The Starlight wrote:Mesrane wrote:Erlend allowed the half-smile that had previously rested on his lips to erupt into a wide, cavernous grin. "I think you sum up the man's ineptitude quite well. And the ambiguous nature of his house, which I have never taken a liking too despite my best efforts at pleasing the Imperial coffers when Orius reigned. Damn him, he seems almost paranoid, not to mention his close-mindedness over the matter of reform, as you said. I will never vote for him." Erlend paused to sip from his mead. "Good, good. Now that that matter is cleared up, it becomes an issue of whether we have the same sorts of people in mind as alternatives. I have never held much against elvenkind and less against House Tarembor, but I'm sure you can't imagine achieving wide support for an elven candidate among some of these other houses that would follow the Tellegaras over the edge of the world. And some that vote with them in the hope of cozying up to the Lord Steward in the years ahead. You or the Imperial Lady of Shadows, Ellyn Tarembor, would make sound regents, if only the other houses of men would stand for an elf in such a position. Another point of luck in this otherwise gloomy night is that, between our two houses, between Ellyn and my nephew Domnall," Erlend gestured to the middle-aged man on his left. "We control the courts, the justiciars, and most of the Empire's intelligence assets. Arguably the most dangerous combination in times such as these."
"It is good that we agree about Belrond, we cannot have him as Regent. And what you say is also true, putting myself forward as the Regent would be favorable, or my daugher Ellyn, who is more than capable, but she prefers to be, well, as her title suggests, in the shadows. My wife will be contacting a few of the other houses as we speak, to discuss matters. However, as you have also said, there will be little support for an elven candidate, but we shall see. We do control the courts, justiciars and the intelligence, but in military strength, if it comes to that, we are not in a favorable position. However, I suspect that intelligence will be important. Ellyn has a network of spies and assassins throughout much of Pandyssium. Any ideas? Or do you think that you would garner more votes, and therefore, we should promote you as Regent?
Tarembor Estate
The hearth was blazing brightly as Lady Miren sat as host to their various vassals and guests. Irithren plucked her harp while Dalinar played another exquisite instrument off to the side. Their dining hall, though not as large as other lords' had a certain elegance and magnificence to it, with its high, painted windows and stone carved pillars, plints and the table, with elvish runes and carvings swirling, dancing upon it. But there was still plenty of room left for several more houses.
Earlier, she had penned letters to some of the houses who she thought would be willing to align themselves with House Tarembor and Vallorion, in this coming debate. Saerondr had already left for the Eriadunn estate, which was good, but they needed more friends.
To Lord Aguston II Venor the Grey,
I invite you and all that you wish to dine at the Tarembor estate tonight. The harp still sings, the wine is sweet, and there are matters to discuss tonight, of the realm.
-Lady Miren Tarembor
The letters were sent with trusted messengers of Vallorion and they presently arrived at their separate locations, handing the guards the letters.
Caer Aard
Erlend nodded. Saerondr had, once again, adequately summed up the state of things. Saerondr might be an elf, but Erlend couldn't help but start to take a liking to the Lord's clear head and wise counsel. "I find myself once more in agreement, Saerondr. For the most part. A human reformist candidate is probably the most likely to adequately challenge Belrond for the regency. But I would not suggest myself, oh no. I am too grumpy, and too disdainful of the snakepit that is the Imperial Magistratum. Instead, why not a man who has spent the better part of the last decade in the lion's den?" Erlend patted his nephew on the shoulder, and Domnall flashed a nervous smile. "Indeed," Domnall said, "I have eight years experiance at the office of Provost Marshal. If elected, I would do my best to encourage more . . Docile reforms based on my uncle's proposal. I'm afraid I would have to play quite the impartial statesman however, in order to dissolve the worst suspicions and keep a knife out of my back for as long as possible. That is of course assuming that what's left of the Empire's unity does not fall into the horse shit, as we say in Eriadha." He turned back to Erlend, who picked up the thread from there.
"Alas, Tis true, we are at a military disadvantage currently. But if things turn out as badly as they look, then our troops will be fighting for their homes, families, and livelihoods when the blows begin, and that will count for much. And if House Tellegara and their potential allies raise their armies against us simply for proposing reform to a flawed system, then we will have been right all along, won't we? Still, I don't imagine two houses will accomplish much tomorrow. Most of the other houses here in the north seem most supportive of reform. It would be wise to contact them, if you haven't already taken the liberty of doing so. Also, Otto von Lichtenburg of Roken approached me earlier, telling me of his support for my proposal. However, I think he may be understandably reluctant to support someone other than Belrond. If he could be convinced that Belrond is in fact the greatest risk he could take, and that what we're putting together is not a power grab but a last-gasp attempt to not only save the Empire but to improve it, he may be our man. It's likely to be a tough sell, though." Erlend sat back, awaiting Saerondr's take.