IngreyGoesOffToTheDiplomaticServiceIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | PreGameLogs | IngreyGoesOffToTheDiplomaticService Ingrey Goes Off to the Diplomatic Service--- Framed by the octagonal window behind her, the Duchess regarded the stock-still standing Ingrey. Ingrey's slightly lowered head did not permit him to see the lush forested landscape visible behind Jaelyn. "It seems" she said, her right thumb running along the edge of the dagger that she held in her left hand. "that if I cannot punish you, that I must reward you. It would not do to anger the Imperial House." The silver spider shaped hairpin which held up her fountain of ebony hair gleamed as a break in the clouds behind Jaelyn briefly increased the light shining on her. Ingrey remained silent but gave a grazing nod of the head at the Duchess' words. "Well, then, Ingrey Itascasson, I will offer you a choice of a reward." Her purplish eyes transfixed him as she continued her unnerving stare. "Countess Lasiodora needs a mate." Jaelyn began. Ingrey's mind shook its spiderweb of connections and knowledge with a temblor of her at the possibility. The Countess had had two previous hsubands, neither had ended very well for the men. The reason the Countess wanted yet another came to him even before Jaelyn spoke it. "She would like a daughter, an heir to her line. She is not satisfied only with a pair of sons. Your line might thereby be lifted to the aristocracy, Ingrey." It would please Mother, Ingrey thought. On the other hand, he would not likely survive long having a daughter, or perhaps not even a son or two if he should disappoint in that fashion. On the other hand, being a Count Regent would make the fortunes of his line, forward and back, assured. The Countess was wealthy. She was, too, admittedly, attractive, in a deadly way. Ingrey would not have much difficulty rising to the occasion. "The other choice is a different one." Jaelyn said. "It emerges that Wererathe is currently underrepresented in the Imperial Diplomatic Service. And, I believe, a Wererathe male has not served in the Imperial Service in some little while. You would become a diplomat, for the Imperial service, for the glory and honor of Wererathe. And, once you gain experience, you can serve your House when you are on furlough on your leave." That last sentence stung Ingrey. It was his lack of experience that had led his footsteps to this room. It would pay far less, Ingrey thought, mulling the Duchess' second alternative. No one went into the Imperial Service to amass wealth, save by covert and illegal means. It was a choice--a wealthy, potentially short life with Countess Lasiodora which would assure his Line, or a likely longer one, in a less than glamorous position, working as a bureaucrat. And there was no telling where he might be assigned. Ingrey wryly expected that Jaelyn would request it be at position or positions somewhat distant from the Courts. Moments passed by like Turnings as Ingrey weighed the two possibilities. Finally, he lowered his head. "Your Highness." Ingrey spoke. "I would be honored to represent House Wererathe in the Imperial Service." Jaelyn smiled and stopped rubbing her thumb along the blade. She smiled. "I thought you might. Pack your things, Ingrey. You're due in Thelbane next Bluesky." She turned around to regard the forest, and then looked behind her shoulder at Ingrey. "Good luck, Itascasson" she said and then returned to regard the view once more, her arms behind her, her thumb returning to rub along the blade's edge once more. Ingrey bowed his head, and then departed, to begin the next phase of his life. |
