[Location] Thane's Estate - Page 2

Amber Brightwing · January 20, 2007, 01:04 PM

She sat silent for a while as she considered his proposal. He wasn’t going to get the constables, but he had given her an idea that might please him, not to mention streamline crime fighting a bit more. He was right that it would probably be more effective if they merged, but she could see the advantage of having the ability to speak law and the power to enforce it in different hands.

“How about instead we keep the constables under the prefect, but let them specialize more in investigating crimes and gathering what is needed for a judgement? If they need any enforcement of the law, such as an arrest, they’d have to call on you. That would make interrogations and evidence gathering their main business, while the guards would be handling the everyday business such as patrols. I don’t think that would cut your effectiveness. Guards will always have the ability to catch people red handed or bring in troublemaker after all.”

“And in case you’d take up the job, you can start bringing down crime right away. Don’t be afraid to take down any Blood Alley Gang members causing trouble outside of their turf either, just try to avoid having to move into their part of the Southern Quarter for now. No reason to start a war we can’t win yet.”

“What do you think.”

Dimitri Wladisyaw · January 20, 2007, 02:11 PM

Dimitri smiled softly as she gave in partially to his demands. A gentle wave of euphoria swept over him as he began to clarify his control, it was all he neededs before he agreed. "I will agree to not having the constables and investigation under my control. But I want two things still however, first the gaol will be manned by my men and I will be in charge of it, and I will be allowed to interrogate prisoners myself also. The constables may come and go and interrogate and do what they wish as well, I will have the gaol however." He smiled gently and moved forward on his chair once more, "I also want to be ranked higher than the average constable, holding the title of chief constable in name only. Just so I can direct them if I need it over lesser things. I certainly wont tell them what to do, but if I wish to interrogate a prisoner before they do I wish to be able to tell them what the order is." He smiled, "I assure you, I will not intefere in the interrogation process much. I merely think the core of fighting crime is information and I want to be able to extract my own information."

He rubbed his face thoughtully, "I am willing to take the job if that is agreed upon, I hope I would also gain control of the Vortex Military Compound and the army but I understand if you wish to keep the armed forces under your control, though you wont find a better general in this city." he smiled, "Not that the armed forces are up to much. Still give me control over the gaol that is the important thing." He chuckled gently and leaned back.

(OOC: I am unsure if the army of Vortex and the guard are the same thing?)

Kalinda · January 26, 2007, 10:07 AM

Brightening 3 of the First Cycle of The Month of Ponutis in the Season of Winter
Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIII Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening

The Third House of Har’oloth was the first to answer Amber’s letter. An envelope bearing a strange seal was delivered to her residence one morning.

The letter that was contained within said:

Quote:

Unto
Her Grace
Amber Brightwing
Thane of Vortex

does

Varelinen Vhid D’issan

send her Greetings.

Lady Thane,

We have followed your appointment with interest and are delighted that you favour understanding and cooperation.

The attack on Syl’rosya happened without Our knowledge. The Third House of Har’oloth took no part in it. We have never interfered in surface politics in such an obvious fashion.

The First House is to be held responsible and should be questioned about what happened that brightening.

We agree that an attack by the Allerian Empire is something that we can do without.

To discuss that matter – and everything else – We will send one of Our daughters to your estate in Vortex and expected her to be accomodated and treated as is appropriate for a woman of her station.

If that first meeting is fruitful, We will personally speak with you to discuss the details. These are trying times, and we hope that you understand Our need to be careful.

Varelinen Vhid D’issan
Matron of House Chaos Dawn,
the Third House of Har'oloth
Mistress of Druidism

Amber Brightwing · January 26, 2007, 12:22 PM

“I you want to be officially allowed to interrogate prisoners you should talk to the prefect on that. Of course, as long as I’m not getting any complaints from the prefect on hindering the constables in their work there will be no reason for me to complain to you on the matter. Like I said, the goal will be yours to manage, the constables will only need to be there to interrogate and to pick up prisoners that need to be trialled. And of course, once someone is sentenced to spend some time in jail, they’re pretty much all yours and did tell you to make their stay unpleasant enough so that they wouldn’t want to return.”

She was confident he’d find it suitable enough. She judged him clever enough to be able to think of a few ways where the prefect wouldn’t even know what he was doing, if the prefect would even mind in the first place.

“Likewise, you won’t be able to give a constable a direct order, but you are able to set up the inner workings of the goal as suits you best and as far as that goes the constables will have to obey your rules on that. Again, if I get complaints on how it hinders their work you’ll be asked to change it, but aside from that it’ll be completely up to you.”

The core of crime fighting may very well be information, but it was the constables job to gather what was needed to make an arrest or sentence a criminal and not his. It didn’t mean he couldn’t collect information, just that he shouldn’t hinder the people doing it for a living.

“But speaking of unpleasant stays in the goal reminded me of something. Perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to keep a couple of cells with somewhat more luxury separate in the unlikely case that someone of importance needs to spend a few nights there. And with luxury I mean things like a soft bed, daylight and acceptable food.”

It wasn’t meant as a threat against his person, but rather something that had come to her mind at a certain point and that now had resurfaced.

“As for the Vortex’ army, those will be under your control as well. Calling it an army is a bit of an overstatement though as their numbers are fairly small, their main duty being patrolling the countryside and keeping the bigger roads safe. The Vortex Military Compound dubs as the guard’s headquarters as well, so yes, you will control that as well.”

“So what do you think?”

Dimitri Wladisyaw · January 26, 2007, 06:32 PM

Dimitri nodded gently and bowed his head, things had gone to plan and this pleased him considerably. Controlling the guard and the army at least what little remained of it gave him two considerable weapons to use in his intrests and to make himself popular in the city. Once he had his dutchy that was rightfully his, he would then be able to add land and resources to it until he resembled the non-barbari dukes, clout enough to shake the foundations of Arium.

"My first task shall be to reorganise the gaol, I will take quarters there myself and have the comfortable cells beside mine, so I might keep an eye on any special guests we might have. Besides that I shall be in the Collegium on the lowest plane of the undercity, send a runner for me when you have need of my presence. My first work shall be recruiting more members of the guard and pirging the corruption that exists within the current guard. Do you have need of me to recruit more men for the army? And finally I would appreciate it if you could ask the govenor about my title, I would be indebted to you lady Thane." Gently he smiled and stood before bowing gently, "I am ever your servant and I accept this civic role you have bestowed upon me, do my initial plans meet with your approval? And what would you have me do besides them?"

Kalinda · January 27, 2007, 02:08 AM

Continued from here:

The Second House of Har’oloth never replied to Amber’s letter. But shortly after noon, about two cycles after Amber had contacted the Matron a female Esh’lahier appeared in front of the gates of the Thane’s Estate. She was tall, this woman, with white hair, skin that was the color of snow and dark eyes. She was dressed in a black cloak that was, while it was of good quality, rather plain and wore heavy boots. A small dagger could be seen at her belt.

“Good morning, gentlemen”, she said to the guards. Her voice was polite, but there was something in the epxression on her face that spoke of a certain arrogance. “I’m here to speak to the Thane on behalf of the Second House.” She removed her right glove to show them a ring bearing a strange sign, a black and a white figure embracing. At least some would recognize it as the sign of the Second House. “I have letters to prove this as well.”

“Will you open the door and take me to her Grace?”

Kalinda · January 27, 2007, 01:33 PM

Brightening 6 of the First Cycle of The Month of Ponutis in the Season of Winter
Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIII Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening

Just like before a letter bearing the seal of the Third House of Har'oloth was delivered to Amber's residence:

Secrets :

Duvel · January 27, 2007, 02:16 PM

Edit: bah, wrong account.

Amber Brightwing · January 27, 2007, 02:18 PM

“Sounds good. I’d like you to keep me up to date on how things go and inform me of any large changes in general. I don’t plan to use much – if any – vetoes, but I like to know what’s going on.”

Even though there was still some doubt on whether he would abuse the guard or not, she was happy with a strong hand steering the guards. After all, if he ended up being worse he could always be disposed of, whatever way she found the most convenient.

“As for the army, I don’t know if more recruits are needed. If you feel the need for them then it’ll be up to you to hire more. There’s no reason to build up a stronger military force then needed to patrol the countryside though. It could only draw the unneeded attention and it’s not where the cities strength lays in case of unwanted confrontations anyway.”

After the events with the orcs she was fairly sure Toherro’s would defend there city and perhaps there were other similar groups that would stand by the city. The Vysstichi would probably come to aid as well given there was a good chance they’d be the main target.

“And like I said, I’ll inform myself on what I can do regarding to your father’s title. Now, are there any other things you wanted to discuss with me? And when would you like to start in your new position?”

Dimitri Wladisyaw · January 27, 2007, 02:32 PM

Dimitri bowed his head gently and listened to all she said. He showed reverance to the fey, to an extent she deserved it after all. She was powerful in her own right and she knew something of politics, in another way he realised she had received this job as the chances of success were not very high. The Arium govenor and the natural factions that opposed to thane would test her and either make or indeed break her. It would be amusing to watch regardless.

"I will take up my new role now, I have some ideas in mind for early maneuverings. I shall announce myself at the gaol later this day and begin to rearrange for quarters to be put there to give myself a locale to operate from, then I shall build up a base. A second captain, a cheif trainer and so forth. merely some light logistics to be dealt with." He smiled gently and dropped into a bow, "fair winds to you Lady Thane, may your time in office be fruitful and may you never have need to question my decisions." He smiled and turned before leaving the estate, it had been a good day. And as his limping walk was joined by the firm stepping guards he began to walk towards the gaol, renovations had to be done, and plans set in motion. it was a glorious day indeed.

(OOC; Thread over I take it! Thanks!)

Amber Brightwing · January 27, 2007, 02:48 PM

The two guards cast a look at each other, wondering what the Esh’lahier was doing here. Perhaps some might in the guard might recognize the rings, but they didn’t. They knew what the Second House was of course, so they had a good idea of the importance of the woman before them – if she was who she claimed to be.

“Of course. If you would be so kind to deliver any weapons you’re carrying first. You will get them back when you leave the estate again of course.”

As soon as the dark elf had given up her weaponry one of the gate guards would escort her into the mansion. The white marble walls of the hall were richly decorated with paintings of exotic places, of beaches, snow covered mountains, jungles and swamps, of vysstichi, humans and halflings. Two staircases on each side went up to the next floor. At the end of the hall, two more guards were standing each on one side of a door. They were Human and looked very alike, due to being twins. They had short black hair, black eyes and skin so pale that they almost looked as if they were dead ... or undead. They wore identical uniforms of black and purple, the colours of Vortex. They were muscular and the armour underneath their uniform made them look even bulkier.

The Esh’lahier was lead to the secretary’s room on the left of the guarded doors though. When the doors were opened, a woman with curly blond hair at shoulder length looked up from behind an oaken desk with a friendly smile.

“Serale, I am Amanda, how can I help you?”

Amber Brightwing · January 27, 2007, 03:03 PM

OOC: Just a little thing left to add.

“Good. If you have a small moment then I’ll give you a letter to prove you are indeed the new head of the guards.”

With that she flew up and left her office only to return a short moment later carrying a letter baring the seal of the Thane of Vortex and signed by her. She could have written up the letter herself right here, but she found that dictating it to her secretary and signing it afterwards was far easier, especially when it came to getting the seal on.

Secrets :

Kalinda · February 1, 2007, 07:32 AM

„I only have this dagger“, the Esh’lahier replied and removed the weapon from her belt. “It is not particularly valuable, and you may keep it if you wish. I don’t have any hidden weapons. Only a fool would enter the Thane’s estate, carrying weapons under her clothes and think she could get away with it.”

A smile flickered across her pale face as the men led her into the mansion. She had never been here before. She had only become somebody of importance after the sorceress Amarantha and most of her allies had been murdered. Dealing with surface politicians was still something new and unfamiliar to her.

“Amanda.” She spoke the secretary’s name as if she had never heard a more beautiful word before. If she was disappointed that she had not been taken to the Thane right away, she did not show it. Appearances were everything, and sometimes you could achieve more if you treated servants as if they were your equals.

“Amanda, I come from the Second House of Har’oloth, bearing an important message. My name is Eilantha, and while I am not Matron yet, I am the closest thing to a leader that the Esh’lahier have at the moment. I could not announce my visit beforehand or reveal my identity to the guards outside for fear that my enemies would find out about it. But I trust a woman who is close to the one that rules Vortex. Will you take me to her?”

Her voice was pleasant, calm. The pale skinned woman almost seemed to be overly friendly. There was not a sign that she was impatient or worried about those enemies she had mentioned, but she had to be, didn’t she?

Amber Brightwing · February 6, 2007, 11:48 AM

Amanda blinked as the Vysstichi revealed her rather unexpected status. After a quick glance on the list of appointments and a moment of considering what to do she stood up. There were no meetings scheduled right now and she figured the thane would appreciate seeing the visitor of Second House right away.

“Of course, just follow me.”

She led the dark elf back out of the room to the door with the two guards. After a short knock she opened the door and stepped through, holding the door open for Eilantha to enter. Inside a thick red carpet, Arakmatan in style, lay on the floor. A huge desk made of reddish brown wood stood in the middle of the room. Several stacks of paper lie on the desk, forming small towers on each end and with only a handful of leaves here and there between that. Occasionally a books lay on the desk as well. Two huge broadswords , ornately decorated with silver and numerous gems, were hanging on the wall behind it, swords with hilts that were filled with a multitude of gems. Two cosy looking chairs were standing in front of it and two more could be found in a corner next to a small table. A couple of bookshelves and a fireplace completed the furnishing of the room.

“Your Grace, Lady Eilantha of the Second House of Har’oloth here to speak with you.”

In the middle of the desk sat a small Fae, the current thane of Vortex, on an equally small pillow, legs crossed and her eyes looked up from the sheet of paper in front of her.

“Serale, I’m Amber Brightwing, thane of Vortex. Please have a seat and can I offer you something to drink?”

Kalinda · February 10, 2007, 10:46 AM

The Esh’lahier did not even blink as Amanda told her to follow. She walked slowly, as if she had all the time in the world, as if she was completely comfortable here, on the surface. She arched an eyebrow as she failed to see a woman sit behind the desk, finding a fae on it instead. She was surprised, but not for too long. She had her features under control again within a couple of seconds. She would not make the mistake of underestimating the Thane just because she was so small that she could kill her with one hand. There had to be a reason why the Governor had put her here and not a human or an elf.

“Your Grace”, she bowed, a great sign of respect from somebody who considered herself almost a Matron. “I am glad that I was allowed to speak with you personally. I would like to have a glass of wine please, if you have wine here.”

She smiled a little. “I know that my visit is a bit unorthodox. While the Matrons sit in their castles and send daughters or even mere commoners, while they display an insane amount of arrogance, I do no such thing. I am different from them. I realize that we have to put our differences aside, forget those old traditions for a while and work together.” A bit of blush suddenly colored her pale cheeks. “But who am I, giving a speech, giving explanations when I’m outside my domain?”

She sighed.

“I’m here to talk about your letter, to talk about your plans for the undercity and what measures should be taken. I also want to ask something of you, but that should be last, and you should be the one deciding the direction of this conversation for now.”