RP:Change and Hope

Summary: Uriphiel, along with Brennia and the distraught people of Schezerade, convince the remaining Raan to step down from their positions due to their ineffective ability to protect the city. Hinder brings forth another piece of evidence regarding Vermillion Draft and the Flewminati. Change is on the wind.

Date of Writing: Feb 13th, 2021.

Change and Hope

Chamber of the Raan, Schezerade
Upon entering this most majestic of chambers, one can immediately take notice of several large seats upon a raised platform, situated at back of the room. These chairs, wrought in fine stone -- white marble or ivory, gilded with shimmering gold -- and laced with hints of silver, perhaps platinum, hint that this place is most definitely frequented by ruling powers of sorts. A level lies beneath these two seats, to each side of the stairway, allowing room for more seating places; not as fine as the topmost seats, but elegant all the same. Another level gives way to yet more seating of the same finely crafted nature, small wings of gold embellished upon the white carved stone. The aforementioned stairway leads upward to the highest chairs, carpeted in the finest of fabrics and though this chamber is obviously in use, not a torn thread nor sign of wear shows upon the dark carmine material.

Brennia can feel her heart with her hand as her nerves are shot today because so far she has experienced nothing but dejavu. As she waits for Uriphiel outside the council’s meeting room, the soft clicks of her heels pace in one spot and her fingertips to her other hand fidgets with one of the blazer buttons. This time she’s starting to fill out her old campaigning outfits and it seems to have been taken to a tailor as well, she’s obviously determined to make a good impression. The only thing off putting would be the little bandage above her left eye, the healed burn mark on her neck that is now a scar and her wing bandaged up to stay in place in order to heal correctly… her foolish attempt to force herself to be stronger by competing in the Titans of Winter tournament. The hand that was over her heart moves to tuck a little curly piece of hair behind her long tapered ear before holding onto the folder that is tucked under her other arm. The bard seems to be rehearsing something as her lips mouth silent words and her facial expression shifts to convey varying emotions, but a rather familiarly annoying voice disrupts her train of thought, “did I time travel to four years ago?” Brennia’s gaze looks up to find Corvo, an avian with dark hair which is neatly parted and dark wings to match, his grey eyes sparkling with mischief and a grin to accessorize it, but as he sees the state of Brennia, the smile is wiped right off his face, “who did this to you?” He leans in for a light cheek kiss and then he glances around before lowering his tone, “are -they- back?” Brennia has yet to get a word in edgewise and when she shakes her head no while her lips start to form words, that’s all the information he needs before smirking at her again as he takes her hair that has been woven into one loose braid between his thumb and fingers, “I like this new look.” He doesn’t really wait for a response as his arm is pulling open the door to the chambers and holding it for her, “going in?” Brennia goes back to pacing as she’s waving him on and she finally answers, “soon.” With a wink, Corvo disappears into the chambers. As she continues to wait, the bard takes a deep calming breath and closes her eyes for a minute to gather her nerves. She can fake confidence, she’s done it before and she’s definitely been faking happiness… won’t be hard to fool these old coots, too.
[Uriphiel] Without warning, the hushed hallways leading to the Chamber of Raan erupt with the deafening sound of marching footsteps; Shim, mostly belonging to Uriphiel’s regiment, storm in from the main entrance, swiftly walking in rows of two with ceremonial war spears held firmly in their hand. When they near the chamber doors, the rows part, turning to stand with their backs facing the walls on either side of the hallway, and slam the butt ends of the spears down against the floor in unison. Quinnelan, Uriphiel’s chosen squire, enters next, carrying with him the Shar’s large gold-rimmed shield, and a custom designed partizan - both looking a little large on the smaller statured avian. Not far behind Quinnelan, Uriphiel finally enters, donning his full suit of alabaster, navy, and gold-trimmed armor. He had contemplated heavily as to whether he should dress in more of a business attire, but eventually settled on wearing something that would stand out, to make sure that he would have the Raan’s full attention. The pair, Knight and Squire, marched at a soldier’s pace, until they came upon the ebon-skinned, and seemingly bruised up, Dean of the Bardic College. It had been more than a month since they last spoke; Uriphiel taking this time to set things in motion for this most important day. While he noticed Brennia’s injuries, he would not waste time with bringing them to attention. This could wait until after the initial hearing. “Are you ready?” he asked in a stern tone.
Brennia jumps a little and her eyes snap open at the sound of footsteps. With eyes wide and a raise of her brow, but OW! Her eyebrow relaxes after she sucks some air through her teeth and watches in awe the way Uriphiel enters a room. With a sigh, she silently admits as her uninjured wing shifts some - the guy has style, but enough semi-swooning and time for business. "Yes. Corvo is already in there," she appears to be fine on the outside and without waiting for the gentleman to get the door for her, she pulls it open herself and confidently makes her way to the podium in the middle of the room. The remaining council members of Raan look down on them from their seats and she waits for Uriphiel to stand with her before softly clearing her throat, "those of you who haven't betrayed Schezerade or abandoned your post out of fear," a pause as she looks each one in the eye, "I thank you and you honor Schezerade." Her soft and warm smile slowly fades as she takes on a more stern timbre, "I understand many citizens wish to forget what the Flewminati has done." When gasps and hushed words at blatantly saying the cult name erupt, Brennia waits for one of the council members to call 'Order!' With a nod, she continues, "thank you. It is but a name my fellow citizens," her brow lowers in determination, "a name which cowards shielded themselves behind for far too long. So, please… do not let a simple name strike fear in your hearts." She takes out a pair of round gold rimmed spectacles and slips them on as she flips open the file, "as I was saying. We cannot let the doings of this criminal organization -cult- go without punishment. Let me remind you why," her jaw tenses as her gaze shifts down to the report given by Evanescenz, "this is a report filed December, four years ago and this is a personal statement given on a matter concerning the Flewminati and holding a student of mine against her will… They did everything right, they made sure I came from nowhere and am nobody. My father wouldn't even know I am gone because I am a student staying on campus. Many days I wouldn't get any form of nutrition and they kept me chained to the floor, but one face I never forgot. It was Vermillion Draft's," whispering picks up in the chamber again, but Brennia presses on even though her eyes are brimming with tears and her voice simply raises over the commotion, "he was the only one to bring me food and made me feel safe, but it was all his plan. I needed his acceptance and the mental manipulation is the one thing I will never recover from. They," Brennia takes a calming breath as the feathers of her wings visibly fluff, "they used me in bizarre heathen rituals. They draw their power from degrading the innocent and imposing their sick infatuations on unwilling hosts." A hush falls over the room and Brennia lets everyone stew in the uncomfortable realizations for a moment, "it is time for action… and time for change." With that she looks to Uriphiel and steps aside for him to speak.
Uriphiel slowly reaches up and removes the helm that covers his look of displeasure, quietly handing it off to Quinnelan for safe keeping. He had been listening carefully, golden irises shifting from face, to face, to face - it was a methodical scrutiny. He watched closely, searching for any sort of emotion, looking for the smallest of a twitch, anything that would showcase some form of guilt in the Raan. They seemed indignant. Dismissive. “And what would you have us do? What change could you possibly hope for? The cult is no more. Draft and the evils he wrought have all gone. It is time for you to forget and move on. There is nothing we can change. Not now,” spoke the chief member of the Raan.This was Syrelen Atrovian, a well known elder heiress with wings as silver as her aging locks; The woman who became leader of the senate when the former members vacated their elected positions. To her left, a chortle escaped a very pudgy round fellow [it was a wonder how he could even fly] named Finellus, a member of the prestigious, and very wealthy, Thenalor bloodline. “This again.” he stated. A taller, skinny man seated to Syrelen’s right just rolled his eyes. This would be Dominique Loridian, another of the wealthy elite that flaunted his power over the helpless citizens of Schezerade. “I concur with Syre-Raan,” the skinny man began. “It is time to put this foolishness to rest. None of you have anything to worry about. The cult is gone. You may go about your workaday lives knowing that the city is now in safe hands.” Syrelen raised her gavel, ready to end the meeting. “Now, if there is nothing else,” she concluded, but was quickly interrupted when Uriphiel took to the podium. “Your honors. With all due respect, I do not think any one of you are fit to hold the positions that you now serve.” he said, in a cold, firm tone. “You have failed not only the citizens of this city, but every bloodline in the Avian race. You have failed the Empire.” There was a look of anger taking shape on each of the Raan, while the large chamber began to fill with shocked, gossiping whispers. “Where were all of you when the city was in turmoil? What is it that you did for your people, exactly? As I understand it, as I have been informed, each one of you is as guilty as those that betrayed their oath. Tell me, Raan. As the voice for the people, do you even know what your constituents are saying? Have you heard their concerns? Do you even know what the will of the people even is at this point?” The Shar would pause, awaiting for any responses to his accusatory line of questioning.
Brennia begins to feel her blood boil at the way they try to just dismiss this very real threat, so much so that the ink work on her skin twitches subtly, but luckily the attention is not on her as both her and Uriphiel goes to step up at the podium. She stops herself when she sees that he's going to take a stand and his first statement earns a little grin from her, but of course she is behind him now and he cannot see. Syrelen visibly looks offended due to her fragile little ego from her temporary power position and Brennia must admit that it feels good that someone knocked her down a notch. It is when the Raan makes the mistake of saying, "I -knew- you'd be trouble, we should have never agreed to have you swoop in and just be Shar," that Brennia's bardic magic kicks in when she raises her voice to interrupt with, "hey!" She doesn't have time to register the surprise she feels as a hush falls over everyone and their attention is given to the bard, but when she goes to retort, her student Hinder stands up from the crowd of citizens and says, "madame Cadenza, may I add something?" Brennia is surprised to see him here since his father used to sit on the council and was murdered the day Vermillion fled Schezerade, "of course." She blinks a couple times before introducing, "I am sure you all remember Hinder. You three have seen this boy grow into a man, Mister Windgate's son… star athlete for the Schezerade Cardinals and a celebrated pupil at the bard's college." She waves him closer and stands aside while also motioning for Uriphiel to do the same - making sure not to touch the Shar. Hinder's deep brown wings stay steady as his jaw tenses when he places a leather bound book on the podium that he'd been holding this whole time, "my father was a proud avian of Schezerade. He loved this city with every fiber of his being and he would be ashamed of what you three have become if he wasn't already before he died…" complete silence falls over the room, you could hear a pin drop. "I have here every record where my father suspected nefarious doings within the council and he'd been following Vermillion along with his involvement with the Flewminati cult for a long time, but when my friend was -violated- by this… this -sick- organization," anger wells up in the young man's face and glare, but his wings still stay impressively still even as the palm side of his fist bangs down on the podium. "That was when my father had enough and confronted Vermillion when his victim gave a public press release. I've been investigating my father's murder ever since that day and I am confident to say that you all will find everything you need in my father's log book," he points at the very book he'd brought with him. "Everything Brennia Cadenza has been saying is true and I believe they are still out there. Just waiting for the next opportunity to strike." With that he picks the book up, pivots to face Uriphiel and holds it out for the Shar to take, "I trust you will find the justice my father deserves." Brennia takes Hinder to the side and wraps him in a caring hug, but the young man is still so furious that he keeps his hands down at his sides, clenched into fists of rage.
Uriphiel took on a look of sympathy when he encountered the sorrow in Hinder’s gaze, taking the book carefully with a solemn nod. The golden winged avian turned toward the Raan who were still ready to dismiss this mockery of the council chambers. “Again I ask you, what have you truly done for you people?” Uriphiel places both hands at either side of the podium and looks upon the Raan with anger and disdain. When he spoke, however, it was with calm and civility. “When I found Schezerade, I found a city of elegance. A city of wealth. It was one of the most majestic things I had ever laid my eyes upon, I assure you. Yet, the longer I stay, the more I see past the luxurious facade. The military is in shambles. The Khar has abandoned their post. Your industry stagnates. Trade is nearly non-existant. It appears that most of you, those with power, are sustained with the wealth of your ancestors. This is not the Empire that I remember.” Uriphiel shifts his focus to those seated around the room, looking at each individual member of the gallery with a sigh. He fell silent for a moment, feeling a sense of loss overcome him. “I was present when our people were most prosperous. I remember what it meant to be part of a true Empire. We were one people. Proud. If even one city was under siege, none would rest until the problem had been swiftly dealt with. And now?” The Shar turns his head and catches Hinder’s eye once more, wracked with guilt that the young man was still grieving over the loss of his father. “And now you tell us to move on?” An anger unlike any other welled up from deep inside the armored man. “You dismiss the pleas of the few so easily. Can you dismiss the pleas of the many?” The sudden sound of footsteps, hundred of angry footsteps, begin to echo in the halls outside the chambers. There was no time for any of the Raan’s personal guard to interfere, because before they could even grasp what was happening, the chamber door exploded open and citizens of Scherezade began to flood in. As many as possible filled in the space behind Uriphiel and his companions, and those that could not enter could be seen gathered in the halls, extending out to the building’s entrance and beyond. There were hundreds of citizens, if not thousands gathered outside. “You turn a blind eye while your people suffer. Yes, we will move on. With, or without you. It is time that Schezerade, the last of the great Avian Empire, be reborn into something worth fighting for. I am asking, as a voice for the will of the people, for the future of our Empire, that you call a new election. And if you have any conscience left - You will step down.”
Brennia is just about to help guide Hinder out of the chamber, he didn't need to hear this, when tens of hundreds, no thousands of Schezerade citizens have come to take a stand and her heart races for what might come. Will these few leaders step down and become part of the change or will they grip to the little semblance of power they have until they are carried out on their wings. One hand resting on Hinder's shoulder as he simply glares at the three and the other on her chest where her heart is as she can feel it thudding away again. Her gaze only left the three council members to gaze upon Uriphiel with a worried look as silence breaks over the room again. The rotund one, Finellus, is the first to grumble something and stand up before stepping down from his seat, but when Dominique stands and steps down, he clears his throat to mention, "If I may… I would like to stay on until we find new members." He sighs in a way that says he's getting too old for this anyway. Now all the focus is on Syrelen as she sits up on her high seat with her lips in a thin line and her arms crossed, staring daggers at Brennia before finally standing to draw out her descent from her seat. "There, no need for all these dramatics, really, Brennia," with a roll of her eyes, she makes her way out of the chambers and people part for her like she's the plague. Brennia had no idea what Uriphiel had planned and really had no idea the bomb Hinder was going to drop. Eventually everyone files out of the room along with Hinder, but of course Corvo stays behind with a charming grin on his face as he approaches Brennia and Uriphiel, "so… Does this mean that the Senator Cadenza campaign is back on?" Then he looks to Uriphiel, places a fist over his heart and deeply bows to the man, "Uriphiel Shar, pleasure to finally meet you. Will you be helping our Brennia in efforts to put -her- into the seat of Raan?"
Uriphiel watches the three Raan depart from their seats, finding no need to object to the idea that someone would want to stay on until a new Senate is elected. After all, someone would need to govern in some capacity, just to make sure the city does not fall from the sky. Upon reflection, Uriphiel realized what an undertaking this would all become. It was true, the city was barely afloat, what with the military severely lacking in numbers and leadership, and the economy only hanging on by a thread. Schezerade needed change. The crowd filed out of the chambers, leaving some of the gallery to sit and converse, trying to make sense of what all just took place. “We’ve met. Once.” Uriphiel said, nonetheless saluting Corvo in the same manner. It was true, they had met long ago, but it was so brief that the blonde man couldn’t fault Brennia’s campaign manager. “That is part of my goal. There are multiple seats open. I intend to fill every last one with capable, caring members of Schezerade. I refuse to let the Empire or its ideals fall.” Uriphiel turns toward the still open chamber doors and begins to walk with purpose. “It is time to set things in motion,” he said plainly. Quinnelan was the first to follow Uriphiel out into the hall, leaving Brennia, Corvo, and Hinder in each other’s company. If they got the inkling to follow, the three would hear the eruption of thousands of citizens cheering when the Shar opened doors to step out into the city. It was a scene unlike any other; There were people as far as the eye could see, stretching back well toward the imperial archway. Uriphiel stood silent for a moment, preparing to announce the outcome of the meeting.
Brennia softly says, "agreed." Then she watches as he goes to leave the chambers as Corvo fakes a shiver when he mentions, "chilly." Brennia ignores this comment because with Corvo there are plenty of little quips the man offers that just need to be ignored. Brennia and Corvo follow after a moment, then she sees so many gathered in the center of Schezerade, leaving the bard dumbstruck. Eventually her gaze finds Uriphiel and she joins in the clapping for him because none of this would be happening if it wasn't for her new friend for sure! She steps up beside Uriphiel and smiles up at him so brightly that it pokes dimples in both her cheeks before she leans in a little, making sure not to touch him as usual, "well… go on, Uri." The proud timbre in her voice was evident.
Uriphiel just stared out over the sea of hopeful faces, hoping that what he was doing would, in the end, make life better for all that flew under the banner of the Empire. This had been the culmination of his work over the last couple of months. Canvassing, getting to know the struggles of the new avian society. Working diligently to find out what in this city needed support. He would not go into specifics, but there was one thing that he continued to push - Change was coming. The jab from Brennia snapped the Shar from his pervasive thoughts, the gold of his irises twinkling against the rays of sunshine that fell from the heavens above. He nodded, stepping forward to address the city. “People of Schezerade! Long ago I came to you with promises of change. It was an undertaking like no other, I can assure you. To see you now, gathered as one, standing side by side - this is the Empire that I remember. The Empire that can be once more. Today is a historical day for the Avian Republic! Today is the day that change begins! The Raan, in all their graciousness, have agreed to a new election. All positions will be filled! Look inward. If you care about this city… If you care about the fate of our race - Then I implore you to consider running. There is so much work to be done! We need bright, able bodies that care for our future!” Someone closer to the front of the crowd interrupted the shar and called out, “Will you be running?!” The blonde avian shook his head. “No. My place is with the war efforts. However! I can say with absolute certainty, that you already have someone local in the running.” Uriphiel steps to the side and motions to Brennia. “It turns out that miss Cadenza would like a second chance to win over your votes. Although, she can not be the only one to run! If you have it in your heart to save this city, to help the Avian race prosper, then consider jumping on the campaign trail and putting your name onto the Ballots! By this time next year, you WILL have a new senate! You WILL have change!” There is another eruption of cheering, Uriphiel then placing his fist against his chest in salute. The Shar then turns to Brennia, “You have your work cut out for you. Don’t screw it up.”
Brennia also stares out at the sea of hopeful faces and is happy to see that some of her students are among them that she can see from behind Uriphiel, but what really warms her heart is that she is starting to see humans, elves and a slight mix of races in the crowd now. She feels emotions swell in her chest as Uriphiel gives his speech and her good wing twitches some, but of course Corvo catches Brennia's slip up and grins to himself and keeps quiet… for now. When he announces Brennia will be running, there is a mixed feeling from the crowd, but she smiles and waves nonetheless. When he turns to her and offers such wise advice, she just smiles up at him and lets out a soft raspy giggle, "thank you, Uri." Corvo slips up behind Brennia and also grins up at Uriphiel in that slightly uneasy way where you cannot tell what the man is thinking, "yes, thank you -Uri-." Brennia quirks a brow at Corvo as she kind of feels uneasy that he thinks he can just call Uriphiel that so soon… She gently corrects, "Uriphiel," and makes a note not to say that in public anymore. Just then Corvo takes Brennia by the crook of her arm to guide her back into the hall which makes the bard sort of stumble with surprise, but as they are walking away, Uriphiel could probably still hear them, "time to start this campaign off right. You look ragged, what the hell have you been doing? I see you've lost the weight as I recommended last time, much better," Brennia doesn't say anything in return. He had always complained about her body type even though she was comfortable in her skin and she didn't cut weight on purpose - she was shanghai'd! "Oh… I guess," talks of campaign continued and if Uriphiel follows, he would find them in an unoccupied office within the courthouse, but if he had duties to attend to then Corvo will still probably annoy him next time.
Uriphiel could not help but to take the piss out of Corvo, taking on a simple “Uriphiel-Shar”, after Brennia’s correction. There’s a bit of a jovial wink sent her way, before the Shar allows the pair to meander on and begin their planning stages of the dean’s campaign. Turning once more toward the crowd, Uriphiel finishes the last of his address. “There is much work to be done! Go now, and celebrate! And remember, ALL seats of the Senate must be filled! The fate of the Avian race depends on you!” One final salute is given to the crowd, with some mimicking the gesture in turn. As the crowd begins to finally disperse, Uriphiel signals to Quinnelan that it was time to go and the pair walk off toward the barracks. Indeed, there was still much work to be done.

Search

RP:Change and Hope