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Sendor War: Political Heat

Page history last edited by rgs 14 years, 11 months ago

A number of political movers and shakers met at the Battlehall to discuss Bludgun, Sendor, Myrrdion, and a few other things with concerned parties.

This Battlehall to Averium is not so much a temple as it is a local military compound and training center. The courtyard manages to appear spacious enough through design, though it is packed full of everything the temple needs. The ground of the courtyard is laid with gravel so as to not be muddy in poor weather. At the far end is a temple dedicated to The Warrior God - Averium. Its stone walls stand harshly straight and lack any real decoration, barring the symbol of Averium embossed into the doors. Off to the right is the small stables that house the steeds of those priests and knights who reside within. From the left comes the harsh metal on metal sound of a blacksmith, at work in the forge through all hours of the day and night.

In the corners of the courtyard are many ladders leading to the battlements in times of need, though more often the space is used for sparring circles. The courtyard serves a larger purpose as a general training area for warrior-born of all types to come and learn the ways of Averium, the ways of war. On the far side of the courtyard is even a short jousting list. The sound of weapons clashing and the sight of battle-priests and knights commissioned and ordained by the Church of Averium can be noted at many hours of the day.

Barracks <B> Out <O>

Carmina has arrived.

Jiana has arrived.

Not many changes have been made to the Battlehall for the rally. There's not even a stage--though there are some hastily-constructed steps leading up to the stable roofs, where Alexandria's flag has been set next to Sendor's flag. Sendor's flag is currently hanging upside-down in the universal sign of distress. There are no free refreshments for once, though there are plenty of people attempting to sell pasties and sausages and the like in the crowd.

Sophia enters the courtyard of the battlehall through the front gate.

Sophia has arrived.

The Battlehall's courtyard is full of people. Many Sendorian refugees are present, as are plenty of Alexandrians (many of whom were hoping, futilely, that there would be free food and drink). No one has taken the 'stage' up on the roof yet, and most people are milling around, talking with one another.

Chandrakanta seems to be milling in the area around the other Averites. Tho, she's avoiding being too close in range to Mother Mayhem and her walking stick of doom. She seems antsy, probably anxious for this to begin and something to go wrong.

Sophia is talking rather animatedly with one of the Averites, discussing a bit of doctrinal differences as well as the current situation in Sendor. She glances around a bit, the robes of a priestess of Althea a touch unusual here, eyes flickering amongst the crowd.

Jiana cuts a halfway-inconspicuous figure lurking in the back of the rally near to one of the exits out of the courtyard, glaring at people who get too close to her (at least, people who get too close to her that she doesn't recognize). From her demeanor, were one to pay attention to such things, it looks like she both expects and welcomes a bit of the ultraviolence this afternoon.

Mother Serella Mayhew--better known as Mother Mayhem--is conspicuously absent from these proceedings, for which the Averites seem to be thankful. Indeed, the high priest of the temple, Russell Lloyd, glances around and gives a silent prayer before ascending the steps to the stable roof.

"Hi there!" Chandra's knees are addressed by a grinning halfling that goes by the name of Haley Lunatec. The halfling, who sits on the City Council, is bouncing a ball and is flanked by a pair of bodyguards. The others may begin to recognize other City Council members in the crowd--it looks as if the Averites might have gotten the Council's attention for once. More likely, though, they just threatened to send Mayhem to the Council if they didn't come.

Dorian heard of a gathering going on today, a protest. Simple and young as he is, Dorian was drawn to the event not because of any political views he might have had with or against the protestors, but for reasons mostly unkown. He walks into the courtyard with a gray cloak adorned, hood drawn. He stands against the wall, with his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Maelstrom has arrived.

Chandrakanta looks down at the councilwoman who speaks to her knees, "Afternoon." She cants her head, "I assume this is one of those formal occasions where we are going to get told once again the sort of actions that aren't sanctioned by the council?" She keeps a watchful eye on the crowd as she waits for the answer. Probably looking for the Zak and the others who have made the trips to Sendor with her.

"Mmmmmmaybe," Haley says, winking at Chandra. "Caldor is right over there." The huge man is standing not far from Jiana, arms folded across his chest as he glowers up at the stage. He clearly doesn't wish to be here. "It sure would be a shame if he got those fine clothes all muddy," the halfling chatters. "Though, perhaps we want him in a -good- mood today. That *is* a good mood, by the way." She only quiets once Russ is on the roof.

"Ladies and gentlemen, free people everywhere, if you would!" Russ is a burly bear of a man with a quick smile and a loud voice that is easily heard over the crowd's murmur. "Averium!" he calls, looking to heaven, "Look down upon us today, and give us the strength to change hearts and minds so that we can free the people of Sendor!"

Carmina has connected.

"Averium seems to be gaining in popularity these days.." remarks a silver-haired woman who, despite her hair, looks to be no more then her late thirties or early forties at the most. Her elaborate gown, hair, and the sigil of House Telenil - one of the ruling noble houses - plus the symbol of Alexandros' City COuncil, mark her as a person of wealth and station. In short, she's 'blinged out' - but not in a gaudy way. Heads bow as she passes along with her assistant, a glasses wearing dwarf of some similar regal bearing and her tall mithril shod staff clicks against the stone working of the floors of the hall. "I would think the other temples would need to step up their recruitment efforts." She continues to the dwarf, "Although times of trouble tend to give certain gods advantages over others."

"Indeed, Milady Rawyn.." responds the dwarf who probably in truth is little more then a 'yes-man' of sorts. "However, averium is a noble god and appealing to those who are lost and in need of physical salvation whereas many gods only minister to spiritual needs."

Free the people of Sendor, that has been a mantra that Chandra has uttered so many times, anyone who has sat and had an ale with her since the fall has heard her voice that again and again. She hasn't stopped at words, which is probably why she speaks freely like that with the Councilwoman, she does give Caldor a look that could mean she is considering Haley's ideas, and then shakes her head as she lets the mood of the crowd wash over her as Russ speaks. She applauds the words, and intones some of her own, "Lets find a way to bury Kinnevack and let these refugees rebuild their homes in Sendors." Not eloquent at all, but really, no one ever expects that from her.

Carmina slips in, apparently running late. Ink stains on her hands and a smudge on her face indicate that her lateness may be attributed to a long night/week in the library. She finds her place near Chandrakanta.

Sophia nods slightly, saving her own words for the moment as she seems to generally approve of the town of liberating Sendor. Looking around, she makes her way through the crowd towards Carmina and the others.

Dorian is silent, still, and listening. He does not seem to know who any of these people are unless they are introduced publicly. He feels that tensions could be high. He is not originally from a city, but he seems to be comfortable, blending in with the crowd, a very inconspicuous fellow.

Russ' eyes go wide and he appears to choke when he spots Lady Rawyn Telenil in the crowd. High priest though he may be, he clearly hadn't expected her presence. Clearing his throat, he glances around those assembled and maybe stands up just a little bit straighter. "Indeed," he says to the words shouted following his. "Those who know me know I'm a man of simple words. My god tells us that rules aren't as important as making sure people are free to make their own choices. Right now, in Sendor, they're not. They're slaves, slaves of the ogres and those that serve the ogres. My god says we need to do something about that. We're here today to try to convince the Council that they should aid Myrddion, just as Myrddion aided us when Altima had control of Alexandria. Now, as it turns out, they're right here in the audience." Again, it's clear he wasn't expecting this. "Averium, help us to convince them to do what's right, today!"

"So speak." says Rawyn to the assemblage as she takes a seat somewhere near Sophia and Dorian, "A rally and a case cannot be made by one man pleading to a distant god of flame and passion." Her tone is cool and controlled, passionless though something lurks behind the depths of her aged grey eyes. "For what cause should Alexandros, no, this entire confederacy open itself up to attack? The spilled blood of those who have died in Alexandria's streets, forests, mountains and hills..speaks. It cries out for both vengeance and equally urges caution. Is this blood less valuable then the blood spilled in Sendor? Speak and make your cases."

Carmina sits next to Chandrakanta. Head turning, she glances at Lady Rawyn, and at the councilwoman's words, her own expression is unimpressed.

Chandrakanta applauds even more as Russ speaks again. It seems she's one of those very proud Averites that Lady Rawyn spoke of, the motley crew of fighters who join under the flame of freedom. "The war the Myrrish are fighting is of standard means, they are matched and kept at a standstill at each attempt, We Alexandrians that have fought for our own city have come up against extrodinary enemies to keep this city safe, does Sendor not deserve the same efforts to regain the freedom it once had. It was once a city like our own...and now, it is under the oppression of Kinnevack and her allies."

Dorian's eyes lit up at the man Russ' words. 'We people of the high kingdom, all must heed those words.' thinks Dorian. He crosses his arms and continues to listen and watch from under his hood.

"M'lady, with all due respect, if--" Russ starts, over a chorus of boos, but then Chandra begins to speak. Far from the stage, there's the sounds of someone getting whacked by crutches--has Mayhem broken something? "You. Liberator. Up here." Russ waves Chandra toward the 'stage', and a grinning Haley gives her a little push forward.

"The Alexandrians I know and respect do not stand for oppression anywhere. They are not a lot who choose caution over their own principles," Carmina says. Then she nods to Chandra, "Go. I will save your seat," as if concerned that the woman wouldn't want to lose her prime spot in the crowd.

Normally Chandra would balk, but since Zak isn't around to do this, she goes up. Giving Carmina a look, "You should say something as well Loremistress when I am done." She moves throught the crowd and up to join Russ. Speaking as she gets up there, "For those who do not know me, I am Chandrakanta, one of Averium's Liberator's, I would not have found that path in life had I not been present at the fall of Sendor. Had I not fought along side the brave people's of Sendor and saw first hand how their good people were forced to turn against their own freedom and beliefs to save their families. Bludgun has used the most despicable means to keep that nation and those people under her thumb."

Russ takes a respectful step or two back, letting Chandrakanta have the floor--well, the roof--for now.

Rawyn listens but seems unmoved at first as she states, "Noble words. But I wonder... Is Bludgun so strong now that a nation that was once the sole bulwark against the powers of Charn-Stygia, incapable of defending its own territory?" questions Rawyn, "For centuries, The Kingdom of the Lion has stood as the guard nation of the west and raised a standard high against tyrants, warlords and monsters all. Do you say to me that Myrddion is so weak that Bludgun alone holds them back?" Rawyn's eyes hood slightly as she asks gently and quietly, "Why is this? What have you seen in these lands? What powers do they possess? What means do you speak of?"

Dorian noted the halfing female. She seemed have the protection of two bodyguards. That shouldn't be a problem, as the information that Dorian had was of most importance, and she could only have the mercy to listen. If she was on the council, maybe the lives and homes of the halfling folk that he knew so well, his smaller sisters and brethren would have an impact on the decisions at hand...He walks towards Haley, takes off his hood, and kneels before her.

"I am a wizard, not an orator," Carmina comments at her friend's back, then sits back, nodding as Chandrakanta speaks. Turning her gaze to Lady Rawyn, she simply shakes her head in disbelief at the woman's words, but, true to her prior statement, holds silent, awaiting the Liberator's answer.

Sophia seems to visibly bristle, just a bit, at Rawyn's words. However, she doesn't actually say anything directly to retort the comments, instead simply waiting for Chandrakanta's response.

"Um...hello? Unless you're planning to kiss me--and mind you, I wouldn't *necessarily* mind that--you're kind of blocking my view," Haley tells Dorian, standing on her tip-toes so she can see over his shoulder. "Do you need something?"

Dorian says in fluent halfing speech to Haley "I am Dorian Mages, from northern Myrddion." He glances at himself and tries to move out of her way "May I request a word?" He says in a kind and humble voice.

It's Ceriday, Eatonis 28 13:53:31 1006. The full moon is up. The tide is low and rising.

The sky is cloudy grey, and nothing casts a shadow. The southwest wind is mild.

"Now that's interesting. We normally don't teach that to humans," Haley says, now eyeing Dorian curiously. "Can it wait until after the ralley, or do you need to speak with me now?" She keeps all her own conversation to Common.

"It has defeated the spirits of the people that now live as slaves. I have seen much of what goes on behind those lines that Myrridon has not crossed. There have been waves of actions that have moved mountains with a handful of people, but to rebuild a mountain, we will need more then the handful to turn these tides." Chandra responds to Lady Rawyn. "There are actions that could start a fire that no god could exstinguish. Myrridon has not succeeded to cut off the line of supplies from Bludgun to Sendor, nor have they freed Ramos and his family. These things that would give hope to the people, and inspire them to turn against their captors are undone. I have aided in slaying dragons," She pulls aside the wrap at her throat to show the ink of the green dragon she etched into her skin as a reminder of that kill, "We have witnessed and destroyed flying iceworms.. discovered the trickery of her closest allies, the stone giant we knew as Ranfing turned out to be a hag. She allies with giants."

"...well," the dwarf in the doorway wears simple clothing. Almost too-simple. A rucksack might be descriptive, though it's been decorated with symbols from some sort of brush. Heavy, dwarven symbols, that match the ones painted on her bare feet. She takes an unsteady breath as she comes into the Battlehall. "Well! I just hope I'm not too late. Master Setson passed away last night, half-drowned in his own--well, never mind that. Then Mistress Finsh, then...oh, you wouldn't believe the evening I've had!" exasperated, she says to one of the guards as she comes in to find a seat among the crowd.

Dorian replies to Haley with a nod, and says "Of course. Please." He takes a seat to resume his observation of the situation, and listen to the speeches.

"So you have seen it." concludes Rawyn quietly and thoughtfully. She then makes a sudden gesture of her fingers at the dwarf at her side and she shakes her head and returns her attention to the crowd, "Grave dangers lie ahead should we announce aid. Enemies lie at our doors, crouching and waiting to enter into our lands and plunder our resources at the first sign of weakness. Yet I do not deny that the moral high ground would be to lend aid to Myrddion in this time of need... My heart aches at the thought of more tradegy befalling our people. Much has afflicted our city and our lands have yet to fully heal. The voice of the gods remains silent... How will aid other lands yet we cannot defend our own.." She quiets and then raises her voice, "But I wonder what others in leadership think? What others who have also ventured forth or who know of similar things, have to say?"

"Good job," Russ mutters to Chandra. "Now go find more people to get up here and talk." He looks around, hoping to spot someone else he can order up onto the roof.

"Someone who has been there needed to say something." Chandra seems a bit relieved that she can get down off the platform, "They fighting between Dornag and Kinnevack has ceased, but we knew that wouldn't last long." She moves down, casting a glance at Rawyn, her brow knitting as she heads back to Carmina, leaning to whisper to her.

"Sophia!" the other woman's features light up, and Rowena hustles over to stand next to the other priestess. "I hope I'm not late," she adds in a whisper, as she briefly grasps the other's hand. "I brought some chava. You never know how long these things can last! In the old kingdom, they used to just break for--well, they brought in the chamber pots and took them out again, if you take my meaning." She waves briefly back towards the other dwarf, of course, as she looks up at the roof. We mean stage. "So have they decided to start a war, yet? They really should, you know."

Carmina's own brow furrows, as if something said on stage or within the crowd has made her see something in a new light. But as Chandrakanta approaches, she turns to the woman, focusing her big half elf ears to hear the whisper among the shouts.

Sophia murmurs softly, "I don't know, Rowena... despite the tenets of Althea, I really must hope that they do, considering how dire things are for the people in Sendor." She shakes her head, "Though I am starting to see what Sister was talking about, here." Her voice turns a touch grim, at that last observation.

Chandrakanta stops before she whispers, "Give me a piece of a paper, you have something write with Loremistress?" She is still giving Lady Rawyn a look, but its not as certain now.

Carmina reaches into her robe, pulling out a selection of writing utensils. That explains the ink smudge that is still on her face.

Chandrakanta begins to scribble, knitting her brow as she gets the few words onto the paper, no doubt its spells wrong. She shoves it into Carmina's face, "What does that mean?"

Dorian looks to his side while he sits amongst the crowd, near Haley. He notices a Dwarf speaking to the one Rawyn, and he raises an eyebrow quite curiously. Even though he can be inconspicuous, this was a very obvious action.

"Help me up there, man." Lord Atherton--one eyed and one legged--has appeared out of the crowd, swinging along on his crutches, determined to make it to the roof. If not for the help of Russ and several nearby Averites, he might not have successfully made it up to the roof. When he does, he's flushed and a touch disheveled. "My lady, I am--forgive me for a momentary lack of tact, but your words are as ugly as you are beautiful." He straightens slightly, and stares at her with his one good eye. "You ask--no, I won't. No. All I wish to ask is, when I send my fighters back to Sendor, to help liberate our homeland--would you truly have me tell a mother whose child was skinned alive in front of their eyes that that child's blood was not *worth* enough of Alexandria's for them to try to stop it?"

Carmina takes the paper, studying it before she carefully folds it, reaching again into her robes and removing her spellbook, tucking the paper into it before putting it away. "One word is simply another word for what I often surround myself with," she says, keeping her voice low as she taps her fingers on the spellbook before putting it away. "The other means nothing to me, yet."

Jiana has disconnected.

Chandrakanta keeps glancing at the dwarf, even if Lord Atherton is climbing up to speak. She seems really uncomfortable. Maybe its just too much public speaking that is making her squirrelly.

"Oh, I'll be a touch busy, myself," Rowena responds, hands on her (not child-bearing) hips. She matches the other priestess for grimmness. "I came to find out just how busy, don't you know," Rowena says, turning towards the stage again. "And whoever that ugly old man is, he has a point. He really should see to those scars. I have ointments. Anyway, I hope they're going to do /something/. We lost the Old Kingdom due to some idiots sitting on their duffel bags. My grandmothers were left cleaning it up. I spent alot of time with my grandmothers. Right now we have a people about to end up alot worse than us, you catch my meaning. I couldn't prevent the fall of the Great Kingdom, and you couldn't, either, but maybe we can do something for someone else!" She nods to the old man, and...probably makes some mental note. Ointments. She should chase him down later and talk to him about that. For his health.

"Oh, I'll be a touch busy, myself," Rowena responds, hands on her (not child-bearing) hips. She matches the other priestess for grimmness. "I came to find out just how busy, don't you know," Rowena says, turning towards the stage again. "And whoever that ugly old man is, he has a point. He really should see to those scars. I have ointments. Anyway, I hope they're going to do /something/. We lost the Old Kingdom due to some idiots sitting on their duffel bags. My grandmothers were left cleaning it up. I spent alot of time with my grandmothers. Right now we have a people about to end up alot worse than us, you catch my meaning. I couldn't prevent the fall of the Great Kingdom, but maybe we can do something for someone else!" She nods to the old man, and...probably makes some mental note. Ointments. She should chase him down later and talk to him about that. For his health.

"Your words are all well spoken.." says Rawyn, "And sometimes doing the right thing is not always the easy thing. It requires sacrifice and danger in order to better ourselves for a brighter tomorrow." She seems to suddenly take an about face on her stance as the latest words finish adding in to the ones already spoken, "I applaud your zeal and your morality. However there is a question that yet lingers and that is 'how'. Our military forces are not singularly a match for Bludguns own. Yet. And not all who sit on council are supportive of an open decleration of war." She falls silent, seemingly attempting to deliberatly incite someone perhaps.

Chandrakanta seems to relax, flickering her attentions to the dwarf that is speaking. She gets a clearly confused looked. She starts rubbing her head. "Where is Zak, he's the military leader, he would have a plan for this.. I've seen him do the astonishing in the face of death."

"Zak is a married man now. Perhaps he is waiting for new leadership to step up," Carmina suggests, glancing at Chandra. "I've seen you do astonishing things in the face of death, as well."

"Well, as a *start*, you could allow Alexandrians to join in Myrrish operations--*sanctioned* operations." Lord Atherton looks only slightly mollified. "Look at this courtyard! There are plenty of people here! Then men and women in this Battlehall could be the handful that make the difference between a free Sendor and an enslaved Sendor."

"You assume, wrongly, that those in this courtyard wish to fight." Caldor Methis has gotten a little red in the face, and finally decides to make his views known.

Sophia glances over at Caldor, "The fight will be upon you in any case. Do you wish it now or later?" She shakes her head, "As a priestess of Althea, I do not /wish/ a battle, but that seems to be the choice that lays ahead. Either you fight now on lands they have conquered, or you will fight them later when they come here."

"We aren't asking you to go yourself, Caldor, we are asking for blessing from the council a change instead of opposing everything that can make a difference." Chandra stands up again, she's a little irritated. "Those who don't want to go are welcome to stay, we will need those people in the city.. unlike last time the fight was brought to the city and mercenaries were paid that ended up helping destroy the city. Or have people forgotten when that happened? I haven't."

"Well, we're not facing the dark elves, we'd be facing their prettier cousins," Rowena shakes a dwarf's short finger at Rawyn. "So it should be a sight easier. And some of us wouldn't be fighting. Some of us are pretty darn good at healing, but we can throw a punch or two, too. Now. If you're so worried about those balls of yours, mister, you can help the ladies lift the stretchers for all those kids we're evacuatin'. They don't have legs, you know," Her face is flushed, Rowena's is. She looks a trifle embarrassed--but she looks pissed off, too. Her hands on her hips as the woman turns to face Caldor. "Someone cut them off, something near as ugly as a dark elf's soul, and all the poor things can do is hobble around. Don't the priestess and I patch up that kid of yours from time to time? Seems to me a man like you might have some sympathy!"

Lord Atherton starts to say something, but Chandra beats him to it--and Russ begins ushering him off the stage, trying to prevent a fully-fledged riot. Lord Atherton doesn't look to be too happy about going, but Russ is a tough force to resist when you've got just one leg.

Caldor just looks at Chandrakanta contemptuously. "And what happens when you're all up in Sendor and Bludgun attacks Alexandria from the north? Have you forgotten that we don't have the resources necessary to protect our borders, *now*? Do you want them to be cutting the legs off Alexandrian children *and* Sendorian children? Please. You know nothing of politics. Either of you."

Carmina smirks. "He goes from insisting no one wants to fight to thinking that suddenly everyone will," she tells Chandra, appearing to wave a fan at the liberator's flames.

"I know my family is here now," And now Chandra's going to get into trouble with her family, "My father will put up whatever resources he can to help protect this city if I am not here to defend it." That isn't a small offering she just made on her father's behalf. "We don't have to all be there at once, if we develop a plan of action we can work in waves to make sure we are helping Myrridion and Alexandria.."

"Also, I think there are a lot of old adventurers who might be interested in getting out from behind shop counters and donning their armor once more to protect this place they call home. You just need to ask them to do so." Chandra adds to her thoughts.

"No amount of gold can make up for the fact that you will be making an enemy out of a very powerful nation on our border," Caldor responds, ignoring Carmina's remark. "And even -if- we had -everyone- home, we couldn't defend against them. Not and keep Charn off our backs as well."

The rally, such as it is, appears to have broken up into 'discussion' groups. A few of these have further disintegrated into 'fistfights'. Up on the roof, Russ does nothing to try to stop the Averites from expressing their opinions.

"Well. Well! I suppose you think the Myrrish do. Who does, then?" Rowena asks, hands on her (not child-bearing) hips. "This is my home, now, and I don't want to be known as the little city that couldn't. The Myrrish stepped in for Alexandria, if I have my history right, and I do. Maybe they should fight all the wars for us, too. Maybe they should keep on holding our hand, because we're too little and too afraid to stand up on our own! And of course they'll try. I'd just rather stand up and fight against someone trying to take m' kids rather than--rather than calling on an uncle to protect them. You make the Myrrish sound like some sort of tit-nanny. If someone wants to stand up, let them!"

The young boy's home destroyed, the small and humble dwellings of humans and halfling folk were burned to the ground, many of the inhabitants killed, including the boy's father. He burned, red in the face at the thoughts. He flexed his muscles in his seated positions and wanted nothing more than to ride against the invaders right that second, with the energy of the vrowd provoking him. He takes a deep breath to calm himself, and stays seated.

Karelin has arrived.

"Well," says Haley cheerfully, "I think that's the end of -that-, for now. Now, what is it you wanted to tell me, young man?" she asks Dorian.

Carmina blinks. "Do you mean Bludgun? They are not already our enemy? Truly, I had no idea. You must see the world in a very different light." She keeps her tone neutral.

"Yeah, you can go round and round in circles, all you care about is making money and not doing whats right. Blah..blah blah.. Charn... blah.. enemies." Chandra is ready for a war of words with Caldor. "Its not like most of us here spend all our time in this city defending it, it survives every time we leave to go do things like destroy the hold of Thuul on Blar, or we go to cut off the head of assholes like Ranfing. It can survive this and get stronger is we help, think of the ally we can make with a stronger Sendor at our side."

"We are not at war with them," Caldor points out, "But if you are allowed to do as you wish, we *will* be at war with them, and it won't just be all of *you*. It will be every man, woman and child in Alexandria. As for Myrddion, it is *already* our ally, our...'tit-nanny', apparently. If it comes to another war with Charn, it is *our* strength, not theirs, that will matter. Besides, losing Sendor has hardly affected their status in the world."

"Hrmph!" and Rowena's go on her hips again, at Caldor, and she heads to get a refill on her drink. A refill of chava, and she holds in her hand a stein made for something else, but it's just big enough to hold the caffeine she's going to need to get through this. She pauses by Chandra on her way, with a nod and a murmur, "Oh, leave him alone, honey. He's not all grown up, yet. Use smaller words, dear, or he's going to get confused." Rowena heads over to the table to get a refill of chava. Pours it into the stein, and she pours a hefty lot of it.

Dorian replies to the halfing lady in the common tounge. Thank you, lady Haley. I am from a ruined community of human and halfing folk. As you may know, the Stormgrade forces invaded Perenath in the northern high kingdom. Our small community was located in the countryside nearby. You speak of sending aid to Myridorn, and as a witness, and a kinsman, I must request your aid. I do not know if there are any Myridorn representatives here, but you are a member of the council, you must have some pull in these matters. I ask you from my heart, to find the mercy and strength to send aid." He looks at Haley to see her reaction.

"That strange woman," Carmina says, eyes following Rowena briefly, "Might be right. My father always told me to not suffer a fool for too long." She blinks, attempting to be convincing as she imparts this 'wisdom' on Chandra.

"Aid for what?" Haley's brow wrinkles. "Stormgarde and Myrddion signed a truce and parceled out all the lands. Are you saying there's a problem -now-?"

"We have other allies, we have the whole of Blar to call upon if we need their aid. We are not abandoning the city or its people. We are securing a place in this world for others to be free like us." Chandra waves her hands and looks around at the crowd at the battlehall, "The Blar armies are training -here- with us. And we are at war with Bludgun, even if its undeclared." Honestly, the veyshanti is ready to spit on the councilman Caldor.

Karelin arrives out of the crowd, knuckles bloodied and sweaty hair touseled. He must have been at church. Oh, there's the black eye. Definitely church. Eyes focus, as he gets some meat and pastry. Caldor. Haley. Chandra. Caldor. Shit. He starts towards them, and Rowena and Carmina as well.

"I speak of the High Kingdom as a whole, these are all my people, all our people, we are all one. I wish for no more loss of life, or homes." says Dorian to Haley.

Well, that's /just/ enough. Rowena pours the chava like most dwarves would a stout ale, and then adds a little to the top. She hums as she does it, then turns away to make her way back towards Sophia. It's a little difficult, with some of the fistfights going on. She stops near one of them, and frowns at the tussle. "I hope you're not giving me more work to do," To them, and then, "And smaller words, dear. /Very/ small words," to Chandra. "I wouldn't go over two syllables." Rowena will never be a public speaker.

Sophia looks at the councilman, "Bludgun will not leave Alexandria be, particularly if they perceive it to be weak. And weak it shall appear, if you do not aid Sendor. Once Sendor is consolidated... well, do you think Alexandria is mighty enough to withstand a Bludgun assault without aid? And what aid would Myrddion provide for us, when the one time they can use our help... we ignored them?" She tsks, "I might not be a soldier, but I can see that the time to fight this battle is now, while it is advantageous to do so."

"If you do not know how to get the council in agreement upon this subject, I wish to seek out the opposing forces, and destroy them myself." he looks from side to side, and says so that only Haley would hear "I can not ever forgive Stormgrade for what they have done, and it my will to smite the evil doers."

"Well, there you are. If we have other allies, we hardly need to worry about Sendor, do we? And we are *not* at war, not yet. If we go to war, Bludgun will probably forget all about Sendor and march on Alexandria. Do you *really* believe the Myrrish will help us if they do? Or, wait--perhaps they will 'help' us as they helped us before, by putting us under their rule. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm afraid I refuse to spend a moment longer in a den of people whose idea of diplomacy is a punch in the face," Caldor says, shaking his head. "You have *not* won my vote, and I hope when the other councilmembers see just what sort of people you are, they will join me in opposing you."

Haley shakes her head. "There won't be any more loss of life, silly, there's a truce. Myrddion and Stormgarde are at peace. If you're concerned, perhaps you should bring it up with the ambassador from Stormgarde.

Karelin laughs at Caldor, harshly. "Please. If that was our idea of diplomacy, you'd already have received an engraved invitation to the Armsmaster's Arena for best three falls out of five, Caldor. I fear that, however, your analysis is a flawed beast. So, run away if you have to, but don't think that you've got the light of reason hanging over your shoulder."

Carmina nods, echoing Karelin. "Yes. Or they would lock you in a closet before the counsel votes." She shrugs.

Rawyn has seemingly heard all she cares to hear. She slowly rises and gestures for her aide to follow her and she begins to tread her way through the crowd, unconcerned about brawls or any other such happenings. As if by fate or deliberate occurance, they just seem to wind their way around her as she begins to move for the exit of the battlehall in deliberate steps.

Chandrakanta growls under her breath as the Caldor leaves, no she isn't going to spit or punch him in the face. Really. Not after Karelin speaks up, "Thank gods." Her head shakes, "He would have never been swayed."

Rowena frowns after the other dwarf, just a little, and moves on to lift up a man who'd already taken a punch to the face. "There, now. I bet that felt better, didn't it? Meetings like these just leave everyone tense. A punch or two helps, but you're going to look /terrible/ going home to your wife." And out come the ointments.

Caldor turns and begins walking toward the exit--only to slip on a child's ball and end up, however briefly, in the mud. Furious, he picks himself up and stalks out. Having referred Dorian to the Stormgardian ambassador, Haley begins making her way out...looking innocent. Very innocent.

Chandrakanta really tries hard not to laugh when Caldor falls on her arse into the mud. Instead she turns to Karelin, "They made me speak." That is code for lets go get a drink, now.

Carmina reaches into her robes, retrieving her spellbook. Removing a folded piece of paper, she hands it to Karelin.

Sophia takes a deep breath, shaking her head as she looks at Rowena, "I think I need to imbibe a significant amount of alcohol. Politics." She says the word with a fair amount of distaste, "I was warned about it here, but had little idea of the shortsightedness of others... I believed it to be an exaggeration."

Chinook goes home.

Chinook has left.

Ceres enters the courtyard of the battlehall through the front gate.

Ceres has arrived.

Karelin takes the note from Carmina and makes it disappear into his coat. A glance at the half-elf. "Should I read it now, or later?" A look at Chandra. "So you need to wipe away the memory?"

Rawyn lays a hand on Dorian's shoulder as she passes and says to him, "We cannot know the trials endured by those caught in the conflict between Stormgarde and Myrddion, but for now we must lay those things aside. If you do choose to go to the ambassador of Stormgarde, remember the true dangers that lie at the gate and do not misdirect your anger. A time will come for those afflicted by the actions of others will be vindicated..." She removes her hand and then quietly steps away.

"To the den? I need some of that potato liquor and their fish stew." This must have been an agonizing time for Chandra, she glances at the half-elf, "Come with us, Moonflower."

"There's a dwarven place out near--oh, it's just south of here, if I remember," Rowena chatters as she draws some gauze around the man's head. "They don't have /much/ in the way of variety, but...oh, I wouldn't mind a trip, myself. They have a very /good/ lager." The gauze goes around his ears again before she ties it off, giving a little sigh as she does and turning back around as Rawyn speaks. There's a small smile as she looks down at her hands, then, and starts tucking the bandages away.

"Alright," Carmina says, sounding agreeable. She turns to go.

'Who, was that person?' She really seemed to know what she was talking about, and her words spoke wisdom. He listened to the words of the woman, and took them to heart, but he could not free himself of the burning rage completely, something still lingered, a deep wound in his heart.

Rowena goes OOC.

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