Elendin is sitting in his throne, with his uncle standing beside him. The young boy was slightly distracted when the large doors on the far side of the room slowly swung open. Stepping through it and approaching the throne were six individuals. Elendin recognizes their attire; these people hailed from the mountains in the north, the Kingdom of Galmha. One of the man steps forward, clearly being the adviser sent by the Kingdom. The boy is intrigued by the masked man, but knows better then to ask of it. [color=E7C028]"You and your people are welcome in Lentia and in Stonepeak Keep. I trust your advise will be useful in times to come... uuuhh... S-... Ma-..."[/color] The boy stammers for a bit. The man actually never said his name. Was he supposed to ask him for it? Or would that make him seem forgetful? Before he has a chance to decide what to do, his uncle leans forward and whispers in his ear. Elendin seems to relax and simply nods, returning his focus back on the man in front of him. [color=E7C028]"Sir O-yhamu."[/color] [hr] Elendin had managed to focus on his first arrival, but now his gaze finally wanders over the Sinver escorts. He was slightly undone by the beauty of the clothes of these people. Was it normal that an emperors subjects wore more beautiful clothes than the emperor himself? Surely not, right? But it was a vain thought, and with a quick shake of his head, dispels it. His eyes shift between the man who called himself Inwin Selemont and O-yhamu. The young boy was learning the different languages of the provinces, but wasn't nearly proficient enough in Galhmese to follow the conversation. With a soft cough he tries to attract the attention of the newcomer. [color=E7C028]"Welcome, Sir Selemont! I'll praise the Paragons for your safe arrival. Our messengers brought news of your misfortunes along the way. We're glad to have such artistic influences present in Lentia this day."[/color] His mind was racing to think of other things the Selemont Kingdom was known for, or even what Inwin was known for... [color=E7C028]"Someone who made a fortune in such a small time is surely someone valuable to the Council of Stars."[/color] [hr] A slight guilt crept up on him as he notices himself staring at the beautiful, but mysterious Scaleguards, that enter the throne room. A slight poke from his uncle brings him back to reality, and by the time he notices what's happening, the delegate is already bowing before him. With a slight feeling of guilt, he must admit to himself that he missed the first few words of the man. Luckily there was only one province that wore clothes like him. The Grand Province of Saqquar. Elendin had to admit that he didn't know much of the distant region to the south. But luckily he did know something about this man, and something he would love to learn from him. [color=E7C028]"Gastó Canalis! Your name is often mentioned in these halls. Mainly by jealous nobles who wish they were half as good as you at Tarvak. Surely an excellent strategist as yourself is a worthy addition to the Council. I do hope you'll be able to instruct me at some point in the ways of Tarvak. Even if it's just enough to beat my uncle here."[/color] A grin spreads across the boys face but quickly turns into regret as he looks at the frowning face of his uncle. With an awkward cough he continues. [color=E7C028]"We welcome you in Lentia and in Stonepeak Keep. That your knowledge may be of use in the times to come."[/color] [hr] His eyes widen as he sees a man on top of some reptilian creature. Of course he had heard of the Raptors of the Eru Barrens, but to actually see one in his... throne room of all places. And to see it dressed the way it is was something he would probably never forget for his entire life. Elendin follows the beast with his eyes as it nears the throne. Only when the Jeckle jumps off the beast and lands in front of the emperor, does Elendin notice him. [color=E7C028]"Uhm... That is quite alright. We did not expect th-..."[/color] His sentence is cut short as he is presented a small ball of fur. His uncle steps forward to accept the gift, but is halted by a hand of the young boy. With a nod of the head he returns to his position. Elendin takes the little beast in his arms and looks at it with joy. [color=E7C028]"This is a wonderful gift! My many thanks. I shall call him Castus!"[/color] He places the little cub on his lap and begins petting it. The beast relaxes and closes his eyes as it calms down. [color=E7C028]"The logistics the Eru Barrens are known for will be useful in running this Empire. You are welcome to the Council."[/color] [hr] The attention of the boy is drawn to the giant doors one last time as his last guest appears. He tilts his head as he sees the woman thanking the guard. She was the first to do so and it appeared strange to him. Thanking someone seemed like such a normal thing to do, but he was never teached to thank his servants for the things they were meant to do. Her words rang true. Valvran was the grain storage of the nearly the entire empire. The fertile lands had been a boon in the booming increases of population across the empire. But the young boy, unknown to the sly words of the court, misses the snarky remark to his other advisers from her. [color=E7C028]"That is quite alright. Nowhere in the invitation did it say to bring a parade."[/color] He smiles at the woman, his words sincere. [color=E7C028]"The Valvran people will always hold a special place in the hearts of the Aventash. My uncle has told me plenty about how I wouldn't be here if it weren't for your skilled doctors. Your words and wisdom will surely find a suitable place among the many wise man that surround me."[/color] [hr] All the delegates have arrived. Five individuals stand before the young emperor, each with their own intentions and agenda. Elendin was aware of this, his uncle had prepared him. His eyes move from the left to the right, his eyes making contact with each and every single one of them. [color=E7C028]"You are send here by your lieges because they think you are the wisest in your land. Ready to guide me and my Empire towards a better future. The motto of my family is [i]Drah Al Saravis[/i] in old Styrian. You will better known it as [i]Together we stand united.[/i] This motto still holds true today! The empire is made by man and woman like you. Together you will advise me to rule over this mighty empire. Together we will steer it towards a brighter future."[/color] He stands up from his throne and motions to the large door they all entered through. [color=E7C028]"You have all earned your rest for the night. All of you will be assigned a room in Stonepeak Keep. Servants will guide you to it. Tomorrow we will meet in the Chamber of Stars and discuss our first points of attention. I once again thank you all for arriving on this day and wish you a goodnight."[/color] He folds his hands together and nods towards the group. This audience was over. [hr] The storm was still going strong. Elendin is plagued by thoughts and isn't able to fall asleep easily. The boy trashes around his bed, trying to find a comfortable position... to no avail. He hopes his new advisers have a better night then he does. After a couple of hours, the young boy finally falls asleep. But even asleep, nightmares haunt him... [u]The next day[/u] Elendin springs up from bed as soon as the sun rays touch his face. He had to be well prepared for the upcoming first meeting. He picks up the piece of paper from the table next to his bed. It contained the most prominent issues that plagued the Empire. His uncle had written it up for him and these were to be discussed. He had read them all over multiple times over the last couple of days, but he was still afraid of doing it wrong. Elendin shakes his head and goes to prepare for the meeting. After being dressed by his servants and a quick (but luxurious) breakfast later, Elendin sends out multiple servants to gather his advisers and other important figures. There was much to do today, and there was no time for dilly-dallying. The advisers are quickly round up and brought to the Chamber of Council. It is a large, round chamber with a dome as roof. The dome is decorated with small faces of several Paragons. It is said that the Paragons watch over the decisions the emperor makes, and that thus, it can never be a wrong one. In the middle of the room stands a large triangular table with flat points. At each point stands a seat. Two of the seats have already been taken, the third one is empty. In the fist seat sits a woman of elderly age. She wears a white robe and an iron tiara. Some of the advisers may know her as Tirgana Doms, ecclesiarch of the Belief of Man. Ice cold eyes observe the advisers as they enter the large room one by one. In the other chair sits a man of middle-age. He has a large brown beard and wears golden gilded plate armor. On the left armchair rests a helmet with a large feather sticking out. This would be Oldavan Rigter, grand-general of the Imperial Army. It is up to him to raise the levies of all the Provinces and coordinate them properly. This man seems a bit warmer of heart then Tirgana and he greets every adviser properly. He even gives a short round of praise to O-Yhamu and Saqquar respectively, commending them on the disciplined troops there Provinces provide. The third chair isn't really a chair, but rather a less extravagant version of the throne in the throne room. Through deduction, most advisers come to the conclusion that this was where the emperor was meant to sit. Between the points are five chairs in total, meant for the advisers. On the table, in front of each chair stands a cup of wine and paper, ink and quill. As the advisers sit down, the time passes. After some time the large doors to the Chamber of Council open up. Emperor Elendin enters, flanked by two royal guards, wearing long spears and golden armor. They both wear a red cape with the weapon of house Aventash emblazoned on it. Next to, but a bit behind the emperor walks Rurik Aventash, ever following his emperor. The boy tries not to look nervous, but fails to do so as drops of sweat collect above his lip. He strides down the stairs and sits down in the last remaining chair. The guards position themselves behind the chair, while Rurik stands next it. [color=E7C028]"Welcome to the Chamber of Council. It is here that the many decisions, that shaped our empire, were taken. I hope you all have slept well, and I apologize for dragging you to your duties so early."[/color] He points at Tirgana and Oldavan at the same time. [color=E7C028]"Some may know these individuals already, other perhaps not. They are the Holders of Faith and Sword. Tirgana, ecclesiarch of the Belief of Man."[/color] The woman gives a slight nod in acknowledgement. [color=E7C028]"And Oldavan, grand-general of the Imperial Army. Some of you might wonder why the table has this shape. The table symbolizes the unity of the crown, sword and faith, with the Provinces as their connections and..."[/color] Rurik leans in, whispering something in the ears of Elendin who close his mouth and looks down at the ground in response. [color=E7C028]"I... Yes. Let us move to the business at hand."[/color] Elendin grabs into his robes, revealing a piece of paper. As he unfolds it, his hands shake visibly. [color=E7C028]"V-Very well. The first topic at hand. A group of dukes and counts north of the Torivian Province have banded together and let out a cry for... something. What they currently want is unknown to us, but we do know that they are currently in open revolt as they refuse to bow down before their rightful emperor. The provinces in question are Brevash, Comtè, Pelinque and Irva. Reports suggest that some higher nobles have taken the reigns, and that the ruling counts have nothing to do with this deceleration, but sources are vague and nothing is confirmed. Well then, my advisers, friends... How do we deal with this before it turns into a civil war?!"[/color] The boy slams his fist on the table, the sound echoing throughout the chamber till it eventually dies down...