Advisory Council Meeting (late TT, Chyril 27th)

[Meridiuz]

Square in shape, the Hall of the Council comes to a focus at the center of the room. From there, rows rise concentrically in tiered ripples, like the waves from a stone cast into a pond, about the central podium on which a petitioner can stand and make his pleas. Here, more gilt-leadened chairs sit behind gilded desks, each set on the tiers to overlook one another. The walls are draped in long velvet curtains, hiding the cold brick walls behind.

There had to be desks for several hundred, for there were many representatives to hold in this great room, both the minor nobles and the wealthy merchants. And since some represented a majority of the Ceasar's wealth, it was wise of him to treat them well. Those that came before the council to petition expected such behavior.
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The first official Advisory Council meeting of Caesar Andolin was about to start. The room was filling up slowly and a lot of the bigger players had yet to arrive. There were a lot of things to be discussed, the events in Trothgard, the disappearance of the University and the empty seats were just a couple of the topics on the agenda.

Already present were Ina da'Yrsa of Trothgard, Count de Besnie of Muchislie, Meira Duedheal and Tamrial Anghiril of Kislovan, Pietro LeClair representing the Abbots and Mother Abeaja, representing the Mother.
There were still quite some empty seats in the Imperial, the Representative and the Institutional voters sections, but aside from the already known empty seats, everyone was expected to show up soon.

[Grey Wolf]

Not having been formally recognized yet, the representative of Nipponar hoped today he would convince the council that the seat belonging to his adoptive native would be seen as real ad not just honorary. Dressed in his customary robe, the tall and lithe man was escorted by an honor guard the Captain insisted he take after the reputed murder of Imperial Secretary Silk the other day. The pair walking behind him were mere three and a half feet tall, their bodies encased in the finest armor their nation could craft and gnommish skill at smithing was second only to that of dwarves. Grim faced, the pair wore heavy helms, forward slits revealing only their eyes and, of course, mustaches. Each guard was armed with a contraption closely related to crossbow, but with a plethora of sprockets and pistons upon it. Each gnome carried a hammer at his belt and despite being just a bit over half their Ambassador's height they had no trouble following His Excellence. Those two took their job seriously and Barrett in a way enjoyed such attention, knowing that the gnomes cared for him.

[Ssinith DIllil]

It was about time he had a meeting with the Caesar. Though it was public, it was still affirmative that he had a foot in the door. With his previous adventure behind him, he would have some information to share with the Caesar. He had cleaned himself up and decided to wear his Molten colors of red and black. He had opted with a more... surface look. He had to show he was willing to work with the surface and had gotten tips from around town.

It didn't look too bad on him, but even if it was a surface style, it was still exotic on his obsidian form. He had gotten a pair of gold earrings with an obsidian inlay as well as a gold signet ring with the insignia of Molten. His ponytail was to the side today, resting over his gold shoulder plates which rested over his red doublet and black silk undershirt. The chest was open to show his brand. His black pants and leather boots fitted him loosely.

There was one problem, however. He came in just as the rain had hit hard outside and he was soaking wet. Before he entered the hall, he huffed to himself, looking to Therian before relaxing himself in prayer. This would be a good time to offer a basic prayer to exercise his priestly power.

If there were guards there, he would obviously ask permission first before casting anything. He would perform a prayer of courtesy for everyone else coming in from the rain.

[Adhiel]

"Molten, my beloved master. The rain outside is dampening this meeting of power. I invoke you to cast its cold embrace from our shoulders and fill us with your warmth and comforting dryness so that we might be able to focus on matters of power which you hold sacred."

It was a basic enough prayer that even at his minor levels as a priest, it would give a small token to the others attending this meeting. Talking politics in damp clothes would make everyone miserable. If allowed, he would make the final motions to the basic prayer, hoping that the prayer would dry himself off and leave a small blessing to dry the clothes off of anyone who would be caught in that harsh storm.

((Note, he has not yet entered the hall, he is still on the outside))

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie sailed in wearing a huge dress that stood out in the customary Mouthie way, perhaps slightly more modest due to the design of Audrey's which had replaced the wooden contraptions beneath her dress, too taking off some of the sharp curves of her hips. The enormous yellow thing had been protected from getting wet by servants attending to the Baroness, who had kept her skirt up to avoid the rim touching the mud, while she expected to be shielded. No magick for this lady, but what money could buy worked just as well.

Giving the dark Adhiel diplomat who seemed to be praying a silent nod Rosalie decided not to wait before making her entrance. Time just so that she halted briefly while in the dooropening till she was assured of the attention of the councillors, she then glided over the stone floor to the seat that was designated to Aveas, her golden jewellery with diamonds sparkling each time they caught a ray of light, wrapped around her neck and embedded between her shapely breasts, they drew attention to her very fashionable neckline.

Rosalie looked around before sitting down, giving a nod to those gentlemen she recognized. Angrihil was ignored with a little lift of her chin, her eyes swiftly moving past him. Finally she seated herself, satisfied she'd been noticed.

[Grey Wolf]

With leg raised and bandaged, and a comfortable wheelchair under him, Silk was ushered in by the guards, escorted by a pair of girls, whilst his silent bodyguards remained outside. Any attack upon his person within the catle would be insanity and even should he died, those who dared do such a thing would suffer much more than he alone could make them. He was quite comfortable and aside from slight pain and frustration at having to sit when he could walk, did not feel very ill. He did look despodent, but it was a mere show, a sad look upon his face, bordering on desperation. The old man's forehead was creased, as if a thousand worries rested upon his shoulders and he did had not solution for any of them.

He wore black silk, the trousers opened bellow the knee to accomodate the bandage, its whiteness standing out vividly against the dark fabric. His shirt was trimmed in red, and its buttons were of the same color, and he was clearly unarmed, or at least visibly so. As people saw him enter, or more accurately saw him pushed in upon the wheelchair, murmurs started, several of the Council members rising to huddle together and hurriedly discuss how matters changed now that news of his demise were proven to be false.

[Lir Calysta Markby]

The violet eye swept the room. She knew some were on her and Anora, but most were on Silk. The dull roar of astonishment sort of hit her ear in waves. Her chin held high, and her back ramrod straight, she continued forward to where they would be seated. No one she knew, from her cursory glance, but she continued to scan the Council members.

Dressed in black and royal blue, she was comfortable in such trappings, but it was so very soft. From years of roughen wool, silk was a pleasant change. Never a smile, her own expression was unreadable. The patch still placed firmly over her eye to mask the scar even though the scar didn't mar her features any longer.

She held the strap of the leather backpack that was casually slung over one shoulder. The people were interesting to see and she set herself out to find out who most of them were.

[Anora Frollie]

Anora had used every trick shown to her by her mother and grandmother to play the part she had chosen today. Her normally dark blond curls were lighter, due to the lemon juice, and styld in ringlets around her pixie face. A subtle hand had outlined her eyes to accentuate their size and color, giving her a doe-like gaze. A light blush and lip color gave her cheeks an innocent glow and her lips a delightful pout.

In contrast to the dark colors chosen by her companions, Silk and Lir, she had gone with virginal white with a rosebud ivy trellis design. The corset shrunk her already small waist to nearly nothing, causing the bodice of the dress to give the impression of a deeper cleavage than she had. High heeled shoes completed the look, making her almost as tall as a full grown woman, but not quite.

She stood behind Silk, pushing the chair and attempting to appear as the sweet, concerned nurse for the older gentleman. As she reached to brush an imaginary speck from his shoulder, she leaned over and whispered in his ear, "My, my, aren't you the talk of the room? I wonder which of them is disappointed to see you alive. Sucks to be them." She gave him a wink then returned to standing straight behind him, all mischief and mayhem gone from her features, the guile-less girl replacing the michevious murderess.

[Rosalie Marcada]

One eyebrow of Rosalie rose as she saw the most stunning entrance of that day. You don't look that dead to me. Well drat. There goes the opportunity to select a new Imperial Secretary. Still, that there had been a fight was clear. Wait, isn't that the girl who that haughty women made a fuss over? She spilled her drink and not by accident. Well, well. Interesting associates you have. The Ambassador wondered what been behind that, now suddenly seeing that the plots at that party had been thicker than blood.

[Grey Wolf]

It took a great deal of self-control for Silk not to chuckle that moment, though he did smile at Anora’s comment, doing his best not to break the act he was playing, that of an injured, aching old man. “Oh, I think most of them would prefer me dead, though not all.” He motioned to where a man in his forties sat in the very center of the room, his flesh somewhat pale, contrasted by the dark hair. He was one of the few that did not look terribly dismayed by Silk’s appearance, raising his stern, hooked nose from the papers, the man arched a brow, even at the distance his eyes standing out, one brown and the other piercing green. “Would one of you be a dear and go over to Chancellor Anzillo and tell him I wish to address the Council today. I want to censure the actions of Imperial Scouts and their leader Manyana and to discuss actions that could be taken.” Here his smile grew a notch. “Either of you looking for job in Imperial Service?”

[Ssinith DIllil]

S'sinith paused a moment at the entering Baroness and returned her nod quietly. He had a feeling, with the luxury of her gown, a nod from her meant more than most favors in court. Should he get dried off from his brief prayer to Molten, he and his bodyguard would enter the place not long after Silk made his appearance.

Yes, he was told he could bring in multiple guards and servants from this, but he was confident in the power of Gulanadur. Thierian had survived a war with him, not to mention a couple of close calls. Let the surface bring in their retinue of protectors! One Dark Knight of Thierian's qualifications was more than enough for any threat up here... and that was a point that S'sinith wanted to make loud and clear. In the very least, it would show how confident S'sinith was in his magic, as he carried no weapons.

Hearing the whispers of Silk, he had heard of this powerful old man. He wondered about him for a moment before he pondered who he should speak to. He saw Tamriel of Kislovan, recalling how Vlast mentioned that Kislovan was still strained with Gulanadur. He approached him slowly, nodding his head respectfully with a traditional salute.

"Seodhiu ta eabh inaidha, achroiliel Tamrial Anghiril"
I respectfully salute the world in you, Lord Tamrial Anghiril

[Adhiel]

"I am Ambassador S'sinith D'Illil-Devir of Gulanadur. How do the times fare you?"

He was very respectful in his tone, knowing he was talking to someone older and with more experience. He hoped deep down that the 'respectful youth' would overshadow the color of his skin, hearing that the Kislovan tradition was old fashioned. S'sinith was also not used to meeting a pure-blooded Adhiel as tall as he was, but managed to keep himself in check.

Besides, if Sir Tamrial was snooty to him, he could play up his youthful looks and garner a bit of sympathy from those who might be watching. After all, he was being a good diplomat by trying to make peace by showing respect to Kislovan. A droop of the ears after being turned away with a slightly disappointed and heartbroken look could say volumes just as well as the two of them talking in civil terms!

But for now, he would wait for the older one's response, and hope that the conversation would be civil.

[Anora Frollie]

It was fun playing the sweet faced innocent, Anora was finding, though a bit difficult. Especially since she had to try and keep her hands distracted from dipping into anyone's pockets right now. All those wonderful shinies just begging to come home with her. No, she would be good.

At Silk's words, she grinned. "Well, seeing as how I skipped out on my first day of work to be here, I think I might be in need of a job," she said, quickly mellowing out her smile. Not too big. "I'd be happy to go talk to him. Really, it does need to be address. Taking shots at an old man." She frowned and smoothed his blanket, but Silk would note the sparkle in her eyes. "Anything else I should tell him?"

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie drew a bored look, averting her gaze from Silk as if his appearance was of no matter. She longed for the Caesar to appear and the meeting to get under way.

Briefly there was a misunderstanding with the Kislovan mission. Secretly she observed, her eyes lighting up. It seems I have a reason to contact the Gulanadur representative. How suiting. Coming from Aveas it is only right that I do set up a line of communication, isn't it?

[Lir Calysta Markby]

Lir's expression never changed as she listened to Anora's comment. Silk did seemed pleased by it though. At the man's request, Anora volunteered to go up to talk to a Chancellor Anzillo. She memorized the name of the Chancellor with the face taking note of his interesting eyes.

At the mention of a job, she actually smiled as she replied, "I don't think I've got a head for politics." To gain such a position would be interesting, but she was supposed to keep a low profile.

Anora asked if there was anything else she should tell the Chancellor, and she watched the both of them. After Silk's reply, she would lean down and murmured softly, "How is your pain, Silk?" Lir figured he wouldn't ask for anything to dull the pain as well as the senses, but until they parted ways, he was still her patient.

[Andolin]

Sweeping into the room with his Steward, Captain Summers, and the rest of his bodyguard entourage, Andolin was dressed in his favorite Imperial purple silk, the crown upon his head. Firelight flashed from the gems he wore on his fingers. Caesar's flaming sword was strapped to his side.

Moving into the room with formal pomp, Andolin made his way towards his throne, or seat, at the table. His movement stopped as he spied Silk. With a friendly nod of the head to Silk, Andolin smiled. I knew the old snake was too hard to kill. It was a pity. That meant that his debts to the Imperial Secretary were still outstanding. Such a state of affairs was not daunting. Andolin had already schemed as to ways he could repay his debt without giving Silk too much power.

Another surprise awaited him when he spied Anora. So, she is one of his agents. It was just as well that he sent her away that eveningtide, for he did not need more Silk spies close to him.

A nod of recogition greeted Rosalie and each other Council member. It would be bad to ignore anyone with power.

[Ssinith DIllil]

((Before going to talk to Tamriel... also, from previous events, he is now wearing a pair of leather gloves.))

A nod...

That's all he needed to know that he had a voice in these proceedings. Still, he was a new power, and wasn't sure the best way of bringing up his topics. He wisely returned the nod before looking for someone to introduce himself to which would make it known that he was trying to make peace.

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie, who had greeted Andolin with a regal nod of her head, aware of his own power and his, looked around the room to see what was going. Wasn't that Anzillo fellow supposed to open the meeting? She repressed an urge to cough.

[Grey Wolf]

Despite the color of his skin, Ssinith was an adhiel, and that meant something to the likes of Tamriel Anghiril. The bow was returned, a bit stiffly and not nearly as low as dark adhiel's, but then Lord Anghiril was member of the Royal house of Kislovan and of high status even among his own people. "Well met, Ambassador. As for the times they fare as well as could be expected. Some trouble with the human rabble, but nothing we can not handle. Unlike the women of Trothgard from what I hear." He glanced to where the blond representative of the icy isle sat, before turning his gaze towards the man before him. "And what of your underground city? Any news we should be made aware of?"

Meanwhile Rosalie found a seat next to her filled by a familiar form of a bearded and short dwarf, namely Luther Dethrek. The Royal Mint followed the girl's gaze and leaned closer to whisper. "I heard yer 'usband was injured, lass. Is Illish alright? Anything I can do to aid ye?" He did not glance her wave, lips curled into a polite smile, and unless a person could lip-read, he looked like he was discussing weather with the Mouthie Ambassador.

"What, you were supposed to go work at Audrey's today? That simply won't do. I'll have someone pass by the store and compensate her for your absence." He winked and shooed her towards the Chancellor. "Now, off with you. Ask him whatever you want, just remember to mention what I told you." When they were left alone, the old man's brow arched at Lir's comment. "My pain is very well, thank you. Right where we left him. I'll endure it a while longer as it will give me the needed focus." His face grew serious for a flicker as he added. "And I meant the bit about the job. Manyana needs to be replaced and right now I know of two persons in the world I can trust enough to replace her. So, one of you gets to play at being a spymaster, if I manage to convince His Majesty it is a wise move. The other will have to think of what she would like to do and we will find her a way to do it."

His Majesty would find his seat empty as it was supposed to be, Imperial Chancellor Hector Anzillo going over some papers, raising his head to greet Andolin. "We are just about ready to begin. Anything you wish to put on the agenda?" There were a few items already listed, but until the staff was thumped against the floor more things could be noted for presentation to the Council.

OOC: I shall run this in full it seems. Post up now and then we move to the first item on the agenda in my next post.

[Ssinith DIllil]

Being a Moltenite S'sinith was uncomfortable, recalling the tales of their goddess. He pondered what things to tell this Adhiel, knowing not to show weakness, but understood his distain for humans.

[Adhiel]

"Our country is under quite the shift with working with the surface on a global level. With our new surface settlement on Aveas, Fort Dusk, our exports should become more reasonable. Although I must say... attitudes are a little strained with Dort. Their merchants think they can walk on our lands and own the place while they have their own problems to worry about. With the tension between they and Islay, I hope none of their squabbles get dragged into our lands."

The youth gave a sigh and slightly shook his head at the humans, but did give a glance to the Trothgard Ambassador before returning his gaze to Lord Tamriel.

"My focus has been on Gulanadur's direct concerns as of late since I arrived but tides ago. Could you please enlighten me further on the troubles over there? If something over there has the potential of being an annoyance to any Adhiel, it is something to keep in check."

So far so good. He was at least getting on his good side now. Perhaps he could speak with him sometime after the meeting to keep good relations up with the surface. Being in the good graces of any Royalty was a good start.

[Lir Calysta Markby]

If it was probably someone else, Lir's face would have lit up like her favorite wish in the world had just been granted. Instead, she listened with casual interest and gave an acknowledging nod. She continued to remain calm and without any tenative emotion that could be read by anyone else in the room.

Softly, she replied, "If you believe I would be a worthy replacement as a spymaster, I have never been put off by a challenge and will accept it readily. If Anora has it set in her heart to be it, I will be grateful for any assistance to settling on my new path. I place this in your hands as well as His Majesty's." Of course, the dark-haired girl wasn't one to follow any sort of leadership, but at this point in her life it couldn't hurt.

Lir sat down and made herself as comfortable as one could be and awaited the Council to begin. She studied the people present including the Caesar. Her purpose was to observe but not to stick out. Of course, her sitting by Silk probably has risen a few questions from the people present, but perhaps all will eventually be revealed as to why she was invited here today.

[Anora Frollie]

Anora grinned at Silk as he mentioned sending someone to tell Audrey she wouldn't be there. That was good. She needed something to fall back on, should this whole thing with the Secretary not pan out. She had lived too long in precarious positions not to have a backup. But, for now, she played the willing nursemaid and quickly made her way towards the Councillor in question.

She paused as he addressed the preening prick of self-indulgence, Andolin, waiting to be acknowledged. She tried to appear patient, though, without thought, a small disk appeared in her fingers, moving smoothly across the top of her fingers, disappearing into her palm, then again. It was a habit of hers, that helped her keep her fingers nimble. Couldn't have a heavy hand when dipping unwanted into people's pockets. Her eyes moved to see if there was anything she could swipe from the Caesar easily.

[Andolin]

Taking his assigned seat, his nod greeted each council member. Andolin wondered why non-Council members were allowed in the room, but he decided to raise the issue later.

As the Chancellor addressed him, Andolin decided not to raise the issue of wives. It was a decision for him alone, and he would approach Erwin and Isis as to their recommendations. He was not certain that he wanted recommendations from the other islands. Erwin and the Rafao controlled a majority of the Council votes, so he knew they were the two to win over. Silk controlled a good number as well; but, the man was not to be trusted -- respected yes -- but not trusted. He wanted to give the man no further reason to try and assassinate him.

"Perhaps we could add an agenda item for me to share the plans for a chivalraic order," the new Caesar suggested. There was nothing else he was ready to discuss as of yet.

[Grey Wolf]

Silk glanced after Anora's retreating form and hummed softly as Lir revealed a bit more about herself, the injured man observing her out of the corner of his eye. The last sentence definitely got his attention, the man turning his wheel-chair and glancing into Lir's eye. "The Scouts are a rat's nest right now, at least they are to me. I can play the angle of them being a private army and give His Majesty a reason to agree with me that whomever is their new leader needs to be pliable. Can you appear pliable?" He knew that Anora had it in her, as she had been chosen as a bait in the first place for that very reason, but the one-eyed healer before him was a mystery still. Silk never liked mysteries, and liked to know the nasty details beforehand. Lir had it in her to murder a person, and so did Anora, and that was a valuable bit of information.

One did not become an Imperial Chancellor by ignoring rules of etiquette, though once such a position was gained, the person was entitled to a little bit of relaxation, and Hector took advantage of it liberally. "I shall place the item on the agenda, Your Majesty. I think it would be best to leave it for last as we do not need to vote on it or discuss it much. Merely an announcement, right?" Where Andolin chose to ignore Anora the Chancellor merely followed the order of precedence, turning to regard the girl after his conversation with the Caesar was over. "Good day, miss. Is there something I can help you with?" He glanced towards Silk quickly, before turning his full attention to the girl before him.

"You would do well to cater to Duke Erwin's wishes and Dort will fall behind him. His money controls not only that island, but has much sway over global politics. One has to wonder if the man has planned to come upon this junction, or if he was merely lucky to invest well and take advantage of the immense wealth he possessed. Merchant are only small fish in the sea where the Duke rules supreme. And he can be negotiated with." Tamriel's gaze followed Ssinith's, but the adhiel lord was of little help in the matter. "I fear I know very little, and even what I know is through rumor. Appears that males rebelled and overthrew the ruling class of priestesses, but other than that....." He shrugged and indicated a seat close to his own, as he moved to sit down, while Hector rose, his conversation with Anora and Andolin over.

Rising, he paused to give everyone a bit of time to notice him and then raised the iron shod staff that was the symbol of his office and banged it heavily against the stone floor. The thud resonated throughout the chamber, followed by two more and the sound of the heavy doors that lead into the Council Chamber closing, the guards lowering the heavy steel beam across them as was the custom. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Imperial Council, by the power vested in me I declare this Imperial Council open. There are several matters on the agenda today, and I propose we get on with business immediately. I give word to Ina da'Yrsa of Trothgard."

[Anora Frollie]

Anora didn't lift anything from Andolin due to the location, but it was sorely tempting. She was on her best behavior right now, though she did try to hear what the Ceasar was saying to the other man. She didn't know how interesting it would be to Silk, but information never hurt.

Once she was address, she gave the man a soft smile. "Yes sir. The Imperial Secretary would like to address the council regarding the attack by the Imperial Scouts on is person as well as their disregard for the safety of other innocent bystanders," she said, dropping her eyes and her voice at the last, as though it was hard to say and caused her to choke up.

[Ssinith DIllil]

Being offered a seat near to someone of that station was an honor as he nodded quietly and took it as the meeting was about to come to order. He watched the proceedings carefully so as not to misstep himself, knowing when to stay silent and when to speak.

He knew he was one of the newer players in this game and taking an offered seat from someone who had been in the game was a good start. Not certain what to expect of the uprising, his ears perked to hear what the Lady had to report.

[Lir Calysta Markby]

The ship healer carefully listened to Silk. She knew where he was going with this and caught his choice of words. Can you appear pliable? Just appear and not be? Well, can you, Lir? The girl always had to be strong amidst pirates who threatened to take too many liberties if one didn't have a fierce personality. Her past created her exterior as well as her interior, but could she appear soft and even simple to some to think they can sway her even more easily?

She thought it through for a moment wondering how honest one should be but decided to go with the most accurate and open statement. If anything the man she helped save would be an excellent resource, "I will do what is needed. If you need someone that is pliable, I shall be open to suggestions on how to become 'pliable'. I do have to admit that I may lack knowledge on using my feminine wiles and have relied on other tools to survive this long." She didn't expound on her comment. It seemed like enough was given for the moment and Lir let Silk come to his own conclusions.

A bright violet eye swept over Anora in her white outfit of innocence as she thought to herself. Would I be able to appear weak, pliable, and innocent? It all seems to go hand in hand. Like a puppet, Silk wants to be able to control whoever he puts in command, and the Caesar is probably the same. Who will want more control over this puppet? Would I really want to put myself in the middle of this unseen power struggle?

A frown was appearing but Lir calmed herself and exhaled. She felt herself visibly tensing so the healer tensed her muscles and than released that tension to appear as if she was stretching. The girl even tried for a half smile as she practised to appear docile but didn't want to teeter towards looking like an imbecile. Instead, she subtly scanned the room to study the other women present to see how they appeared.