RP:The Proposition
Part of the Phoenix Rising Arc
Synopsis: Arien is summoned to a meeting of the representatives of the seven Houses, one orchestrated by Nirarrien, magus of the High Elf Royal court, and representative of the House Falirae, who presents a radical proposal for the expansion of the power of elfkin for vote; the creation of the United Elvin Republic.
Characters: Arien, Nirrarien, NPC House representatives.
Location: Rynvale; The Conference Chamber of the Royal Townhouse.
The red-rope barrier in this room stops you getting near the large circular table in the center, around which the governor, her advisors and high-ranking officials often gather to discuss matters of state. A number of other observers are standing there with you, one of whom, a particularly eager young girl, is holding the rope barrier tightly. She causes the metal pole it is suspended from to wobble every so often, much to the disdain of the council currently present who are locked in a fierce debate of some kind. One of the shipping union representatives continuously bangs a hand on the hard wooden surface, creating a loud echo throughout this cavernous room. Other than this rather blatantly aggressive bargaining tactic there is little else of interest in this room, you’d best return the way you came.
Nirrarien :: Well used to its role as a room for shouting, the raucous conflict of opinion suits the chamber nicely as one would make entrance, to see those that lead the noble blood quite up in arms on some issue for other. Though debate appears civil tongues are sharp, and postures tense throughout the ceaseless cast of point and rebuttal, at the near head of which sits the magus, head of the Second House, whom rises swiftly on noting the oracle's entrance. "Governor," the advisor calls, and the bickering nobles fall silent to turn gaze on the mediator of their unorthodox democracy, though sharp glances flit between rival and ally alike, "good of you to join us on short notice..." An open hand sweeps to indicate the more elegant chair at his side, a sweeping, paranoid glance probing the other nobles for an enmity that did not exist.
Arien swept into the room dressed in the regalia of office, and more importantly, the insignia of House Illaren displayed on the signet that rested formally upon one slender finger of her right hand. Fiery crown dipped toward the magus, a certain dry amusement lighting her emerald gaze. “Not at all Nirra,” she murmured melodically, “You know there is nothing I like better than to spend my evenings mediating the affairs of the Houses. Fingers carelessly flitted through the motions of traditional greeting to the High Born gathered. “My Lords..Ladies.. to what do I owe the pleasure of your company and discourse this eve?” The governor was moving to her place at the head of the table, cloak of office swept away as she lowered herself into seat. The question was asked of the gathering in general, but emerald eyes were set to her right side, on the court mage, and leader of the Second House.
Nirrarien :: "Flasher here," as soon as any were given indication to speak, one brash noble already sought to usurp the Second House. All debates were such; no different than the inter-House violence displayed by dark elves, but in the more civilized pretence of words rather than daggers, "implores that we stop forcing mainlanders to fight for our island, and instead offer it freely for taking." One or two others snigger under their breaths, to be quieted by sharp looks from Nirrarien, who then turns to the Governor. He breathes heavily, taking time to chew on his words. "What I in fact proposed, if others would care to see strength in numbers," the dissenting noble earned himself a disfavouring look, "is a more profound unification with the Sylvan remnants to the north... And the tree-born on the mainland." Long fingers drum challengingly on the tabletop, expecting to have to flatten those who would also take opportunity to discredit House Falirae, though the circle of house-head's is silent now, and paying proper intention; playing the part of perfection for the Governor. "Namely..." Nirrarien continues slowly, taking time to eye the others with every spoken word, "we invite the wood elves here, to Rynvale Isle. Granting them place in the woods, and seeking mutual alleigance with the Sylvan remnants... I propose the formation of a new nation, one to thrive in the changing world, and ensure our blood never again faces true threat, either from prejudice or from being seen as an 'easy target' for upcoming tyrants. I propose the formation of the United Elven Republic of Rynvale Island."
A hush fell over the room just then, six pairs of eyes swiveling in the governor’s direction instantaneously to seek out her reaction. They would settle on a face that had assumed a carefully unreadable expression as she leaned back in her seat. “I see..” came the first murmured response. Eyes flickered around the representatives gathered, “You were ever..ambitious in outlook Nirrarien.” Her own slender fingers rolled through drumbeat on the polished surface. “But ambition alone will not be enough to reverse millennia of history. You speak of transplanting a race from what has come to be home..granted I am sure they are aware that it is not as secure as they would like. And you also assume the ability of our people to overcome engrained prejudices and share resources.” The elf rose, hands falling loosely behind her back as she walked away from the table and toward the window with a view. “Rynvale..has changed my friend. Our blood no longer runs pure…Halflings abound, humans, travelers..merchants. We are a smelting pot of the world we occupy. It is fanciful to think that a patchwork quilt can be sewn together into a common standard, is it not?” She turned to face the assembly. “We have evolved..our faiths, our skills, our ways of life..are too varied to be a common nation.”
Nirrarien 's chair squeaks as his posture shifts slightly in its confines, his frame leaning forward as if to place physical emphasis on his points, which come quickly, and are voiced with strong confidence. "Yet halflings and humans travel and trade by our law, whilst they do so in the legal confines of our city, and it is the same world-wide. Sage is home to many varying species, Larket and Cenril have serves as refuge for elves in past times... Humans are everywhere, from the Underdark to Schezerade. It would be madness to think we can purge all those not of the blood from the island, and I will not be foolish enough to try, nor would I expect or tolerate attempt from any present in this room. However, this is not to say that what I propose is impossible. Would you not correct any who claimed Rynvale city-port was not the home of, and under dominion of, high-elves?" An eyebrow cocks upwards, and hand lifts in slight wave of petty defining issues, "the nation's title speaks for diversity in culture and rule. A United Republic, composing of senates from separate states, namely Rynvale City-State, the Forestlands and the State of Vhys. There would not be any imposition on culture, and space for differentiation in law within the various states of the Republic. Rather our unified peoples would thrive on brotherhood and freedom of trade, and benefit extensively from massively increased military strength." The mage's hands rise to link long fingers together, on top of which rests an idly chin, propped up by robed elbows. "Send me to speak to the tree-born and forsaken political representatives. For every conceiveable protest, I have devised rebuttal. Of course, they will likely desire to meet with you in person for discussion and signing of treaties, but my own way with words will suffice for first contact... No? They have an affinity with the earth that we, despite they're backwards ways, can but marvel at. It will be a trifling matter for them to make new home from the forests of the island. They are diminished in number to the extent that the woods on the isle can easily support them, and we can provide assistance in migration and construction of settlement."
Arien frowned slightly. He could be so very persuasive. In theory the benefits proposed would significant..but surely he was underestimating the stubborn independence and pride of elfkin. It made her hesitant to even consider the proposition. However it was presented, it was likely that the representatives of the Tree Born and Forsaken would see the move as a power grab by the High Born. “Of course I would not be so foolish as to say that the isle is not the standard of our people Nirra. Rynvale is the domain of the High Born..as is Vhys the domain of the Forsaken, and Sage the Tree Born. I fear you underestimate the desire that resides in us all to cling to that which is uniquely our own.” The governor was torn. “It is an interesting..concept.. but I cannot say that I would put my seal to its approval without some indicator that our Elfkin are willing to entertain the possibility.” Arien moved toward the table with graceful step. “I am not against you presenting the idea to our kin..provided that it is done so in the manner of open discussion on the –possibility- of such a nation coming into existence..and not as a concept that has the defacto approval of the Royal seal,” she murmured. “But..” she smiled faintly, “ Here I speak only for the First House..we shall, as in all things..put such a decision to the vote, no?”
Nirrarien turns eyes around the table, and gives a sharp sigh. "Very well, then... I will travel to Sage, and Vhys, and meet with political representatives in proposition of the formation of a United Elven Republic on Rynvale island... Organized and functioning as I have proposed. All in favour?" Nirrarien's hand rose, along with four others, Arien's hesitantly included. "All opposed?" and the two remaining hands rose, and Nirrarien nodded approvingly. "It is uplifting to receive positive response... I will make preparations for meeting with Vhys immediately. Sage..." Eyes flash to the Governor, and lips pull into a frown, "it may be best to wait short while. With your dismissal, Governor."
Arien rose to her feet. "Dismissed. Keep me informed Nirra.." And with a salutation in farewell the governor was gone. She had a bedtime story to read to her children at home.