The Emperor's Private Chamber, Nassau

[m_1512]

The Kaiser's private audience chambers. Entry here is by invitation only.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

Alfred knocked on the door, his hands practically shaking. He couldn't believe it when he had received the invitation - yet here he was, about to enter the Emperor's private chamber. He took a deep breath and waited...

[m_1512]

Enter.
Said a firm voice.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

Alfred took a final deep breath, before gently bushing the door open. Walking through he gazed around the room in wonderment, looking at all the riches displayed here. Defiantly better then your place mate he thought, before turning to face the Emperor. "Greetings, your grace," he says, bowing deeply.

[m_1512]

The Kaiser was studing the tapestry on the wall. He motions with his hand to come inside.

Do look at the tapestry. What do you think of it?

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

Alfred walks over, wondering what this had got to do with anything. "It is beautiful, your grace," he starts, wondering what else to say. "I marvel at the person who wove this, their skills must have been godly. How the thread is all matched together is truly stunning, your grace. It is a wonderful piece of art." Stopping there he wonders if he has said enough, or not.

[m_1512]

Alexander turns around, smiling gently.
I was not asking about the artwork, but the message within.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

"Y-your grace, umm, uhh, b-begging your pardon, your grace," Alfred beings, flustered. What do I say! What do I say? he thought, despaired. "Does it show how, like this Empire, everything fits together?" Alfred continues, hopefully.

[M D]

Commanded by the Chancellor, Herr Rudi von Sternberg arrives

[m_1512]

He smiled at Alfred,
Quiet so, but at the same time not quite so. But why are you so tensed?

He notices Sternberg,
Ah... Herr Sternberg, step right in. We were contemplaing the tapestry. Oh, I forgot, this is Herr Alfred, a scholar like yourself.
Why not try a hand at the tapestry yourself? Tell me what you think of it.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

You fool Alfred, you fool - don't show him your tense! Alfred thinks to himself, reddening slightly. Taking a deep breathe he pauses, waiting for the redness to die down from his face. "Pray excuse me, your grace, I'm a just not used to such company," he admits bowing his head. He looks again, a puzzled look flashing across his face, "I'm sorry your grace, but this is besting me," he says pointing towards the tapestry, hung up in all its glory, mocking him. Turning to Herr Sternburg he bows his head in greeting, "Evening Herr Sternburg, it is a pleasure to meet you. "

[M D]

Rudi clicked his heels and then spoke,

"Well, Your Majesty, I think it shows that the Empire still has a long history to come, to be made into tapestry, and that this is only one small part of such a history. Yet in the history that has been, we have seen factiousness and problems, but ultimately, the Emperor holds them together."

He nodded to Alfred, giving him a wink

[m_1512]

Alexander considers them quietly for few moments, then burst into laughter.
Such good flattery, and very nice done. But still correct in nature. That is why I enjoy the company of scholars. But all the flattery and pomp aside, this tapestry tells one greatest truth.
I am sure you can give a guess.

[M D]

"That history shall always be written by the victors?"

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

"That the world has many secrets still to be discovered?" Alfred answers, walking over to shake Herr Sternburg hand, before turning to face the Emperor.

[m_1512]

He nods,
Both of you are quite right, of course. But the hidden clue is anarchy. Most of the drawings in this are no doubt linked, but not coherently enough.

He sighs,
And so it is with our Reich.

He pours wine into three goblets,
Have a drink.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

This is interesting Alfred thinks to himself, taking the goblet and having a small sip, noting the smooth taste wine, "Your grace, this wine, may I enquire as too where it is from?" He says before continuing, "Your grace, as far as I can see the Empire is in a stable situation but-" He stops himself, wary of saying too much.

[M D]

Rudi smiles and continues,

"There are always problems... Some quietly waiting to strike, others slowly chipping away."

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

"My thanks to my learned friend," Alfred replies grateful that Herr Sternburg had contiuned for him., giving him the confidence to continue. "Your grace, throughout history large Empires have been cursed with problems, disgruntled subjects, civil wars - the list is endless."

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

OOC: Right, I'm off for two weeks - this could prove difficult. :-H. Just pretend I'm not there and I'll try to catch up? As long as the office of "Reichshofrat" doesn't go I'll be fine. ;-) Sorry for any problems this will cause guys. :-(