The wind was blowing out of the north, wet and cold. A storm threatened, black clouds rolling in heavy with rain
Maya has no time for that though, she, like the crowd around her, was fixated on the city square of Isarn. The square, the sight of so many mobs, riots, and proclamations was today the home of several Final Blades. The spindly silhouettes of the guillotines were familiar to the people, who viewed them with a mix of respect, fear and awe. Even the most bloodthristy spectator gave the machines a wide berth, instead pressing close tot he parade of wagons rumbling onto the cobblestones. The men driving the wagons cursed and whipped by horses and crowd, trying to get their cargo to the imposing blades. Due to the pressing and active hordes of people, this was no easy task.
Maya, of course, didn't have to worry about such trivial things. Her and the rest of the newly minted Radical Bench formed the new government of Galt and so rated seats on the scaffolding itself, both to impress on them their new authority as well as remind them of the fate of so many Galtian governments before them.
Next to her were the leading lights of the new governing body. At her right was Jisnart Remer, the Provost General, the leader of the group. A strong, forceful man, he had made a name for himself by breaking the power of the druids in the Boarwood. A middle-aged man used to action and violence, he had also showed a deft use of the crowds in his rise to power.
Right of him was Brecca Kolnen, a young financial wizard and mastermind. He had gained an education in Absalom but had been bribed back to Galt with promises of power and riches. Kolen was a quiet, retiring type with twitchy jerks of the head. He turned a pimply face towards Maya and smiled. She guessed he was attracted, and though his new position deserved the same in return.
Past the smiling Brecca is Angele Retes, a woman older then Maya and looks it. Long blonde hair, obviously a wig, wreathes her thin shoulders. She wears an out of date dress, overly decorated with finery and pearls. She is a former Senator, raised up as patronage for her help to Remer and helping his rise to power. It was her that had quieted the Senate during the coup and had personally voted for the Provost General's title and rank. A veteran of Galtian's politics, she was smarter then she appeared and had deep roots.
To Maya's left, she could hear the wheezy breathing Rulner Demix. The once famed artist and architect had been retired for Maya's entire life. Someone Remer had brought the aged lion out of retirement to add a hint of the old glories of Galt to the new regime. While some labeled this reactionary backsliding, most thought it was a good sign. Still, with his age, Maya wondered if the coughing old man would die right here, even before the executed.
As if in direct contrast, the man next to Demix was young, standing ramrod straight. Fully armed and armored Zegrun Cinli was the new Master of Guard and Armies. A foreign adventurer, he had met Remer during his fights with the druids. A master tactician and leader of men, his firm hand had helped turn the rabble following the Bench into a fighting force. While not nearly as harsh or brutal as Remer could be (Maya shivered at the memories of burned keeps during the coup), Cinli had a pointed view of life that usually revolved around stabbing something until it was dead. Maya did note the fine purple cloth of his uniform and emeralds on his swordhilt however. Not just a man of war....
Last, near the edge of the platform was Amar Moreue. Painfully thin, he looked very cold on the rough wooden platform, wind whipping his cloak dramatically. Maya felt he planned it that way. He was the Radical Bench's public face and ideologue in chief. A former lawyer turned rabble-rouser, Moreue had the gift of oratory that could turn a crowd into his plaything, to be turned to violence or good. No mere speaker though, he had a first-rate mind, capable of turning the high flown governmental concepts into simple ideas for the common folk. It was also rumored he had a spy network of bards and prostitutes in every tavern and brothel in Galt, carefully measuring thoughts and feelings. He had served several governments before , although this was his first time at the highest levels.
Maya's reverie is broken as the sealed wagons creak to a halt. At a nod from Cinli, guards step forward and open the wagon. As the figures are pushed roughly out the crowd erupts into jeers and boos. Only a few weeks ago they were the masters of the land, rulers of Galt. Now they were just more cattle for the slaughter. They were the old Revolutionary Council, as well as some of their strongest supporters. Maya didn't recognize many of them, but she did spot Korran Goss, the big shouldered man who had once presided over this very same scene. For a moment he stares directly at Maya, and she is struck by how...broken the once gifted demagogue looks. Then he is pushed along and the moment passes. As the former rules are lead up the rough wooden steps, Maya hears a voice.
Besides her, Demix says, his voice a chattering stutter. ”Quite a spectacle, eh? Would make a good painting or tapestry.” He says it as if he can see the interplay of colors on paper or cloth in his mind. ”Although it has not been an uncommon sight. Who wants art of such a commonplace thing as the fall of a government?” Maya notes he keeps his voice low enough that only she can hear.
It was certainly a grim morning, and Maya privately hated the public spectacle that was about to occur. While waiting for the carriage to arrive, Maya observed each of her fellow governors for a moment.
First among them was Jisnart Remer, which Maya currently rated very highly. Clearly he was a military man, which meant a good tactical mind, but the man also had a skill for handling the crowds, another option Maya considered very dangerous. All in all, Maya knew that she had to tread carefully around Jisnart - out of anyone on the council she considered him one of the more dangerous enemies she could make.
Turning her head sideways she spotted Brecca Kolnen making eyes at her. Truthfully, she cared little for his attraction, but gave him a flirty smile back. Maya hated finances, and so considered Brecca no real threat to her. That said, she preferred to string him along as if she was interested more out of preference to avoid making enemies being a practical sort of girl she wanted to avoid keeping as many favourable voices as she could.
Her gaze drifted to Angele Retes and Maya frowned a little. The women was old, and alive, and had vast political experience which meant that next to Jisnart Remer - Maya considered her a possible problem. Maya inwardly vowed to never get on the old ladies bad side, and always to consider her as a valuable ally - that level of experience she had simply couldn't be bought.
Next up was Zegrun Cinli, who Maya considered more of a blunt instrument than anything serious. It was clear he was a military man, skilled in to bring things into order, but he had little experience of politics. Maya would never have objected to his presence however - as a tool he was simply too valuable - that said, next to a coup from the people, the last thing she wanted was a military coup, and Maya was concerned that his links with Jisnart Remer could easily tip things should one of them fall out of favour.
Towards the end was Amar Moreue, and something Maya considered a possible problem. maya knew the value of a good information network, and wanted to set one up herself - Amar was a key threat to that goal. Knowing how valuable and deadly information could be, and in the hands of a talented demagogue, Maya considered him above all others someone that would possibly need to be removed - the potential for him holding too much power over someone else was too dangerous. Maya didn't want to really resort to drastic measures though - the mans network was useful - she just ideally wanted control over it.
Her musings broken by Rulner Demix, Maya considers the old man again, before answering his remark. The man shared some interests with her, such as a desire to bring back the old glories of Galt, art, being his primary way of this. Privately, Maya considered this line or style of thinking to be one of the ways to bring Galt back from its current way of addressing problems and therefore was prepared to support the old man if she situation demanded it.
"Might be easier just to do a self portrait if history is anything to go by", Maya whispers back in a dry tone, referencing the depressing regular regime shifts of the city. "Far better, I think, to paint the Final Blades themselves - no matter the period, if anything should be immortalised throughout history it should be them."
Description for Execution + Getting Ready:
Maya knew that she would most likely be attending the execution, and was determined to make a good impression. As her first public apperance as a member of the ruling council, it was important to make first impressions count - Maya knew that there was no such thing as a second impression.
With this in mind, she spent as long as she could getting ready. Firstly, Maya decided that looking drop dead gorgeous was probably an excellent way to make a favourable impression. She could look like a nobody if she wanted, and indeed, Maya considered it the best way to be unnoticed, but for making an excellent impression, she wanted to look beautiful. If someone was thinking more about her plunging neckline, then it's one less person thinking about cutting her throat. That said, Maya had utterly no desire to look like a common prostitute either - she was a public face, a representative, she had to treat it seriously - looking like a whore might help in the short term, but no-one would take her seriously, her policies would lack support, and she could easily suffer consequences a fall from favour would bring. While looking like an escort might have some advantages, such as people underestimating her, but it was far, far too early to pull out a trick like that - so she considered it off the table.
All of this meant something that could pass for formal wear, so Maya decided on a dress to wear, ideally one that reflected her bust without looking like a tramp. The dress would be red (of course), to show respect and support for the rebellion that landed her in power. Any adornments such as jewelry were discarded unless they were required as proof of station - Maya had a desire to look attractive, sure, but wanted to differentiate herself from anyone wearing so many emeralds and rubies that they looked like a walking dragon horde. It marked her out as someone slightly different, and hopefully someone the poorer people could identify more with than some of the others.
Maya toyed with the idea of changing her hair color from its natural brown to red. A relatively simple thing, but in the end she decided it as being too showy. She left her fair skin as it was, and only slightly adjusted her slim build to perfectly fit her dress - the advantages of illusionary magic. Some people might have considered it a slight to not walk around exactly as you are, but Maya had always brushed off such thoughts, why not use all advantages you had available - just like everyone else?
The old man nods and opens his mouth, but before he can say anything more wagons rattle onto the cobblestone square. Unlike the previous ones, these are open to the air. The crowd does not press close this time, and they give these new wagons a wide berth. No catcalls or jeers surround it, and the iron wheels clatter loudly. It pulls up to the scaffolding and a number of the Gray Gardeners come out.
Originally just keepers of the Final Blades, the Gray Gardeners had turned into powers of their own. Respected, feared and admired by the mobs, it was they who were the most constant force in Galt, watching governments come and go. They pause, bow respectfully to the new Provost General and them climb the stairs, setting up the dreadful machines. One, shorter and squatter heads toward their platform instead of helping.
He walks directly to Jisnart Remer, face covered by a thin gray veil. The skins he can see is pale and gray itself, untouched by sun or honest toil. The Gardener whispers a few words to the new leader and nods in response. Carefully he works his way down the line, sometimes stopping, sometimes merely nodding.
When he gets to Maya, he stands slightly behind her and whispers, "The Gray Gardeners are at your service, mistress. We will serve in any way you, and the people, see fit." Without saying so, somehow Maya feels her eyes drawn to her predecessors, even now being forced to kneel in the grip of the Final Blades. The short man pauses as if expecting an answer from the female wizard.
Maya watches the Grey Gardeners set up the Final Blade, idly reflecting that if she had more martial ability, she could easily have been a Grey Gardener herself. They both had the love for disguises and general anonymity, both of them even favoured veils. Maya pushed this to one side however, knowing that the man demanded a response.
"Fine words Gardener, and I too, will serve the Gray Gardeners, Galt, and its people, as they would see fit." She responds casually hoping that it was the sort of answer he was seeking.
"Well said, Madam Ali. I look forward to working with you. When your time permits you must visit us in Litran. I think you would find it diverting." He moves on, skipping Demix and entering a long conversation with Amar Moreue. Maya tries to overhear but only catches "Your contact-" from the Gray Gardeners before noise from the crowd increases.
The slaughter has begun. Men and women are brought forward, knelt in front of the Final Blades and then killed. Some cry, some try desperate escapes and a few attempt brave speeches. All is drowned out by the roars and cheers from the crowd as each Blade falls with a sliding slice that seems to cut the air itself.
It does not take long.
After it is finished the crowd starts to break up and the Gray Gardeners begin dissembling their execution machines. They exhibit great skill and experience in the practice. Remer comes behind Maya and says, "The way is now clear for us." He says it loud enough for all to hear, but it is directed at the wizard. "The lies and corruption of yesterday gone, and their blood shall water our future and the future of Galt."
Maya wonders what the man meant by diverting as she gives a simple "Of course" by way of an answer. As the executions finish she briefly wonders where to go, while also being slightly irritated that she couldn't pick up anything from his discussions from anyone else- besides the spymaster meeting a contact.
Her thoughts though, cone to an abrupt halt as Remer loudly proclaims a new beginning. Privately again, she considers it needless glorification but nevertheless gives a short non verbal nod of agreement - let the public view her as an agreeable flower rather than bloodthirsty hound.
The Provost General nodded, saying you agreed with him rarely went wrong. Then he did something Maya did not expect. He stepped to the edge of the scaffold and addressed the crowd. It had been breaking up and leaving. At his raised voice it turned, and crowded back. Remer smiled, confident in his ability to handle a crowd.
"Indeed, now we press onward to the future! You have heard these words before, out of the mouths of liars and deceivers. Not so now! I will back up my claims with actions, bold actions!"
He waves a hand to Rulner Demix, who obviously expected it. Standing straight despite the cold he walked over to stand by the much taller and stronger looking Provost General. "I declare Rulner Demix to be Designer and Builder in Chief, tasked with making Galt a center of art and culture again, as it should be!" A roar of applause and cheers, but Remer goes on, "Your first act will be to rebuild the White Theather, grander and better then even legend!"
The White Theater had once been the envy of Avistan, a elegant and graceful stone theater here is Isarn. Home to hundreds of singers, musicians and artists, it had burned when Galt had revolted. Even the stones were long gone, pillaged by builders and scavengers.
Demix looks radiant as he applauds along, aware this would be a legacy beyond all others.
"We desire not just respect and grace, but peace as well!" Remer shouts through the din and waves to Maya."Too long have we ignored our neighbors, and it has cost us dearly. The time has come to make a fair and honorable peace with the Taldan Empire, to stop the raiding and pillaging at the border. To this end the Taldan ambassdor is coming to our city to meet with out new Master of Relations, Maya Ali." Her applause is muted, but still good. She is not nearly as well known as Demix but peace sounds good.
Maya is confused though, as she knows the border with Taldor is quiet. Sure there are raids and bandits but every border anywhere had those problems. What was Remer up to? Still, everyone turned to her, expecting...something.
Maya smoothly steps foward, on the back foot but determined not to show it. "The council has remarkable faith in me, although your personal faith in me will always mean so much more. Rest assured that I will do everything in my power to do what's best for you and Galt as a whole in regards to foreign relations. With access to up to date information, peace will always be the eventual goal, - and that goes for all nations- no matter how long it takes to get there."
Maya pauses for a moment, reflecting before realising she probably spin it as best as she could. No timeframe given, no firm promises made, the the 'up to date information' part was a subtle dig at Remer indicating that anything he said might not be fully correct. Maya really wanted to effectively shake any limelight that Remer built up however, and cleared her throat to speak.
"It should go without saying however, that problems of foreign relations can mirror domestic ones. I'm personally aware that it's not my immediate area, but people have been struggling in recent times - you can be assured the council is not blind to this. I have absolute faith that Remer, someone we know as an excellent voice for both the people and the council - and someone that likes a personal challenge - will attemp to make this a priority. In the meantime, in the absence of anything currently, and to celebrate this new dawn, I'll make a donation out of my own funds to assist the struggling. It won't cover everyone,, and I don't have the income to sustain it myself for more often, but hopefully this gesture helps as many as it can while Councillor Remer finds a solution. In the meantime if you see me around, feel free to say hello as I go about restoring Galt to glory in my own small ways"
Maya's voice rings out in proud tones. Although she speaks at a higher level then Remer, most of her words get through. She gets round of applause at her mention of giving money away. Food is expensive right now, and a pressing issue Remer has to deal with. It is a good speech, if a bit long and verbose.
The Provost General hears every word, nodding at the right times and even clapping at the end. If it upsets him, he hides it well. Still, barely an hour into the new regime Maya had already sent a message that she was not to be trifled with. She notes that Angele Retes is watching her, as if weighing her.
Remer, adds, "Tomorrow, the Radical Bench holds its first session, to steer Galt and its people into peace, prosperity and the future!" A final round of clapping and cheers as the crowd finally breaks up. Maya notes that Zegrun Cinli has posted a ring of fighters around the square. Already, Remer fears violence.
Remer and Brecca Kolnen fall into a busy conversation, as if planning something. The young man looks upset and is shaking his head, but speaking too quietly for Maya to hear. Moreue joins them, but is silent.
Maya smiles swiftly leaves the stage, spotting Brecca and Remer deep in thought. Fully aware that Brecca considered her easy on the eye, Maya decided to exploit this by elegantly imposing herself on the conversation, reasoning that the man would unlikely be rude enough to send her away if he found her attractive.
"Oh Brecca, is everything alright?", she remarks swiftly by way of her interruption, projecting a little concern into her voice and taking advantage of the man looking rather upset, before frowning at Remer and giving him a questioning look. "Firstly you spring a nasty surprise on a fellow colleague in public and how it looks like you are upsetting Brecca here? This certainly seems like a radical new way to promote unity within this council I would think."
Brecca shakes his head, but before he can speak Remer smoothly interjects, "Just discussing some costs for the new theater. Nothing that concerns you, Maya." The younger man smiles weakly, letting the Provost General dictate terms.
He looks hurt then, "Nasty surprise? I assumed you'd wish to be front and center of the new peace? Brokering a good peace with Taldor will give us freedom against our true foes, Andoran and the diaspora in the River Kingdoms."
'Their ambassador will be here soon, I trust you can represent us at the table?"
Maya makes a mental note that Brecca probably lacks much of a spine or at the least wouldn't go against Remer anytime soon before smiling pleasantly at Remer. Its more of a dangerous smile though, the kind of one a predator might give prey.
"Oh, how ungrateful of me - if your intention was to give me publicity, then thank you Provost General, for the opportunity, it means a great deal that you think so highly of my position - I apologise for calling it a nasty surprise, your motivations were utterly pure."
Maya continues to smile, taking care that the tone above was earnest rather than sarcastic, letting Remer's guard relax under the compliments and the apparent back down, before she (figuratively) goes in for the kill.
"Perhaps though, you can show me the documentation that indicates that the border with Taldor is not as quiet as it appears. I'm only inquiring, because my department, with access to up to date information, hasn't got such documentation itself, and naturally I'm sure the people would be concerned if someone else had more current information and held onto it - rather than allowing such information to go through the proper channels and arrive on my desk. So, if you could have your documents on the topic dropped off at my office(or location) tonight, that would be appreciated - I would just need to be prepared for the meeting with the ambassador."
Maya smiled inwardly, rather happy at how she had pulled it off. She hadn't outright disagreed with or accused the General, merely asked him to back up his sweeping statement with evidence. Remer couldn't back down - if he admitted he had no documentation then Maya could publically call him out - a leader making baseless accusations would hardly make a favourable impression on anyone - and if he did have viable information he looked an idiot for keeping it hidden from Maya in charge of foreign relations.
"Of course I'll be there at the table, representing us with the ambassador sir - you requested it after all."
Remer looks like he bit a bad lemon. Before he can speak though, Angele Retes walks over, breaking in.
'I thought our first meeting was tomorrow, Provost general.' she says, a hint of a playful chide in her voice. 'Business out of session is such a bother, isn't it?" Her smile hides a barb of her own.
Jisnart Remer seizes on the distraction saying, "Of course, of course. This can all wait until tomorrow. Now, if you will excuse me..." he climbs down the scaffolding to a waiting carriage, Moreue one step behind.
The other break up but Angele holds Maya back, "So nice to have another woman to speak with. I simply love your dress, where did you get it?" Her tone is light, idle. "We must go shopping together sometime."
Maya smiles politely to Retes. " I'd quite like to have an opportunity to socialise with some of my fellow council members informally. That said, i probably wouldn't be doing much immediate buying - it looks terrible from an optical point of view if I remark about the cost of food and then make several non essential purchases of my own...but then again, with your background I'm sure you are well versed to bring in the public eye.
Retes smiles then, flipping a hand dismissively. 'Oh, all that talk is well and good, but life is for living. Why gather all this power, if not to enjoy it? Don't tell me you believe all that 'betterment for the common good' claptrap they spout? They say it in the Senate too, and I clap and nod. But really?"
The older woman looks curious to how Maya will respond.
Maya has to admire the women (intentionally or not) attempting to pin her down on a particular viewpoint. "I think it would be a mistake to ignore the plight of the people - with today serving as an excellent reminder as to why. Whether I believe betterment for the common good is irrelevant- I believe that we could do more. Remember I'm not asking anyone to go around living in a sack, but having something created from a form of government for the less fortunate is better than nothing at all."
The former Senator nods, "You will be interesting to talk with, I can see that already." She waves a hand, "I will see you tomarrow then, at the meeting."
With grace she descends the step to her own carriage. Maya notes, that despite her words, her carriage is a simple, plain affair more modest them Remer's.
Maya is left alone in the rapidly deserted square, with the rest of the day her own.
Maya Ali moves into the city, which is quiet today. While not a holiday, there is an atmosphere of quiet reflection on most of the streets. The boulevards, the richer ones wider and lined with trees and the poorer ones simple cobblestone roads, seem emptier then usual. The markets have less shouting merchants and even the temples and churches seem reserved. Even in Galt, a change of government is not an everyday occurrence. It is a time of watchful fear and careful judgement.
How would the new government change their lives? Would it draft them for new wars? Would it seek out old collaborators? Would taxes be increased?
Still, some areas are lively. Maya walks through the 'Drunk District', a series of taverns, inns and gin shops near the river. It is a center of political activity in Isarn, taverns serving as local power centers.Here, there is some cheering among those who 'won' in revolution, and hope for spoils. Other are quiet, as the 'losers' hide or flee.
At one such tavern, Maya spots a group of drunk young men trying to burn down a 'rival' gin shop. They don't seem overly concerned about collateral damage.
Maya picked up Ikkus from her house before her travels - the imp was hugely grumpy had being left behind, and didn't hesitate to let her know. After a quiet negotiation, Ikkus followed Maya out the door, invisible and in a non obtrusive form, while Maya worked her illusion spell.
Maya enjoyed her walk through the districts, privately happy that it was rather quiet - it gave her and her councilors time to provide a shaky sort of order.
Unfortunately, as Maya reflected, it wasn't a widespread sort of order, as she spotted a group of drunks burning down a shop. Not only did the act itself frustrate her, but the disregard for collateral damage was far more worrying. Maya knew that the situation required delicate handling - it was hardly the time to dropping into lethal force and casting and immediate fireball - but she couldn't just ignore it.
Maya had precast Mage Armor and Overland Flight before she left - in case she ever ran into trouble, so she felt relatively safe addressing the men, as she took a careful step forward.
"Guy's, please. I know that its been an exciting day, but lets keep the burning to a minimum. There are plenty of good tavern's to drink at, why don't you have a few more and continue celebrating. If you start lighting fires, they tend to go out of control, and we don't want friends of the rebellion losing property or loved ones do we? What type of message would that send?"
They do pause, which is a good sign. one of them, who has the look of a starving student or artist type speaks up though, 'What was the point then? Isn't that what it was about, punishing the corrupt and wicked?"
He waves a torch around frantically, "What kind of message does that send, to take no vengeance, to let old crimes stand unchallenged?"
Maya observes the man for a moment. "Put the torch down. The point of revolution is change, change for the better, for improvements, Completing endless cycles of violence is exactly what you had before, and how much better off for it are you? Today, a new government is in power, which means there is now an opportunity for change - if you destabilize it by burning buildings, it distracts us, the council from moving ahead with policies to help or improve peoples lot in life So put the torch down and go celebrate."
The man actually laughs, "You think the other side will be so tolerant when they have the whip? The high road is well and good, but do you think Galt is the place to be kind to our foes? foes that will slice our throats in our sleep?"
Most of the others do seem to agree with Maya however.
Maya struggles to keep her cool, trying to make sure her tone is even. "This means that the violence never - ever stops, for people are too focused on perceived slights. People here in Galt lack the basic essentials - even things such as food because people like you force resources into Law and Order instead of helping those that need helping. Then a second revolution happens because nothing changed because people like you don't allow change and so the cycle turns. I look for what is best for Galt and its people which means that I look at the big picture. If you want an endless cycle of violence you were part of the wrong revolution!"
Reluctantly the man puts down the torch. Without a word he throws it into the street and stalks off, with a few of his comrades. The crowd breaks up silently, but she notices a few approving looks from the citizens.
Maya walks on, heading down the quarter. At a corner she is stopped by an old, bent man. She doesn't recognize him but he bows for her, stopping as low as his worn frame permits.
'Mi'Lady." He says, voice of pure, if slightly educated Galt, 'Come to look at your city?" His emphasis on 'your' is strong, as if implying something.
Maya speaks quietly to one of the mans friends or companions that were nearby - ideally one of the few that believed she had a point.
"Just keep an eye on him for me, would you? He's clearly angry, and rash people make poor decisions. Just make sure he stays out of trouble and ends up doing something he latter regrets."
Maya is slightly flattered by the bow, but isn't entirely sure what to make of it, outside of it being a clear gesture of respect. She smiles politely and does a small curtsy of her own towards the man. "Its very kind of you sir, but you flatter me overmuch. Its not my city - it belongs to everyone. I might be on the council, but I'm merely a servant of Galt and its people".
Maya thinks for a moment, before increasing her tone slightly louder. Not so loud as to be grandstanding, but loud enough for people in the general area to here her point. "Its important we understand this - how we conduct ourselves is how we are seen in the eyes of outsiders. For me, I'd like outsiders to see a free and independent nation full of brand new ideas and innovations, safe and pleasant to be around in. Maybe its a lofty goal, but its something to strive for." she finishes, with a wry smile.
Wise words, wise words." The old man says, nodding genially. Hard to live by such high concepts when people can barely eat. bread prices have tripled over the last few months..." He shakes his head.
'What can we do about that? What will you do about that?" he says, edging close to accusation.
Maya meets his pointed questioning rather easily.
"The symptom is the bread prices - the cause is the constant revolutions. Yes, on a political level, revolution is good - but on an economic level, its bad for the country. So, broadly speaking, the first thing is probably to stop pushing for so many quick revolutions - its not going to solve the problem as quickly as you would like."
Maya thinks for a moment before smiling at the man. "As for treating the issue, theres a variety of solutions that could be looked at - getting more people into work could result in more bread being made - therefore more for everyone - it also gives people an income - but there are several alternative options. Unfortunately, its largely the area of Jisnart Remer - its made it clear to me my portfolio is Foreign Affairs which means its difficult for me to push for solutions as much as I would like. I'm not blind to the issue - its why im making a small donation of my own later today to do my bit - and I'll push for solutions as hard as I can - but I suspect Remer will have the final say."
Someone else, a woman wearing dirty clothes. Maya guesses she is a simple washerwoman or perhaps a domestic servant. 'M'lady..." She says respectfully, 'What about food from other places? It is hard to keep soul and body together these days...Maybe if we brought bread in...."
A chorus of agreement fills the small alley. The older man nods, in his approval.
Maya didn't lose her kind smile. "The idea of imports is a good one, but I don't wish to put us in a weaker position. If we become reliant on their aid it allows them to dictate to some degree - how we run Galt. I'm happy looking at the solution but be aware - any assistance we get is unlikely yo be free - and could end up costing us more in the long run."
The crowd slowly breaks up, muttering varied degrees of agreement. The old man bows again and saunters off, among the quiet streets. Maya moves on, covering some more ground. She notes the streets are dirty, the sewers backed up and more then usual number of beggars are out.
Down on alley, suddenly a half-elf appears out of the shadows. 'Greetings." he bows formally, "My name is Daneros. I hear you are the Council member concerned with external affairs?"
Maya follows suit and bows slightly."Greetings Dameros, you would be correct in that I would be in charge of international affairs. What can I help you with?"
The man drops his voice, 'So you would control the borders and such/" he says, with a slight grin, "I shall come right down to it. I represent a...sizable concern in the pleasure industry of the River Kingdoms. we have been looking to expand into Galt for some time. We hoped the current change of government may be favorable to such a policy?"
The half-elf's accent is foreign, now that he has spoken more. Hidden in the shadows behind him is a bulky shape that must be a bodyguard of some type.
Maya switches to a wry smile. "All industries are welcome in Galt - well, most of them - prob idea that there is a shortage. Make sure that your paperwork is on my desk and I'll take a look - just be aware I cannot promise anything yet until I can determine the market - understandably it would do to have hostility about a new organisation sweeping in and taking jobs"
The man grins and lifts a small heavy bag. 'Anyway we can get this paperwork expedited? We are quite eager to..expand into new markets." he shakes the bag and it lets out a soft jingle that can only be many gold coins.
A flicker of irritation flashes across her face."Unfortunately, I don't play favourites, provide the paperwork and I'll do it as quick as I can l, but if your money is s burden, the poor in this city would always appreciate a donation."
Maya's face softens a tiny bit. "Look, I'm not saying your expansion request is denied, but you need to understand that Galt isn't really in the most stable of situations. Even if I granted your request - and the people disagreed, not only does your business attempt fail, but it opens you up to harassment from the people themselves. If you made attempts to ensure the majority of people in the city were favorable to your business venture - and had documentation or verification proving this - your expansion might stand a better chance at being approved."
The bag of gold vanishes instantly and Daneros smile slips, 'My, my. Aren't you a virtuous one? Not all of your colleagues were so honorable. In any case, I thank you for your time. I wish you good luck, and you'll need it. Rumor is, leading Galt is a good way to lose your head." Bowing the half-elf makes his way off, bodyguard falling into step behind him.
Maya doesn't get cross - on the contrary, she feels inwardly satisfied that she made the right decision - if the man didn't care about the community or providing documents of support from the public citizens of Galt - then it would be a bad call to allow his request. Still, she keeps her facade of politeness up while her illusionary handmaiden stands behind her, head bowed.
"Not virtuous no, just determined to do whats best for Galt - and therefore keep my head attached to my shoulders for as long as I can. My thanks for your offered luck, please feel free to enjoy yourself in Galt for as long as you stay."
With that, she continues onwards, up the streets.
Maya goes up the street. She skirts the rough slums and ghettos of the city, on the far side of the river. Even from here she can smell the open sewers, see the tumble-down shacks and hear crying babies.
Instead she angles up this side of the river, leaving the tavern district and entering the commercial area. Things are quiet here and not just because of political unrest. Many of the wharehouses sit empty, and half-sunken barges fill the waterway. It has been many years since the city, or Galt at large, was a hub of commerce. Many of the banks sit empty, half rotten, or barely empty, serving local needs. It is a sad sight.
Maya knows many of the rich (and their economic backers) were killed in various revolts and revolutions. Mistrust of the wealthy runs deep in Galt. While elgalatrian, it does lead to a crippled finance system.
Maya spends some time in the commercial district, inwardly lamenting the lack of economic progress in the area - so much stability had been lost. With the area largely empty however, she decides to push on, deciding that as she gets to more richer area's of the city - the sooner she can make an obvious excuse and find a way to easily dismiss her handmaiden.