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Old May 6, 2002, 06:23 AM   #2 (permalink)
Tungro
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Join Date: Mar 2002
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Cabbit

Theodore

At roughly the same time you enter, a nondescript human in the uniform of an Abestatian court bailif walks in behind you, a town guardsman at his side. They had been speaking in hushed tones as they approached the building, but upon seeing you lapsed into silence; the guard excused himself away with a nod to the other, and the bailif slid in past the door and traced a path through the room so he could be in his right and proper place as you addressed him with your need for a meeting.

The bailif, medium height and fair of feature yet strong enough in build to suggest that he would be able to see to the occassional violent aspects of his duty quite competently, glances over to a door near the side of the room which has a bust of the great god Ioannes placed over it, watching that area for a few seconds before he imparts, "The Prefect is in a meeting right now, private. If you would wait just a moment ..."

Unfortunately, the reception room of the Prefect's office has not been equipped with chairs, perhaps in an effort to keep people from waiting. Nevertheless, the official behind the desk - who is not sitting either - does not seem to regard this as a problem. In fact, he engages you in some smalltalk after informing you of the delay. "So, you've been sent from the Prime garrison," he stated as he took your visa and identification documents and gave them a fast but probing look. "How long have you been enlisted?"

Taul

Even as you became emotional, the Prefect did not seem to soften his stern demeanor. He listened to the entire tale, only sometimes nodding, letting you go on without interruption. Though you were not aware why at the time, only once did his gaze flicker beyond your shoulder to the door, and it was returned so quickly that you would hardly have noticed, if you saw it happen at all.

"I see," he said a few seconds after you had concluded your tale. He was clearly considering the merits of what you had told him, though not for very long, as he continued after a breath. Perhaps he had already reached a conclusion. "Pellares, for as much as the law seeks to uphold process and virtue, being a good judge of character is the first step in becoming a lawman of any kind." That steady gaze is still on you, but does not hold the rancor you may have believed you noticed beforehand, though the tone never changes even as the content of the dialogue shifts rapidly to something more positive.

"I believe you are of sound character to work here. We have a position open as a bailif; you would need to be taught of the law, and learn the ways of a weapon. In this city, there is as much need of upstanding men on the street as behind the desk out front, and you would need to be prepared for both kinds of duty." He comes to a stop there, allowing you to frame a response before he goes on, never offering too much, perhaps to see how you use what you are given.

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Theodore Robespere

"All right then. I'll wait for as long as necessary." Theodore replies with a slight nod. He turns his attention away from the bailif briefly, glancing around the reception room for somewhere to sit, but alas, there is none. Oh boy, well, hopefully the meeting the Prefect is in will not extend for to long, but he is sure his legs can take the punishment, hopefully.

His attention is directed back upon the bailif as he starts up some small talk, giving a stern nod, "Yes, sir. Was enlisted not to long ago, about six days ago. Journeyed to Abestat on foot, and arrived today. A wonderful city, Abestat. I am glad to have been stationed here."

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Taul Pellares

He makes a good listener, Taul thought. No interruptions. Gives his full attention. Shows he is listening by non-verbal responses. Very nice. Nevertheless, he did look at the door once, albeit quickly. I wonder what that was about? Is he expecting someone?

The Prefect’s reference to judging characters seemed unfair. I am a good judge of character! At least, I think I am. I look at the non-verbal communication – probably the most vital aspect of the judgement, as most of that is usually done unconsciously, thus displaying the mind’s real thoughts. Maybe he means something different?

“Sir, I am currently receiving sword training, over four days. I currently know little of the law, and will need to be taught. I am prepared for both active duty in the streets of Abestat, and work in an office behind a desk. However, I believe I will need to know a little more about the specific things related to being a bailiff. I believe a bailiff is an official who assists the Prefect, and has the power to arrest if necessary. Other than that, I am not sure.”

I hope that although this could be interpreted as a show of ignorance, it will be interpreted as honesty, Taul thought.

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Tacitus

Tacitus halted his horse as he arrived at the Prefect's Office. "Lets go in, Tac," the half elf whispered to his pet wolf as he dismounted. He straightened his uniform and went into the impressive building with Tac close behind him.

He went right to the reception room and saw a man standing behind a desk and approached him. "Serale, Private Tacitus requesting for a meeting with the prefect. The guards at the western gate told to report in here for duties. Do you need my Military ID and Imperial Visa?" Tacitus said as he dug his right hand into his pocket.

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Gwindin Tor

Directed here by the city guards, the centripaxian pair made their towards the thane's manner. The elf and dwarf were both dressed in the blue of Centripax, the elf with one more chevron on her shoulder. Looking about the place and with no clear sign of a sentry or clerk, the dwarf grumbled, "By Orod's light, is everyone out on a siesta?"

Restraining from grinning which would only encourage the dwarf, the elf replied, "We will just have to knock and hope someone is present inside." With her left hand, she rapped sharply on a wall.

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Kyli Bronwen’s post that is meant to go here has gone AWOL. In that post, she described reporting for duty.

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Chrysostom

Chrysostom, right behind Kyli, wipes off the sweat that had built up on his brow with a sleeve, keeping his personal appetites to just do what he wished under his command.

Training of the will was one of the things he had been taught by old Grammaticus Onofrus, and that training showed itself even now, some 20 years hence.

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Skylar Dain

Coming straight from Her Ladyship Skylar thought for a moment of going back to the tavern with his newly reacquainted friends, but thought the current matter was more pressing. He wandered a bit through the city as he was not yet acquainted with all of the establishments and building locations as of yet. It wasn't long before he found the Court however, and he knew that the Prefect would be inside. Before stepping up into the building Skylar glanced out to the sea as the sun was setting and the sky was illuminated with beautiful pink and lavender streaks that would have normally made him smile. Though it didn't, he appreciated the mundane beauty of it.

Finally entering the Courtroom, Skylar searched even more and came across what he assumed to be the Prefect's, but it was terribly crowded. He let out a sigh that no one appeared to have heard and leaned against a wall waiting to be summoned. Skylar knew the delicacy of the matter and stating what he wanted to flat out may not have been the best course of action, as a matter of fact he knew it definitely wasn't.

As he glanced around observing the make of the room and the current company it witheld, Skylar saw some soldiers, citizens and even a fleeting man with a wolf, the latter of the three bringing a puzzled look to his face and perhaps making him second guess his choice of destination. Is this a court or a vet? he thought to himself. As he was prone to doing in matters of importance, he ran the elements through his head again. Culturen....Thane....Prefect. Corruption is afoot in this city and I don't like it. Who would oppose Her Ladyship? Or mayhaps, it is not for her own harm but for her father's that the conspirators conspire. Either way, I myself must remain the uncorruptable to prove my worth and loyalty.

His mind tapered off for a moment as he realized that he would be in for quite a wait. I wonder what kind of man the Prefect is.

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Cabbit

Everyone in general

The Prefect barely allowed a trace of amusement to touch his face, but what was only partially obvious from looking at him became noticable in his tone, slightly exasperated humor edging his always-commanding voice as he gave the contents of the room a general look. "Great gods, do tell these people where to go," he ordered the bailif, his eyes darting to the seated man. "They all look competent enough, no point wasting time here," he decided crisply. The bailif nodded, replying only with a loud "Sir!" and then turned his own attentions to the huge numbers of people massing in the reception area before him, working with unflustered quickness. "Those of you from the Prime militia line up, present your military identification and await your assignments, report there immediately, further instructions when you get there," he rapidly explained without pretense, leaning forward to deal with the first privates who had come for their new lives as part of the Abestat defense force. "Private Robespere, you're on duty at the east gate and may report to our barracks at the end of the day," he said to the one whose paperwork he had already inspected. "You with the wolf, go with Robespere. And the rest of you present your papers," he finished, waiting. "If anyone has business that's not military, wait for the end of the line," he added as an afterthought.

Centripaxians

After summarily dispensing with everyone else in the room, the Prefect was able to attend to you. He returrned your salute with perfect form and identified himself. "That would be me, men. Christoph Trave, Prefect." Moving toward the door and opening it with one hand as he watched you, he never took his gaze off the two of you until he had finished speaking. "Join me in my chamber." Entering ahead of you, he returned to the proper side of his desk but did not resume his seat of office when the interested parties finally gathered. Barely noticing Taul still in a chair off to the side, he explained away the young fellow's presence by briskly saying, "This is Taul, one of my trusted assistants. Whatever you have to tell me you may feel free to speak in front of him." His posture rigid with discipline he had learned on the field, he awaited what you had to say.

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Chrysostom

Chrysostom, somewhat tiredly, gave Kyli a weak smile, and then looked back at the bailiff. He removed his military ID, his imperial visa, and the now wrinkled orders he had from Alleria Prime.

"Sir, my papers," Chrysostom said, presenting the same to the bailiff, taking care not to infuriate the man on his first day on the job. Once he had done so and released his hold on the precious scribblings, he stood at attention and waited for a reply.

In the meantime, he thought, I'm no use as a Sword of the Empire if I don't evn know how to wield the thing properly. The enemies may very well die laughing seeing my countenance, awkwardly giving the appearance of a sheep in wolf's clothing.

It didn't seem the right way to start a career through force of arms.

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Kyli Bronwen

Kyli quickly took a large step over to Chrysostom. She didn't want to be separated with the only person she knew. However, she also hoped that the person in charge would not take this as a sign of weakness. I just happen to bond to people faster then other people might, she reasoned with herself. So there's no reason for me to feel guilty.

Making sure she was standing right next to Chrysostom she reached into her imperial amry issued duffel bag and pulled out her Military ID and held it out in front of her.

She awaited further instruction seemingly patient and tranquil on the outside, but inside she felt like she was going to burst with all the questions runnning amuck in her mind, such as: "Where are we going to stay? Are we going to have training? If so, in what weapon? How often do men get killed? Are there many women in the army?" So on and so forth she thought, her mind a bubbling cauldren, almost overflowing, but not quite.

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Theodore Robespere

Theodore gives a brisk nod at his orders, "Aye, Sir. Thank you, Sir."

His hand rears up in a quick salute, turning upon his heels and walking toward the entranceway of the building, his steps slow as to allow Tacitus to catch up and join him.

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Gwindin Tor

Dropping their salute, the duo followed the man as he requested. Accepting at face value his comment about the other individual, the dwarf moved a half a step away from his partner. With a small nod, he looked at the elf as if saying I got your back

"Sir" started the elf. "The general wishes that I bring you salutations from Centripax. Though we do not share a mutual border, he would like to extend the following proposal that should be mutually beneficial. The Centripaxian Armed Forces are generally regarded as some of the best trained land forces in the empire. The same could be said for Abestat's marines and seafaring abilities. With that in mind, he would like to propose a joint war games scenario where the forces of Centripax mix with the marines of Abestat to learn from each other. Since we have proposed the idea, it is only right that we do this first on your turf where we can mix both land and naval activities. If you see value in this effort, we can do it again back in Centripax. In addition, we will take care of all costs for our troops and will bivouac in the field." Pausing to see if this was being received well, the elf cleared her throat to give the man time to react. The general was taking a chance but firmly believed that his land locked province needed to learn more of the ways of the coastal cities.

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Skylar Dain

Skylar watches milites come and go and yet he is still not getting any closer to the Prefect, and so he waits patiently, as somewhere along the hard road travelled, he realized that it truly is a virtue.

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Cherish

The Bailif shakes his head with astonishment. How did his office suddenly turn into a mad house? He spoke loudly.

" All recruits please go to the east gate to check in. I don't know what fool told you to come here, but I'll be speaking with them shortly." He turned to Skylar. " I'm sorry for the wait he'll be with you in a few moments." As an after thought he glanced at Skylar. " Could I help you with anything?"

Gwindin

Christoph listened with a keen ear. Glancing once in a while to see if Taul was listening as well. He nods with interest. " See the rewards of this sir. I am all for this idea. However, you know that I must speak to the Lady Thane. We can spare the men for this of course. I'm sure she will agree with me. How about we set up a meeting at the Thanes office, say tomorrow? I'll let her know, she hasn't been busy as of late. Thing have begun to go back to normal around her since she was put into office."

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Skylar Dain

Skylar watched the military folk file out and thought he heard some muttering. Turning to the bailiff Skylar nodded as he thought he'd been forgotten. When the bailiff turned to him again Skylar thought quickly. Anyone could help me with this, corruption usually runs deep. Skylar shook his head no but spoke to him nonetheless, nonchalantly as though he didn't have alternative motives.

"With my current business no you cannot help me I'm afraid, but if you wish to help me fight off the burden of waiting then by all means you can help. Let me ask you, since the place seems to be buzzing with news of nothing but her, what is the Thane like? I've not had the pleasure to meet, or even see her, I've just recently arrived in the town. What do you think of Her Excellency?" He said her title with such disdain that he must have sounded as though he himself didn't like her, as was what he wanted to accomplish.

"I heard rumors in the tavern of some crazy Lord who wanted to overthrow her. If someone wants to ruin her, then she must deserve it. I'm interested in political injustice and if there is unjust rulers, I should like to help unseat them. However, I am not saying that about the Thane for I do not yet know much about her, and drunks are not a reliable source of information if you catch my meaning. So again, how is she?"

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Gwindin Tor

Inwardly, the elf smiled at the humans nodding. The young races wear their emotions on the outside for all to see. Listening to the positive response, both soldiers leaned forward in anticipation of getting the answer they wanted. While the general had been the one to request, both soldiers had been part of the advanced training team Tor had assembled and had generated some of the ideas Centripax was about to implement.

The follow on words hit like a lead balloon. Closing her eyes to half a second to gather herself, she cast a sideways glance at the dwarf as if to say, Hold they toungue rock lover. "A good suggestion sir" she started, "the general realized this would need concurrence from the thane to implement. If I may, can we see if she is around today? The road back to PG is a long one and we are anxious to return and get things moving. The general has a tight timeline in mind and we would be remiss if we spent an extra night in your wonderful city while on duty." With a small smirk, she added in a small voice. "The general sir is a bit of ah.....hardcase you might say."

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Skylar Dain

ooc: sorry, just bumping us up, Abestat is quite lively nowadays... i guess thats good and bad for you roz, so congrats and im sorry

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Podo Proudfoot

Stepping into the courthouse's main reception hall, Podo walks quietly trying not to disturb any importan precedings held within the depths of the cold building.

He walks up to the reception desk and looks around untill he notices the clerk behind the counter look up and acknowledge his arrival. He clears his throat and declares"Private Podo Proudfoot reporting... I am not sure to who but I was told to come here," he readies his Military ID and Visa incase it is needed yet again.
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