Elthana ignores Sam's remark on Hog and softly leans against Muir briefly as he offers himself up as support, but then continues on her own as they head to the chambers.
As they all settle in, she's happy to hear others from her group chime in and get the conversation directly to the point. As the turtle asks for them to be presented, like pieces of meat she glowers. Sam's jab into her ribs brings her back to her friends and she gives him a genuine smile. Something he hasn't seen since she returned from the Treasury.
And then the turtle talks about one of them presenting and her glower pales as she blanches at the thought of pulling herself together enough to speak to anyone beyond her friends, let alone in front of the crowd that is for sure gathering for this supposed celebration.
As Sam prepares to take the role, even half heartedly, she sinks in her chair, the thought of all this draining the little energy she seemed to have left, and the rest of the conversation she struggles to actually hear.
The compliment from Sam brings a smile to Vin. He nods and says "Thanks." The big mans approval seeming to be inportant to the young man.
As Elthana says they can talk of it later Vin let's the matter drop for now and just gives her a warm smile as he directs his attention back to the matter at hand. Neferox however watches Elthana staring at her for a moment as if portraying something then turns to warch Vin.
Vin watches and listens at first, then talk changes to speeches and Vin nods and says "I don't mind. To be honest I thought we were all going to be required to say something. I was working on a bit from me. I can make sure it touches on all that." They already seem deep in thought on the subject.
"well then unless anyone has any more input, we will consider that matter decided.
Onto other matters, once this meeting is over you'll all be met with by your faction leaders before the ceremony, to discuss expected behaviours and such like. All common sense and common courtesy, I'm sure...
During the actual solstice you will be invited and expected to join us in the viewing of several performances, before the ceremony. The ceremony itself is, as many of you will know, welcomes the new year on the longest night of the winter, this is the turning point of our calender and though we obviously won't be having our usual traditional ritual from the clerics, we will celebrate nonetheless.
Are there any questions from any of you?" Judge Tibus finishes and opens up the floor for the group to respond.
Sam refrains from any smartassery or other nonsense. This is all the expected pomp and circumstance so he has no real objection. It’s not like anyone is doing a magical cavity search or stealing their stuff this time…
Muir looks at the others who seemingly don't have any questions because they have maybe been to these before. Muir has 100 questions but refrains from asking any of them hoping Goodall will help him make sense of it.
Elthana doesn't have any questions either, but looks to Muir expectantly and when he doesn't say anything she elbows him gently and whispers, "Since when do you not have questions?"
Gewyn nods approvingly when Vin accepts the responsibility for the speech. Then he speaks up. "With the clerics and their formal rites being absent from this year's festivities. What steps are being taken to ensure that the deviation from tradition doesn't look like a scrambled pivot to distract the populace and save face? You want the people to see hope and heroes, not politics and pawns. So I just want to make sure thought is being put into the framing. It's bad for my brand... nay, for everyone's brand for us to look like the council's bandage."
Muir chuckles at Elthana’s quip and he does indeed have questions unsure of what they’re even celebrating. He was going to ask a bevy of questions but Gewyn beat him to it…besides Gewyn’s questions seemed more important Muir thought to himself
The judge furrows the scales where a brow would be and looks to Gewyn, "we had thought a full explanation of the clerics leaving without regard or reason would suffice, honesty is after all the best policy... Would you suggest something different Mister Gewyn?" There are is a tenseness in the other council members as the tortle mentions honesty.
Muir unable to contain himself at this point “When you say honesty whose honest tale will you tell? The one where they are panicked because portals are opening and will stop at nothing to prevent the one from opening in Lyvander or that they’ve gone on a pilgrimage?” Muir asks curiously wondering what is or isn’t the truth
"the pilgrimage, of course. It is in the cities best interest to not cause undue panic. We will use their absence to ease ease the news of the druids incorporation to the councillors factions, whilst maintaining that despite their absence and lack of cooperation, the clerics of Hermes are still regarded as allies of Marblestead. Should news break in the future that their pilgrimage is to see to a prophesied portal opening, we have a statement prepared, essentially stating that the clerics have always had the choice to ask Marblestead for help, they chose to ignore help seeking to confront a situation in a zealous manner thereby intentionally excluding us from said situation. Talk of portals and their dangers are to be kept to the facts of which we know. What happened in Hokum and the efforts we made and are still making to safeguard and rebuild there.
I want to be clear here, as speaker of the house and messenger of the council itself. Talk of possible threats from sourceless reports of portals, designed to cause panic and upset is not going to be tolerated, that kind of scaremongering is not becoming of any member of this group, nor is it the purpose for which you were brought together." Through his speech Tibus remains calm and to a certain degree emotionless. His old wrinkled face chewing over the words carefully.
"Our merry little band was formed before the clerics got all crazy and started this pilgrimage of theirs, weren't we?" Sam says, pointing out the truth as he knows is anyway. "That could be made clear in whatever speech is given. Wouldn't want it to seem like it was being made clear, I suppose. Just do it subtly and shit so it's obvious but not made to seem like we wanted them to know."
"On the other hand, Mr. Tibus sir," Sam counters after his moment of reasonableness. "Any talk we did of portals and their threats would not be sourceless. Us... We would be the source. We seen the portals. We seen the threats. We cleaned up that shit the best we can, so far. So while I'm not totally opposed to your wanting to keep the talk of them private for the time being... For the publics calmness and all... I would appreciate it if you didn't accuse of of scaremongering when we're in a more informed position than yourself to know of the threats the portals can open on to."
"Unless you have more information than you've shared and are throwing us against dangers without all the information you have about those dangers?"
"While scaremongering may not be the word that applies to us, I do agree that we should not be spreading information yet that will result in panic. Panic leads to chaos, irrationality, and power struggles. But when there is a crisis, coordination is essential. That is why I believe it so important that we earn the city's faith here. If the people believe in us, the council will be in a better position to navigate us through potentially difficult times. The pilgrimage is a good angle. It doesn't allude to internal struggle, and won't put off most of the religious crowd, while the non-traditionalists won't particularly care."
Elthana doesn't add anything to the conversation, she finds it interesting and is proud of her friends for how the council does not cow them in any way and there can be a real discussion, not just orders and them being followed through. She hopes this is the start of how this is going to work, that the council works with their peacekeeper group and doesn't dictate their moves. She is appreciative of the home she now has, she thinks about this a bit as the conversation continues and realizes how much more she is glad she has it. Not sure what she would do, if she didn't have their new home to go to tonight.
"you were formed before the clerics disappearance, that is correct, and as far as resident experts in portals you are the experts in only the Hokum portal... This is not enough to begin making assumptions on other possible portals and their outcomes, hence the scaremongering of you were to begin down that avenue. Be mindful, that is what we ask.
I will make a note and we will mention that your group was formed before, perhaps the fact that you too were left by a cleric would endear your group to the plight of those effected by the clerics 'pilgrimage', is this something you would wish for us to share?"
“So there are other portals that others have experience with but that information is being withheld from us,” Sam notes. “Good to know that not all information need be shared between us and the council…”
“As for the clerics, I’m not suggesting we scapegoat Ebb or make a big deal of it… I just think it would be good knowledge for the people to have so they can make their own conclusions. I think most would see this group different if it happened after the clerics left than before is my point. And I think it best to let them make that conclusion rather than have it shoved at them,” Sam explains. “But what do I know? I’m just one of those working class stiffs…”
Muir smiles at Sam and thinks Sam always has a way with making his point in a regular folk kind of way that this council doesn't appreciate. Muir speaks up next "So the council knows of other portals is it? How exciting. In my research I have made an educated guess as to where the rest are." Muir pulls out a map of the realm from his bag. "If you see here it is in the shape of a star and makes sense with the elementals fire, water, earth, air, and of course then we have the fae realm. It's all really exciting. When will we share notes then? I understand not telling everyone about portals but sitting down and discussing where the portals are important. I am free tomorrow." Muir looks around at his companions and realizes he hasn't had a chance to sit and talk with them about all the research he's been doing and then looks at Goodall hoping he hasn't made things harder for her. "Oh and Sam is right no? We should probably let the people know that the pilgrimage as we are calling it happened to this group and that's when they picked me up on the road to Hokum."
“Showing that the non-diety driven are here to lend aid and comfort can only help the people accept them. As well as the good work they are doing for the people..,” Sam agrees.
“Though as appreciated as they are, I’d also point out there is no other replacement ready to fill the gap if, heavens forbid… So we should accept and welcome and be thankful for the Druids aid but also learn and practice and gain our own skills so that we are not reliant upon them,” Sam adds. “Just in case.”
Tibus' face goes through a range of emotions as he looks back and forth between Muir and Sam, he stops just short of facepalming in exasperation. "What? No, nothing is being withheld about any other portals, you know as much as we do. You and your group were the ones who brought up the subject of 'other portals', and this is just the kind of rampant postulation that we are trying to avoid.
Master Muir unless you have evidence to back up your theoretical estimations then the council will not make time for it now, report your findings to master Goodall to bring to us if you wish, but this is highly unusual and inappropriate... Now unless there are any more questions, regarding the celebrations today, then your faction leader will escort you out, thank you."
"Will there be cake?" Sam asks as that is a question high on his mind and indeed regarding the celebrations. "I'm not a fan of chocolate... So I was wondering... hoping... A white cake with vanilla frosting, perhaps?"
Sam then looks at Muir and shrugs. "He's the one who brought up portals and reports and threats and all, am I right? Couldn't he have just said 'Don't mention the portal for now' and been done with it just that easily?"
"And hey, El? What about you? Cake? Or would you prefer a pie or a pudding or...? I know a little place that makes the best pastries... We should set up a regular Sunday delivery..."
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Elthana ignores Sam's remark on Hog and softly leans against Muir briefly as he offers himself up as support, but then continues on her own as they head to the chambers.
As they all settle in, she's happy to hear others from her group chime in and get the conversation directly to the point. As the turtle asks for them to be presented, like pieces of meat she glowers. Sam's jab into her ribs brings her back to her friends and she gives him a genuine smile. Something he hasn't seen since she returned from the Treasury.
And then the turtle talks about one of them presenting and her glower pales as she blanches at the thought of pulling herself together enough to speak to anyone beyond her friends, let alone in front of the crowd that is for sure gathering for this supposed celebration.
As Sam prepares to take the role, even half heartedly, she sinks in her chair, the thought of all this draining the little energy she seemed to have left, and the rest of the conversation she struggles to actually hear.
The compliment from Sam brings a smile to Vin. He nods and says "Thanks." The big mans approval seeming to be inportant to the young man.
As Elthana says they can talk of it later Vin let's the matter drop for now and just gives her a warm smile as he directs his attention back to the matter at hand. Neferox however watches Elthana staring at her for a moment as if portraying something then turns to warch Vin.
Vin watches and listens at first, then talk changes to speeches and Vin nods and says "I don't mind. To be honest I thought we were all going to be required to say something. I was working on a bit from me. I can make sure it touches on all that." They already seem deep in thought on the subject.
"well then unless anyone has any more input, we will consider that matter decided.
Onto other matters, once this meeting is over you'll all be met with by your faction leaders before the ceremony, to discuss expected behaviours and such like. All common sense and common courtesy, I'm sure...
During the actual solstice you will be invited and expected to join us in the viewing of several performances, before the ceremony. The ceremony itself is, as many of you will know, welcomes the new year on the longest night of the winter, this is the turning point of our calender and though we obviously won't be having our usual traditional ritual from the clerics, we will celebrate nonetheless.
Are there any questions from any of you?" Judge Tibus finishes and opens up the floor for the group to respond.
Sam refrains from any smartassery or other nonsense. This is all the expected pomp and circumstance so he has no real objection. It’s not like anyone is doing a magical cavity search or stealing their stuff this time…
Muir looks at the others who seemingly don't have any questions because they have maybe been to these before. Muir has 100 questions but refrains from asking any of them hoping Goodall will help him make sense of it.
Elthana doesn't have any questions either, but looks to Muir expectantly and when he doesn't say anything she elbows him gently and whispers, "Since when do you not have questions?"
Gewyn nods approvingly when Vin accepts the responsibility for the speech. Then he speaks up. "With the clerics and their formal rites being absent from this year's festivities. What steps are being taken to ensure that the deviation from tradition doesn't look like a scrambled pivot to distract the populace and save face? You want the people to see hope and heroes, not politics and pawns. So I just want to make sure thought is being put into the framing. It's bad for my brand... nay, for everyone's brand for us to look like the council's bandage."
Muir chuckles at Elthana’s quip and he does indeed have questions unsure of what they’re even celebrating. He was going to ask a bevy of questions but Gewyn beat him to it…besides Gewyn’s questions seemed more important Muir thought to himself
The judge furrows the scales where a brow would be and looks to Gewyn, "we had thought a full explanation of the clerics leaving without regard or reason would suffice, honesty is after all the best policy... Would you suggest something different Mister Gewyn?" There are is a tenseness in the other council members as the tortle mentions honesty.
Muir unable to contain himself at this point “When you say honesty whose honest tale will you tell? The one where they are panicked because portals are opening and will stop at nothing to prevent the one from opening in Lyvander or that they’ve gone on a pilgrimage?” Muir asks curiously wondering what is or isn’t the truth
"the pilgrimage, of course. It is in the cities best interest to not cause undue panic. We will use their absence to ease ease the news of the druids incorporation to the councillors factions, whilst maintaining that despite their absence and lack of cooperation, the clerics of Hermes are still regarded as allies of Marblestead. Should news break in the future that their pilgrimage is to see to a prophesied portal opening, we have a statement prepared, essentially stating that the clerics have always had the choice to ask Marblestead for help, they chose to ignore help seeking to confront a situation in a zealous manner thereby intentionally excluding us from said situation. Talk of portals and their dangers are to be kept to the facts of which we know. What happened in Hokum and the efforts we made and are still making to safeguard and rebuild there.
I want to be clear here, as speaker of the house and messenger of the council itself. Talk of possible threats from sourceless reports of portals, designed to cause panic and upset is not going to be tolerated, that kind of scaremongering is not becoming of any member of this group, nor is it the purpose for which you were brought together." Through his speech Tibus remains calm and to a certain degree emotionless. His old wrinkled face chewing over the words carefully.
"Our merry little band was formed before the clerics got all crazy and started this pilgrimage of theirs, weren't we?" Sam says, pointing out the truth as he knows is anyway. "That could be made clear in whatever speech is given. Wouldn't want it to seem like it was being made clear, I suppose. Just do it subtly and shit so it's obvious but not made to seem like we wanted them to know."
"On the other hand, Mr. Tibus sir," Sam counters after his moment of reasonableness. "Any talk we did of portals and their threats would not be sourceless. Us... We would be the source. We seen the portals. We seen the threats. We cleaned up that shit the best we can, so far. So while I'm not totally opposed to your wanting to keep the talk of them private for the time being... For the publics calmness and all... I would appreciate it if you didn't accuse of of scaremongering when we're in a more informed position than yourself to know of the threats the portals can open on to."
"Unless you have more information than you've shared and are throwing us against dangers without all the information you have about those dangers?"
"While scaremongering may not be the word that applies to us, I do agree that we should not be spreading information yet that will result in panic. Panic leads to chaos, irrationality, and power struggles. But when there is a crisis, coordination is essential. That is why I believe it so important that we earn the city's faith here. If the people believe in us, the council will be in a better position to navigate us through potentially difficult times. The pilgrimage is a good angle. It doesn't allude to internal struggle, and won't put off most of the religious crowd, while the non-traditionalists won't particularly care."
Elthana doesn't add anything to the conversation, she finds it interesting and is proud of her friends for how the council does not cow them in any way and there can be a real discussion, not just orders and them being followed through. She hopes this is the start of how this is going to work, that the council works with their peacekeeper group and doesn't dictate their moves. She is appreciative of the home she now has, she thinks about this a bit as the conversation continues and realizes how much more she is glad she has it. Not sure what she would do, if she didn't have their new home to go to tonight.
"you were formed before the clerics disappearance, that is correct, and as far as resident experts in portals you are the experts in only the Hokum portal... This is not enough to begin making assumptions on other possible portals and their outcomes, hence the scaremongering of you were to begin down that avenue. Be mindful, that is what we ask.
I will make a note and we will mention that your group was formed before, perhaps the fact that you too were left by a cleric would endear your group to the plight of those effected by the clerics 'pilgrimage', is this something you would wish for us to share?"
“So there are other portals that others have experience with but that information is being withheld from us,” Sam notes. “Good to know that not all information need be shared between us and the council…”
“As for the clerics, I’m not suggesting we scapegoat Ebb or make a big deal of it… I just think it would be good knowledge for the people to have so they can make their own conclusions. I think most would see this group different if it happened after the clerics left than before is my point. And I think it best to let them make that conclusion rather than have it shoved at them,” Sam explains. “But what do I know? I’m just one of those working class stiffs…”
Muir smiles at Sam and thinks Sam always has a way with making his point in a regular folk kind of way that this council doesn't appreciate. Muir speaks up next "So the council knows of other portals is it? How exciting. In my research I have made an educated guess as to where the rest are." Muir pulls out a map of the realm from his bag. "If you see here it is in the shape of a star and makes sense with the elementals fire, water, earth, air, and of course then we have the fae realm. It's all really exciting. When will we share notes then? I understand not telling everyone about portals but sitting down and discussing where the portals are important. I am free tomorrow." Muir looks around at his companions and realizes he hasn't had a chance to sit and talk with them about all the research he's been doing and then looks at Goodall hoping he hasn't made things harder for her. "Oh and Sam is right no? We should probably let the people know that the pilgrimage as we are calling it happened to this group and that's when they picked me up on the road to Hokum."
“Showing that the non-diety driven are here to lend aid and comfort can only help the people accept them. As well as the good work they are doing for the people..,” Sam agrees.
“Though as appreciated as they are, I’d also point out there is no other replacement ready to fill the gap if, heavens forbid… So we should accept and welcome and be thankful for the Druids aid but also learn and practice and gain our own skills so that we are not reliant upon them,” Sam adds. “Just in case.”
Tibus' face goes through a range of emotions as he looks back and forth between Muir and Sam, he stops just short of facepalming in exasperation. "What? No, nothing is being withheld about any other portals, you know as much as we do. You and your group were the ones who brought up the subject of 'other portals', and this is just the kind of rampant postulation that we are trying to avoid.
Master Muir unless you have evidence to back up your theoretical estimations then the council will not make time for it now, report your findings to master Goodall to bring to us if you wish, but this is highly unusual and inappropriate... Now unless there are any more questions, regarding the celebrations today, then your faction leader will escort you out, thank you."
"Will there be cake?" Sam asks as that is a question high on his mind and indeed regarding the celebrations. "I'm not a fan of chocolate... So I was wondering... hoping... A white cake with vanilla frosting, perhaps?"
Sam then looks at Muir and shrugs. "He's the one who brought up portals and reports and threats and all, am I right? Couldn't he have just said 'Don't mention the portal for now' and been done with it just that easily?"
"And hey, El? What about you? Cake? Or would you prefer a pie or a pudding or...? I know a little place that makes the best pastries... We should set up a regular Sunday delivery..."