NoriWasHere
Heckno12
NoctisHOUSE BORVRINGSKA
Jahn BorvringskaThe Winter Palace, Last Vigil, Nordevar
2nd of Gerna | 1200 AU
There was a warm glow cast upon the stone walls of the room from the crackling and burning hearthfire in the center of the room. The light and shadows danced around the room with no restraint, leaping from one wall to the next, from putting on a show for all those who cared enough to stop and watch. Jahn found himself in the position of observer and audience member, fully appreciately the unique simplicity of something that would be so quickly ignored by nearly any other person. The fact that he was even standing within this room was odd, even to him, and perhaps best represented him finally coming full circle. It was true, of course, that he had grown up within these walls, and within this city, considering how entrenched his father was in northern politics, especially when it came to assisting his cousin, Eldrik, with such matters of state and security. When he recalled those memories, which seemed to be on a much less frequent basis as the years have gone by, most of what he remembered was the stuffiness and pressure that he constantly felt from it all, and the biggest reason why he was so eager to leave it all behind in the first place. But now he wasn't just back in Nordevar, the land of his birth, but also its capital city, Last Vigil, which happened to be a place devoid of much of the corruption that could be found in the southern provinces, all thanks to his cousin, Eldrik. Strangely enough, based on Jahn's past activities within the last ten years, it would be accurate to consider himself a fish out of water within his own homeland, and perhaps also added another reason to why he was so hesitate to ever return to this place.
Obviously, he hadn't returned only based on a whim, though he wasn't unknown to do a lot of things for little or no reason. His father, Crevan, had been one of the most influential men in the North, both militarily and politically, and his death only a year and a half ago had impacted Jahn much more than he ever realized that it could. His relationship with his father had been considerably constrained in the final years before his departure from Last Vigil and all of Nordevar, a division that was never repaired in the years following. It was something that Jahn regretted, and maybe also one of the few events in his life that he wished he could do all over again. Coming back to Nordevar itself was just a way to find some kind of closure, and by doing so, removing any reason to ever come back here ever again, and be able to move on with the life that he had made for himself in the time since. Despite the ill-feelings most would assume he had for his father due to the circumstances, the reality was that he truly had love for his father, enough to know that he'd never be like him, despite Crevan believing adamantly that he could change Jahn. The estrangement was certainly a result of the clash of their two personalities, and neither had any intention of changing for the other. If any good came from the death of his father, it was the opportunity to truly reflect on it all for one last time.
But now he was at the Winter Palace, the seat of House Borvringska for thousands of years, from when they were kings of Nordevar to what they were now- mere lords. He had no intention of being within the palace, but he had been approached by men sworn to his cousin, Lord Eldrik, and he hardly could openly refuse the invitation. He could have easily entered the city under a disguise or something of that sort, but he had no intention to avoid detection whilst visiting the grave of his father. Even so, it was a surprise when he was brought to the palace, considering that Eldrik and Jahn had never been very close, partially because of the significant age difference between two, but also due to Eldrik's close relationship with Jahn's father, which he had been jealous of all those years ago, but that was far in the past.
Now he was in the Winter Palace, staring at the shadows on the wall, waiting for Eldrik to finally come and greet him. He took a drink from his pewter goblet that was filled with northern ale, sure to put hair on the chest of any wine-drinker down south. At of the corner of his eye, he analyzed and absorbed everything, especially the household guards that were stationed at critical points of the room, mostly doors and exits. Finally, after the lengthy wait, Eldrik himself entered the room, flanked by two guards who quickly took to their posts once he got closer to Jahn. He took a seat directly across from Jahn, at the old giant oaken table.
The years hadn't been exactly kind to Eldrik, but that wasn't completely negative to say. Though his hair was clearly graying, it sort of suited him, and made Jahn look far younger than he actually was, in comparison. Both their gray-blue eyes met each other, and were locked for what seemed like an eternity. It had been such a long time since they were in each other's presence, after all.
“It's been awhile, hasn't it?” Elrik said, his voice sounding much more gravelly than Jahn had last remembered. There was no doubt it had been such a long time since they last met, but Jahn had no reason to return, nor any desire to, except perhaps to see his father for one last time. That hardly mattered anymore though. He simply nodded at Elrik's statement.
Jahn relaxed more into this chair before he spoke, “It has. There's no denying that, of course. I do doubt, however, the reasoning to why you went to all the trouble of bringing me here. Surely it can't just be to catch up on old times?” There had to be an ulterior motive behind Eldrik's actions, he could smell it, and Eldrik that wasn't particularly skilled in hiding his intentions from others, and Jahn knew this.
Eldrik partially smiled at those words. “Straight to the point. One of the very few qualities that I actually appreciate in you, Jahn. But I agree, idle conversation can be saved for later. Have a look at this.” Eldrik pulled a letter with a broken seal from his clothing and handed it to Jahn. As he opened it, it was clearly an imperial document, something that he had see more than often enough, in his line of work. It detailed the death of the Emperor, something that he had heard rumors of as he passed through several towns and cities on his journey to Last Vigil. Rumors of the death of an emperor were common enough, and he never paid much attention to any of it until he had actual confirmation of it. His death had to have been fairly recent, otherwise he would have been informed of it long ago, like anything else.
“I have no intention to gratify the death of any man, but it must be said that there was no love between the emperor and I. His attention was focused upon his own personal interests, and not where it should have been- combating threats of the Empire, which currently exists on the northern frontier. His death, as sad as it might be, leaves us an opportunity to steer the Empire onto the correct course.”
Jahn laid the letter back onto the table and took another drink of his ale. He was well aware of the troubles Eldrik faced when it came to maintaining security on the northern border, he even had to deal with the problems himself when he personally fought against the barbarian tribes before he left Nordevar many years ago. Currently, he had spent a signficant amount of time within the Imperial Capital, and fully realized the lack of concern that was present. Still, Jahn was an odd man for Eldrik to confide with and divulge all this information to. He has been involved with a variety of different activities that helped him acquire a considerable amount of wealth on his own, ranging from smuggling to brothels. Though, in the view of most Northmen, whores weren't such a bad thing.
Eldrik continued. “As I see it, the successor must be Jakinius. I've fought with him on many occasions, and I know he would be committed to returning the Imperial garrisons back to full strength, and even expand-”
Jahn had risen his hand to interrupt Eldrik mid-sentence. “This is all interesting to hear, but it just makes me curious why you're confiding all this with me? It's been a very long time since we've spoken, and even then I doubt you would have told me anything of significance. Why now?”
Eldrik gave another half-smile. “Because I intend for you to lead the delegation. Don't get me wrong. I agree with almost nothing that you've done with your life, but even then, I'm well aware that you're no fool. You wouldn't be in the position that you are in now if you didn't know how to work things around to your favor, something that may very well be vital in the upcoming election for Emperor. I have no thirst for such politics, and I know my place is better spent here than aimlessly in the south.”
Just hearing all of that truly made Jahn want to laugh. Seeing Eldrik place any amount of trust in him? But, it made a little bit of sense, if he really wanted to go to that extent. Southern politics was never an interest to Eldrik, so his hesitation to go down south himself wasn't exactly surprising. “Do not misunderstand me”, Eldrik began again, “I would have never seriously considered you if it weren't for the fact that you didn't return here on my request, but upon your own free will. Whatever led you back to your homeland is the part of you that I'm willing to put my trust with. And, like I said before, you're far better equipped to dealing with southern lords than I ever will be. But, most important of all? You're a Borvringska, and that name means everything.”
At those words, Jahn briefly looked around the room. At the stone, wood, iron, and everything else that made up the palace itself, and on a broader scale, all of Nordevar. He stood up and gestured to all of his surroundings. “I left all of this not because I hated it. No, I did so because I wanted to see more, I hungered for more than I could have here, but I returned. Why? I think it's because I've seen more, done more, and experienced more, and have finally realized that I have something to offer to you and all of Nordevar. And if doing this will be what I can offer, then I will happily do so.”
Eldrik smiled at this, and Jahn returned one of his own. “I assume I'll be entitled to some bodyguards if I do head south?”
“Of course, though I do hope there is no reason for you to need them. How many?”
Jahn simply grinned. “300.”
Eldrik bolted to his feet, knocking over his goblet, as well as the pitcher filled with ale from the table. There was a look of legitimate surprise painted across his face. “Are you mad!? 300? You're asking to march south with an army! Are you looking to instigate a war?”
Jahn slowly made his way around the table to meet Eldrik face to face. “You came to me to place your faith in me that I could play politics with southerners. This is a game that they play everyday, and playing this same game with them only lets them rig the board in their favor. Isn't it the northern way to flip the table over and place our own pieces upon the board?”
“Think for a moment. Why would I ever let them gain the upperhand when I possess the ability to play on my own terms? They would be officially bodyguards, of course, but they represent the seriousness of what the north hopes to achieve, which includes choosing an emperor concerned with the dangers that the northern border has always posed, and the fact that we cannot wait for them to connive with each once again to the detriment of the North. It's the fear and uncertainty that I want them to embrace, something I doubt they've ever experienced. Besides, you have always known that I am at least a little insane.”
Eldrik gave a sigh as he walked towards the center of the room for a chance to think about what Jahn just said. “I do not wish to give reason for anyone to paint us as possible aggressors, but... fuck it. What the hell do I honestly care? They'd be bodyguards, so no move could be legitimately thrown against us with just cause. Besides, I kind of do want to see their faces when there's over 300 rowdy Northmen in their capital. I believe that I'll send a letter, requesting room and board for that many, and I do have the feeling that I picked the right person to lead this delegation.” He placed his hand on Jahn's shoulder and smiled.
“If anything, it's the message that I hope to send with this act beyond anything else, which is also the reason why I plan to march over land for this very purpose. But let us talk more, there are logistics to determine, and do I hope to set out in the next few days, if I am able to.” They both took their seats, and continued to speak on those very matters, well into the night.
