[Council] Winter Greetings of a Most Political Nature [Private]

[Nimh]

One by one, the council members (and pseudo-members) went into the room to deposit their votes. There were eight of them in total, hardly what could be called a number that might break any ties, and some made little secret with whom their alliances were settled: The two pseudo-councilman chatted amiably with Sireach, seeming to know him or perhaps simply being familiar with him by way of the political circle; little Iolanthe perched on Rhylq's shoulder and chatter assurances and confidences that everything who swing in his favor (when it came her turn to carry the stones, she had some difficult, for they were large and her wings were designed to only hold so much). Others kept their own council: Gern, Councilman of the Ledelre District, kept to himself, standing to the side, hands clasped behind his back, looking intermittently bored and distant, desiring not at all to give his own vote away; Arealia was as calm as ever, her expression placid, her attention focused on the proceedings.

When the voting had been completed--it did not, after all, take much time--Arealia excused herself from their presence and ushered Straylor into the room, shutting the door behind her and settling at the table on which the ballot box was totaled. Tallying the votes would only take a moment--colored stones, numbering only eight, when dumped out would leave little to count. Quite simply, she lifted the lid, grasped the body of the box, and turned it upside out. Stones of red and blue trickled out onto the surface, a cascade of mingled shades that had no preference for sticking close to one or the other.

Arealia smiled faintly as she separated them out with the tip of her finger: Five stones in one color, three in the other. There would not have to be a second vote, breaking the tie. "A close vote and perhaps not all that surprising." She stood fro her seat and inclined her cheek towards Straylor. "I am sure the month will be an interesting one, but hopefully productive. I hope you will work closely with us, your excellency."

She went to open the door, leaving the colored stones open to view on the middle of the table, separated out in their piles of blue or red. When the councilman came streaming back into the room, they were there for all to see: Five blue, three red. Rhylq had pulled off a narrow victory.

Sireach regarded the pile with an obvious curl of disdain on his mouth, but he folded his arms across his chest and inclined his head towards Rhylq in recognition of defeat. He would not childishly argue the matter. A vote was a vote in Ieffreon and that was all there was to it.

"Vice Thane Rhylq," Arealia greeted the former councilman, her tones a bit formal, although a smile played out over her features. "There will be much to go over in the next month or so, but I am certain that it should play out quite well. Why don't we retire to my offices with his excellency to discuss the coming brightenings?" She turned towards the rest of the council. "Thank you very much for your assistance. We will meet again on the twenty-five of the month."

The others began to file out, Iolanthe briefly winging over to Rhylq to plant a kiss on his cheek. "I knew you'd win." She flashed him a bright smile then, laughing, winged her way out of the council chambers.

"How about an afternoon meal while we talk, gentleman? I imagine I can scare up some food while we hash things out."

[Straylor Leonard]

Indeed, there was hardly a moment's need to count. Five to the winner, three to the loser. He smiled at Arealia. ”I look forward to it” he said. It would be an interesting month, to say the least. A new Vice Thane, soon-to-be Thane in fact. He wondered how the burly Councilman would take his defeat, then found a small smirk on his features as he and the retiring Lady Thane opened the doors for the others to see. Rhylq had won, if only marginally. But then again, there were only eight voters. Straylor also inclined his head toward the new Vice Thane, right after Sireach's rather stern concession. ”Congratulations, Vice Thane” he offered.

After the other members of the Council left, followed by a faerie kiss from little Iolanthe, Straylor turned to face Arealia when she mentioned an afternoon meal. ”An excellent suggestion” the Governor agreed ”But may I offer my home for this get-together? It's not too far from here – hardly if we take an In-A-Snap.” He smiled. Straylor also just realized that he's never actually invited the Lady Thane or Rhylq to his home before. ”My staff can take care of the cooking, so we can relax from all this excitement.” He chuckled.

[Rhylq]

When the Governor and the Thane were left in the Council Chambers for the vote count, Rhyq thought a bit about his time in Ieffreon and what would lie ahead. Since his election to City Council, his interest in government and politics had increased steadily. He particularly admired the ways that the Thane and the Governor carried out their duties. Their methods were different but both were effective and both managed to rule and still respect the rights of others. They were good models, should he go further in government.

There was no definite indication of how the vote would go. Some preferences were apparent but most maintained a privacy about their preference, keeping their own council. Of course his friend the Fae Iolanthe came to give her assurance of his victory. When she kissed him on the cheek, the Sea Elf winked and smiled.

When they reentered the Council Chambers it was evident that the Thane had left the colored stones open to view on the middle of the table, separated out in their piles of blue or red. They were there for all to see: Five blue, three red. Rhylq had pulled off a narrow victory.

Sireach was obviously displeased with the result, but he folded his arms across his chest and inclined his head towards Rhylq in recognition of defeat. Rhyq nodded in return.

The Sea Elf was quite pleased to be addressed as Vice Thane Rhylq and nodded in agreement when the Thane mentioned retiring to her offices with the Governor. When she suggested an afternoon meal, Rhylq nodded in agreement once again.

When Governor offered his congratulations, Rhylq replied simply, "Thank you".

[Nimh]

Arealia was more than agreeable to meeting at Straylor's household rather than at her own office, and led them from the council chambers, offering brief smiles and quick greetings to the various political toadies that often frequented the City Hall. It was easy enough to hail a Snap Dragon carriage, for they often loitered around the Chamillos District, well aware that some of their most frequent patrons were the money-laden individuals who tended to business in that very district. A scaled gorjira ambled up along the steps leading back into the building and the driver rather hastily insisted on handing Arealia up into the carriage, then stepping back to allow both men in after her.

The carriage ride was easy enough, smooth as one could be situated in the back of a carriage drawn by an easy-gaited lizard. Arealia kept up a steady stream of back and forth commentary, idle discussion about the island and the city that more or less strayed away from politics and the job--it was, as far as anyone could discern, mere social chit-chat.

It was only once they were ensconced in the Leonard household that Arealia allowed herself to ease away the quaint discussions for something more formal: Work. "Now. Again, congratulations on your nomination, Rhylq," she said once more to the now former councilman, smiling. "I know there are a few things here we need to iron out between the three of us, but let me state first: I am glad to see you sitting here with us, in such a position. Your advice and easy demeanor has made for a rather comfortable working relation since you've joined the council. I am quite sure that this next month will move along easily enough and between myself and the governor, we will be able to prepare you for a slightly loftier position."

She cleared her throat, glancing towards Straylor, then again towards Rhylq. "I was envisioning what I mentioned earlier: I will walk you over the next month through the various tasks and issues that I handle and, at its conclusion, perhaps his excellency would wish to meet with you and clarify whether or not you are indeed fit for the position of Thane. Were your thoughts the same, excellency?" she inquired towards the governor.

oocI skipped straight along, hope no one minds--Stray, you are obviously welcome to detail the where and what of where they are ;)

[Straylor Leonard]

The Consul's Mansion, even following the former Consul's appointment to Governor, was still widely used though for more official business than pleasure. Whitesands Manor now held that privilege, and Stray preferred to keep his privacy there on the edge of the Ieffreon. That, and it was Milo's idea to keep the property under Straylor's guardianship so long as he was stationed in Eunesia. And it fit its purpose quite well. Unlike Whitesands, it was only a fair distance away from the political district, making it easy to travel to whenever Straylor worked long candlemarks or just didn't feel like going home where Elmaryia wasn't.

The grounds were well kept, and the two guards immediately allowed the In-A-Snap after seeing Straylor and his two visitors within. "Your Grace, Councilman" they greeted Arealia and Rhylq afterwards in turn. The mansion was expansive, but it was also simple. The servants quickly tended to the Lady Thane and her successor while Straylor excused himself briefly. The pair were seated in a warm room filled with all manners of trophies from Straylor's previous life as an adventurer, complied with other souvenirs he procured from his more recent travels.

Several maids and footmen quickly served trays with sliced cheese, meats, and small pastries; Arealia and Rhylq were offered a selection of wine from a collection Straylor was continually adding to. Once everyone was settled, Stray glanced up at Arealia after finishing a mouthful of bread. "My thoughts precisely" he replied "of course, our main goal is to ensure that you are ready for Thaneship" he told Rhylq in even tones "your role as Vice Thane is primarily to ease the transition. So learn all you can, my good man." He smiled.

[Rhylq]

During their trip in the carriage to the Governor's home, the conversation was casual and the ride was smooth. This was Rhylq's first ride in a carriage drawn by a lizard and he enjoyed the novel transport. At least it was novel to him. Most likely the Thane and the Governor were accustomed to such things. When they arrived at their destination, he had to restrain himself to keep from gawking at the Governor's Mansion. The well kept grounds added to the splendor. He had never been to this part of the community and it was his first time to see such a residence close up. He had to smile when he mentally compared it to his recently acquired underwater residence.

Once they entered the Leonard household, the Thane again congratulated Rhylq and pointed out that the three of them had important matters to discuss. It was obvious that there should be agreement about just how the community was going to be governed. Though Arealia would soon be retiring, it was her leadership that made Ieffreon what it was now. Of course the Governor was involved as well but not so much with the details. He felt more confident when the Thane complimented him on their relationship thus far. He did look forward to the opportunity to learn more from these two now and during the upcoming month. He did not doubt his own abilities but he was well aware that both the Governor and the Thane could prepare him for a better start in his new position. Going through the tasks and issues handled by the Thane would be most helpful. Of course he was well aware that the final approval would come from the Governor.

He enjoyed the cheese, meats, and small pastries and of course the fine wine. This was all a treat to his palate. Rhylq was more accustomed to what the sea had to offer but he was certainly pleased with this.

When the Governor spoke of his role as Vice Thane, preparation and easing the transition, the Sea Elf merely nodded in agreement. He certainly shared those thoughts and was anxious to prepare himself during his tenure as Vice Thane.

[Nimh]

The Thane nodded also, plucking a thin slice of cheese and laying it across a small bit of bread. She nibbled at this as the Governor added his own thoughts, very similar to her own, and Rhylq merely gestured his agreement. She smiled faintly and rolled her fingers together, letting the crumbs stuck there fall onto a bit of napkin. "Very good. I'm glad we're all in agreement there."

She twisted in her chair, studying Rhylq with a slight inclination of her head. "Shall we perhaps cover some items while we're here? A good portion of what you'll have to deal with and folks coming to you regarding policies--those already in place and those that they wish to be implemented. Of course, some of those policies that may or may not be implemented should also come from your own court."

The aging woman reached out, coughing slightly, and curled a hand around a goblet. "Have you thought on this at all? Even prior to the election, of course. As councilman, I am aware that there are ideas and thoughts that you have or have considered for the betterment of your own district, the Evgenis. As well, we've covered matters that concern the whole city."

She took a slight sip of her wine, swallowed it down and set the glass down again. "Would it be presumptuous of me to prod you about them? A mild curiosity, and perhaps we could focus on those over the coming month, so that a possible transition would be easier."

[Rhylq]

In addition to enjoying the fare that was on the table, he took mental note of what was offered. If all went well, then before long he would be expected to provide refreshments for visitors. Rhylq was quite impressed that all this was available on such short notice. The Governor made it all seem easy, yet Rhylq was certain that it would not be. Of course if all this came to pass, he would have some sort of staff that were experienced in such matters. Questions of that sort could wait until much later.

Now the time had come to discuss his own feelings about what was happening and what should be happening. Though that was quite an oversimplification, it was what the Thane wanted to hear.

"In the time I've been serving on the Council, it has become apparent to me that some proposals benefit Ieffreon as a whole, some benefit only one specific district and yet others will help only a specific individual or business. However, I have learned that it is not quite that simple. What helps my district will often contribute to the overall good of Ieffreon. When I do something to help a specific merchant, the result may well be an improvement in the tax base for the city and perhaps even better merchandise at a better price for our citizens. Unfortunately there may be proposals for the benefit of an undeserving few or even one person. Often these can be properly identified and sorted during Council discussion.

"We need to encourage commerce within our community and of course with entities abroard. Though at the moment I cannot see how it could be accomplished, we should look for establishing trade links with the Mer community. Should they come to depend on us for necessities or even casual needs, we might well establish a better relationship. We would be able to devote more attention to other matters if we had a more normal association with them.

"I would also like to mention a matter on which we do not agree, the matter of the populace having the right to bear arms. I spent my early years in a community where all males and females owned weapons and most were proficient in using those weapons. It would be a rare occurence for one member of the community to to attack another. I credit the citizens of Ieffreon with that much self control as well. A citizen should be responsible for his own safety and the safety of his neighbors. I would not ask that weapon ownership or proficiency be mandantory but it should be lawful. I am aware that this would not be a matter for me to decide but I would present such a proposal to the Council for discussion and consideration." After a pause, he added, "It would not surprise me if such a proposal were defeated the first time it was presented".

[Straylor Leonard]

So Straylor may not have been Rhylq's #1 Fan coming into the meeting. Sure he was open-minded and generally thought well of the Sea Elf. But following his brief speech about his views and goals, the Governor was not only thoroughly impressed but he was on the verge of slapping the newly-appointed Vice Thane on the shoulder. Lift the arms ban? This is genius. He waited briefly before adding his own take, having been Chief Constable and Thane of Trysvale prior to the political arena of the Royal Court.

"I must echo his sentiments, Your Grace" he added in kind tones "Ieffreon has suffered much during the Longest Winter. And the Mer attacks have only further harmed our tourist industry. We need to revitalize our economy by ensuring that we can compete with the other islands, and not just for tourists, but also to serve our own residents. With the Mer's aggression, I fear that harvesting from our seas will no longer be a low-risk endeavor. You've seen what they do to 'trespassers'." He looked to Rhylq.

"I am pleased that you feel the arms ban requires some rethinking. The island is hapless against the Mer should they turn against us again. Not to mention the Jorelite hunt. These are dangerous times. We must react as the situation warrants it."

[Nimh]

Arealia listened quietly and carefully as Rhylq explained out his thoughts and ideas to the woman. She was briefly thoughtful at his mention of 'his district' and calmly pointed out, "We'll have to appoint a temporary Councilman to assume your space on the Council until elections can be held. With your appointment to Vice Thane, it is no longer your seat." She inclined her cheek slightly. "It comes with an increase in your pay, as well, come to think of it. For this month that you serve as Vice Thane, your time will be compensated at 250 crowns per cycle. You will have to talk with the Governor about pay, if he approves you for the Thanal position."

She then lapsed again into silence, listening further as he expounded on opportunities with the mer, which which she wholeheartedly agreed. "There is a definite opportunity there, certainly. Hopefully we can work together with them, rather than against. Time will tell, I suppose."

To the last issue, she looked a trace sad and canted her cheek. "That I will not assist you with," she concluded. "The other matters we can meet over and discuss, but that one you will handle on your own, with the governor, if he wishes. The council will, of course, have the final say in the matter. I don't think you quite understand what you are getting yourselves into, given how peaceful our streets are in comparison to o ther cities, but I will leave you to discover that on your own."

At Straylor's comment, she merely laughed. "Don't let the Marines hear you say that we are hapless. Eunesia boasts the finest armadas in Aelyria and they're well-trained to defend the cities against threat. You do them a great disservice to suggest otherwise."

She leaned back in her chair, plucking up a piece of cheese and nibbling at it. "So, Rhylq... Have you any questions? Thoughts?" she queried.

[Rhylq]

True enough, he would not be representing a single district any longer. Indeed he would have to get accustomed to that. As Vice Thane or as Thane, he would be equally responsible for all of them and equally important he would need to be more aware of the interdependency of the districts. He would be giving up his present office as well. The pay of 250 crowns per cycle was more than adequate. In fact his pay as a Council Member was more than he needed. His life style was not such that required much money. Of course he realized that should he be appointed Thane, his life style would change.

Rhylq said to the Thane, "My personal belongings in the Council are few. I should be able to fit them in a single pouch. Most of what is there should go to whomever replaces me.

"Excepting for the issue of armed citizens, I expect that we are in agreement on matters that are important. Whether or not we agree on something, your opinions on any matter will help me better prepare. I expect there to be some opposition to whatever I propose. Additionally, some consider me an outsider and I expect some will think that one of my race should not be Thane of Ieffreon. I also expect that I can cope with that.

"I have found our method of governing to be about as efficient as one could expect. Working with the Council will be a challenge but I feel that you can prepare me to handle it. I am well aware that I need your help in developing a more tactful attitude, especially when dealing with adversaries of one sort or another. Dealing with the Mer will probably be my greatest challenge, both because of the difficulty in understanding their motives and the importance of avoiding a long term hostile relationship.

"There is also the matter of relationships and any responsibilities to other cities in Eunesia. Though the Governor is readily available, I would prefer being able to handle matters on my own.

"This would seem the appropriate time to advise both you and the Governor that I own a residence in the Si'laiyne-Thelyri Aquapolis. In carrying out my duties as a member of City Council I have met with Tk'sanie Caielr'el several times. She is the Mother-Figure of the community. I have also met with her on personal matters. My home is Ieffreon and my allegiance is to Ieffreon but I do maintain a kinship with Thelyri.

"Then there is there is a matter of where I will be living. I have been keeping my few belongings on my boat. Depending on my mood, I have been sleeping on the boat, on the beach or in the water. I see a need for me to establish a residence more in keeping with local customs."

[Straylor Leonard]

Straylor regarded Arealia with only a mild interest. If Ieffreonians were so well-defended how were so many kidnapped, even killed at the hands of the Mer? Where was this sterling armada when those ships were sunk and its crew butchered by the dastardly fish-folk? While Straylor held his province's navy in high esteem, he doubted their drills and maritime training covered the savage tactics the Mer employed. Not to mention the possibility that there was a powerful mage in their ranks as well. Volcanoes did not spontaneously erupt, and while Straylor knew the dangerous temper of Nature herself, he could not ignore the nagging feeling that Eunesia had more than an Arch-mystic to worry about. This made the Governor frown, if not only briefly.

"I will arrange your new abode, if that is all right Your Grace" Straylor looked from Rhylq to Arealia with a small smile. "I am sure one of the manors in the Ieffreous Arthro Domicillus District can accommodate you just as well." He inclined his head toward Rhylq, assuming that, of course, the sea elf would appreciate a residence in Ieffreon's most prestigious district. Straylor was still deciding if he was to purchase the house himself, or ask the Royal Government's hand in the matter. In truth, a house was a small price to ensure a future ally. Not that Rhylq and Straylor wasn't on the same page already.

[Rhylq]

Of course Rhylq appreciated the offer, he waited to give the Thane an opportunity to comment. He then replied to Straylor, "I would appreciate your help with that. I don't need much personally but I certainly want something that would be suitable for the office I hope to hold. I'm sure you are much better aware of what I need than I am."

The Sea Elf felt fortunate to have help with this because he lacked any experience to deal with this. He thought it almost amusing that he felt ready to be trained for a very signifant position, yet he was at a loss about selecting an appropriate residence. Rhylq was confident that once he moved in, he would get accustomed to it and manage well. He knew enough to accept help when it was needed and he also knew enough to have carefully observed how those in senior positions conducted themselves.

More important, he felt confident that could work with the Governor as the situation required and yet carry out his own duties independently.

[Nimh]

oocRhylq, you can actually bump the salary up to 300; I failed to remember the raise he'd gotten in the past by the council!

She nodded slightly, in acknowledgment of the difficulties Rhylq might face as thane or otherwise. "It's true enough, that they might argue your appointment in light of your race--even of the fact that you were not bred to the island. You have, however, served out a full term as councilman and, as noted, the council has, more or less, supported this appointment and will doubtlessly stand by you and support you. Some might not, but that is always the nature of politics, isn't it?" She smiled with a slight raise of her shoulders.

She whole-heartedly approved of Rhylq attempting to make a stand all on his own, without Straylor's full assistance, knowing that the degree of separation between governor and thane was needed, necessary, and that sometimes it did not seem to exist. A good relationship was necessary between thane and governor, certainly, but balance was also crucial. "Independence is a much admired quality here, Rhylq, as I'm sure you've gathered. People will admire that, certainly, so long as you are stubborn when it is required and bend when that, too, is required. I am sure that balance will take time to master, but your time on the council should have neatly prepared you for that."

She nodded again, in acknowledgment of his residence and ties with Si'laiyne. She had been loosely aware of Rhylq's association there, as he had mentioned it here and there in the past. And, as always, a thane must keep an eye on her flock. "I should think this might pose something of a dagger, a wedge, to some people...to wield against you, if they find reason to do so. While Si'laiyne has never posed any trouble to Ieffreon...or Eunesia...this recent trouble with the merfolk might have people reevaluating their feelings. I would keep that in mind, always, when dealing with the thelyri," she warned him idly, if kindly.

"And it is as Governor Leonard says: We will certainly find you a residence. Traditionally, the Thanal residence has always been the place where I currently make my home. If you wish to adopt it as your own, you are welcome to do so, as I will be departing Ieffreon at the turn of the month. However, if you want a place of your own that you may develop and build on, I see no trouble with that either. That decision will be up to you."

She shifted her chair back. "Now then, kyrios. Was there anything further?"

[Rhylq]

This is indeed the time for him to pay attention and learn whatever more he can before he holds the job himself. Fortunately, there is this opportunity to listen carefully to the Thane as she shares her knowledge and experience.

His race and the fact that he was not a native of Ieffreon would certainly be held against him by some. There was nothing he do about that beyond continuing to serve the community as best he could. He already experienced friendship from those who accepted him and a stand-off attitude from those who will likely always consider him as an outsider.

Then there was the matter of how to handle disagreement. When one was right it is difficult to bend and often that would be the wrong thing to do. However, there are times to best let a adversary have his way and perhaps end up with a supporter in return. Knowing when to hold fast and when to yield is a skill that he would have to keep honing. There must be a good relationship with all that he worked, at least as good as possible. Some will always be adversaries but he must always strive for the goal of cooperation.

Of course independence is needed as well and it has it's place. Overall though one must have others who cooperate to reach a goal. Governing by oneself is a poor option. He certainly did learn that while serving on the Council.

A difficult point was his relationship with the Thelyri. After all, a community of his race existed only one mile away. He had residence there because it was the most natural way for him to live, although he spent most of his time in Ieffreon by far. Spending some time in the sea was essential to his survival and ignoring others others of his race just was not an option. When this was brought up he replied, "This is something I need to resolve in a proper manner. Simply cutting off any relationship with those of my race would be wrong. After all during the longest winter we were supplied with food by them. We are increasing trade with that community as well. As a council member, I pledged to maintain a close relationship with that community and ours. Somewhere I must find the proper relationship so that ties could be strengthened and yet not have my loyalty to Ieffreon questioned. The amount of time that I would spend there will be an important matter. I appreciate your comments. They will help me decide on a proper course. I do believe that the most important factor would be the amount of time I spend at my residence there."

Then came the matter a his residence in Ieffreon and Rhylq was very pleased to hear that the Thanal residence would be available. He replied, "I was not expecting you to depart Ieffreon so I gave no thought to living at your place. However it foolish for me to look for a proper place to live when one will be available." He turned to the Governor and said, "I thank you for your offer to help me find a place but now there is no longer a need."

Then back to the Thane when she asked about the being anything further, he replied, "I have no further questions for now."