[center][b][u]Zarand Estate, Larial, Imperial Heartlands[/u][/b][/center] [center][i]Ceveut, the 5th of Gerna 1200 AU - 05.03.1200[/i][/center] Prince Aldrick had resided in the Imperial capital for several months prior to the Emperor's untimely demise, serving as his family's envoy and seeing that they had a voice in the Imperial court. He had certainly done his duty, keeping a finger to the court's "pulse" while making sure that the court never forgot about the north. Even so he spent just as much time in the pursuit of female companionship, something that made given him no small amount of infamy. True to his duty, the prince had set himself up with a full day of work. The first time on his list was to meet a certain James Conrad. He pondered what the man would say to him as he waited, occasionally glancing at the armored shield sister that stood to his right or the unarmored one that sat besides him to his left. James having gotten an early start on the day began with speaking to fellow prime Magistrate Prince Aldrick. He went to his office and knocked on the door. "You may enter" Aldrick called from beyond the door seductively. As James opened the door he smiled and greeted the young Prince "Ello, Prince Aldrick. I was wondering if you had some time to talk today?" James said walking in and taking a seat across from him. "Of course" Aldrick said, flashing a the unarmored shield sister a smile as his gaze drifted to her. "I'm sure you want to talk about this... emperor business. Correct?" James nodded "Yes, I am. I was wondering if you had any idea who your father would be voting for. As well as I am interested in your own personnel opinion?" James asked "Father? Ah. I've been informed he isn't coming. Something about trouble up by Chave." Aldrick commented, sounding incredibly bored. "He's sending my sister to vote on his behalf, though if she doesn't arrive the honorably", his tone made honorably sound like a pain in the ass, "duty of voting falls to me." He let out a soft sigh before leaning towards the left, letting his hand rest on the shield sister's knee. "Little Dove, would you mind grabbing a bottle of wine for me and my guest?" He frowned as the shield sister rose and left the room. "Now what was I talking about?" James looking a bit suprised that a man this young acted as if he couldn't remember something so simple "We were speaking about who you or you family my vote for as the next Emperor or perhaps Empress?" James said. "Ah yes. I suspect my sister would have Jakinius take the throne. She has always seemed to appreciate his efforts in the North." Aldrick frowned as she stared at James for a moment. "That reminds me... she hasn't been wed yet. Care to try to gain her hand?" He said with the ghost of a smile, his tone hinting at some sort of unspoken joke. James let a chuckle slip from him mouth "Why, thank you for the offer my dear lord. But do you forget yourself, I am merely a landless noble working for the Cragmores. I doubt it'd help your house to marry such a wonderous women to a lower man. That being said though if it were up to you on who to vote for or at least suggest to your sister who might it be?" James asked as the guard began placing glasses infront of them. Aldrick took a long sip of his wine before replying "Well I suppose it depends on who offers the most to me and my homeland. What difference does it make if we place one or the other on the throne if he or she ignores the north?" "Oh please prince. Don't play dumb you aren't like my lord Kenten Cragmore who just wants money or power. Besides even if you don't have something to gain other house surely do. Especially if you were to play Jakinius or Ralltene on the throne as they are both married to high lord ladies. With those marriage I suspect that house would garner more power as well. Unlike Allianna who isn't even married and unlike her brothers she at least knows how to lead a title and the in workings of politics. Wouldn't you agree?" James said taking a sip from the fine wine. "Ah yes, Lady Allianna. How could I ever forget such a pretty thing." Aldrick commented. He looked thoughtful for a moment before continuing "My family might be... inclined to vote a certain way if we were to have certain guarantees." "Such as what exactly?" James asked looking a little suprised. "It's not like I can guarentee anything truely, I simply want to get a general idea of how the other houses are voting and perhaps suggesting a person whom I would vote for." he said as he began leaning back. "We want a road" Aldrick said simply, eliciting a small laugh from the armored shield sister. "A road? A road for what exactly?" Raising an eyebrow at the idea. "Transportation of course" Aldrick raised his own eyebrow in response. "The roads leading to the north are both small and in disrepair. If we had a larger one built it would not only facilitate further trade but allow the Empire to easily move men to and from the north." He paused for a moment before continuing "It would also be nice if we had some extra forts built on the northern border to help defend the Empire from any heathen incursions." "Why, I'm sure if you spoke to any of the contenders they could each promise you that. But the question would be what do they get in return. Jakinius of course knows the north needs more men. Hell I'm sure if he became emperor first thing he'd do would be a war. Ralltene has the gold and the trade would help his power spread but I doubt that's what he's holding his money for. Allianna could see a use in both but unlikely has the money. Now, I on the other hand do believe trade to the north could be useful not only being a business man myself I could perhaps fund a road project for the right deal of course." James said with a smile and a sip from his wine. "And what is it you seek?" Aldrick said, allowing his facade of boredom to slip away. "Titles? Land? Promises?" "I believe we've been speaking of what I want. I'd more then likely double profits if there was a better protected road to the north as well as a more traveled one. But the many thing I'd want would be a vote for Emperor or shall I say Empress? Also, perhaps a personnal trade deal with myself such as your finest producers use my goods over others." James said leaning back and finishing his glass of wine. "I'm sure that can be arranged. And I'm sure that I can convince my sister to vote one way or antoher. A road for trade rights and a vote in Allianna's favor..." Aldrick let his voice trail off. "I shall favorably consider this deal." James nodded "This deal would be favorable to all parties would it not? Though if this is all, I believe our busieness here is concluded is it not?" James said readying to get up and begin the walk to his next "Appointment" "It is" Aldrick rose to his feet. "Would you care for one of my 'little doves' to escort you to your next destination?" Aldrick gestured towards the shield sisters. James gave a chuckle "No thank you, I'm sure I'll be fine." with that James headed off. [center][b][u]The Imperial Palace, Larial, Imperial Heartlands[/u][/b][/center] [center][i]Ceveut, the 5th of Gerna 1200 AU - 05.03.1200[/i][/center] “Lady Valarien” Prince Aldrick said as he entered the room, rendering a low bow as was expected, “It pleases me greatly that you made time to speak with me.” “Duchess,” Allianna laughed mirthfully, sitting up in her comfy seat by a wide mouthed firepit, clear of any soot despite the thick smell of a previous fire in the well decorated room. “But I’m not really counting,” Allianna patted a velvet seat next to her with her ringed hand, “care to sit with me, Prince?” “It would be my honor” Aldrick said as he walked over and sat besides her. He allowed his gaze to wander the room for a moment before shifting his attention back to her face. After a moment he said “I understand that you have some support in the electorate.” “Odd,” Allianna’s eyes drooped slightly, “I thought everyone was clamoring for one of my brothers. Do you think differently, Prince?” “I can certainly understand why” Aldrick spoke softly. “Despite the fact that the Empire was created by a fair lady few lands… appreciate them in the same way that my homeland does.” He paused for a moment before continuing “I’ve received a message from my father that he is sending my sister in his place and, should she not arrive in time, that I have full authority to vote for who I see fit.” “Tell me then, Prince,” Allianna scooted slightly closer, her eyes darkened with curiousity, “are you a blind man? Or are you aware of who has been voicing the late Emperor at court all the months he was at sea, or out on a safari?” “I have quite the eye for people” Aldrick said, leaning slightly towards the duchess. He let his gaze linger on her face for a moment before turning away to gaze at a painting on the wall. “Sadly what is best for one part of the Empire isn’t always good for another part. It’s my duty” his tone became one of bored indifference “to ensure that the north isn’t forgotten. Surely you understand.” Allianna cocked her head sideways, and a suspicious smile curled on her face, “oh Prince Aldrick, you completely forgot my question and point! It is neither Jakinius, who is lost in the garrisons up north, nor Ralltene, who is just as distant as the previous Emperor who administered the courts here, and the courts here relate to every court in the Emperor, which relates to nobles, and then to the people. Should you wish to not be forgotten, mayhaps you get an Emperor, or Empress who hasn’t first forgotten his or her’s own courts.” “Ah yes. Brave Jakinius” There was a hint of sarcasm in Aldrick’s voice. “At least we can be confident that he will focus his attentions in the north. Or at least that’s what my sister will argue.” “The north, definitely, but perhaps a little more north than where your sister thinks he focuses,” Allianna gave a half laugh. “I certainly agree with you” Aldrick said. “But you must understand that my sister will consider him a good choice. She is rather… militant herself… running off with the shield sisters and leading soldiers into battle and all.” Aldrick remained silent for a moment before continuing “But perhaps if you could tell me some of the… specific things you would do if you were Empress I could sway my sister to reconsider.” “Prince Aldrick, I think you are a clever youthful man,” Allianna started, “I’m sure you already see in your mind, what I will do. The courts know me, and while I’m not swinging a blade to make those in armor blush, I certainly am keeping every pocket full, and every stomach, so long as I reign in the courts with my limited power. I’m sure you understand, that as a Duchess I only effect so much, but how much that I do affect multiplies when you add a greater title to the armament of politics.” “You’re most certainly intelligent, and you already know which one of three even remembers your country,” Allianna patted her lap and smiled, “don’t you?” “I want the vote to go to you. Truly I do” Aldrick clasped his hands together. “But I have to come away with something solid here. If my house votes for you and you become Empress I need a guarantee of something. New forts on the border. Increased garissions. Something like that.” He paused before adding “I can also try to get an endorsement from the shield sisters, but only if you make a solid promise to aid in the north’s defense. You know how they are.” He ended with a shrug. “You can have all my promises,” Allianna laughed, “every last one. There is not a doubt in my mind that with a great mind on the throne, we won’t be losing ten thousand men in the webbed woods due to a bad tip, or a lack of funding where it is needed most. As I said, I remember your country, so of course I promise to provide.” “Well” Aldrick’s laugh had quite a bit less mirth than Allianna’s, “I suppose I shall work with what I have. I shall ensure that your intentions are passed along to my sister.” He waited a moment before rising from his seat. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have a few other appointments today.” “Are you sure?” Allianna’s smile faded, “I’ll be honest, an intelligent conversation void of politics would be nice for at least a couple minutes, or has the brunt of the courts not reached you yet?” “It’s not that that talk of politics hasn’t worn on me,” Aldrick answered, “I just take my duties very seriously. Still… I would be a fool to decline the opportunity to enjoy a conversation with a beauty such as yourself.” He sat back into his seat. “Beauty?” Allianna exclaimed in a hushed breath, “my dear Prince Aldrick I must say that is quite forward of you, but not on unflattered ears.” A warm smile found itself back on the woman’s face as she stood up. Gently she flattened her embroidered dress against her before walking to a rich mahogany cabinet. “Southern drink for the Northern Gentleman?” Allianna asked while slowly perusing the polished bottles behind the hinged doors. “Of course” Aldrick answered. “One thing you’ll be quick to learn about me is that I never turn down a fine drink” “Learn?” Allianna slipped a thin green bottle from the cabinet, “so I’ll be seeing more of you then?” “Perhaps” He said with a smile. “Perhaps not” He teased. “Oh I see,” Allianna tipped the mouth of the bottle to a crystal cup, “poke my mind for politics, drink my drink, and run away? Is that the game?” A humorous crack in her voice gave away her jest as she lifted the full glass and walked it to Aldrick. “The best games are those you want to play over and over again” He responded as he took the offered glass. “And this is a game I’m enjoying quite a bit.” He raised the glass up for a moment before taking a quick sip. “Oh I agree, but I’d like to know more about who I’m playing with,” Allianna casually slumped back into her chair, her drink nearly spilling, “tell me who Aldrick is.” “Aldrick is a man” He said. There was a moment of silence before he shot Allianna a smile. “Ah fine. I’m the second son of my house and third in line of the throne. So in short important enough to be domineered by my family but not important enough to have any real power.” He shrugged. “Important enough to be used for work and courts, but not enough to be praised for it either, I bet,” Allianna frowned, “I do hope I’m wrong in my assumption of course.” “Unfortunately you are correct” Aldrick answered. “And to make matters work I tend to… play the fool in order to see the family’s will done. What must be done must be done” He said with a shrug. “I suppose the one thing I should be happy about is that I haven’t been married off in order to gain some minor favor with some distant nobles.” “I suppose,” Allianna ran her finger around the lip of her drink as she thought, “it is never easy being the faithful one while everyone else finds praise in nothing, or very little. People want figureheads though, it’s what makes them happy, but not exactly wise.” “But come come,” Allianna smirked, “we both already know this and talked politics, tell me more about you!” “Hmmm…. Well have you ever been to the north?” Aldrick asked. “Probably not. What they say is true. It can be a somewhat treacherous land indeed. What few people seem to remember is the beauty one can find there. You can’t say you’ve seen a beautiful landscape till you’ve gazed upon the mountains from my home or wandered through the northern woods.” He frowned as something occurred to him. “Though I’d stay away from the woods if I were you.” “I lost a few loved ones there,” an actual look of sadness shined over Allianna’s eyes, “and I can imagine all the others who did as well.” “I apologize if I brought up some bad memories” Aldrick reached over and placed a hand on top of her’s. A warm tear shook before fading back behind her eye, “I’m sorry.” Allianna coughed gently and body came back into her voice, “I, I know how tough things can be up there. I truly do.” “You have nothing to apologize over” Aldrick said. “I’m sure you have a lot on your plate right now. It was thoughtless of me to have brought the subject up.” His eyes wandered about the room as he sought some topic to change the conversation to. “I don’t know,” Allianna said quietly, “maybe, maybe I should just be alone for a little while. You have some important duties to take care of, and I’ve wasted your time as it is.” “Not that important” Aldrick responded. “But if you wish to be alone I shall oblige.” Allianna looked over and smiled, but a red irritation around her eyes spoke of a different story, “no, no it’s okay. Don’t put things aside just because of me, please. It’s really okay. I’ll be fine.” Aldrick eyed her for a moment before nodding slowly. “If you insist.” He said as he rose from his seat. “Should you desire my company again you need but call and I shall come running. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He gave he a deep bow before turning to leave. “I do hope we see each other again soon,” Allianna bowed her head, a sly hand quickly patted below her eye as if to catch something. Aldrick lingered for a moment before taking his leave. He allowed Allianna to stay at the forefront of his thoughts for a bit longer before setting his mind to the task at hand. He did, after all, take his duties very seriously.