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Pomp and Circumstance (Current - OTA)
Topic Started: May 16 2010, 11:00 PM (824 Views)
Robert Laurel
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High King

It had been a busy year for Robert and Sapphira. Setting up the new Imperial government had been quite a task. Appointing government ministers, setting up a coinage, planning the construction of the new Imperial capital and the other things that had to be done to create a nation took up all of their time, leaving them with not as much time for each other as they would have liked. They had divided the work. Robert had handled military matters and trade and commerce (with help from Erin), while Sapphira oversaw the schools (with help from Amore Sedai), the courts and other internal affairs. Elaine, as Minister of State for Security, took care of both internal and external intelligence and the secret police. The two of them oversaw foreign affairs jointly. Sapphira had been a great help in teaching Robert the finer points of ruling.

Now they were having the first session of the new parliament. The largest opera house in Tar Valon had been temporarily converted into a home for the new legislature. There had been quite a wrangle in choosing who the new representatives would be. There were already political factions forming, divided between the merchants and the nobility, the southerners and the northerners and the various nation states, which still had their rivalries.

But today that would all be put aside. It wouid all be pomp and circumstance, with as much of a display as possible. This was the first time, this was creating precedent, this was creating tradition, so everything had to be right.

Robert and Sapphira had gotten up early to be ready. On this day they would be dressed in their finest, Robert in the new full dress uniform of the Imperial Army, and Sapphira in her finest gown. They each wore formal golden crowns of state, which were a little heavy, bedecked as they were in gems and jewels, their white robes were trimmed in rich furs of mink and ermine. Sapphira had the golden chain of her office of Imperial Chancellor around her neck. They lived in Robert's townhouse, and rode in an open carriage pulled by a team of six white horses, escorted by a contingent of Guard heavy cavalry with brightly burnished breastplates and helmets with long white horsetail plumes.

The carriage pulled up and the court officials were waiting to precede them into the building. First was an official carrying the official Sword of State, a jewel encrusted thing which would be entirely useless in a fight. Next were the ministers of state, following in reverse order of precedence. Elaine brought up the rear, her gown not quite concealing the beginning bulge of her pregnancy.

Each of the ministers were announced in turn, and finally it was their turn. "Robert Laurel Gaidin, the High King! Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai! High Queen and Imperial Chancellor!"

Everyone else was already in their places. The heads of state from Andor, Murandy, Tear and Cairhien were sitting in a front row, where they could get a good view and hear clearly. Erin was there, a circlet-of-maintenance on her flowing red hair as Regent of Cairhien. The Governor-Generals of the occupied nations were directly behind. Behind them, off to one side, were the monarchs on the former members of the Golden Alliance, along with their heirs, in a position where they could hear and see, and hopefully learn.

Presiding over the House of Lords was Gwen in her capacity as Heir-Presumptive. She shot her father a furtive glare from where she sat. She had not been happy when given the task of organizing the upper house, but Robert had pointed out that it would last until it got itself organized and elected a speaker.

Each of the minister would speak in reverse order of seniority, giving a report on what had been accomplished in the past year. They would then be followed by the the co-rulers, with Robert and Sapphira alternating. The tomorrow the two houses would get busy, getting organized.
Edited by Robert Laurel, Jun 8 2010, 08:03 PM.
Robert Laurel -- High King. King of Cairhien. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom

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Erin Laurel
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Princess Regent of Cairhien

Erin, along with the other rulers, rose at the sounding of the fanfare signaling the entrance of the High Kingdom's rulers. They had been up late last night, putting the final touches on the speeches that the two would give today. She was quite looking looking forward to the reactions of the nobility to those speeches, especially the southern nobility. There were several that Erin was hoping would keel over from heart attacks or strokes.

They had been working on this speech for the past month. They being Robert, Sapphira and Erin, with occasional contributions from Morgause. This was going to be the most radical thing in the Westlands in centuries. And would just about completely bring the common people squarely behind the monarchs.

At Robert's nod, everyone seated themselves and the speeches began. Each of the ministers had to present a report on the accomplishments of their ministry during the previous year. Those reports would be examined, in greater detail, by the various parliamentary committees, who could call in the ministers and their subordinates to answer any questions. Elaine was responsible only to the monarchs, and reported to the parliament only as a matter of courtesy. Erin saw a few of the nobles looking at each other nervously. Even though it was only a year old, Elaine's ministry had already gotten a reputation a ferreting out plots.

The ministers finally finished their reports, and Robert and Sapphira stepped up to the dais to speak.
Erin Laurel
Duchess of Laurel and Princess Regent of Cairhien

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Robert Laurel
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High King

Robert sat back on his throne listening as the ministers gave their reports. He heard with interest the report of the Minister of the Navy. He had very little experience with ships, with the exception of a sea voyage when he was a teenager from Tear to Illian and Mayene. The Imperial Navy was being run by a lord of Tear, with assistance from a number of experienced sea captains from Tear and Illian. He and Sapphira already knew the contents of the reports, the ministers had had to submit them for approval. What disturbed him the most was the resistance of some nobles, not all in the South, to anything that was aimed at improving the lot of their workers. The lords and ladies were against losing their authority over their serfs, and resented anything that might weaken it. They were, in subtle ways, hindering the work of such as Amore Sedai in her work in establishing schools throughout the Empire. Amadacia was the worst; it seethed with unrest. The legacy of the Whitecloaks would take centuries to overcome. The area held the largest garrison of all the conquered states. He heartily wished Adena Moran luck, she would certainly need it.

Elaine's presentation finished, he and Sapphira stood up went to the podium. The two of them had worked weeks on this speech. He knew it would bring a reaction, especially from the nobility. They would be losing much of their traditional rights, and many of them were not going to be happy about it. Last night the two of them had finally come up with a name for it: The Great Charter. Or, as it was subtitled: The Charter of Rights.
Edited by Robert Laurel, Jun 8 2010, 08:01 PM.
Robert Laurel -- High King. King of Cairhien. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom

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Sapphira Calren
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High Queen & Chancellor

Second only to the day the New Kingdom was officially created, today was the most important day in its short history, Sapphira reflected as the carriage swayed slowly through the streets. A year had passed since the end of the war, and although many things were moving along well- like the construction of the capital -nothing was perfect, and the Light knew there would be plenty to do over the next few years before this empire achieved the dreams and goals of those most vested in it. Among those, of course, being Sapphira, Robert, Elaine and Erin, as well as many others. Life had been nothing if not busy over the last year, and after Sapphira had passed on the staff and stole, she had had to take up more responsibility in the empire. She did not resent it in the least, but the Light knew she would be glad when everything started to settle down and people began to grow comfortable in their roles.

Today, she hoped, would be the true beginning of that. Of course, nothing could be really settled until the capital was built, but there was nothing she could do to speed that along. It would take as long as it took, and until then they would make do in Tar Valon. It was strange that she had considered Tar Valon her home for well over a hundred years, and now she itched to be away. She wanted to break the New Kingdom and the Towers apart in the eyes of the people. No doubt they would have a close relationship, but the last thing Sapphira wanted was for people to think the Towers were pulling strings and making the empire dance to its tune. She was doing as much as she could to avoid that image so far, but it would certainly be easier when the government's headquarters were on the other side of the continent.

But there was nothing that could be done about that today. Today was about other things. It was not the beginning of the empire, of course, but it was the beginning of many government traditions, it was the first time they would all be gathered together, and it would certainly be a day that brought radical change to all the areas under Sapphira and Robert's rule. Not everyone would be happy- in fact, Sapphira rather suspected that most of the nobility would be quite unhappy to hear what they had to say. But one of the aims of this new empire was to improve the lives of its subjects, right down to the meanest commoner, and that was a goal that could not and did not have to wait for a new capital to be built.

The carriage swayed to a stop and Sapphira paused for a small smile at Robert before carefully stepping down. Between her gown, the cloak, the crown, and all the other things decorating her, she had to admit she felt a little ridiculous. All the Amyrlin had was her staff and stole, and that was enough. Still, Sapphira had met with plenty of kings and queens over the years, and she had never thought any of them looked ridiculous, even as bedecked as they had been on some occasions. So she carried herself confidently, and hoped that someday she would get used to this. Light, she might not look it, but she had to admit that she was old for this kind of change. Nothing to be done about it, except what she had to do, and by the Light there was no one in the world she would rather have doing it than herself and Robert.

Sapphira watched Elaine's back as it receded into the building. And then it was time for Sapphira and Robert. A fanfare played, and they were announced. And thankfully, it was perfectly acceptable for a High King and Queen to enter hand in hand. Sapphira rested her hand in Robert's and they walked side by side into the building and took up their places on the dais. Robert nodded and they were all seated, Elaine said a few opening words, and then the reports began. Sapphira listened carefully as each minister spoke in turn about the progress they had made over the last year. In some ways it was very promising to hear all that had been done, but on other counts Sapphira wished things would move faster or more smoothly. There was nothing she could do about that though- especially not in a full sitting of parliament. After the final minister- Elaine -spoke, it was time for Robert and Sapphira. They stepped up to the podium together and Sapphira could not help feeling a little nervous about what they were about to announce.

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Robert Laurel
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Robert began. "First of all, I would thank all of you hear for the hard work you've done so far. We have a lot more to do, but it is a beginning." He took a deep breath. It was time to get started. He was sure there would be quite an uproar shortly.

"It is Our Royal decree that serfdom is abolished forever in the Empire. All serfs are now free. It is Our intention to introduce legislation to compensate their former lords and to regularize their status." Robert could see that some of the lords, mostly southern, but not all, looked outraged. Some of them looked as if they were on the verge of stomping out. Over in one corner he could see the Borderer ambassadors nodding their heads. The practice had been stamped out there long ago, and the free yeomanry of the border kingdoms had been their strength. Andor had abolished the institution long ago, and it had mostly died out in Cairhien, but many of the southern lords and some on the western ones still practiced it. Hopefully the free serfs could become yeoman farmers or skilled craftsmen. There was lots of vacant land in the Empire unclaimed by anyone.

He stepped slightly from the dais. Now it was Sapphira's turn.
Edited by Robert Laurel, Jul 7 2010, 11:19 PM.
Robert Laurel -- High King. King of Cairhien. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom

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Sapphira Calren
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High Queen & Chancellor

Sapphira listened as Robert spoke. She had known, of course, exactly what he had been about to say, but it was good to hear it out loud. Of course, royal decrees could only change the law, changing the hearts and minds of the people- that would take a great deal longer. Serfdom was officially abolished, but it would take time for people to learn what that meant and what they could do. And then after Robert's bit, it was Sapphira's turn. He stepped away a few steps and Sapphira rose to take his place. It was intimidating, even for a woman who had been in a position of great power for over thirty years, and even for a hundred years before that she had not been without influence. Still, looking at the whole parliament assembled, watching her, no doubt expecting that her announcements would be as unpleasant to hear as Robert's, she had to admit she was a little nervous. Not that she let it show, of course, that would not do, and although she might be nervous, she was not uncomfortable with the power she held, and she was not about to give anyone any chance to sneak it away from her.

She took one small breath as she stepped up to the front and began the speech that they had worked so hard to prepar. "The very fact that we are all here today is an achievement," she began. "It means that we are committed to bettering ourselves and bettering the world, and that in itself is something to celebrate." Neither Sapphira nor Robert had wanted too much fluff at the beginning of their speeches, so now it was time to get right to the heart of it. "It is our Royal decree that men and women now stand equal before the law. It will be unlawful to discriminate against any person based solely on their gender. Men and women will be equally eligible for any positions, and will be judged only on their personal merits and abilities." Sapphira could practically hear the relief in the room- or maybe she could really hear it, she was not quite sure. That was not such a great change. Men and women were largely equal anyway, this would simply make it official. In a world where both Aes Sedai and Asha'man existed side by side in great power, equality, at least in this one area, was not beyond grasp.

"As I'm sure you already know- and if you did not, the speeches you've already heard to day will have informed you -it has been our decision to place an emphasis on bettering the lives of not only the nobility, but of everyone. We have been focusing on improving the education and health of all the people of the Kingdom, and we will continue to focus on that over the years. As Robert said, we have made some progress, but there is still much to be done.

"And a little note that I'm sure will be important to all of you: the progress on our capital city. Great amounts of progress have been made over the last year or so, roads are in place, farmers have been moved in and are already preparing to feed the great numbers of people who will no doubt make their way there. Our best current estimation is that in eighteen months the core city will be ready for occupancy and for the government to make its move, and all currently planned construction should be completed after about another year. Today we have representatives from the Ogier builders and masons that are hard at work on the city. They have brought with them an impressive small-scale model of the finished product, as well as sketches of our current progress that will be on display after we conclude."

With that, Sapphira stepped back as well, her part done. They had considered mentioning a few other topics, but Sapphira had simply wanted to highlight the most important things. One thing in particular, the fact that they would be sending extra forces to Amadicia to help bring that region up to the standards elsewhere in the Kingdom, Sapphira had had to do a little fighting to leave out. No doubt it was important, but Sapphira also thought that, as uncomfortable with nearly every aspect of the Empire that Amadicians would be, there was no reason to embarrass them by saying formally and officially that they were behind all the other nations. Better just to let it go, certainly word would get out among the nobility soon enough that extra focus was being put on Amadicia, and at least in Sapphira's opinion, that would be enough humiliation. No need to provoke anyone while many things were still so unstable.

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Tyrael Ardinsol
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Tyrael had sat, or rather stood respectivley through both speeches. They had both been short and concise, quite to the point for that was what this was seemingly all about. Everything was already predetermined and the only reason this was happening was so that everything was made public that needed to be, or that was what Tyrael thought anyways. Politics wasn't really his strong suite even if he had been noble born, albeit minor and of no consequence in the grand scheme of things.

Truthfully the only reason he was here at this assembly was as a learning experience and only because he had been dutiful in his studying of the blade and the way things were run in Tar Valon as well as his training. He honestly couldn't believe he had been chosen to be here and was completely enamored by the fact he had.

In reality though if he had not been the way he was Tyrael would probably have found the proceedings quite boring no matter the fact that the High King was so Grand looking and the High Queen was quite beautiful even behind the mask of Aes Sedai agelessness. They were so grand and so amazing that Tyrael was unable to think of any other words to describe them as he stared in admiration of the way they dealt with dissenters and those who did not like their decrees. If anyone of them were to look his way (Which he thought would happen eventually though it would most likely be only a scanning of those before them) they would only see a young man barely out of boyhood gazing at them in admiration of their sheer presence and ability to command attention.
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Robert Laurel
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After Sapphira finished Robert stepped back up the dais. "In the next few days we will be submitting further decrees. These will mostly be directed at the trade sectors and the establishment of an Imperial coinage, as well as the setting up of the system of Imperial courts and which crimes will fall under which jurisdiction. I can tell you now that each kingdom will be setting up their own system of regional and local tribunals, and noble landowners will be empowered to serve as magistrates judging only minor crimes and misdemeanors. All trials, except for the minor crimes, will be tried in front of a jury of local citizens." He paused to let the murmuring die down. Some nobles looked outraged, but other looked relieved. For most it would take an additional burden off their shoulders. We will also being the recruiting of a professional watch at the Imperial level, to be supported by similar watches at the kingdom and local levels. Her Majesty and I will be available to answer your questions and hear your concerns in the Speaker's Office."

He stepped back again from the dais, and the two of them made their way back to the temporary office that would be occupied by the Speaker of the House of Commons when he or she was finally selected. Robert gratefully put off his heavy crown and robe and sat down besides his wife, waiting for the long list of complaints he was sure to hear. He caught a touch of Sapphira's amusement through the bond. He was grateful for all the help and guidance she had given him in this past year. Erin and Gwen came in right after, Gwen quickly getting rid of the circlet-of-maintenace she wore as Crown Princess, along with her own heavy robes. Elaine came in last, settling quietly into a corner and sipping at something which was supposed to be good for breeding women.

"All right, Adele, let them in," he said to the commander of the Imperial Guard, who was keeping watch on the door.

Robert Laurel -- High King. King of Cairhien. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom

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Erin Laurel
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Princess Regent of Cairhien

Erin sat back and watched as her brother and sister-in-law handled all the complaining nobles. They work well as a team, the flame-haired duchess thought to herself. Robert had learned much from his wife. He had always known how to command, but he had needed to learn how to rule. In the military you could compel obedience, but as a civilian, even a monarch, had to learn to rule by persuasion and compromise. They could issue royal decrees and rule by fiat, as they had done this day, but it was going to take a lot of time and patience to get some people to go along with their changes. Most of the nobility left with most of their questions answered to their satisfaction, but there was a sizeable minority who did not like some of the changes that the new dynasty was trying to make. Those would have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the new world Robert and Sapphira were creating.

Erin sighed to herself. She had already run into those problems in Cairhien. Many of the nobility just could not get it through their heads that she would not tolerate the silly stupid game playing that put her kingdom and her subjects at risk. She had had to come down hard on some of the nobility who were attempting to undermine her rule and that of her brother's.

But that was minor compared to Amadacia. The Children of the Light had been disbanded when the new Imperial Army had stormed the Fortress of the Light at the beginning of Robert and Sapphira's reign. The Whitecloaks had been given a choice: renounce their order or exile. Most had chosen to renounce their membership and keep most of their lands and property. Those who had refused had had all their lands and property confiscated and given twenty days to leave the High Kingdom. Those had just packed up everything lock-stock-and-barrel and left in long caravans. Robert hadn't tried to stop them from carrying off their goods. Anything got out them out of Amadacia was fine by him. But now those very same former Whitecloaks, now safely situated in the western kingdoms, were now causing trouble along the border. Robert was going to send more troops to Amadacia, and maybe send Gwen there as his troubleshooter. Only thing is that Gwen didn't know it yet.
Edited by Robert Laurel, Aug 1 2010, 07:27 PM.
Erin Laurel
Duchess of Laurel and Princess Regent of Cairhien

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Adena Moren
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Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah

A great number of Aes Sedai and Asha'man were gathered today to witness this first session of the High Kingdom's parliament. Of course, Tar Valon would be working with the empire, but it was not to be part of it. Tar Valon held itself aloof from rule, and there were still plenty of other parts of the world that were no part of the new kingdom. Just as Andor and the White Tower had worked together for millennia, the new kingdom and both Towers would work together now. Besides, Adena had other reasons for wanting to be here, or perhaps those reasons were simply all parts of one bigger reason. It had become her goal when she was Accepted to work in Amadicia to change the way those citizens viewed channeling. Obviously it was not the work of the Dark One, as Adena had been taught and so long believed, and she wanted to at least start to spread that truth in her home country.

It was not going to be easy, she knew, there were many obstacles she would have to overcome. On the surface, it might seem that the Empire would be helpful, having gotten rid of the official Children of the Light presence in Amadicia. Adena suspected, however, that that was not exactly the case. Many Children, of course, had refused to renounce their oaths and had left the High Kingdom's borders. That had not eliminated them as a threat, now they simply gathered along those same borders and posed a threat. Nothing the High King and Queen could not deal with, but it was sure to be a nuisance to Adena when she did make her way to Amadicia, if they were not dealt with by then. She did not know exactly how long it would be before she left, but she had only been raised a few months ago and there was still a lot of planning to do. Besides that threat though, there were other, probably more pressing, difficulties. One of which, Adena was sure, would be the Children of the Light who had forsworn those oaths. Doubtless they would still hold to their old prejudices and even if they could not proclaim it publicly, they would hold sway over those around them. And that brought to mind the last probable issue: the people themselves. Amadicians, even those who had nothing to do with the Children, were steeped in generations' tradition of prejudice against channelers. Even if all the Children had left, it would not be easy to change any minds there.

No, Adena certainly had her work cut out for her. But she could worry about all those things later, for now she should be listening to what was going on. Her interested piqued when the Amadician representative stepped up to give a summary of what had been going on. The person was not actually Amadician, though Adena could see the king down there, not looking entirely pleased. This was simply a royally-appointed governor who would be in charge of the reformations, at least until Sapphira and Robert were sure the king was ready to take over. Even after twenty years away from her home, it rankled Adena to see the king taking orders from someone else. Of course, the King of Amadicia had always taken a back seat to the Lord Captain Commander of the Children of the Light, so perhaps this was not so different. At least now he had the opportunity to one day really have control over his country, so long as he kept to the High Kingdom's laws, of course. The current King of Amadicia was not the same man as when she came to the Tower, but rather that man's son. Adena had practically grown up with the man, Payl, just a few years younger than she was. He had been a determined young man, and although the High Kingdom would forcibly change a great number of his personal beliefs and convictions, Adena thought it was a good opportunity for him to finally gain some real power in his nation. He would be a good leader, she thought, if time had not changed him too much. Perhaps she would try to talk to him at some point. But then again, that might not be a good idea, she thought as she adjusted her blue-fringed shawl.

Adena continued to listen as the High King and Queen spoke, announcing some decrees that would certainly change the way things worked in many lands. They seemed like strange laws, and a considerable part of her empathized with the nobles and royals who were clearly unhappy with some of the changes. She, of course, kept her thoughts to herself and did not allow them to show on her face. Even if Tar Valon was not exactly a part of the High Kingdom, it did officially back the changes that were being made, and Adena was not going to publicly act against the official stance of the White Tower, even if she did not entirely agree with it. These changes would take some time to get used to, and would probably make her work more difficult. The more things changed, the more people tried to hold on to what could stay the same. In this case, that would be their opinion of channelers, which was probably already heightened by what was probably seen as their newly-imposed rule. Tar Valon and the High Kingdom were separate entities, but with the High Queen also being Aes Sedai and formerly Amyrlin Seat, it might take some time for people outside of this particular city to work that out.

With the High King and Queen done with their speeches, those attending stood; many began to make their way to the exits, but many others moved forward to take advantage of the question and answer time Sapphira and Robert were providing. Though Adena was not a government official, nor did she know exactly what she wanted to ask, she joined the latter group. She had made no secret of her goals in Amadicia, but she did not know whether word of it had reached the High King and Queen. She had met them both before, the former Amyrlin a few more times, but the former Haran al'Tari in slightly less formal capacities. Either way, she could reintroduce herself, if necessary, and tell them of her plans, if they did not already know, and perhaps they would have something to say. As she made her way forward, she could easily see that it was going to be quite some time before she was able to get close enough to speak to Robert and Sapphira. That was no problem though, unless they had business to get to, she had nowhere to be and could wait all day if necessary. So she relaxed and moved forward slowly as, one by one, the various nobles, officials and royals had their questions answered and left the building.
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Robert Laurel
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"Adena Sedai," the Guardsman announced. "Please, be seated," Robert said, motioning her to a comfortable sofa and offering her a glass of tea. When she was settled in he began. "I have heard of your plans to go to Amadacia. Good. The High Kingdom will give you whatever support we can. But I'm afraid that most of that will have to be covert. The prejudice against channelers is higher than ever there, and anything associated with the High Kingdom is just resented even more. We, Sapphira and I, would like to change that, but we know that it will take decades, even centuries."

He continued. "I'm sure that you know that Amadacia lags behind the other members of the Empire in so many ways. The Whitecloaks, hand-in-hand with most of the nobility, kept the commons terrified of being accused of Darkfriends. And the definition of Darkfriend was anyone who wanted to build better roads and schools, any healer who had a good record curing her patients, and so on. When we stormed the Fortress of the Light in Amador last year, we managed to capture almost their records, including their secret ones." He shook his head. "I never imagined that such a record of infamy could exist. The details of the crimes the Children committed to maintain their control and steal even more power go back centuries." He shook his head again. "And the sad thing, most of the Children honestly believed in what they were doing, but what they were told, what they were taught, was slowly twisted over the years by a small group of ambitious and evil men who believed only in power, many of whom were actually Darkfriends themselves, taking their orders from the Forsaken."

The High King continued. "The Empire is going to be pouring huge amounts of money into Amadacia in the next few decades to try to bring it up to the levels of the other kingdoms. New roads, new schools with qualified teachers, irrigation projects to improve crop yields, digging lots of new wells to insure clean water, lots of healers to improve the over general health of the population. And so on. I don't expect that to improve the level of hatred towards channelers anytime soon, but the people there deserve the same standard of living as anyone else in the Empire."

"And, to help enforce it, we will be sending more troops to Amador. I'm well aware of the former Whitecloaks who would love to cause trouble. Hopefully this will discourage them. Now then," he said briskly, "as I said, we can't be seen to be helping you too openly, but we will give what help we can. The commander of the garrison will have orders to help you in any way you request. And," he reached back and Elaine handed him a letter, "this should be some help. Be discreet and try to use it sparingly. Any Imperial official will have to do as you request."

He already knew what the letter would say.

"It is by my order and for the good of the state that the bearer of this has done what she has done. Follow her orders as if they come from me."
Elaine Treherne, Countess of White Rock, Minister of State for Security

Her seal was at the bottom below the signature.

"I do wish you had a Warder, but that will come in it's own good time. I will ask you to guard yourself carefully. Many of the folk down there will regard you as a renegade and a traitor, and you'll be a target from the hour your arrive in Amador. If you need anything before you, contact Countess Elaine."
Edited by Robert Laurel, Aug 10 2010, 12:55 AM.
Robert Laurel -- High King. King of Cairhien. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom

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Adena Moren
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Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah

Adena waited patiently for the High King and Queen to get all the nobles and officials before her in the queue out of the way. As patiently as she could, anyway, which to any observer would have appeared to have been all the patience and calm that Aes Sedai were known for. Inwardly, she kept thinking of all the things she could have or would rather have been doing while she was waiting. But this was important, and she wanted to make sure to have some contact with the King and Queen today, and perhaps start up a dialog that would be useful in the future. She knew that when she went to Amadicia she would need whatever help she could get, and support from such high ranks would be vital. If she could talk to the Amyrlin as well, all the better. The Amyrlin would hold no official sway in Amadicia of course, but the Light knew the woman had resources to help a sister wherever she may be.

She was grateful when she was finally ushered in and seated. It occured to her that she was with some of the most powerful people in the world, and she was not exactly high in the ranks of Aes Sedai. By the Power, she was rather low on the scale, but only Sapphira would know that. Her face made it obvious that she was newly raised though, by its lack of agelessness, and she wondered whether the powerful people in this room knew that she was still the newest sister. It did not matter; she was Aes Sedai, and she was here to see the High King and Queen about a matter where Aes Sedai and High Kingdom business overlapped conveniently. Adena was not seeking any kind of official position, but it would be nice to be on the same page as the Kingdom.

She settled herself on the sofa, aware of how much more at ease that piece of furniture would put those coming with questions or problems than would a table and wooden chairs. She had no real reason to need to be on her guard right now, but her upbringing and training in the Tower meant that she was always ready for moves in the Game of Houses. The High King, despite being Cairhienin, did not seem to Adena to play all that much, but the High Queen was Cairhienin as well, not to mention that she had been a very powerful Aes Sedai. Even if Robert did not play the Game, Adena was sure the Queen did, and although she expected no ill will from that direction, it was always best to be on guard.

Not best to let them know that she was though, so she gave a small smile and thanks as she accepted the tea that was offered. She listened carefully as the High King spoke, outlining simply that they would be supporting her however they could, but that would have to be largely covert and speaking briefly about their plans for the nation. Adena was glad to hear that they had big plans for her former home and was hopeful that their efforts would do good things for the people of Amadicia. And hopefully, as their lives improved at the direction of the High Kingdom, Adena's job would become easier. She was also glad to hear that they had foreseen the potential trouble with former Children of the Light and had plans to deal with it. Glad as she was for all that, though, her primary goal in going to Amadicia was not necessarily to improve the quality of life, it was to make people more accepting of channeling and bring about respect for Aes Sedai and Asha'man. As Adena saw it, as the people's mindset changed, so would their quality of life, hers was simply a more indirect method of bringing about change, and hopefully a more permanent one. No doubt both were necessary and hopefully they would be able to play off one another, but Adena did not expect to make a big change very quickly. She was only one woman after all, even if she was Aes Sedai.

Finally, and a surprise to Adena, Robert gave her a letter that he said would help her. She immediately opened it and scanned it. Indeed, this would certainly help, as long as Adena was somewhere she could find an Imperial official or where the Kingdom's rule was recognized. Even in Amadicia, this would be a great tool should she fall into trouble or need. Finally, the High King finished, saying that he wished she had a Warder, and that she would be facing danger, but that if she needed anything to contact Elaine.

It was all more than Adena had been expecting. Apparently they had not only heard of her plans, but on some level had been counting on them. And assuming that she would come here to talk to them today. Light, but it was a bit unnerving to have her intentions so obviously known before she had done much more than mention them to people quite separated from those in this room. Still, she kept her surprise to herself and took a sip of her tea.

"I am glad to hear all the changes that will be taking place in Amadicia, and I am looking forward to doing my part to bring about a change in the minds of the people. I, too, feel the need of a Warder, but I am recently enough raised that, although I would like to be on my way now, it will probably be some time before I can actually set out. In the intervening time, my hope is to find someone suitable to aid me in my work. Your support will be invaluable and I am very grateful. I know it's going to be a long and thankless task, and probably one in which progress is agonizingly slow, but as I see it, it must be done, and who better than one who understands the Amadician people? Changing hearts and minds is not easy, but sometimes necessary."
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Masking the Glow, Folding Light, Inverting
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Robert Laurel
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High King

((As for the letter, have you ever read The Three Musketeers or seen the movie? I was tempted to sign the letter Richelieu...))

Edited by Robert Laurel, Aug 11 2010, 01:42 AM.
Robert Laurel -- High King. King of Cairhien. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom

Robert's biography
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Gwen Laurel
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Heir-Presumptive to the High Kingdom

Gwen saw her father turn and smile at Elaine after the woman had left. "Good catch," he said. "How did you come to hear about it?" Elaine smiled at Erin in her turn. "Actually I heard part of it from Erin. She had known Adena when she was an Accepted, before the War, and she remembered that she had said a few things about how things were in Amadacia and what she would like to change. Most of was just in passing, in an odd phrase here and there. And then during the War I had a few Accepted working in my shop." She nodded at Sapphira. "Mostly to keep them out of trouble, but they had a talent for that kind of work. Some of them may make good Eyes and Ears for their Ajahs someday. They would pass along little tidbits that they thought would be of interest. And then a little birdie of an Aes Sedai who I can't name passed along a hint or two that this was a worthy cause that was worth supporting. Which fit in very neatly with what we want to do there."

"I hope she can survive," Erin said morosely. "She's a walking target. An Amadacian Aes Sedai, daughter and sister of Whitecloaks. They'll account her a traitor and worse. Do we know anything about her family?"

Elaine nodded. "Her parents are alive, but old, and don't take any part in public affairs any more. Her older brother runs the estate, and her other siblings, all older, are scattered around Amadacia with their own families. Some of them with grandchildren. I don't know what their attitude will be when she shows up again. She did grow up with King Pyal, so we can definitely use that. Since we plan on releasing him in about a year or so."


Robert nodded. "I'm going to take steps to help her survival along." He looked straight at his daughter. "Gwen, as soon as the House of Lords gets itself in order, I'm putting you in command of the garrison in Amadacia. I'm also giving you authority over the garrison in Ghealdan. The present incumbent is a good man, but he's better suited for other duties. I'm sending along with you a lot more light cavalry. Patrol agressively. You're authorized to cross the border into Tarabon to flush out anyone causing trouble. Sending you there sends a message that we won't be trifled with. Given the mountain barrier protecting Andor and Ghealdan on the west, Amadacia is the obvious invasion route. Besides the light cavalry, I'll be sending ten thousand of the Seanchan to reinforce you."

The Seanchan were the ones that Robert had captured at the Battle of Tar Valon. They numbered thirty thousand total, and had sworn allegiance to him after they had found out that they had been fooled into following a Forsaken. They made up the core of the new Imperial Army.

Ghealdan had joined the High Kingdom out of necessity. It was caught between the Empire and the Whitecloak dominated western kingdoms, and long resenting the Children's domination next door had gone with the Empire.

Gwen was dismayed. "Light! Thanks for nothing! First you saddle me with riding herd on a bunch of lying, cheating, stealing politicians, then you saddle me with this!"

Her father grinned back at her. "You know the reward for a job well done. An even harder job. I need you there to speak for me just in case things get out of control."

Gwen glared at him. "And by the way, I would really like to get rid of the title of Heir Presumptive. It would be nice to have some smaller siblings running around so I can spoil them."

Her father just laughed at her, and Sapphira looked smug. "All in good time," was Robert's only reply. "Anyway, we have an official reception tonight for those politicians you so despise. Better enjoy the comforts of Tar Valon while you're still here!"
Edited by Robert Laurel, Aug 22 2010, 01:00 PM.
Gwen Laurel
Heir-Presumptive to the High Kingdom

Gwen's biography


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Amore
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Head of the Blue Ajah

Amore had arrived early to the opera house turned diplomatic council hall. She was dressed formally, in silken robin’s egg blue. A net of sapphires worked smartly through the tower of curls and swirls of her hair. She smelled lightly of rose and lavender from the bath she had taken upon waking. Today was a day of much to do, and the least of which had been choosing an outfit.

The days had begun to blur, even at her age time did not move differently, and yet it felt as if the past year had gone by in sudden rapids, everything changing. That was the only constant in this world, she thought to herself, change. The Wheel wove as the Wheel willed, but sometimes she wished she could make out what the next spoke would have in store.

Her journey to the opera house was not a long one, but neither was it so short she could walk, and so after handing her mare of golden color to a stable hand outside, the Minister of Health and Education made her way into the grand building.

Still early there were but a few people in attendance, most of them nobility of foreign lands. She spotted the pale and short Cairhien and a few other Andorian’s, but they were merely background noise to her. Diplomacy with other nations came into little play as far as she was concerned with the High Kingdom.

Taking a seat near the dais, she folded one leg over the other and placed her hands in her lap, watching as the room began to fill. She smiled, as she noticed Robert’s daughter enter and bobbed her head in greeting as another Sister of the Blue showed for the meeting.

Amore was going to speak to her Sister, when suddenly it seemed the main event had started. Like royalty written in the histories, Robert and Sapphira entered the room hand in hand. They looked so regal; it was hard to imagine either of them not being royalty.

Amore smiled and clapped politely as they took their place on the dais, and sat alert as they began to speak on the formations and advancements of the new Kingdom, from governmental business down to the actual work being done to build the capital city.

She had not spoken much during the time allotted for each Minister to bring the rest of the council up to date on their individual goals. But it was obvious to any who would pay her attention, that news of the Amadician schools and boarding homes suddenly sparked her interest.

Amore thought back to a few days previous, when she had received the replicas of the school houses from the docks of the north harbor. The same replicas she now had in her office within the Tower. The conversation was temporarily side tracked as Robert spoke to Gwen,; Amore waited long enough to be polite before standing, and waiting for acknowledgment from the dais to speak.

It took a moment for her to be noticed, but she did not mind, there were many important things going on, not all of them in the form of speech. Once given a nod from both Robert and Sapphira, Amore addressed them, and the crowd.

“In regards to the recent changes in the Amadician countryside, “ she worded it carefully, no need to remind those here that an entire nation had fallen to the Empire before its capital was even half through it’s building. “I have a bit of news from my own duties as Minister. Some few months gone a friend traveled through the eastern countries, doing for me a favor as I am not able to leave the Tower while there are so many goings on.”

She spoke clearly, and her voice held in it a calm that spoke of its self on her age. She used her hands to speak, taking in the crowd, and excluding none.

“Upon her return three days gone I was provided with accurately scaled replicas of every boarding house and school I have seen opened in my time outside Tar Valon. Some of you may know, others may not; the Amadician boarding home I started near two decades back was found out by the previous rulers of the countryside. The building, along with the women whom I entrusted to run the place, was burned after the doors were sealed in their sleep. For a time, I held a great hatred in my heart for the ones who did this; even though I know they acted out of stupidity and ignorance.”

Amore paused, to look at the dais, at Sapphira.

“The new school is twice as large as the old, and the women there have found a new backbone. There are two Sister’s living in the home now, a miracle in its self. I have done much work in my lifetime, but of all the things I could have wished, it cannot amount to the gratitude, and joy I find in the wrongs you two as rulers, Robert and Sapphira, have righted.

I am Aes Sedai, I will die Aes Sedai. “ She paused, ” but I am also human, and once I was no more than Amore Le’fay, a run away from Amadicia, come to the Tower like a rat afraid the Children would find out, or worse, my parents. There is a long road ahead of us all, but the changes I have seen in my homeland, in the land from which I was birthed, gives me hope, and lets us all see the greatness to come with you two leading this new Empire.

The schools have reached higher numbers than ever before, and the funding has become much easier to gain access to, allowing everything we do, to be done better. The boarding houses, and half way homes are beginning to take effect, the homeless population in Tar Valon alone has fallen to a mere fraction of what it was post-war. Reports seem to indicate this trend follows through all of our shared controlled lands.

I have lived to see much in my lifetime, but never did I think to see the turning of an Age, an Age that is promising to be full of glory.”

The Blue finished her speech, saying perhaps more than she should, and certainly letting her personal life come into play too heavily, but it was all true. She had worked nearly one hundred and twenty years toward the goals of bettering tomorrow’s adults, the ones who would lead when the adults of today were the elders of tomorrow.

It seemed, after a long time of war and uncertainty, that things were finally getting better, returning to how they should have been all along. She owed a great amount to Sapphira. A Blue was her cause, the two made one, and the High Queen, had helped this Blue get closer than ever before to achieving her own personal goals.

Amore took her seat, with only one final word to the High Queen. “The replicas are held safely within my offices, should you wish to see them, I believe my friend accounted for every school except the Borderlands, they still hold honor enough we believe they will do right by the boarding houses and schools without us checking on them to often.”


((sorry I jumped in late on this one; tried to catch up. Hope everything is in the right order that it was RPed in. Glad to be back :) ))
Edited by Amore, Sep 18 2010, 04:20 AM.
Posted ImageWard Weaving, Shield StretchingPower Strength 86 (Strong)Bonded to Gaidin Androus MordinMinister of Health and Education
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