Fantasy RPG Forum - Standing Trials

Things progressed and people spoke. Many spoke and a few even listened.

Bao spoke, Klaudia, Shl'drei, Ari'sora - none of them council members, but even so they were allowed to speak. Some had suggestions to make, others had observations. Through them all, the Council members could be seen. It was plain sight, after all.

Rand listened and watched. His gaze was intent and he watched those who spoke - and the audience, generally. Shania, too, was intent and attentive. She, unlike Rand, made notes in a small book at the side of her. She could write - it seemed - without looking at the parchment. Marcelle smiled around and watched what was going on - but she lacked the intensity shown by either the Militant or the Accountant. Francis was writing things down - it was hard to tell whether she was actually listening or not.

Meanwhile, Jo'ne was - as was her usual - chewing tobacco and appearing disinterested. Liza was attentive, but not focused. Linca of course -was not present. Kura had received a note earlier that he had fallen ill that morning. Finally, Leigh was watching to see which way things went.

The words happened, then, Kura called them to vote.

The results were read out, clearly, and without preamble by Rand. "Bao Bao is accepted. Klaudia, the vote is no." At which point, Shania turned to Kura and asked, quietly, if she might address the crowd. Once Bao Bao had been given his chair (and a cushion on it, or two, so that he could see over the table.....), Shania stood up.

"Before I had the honour of being the accountant, I was the representative for Gunvorton," she said. She looked at Klaudia, Shl'drei, Ari'sora. "And I know that what we do here is often difficult to comprehend. How do we come to the decisions we do?" She smiled. "Every one of us here appreciates you and your opinions and your offers. So, I would like to say that, what you describe," she spoke to Klaudia, "is not what I understand the situation to be. I will gladly sit with you and listen to each of your concerns and then, discuss them with the Order. We owe them so much, but they do not seek our funding." She smiled, then she turned to Shl'drei. "Being proactive is an excellent idea, and I thank you for that." To Ari'sora, she smiled. "And your concern shines out of you."

Shania spoke then, talking to the three - but also to all who were present. "Whether you have a seat on the council or not, we can all serve Scalvoris. I must support and echo our Alberach and say that people need to step forward. If not for a council seat, then offer us some time. I deal with numbers, these trials, but I never forget that each number, each decision that these good people make impacts our whole island. Each Council Member needs support and assistants. Are you well organised? Able to do filing, take messages, help out? Please, do so." She gestured to the council. "Learn the systems, get involved and then - if it is your wish - apply to be a Council Member. There are many ways to help and if it is what you truly want to do," she said, looking at Klaudia, at Shl'drei, at Ari'sora and then more generally, the room. "Then there is work to be done. Support your Council members, I urge you."

Then, Kura spoke and, at her discussion on Slag's Deep, Rand spoke. "I do, Madam Alberach, but I feel that the more specific planning is best done more privately. However," he said, thoughtfully - it was rare that the Militant spoke. "Winter is a difficult season for all and we will need resources. I'd like to request an executive order to be able to buy what is needed and to have priority in our businesses?" Francis, the Merchant, frowned slightly and looked at the Militant. "Winter is difficult for all. I trust that you aren't expecting our business owners to fund this?" Rand shook his head, no he was not. He was known for paying fair prices and so Francis nodded. "I can do that, if it is the wish of the Council," she said.

Liza, the representative of Egilrun, spoke then. "We need to protect Egilrun's citizens, in case this goes awry," she said. "And the weather won't help with that."