2. Accord

Frowning slightly, you stop and take a moment to reevaluate the man. He appears roughly around your age and though rather handsome, otherwise un-noteworthy. "You're Iason?" You ask somewhat dubiously as you regard him warily. He appears confused by your question and pauses briefly before responding, "So I have been told." A light flush spread across his face and he quickly adds, "I mean, yes, I am." Disregarding this, you continue to observe the man thoughtfully. "You're far younger than I had anticipated." Iason's brow furrows deeply as he rather cautiously asks, "You know of me?" Deciding there's no point turning back now, you nod in confirmation then clarify, "Not exactly, however, I think I was meant to meet you." His demeanor changes slightly at your response and his expression darkens. "Whatever you have heard about me, is all rumors." His voice remains low but sounds slightly annoyed. Dismissing your curiosity, you instead chose to answer honestly, "Your reputation was not discussed. Only your name was provided to me." This response seems to placate him somewhat but his posture remains tense. "I highly doubt an Empress is looking to a novice for a lesson in philosophy, so what is it that you seek?" His question was not the reply you had been anticipating and causes you to ponder your own response. "To win the election."

Iason raises an eyebrow skeptically and quietly steps forward. "That's a very large request but what is in it for me?" He inquires in a low voice as he leans over you slightly. Taking a step back, you straighten up before addressing him, "I don't believe you're in a position to negotiate, given the circumstances of our meeting." A sly grin spreads across his face, causing you to become marginally irritated. "That may be true, yet, it's you who requires my help. So much so that you seem willing to trust an apprentice who's credibility is unknown to you." He points out before going on to state, "Besides, this would hardly be the first time I was caught somewhere I was not supposed to be. I'm sure I can deal with whatever punishment you have in mind." His smug attitude strikes you as more of a defense mechanism than his true emotions. Deciding to call his bluff, you offer him your own smile in return and reply, "If that is what you prefer, it can easily be arranged." Iason's confident expression waivers slightly when you begin to turn in the direction of the exit. "Perhaps I spoke too hastily." His finger tips brush against your arm briefly before he notices his forwardness and pulls away. It's not often that you have the upper hand and find yourself mildly enjoying the feeling. "Wonderful, then I will see you here tomorrow, at the same time." Iason's brow raises slightly as he asks curiously, "You'll tell the guards to let me in?" Pausing, you take a look around, noting the silence and solitude.

"You found a way in today, I have no doubt you can accomplish the same tomorrow." The man's expression remains marginally perplexed before you turn and walk away. Feeling somewhat invigorated, you end your excursion slightly early. While winning the election is still in the forefront of your mind, you find it competing for attention against your thoughts of the next day. When the following day does arrive it's not deemed unusual when you ask to head into the city as soon as you're free. On the way there you notice an almost anxious sensation growing as you reach your destination. You would not necessarily classify it as nerves but rather anticipation. When you arrive you make sure to spend sometime in view of your guards before eventually wandering off deeper into the building. After making your way to the mezzanine you're relieved to find Iason waiting. Masking this relief, you smile politely and thank him for being there. He nods in response before replying, "Of course. Though, if you wish to be ruler someday you need to be less amenable. There's no need to thank me for complying with your command." Considering his words, you sigh softly then admit, "This is what I require assistance with. I hardly know the expectations of someone running for election." Iason seems to regard you for a moment and the feeling of anticipation rises again. "I may be able to help you with that. However, I ask again; What do I receive in return?"