[center][h2][b][u]Zarand Estate, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands[/u][/b][/h2] [i]Lilria, the 10th of Gerna 1200 AU - 09.03.1200[/i][/center] Following Vorion Tallurian’s visit Aldrick had decided that he had had his fill of debauchery for the day. He still lounged on his couch, with a pair of local beauties waiting on him, but his attention had turned away from them in favor of some of the work he had allowed to pile up over the past few days. Reports, missives, letters to minor nobles, and thgfs typehe like were spread out on a nearby table. He was reading one such report while sipping on a glass of wine when one of his guards stationed outside of the room informed him he had yet more guests. “Umm… Allow them in” He said with a raised eyebrow. He hadn’t recalled requesting the company of more women, though he certainly wouldn’t refuse. The usual silver hair of a Valarien first popped through the door before the rest of its owner walked in expectantly. Allianna Valarien soon stood in front of the open door, the darker Gowa standing behind her. A slight look of concerned was on Allianna’s face as she took her first steps inside the room, “I had heard about everything!” “Your Grace!” Aldrick set the report he was reading down and straightened in his seat. “I can not express how much joy it brings me to have you visit me in my home. Could I offer you some wine?” His two servants were already pouring a glass of Aldrick’s finest wine for Allianna and her companion. “Please have a seat. And please introduce me to your fair companion.” “I am Gowa Valarien,” the woman announced. Next to the regally dressed Allianna she stood in contrast,with a white gambit and dark boots clinging to her athletic figure. Allianna quickly accepted the wine while Gowa introduced herself in her very abrupt manner. “Yes, well,” Allianna continued, “how are your injuries? I was very worried when the news came to me.” “I have mostly recovered thanks to Lady Marra’s efforts.” Aldrick said. All things considered he still looked like he had been roughed up fairly badly. “Thankfully my arm has healed nicely” He moved his left arm and despite wincing in pain was able to move it as if it had never been broken. “Still it's not an experience I wish to repeat.” “Has the local shield sister chapter spoken to you yet in regards to this incident?” Aldrick asked. “Oh no,” Allianna answered, “I haven’t heard a thing. Gowa had taken it upon herself to be my escort from now on though.” “Not as much taken as offered hastily,” Gowa smiled at Allianna, invoking a subtle frown from the other woman. “But I am glad to hear you are doing better,” Allianna quickly changed the subject. “I had asked them to offer you their protection” Aldrick said with a frown. “My [i]friends[/i] in the order have informed me that those who were captured during my assault gave up Lord Ralltene’s name during interrogation. Couple that with the fact that Lord James was also a supporter of your’s….” He let his sentence trail off. “The- Ralltene?!” Allianna exclaimed incredulously, “that’s impossible!” Gowa put a gentle hand on the now red faced Allianna, “it does seem off, but-” “He wouldn’t,” Allianna looked to Aldrick, as if expecting this to be a ruse. “Perhaps I am mistaken about my assaulters” Aldrick allowed. “But I fear that their claims also supports my fears regarding Lord James. We had…” He shifted in his seat, wincing slightly, “an arrangement. He was going to build a major road to Acitha in exchange for exclusive trade rights. I have no idea how Lord Ralltene might have found out about the arrangement,” Aldrick let a deep frown spread over his face, “and I never imagined he might react in such a way. Of course I have no evidence to back up these conjectures of mine” He gestured with his right hand as if to wipe away his previous statements. “Hence why I have not spoken about them to anyone save one very close friend. Still, I thought it only prudent to warn you in the event my fears turned out to be founded in reality.” Allianna eyeballed a chair, her knees secretly weak with anxiety, “mind if I sit?” She asked gently, her hand rubbing her chin in thought. “Of course” Aldrick said. “Please make yourself at home. Both of you.” Allianna quickly got comfy in the seat, one hand cupping her wine. She sat in silence for a moment or two before opening her mouth, “do you know anything more about this? How much evidence is stacked against my brother?” “Not enough for Grand Commander Serapina to make a move” Aldrick stated. “Oh… she’s the commander of the shield sisters here in the heartlands.” He assumed Allianna had never met that particular shield sister. “She is probably the one you should speak to about this matter. You might also want to discuss the matter with Lady Marra.” He thought for a moment before adding “The two shield sisters standing guard outside my room… they were present when I found Lord James’ body and when I was attacked. I believe they were also present during the interrogation of the criminals who attacked me. Perhaps they can answer a few questions for you.” “Most definitely!” Allianna agreed, “I have a lot of questions. I was worried from the start something like this would even be hinted at, and now that it has happened.” She paused, her lips pursing, “well, you get the idea.” “It wouldn’t be the first time someone was killed over a crown” Aldrick commented. “And I doubt it’ll be the last time someone is killed over this specific one. Please be careful your Grace. I couldn’t live with myself if something were to happen to you as well.” Allianna nodded, “you as well lord Aldrick, I’d be-” She cut herself off and nodded slightly, “- just be careful, please.” “You have more important things to worry about than my health” Aldrick said. “Like how you intend to garner more support than Lord Jakinius and Lord Ralltene. Besides” He held up his left hand and used his thumb to toy with the ring on his pointer finger “I have this with me.” “If I’m not mistaken you are holding one of the gifts from my ancestor,” Allianna questioned. “I’ll go… talk to the guards,” Gowa suddenly said, straightening the sword on her hip. Before Allianna could answer, the woman was out the door. Allianna shrugged and turned back to Aldrick, “correct?” “You are well informed” Aldrick didn’t bother trying to hide his surprise. “The Serpantine Band… It’s been a most valuable asset to my family.” He looked up at his servants and gestured for them to leave. The two women bowed to Aldrick and Allianna before making their exit. “It is a most wondrous object” He slipped the ring off and held it out towards her. “I wouldn’t mind loaning it to you. For a time.” Allianna plucked it from Aldrick, “it looks just like how it was illustrated in the old books they made us Valarien’s read as kids. I might take you up on your offer.” A thankful smile broke across her face as she rolled it over in her palm. “The stories are true” Aldrick watched as she rolled the ring over her palm. “It is both alive and intelligent. More so than many men I suspect, though it cannot speak.” He let a smile spread across his face as he said “Even so, it makes for a fine companion. Call out to it.” “How?” Allianna looked embarrassed asking. “Its simple” Aldrick said with a laugh. “Lindwurm come on out.” The ring seemed to shake in Allianna’s hand, the serpentine design letting go of its own tail as it grew in shape. It didn’t grow very large, halting at just about the same size as the palm that held it. The lindwurm gave out what should have been a fierce growl, but was more adorable than scary given the lindwurm’s size, as it scaled up Allianna’s arm and came to a rest on her shoulder. “It will also come out on its own should it sense that its owner is in danger” Aldrick commented as the lindwurm made itself at home on Allianna’s shoulder. The creature let out a huff as it curled up as if to take a nap. “It’s,” Allianna stood completely still, in utter shock, “it’s extremely cute.” She said at last, almost surprised. “Yea… well it stops being cute once it’s about the size of a dog.” He held his hand out towards the lindwurm which immediately leaped onto it and slithered up his arm. “You” he continued, “on the other hand are cute regardless of size.” Allianna perked a silver brow and brought her hands to grip her sides, “are you suggesting I’m fat?” “”Your Grace” Aldrick said after giving a bark of a laugh “you are lacking in unattractive traits.” He stroked the lindwurms chin with a finger, a wide smile spread across his face. “You most certainly need not worry about your weight.” Allianna stared hard for a moment before letting a smile soften her glare. She let her hands slip off her sides and nodded appreciatively, “why thank you, Lord Aldrick.” “You thank me as if I gave you a compliment” Aldrick commented. “All I did was state a fact.” He held his hand out, beckoning for the lindwurm to to walk onto his open palm. As it did it shrank in size, returning into an inert ring in his palm. He toyed with the ring in his hand as he looked at Allianna. “Are you flirting with me?” Allianna asked behind a smile as she watched the snake slither away. “We could discuss more serious matters if you prefer” Aldrick returned her smile with one of his own. “I suppose I could stand a few more compli- facts,” Allianna sat upright in her chair. “Your Grace” Aldrick began. “Which do you think is worth more? Silver or gems? I can’t decide which is more precious: those silver eyes of yours or that gem of a mind.” A laugh slipped from Allianna, “fair enough, Lord Aldrick. I can see the steel of the bandits didn’t reach your unique wit.” “Not quite” Aldrick agreed with a chuckle of his own. After a moment he allowed a more serious expression to replace his smile. “I do think we need to discuss the upcoming election. Lord Jakinius and my sister will be arriving any day now and I fear that he and Lord Ralltene both have significantly more support amongst the electorate than you.” “I know,” Allianna’s smile faded, “who do your friends support?” “My friends?” “Electors and Prime Magistrates that you speak with?” “Well Lord James was quite an outspoken supporter of yours” Aldrick commented after a moment of contemplation. “But with his passing I have no idea how the Cragmores will vote. I do feel confident that the Tallurians will vote for you.” He paused before adding “And while they do not have a vote I strongly support the shield sisters favor Jakinius. Which brings us to my own sister…” Aldrick let out a long sigh. “I know she favors Jakinius. She’s basically a female version of him.” He rolled his eyes. “And she will not vote for you if it risks Lord Ralltene taking the throne. And even if Ralltene had far fewer supporters than I suspect he does, she would want certain… guarantees from you.” “With your testimony against my brother, I’m sure any risk there is of Ralltene winning will be drained pretty quickly, “ Allianna commented, “I’m sure she would understand this if you told her, no?” “Perhaps” Aldrick allowed. “But I’m sure it would help her make the right choice if she knew who you intended to instate into your High Council. She is especially worried about who the next Lord Marshall will be, as am I, and for obvious reasons as that office most directly contributes to the safety of our homeland.” Allianna gave Aldrick a concerned yet understanding look, “perhaps you two should help me choose the first sword should I be elected then. Would the opportunity to handpick the marshal quell your concerns?” “It most certainly would.” Aldrick allowed the very corners of his mouth to turn upwards. “Your understanding and compassion are the hallmarks of an excellent empress.” He paused for a moment before asking “Have you put any thought into the other offices of the High Council?” “I'll have to wait and see who shows their true colors before I put anything in stone, you understand,” Allianna smiled back. “Of course” Aldrick returned her smile. “Once my sister arrives I shall expend all of my energy ensuring that she makes the correct vote. And I’ll leave you to ensure the other electors do the same.” [hider=Things to know] Allianna eyeballed a chair, her knees secretly weak with anxiety, “mind if I sit?” She asked gently, her hand rubbing her chin in thought. “Of course” Aldrick said. “Please make yourself at home. Both of you.” Gowa let out a massive fart, it slowly rippled from her ass as a content smile spread across her face. The end [/hider]