[center][h2]Kinnekdrelaps, the Kingdom on the Ardäin[/h2][/center]
The High Cathedral of Saint Jehane was one of the greatest structures in the city; sitting atop a hill its towering spires and massive buttresses looked out over the capital. One could see the roofs of the buildings below stretching out in either direction, in one they extended to the city's great walls while in the other they continued on over the river, and one could see the impressive keep that was the royal palace sitting atop a similar hill as the cathedral. Constructed centuries ago, the cathedral was a symbol of the might of the Ambrusian Church as well as a testament to wealth of those who had built it, those people being the Ardäinesch Kings. And within these hallowed halls, high at the top of one of the Cathedral's spires, sat a man.

This man was one who the common people believed to be one of great wealth, power, and influence. The was Johannes Eriching, the Pontiff of the Kingdom on the Ardäin, and he was in fact quite wealthy. Even without the ecclesiastical vestments, which were made of the finest white and red fabrics and embroidered with golden thread, and the many bejeweled rings he wore it was easy to tell. For the Pontiff was not simply fat, he was the type of absurdly obese fat that one simply did not see among the lesser classes for whom a feast was a rare occurrence rather than a daily ritual. At present the Pontiff was standing out on a balcony looking out over the city, and sipping a glass of expensive imported wine. He was drumming his fingers restlessly on the bannister, and sighed as he stared into the glass before downing the rest of the wine in a single gulp.

"Please tell me you are not planning on jumping from the edge there, Pontiff," came a gruff voice from inside the room, and the Pontiff hurriedly looked up. What he saw was Alois vun Kinnekdrelaps, the King on the Ardäin. The King was fairly tall man of middle age, with a close cropped head of hair and an exceptionally bushy mustache which were both a grey-flecked black in colour.

Pontiff Johannes bowed appropriately deep to the King before responding, "Oh no, of course not, your Majesty. I would never imagine doing such a thing. I [i]could[/i] not imagine doing such a thing."

"Bah, I was only joking Pontiff," the King replied as he walked out onto the balcony as well, "But you know why I am here, no?"

"I can only assume it has to do with the High Pontiff's unfortunate passing, your Majesty," Johannes replied, "And my duty to attend the elections for his successor."

"Then you would be exactly right; the upcoming election is a matter of some importance. And one I feel it necessary to discuss in person with you." Pontiff Johannes wanted to point out that the King obviously didn't think it important enough for him to not be late to the private meeting he had called, but to do so would be inappropriate and so the Pontiff held his tongue on such matter. "Now, I think we can both agree that you no chance in being elected yourself. And so trying to do so would be useless, agreed?"

"Oh, of course your Majesty. I am hardly High Pontiff material, and the others are likely to agree," the Pontiff responded, "So shall I attempt to wrangle concessions in exchange for my vote? Perhaps I can get one of the candidates to agree to grant you a divorce from your Queen."

King Alois just stared at the Pontiff for a long moment, before breaking into a wide grin. "Well, I must say you reminded me why it was you that I managed to force into this position, Johannes," he said, "I was going to suggest that very thing. Once I'm finally rid of that barren harlot, I can finally get myself a younger wife who can bear the fruit of my loins [i]properly[/i]."

"Of course, your Majesty," the Pontiff said, "What else shall you have me consider in my vote?"

"Well, try not to elect one of fire-obsessed nutjobs if it can be helped. I don't mind burning a few peasants to keep the Church happy, but too many and it becomes troublesome," King Alois said, and then stopped to think. The conversation continued on for many long minutes in much the same manner, with King Alois informing the Pontiff of what he was to take into consideration when casting the vote for High Pontiff. Not once did the King ask for the Pontiff's opinion on any matter, and not once did the Pontiff offer his opinion. For he knew that only only was it unnecessary, but was actively unwanted. And it was only through the grace of his King that the Pontiff held a position of such impressive wealth.