RP:Governing Kelay-Sage
Summary: Magikrios Lyastri D’Chath officially claims the title of Guardian of Sage, taking on a new role as a political figure for the area alongside his wife, Meri.
Kelay-Town Hall
There has been a certain amount of discontent amongst the inhabitants of the Kelay-Sage area, a growing concern that is nagging at the minds of many citizens. It may not be manifesting in open violence between villagers, but it is reflected in the content of information that is printed in the Town Crier. The concern is shared between villagers who might be passing through on the main road, the want for updates. The fear that Kelay could be the next target. The Gods would intervene though, right? They always have? That is why this territory has always been without a leader, afterall, isn’t it? They have the Gods to keep them safe and make these decisions?
Except. Do they?
Was it divine intervention that finally rid the forests of the drow, fought off their numerous invasion attempts? What about when the forest began to slowly rot away due to the curse from Tiphareth? And was the Druid’s Eternal Tree protected by this divine intervention that Kelay-Sage was rumored to have? Was it the gods that restored it? These privately whispered concerns started to become more openly vocalized when magic was lost all together, even though only briefly, during the final battle of the Xalious Tree. Some became more staunch in their beliefs that they have lost the favor of the Gods. Some only became more convinced that the Gods would be their savior yet, after all the avatar of Xalious was seen, no? The discontent was only further sewn when parts of Frostmaw were utterly destroyed by what has been incorrectly rumored to be a demi-god. All of this before they even have a chance to get started on the madness that is Larket or the plague that troubled Cenril for so long.
Talk continued. What was to come for the future of Kelay-Sage? Would they be prepared if they were next to suffer disaster?
A meeting was called, hosted in a Town Hall that is apparently in a state of partial damage. Those who inhabit the small village of Kelay have arrived, elves from the forest of Sage join them. They are all seated and waiting, murmuring amongst themselves while they wait for the one who called the meeting to make an appearance. That someone is not Meri, for she’s already somewhere in the room too. Waiting.
Magik wasn't going to dress to the nines today but he also wasn't going to stroll into Kelay with his fuzzy black slippers on. No. He was dressed as if his next stop was out to Xalious to start his teachings for the day. Black boots brought the unusually tall elf to the Kelay Townhall followed by Mirshann and of course, Ohtar. He stood just outside the hall as he opens his arms to Mirshann, "How do I look?" Mirshann reaches up to fix Magik's tie, giving it a nice tuck into his black vest. "You look determined, papa." Mirshann wipes Mag's white sleeved dress shirt and the front of his vest, "Good luck. I'll try to find Meri." Magik nods as Mirsh and Ohtar head inside. The Lyastri takes a deep breath and soon follows. Once in the main room of the hall, he takes a moment to listen to any whispers and gets a general feel of the room. At some point he finds Meri and smiles towards her. Mirshann plops down right next to Meri and whispers, "This has been a long time coming," to her while Ohtar sits in front of the ladies. Such a protector. Magik quietly clears his throat and folds his hands behind his back, "You may all be wondering why I've gathered you here today.."
Mirshann would not have a hard time location Meri, for the blonde had snagged a front row seat for herself and thought to save one for Mirsh. This means that Ohtar will also have plenty of room to sit in front of them. “He is going to be amazing,” Meri whispers in support of Mirshann’s sentiments. And Magik had the two leading women in his life sitting right up front in a show of their support. Of course, both of them undoubtedly had bias toward Magik. He was Mirshann’s father and they actually had a healthy relationship. He was also Meri’s husband, who may as well have hearts for eyes every time she sees the guy. Magik did not need to convince either of them, both daughter and wife were sold.
Also sitting in the front row with Magik’s family is Mesthak, having left Nancy in charge of the bar long enough to be able to attend this meeting. It’s no secret that the dwarf has an intense love for the region, having operated his business successfully for who even knows how long. “Yes, Magikrios,” Mesthak says with a bit of a tone. “I am wondering.” It was hard to say if Mesthak’s tone was positive or not. He and Magik do have a bit of history, it could go either way. A few murmurs of agreement can be heard coming from the rows behind from Crialla, who operates the Kelay Shop, and Arivos, who runs the Trading Post. In a bid to show his openness and willingness to hear what Magik has to say, the elven ranger Ecthelion speaks up, “If there is one thing I know about Magikrios, it is that he would not have gathered us all here if it was not something he felt to be of importance. The man has resided within these forests for as long as many of us, if not longer. He cares about this place and it’s people. So let’s give him the respect and consideration he deserves.”
Magikrios shifts his gaze from his two ladies and to Ohtar one more time before looking to Mesthak to address him first. In a quiet tone, he speaks to the dwarf, " This shouldn't take too long. Either way, I'm going to need your best brew after this." Magik smirks then looks to Ecthelion as the elven man speaks. One more supporter. Amazing. "Thank you, Ecthelion. I'll keep this short and sweet so we can all get back to enjoying the rest of the day." Those fiery black eyes scan the room, trying to make it a point to lock eyes with almost everyone gathered. "Like he said, my name is Magikrios Lyastri D'Chath. I have called Sage my home for many, many years now. In those years I have seen threats come and go, more so in the lands around us. Not too long ago we had a threat right here in Kelay. Some outsider wanted to make a quick name for himself and decided he was going to try and destroy Mesthak's establishment, Kelay Tavern. The threat was posted on his board and not one person or god decided to step in. I waited for the gods to interfere as they have done in the past because no one messes with a neutral land such as ours. They did not. I did. I gathered some friends and allies and we lined the street waiting for this threat to come through. Thankfully, he did not. Instead, we decided with our forces on site, we would have a friendly spar in the streets with the uyeer. I'd like to think that he was closeby, watching, and decided to run like a coward with his tail between his legs.." Magik pauses for a moment and looks to Ecthelion directly, "You were one of the first to find the chasms being created in Sage by Xicotl. Who did you seek out?" That was more of a rhetorical question. "Let me tell you guys, what I had to go through to keep Xicotl at bay and away from Kelay-Sage, I do not wish upon anyone. But I did what I had to and my only complaint was the boat rides to and from the archipelago. And I would do it all again to make sure Kelay and Sage remain out of harm's way."
The elder Lyastri starts walking around the meeting room, continuing to lock eyes with the neighbors that he shares the lands with, "What we need is, representation. If or when there is another threat to Kelay-Sage, we need someone to be the face of these lands to show that we are not to be toyed with. I, if you'll have me, would love to be that face of Kelay-Sage, with my wife, Meri, at my side helping make the decisions that need to happen." Before anyone can even think of any rebuttal about giving all of the power to one family, Magik continues, "I understand we have many tribes who like to keep their way of life simple and away from civilization. We also do have residents who welcome a more modern way of living. Me? I float right between. I love being able to come out of the forest, have a drink at Mesthak's then retreat back into the peacefulness. The power comes from everybody's voice. I will sit with the various tribal leaders and town representatives, and hear all sides where we will come to a decision that is best for the lands." Magikrios pauses, allowing anyone to voice their opinions, disgust, etc. He even looks over to Meri and Mirshann to see what their facial expressions hold.
The silence in the room is heavy as Magik speaks and this could easily be both a good thing and a bad thing. With the way that the entire room had their gaze focused on Magik while it makes his case, it is obvious that all of them are listening to him. Every single one of them. But how did they feel about what he was saying? Magik had at least two faces smiling encouragingly at him while he spoke. A couple were very stone-faced, like Larry who worked with Crialla at the Kelay Shop. Did he not share his coworkers enthusiasm?
More verbal with their objections are Aegnor and Camthalion. “Kelay has never had a leader,” which only prompts The two were already sitting relatively close to one another, but when Aegnor begins to grumble about how Kelay has never had a leader then Camthalion repositions herself so that she occupies a seat next to the flower shop owner. The two begin to team up with voicing their concerns. “Even if we were going to elect some sort of leadership, why should we go the route of a single leader?” Camthalion states, prompting Aegnor to respond, “Right? Why a council is just as sensible an option and it would ensure that we all have our say.” Back to Camthalion, “Reduce the chance of political corruption.”
“Political corruption?” someone in the crowd fires off, “Have you not been listening to anything that Magik has been saying about his time here? Do you pay attention to nothing?” It’s hard to say who exactly in the room said this, but it certainly was not Meri or Mirsh. The entire Lyastri D’Chath family likely had some awareness that some may not receive the idea well. Meri is managing to keep her tongue stilled so that nothing she says will ruin Magik’s chances.
The way that the volume of the conversation continues to rise demonstrates the wide mix of opinions on having any leader, let alone Magik as leader. Before the conversation can get out of hand, Mesthak says in a booming voice, “STOP.” Look, he has had some practice at this over the years. “Magik, if you have any final thoughts you would like to say on this, then do so. Afterward, if you and your family would please step out so that we can discuss what you are asking of everyone.”
Magik's steps continue to be slow, steady, and with a purpose even as Aegnor and Camthalion voice their lack of interest in having a single face represent Sage. He doesn't wish to interrupt and have a rebuttal immediately. Those fiery eyes lock onto the two speaking up for only a short moment but then continue looking about the room at everyone present. He wasn't there to start an argument. He was there to simply present an idea, have the town folk discuss it, and then everyone go about their days as normal. Magik was mentally prepared to handle whichever decision comes about. In fact, he was more prepared for a "No." And the elf wouldn't take it personally nor would he stop caring about Sage. Sage was his home. Always was. And now, he has a family who reside there as well. Magik was about to open his mouth to say something awfully sassy back to Aegnor and Camthalion, but that unknown voice from the back takes the words right out of the elf's mouth. Mesthak suddenly taking command of the room before things can erupt into a screaming match causes Magik to finally stop walking around the room. Magikrios nods his head towards Mesthak before addressing the room one final time. His eyes lock on to Mirshann first who gives her father a slight nod. He then looks to one seat over to Meri and offers her a slight smirk before continuing on, "I've pretty much said all I've wanted to. I didn't want to drag this out or turn it into some type of fight. Everyone knows me and the work that I do to keep Kelay-Sage the free and central neutral hub to all of Lithrydel. I came to you all with an idea to debate and that is all. If it's a no I'll continue to do what I've been doing. Nothing personal. I just hope that my actions have been inspirational and will perhaps lead others to.." Magik looks to Aegnor and Camthalion with a slight smirk, "..join me by my side when there's a threat to our lands." He once again looks to the rest of those gathered, "Thank you all for your time." Magik bows his head to everyone present before heading towards Meri, Mirshann, and Ohtar. Ohtar gets a pat on the head before offering his hands to his ladies, "Let's get some air." With that, he leads his family outside to wait patiently as the citizens of Kelay-Sage debate what the elder Lyastri is asking of them.
Leave the room. This was not an idea that Meri was keen on, though she understood why it was being asked. So it is with some reluctance that the blonde reaches out to accept Magik’s hand and allow him to lead his family out of the room.Yet once they managed to make it outside, Meri found the fresh air to be relieving. She was so focused on reading the room that she had not noticed how hot that place had gotten with so many bodies occupying the space for the purposes of this meeting. “Tough crowd,” Meri murmurs to both Magik and Mirshann once she is sure that they are out of earshot. “But I guess it is understandable, it’s a big ask. One that any reasonable group of people should take their time before committing to it.” Still…”I wonder how long they will have us waiting….”
They might be outside for an undefined period of time but Meri was not looking to move too far away. Much the opposite, her blue eyes were scanning the building, trying to figure out if there was a way that she could eavesdrop on the conversation without being seen. For the first fifteen or so minutes, it does not sound like there was much for Meri to overhear. If any conversation was going on inside, it was all pretty polite. This was probably due to Mesthak making sure that everyone minds themselves, he’s got a lot of experience babysitting adults afterall. All of a sudden someone can be heard shouting, it is loud enough that those outside can tell it is a male voice yet it is not loud enough to make out what he is saying. After this brief outburst things seem to temper down for a minute, and then another outburst.
This is what the Lyastri D’Chath family will have to listen to, until someone from inside fetches them. After about an hour of waiting, Meri proclaims, “I have to pee. They are taking forever.” No, she’s just impatient.
Once outside, Magik relaxes his posture just a tad. He looks to Meri and Mirshann just long enough to wide eyed for a split second and then nods to Meri in response to her comment, "Do you blame them though?" Mirshann sits on the ground and leans against the building's outside wall. Ohtar, of course, lays down next to her and places his head on her lap. Mirshann looks up to Magik as she wipes a few stray black hairs out of her face, "I think you spoke well, papa." There was no audible 'thank you', but there was a very warm smile shot Mirshann's way. Magik joins Meri at her side and places a soft kiss to her cheek, "Thanks for coming with us." He knows. Meri was going to be here regardless, supportive wife and all. What a catch! As the volume of the chatter increases, Magikrios folds his hands infront of him and starts slowly pacing back and forth closer to the road that cuts through Kelay Way. Of course, any bystanders who looks his way will get either a soft smile, nod, or a slight wave depending on who they are. His pacing is interuppted by Meri's comment. The Lyastri turns towards her and shrugs, "I'm sorry, love. I didn't bring my pack. There's probably a bucket, or, uh, something in there somewhere." Rude, Mag. Very rude. He said this with a smile, of course. You know, just trying to lighten the mood as he generally tries to do at times. Eventually Magik grow tired of walking about aimlessly and decides to plop down next to Mirshann and Oat. Becoming slowly impatient himself, he asks Meri, "It really couldn't be that much longer, right?"
Meri didn’t blame them, but the wait did not exactly help anyone’s anxiety. Magik’s kiss to her cheek and word of thanks are met with a reassuring smile, “Always.” That reassuring smile shifts into a ‘don’t test me’ smirk when Magik mentions peeing in a bucket. “I am sure I could find a bush too, but I think I should probably behave with a modicum of class given the situation.” This meant that Meri would leave Magik to his pacing so that she could make the brief trek down the way toward the Kelay Tavern. Surely Mestak had a bathroom she could use, it’s not like he would close the place down completely during this meeting. Beer to sell, rooms to rent. It was not a long walk, Magik and Mirshann would be left to their own pacing and mulling over the discussion they could not hear for about fifteen minutes before Meri would return. When she did, she also takes a seat next to Mirshann. By the time Meri settles back in for the wait with her family, about an hour and a half has passed. And they will be waiting an hour more before the doors of Kelay Town Hall finally open and it is Mesthak that steps out. His gaze instantly snaps toward the Lyastri D’Chath family, who are undoubtedly staring right back at him in search of some sort of clue or hint on how the talk went. At least, Meri sure is.
Mesthak does not keep them waiting for long, “After deliberation, we have come to the conclusion that we would be interested in hearing you out further on this matter. That is to say, we are not entirely opposed to a leader for the region, depending on how you address certain questions. If you would all rejoin us inside.” Mesthak waits outside long enough for the trio to rise and begin to make their way inside. Then he will lead the way. Once back in the building, the tavern owner gestures for Meri and Mirshann to retake their seats while Magikrios is expected to stand center stage again. Right back in the hot seat.
“Agreeing to a leader for Kelay would be a huge change and if we are going to do that we want to make sure we have the right person and that we have a clear understanding of how things will be going forward. What sort of government style are you imagining that you will impose on the region as the new leader? How will you make a point to hear the voices of everyone in the region? What if we decide we are unhappy with you as a leader, what understandings will be in place for replacing leaders? What sort of plans have you made that will benefit the future and longevity of our region?”
Magikrios, Mirshann, and Oat remained relatively stationary while Meri went on her little walk down the road to the tavern. Magik did get up a few times to stretch his limbs a bit, being old and all. As Meri returns Mesthak finally reappears just as the elf returns to his seat against the town hall. Magik looks up at the dwarf who might actually be closer to Magik's eye level in this current position and nods his head. He takes a breath in and looks to Meri and Mirshann, "Round two.." They head in and Magikrios takes his previous spot at the center of the room. Those fiery eyes lock onto Mesthak as he hits him with a barrage of questions. The more the questions fly, the more serious Magik becomes. What an interview. It was quiet expected, to be honest. The Lyastri would have been a little disappointed in Kelay had this been an easy decision. When Mesthak was through the list of questions Magikrios takes a look about the room and once again holds his hands behind his back as he starts to slowly pace around the room once more. "Like I said earlier, the will of Kelay-Sage will be heard no matter what. I simply seek to be the face of the region. I want to surround myself by a council made of the elders and tribe leaders of the forests in the north and south to make sure what decisions we will be making will benefit everyone." By the time he's about to answer the bit regarding how to replace him if need be, he's at Meri's side. He lays a hand on her shoulder and resumes answering Mesthak's questions, "As for appointing a new Guardian..First I'd like to say that my loyalty to Kelay-Sage has never faltered. Should it, I would gladly step down before anyone can even have the conversation regarding the matter." Magik starts looking about the room to everyone gathered and pacing again, "Right now I ask you give me at least two years in this position. If the citizens of Kelay-Sage are displeased, they can hold council and decide what to do next. Vote me out, trial by combat, a challenge, quest..I know Kelay would not make it easy for me. I would need to prove I am still capable of being the Guardian of Sage. I will do everything in my power to prevent the council to gather for such a reason."
Now that weight is off of his shoulders, the elf makes his plans for the area known. "My vision for the future is simple. I see nothing wrong with Kelay or the Sage Forests besides the lack of representation and the lack of defenses for our land. With the unpredictable Larket to the north and the drow below our feet, I feel we have been at their mercy for a little too long. I would like to see our neutral mentality remain, but with a few precautions in place just incase our neighbors decide to advance on our lands. I have a couple things in mind but would prefer to create our council and make this our first subject matter." The elf looks back to his family for any hint of a reaction from them then looks back to everyone else, "Regardless of what you may decide, thank you all for taking time out of your lives to hear me out. I will be satisfied with whatever decision you come to."
After getting settled back inside, Meri is paying keen attention to the details of the room. Those blue eyes are subtly shifting around the faces while her ears keep locked on everything Magikrios is saying. Her attempts to read the room are only temporarily halted when Magik places a hand upon her shoulder, causing the blonde to look up at the man so that she can offer him an encouraging smile. He’s got this! Just as the blonde turns her gaze away from Magik, she lifts her hand so that she can place it on the hand he has resting on her shoulder. In a more rare display of comfort, Meri attempts to reach for Mirshann’s hand too with her empty one. You know, if the young woman would let her. Teen’s sometimes. Really Meri was just trying to do her best to show they were in this together, they were all family now afterall.
Anyway, enough of that mush. Back to Mesthak and the meeting’s attendees. Meri was not the only one trying to gain an understanding of how the room was feeling. The dwarf was looking for many of the sames signs that Meri was: did anyone look disgruntled with what they were hearing? Were there any annoyed whispers being shared amongst friends seated next to each other? He saw nothing. The dwarf was wise enough to understand that just because he did not observe upset, did not mean that it was there. So once Magik finished speaking, the dwarf allowed for brief pause before asking the room, “Does anyone object to anything that Magik is saying? Do we foresee any immediate concerns with his presentation or his answers?”
Silence was heavy in the room, everyone was glancing around to see if anyone was going to speak up, to object. It is actually Ecthelion that volunteers to be the one to break the silence, it would seem. The elf who is most readily found near the ranger’s camp stands, and he says….! “Magikrios Lyastri D’Chath, I would be honored to give you two years.” With this assertion uttered, the rest of the gathered chime in with a series of ‘aye’s.
Magik manages a one cheek smile to Meri as Mirshann takes her hand. Mirsh winks at Magik before diverting her attention to the crowd around them. She may or may not have also had a hand on her belt. You know, just incase. Magik's attention is snapped back to the task at hand as Mesthak speaks up. Instead of Magikrios looking around the room for any objections, his gaze remains locked on Mesthak. The silence around the room was deafening in more than just one way. At the sound of his full name, Magik looks to Ecthelion and is preparing to answer another set of questions, but the fellow elf seems to be convinced. As the 'ayes' start becoming audible around the room, it would seem the rest of the crowd was as well. Two years. Perfect. Magik bows towards Ecthelion then addresses those gathered once more, "Once again. Thank you all. The tribal leaders will be hearing from me very soon. We have a lot of work to do." Assuming the crowd starts to clear out after the official decision, Magik remains standing and ready to shake some babies and kiss some hands. Or..The other way around..Kiss some babies and shake some hands. Maybe shake some baby hands? Either way. He's not in a complete rush out of the door. He's been taking a few mental notes about the state of the building. It'll be added to his to-do list.