The Aldmeri Officiate, had sat waiting for his audience with the Count since mid-day and his patients had become very thin. Far more important Nedic dignitaries had shown him better manners then this backwoods minor lord. No matter, all Men would eventually be dealt with in a manner commiserate to their actions.
A slight commotion could be heard just outside the hall and suddenly, Count Carvain had come into view into the Great Room, his cloak of office fluttered behind as he smiled broadly at his guest. "My most esteemed Officiate, thank you for waiting. I just now was waylaid by a most unfortunate situation and had to engage with a personal touch before I could greet you. I do apologize for this. There is some Colovian Brandy from 183 that I would love to share if you would be willing to join me later. Please, come sit with me in my study that you may speak your mind."
The Officiate followed the Count unmollified and soon came to stand in the middle of Count Carvain's study as his host sat into his highback and pointed to an over-stuffed duet.
"I'm afraid I didn't come to exhange pleasantries, so you will excuse me if I continue to stand. I have a matter regarding an affair of state in this city."
The Count twisted his brows just so before replying, "What could possibly have piqued the interest of the Aldmeri that you would find reason to visit such a small part of the Empire?"
The Officiate composed himself carefully, keeping his gaze steadily on his host. "You have in your city an Altmer Mage named Tarerane. Under the adjunct agreement to the White-Gold Concordat, she was to have retired. We have been made aware that a Breton has taken up residence in her house. We wish to know under what capacity this person resides, as the Mage may have breached a promise brokered by your Emperor. A breach, I might add, that could result in charges of treason against her."
The Count listened with amicable interest as he flexed one finger against another. "I am aware of the circumstances surrounding Tarerane and how she came to live in my city. As for this Breton, she is a female, a young individual who I am told is a run-away; some unfortunate family circumstance. My Captain of the Guard has indicated in his reports that the Breton comes and goes performing most of the household duties that the Altmer woman used to perform. By all accounts, she has taken up residence as her live in maid. Quite understandable considering the old woman's age don't you think?"
The Altmer paused for a moment to reposition his jaw. "Perhaps so. However, the purpose of placing the Mage under your care was to honor a stipulation of the afore mentioned Peace Treaty. As such, should you not have reported a change in status of this person-of-interest to us?
Count Carvain sat back with a look of conciliation. "I do apologize if it seems that way. As you can see, we have kept close watch on the Mage's activities; and in the six years that she has been with us, she has shown only her dedication to living out her retirement in quiet peace. I assure you, there is nothing amiss."
A look of disdain had settled into the Altmer's face. "Count Carvain, the Empire's mission was not to provide your analysis for the Aldmeri Dominion's behalf. Your Emperor had agreed to provide only 'factual' notifications so that we may assess whether the Peace Treaty was being honored. If high ranking officials such as yourself, do not take the responsibilities of the agreement seriously, how then can we be expected to do the same?"
The Count watched his guest carefully, his hands now relaxed. "The hard won peace is as important to the Empire... as I'm sure, as it is to the Aldmeri. The White-Gold Concordat and any ancillary agreements will be honored with all equanimity and conciliation."
"Then, may I presume that you will allow us to question the two women? With your permission then, I will have them escorted by my guards to our embassy." The Aldmeri Officiate made motion to leave.
"Altmer."
The Officiate paused, and carefully returned his head to find the Count. He was still seated but no longer with friendly countenance. With a soft voice rising with nearly every syllable, Count Corvain spoke, "You are my honored guest but do not 'presume', upon my person!"
The Officiate, having now fully returned his body to face his host, stared icily upon the insolent Nede, displeasure now clearly written upon his face. "I find your choice of words ironic given the circumstances."
The Count of Bruma, eyes hooded under brow, spoke evenly. "The irony is in your States actions, which your words cannot hide."
"Do you mean to abbrogate our treaty?"
The air lay motionless in the study, the silence a servant to the Altmer.
"If... you are concerned about an old woman in her twilight years, by all means we will certaintly accommodate you in your investigation. However, I alone, am the final arbiter of judgement of the people of Bruma my dear Aldmeri Officiate. What exactly, would be the point of a 'Peace Treaty' if not to define a clear BORDER, between our two nations?"
The Officiate stood in silence comtemplating the number of ways he would have addressed this Imperial's, this Nede's insolence as he gazed down at the sitting host. "How then, will you honor the White-Gold Concordat, most esteemed Count of Bruma?"
A moment was allowed to pass, the Count now asserting his silence into the room.
"In the interest of peace, I'll have my guards escort the Mage and the Breton to my audience hall. You may ask whatever you wish of them there. If nothing comes of it, I expect you to clearly indicate the completion of your investigation."
"And if I were to discover something not in keeping with the Peace Treaty?"
"Then they will be dealt with according to it's terms, by me."
The Officiate momentarily glared at the Count but nodded his agreement. "Very well. I will abide by your, rule of law. By your leave then, allow me to take a seat in your great hall so that I may wait for their arrival."
Count Corvain relaxed back into his chair, once again showing his studied ease. "Leave... ... is granted. Ah, and lest I forget, please join me for dinner this evening. An Officiate of your standing must be fetted upon their visit my advisor tells me."
The Altmer stood rooted to his spot for a fraction too long before replying, "And I gladly accept your invitation. I will be sure to extend your hospitality to the Thalmor Emissary. He will, I'm sure, be most pleased with your cooperation."
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