A reunion of the Gil'dae variety, bastards do it best (Erai)

[Larien Gil'dae]

11th of Cryxatum, First Month of Spring, Era XV Post Fractum

"You look positively common, Miss Gil'dae."

"Well that was the general idea," the elfess lilted quietly, keeping her Sandbred mount maneuvered so close to the Plainsbred of her bodyguard that her leg brushed with Erivan's as they moved. Dressed in simple linen and cotton dyed in shades of green, white, and brown, Larien was hardly striking on that brightening -- more like the simple Calafalas girl she had once been than the young Gil'dae woman who was a little too fond of the finer things that she had become. "Relax," Erivan murmured to his employer, though the word seemed to fall on deaf ears. "I'll relax when I can see my brother again."

Her pale fingers tightened minutely upon the leather reins, barely even a flick of pressure, but it was enough to cause Fionn to come to an abrupt stop upon the cobbled street, the mare's shod hooves clacking noisily upon the stones. A look of surprise flashed across Erivan's features as he drew up his mount as well, turning his head quickly to send a curious glance towards the other.

But Larien's pale emerald eyes were focused upon a point located beyond the honey-haired elf who rode at her side.

Imperia had many grand buildings if one could find the right perspective to look at them so. The Office and Residence of the Thane was one of those. Situated in the government district and flanked by trees perhaps more ancient then the city itself the Office of the Thane was a location of varied purpose. That is, a place where business, governance and the advancement of the city and its populace clashed with the duties as home to the recently appointed leader of the Imperia. Located only a short walk from the Governors Mansion, the Office of the Thane was built from a stately building that used to have some obscure bureaucratic function.

"Eraisuithon," the young woman whispered as she dismounted from the back of the white Sandbred in one fluid motion, her forest green cloak fluttering about her lithe form as she settled down upon the street. "Here... I'll be back." With a nod, Erivan took his employer's reins, sitting quietly upon his own dappled mount as the elfess disappeared.

Past massive open wrought iron gates revealed the walk through the well cut front lawn, tall trees flanking the walkway all the way to the double doors that invited all who came here. The landscaping which had been kept to a minimum under the previous Thane's governance had been enhanced greatly under the guidance of the new lord protector. Whereas the path made of strange stone had only run straight to the doors under the shadow of ancient trees once before, it now branched off in many places to bring one to rich beds of sundry flowers and the occasional statue or fountain hiding among the pretty foliage of blooming plants.

Outside the large wooden double doors that held entrance to the building were two massive flags emblazoned with the seal of Imperia on the right, and the flag of the Sultanate of Arakmat on the left. A balcony was perched above, jutting out from the dirty gray stone building.

Inside the double doors was the main foyer, a place lavishly decorated with many rugs and candles. A large wooden desk was situated in the middle of the room with comfortable chairs to either side of the front double doors for any visitors waiting. A youthful Sylrosian man with long chocolate hair worked behind the desk only looking up when the doors opened. He greeted all who entered and announced his name to be Verilion, the Lord Protector's secretary. "Welcome to the office of Eraisuithon Nan'tathren. Please sign the visitor's book on my desk here and tell me about your business with the Office of his Grace."

"I am here on personal business with His Grace. If you could please inform him that Larien Gil'dae is here to see him?" Tossing her long auburn hair over her shoulder, the young woman flashed the secretary a bright smile before signing said visitor's book in her thin yet scrawling hand.

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

One might say that the Lord Protector of Imperia had slowly grown temperamental during his time in the God forsaken sea port. Others might say he had grown disillusioned, or plain unhappy.

The wind blew, the tides rose and fell, the seasons passed. He dwelt in his city and was not yet satisfied with life. Eraisuithon had sought Imperia for reasons that had not been fulfilled in his tenure of public service, the pursuit of happiness had not brought him true happiness at all as he hoped it would. It had brought the burden of a broken civic bureaucracy upon him.

It had only been an era but it felt so much longer.

---

The elven receptionist manning the entrance hall was hardly busy this brightening. One might of thought that a city in the state of Imperia would be bustling with activity on the onset of Spring, but it was evidently not so for the Office of the Lord Protector. The Lady Gil'dae was the second visitor of the day and Verilion was immediately curious about this unusual elven maiden wishing for audience with his Lord, Eraisuithon Nan'tathren.

The chocolate haired elf kind did things by the book, as he always did. Rules were a necessity for keeping things running smoothly, and the Gods knew Eraisuithon wasn't capable of organizing anything himself. After all, Verilion was paid to do that.

"..Did you schedule an appointment for a meeting with his Grace?" Verilion peeled open an appointment ledger, and after a cursory scan of the document he looked up towards his fellow elf "I'm afraid as if it appears you haven't..."