|
After Axhammer leaves Rupert asks you to take a seat in the big circular table, and he stands behind one chair. After you all sit he starts talking.
"I won't be a King by imposition. I refuse to be a King because of my cousin wish it so."
He looks expectantly at all of you.
"Many before us have tried, and failed, to colonize the Stolen Lands. And in this occasion everybody wants us to fail. My dear cousin at New Stetven wants us to fail, and me die in the process, so he can get rid of me, and at the same time weaken Rostland. Issia wants us to fail so they can keep Rostland dominated. Even Rostland wants us to fail now because we are now part of Issia's plans for their continuous subjugation. The River Kingdoms wants us to fail so they don't have another player in their pathetic squabbles. And the monsters and bandits in the Stolen Lands are betting their lives and fortunes in our failure."
He waits to see if all of you concur.
"And we will fail. Don't doubt it. We don't stand a chance."
He waits for any retort to end before continuing.
"Unless we stand united. Unless we all join. Unless we trust in one another. But as Lord Rocknose has shown, you don't trust me. So we are doomed."
He shows you an ornate parchment he had on the table, raising it with his hand. He starts reciting the contents without seeing it.
"I, King Rupert the First of Sloboda..."
He smile a little...
"That means "liberty" in the archaic Issian Language, I hope you forgive me the liberty - pun intended - of naming the new country, as "Stolen Lands" sound horrible..."
He gets serious and continues...
"... recognizes the following rights from his peers, the Prince-Electors of his land, now and forever.
1. All the people in the land shall be free, in action, word, travel, religion and thought. Slavery is forbidden. Only an act against others will be punishable as a crime, and only if condemned by a judge. Nor talk nor ideals can be a crime in itself. Each person possessions are to be preserved unless ordered by a judge.
2. An Oath is sacred. What you say is your bond, and you will be make responsible of it.
3. The Judges will be appointed by the Prince-Electors, as they see fit.
4. A Prince-Elector that breaks the law can be judged, and condemned, by a majority of a jury of all the other Prince-Electors and the King. A King that breaks the law can be judged, and condemned, by a majority of a jury of all the Prince-Electors."
He stops here to let you understand that he is giving you control, by law, over him.
"5. Each Prince-Elector will obey the orders of the King, unless they contradict the previous articles. Each Prince-Electors will cooperate with the others, and with the King, in the defense and protection of all the subjects of the Kingdom.
6. Each Prince-Elector will choose his own rules of succession. The King will be selected, when needed, by a majority of votes of the Prince-Electors. A King can be deposed if a majority of the Prince-Electors vote for it."
He sighs...
"I could have written "all", but I need to trust you if you are going to trust me. My daughter, or my future sons," - he looks at Amavin - "won't inherit my throne, unless they are voted by the prince-electors. Also, I am not declaring myself, or they, an elector."
He gets serious again and continues.
"7. A decree from the King can be revoked if the majority of the Prince-Electors vote against it.
8. All the resources granted by Brevoy to colonize the Stolen Lands belong to Sloboda, and will be used as the King and the Prince-Electors as they see fit. The don't belong to any one person.
I, King Rupert the First of Sloboda swear and sign this, together with the other Prince-Electors of the land on this Oathday 16 of Calistril of 4710 AR."
He stops "reading". He looks at all of you.
"I won't be a King by imposition. I will only be a King if you trust me. If you all decide to join with me, and create a new nation in Sloboda. I will only be King if we unite. I plan to marry Amavin Zephyra, but I can't order her to marry me or be my queen. But I think I can be a good husband to her as I can be a good King for Sloboda. I bet my life, and my daughter's, on that purpose."
He puts the parchment on the table, grabs a pen and signs the parchment.
"I just need for you to follow me. We will fail if we do not stand together. We need a king now. Somebody to lead and organize us. If we start to fight between ourselves, to squabble between ourselves, we don't stand a chance. We even need Lord Rocknose's help. I will try to convince him to sign, too, after I gain his trust. And when we triumph, I will be the first in invite you all to select our new king. So if you decide to help me, sign, and we can start to create our new home. If you don't, I'll try anyway, alone if needed, but I know together is the only change we have."
He extends the pen to each of you in turn, so you can sign.
Aolis listens to every word and watches the man carefully. Finally he folds his hands slowly before speaking.
"Before I sign anything I would like a few things cleared up if you will indulge my frankness. First and foremost I think it best for you to explain yourself? In the interest of clarity. Why did you force the oaths earlier? Why did you intrude upon the mayor's party? Why did you feel the need to disallow our own most trusted comrades yet retain yours? Why did you exclude and provoke Axhammer if you seek his aid? Why are you intensifying the discord between Issia and Rostland? If your intentions are so....progressive why have you been playing the villain for the Rostlanders?"
He gives all those questions a moment to sink in.
"Do correct me if I have misunderstood any of your actions or intentions. Yet if I may continue my frankness, your manners and actions in a single day have heightened a sensitive situation that may have far reaching repercussions. It is trouble that you may find coming back upon you. If not now or soon perhaps later on should our kingdom rise."
Humans often lacked foresight for such things. Yet they carried bitterness, anger, and hate to a degree that even put elves to shame at times in their endurance. After all even in two hundred years of domination the Rostlanders dislike of Issians remains, to put it mildly. Their fire may no longer rage yet it simmers and unlike the Issians. Rostland is not divided nor need they fear dragons anymore sense their master and his houses disappearance. The situation is not stable and he may be remembered by certain parties that would have otherwise dismissed him if his actions had been more subdued. He made an impression, he may find it was not the one should have.
Merus steps forward immediately and takes the proffered pen. Signing with a flourish, he sets the pen down and steps back.
"Bold words indeed. If you mean what you say, then I can perhaps intervene on your behalf with the nobility of Rostland. They would welcome an ally of that sort to their South. It would help us to have their aid."
"I believe you, your majesty, and support you completely and thoroughly. You propose something unprecedented and you are clearly a visionary. I will sign and gladly so. My sword and my life are yours to command in this great venture." He steps forward to sign the document.
I hope the business with the gnome can be resolved peacably. He might make an able ally... and obviously a fearsome foe. Either way, this man, this king, and his new kingdom will either rise to be a great experiment in liberty and equality, or it will go down in flames. I hope for the former and will do all I can to support that goal.
|
|
Rupert answers.
"I didn't force your oaths. Lord Rocknose didn't want to swear an oath, and he was free to do it. I didn't "intrude" into the Lord-Mayor's party. If by disallow you mean why I only invited you here, and not your retainers, is because this meeting is for Prince-Electors only. Mister Veresisi presence is as a witness, and to take the document for copying after we sign it. If you prefer for him to leave, I will ask him to. I exclude Lord Rocknose because he didn't made the oath, and he don't trust me. I told him in the party not to assist, and he came anyway. But I didn't try to provoke him. I apologise if it seem like it, but I really told him not to come, and he came anyway. I feel like he is provoking us, that is why I had to ask him to leave. I need his aid, but don't be mistaken, I don't want it. He seems like an irrational and very close minded paladin, but I can't take the luxury of let his help go away. But if he is not willing to help, and it's going to hurt my new kingdom, then I will make sure he is not allowed in Sloboda. About Issia and Rostland, I don't want to intensify the discord between them. Why would I? But I am not willing to be their pawn or sacrifice. I have not played the villain for anyone, except for those who thought I was a villain, without knowing me, because somebody else told them I was."
At the next question he answers.
"I know elves have eternal, or almost eternal, lives. I don't. And my kingdom, if it is going to be, either. If this is going to work it's not going to be in 5 or 10 years. It will have to start now. And I don't have years, or even weeks, to gain your trust and respect. I only have tonight. So if you are unwilling, please leave, and let those of us that are willing to die for the dream of a new kingdom go forward to our destiny."
|
|
Merus steps forward immediately and takes the proffered pen. Signing with a flourish, he sets the pen down and steps back.
"Bold words indeed. If you mean what you say, then I can perhaps intervene on your behalf with the nobility of Rostland. They would welcome an ally of that sort to their South. It would help us to have their aid."
Rupert closes on Merus, and looks at his eyes.
"I thought you were commissioned to kill me. But if you mean what you say, also, this is the biggest step for the founding of my kingdom, for if enemies can become allies for the same cause, then maybe we will have a chance in the Stolen Lands. And yes, Rostland help would be invaluable for our efforts, and your help would be invaluable to get it."He opens his arms, inviting Marus for an embrace.
"I thank you the most for your trust, as you were the one I expect it the least from."
|
|
"I believe you, your majesty, and support you completely and thoroughly. You propose something unprecedented and you are clearly a visionary. I will sign and gladly so. My sword and my life are yours to command in this great venture." He steps forward to sign the document.
I hope the business with the gnome can be resolved peacably. He might make an able ally... and obviously a fearsome foe. Either way, this man, this king, and his new kingdom will either rise to be a great experiment in liberty and equality, or it will go down in flames. I hope for the former and will do all I can to support that goal.
Rupert smiles and shakes Azrael's hand.
"We will avenge the wrongs done to the people of the Stolen Lands, and turn that place in to our new Kingdom, Sloboda. If Mister Veresisi is asked to go, I would ask from you to be the keeper of our charter, as I know you to be a great paladin."
"You honor me, your majesty. I will do my best for you in all things."
Amavin looks at the document, before addressing Rupert. "I am going to preface this by saying I respect and agree with precisely what you are attempting to do here, it's almost unheard of to give up so much. That said, I would like answers to a few more questions. Firstly, where do I fit in exactly? What rights, and or responsibilities do I have? There is little point in me being Queen if I cannot achieve the demands of the role, or do a poor job - remember that I become just as much of a public face of the kingdom as you are. Furthermore, in the face of this document, why need a Queen at all? There is little need to safeguard the line of succession under this document, and I could support the interests of the kingdom just as well under this document."
|
|
Amavin looks at the document, before addressing Rupert. "I am going to preface this by saying I respect and agree with precisely what you are attempting to do here, it's almost unheard of to give up so much. That said, I would like answers to a few more questions. Firstly, where do I fit in exactly? What rights, and or responsibilities do I have? There is little point in me being Queen if I cannot achieve the demands of the role, or do a poor job - remember that I become just as much of a public face of the kingdom as you are. Furthermore, in the face of this document, why need a Queen at all? There is little need to safeguard the line of succession under this document, and I could support the interests of the kingdom just as well under this document."
Rupert blushes a little.
"As Queen you will sit at my side, and help me run our new kingdom. But our marriage, for others, will be mostly a declaration of the unity of the new land. I won't be a northern tyrant, aloof and apart for my subjects, but one of them. Its a way to show I won't do this alone. But personally, I have to confess, am quite taken aback with you, and would very much like to marry you. But your place as Prince-Elector is not conditioned to you accepting my proposal."
- Close too.
- .. buuut nowhere near. :P
Coalhouse finally takes off his backpack (putting it next to his chair) and settles down at a randomly-chosen spot; after all, there's three adventuring groups, a leader of a sword-school, a monk who looks like he'd rather the rest of the world go away entirely, and a local duellist; Coalhouse fits in like a moose at a cotillion, as the recent exchange with Axhammer no doubt proves. But for everyone there (except, perhaps, the monk), he's got something 'going' for him that the rest perhaps don't - he isn't a noble. Oh, someone who really wanted to might dig into his background and parentage, discover that his father and the father of half his group is an Issian baron, new-made since the Surtova 'acquisition' of the Dragonscale Throne - ennobled, undoubtedly, due to financial and 'other' support. But Coalhouse was born a bastard to a wealthy commoner, so even though that commoner has since gained a title, though it's open for debate whether or not Coalhouse is 'actually' a commoner, 'commoner' is how he thinks of himself.
As Rupert reads through the core constitution of the new nation, Sloboda ... Hmmm, he thinks to himself, that ... might do as a new family name for him ... ... Coalhouse crosses his arms and watches the new king (king-nominate?). Brows furrowed, he listens intently to the words he's not even reciting, instead speaking as if known by heart. When he gets to the end and the questions and commentaries start up, the half-orc reaches down, opens the flap of the backpack, and retrieves a box the size of his twinned fists, followed by something shaped more-or-less like a bottle, with a strange contraption on top of it. Popping open the humidor, he extracts a cigarillo and, opening up a cap on the top of the bottle-thing, does a quick something to it that makes a 'skkrt! skkrt!' sound, with the end result being a simple flame the size of his littlest fingernail. Using the gadget to light the cigarillo, he closes the lid on it, sets it next to the humidor, then takes a long, slow draw on the cigarillo as he contemplates Rupert Sloboda.
"Aly is going to have a screaming fit," he says meditatively, as he watches Aolis speak to his peculiar version of events and listens to Sloboda reply in a fashion almost as direct as Coalhouse himself. Granted, the Porter thinks to himself, I would have preferred to deal with Axhammer's insanity a bit more ... physically. It's people like him what cause unrest, with his howls of blasphemy, unpiousness, and threats. Just because someone disagrees with him, and tells him to sod off ... I wonder, he glances sideways at the monk, if the Cenobitic Order cares for the insane ...
Hm. Prince-Elector. Wonder if I can get that changed to Commoner-Elector or something... hoo boy. I need to talk to Aly. And Ghent. And as much as I hate it, an advocate.
As Rupert and Amavin speak, he calls across the table, "The king's children would likely be the first to be put forth as candidates for the Elector's votes, Amavin. Based, I expect, on their education, ability to govern, dedication to the ideals of the kingdom, that sort of thing. Man's got only one daughter at the moment, so he might not need a succession in the traditional sense, but the more candidates there might be, the better the chances are for one who can follow in his footsteps.
"King ... Surtova-Sloboda," he says, testing out the name on Rupert to see what his reaction might be, "not sure why you picked me, but you should understand that the Commoner-Elector position" yes, another test, "you want me to hold is, in the future, likely to be held by lowborn and, well, exceedingly common commoners like myself. I haven't figured out exactly how it'd work, but mine would pass on by election. Of," he adds, "and by the commoners themselves."
|
|
"King ... Surtova-Sloboda," he says, testing out the name on Rupert to see what his reaction might be, "not sure why you picked me, but you should understand that the Commoner-Elector position" yes, another test, "you want me to hold is, in the future, likely to be held by lowborn and, well, exceedingly common commoners like myself. I haven't figured out exactly how it'd work, but mine would pass on by election. Of," he adds, "and by the commoners themselves."
Rupert smiles at Coalhouse.
"Because, master Porter, you are like me. we don't believe our birth defines who we are, and what are we destined to. Because we both want to find a place in the world for us, and our families. And because, even if you try to hide it, have as much nobility in your heart as any other of us."he then frowns.
"And please don't call me Surtova... ever. That name will remain north, where it belongs."
"I know I ask too much. I ask you to sacrifice your future, your happiness. But as a father that wants his daughter to live free and happy, and the sons and daughters of our subjects, I need to ask you to do this sacrifice. I can not promise we will triumph, and I can not promise you that I will grow to love you.
Aolis took a deep breath.
"I see you are ignorant then."
He raises a hand in placation.
"I mean no offense, that is the accurate word though many take it in a different manner. When I say you forced our oath, you chose to do it publicly among many that consider you and your family a threat. Some perhaps not all of us here have other considerations. In my case I have the consideration of my house, this is something you did not seem to account for. To you the oath may be binding to this new kingdom and you but to the eyes of those watching, it was not such a simple thing. To them it was House Medvyed forming a tie to House Surtova, that will not go unmarked. You could have asked for our oaths in private, away from enemy eyes and rival ears. Without going into more detail I think the point is made. It is not so much what you have done but the manner in which you do it. I measure you to be a good man, but that is not enough for a king or even a leader. If you are willing to listen and learn then we have no more quarrel or misunderstanding."
He hoped that sunk in as intended. He could work with someone that did not know better and would heed advice and seek to improve themselves.
"Concerning Axhammer, he is only a threat if you make him one. Again it is a misunderstanding, he is not irrational or close minded. I could not work with such a person, he must simply be approached in a certain manner. You sought intentional or not to force him into your ways. That will not work with him or many of the people of the river kingdoms I dare say. Sharing the same values is not sharing the same outlook necessarily."
It seemed he would have to stress the point.
"Trust and respect do not require an oath nor will a oath truly grant these things. An oath is a promise of the willingness, this comes easy to some and harder to others. As with all things they can be gained with effort and understanding, which in this case I can provide. Should you choose to seek it."
Maybe it was a trait of his house, dealing in absolutes. Perhaps he was getting old, in human terms, as he was starting to find himself long winded.
"You speak of dying in the attempt of this kingdom, I would bid you throw away such nonsense. I have seen both young and old men die for far less. It is easy to die, the dead have no worries of the living and the life that goes on. If you love your daughter and wish to see this kingdom born then raised. You would do well to focus on living, for the land you walk into is one built on dead kings of forgotten dreams and kingdoms. I have no intention of adding to it."
Unless Rupert or anyone else intervenes and the air is cleared between them he signs.
"Have you thought of a crest yet?"
My liege
Begins Ignatius with a reverence as the parchment and pen are passed to him
Earlier tonight you asked us, without knowing you for more than a few words or rumors to give our lives into your service, to make a bow before men and god to stand by your and your descendants' side. To ask so much from a stranger is a bold request indeed...but now, now you are giving up so much to us, mere strangers you have only known for a few words and rumors. Be it bold, foolish or hopeful, to entrust us with the future of this country you dream to create, your life, and that of your descendants, with your very right to rule...
Ignatius pauses to take the pen and sign the parchment before standing form his chair to kneel towards Rupert.
My lord, allow my to reaffirm my oath to you by saying, that tonight you will no longer be a king chosen by birth or conquest. Tonight, you are a king chosen by your actions and your dedication to your subjects.
I hereby bow to serve you and your line with my judgment, my wisdom and if needed my life, i will help you build the free and just kingdom you dream of, and a legacy that may endure for all who wish to live in peace.
This i swear as Iomedae's servant.
|
Titian thinks for a very long time before answering.
"I am not sure if this is wise. The farmer wants peace and a chance to grow his corn. He does not care who sits on the throne. The commoner in the city wants peace and a chance to live his live, finding solace in a modest job and fortune. But the nobility, already they scheme and bicker. You weaken your position considerably. And it is a sign of weakness for some. But I think it is a sign of strength. I will support you."
|
|
"I see you are ignorant then."
He raises a hand in placation.
"I mean no offense, that is the accurate word though many take it in a different manner. When I say you forced our oath, you chose to do it publicly among many that consider you and your family a threat. Some perhaps not all of us here have other considerations. In my case I have the consideration of my house, this is something you did not seem to account for. To you the oath may be binding to this new kingdom and you but to the eyes of those watching, it was not such a simple thing. To them it was House Medvyed forming a tie to House Surtova, that will not go unmarked. You could have asked for our oaths in private, away from enemy eyes and rival ears. Without going into more detail I think the point is made. It is not so much what you have done but the manner in which you do it. I measure you to be a good man, but that is not enough for a king or even a leader. If you are willing to listen and learn then we have no more quarrel or misunderstanding."
Rupert, serious, answers Aolis.
"I am no politician. I am an adventurer. Maybe I could do things better, but I didn't had the time. I hope, in the future, with your help, I will be things better. This "King" position I find myself in is new to me, and lost are the details expected of me. I wanted your oaths in public, so enemy eyes and rival ears could see and hear them, as we need to show unity and strength.""Concerning Axhammer, he is only a threat if you make him one. Again it is a misunderstanding, he is not irrational or close minded. I could not work with such a person, he must simply be approached in a certain manner. You sought intentional or not to force him into your ways. That will not work with him or many of the people of the river kingdoms I dare say. Sharing the same values is not sharing the same outlook necessarily."
"I hope we can gain his trust in the future. But he will need to cooperate with us, or part and let us be."
"Trust and respect do not require an oath nor will a oath truly grant these things. An oath is a promise of the willingness, this comes easy to some and harder to others. As with all things they can be gained with effort and understanding, which in this case I can provide. You speak of dying in the attempt of this kingdom, I would bid you throw away such nonsense. I have seen both young and old men die for far less. It is easy to die, the dead have no worries of the living and the life that goes on. If you love your daughter and wish to see this kingdom born then raised. You would do well to focus on living, for the land you walk into is one built on dead kings of forgotten dreams and kingdoms. I have no intention of adding to it."
Rupert laughs.
"My good sir, I intend to prosper and live a long time, as king, in my new lands, thank you. But I am willing to risk everything in this endeavour, and I want to make it clear to all that dead is a real possibility there."After Aolis sign Rupert extends his hand.
"Thank you for your sincerity. And I hope to have your wisdom in the future. My crest is an eagle over a blue field. Simple, bbut I am a simple man."
|
|
Ignatius pauses to take the pen and sign the parchment before standing form his chair to kneel towards Rupert.
My lord, allow my to reaffirm my oath to you by saying, that tonight you will no longer be a king chosen by birth or conquest. Tonight, you are a king chosen by your actions and your dedication to your subjects.
I hereby bow to serve you and your line with my judgment, my wisdom and if needed my life, i will help you build the free and just kingdom you dream of, and a legacy that may endure for all who wish to live in peace.
This i swear as Iomedae's servant.
Rupert bows to Ignatius.
"You honor me with your trust, and I thank you for it. I swear I will make myself worthy of your trust, and strive to be worth of that trust and support every day, as King."He extends a hand to the Half Orc Paladin.
"I am sure, with your help, we will prevail!"
|
|
Titian thinks for a very long time before answering.
"I am not sure if this is wise. The farmer wants peace and a chance to grow his corn. He does not care who sits on the throne. The commoner in the city wants peace and a chance to live his live, finding solace in a modest job and fortune. But the nobility, already they scheme and bicker. You weaken your position considerably. And it is a sign of weakness for some. But I think it is a sign of strength. I will support you."
He smiles at Titan.
"You are wise, Lord Stagson. That is why we do this apart, and in secret. To our enemies I am a strong and autocratic king. But we know the truth, that I am but one of many. They won't know our weakness, not they will know our real strength. But when the time is right, and we have settled our lands, and defeated our enemies, we will meet again, and I'll step down, and let you elect a worthy king."He laughs again.
"But don't be mistaken. I hope, on that glorious day, that you will elect me, not in hurry and blind trust, but in knowledge and friendship."
Coalhouse sits forward and is about to open his mouth and lash the incredibly intelligent but also clearly human-ignorant Aolis when the king walks into the breech (figurative and literal) and, in his way, closes it. The half-orc settles back again, contemplatively smoking the thin cigar as he watches the goings-on. Six down, nine to go, he thinks, not including himself in the numbers.
Aramil listens as the King explains his plan, his vision, and the situation. He was amazed at how he was both shrewd enough to have realized that Noleski intended for all of them to die in the Stolen Lands, yet inexperienced enough to have forced public oath swearing in the way he did.
"You asked a great deal of trust from us earlier. Now you place a great deal of trust in us. Though I am an Elf, I was not born in Kyonin, nor have I ever lived there. I have grown up here in Restov, and upon hearing of your appointment by the Dragonscale Throne to this expedition, viewed it as Surtova interference. I know I harbor many of the sentiments that the rest of the citizenry of Restov holds.
I am not a nobleman by birth, nor am I experienced in the ways of politics. However, I believe you have good intentions for this land, and your actions tonight have further convinced me of it. You intend to be your own King, not a puppet of your cousin. I will sign, and together perhaps we can make the Kingdom of Sloboda a reality."
Aramil signs the document, offering a bow.
Amavin heads over in direction of the note, bends over and signs carefully, before addressing the king. "I said I had no issues with the document and I don't, so I have signed it. As for your proposal...I have no wish to be a bad Queen. Such a thing reflects poorly on you, your decision making, as well as the kingdom and everything else you try to build. So, while I feel honored that you have such faith in my, I cannot fully commit to the proposal until I feel that I can master the challenges that being Queen would bring me. To be clear, I understand your reasons, and they have some strength behind them, and I will always do what's best for the kingdom, but I do not feel comfortable rushing into a marriage right at this moment without first learning the skills that I would need if I took on this responsibility. Please don't consider this a firm "no", but rather, something I will only commit to when I feel I can do right by your confidence in me. Is this acceptable?"
Trawets signs the document when presented to him and says "It is my honor to help build a new nation in all senses of the word. May it rulers be wise, it buildings be grand, and it's people prosperous and free. Long live Sloboda!"
|
|
I am not a nobleman by birth, nor am I experienced in the ways of politics. However, I believe you have good intentions for this land, and your actions tonight have further convinced me of it. You intend to be your own King, not a puppet of your cousin. I will sign, and together perhaps we can make the Kingdom of Sloboda a reality."[/b]
Aramil signs the document, offering a bow.
Rupert extends his hand to Aramil.
"I thank you for your help, and I am sure together we will make a home for us all, human and elves."|
|
Amavin heads over in direction of the note, bends over and signs carefully, before addressing the king. "I said I had no issues with the document and I don't, so I have signed it. As for your proposal...I have no wish to be a bad Queen. Such a thing reflects poorly on you, your decision making, as well as the kingdom and everything else you try to build. So, while I feel honored that you have such faith in my, I cannot fully commit to the proposal until I feel that I can master the challenges that being Queen would bring me. To be clear, I understand your reasons, and they have some strength behind them, and I will always do what's best for the kingdom, but I do not feel comfortable rushing into a marriage right at this moment without first learning the skills that I would need if I took on this responsibility. Please don't consider this a firm "no", but rather, something I will only commit to when I feel I can do right by your confidence in me. Is this acceptable?"
Rupert smiles at Amavin, and bows to her.
"I wouldn't like it any other way."|
|
Trawets signs the document when presented to him and says "It is my honor to help build a new nation in all senses of the word. May it rulers be wise, it buildings be grand, and it's people prosperous and free. Long live Sloboda!"
Rupert smiles at Trawets, while extending his hand.
"Long live Sloboda! I appreciate to have your arcane might on our side, we will need it."
Christian arrives with the rest of the Coursers.
Seeing Coalhouse poking the all ready agitated bear...
ah yes there he is in all his orcish glory, the master of thuganomics...
he just shakes his head and walks into the pavilion. He does not even bother wondering what was going on that got the baggage master's braies in a bind.
Christian sees the would be king and gives him a nod and a slight bow. Being respectful of this man but not over doing it.
Majesty..
Sitting and listening to all that comes and goes, Christian waits.
He watches as those before him make their speeches and listening to the answers given.
When finally the document comes to christian, he places a pair of red glasses across his eyes. He reads the document, his words barely a whisper. He looks around the room at each individual.
We are all in an agreement with this document it seems. That in of itself will not be enough to make this audacious plan a reality. We, and I do mean all of us, need to work together. The manipulating of local nobles for ones own benefit, or the diplomatic assaults, the badly hidden threats need to end. I am no better than anyone in this room, I only want to protect those under my charge and the people of this land.
Christian signs the document, stands and walks around the table towards the king, fully armored and armed.
What we do this night will ripple throughout eternity. It does not matter if we are successful or not, the energy of these events will carry on.
He comes forward and stands before the king
Your majesty, I think we have an accord.
Christian extends his empty right hand towards the king and the left hand he hands over the document.
When it becomes apparent that Christian wants to be the last one to sign, Coalhouse shrugs, rises, and with his cigarillo in his mouth walks around the table to where the king is standing with the document. "Sire?" he asks politely, then slides the proclamation sideways so that he can read the actual written text for himself. Taking the rolled and smouldering tobacco out of his mouth, he holds it away from the document as he reads it - and he takes some time - maybe longer than he probably should, given his supposed intelligence - to do so.
After a good couple of minutes, Porter straightens up without signing the document and takes a step back so that he can draw on the cigarillo again. "Sire," he says while still looking down at the thing, "here's my problem. I know from running a business, and sometimes doing ... well, you know what the life of an adventurer is like. Sometimes you have to make the hard decisions that just aren't going to be popular at all. Not with the people, maybe - even probably - not with a majority of us here. Basic disagreements about how to proceed, misunderstandings of one's intentions by people who should know better, lack of practical knowledge -"
Coalhouse stops, looking up and around, then takes a puff on the cigarillo. "I wasn't there when your cousin took the throne, but I was there when he made my father a baron. Everyone within three days' ride who was going to be my father's peer was required to attend, to witness his oathtaking. Oaths like ours aren't for private; they're made in public just like you required of us, and they're done that way for a whole bunch of reasons - so that the other nobles know for certain it happened, so that if one of them screws around the other guys can pound him, all sorts of things." He waves the cigarillo back towards town, indicating the dinner and by implication all the hullaballoo that's been raised. "So even though some people here think you should have done it in private, that would have undercut both what you're trying to do with Sloboda and your basic political strength here in Rostov. The nobles back in town might not have liked you, and they still might not like you, but now they know you as a king and not a shady back-room dealer like my dad. But this sort of basic misunderstanding among half your Electors," and he flicks the fingers of his other hand outwards in a throwaway gesture, "whatever it's specifically about, should not be enough to remove you or those that follow you from the throne."
He stops, once again holding the little burning cigar away from the document as he steps up and looks down at it. A lean finger makes three taps on the parchment as he says, "Items four, six, and seven need to be changed from a simple majority to a two-thirds majority. Maybe in the lower courts a simple majority, half-plus-one, will work, but at this level ... these sorts of major change should be a two-thirds decision, 'cause a simple majority vote might become just a popularity-of-the-moment contest. A two-thirds majority means that there's real reasoning behind the decision, real discontent, real disagreement with the way a law is set up, or agreement that the action that violated a law was justified."
He looks up and into Rupert's eyes. "A simple majority can be swayed. Two out of three is a far harder task. And I think you - anyone accused - should have the benefit of the doubt when you have to make the tough calls."
Coalhouse then admits, "I'll sign right now if it's understood that this is ... a letter of intent, I think Alysandra calls it, with the fine details to be hammered out later; she's the one you want pounding at this thing. But ... that's one of the things that I think needs, really needs, to be changed." He shrugs and adds with a crooked grin, "We could always just do a voice-vote on it. Then Master Verisisi can whip up a clean revised copy while we're talking, and we can all sign the new one for him."
He will, as he said, sign now if that's the understanding. And then Christian can have his say.
|
|
Rupert seems to think about Coalhouse words.
"This is no letter of intent. It is the oath I am submitting to, and which I pretend to follow. Yes, it can be improved, but I don't plan to spend all night discussing percentages and details. We have much more pressing matters to discuss right now. I count with your wisdom, and your survival instincts, so you don't try to take the throne from me before we have a Kingdom mature and strong enough to survive such a transition, Both my cousin and Restov would love a situation like that to take our colonizing resources out of us in such a circumstance. And as for such resources, we should discuss about them as soon as those who will sign do so."
Coalhouse gives that crooked grin again and signs, then lets Christian come up to finish the job.
|
|
The Cenobitic monk also signs.
"But we won't have a Prince-Elector, and will abstain to any election or vote. We only want a place to live in peace."
Rupert Surtova bows in front of him.
"We thank you for your support, and see this as a way to guarantee the place of your people, and your customs, within our new kingdom."
The other characters also sign, promising their support and allegiance to Rupert and the new kingdom.
Rudolf Ferdinand Aldori III is the one that waits to sign at the end, with a big and elaborate signature.
"I might say this ideals are very idealistic, and as soon as possible, as the good master Porter said, need to be reformed. Adapted to our reality. But that can be left out for a more adequate time and place. I am glad we all together in this, and I can wait for the time for us to elect the first king from within our number."
He smiles in a very crooked and unsettling way.
Rupert Surtova smiles too.
"I can't wait for that time to arrive either. It will be a glorious day indeed. But remember, you will also be able to elect me, if you think I do a good job."
Rudolf Ferdinand Aldori III looks at him, his smile widening even more.
======================
======================
Rupert asks Anando Veresisi to take the parchment with all of your signatures back to camp, for copying ("Everyone should have a copy") and safekeeping, while you remain in the pavilion discussing your next move, into the Stolen Lands. Some hours pass, and a little light starts to show in the east.
Aolis notices the eyes almost immediately.
"It seems we have company."
He backs away as he speaks the words. He didn't need anything close to him if it was unfriendly. Which in all likelihood it was. He cast a simple spell to expose it.
Sacha kept waiting outside as the "king" did his thing with Aolis and the others. She mostly minded the mounts and kept alert. Maybe some stray beast would come by more curious then hungry.
Trawets doesn't notice anything until Aolis says something.
At Aolis's words, Aramil turns to where the other Elf is looking, and his eyes widen at the sight of the massive, statue-like Raven.
|
Dagit, who is standing near Alois, looks around but can't seem to notice what he sees, then someone speaks up and he sees the Raven statue... is it a statue? no... no statue is made from feathers that so finely... Dagit draws his mace and lets his holy symbol drop into his left hand. By the Thundering halls of My ancestors, Name yourself or be Judged here and now by all before you! He holds up his holy symbol, a mixture of several Dwarven gods lain Upon each other.