Mathis speaks first, saying, "Arsonist is an unappreciated talent. Analyzing building materials, assembling untraceable wicks and accelerates, studying flame patterns..." he trails off when Rubi coughs, but she is smiling.
"We recruit from all over Andoran, although we are still mostly in Almas. We have washerwomen and blacksmiths, anyone who has an interest in a free and just Andoran. We even have Mathis and he is basically useless." Mathis grins, obviously the phrase is an old, personal joke.
"But you sell yourself short. You are an arcane magic user, you have a place in the goverment, even a position with some autonomy to make choices. You even have the ear of a Councilor, your friend Jorhan. You are well-placed indeed to help your fellow citizens."
Rubi takes a long sip, letting that soak in, then goes on, "Your 'work' would be what you like. Passing along signs of wrong-doing in the goverment, you concerns and worries. We can investigate, pry, poke in ways you cannot. You just give us the scents and I can unleash the hounds." She smiles grimly, like a hunter who indeed has a pack of baying hounds at her heels.
Imperia cocks a concerned brow at Mathis. "Best keep those thoughts to yourself while they investigate the fire at the Trade Offices or you'll have every guard and knight on you in a moments notice," she said with a shake of her head.
Hearing Rubi's words, Imperia couldn't help but puff up a little when she started explaining how useful Imperia could be to them. None of it sounded out of line, and most of it were things she could support. Accountability in government was certainly a movement she could get behind, especially at this moment.
"I could see myself participating as such. Passing along appropriate information... I mean, wrong doing in government has been all I've seen before. Hardly an example to the citizens. If the people making the laws can't even manage to partially toe the line..." Imperia trailed off with a sigh. It was all very maddening from her perspective.
"I'll do it."
Rubi smiles enigmatically and sips her tea. "Excellent. I knew you'd agree. " She shakes Imperia's hand firmly then stands up, 'We'll be in touch. Mathis here will be your contact." she nods a head at the gangly man. "He needs to do something useful."
He laughs but reddens slightly, wiping some of the soot off her nose. 'I have some more bushiness to take care of on the docks today. But I think you should get back to that fire, people will be coming by to ask questions. If you need it, we'll keep an eye on you. That might help relax you."
As Imepria leaves she adds, "By the way, I'd keep an eye on some of those captains. I've heard reports that you aren't the most popular Commissioner on the docks right now. I'm not one to tell you to break the law or anything, but I'd advise you to be a little less strict perhaps? Or hire a bodyguard." She laughs, but there is a serious edge to her voice.
"Glad to be working with you," Imperia said to Rubi. "And you as well, Mathis," she added.
Truly it would be nice to have more allies than just Jorhan around, especially with him leaving for his own constituency soon. She wasn't quite sure how she'd fit into Rubi's plans, but the woman seemed to have some faith in Imperia.
"I think I'll be alright. The Trade Office will be swarming with officials, I don't think I'll have much to worry about there," Imperia said as she prepared to leave.
"I irritated a local captain this morning by favouring a foreign ship at the docks. And annoyed a few more by rejecting bribes. But I'll try to work on my relations on the docks. Or at least talk some sense into anyone who tries to give me trouble."
Imperia thanks Rubi again for all her trouble before taking her leave of the safe house. Today had been a little more eventful than she had planned for, but at least some of it felt productive.
Imperia makes her way back to the Trade Office, the smoking towers makes finding it easy.
The scene is far more controlled then when she left. The crowds have dispersed and a few Eagle Knights keep an eye on the remainder. The fire is out and only a few places are left smoking. Already a few officials are doing business in the smoky ruins or on tables dragged into the streets. Business rolls on, despite disaster or damage. Imperia wonders how trough the paperwork will be though.
She is taking it in when she sees a vaguely familiar figure walking through the charred remains of what was once her office. It takes her a minute but she puts a name to the face. It is Berhound Welles, the veteran she met at the Succulent eel.
He catches Imperia's eye and waves her over, face unreadable. He has a short walking stick with him, that he is leaning on.
[ooc]Sorry for the midnight post >.<[/b]
It was a relief to not come back to chaos. It seemed things had really settled down as much as they could be considering the circumstances. The crowd was gone, probably thanks to the continued Eagle Knight presence. Of course the building itself still looked like chaos. Never mind the paperwork... Imagine the clean up.
She glanced over towards what she figured was her office and sighed when she recognized the man who was waving her over. It wasn't that she was upset to see the man, just upset to have to get into the mess. She carefully lifted her skirts and set about picking her way through the soot and ash.
"Master Berhound, if I recall?" she asked as she got closer. She quite near toppled over as she stepped over something or another that was burnt beyond recognition. "What brings you to my office?"
She offered him a sincere grin. From what she remembered about her night at the Succulent Eel , she quite liked this fellow. If nothing else he saved her from bad company.
Berhound eyes her gravely, not smile on his face. He nods, but it is professional. 'I heard you had a fire here." he says, unnecessarily, his walking stick poking at a pile of charred papers.
"Could you tell me what you know? I am the lead investigator on this one." he says curtly, "Please be advised that lying to me qualifies as perjury under Andoran law."
"Where would you like me to begin, Investigator Welles? It's a rather long story at this point," she said with a sigh. "It all started when I looked into a ship who was smuggling in someone from Cheliax at the wish of a Councilor. I've been finding notes and getting threats ever since."
Imperia looked about at her 'office' before continuing. "The Councilor came to see me here just yesterday. Told me to hand over the ledger despite the fact that he holds no claim to it and when I refused he, in short, told me I'd be sorry and he'd ruin the lives of the people around me. And mine of course. And here we stand. In the ashes of my office. I'll allow investigators to connect the dots. Oh, and uhm... What's it called.... the Black House? I was told they are the ones who get their hands dirty for the important folk around here. Oh and someone passed this note off to me. There've been other notes as well, if you figure any of it pertains to all this mess."
Imperia finished with a smile. While some people had an issue with those that upheld the law, Imperia adored them. She almost seemed to enjoy giving up every scrap of information she could. After all, the law-keepers were the backbone of civilized lands.
The man takes it all in, eyes sharp. His face reveals no emotion, but Imperia sees a shadow of a nod. 'Interesting. It is a bold story, I'll give you that. Implicating a Councilor and invoking one of the more...storied names in Almas. The Black House, you say."
He pauses, "What I see though is a burned office, and the source of the fire." he picks up a small puddle of wax. How he found it among the charred ruins she had no idea. Magic, maybe?
"A time delayed candle. And it just happened to burn down when you were gone. An interesting tactic if someone wanted to attack you, isn't it?" he remarks, blandly.
"Well I'm certainly not saying I know what happened, I'm just recounting the unusual circumstances that I've experienced leading up to this moment. I'll leave the pondering and dot-connecting to you," Imperia explained. "The threats, notes, and timing are really all I have to offer up from my end. And I didn't want to leave anything out of course."
As he showed her the wax remains of a time delayed candle, her mind wandered back to Mathis' explanation of the art of arson. She felt like he'd have done a better job covering his tracks.
"Attacking me didn't seem like the plan I suppose... Maybe just an attempt to ruin the records in my office. I'm none to popular with some of the captains on the docks. Actually..." Imperia taps her finger on her cheek. "It seems to trivial in comparison to the other events in my life, but there are handful of captains I've had to write up and a couple who I've rejected bribes from."
Imperia then goes into an explanation about her troublesome dealings with a few of the ships on her docks, including the one earlier today. She's probably talking the poor man's ear right off, but she either doesn't care or doesn't realize she's doing it.
Berhound watches her, two emotions flickering on his face. It seems he is at war with himself as Imperia pours out all of the information.
When the flood stops, he takes a few steps in the ash, obviously thinking hard. Finally he says, "There will be a report and inquiry, into the loss of goverment property. I will recommend it be expedited as fast as possible, but pending further notice I am going to suspend you from your duties. You will still draw your paycheck, but you are temporary removed from the office of Commissioner." His face looks sad, but resolute as he says this. The veteran watches Imperia's face close for her reaction.
Imperia frowned in slight confusion and eyed the man up curiously. It seemed... odd to her that her duties would be suspended when she'd done nothing wrong and had been nothing but cooperative. That said, Almas hadn't been at all what she expected and their laws, rules, and customs were just baffling from her point of view.
"Very well," she conceded. "Suppose that just leaves me with more time to house hunt. I'll forward any change of address through the proper channels."
She paused and looked about the ruins. "Has Streve ever come back about?"
The man shrugs, "I haven't seen him. I will speak to him in due course, although his absence for the day mostly removes him from scrutiny."
He pokes at the ashes again, 'The Trade Ministry will re-build quickly, most of the building was spared due to your actions with the Eagle Knights. They spoke highly of you and I will make sure that it is reflected in the report."
Berhound glances about and drops his voice, 'I'd advise you to keep your head down. You are in deep waters but I think they'll pass if you don't give the sharks reason to stay." he says, mangling the metaphor. "A week or two off will do you some good." he nods and begins marching away, eyes roving the burned out scene.
"Glad to know I was of help... And that it was noticed," Imperia said with a slight grin.
Berhound was right in saying that some time off would do her some good. Rubi had said she may want to improve her relations of the docks and maybe some time spent there off duty would help with that. And she could peek around at houses, lay low from the eyes of politics... It all sounded rather perfect.
But that wasn't mean she was giving up. Oh no, these last couple days had lit quite a fire under her rear. Luckily that wasn't literal, her office was quite enough fire for one day. As she made her way back out of the charred remains of her office the gears in her head started turning.
Andoran was supposed to be about living free, but this wasn't living free. This was chaos! Criminals ran around unchecked, unchallenged, and unpredictable (the worst offence, in her opinion). At least Cheliax had a system. A system that had worked fairly well for a long time. Sure, there were elements of Cheliax that she'd come to despise but the fundamentals of law and order were at least there.
She gave her head a shake. A new order in Andoran was a tall order. For now, she'd settle for finding a place to live.
It is two weeks since Imperia was 'suspended'. She has heard nothing from the Trade Ministry, total silence. Her meager pay, a few silvers, has trickled in via delivery boy (the same boy she has seen popping up everywhere. His businesses is booming) but nothing else.
Imperia has used the time well. First, she has found a few suitable dwellings. Three on the market have caught her eye.
Most Expensive: A tiny house on the very edge of the prestigious Liberty District, where the Field of Concord is. It is a tiny version of where Jorhan was living. Quite expensive but private, good area and close to goverment.
Middle of the Road: A slightly larger house in East Hill, the residential area of Almas. Cheaper but farther away from her work and also not quite as nice a neighborhood.
Bottom: An apartment in Portside. Very close to work and very cheap but the smallest living space and the worst neighborhood. Close to the action, but maybe a bit rowdy.
Imperia also spends much time at the Golden Cathdreal, Andoran's public library, one of the very few in Avistan. The soaring temple is full of books upon books on every topic from botany to magic to law. The Chelish arcanist becomes a regular figure among the endless stacks, using the age-varnished tables for study.
She runs into Mathis there a few times and spends some time with him, talking obscure points of law and revealing the deeper philosophical background of Andoran legal code. Imperia learns he is a student at the Almas University although a lax one (it doesn't appear it attends many classes). Friendly, he helps Imperia a great deal in mastering the odder parts of Andoran law.
Jorhan has gone, returned to Augustana. The parting is a bit sad, Imperia losing one of her only friends int he city but Jorhan is confident she'll handle it. He promises to visit and keep he abreast of anything political that reaches him. He seems grimly detriment to best Kronwaer at his own game.
Imperia felt like she'd looked into a thousand homes up and down Almas before she narrowed it down to three very distinct houses. Each of them had their perks but in the end her pragmatic side won out and she selected the place that balanced her location needs. It was close enough to work without being in a dingy neighborhood.
With her housing situation dealt with and ample time to spare before her return to work, Imperia went about her research. Books were far easier to deal with than people but she did have to admit Mathis ended up being a great resource. Andoran law seemed overly complicated so it was nice to have a local to give her some perspective on the matter.
Next on her agenda was laying out her plans on how she was going to bring a little of home into her work life. Almas' trade seemed to be run on bribery of officials which wasn't an unfamiliar practice to Imperia. Cheliax did it better of course with a well known and organized system that was fully within the law. With how often she was offered a bribe, it didn't seem like it'd be an issue to start accepting them in accordance to the Chelaxian system. And if her experience was any indicator, it wouldn't take long before word got around to the captains which would make things simpler. And of course she'd never call it a bribe because that was classless and offensive even by Cheliax's standards. The captains would be paying a fine voluntarily and Imperia would simply be there to accept it.
The bit of Cheliax that never left Imperia was bubbling to the surface. She missed home dearly in these times of uncertainty.
Imperia's research also entails looking into Councilor Kronwaer's history and voting record. The man is well-regarded in Andoran, an established and senior Councilor. Unusually for such an esteemed member though, he had never been invited to be a Minister, that high rank just under Codwin. Rumor had it the two had a deep-seated rift dating back decades.
More then a whiff of corruption and illegality had always clung to Kronwaer but nothing had even been proven. Most of it related to favors and laws in exchange for money and influence.
On a bright, sunny morning, Imperia was in her new home, still pondering how to decorate it and if she should hire a servant when she hears a knock on the door.
Looking out a side window, it is a well-dress middle-aged man she doesn't recognize. He is idly standing on the doorstep, looking around at the quiet neighborhood.
What Imperia learned about Kronwaer was reassuring but also quite infuriating. It confirmed that he was every bit as rotten as she imagined, but that he was sly enough to get away with it for so very long. It'd take quite a bit of doing to corner that particular beast, but she was determined to ensure he got what he had coming. A weak man was not a man who should have a place of power.
A barren wall in a barren room snapped her out of her thinking and she tilted her head to the side trying to imagine what she could do with the place. But even those thoughts were swept under the rug (a metaphorical rug as she had still yet to purchase a rug) when she heard a knock on the door.
She moved to the window to take a peek at the caller and frowned. he was quite unfamiliar but that should hardly surprise her. She'd just moved in perhaps it was a neighbor coming to introduce themselves.
"Coming," she called as she scurried to the door. She opened it and flashed a big smile she hoped seemed welcoming. "Is there anything I can do for you, sir?"
"Good Morning. Imperia Voralius, I presume?" He say politely, "Carell Broom, fromt he Ministry of Arcane Matters. Do you have a moment?"
"Your suspensions is about to be lifted, so the rumors say." Carell says, in a friendly fashion, "Our Ministry has been watching you. Have you ever considered changing jobs? We can offer you more then what Trade is giving you." he says dismissively."You are a skilled magic user, with a good head on her shoulders and already a reputation for being a rule follower. We could use you."
"Well I'd never considered it seeing as I was appointed my current position through lottery," Imperia said with a quirked eyebrow. She was suspicious of everything and everyone these days. "Is there a particular reason your Ministry has been keeping tabs on me?"
She gestured for the man to come in. If this wasn't some set up then she'd be a fool to be rude in the face of such opportunity. And on the chance this was some set up to get her away from her current office, then she could learn more by getting this man to talk.
"You'll have to forgive the lack of... well, most things. I've just moved in. But do please come in."
The m an waves a hand, "Nothing sinister. We haven't been at your windows, peering in. Just watching your file. The Ministry keeps an eye on all magic users in the government as a matter of course." He smiles and looks around.
"Er, nice building. I am sure you'll grow into it." He coughs and goes on, 'Are you interested, or am I wasting my time trying to interest you in a prestigious, well-paying job for one of the most selective Ministries in Andoran?"
"Well, if you've had tabs on me you know I've studied at the Acadamae and dedicated my life to magic since. I'd never overlook such an offer from your Ministry," Imperia explained, feeling rather bad she had no tea to offer. "But you of course know I need all the details first. What exactly would my job be? And what they pay would be? You seem rather keen to keep highlighting that particular aspect."
The man smiles and waves a hand, 'Well, this is all well and good, but surely someone like you has dreams, aspirations? Money is an excellent way to start. The finer things are not to be ignored." He leans against a wall, obviously a bit thrown off by the lack of furniture.
"The job is one of our lower ranking ones, I admit. It would be investigation. Looking into alleged illegal acts of magic. Summons, counterfeiting, misfired magical items, that sort of thing. Simple enough, although it obviously has its dangers."
Imperia's mind was racing so fast she wouldn't have been surprised if smoke was coming out of her ears. A job with the Ministry of Arcane Matters was as close to a dream job as she could get. Working with the laws of magic was just... well, it could be heavenly. Of course, she'd been excited to uphold the law on the docks, too, and that hadn't gone well. At least she was better prepared for the dark underside of the law this time.
"I'd take this job in a heartbeat!" Imperia blurted out in excitement before she realized she'd opened her mouth. Her cheeks flushed red and she cleared her throat, taking a moment to compose herself.
"I mean to say, assuming that the perks and finer things are as enticing as you seem to make them..." Imperia was backpedaling and she knew it, Carell probably did too, but she didn't stop. " Then of course I would be a fool to turn away such a job. Assuming it is being formally offered to me."
Carell's eyes light up, "Excellent, excellent. I knew you would agree, I just knew it." He straightens, all smiles and replies to her hedging, "Of course, of course. You are not bound at all, at this point. I believe your suspension will end today, after that we shall formally offer you the job."
He cocks his head as if hearing something. "If I am not mistake, you have a messenger at the door." The Minister of Arcane Matter's man saunters to the door, nodding. "Tomorrow!"
He opens the door raveling the messenger boy Imperia has got to know. He has a bright blue cap on today and his face is a toothy grin. 'Message for Miss Voralius, from the Minister of Trade!"
Carrell smiles, taps his nose, and vanishes down the street.
The boy hands Imperia a note, instructing her to arrive at the Citadel of the Supreme Elect at her nearest convenience, and present herself at the Ministry of Trade, to meet with the Minister herself.
Imperia's face had an absent grin across it, a remnant of the thoughts of a new job in her own field of study.
"Good to see you again," she said to the messenger boy, giving the top of his head a ruffling. "What have you got for me today... Oh."
It was probably just a summons to formally lift her suspension, if she had to guess, but it was still a rather intimidating summons. The Minister herself? No way she handled the trivial suspensions of the common commissioners like Imperia. And at the Citadel of the Supreme Elect... seemed like overkill. It gave Imperia a sinking feeling like perhaps she'd gotten herself into trouble again.
"Alright, well you tell them I'll be there, though I doubt they need a reply," she grumbled as she dug a silver piece out of her pocket. She handed the coin off to the boy then sent him on his way.
Imperia finds the Citadel of the Supreme Elect rather easily. The walled fortress, a legacy of Chelish rule, stands at the other end of the Field of Concord. The fort was long ago turned into the center place for the executive power in Andoran, holding the Supreme Elect and all of their Ministers.
Imperia can see the large, coppery dome for far off, winking in the morning sunlight. The Field of Concord is fairly empty this time of day, too early for lunch strollers and too late to see those going to work at their the People's Palace or the Citadel.
The Commissioners is waved through by the guarding Eagle Knights, obviously informed of her visit. They even helpfully provide directions so Imperia can find the right room for a change.
The halls are busy, filled with clerks and Commissioners going about the task of running the nation. The old Chelish stronghold is now a comfortable, well-appointed building with wood floors, new windows knocked out of stone walls and even painted walls (covering the old rough stonework). It lacks the grand vistas, graceful curves or elegant artwork of the People's Palace however.
The Office of the Ministry of Trade is one of the largest and busiest ones, a warren of offices and desks, all piled with paper. The arcanist is waved through half a dozen layers before she finds herself ushered into the Office itself.
The office is a corner one, with a window looking out onto the Field of Concord, three or four floors below. The walls are covered with art and textiles, with a careful eye for taste and balance.
Behind the large maple desk is a older woman, probably in her early 50's with graying hair and a sizable paunch. Her face is wrinkled and heavy, with age spotted skin. Her eyes are bright however, under the frizz of hair hanging over her eyebrows.
She stands up, leaning a bit on the desk. 'Welcome, Commissioner Voralius. I am the Trade Minister, Marje Isoldie. How are you this fine day?" her tone is light, friendly even. 'What do you think of the Citadel?"
Imperia had expected to have to explain herself into such a fortified place, but she was waved through with no fuss from the guards. The paranoia tickling the back of her mind made her second guess anything and she watched to see if the guards were watching her, or seemed suspicious of her. She just couldn't kick the feeling like she was about to find herself knee deep in more trouble.
Imperia entered the Citadel, which had been quite impressive on the outside, and quite liked what she saw. There's something nice about more familiar architecture and the Chelish roots were obvious in the building. It was no small wonder they hadn't knocked the whole place down just to spite their old masters. Even Ziggip seemed more at ease here than he usually did anywhere else.
The fact that the place seemed to be a maze was offset by the helpful directions up to the correct office. It was as busy as could be, which was no surprise after her visit to the Trade offices in the People's Palace. Her destination was a nice office with a view, probably a perk that came with the Minister title.
The artwork caught Imperia's eye more than anything else in the room. It was an interesting choice for someone in Andoran politics. Not that she could talk.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Trade Minister Isoldie," Imperia said, giving a low bow as she entered. "I find myself well, and I hope the same for you. The Citadel is... well impressive, to say the least. I appreciate the stone work. And your art." Imperia gave a nod towards the Chelaxian work on the walls. It was probably a bold statement, but surely she couldn't be prosecuted for liking things that reminded her of home. For all she knew, the Minister was Chelish, too.
Isoldie eyes Imperia after he remark about the art, her eyes wary. When she speaks her voice as a guarded tone to it, 'Thank you. I admit I had little to do with it, my assistants selected the pieces."
She shrugs, and moves on, "Yes, it is a suitable building to govern from. Much quieter then the palace, less prone to public outbursts. Codwin has that much sense, at least." She smiles, 'But you are not here to listen to an old woman prattle on."
She coughs, and opens a folder, spilling some papers across her desk, "First, I would like to apologize. This whole investigation, the fire and such. All very nasty and I'm sorry you got dragged into it. As if you were a guilty party. It is a big department and I only just heard about it yesterday. I put a stop to it, don't worry. You will be re-instated today."
She smiles warmly, then goes on, 'But that is not why you are here. I could have sent that in a missive. You are here so I can offer you a promotion. I have read your reports, taken consul with some of your fellow workers at the docks, talked with Streve. You are talented, smart and honest. A rare combination, even in Almas. What would you say if I rewarded those traits and gave you Streve's old job?" Her voice is light, but Imperia can tell the older woman is watching her closely.
Imperia looked rather startled, her eyes widened and for a moment she just stood and stared. She'd have bet every penny to her name she was here to get in trouble, not receive a promotion.
"Well, I was not expecting such a generous offer," Imperia stated once she'd regained her composure. That was twice she'd been caught off guard today for similar reasons. Then, something hit her. "What about Streve? Where's he been put then?"
The words of the Councillor surfaced to the front of her mind. She'd be beside herself if others got pulled down in her own mess.
The Minister smiles, 'Nothing bad, I assure you. He is going to retire, with a generous gift from us to start his new life. he has served us for many years, but truth be told, he was never a very dedicated worker, doubly so in these later years. We have filled the proper forms for an early retirement. Which leaves the space for you, guilt-free." She says, as if reading Imperia's mind.
"So, what do you think of the offer? We could use someone like you down there, to re-organize things after the fire. You can ever design the new offices."
"If I may ask, and you'll probably understand why I ask, how does this position compare to oh... Let's say a low level job with the Ministry of Arcane Matters?"
Imperia shifted her weight nervously,she didn't know nearly enough about inter-ministry affairs. For all she knew she'd just offended every ministry in the building by being so open.
The Minister of Trade purses her lips, considering Imperia. "I see Carell has already visited you. I had thought he'd have the decency to wait until you were formally un-suspended. Ah well."
She waves a hand, 'You did not offend me. I know full well what Arcane is up to. We all hunt for talented people in other Ministries of course, some more then others. It is no shame, and indeed, a mark of pride for some people who have worked for half a dozen different Ministries over the years. " She shrugs.
"This job is better then anything they offered you, I assure you. What, chasing forged wands and auditing university lessons? Hardly exciting. I am giving you the chance to re-make the Trade Offices at Dockside in your image. Full power over staff, building and budget for the place. Clean up the corruption and get things moving again down there. You'll have people under you, a position of real authority."
Isoldie smiles, "Now, how can you say no to that?"
"And I suppose you need an answer sooner rather than later," Imperia said more to herself than anything.
It was a lot to consider. She assumed the trade job would be the better choice financially and in terms of power,something she rather liked the sounds of. But the other position was in her field of study. Giving up a magical job was not something to be done lightly.
She wished Jorhan was here to help her navigate these political waters. Either choice she made would set her on a very different path. Ah, but Rubi may have some insight. Perhaps she'd have a seed of wisdom for Imperia.
"I'd like to take the day to think about it. I dislike making personal decisions without thinking them over first," she explained to the Minister."Would an answer by the end of the day be expedient enough?"
The Minster's face darkens a bit, "I had thought the offer would speak for itself. It is a worthy post, for one only in our service for so short a time." then she shrugs.
"But very well. Please give me an answer by dusk, if you could. You'd start tomorrow, if you accept." She turns to some papers on her desk, Imperia obviously dismissed.
Imperia gave a bob of her head then scampered out the door once it was made clear she'd been sent off. She closed the door with a gentle click behind her.
Ziggip, who had known well enough to sit still and quiet for that meeting, peered up at her from behind her leg curiously. Imperia knew well and good what job he'd suggest over the other.
She took off back down the maze of halls at a swift pace, forcing Ziggip to hitch a ride on her shoulder to keep up. She had no idea if Rubi would be out pitching her opinions on the Field of Concord today, but it was probably her best bet to find her there. She left the Citadel and peered across the Field to see if the petitioners had started to gather.
A small bite from Ziggip caught her attention before she finished her visual sweep, a sharp reminder that he was a bottomless pit that needed feeding. She gave him a bop on the nose, but included the side streets in her look over the Field, keeping an eye out for both a tiny figure that looked like it could be Rubi, and a cafe where one could get some tea and a bit of cake.
Imperia spies out Rubi on a far platform, far too distant to hear. But her slightly bent back is easy to make out among the other speakers.
The crowds are larger today, more people then previous visits to the Field. Some of them seem louder, more intense.
Imperia crosses close to one, hearing a man rail against Chelish influence at the top levels of Andoran government. The feeling among the crowd is not the disinterested, intellectual tone she noticed previously among the speakers. the air is hot, heavy and their is something like religious fervor in his words. An active electricity working through the crowd, whipping them up in hate and mistrust.
Suddenly, before she can react, the man (a dirty, unkempt individual with a long beard) points a finger right at Imperia. 'And here they come! Right here among us, draped with their foul devils! How far we have fallen when those foul diabolic worshipers once again stride among us, as if we were still under the Chelish boot!"
He raises his hands in double fists, shouting, 'How dare she come here, into the very heart of our country, the birthplace of our nation!"
The crowd turns to Imperia, angry-eyed. She sees more then a few fists raised in her direction and a few hurl racist insults against her and Ziggup. The crowd looks edgy, eager turn on the arcanist.
As Imperia saw it, she had a couple options here. She could pretend to hear nothing and keep walking, or she could attempt to pacify the crowd. Both had its risk of further offending the already riled up crowd but one seemed more responsible than the other.
She stopped and turned to the crowd, pulling her long black and white split hair over her shoulder and giving it a nervous tug before she started speaking.
"I did not come here, I fled here," she started, making eye contact with the various folks in the crowd, hoping to lull the mob mentality. "To avoid religious persecution. I was under the impression that in Andoran one could live free of the harsh prejudices of Cheliax. Have I come to the wrong place?"
She turned her attention to the speaker, looking him up and down, trying to gauge if he was as much of a mad man as his appearance suggested. Crazy conspiracy theorists rarely get an actual audience.
"Have I simply walked away from one lynch mob and into the embrace of another? This country doesn't fall when Chelaxians walk among you, it falls when Andorans begin persecuting others for the conditions of their birth! And, well now, that would make you just like the Chelish, wouldn't it?"
She raised her eyebrows expectantly like a mother waiting for an unruly child to make the right choice.
Imperia peers at the speaker, but it is hard to see anything past the dirty beard and lined face.
Imperia's words are mostly lost in the noise of the crowd, but at least no one has thrown any rocks.
The speaker points a long finger at Imperia, 'The devil spawn speaks of persecution, or prejudices! Ha!" he laughs, a short bark.
'What would they know, in their vast empire built on the backs of others? Sitting on their thrones, planning how to destroy us, destroy our way of life! I must admit, I did not expect one to march straight down the Field of Concord, devil on her shoulder, expecting us to bow before her. In the name of Iomedae, the nerve! The gall!"
The crowd bunches closer, faces angry. Suddenly a rock is thrown, striking Imperia.
It bounces off rather harmlessly, but it makes Imperia's head ring and her stomach drop. How dangerous was this situation?
Imperia cringed and rubbed her head where the rock hit.
"Seriously? I get run out of my own country for spreading the religious word of a whimsical deity," she says, gesturing to her hair which was dyed in honor of Nethys. "And come to Andoran to get rocks thrown at my head despite my opposition to the lack of freedoms in Cheliax. Andoran has fallen far indeed when the citizens have abandoned the country's values. You've turned into... well, a pack of riffraff Hellknights!"
Rather than stand about and wait for more rocks, Imperia scolded them briefly then moved right into casting a spell. She'd have to go find a Knight to send over and break up the mob before things got worse.
In a blink of an eye Imperia vanished from sight and was moving away from the crowd as fast as she could.
Imperia easily gets away, and is rewarded with a confused look on the faces of the would-be mob. The speaker curls a finger to the sky, shouting, "Foul magics, her devil aids her!"
They have no idea where she went though, and soon Imperia is visible but safely int he usual mundane mix of observers. As usual, most of the Eagle Knights have gravitated towards Rubi, often nodding at her stronger points. She obviously has some sway with the honorable guard of the city.
Imperia rushes in that direction, coming out of her state of invisibility well out of reach of the guards lest she take them by surprise while in range of a sword. She approaches one of them and starts to explain the situation with the fanatical man and his crowd.
"Preaching more than petitioning," she stated with a huff. "Trying to set the crowd to boiling. Already started throwing literal stones."
Once she's brought the situation to the attention of the Knights, Imperia turns her attention to Rubi. She listens to what the woman has to say while trying to catch her eye.
Two Eagle Knights nod and trot off to deal with the mob, armor glinting.
Rubi sees Imperia and wraps up her speech. Her crowd is smaller then usual and less animated. Not every day can be great, even for a talented speaker like Rubi.
She jumps down, waving a hand at the departing Knights. "What happened? Start another fire?"
"No fire, but I can't seem to shake all the excitement that keeps coming my way," Imperia says with a sheepish grin. "How much do you know about the various ministries? I've got a promotion waiting for me in trade, and an offer with arcane matters."
A sharp nip on her finger from Ziggip remind her of the most pressing matter currently at hand.
"I don't suppose you'd want to sit down and discuss this over some tea? Know anywhere nearby?"
Rubi smiles brightly, 'Of course. It may be a bit more expensive then our last place but it should be good enough. It may not be as discreet, but as long as we are not plotting the downfall of the Andoran goverment, we should be fine."
The rabble-rouser leads Imperia to a small, well-decorated cafe just off the Field. They sit outside, at a small iron table, tea steaming in front of them. It smells vaguely of honey, perhaps with peppermint? A small plate of scones is offered as well, glazed with sugar.
Rubi sips and idly looks over the small crowd of fellow drinkers before answering, "Two jobs? And here, we were worried you'd be unemployed. Are the jobs any good? Do they appeal to you on a personal level?"
"Both have their merits. The one with the trade offices has the upside of putting me in charge of the commissioners on the docks, and of course a higher pay scale, while the other with arcane matters offers me a position that has potential to be much more fulfilling on a personal level. Two very different sets of perks that both seem appealing," Imperia went on to explain. "And no time to make the choice. The Minister of Trade wants my answer by this evening."
In her lap Ziggip was doing his best to inhale a scone in as few bites as he could manage. He was getting crumbs all over her skirts, but he'd likely eat those up when he was done with the scone itself.
"I suppose I'm too embedded in the issue to see a clear choice. Surely one is better than the other in the long run. Things are rarely equal. And you might be able to give me more information on what I'd be getting myself into either way to clarify the choices in front of me."
Rubi drinks her tea, doing her best to ignore the mess that is Ziggup eating.
'well, from my selfish point of view, I would recommend the Trade job. You'd have more power, influence and connections. That is good for my little organization."
The older lady shrugs, 'But you are more then just a pawn for my organization. It is possible there are some deeper political machinations going on, as well. Perhaps one or more of the Councilors wants you off the docks? Perhaps the Arcane Matters job is an attempt at a sort of bride. Conversely, perhaps the Trade Minister believes this will put you in her debt, a favor to be called on later. Such things are hardly uncommon."
Imperia sighed, she'd thought much the same thing. It was altogether too convenient for her liking, this whole promotion and transfer business. She'd wondered if this wasn't some trick herself. Andoran politics were a mess as far as she was concerned.
"Maybe just to bring in some more Chelish art," Imperia said thoughtfully about the Minister asking for favors. "Do you know much of what this job would entail? The trade promotion, I mean?"