Legend of Ransera

First Minister Brenner Dornkirk had ordered a custom-designed suit to complement the theme of the Fletcher/Carter salon. If the theme was to be Zaichaeri history, Brenner wanted to evoke such patriotic notions in his mode of dress. Although the cut of the suit was modern, it was accented with elements from traditional Zaichaeri folk dress. It was subtle enough not to look as though he was wearing a costume, but there were faint patterns woven into the metallic brocade of his suit that would be recognisable to those in the know as harkening back to the days of the monarchy that long predated their current system of State. Old families like the Fletchers and the Angevins might see the references as a tribute to their glorious lineage, or perhaps they would take offence at the upjumped Dornkirk appropriating elements of their history in which his young family never participated. Even his mother's family had been in the Imperium at that time, whilst his father's kin were slaving away in the slums of another age as they did in this one until the prior generation.

As he stepped into light, the brassy sheen on his brocade glistened in a more obvious reference to the so-called 'City of Brass' than the subtle patterns represented. His eyes sought out the hosts of the event, and found the ladies of the house promptly. A smile graced his countenance as he drew closer, and extended a bouquet of Zaichaeri edelweiß to Miss Fletcher. He'd already admitted to being a dilettante when it came to gardening, but he knew this particular flower bore cultural significance to the peoples of the region and it seemed like another way to complement the salon's theme.

"For you, Miss Fletcher." He inclined his head in a nod of greeting to the daughter, before his eyes danced to the mother. "And I did not forget you either, Mrs. Fletcher." He reached into a pocket and produced a small box of Zaichaeri chocolates.

"Hail Zaichaer."

Few things irked Myles more than his social responsibilities, to both state and family. He’d rather spar the meanest minder than deal with the rigors of conversation and wordplay. Still he found himself unable to avoid such situations often due to relentless badgering from his brothers his father and their small militia of messengers. After the forth correspondence of the morning and threat to the effect that if he didn’t attend this event they’d bring one to him soon enough. With his acquiescence gained the messenger seemed to both pity him but still swell with smug pride at being the one to convince him. He was half convinced that whatever messenger got him to do what his family wanted received a bonus. “at least it’s costing” them he hoped.

Sighing Myles prepared himself for what was to come. The note indicated that he would be attending an event hosted by the Fletchers. Myles smirked at the familiar name, he hadn’t seen any of them for a long while, particularly their Heiress. With the dull acceptance of his attendance swallowed Myles stood and began the process of making himself presentable for the elite. With that in mind he prepared a short list and set out to make the most of the few hours he had to prepare. His first stop was Lillimans the finest tailor in the east end. Stepping into the sterile shop Myles rolled his eyes at the latest fashions and the gross misuse of each hue of the rainbow therein. Still he needed to update his wardrobe, he hadn’t shopped since his last promotion over a year ago. The breeches were easy enough, Made from fine cotton and dyed black, decorative brass fasteners added enough subtle color to distinguish the quality of the garment. High boots made of leather and polished to the point of being reflective also caught his eye, though the silver buttons on them would need to be changed. Lastly he sighted a Red velvet vest with a floral pattern woven into it and a black shirt that matched it nicely. Piling all his desired garments before the tailor relieved to have found them with relative ease compared to some previous visits he waited on the price that he knew would temper his good mood. Paying the coin he informed the tailor he’d need the alterations done within two hours, which was supposedly impossible, until ten more gold made its way into the tailor’s hand. With that settled he made the short walk to Gildum’s where he had the man clean shave the stubble he’d gathered over the last week of double patrols. With his appearance settled he merely had the task of procuring a “Suitable Gift” as his father had so put it. Knowing the theme was history he returned to his Fathers manor briefly, and with the help of a rather wary butler he made his way to the wine cellar, and after some ten minutes of arguing he was allowed to leave with the 5th oldest vintage in the cellar, which still seemed to be raiding the poor old fellows blood pressure some. Regardless, gift in hand Myles returned to the tailor, acquired his new garments and returned to the barracks to change. Finishing with a quarter of an hour to spare he made his way towards the Fletchers ostentatious abode, Bottle of Wine held gingerly in his hands. The bottle was decorated with gold leaf and if it was to be believed was decorated in the style of the old clockwork empire, an ancient conquered foe according to many a story book.

Making his way into the part Myles was delighted to see the familiar figure of Brenner ahead of him already greeting their gregarious hosts. With some dismay he watched Brenner gift both the matron and the Heiress, with only one gift in hand he hoped he hadn’t committed a fax pas so early in his visit. Still he had no time to correct it now. Stepping up to the ladies Myles proffered the vintage to the elder of the two. “It’s lovely to see you again lady Fletcher, I hope this wine is to your pallet though I doubt any vintage in the city as aged as well as thee.” Bowing slightly to the woman he hoped his words were not pushing the envelope of what was acceptable, he lacked his brothers way with words. Turning to the younger of the two woman he smiled shyly at a face he hadn’t seen in a long while nervous somewhat about the reaction he might meet. “and you Miss Fletcher, the years have only blessed you as well, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Pleased with the ladies' reception to his gifts, Brenner shook his head.

"That is a happy coincidence, Mrs. Fletcher. I'd no idea." He arched an eyebrow at the mention of 'the Arnnett boy' and turned to glance over his shoulder. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of the strapping soldier who'd served so bravely during the mission that led to Brenner's recent rise. He hadn't seen the man since his return from the trip to Kalzasi, and he'd avoided a lot of social engagements prior to that due to the failing health that had since been resolved. He was glad Myles had never seen him in that state and now he looked much healthier- Enough so that he was able to blush, and he did as he stepped aside to afford Myles a spot before their hostesses.

"It has been too long, Arnnett... You look quite well." It was strange to see him again after all this time and in the present company, but he hadn't the time to wallow in the moment as another of his expedition companions appeared. The First Minister smiled to Florian, but he was nervous about this first foray into a social engagement with the newly minted Undersecretary of Domestic Relations.

"Miss Fletcher, I know that today's theme revolves around Zaichaer's history, so I hope you will not think it inappropriate for me to have brought one who's just made a bit of history all his own. Mr. Albrecht here..." Brenner placed a fraternal hand on the smaller man's shoulder.

"Is the first ever non-human to serve in the role of Undersecretary of Domestic Relations. As the savage war drums of Kalzasi echo to our North, I find it incredibly important that Zaichaer continues the march of progress and acknowledges the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. Mr. Albrecht will be essential to those efforts. We are, after all, One Zaichaer united in resolve." With a punctuating pat to Florian's shoulder, he removed his hand and glanced to Myles offering a playful little wink.

The matron’s cold reception failed to dampen Myles mood, he never expected to win that particular battle axe over but he enjoyed being nice to her if only to make her seethe. Much like his father she was not one to ever let any perceived slight go, regardless of if they were real or imagined. Still he was here, he’d handed off his gift and she couldn’t ignore that. Assuming he didn’t do anything overtly egregious he imagined she wouldn’t be slipping a stiletto between his ribs this evening.

Shaken from his internal monologue by the presence of another familiar face Myles grinned as the mostly familiar countenance of Florian came into view. Still too thin was his first thought tho he wasn’t surprised. For the finery they wore he could tell much had happened since they’d last seen each other. “Flori- Ahem, Undersecretary Albrecht, Its been too long.” Bowing slightly to the now political figure he felt out of place now being a foot soldier among influential titans. “I like what you’ve done with you’re hair, you look…” He searched for an adjective, it was hard not to think of the fair soldier as pretty or striking at times, not that such an utterance would escape his mouth, no soldier wanted that adjective assigned. There was a new weariness about Florian’s countenance that made them seem as if they’d aged much in a short time. “You look like you’re the one for the job” he settled with hoping he hadn’t broken new etiquette rules. He made a mental note that he’d need to send both Florian and Brenner gifts to congratulate their rise in the ranks.

On that note as he was allowed he looked to Brenner pondering how he was to know address this man in public. Letting the young Fletcher lead he took to her calling him First Minister Dornkirk, a mouthful worthy of his rank no doubt. Watching as she addressed him and subtly stepped to his side Myles grinned. Brenner was no doubt a man of high standards and to see him find a lady that could make his breath catch and cheeks rouge was something his family would be celebrating. Looking to Ursula, Myles had to suppress the image of the girl he’d known for it was dizzying to see the lady she’d grown into knowing they were the same. “Yours was one of the few letters I received while I recovered. Thank you for the concern and kindness, and I beg you forgive me taking so long to deliver this thanks.” Trusting her good humor to allow him such an indulgent statement he hoped she hadn’t taken offence at his inability to write back.

As he was addressed by Brenner his attention was torn back to the expedition commander and now First minister. Bowing to the man he came back up trying to suppress his desire to address him as a friend. “Indeed it has Sir, Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion First Minister. You as well Sir, A countenance like yours is well suited to the public eye, though I do miss that wild look you wore in the face of the deep.” Resolving to ask the man to a drink later Myles stepped back trying not to appear too familiar and making room for the newest addition to the gathering of mostly young blue bloods. Nodding to Anton Myles smiled glancing about for the spitfire of a bodyguard he kept. “Indeed it isn’t often enough there has been good cause for a gathering, it is a rare treasure to behold so many familiar faces in one place.”