge their support to Jakinius and House Gracieux to Ralltene. Your place is to alert us to where the other families will fall…as for your future efforts...”

  “The Elysian would have you begin making aims to support both Ralltene and Allianna. For every new Elector you speak to, advise them to support another contender. We must have the vote split as much as possible for as long as possible. My people will do the rest."    

   “I will do my best to keep the vote split, but you must remember unlike other Prime Magistrate I don’t come from family, loyalty or even land and so I am less trustworthy than those who might listen. I will try my best to support both and keep the election going for as long as can be. If I may ask as to why though?” James asked looking at the new barely visible man.

   "Do not trouble yourself with the why, and know you efforts are hardly our only weapon in this endeavour." His smile was specially wolfish as if he found the very idea of entrusting such a task to James alone a joke in and of itself.  "Concern yourself instead with The Argentum - who I might mention- have been steered away from our activities through careful manipulation. I'm sure you have heard of the arrest of the Swiftwaves? It should go without saying you should avoid speaking to any of house Tlaerie or their agents be they electors or magisters. "

   The man paced to the other side of the desk, the coin in his hand moving all the while. "Their momentary distraction, however, is a weapon in and of itself. Be sure to bring the topic of the Swfitwave arrest up as often as possible. The flames of anger among the nobles will further aid our cause." 

   The hooded man looked to the window and inclined his head once more. "Now I must leave you. You have your orders. I trust you will continue to prove yourself... a valuable asset." 

   With that he turned back to the darkened section of the room, seemingly walking into nothing and vanishing from sight.