[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

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Built into the cliffs overlooking the Suvan Sea, Riverfall resides on the edge of grasslands of Cyphrus where the Bluevein River plunges off the plain and cascades down to the inland sea below. Home of the Akalak, Riverfall is a self-supporting city populated by devoted warriors. [Riverfall Codex]

[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

Postby Kavala on May 12th, 2010, 7:57 pm

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Timestamp: 21st of Spring, 510 AV
Location: The Riverfall Council of Elders Meeting
Purpose: Dealing With Flick's Masters
Tags: Flick, Hatot, Charon.

So far they'd waited through most of the meeting as a small group. Sometimes, the entirety of the meeting was held in public and there were usually Akalaks and some outsiders in attendance. But this day, the meeting was a closed door session that saw 'difficult' or 'uncomfortable' topics under more private situations. The Council only held such sessions only a few times a season, so Kavala was more than shocked to discover that a session would be held the very next day after her talk with Hatot. Upon speaking to the secretary, the Akalak had indeed found them a timeslot on the agenda and so they were in a waiting chamber ready to be summoned at any moment when their turn came up. Others had waited with them, and while some still remained, most had been summoned and had not been seen since.

Kavala sat quietly, waiting, wondering what Nevar Chivan was going to say in the light of her current situation. But moreso than that, Kavala was worried about Flick and her status in Riverfall. The Council of Elders could very well give Flick back to her owners even though the Kelvic had claimed abuse and indeed bore evidence on her body to suggest the truth of such claims. The evidence now, however, had long faded away... but Kavala had seen it and would testify to its validity.

Any number of things could have happen. Flick could be sent back. One or both of them could be sent to the arena... or worse yet Hatot. Kavala could loose Sanctuary. Flick could be freed with an apology. There was no end to the number of ways the Council could decide.

Truth be told she was nervous, almost scared in fact, as she waited holding Flick's little hand and stroking her arm... while casually leaning against Hatot and drawing support from his quiet reserved presence. From time to time she offered Flick a smile, putting on a brace face. And from time to time she glanced at Hatot, a slight sense of wonder in her gaze as she studied him. A lot had changed for her in her mind in regards to Hatot, but it wasn't anything they could discuss right now. There was no use even mentioning it until later - when they knew for sure what the Council's decision would be.

Kavala breathed deeply, tried to relax, and then froze all over again and heard the door pushed open. Their names were called... all three of them, and an escort gestured that they were to follow him into the main chambers to meet the Elders and the leader of Riverfall.
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Please Note:
  • This pc is maxed out in Animal Husbandry, Medicine, Observation, Rhetoric, and Socialization.
  • Kavala a Master Teacher. Students she is teaching in thread can earn more than the maxium 5 XP per thread.
  • This pc has a Konti Gift of Animal Empathy. She has a superpower from a Riverfall city event that allows animals of all sorts and Kelvics (in kelvic form) to speak clear understandable Common around her.
  • Kavala is a Konti but was raised in the Drykas culture so her accent is entirely Pavi though she can speak Common, Pavi, and Tukant well. She's only conversational in Kontinese.
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[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

Postby Flick on May 13th, 2010, 3:47 am

Flick swung her feet back and forth as she waited beside Kavala. Occasionally, she would throw Hatot a quick glance, before turning her glittering dark eyes away from him. It was strange, being so close to his kind again. It wasn't that she didn't socialize with them in the taverns and bars, but they were random strangers with no way to find her or hold her. Hatot was an akalak who knew her, knew where she stayed. And her finer senses indicated that he found her some sort of a threat. Not physically...but something deeper. It scared her a little. When Kavala had told her they were to present to the council, the kelvic had been terrified. Shifting to her animal form, she'd hid under a low cupboard for hours, huge ears listening to the nice konti talk to her. Explain things to her. Eventually, with Kavala's patience and gentle persuasion, she'd finally come out and accepted her fate.

Now here she sat, dressed in only a light white dress, waiting for the people behind those doors to call her to her future. There had been a belt and shoes, but the kelvic was still scared. They presented to easy a restraint to stop her shifting if she needed to. Even now, she wished she could shrink herself down and hide behind the konti.

Flick heard the people on the other side of the door before the others, and her legs stopped swinging, hand gripping tighter on Kavala's. Looking up as it opened, she winced as they said her name. It was like a confirmation that this was real, this was happening. Looking at Kavala with wide dark eyes, she frowned.

"I'm scared." She whispered, not sure whether she had to stand first or let the others go ahead. Her gaze shifted to Hatot again with a small worried frown.
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[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

Postby Hatot on May 13th, 2010, 7:01 am

Hatot sat there quietly as his gaze fell to the floor, his own mind wondering in though as Kavala leaned along him. He had met Flick for the first time, and somehow garnered the feeling that she was unnerved by his presence somehow. He hadn’t intentionally tried to be outwardly negative towards Flick, but there was a chance she sense Radris usual hostilities within him. He had no real experience with Kelvics to be certain of such though. Hatot’s glance slowly moved towards Flick, catching her own quickly turning away from Hatot, before finally moving up to observe Kavala for a moment. He knew of her worries over the matter, but still became amazed over her ability to hide such. “So what are you going to do if things turn out bad in there?” Radris’ voice said, suddenly echoing within Hatot’s mind.

_________________________

“I’m not certain.” Hatot replied in thought, his eyes closing for a moment as he stood face to face with Radris in his mind, their forms standing in a background of darkness. Slowly, shades of colors soon began to form, as the empty void soon began to become brighter. Shapes began to form as walls formed around him, and an open balcony began lending the sounds of waves from an ocean. Colors along a wall etched out an life-like mural ocean scene, while pillows laid along the floor, some of them surrounding a table, while others forming a simple place to lie and relax. Colorful cloths hung along the walls and ceiling, giving a feeling of diversity in culture. Then there was the large bed, laid out in front of the wall on the far side of the room, it’s surface long and wide.

“You’re lingering on last night.” Radris said after looking around for a moment. “You generally put us at the base of the great waterfall.”

“I can’t help it.” Hatot simply said, stepping over to the balcony and looking out over the ocean it’s view provided. His head then slowly turned, looking over his shoulder towards Radris. “What would you do?”

“Me? You’re actually asking me?” Radris replied, a surprised expression crossing his features. “I would kill the Akalak boy, his father and mother. Then give the little red pelt a conservative chat, instructing her on the value of secrets.”

“Your own people?” Hatot said, giving a slow exhale as he looked back to the ocean. “You’ve grown fond of Kavala as well then?”

“She talks back to me, hardly anyone you like does that.” Radris then said as he took a couple of long strides across the room, jumping onto the bed. His hands suddenly laced behind his head, as his ankles crossed over one another. “Dibs on the sister though. If Kavala’s the timid one, I can’t wait to meet the spitfire that is her sister. She must break stuff while she‘s clamoring around in the bed.”

Hatot let a slow smirk cross his features. “You speak under the assumption that she’ll let you bed her. A little premature.” Hatot commented, as his hands came to a rest along the railing in a lean.

“That’s because I’m all charm, unlike someone who can’t hold their liquor.” Radris said before the gaze of his red eyes slowly traveled to Hatot. “Seriously though, what are you going to do? I can’t get a read on you over this.”

“That’s because I really don’t know.” Hatot said as he heard Kavala’s, Flick’s and his own name being called, echoing into his mental setting like a thundering voice from the heavens. “I’ll decide after I learn of the outcome I suppose.”

_________________________

Hatot’s eyes then opened, the golden hues shifting over to observe the Akalak’s who called out their names as they motioned the three of them towards the door. Hatot slowly stood up, following behind Kavala and Flick as they began to approach. He looked down to Flick then as she mentioned her fear as they approached. His heavy hand then fell gently along Flick’s shoulder. “Generally, I would say to put on a brave face, but in this instance, do not hide your fear.” Hatot then said, offering her a friendly voice. “The council will need to see that you fear going back to them. If you stand before them brave and confident, they will not likely feel as though the horrors that young Akalak put you through affected you.”

Hatot then paused at the entrance for a moment as a hand suddenly fell along his shoulder. Turning his head, he spotted one of his students as he began whispering into his ear. “When?” Hatot then simply said before finally giving a simple nod to his student’s answer. His feet then carried him fully into the chamber of Elders, his gaze looking over each of them, yet somehow being unable to look any of them directly in the eyes.
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[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

Postby Charon on June 6th, 2010, 2:53 am

The central chamber doors opened and an Akalak appeared before the next trio. The mid-aged, for an Akalak, and neatly groomed man called their names and once they stood and approached he gestured for them to continue. There was a short tunnel of a hallway after the doors which opened up into a much larger and roughly circular atrium. The doors closed behind the three and a latch created a startling echo that seemed to hammer home the gravity and reality of the situation at hand. The escort, most likely being brought up to know the inner workings of the Riverfall government himself, moved steadily and confidently past them to show where each should go. It must be easy for him to move with such intention and grace when his fate was not up to decision this day.

Though the three newest arrivals would not think of allowing their gaze to shift so far upwards, the camber had a high ceiling that seemed to create a massive illusion that they, at the center of the room, were insignificant when measured against the spacial architecture that surrounded them. Perhaps this was a coincidental feeling experienced by those on trial, but the stone walls gave the aura that the designers had very carefully intended this sensation. Along the sides of the walls and forming a semi-circle before them were individual chairs and lecterns for each of the Elders. Nevar Chivan himself had a larger and slightly elevated version of these personal stations and he was centered on the opposite side of the room than the abbreviated hallway through which the guests were ferried through. An even number of Elders sat to his sides and behind them stood four Akalak at perfect attention, each of which were roughly the same age as the escort who so loudly locked the doors.

There were no chairs, not even a table, in the center of the room where the three were guided and instructed to stand. Each pair of eyes unemotionally studied them each as they walked and continued to do so as they stood, nerves most likely reaching their fretting points. Though the face of each Elder was somber and serious, even a person most unaccustomed to the nature of the Akalak would understand that it was not disappointment displayed. It was an unnaturally objective expression that each carried on their expressionless eyes and lips and this most likely came from years upon years of experience and fairness in governing the Akalak city.

After several moments of silence that most likely created an awkward situation for those who stood at the center of attention, Nevar Chivan spoke in a directive and unwavering tone. "Kavala, Flick, Hatot. You three will have judgement passed upon you on this, the twenty first day, of spring in the presence of the Council of Elders. This session shall not end nor shall it be interrupted until a judgement has been made on each of you." A quill was taken up by his hand momentarily and after a quick scribbling of some information only he could know of, he continued. "This session shall start with each of you speaking in the order of the Akalak, Hatot, first followed by the woman, Kavala and lastly Flick. When it is your turn to speak, you will state your name and tell us the situation based on the facts you know to be true. You shall not ask anything of us nor shall you make any attempt to persuade us in any form. Once the three of you have spoken, the Elders may ask questions of any of you. There will be no interrupting any other speaker and you may only speak when it is your turn. These instructions shall be enforced for the duration of the session at hand. Without any further delays, begin with your turn." The aged Akalak pointed to the other of his own race standing in the center of the room.

The formalities were made known and the time to speak was now upon them. If Flick had been nervous before, she would certainly have time for her nerves to act upon her knowing she would be last in the order to speak. It seemed the order was chosen with no special treatment to the circumstances of this case but based on race alone. Of course, being in the city the Akalak ran, it should be of no surprise that Hatot was called on to start. Now it began and before each saw the light or darkness that was on the land again their fates would be known.
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[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

Postby Hatot on June 6th, 2010, 4:58 am

Hatot’s eyes slowly looked over each of the council members, meeting each of their gazes separately for a short time as he stood there in the center of the chamber next to Kavala with Flick on the other side of her. There was no fear in his eyes, or even hint of nervousness, despite the gravity of the situation. Such didn’t derive from thinking he and the others would simply be given a nod and released after explaining thing to the council, but rather from a simple acceptance. Hatot was born and raised in Riverfall all his life, and the elders are what shaped what he knew to be a great culture and race, despite how some of his own people may have felt about him. The elders that sat before him had played a major role that lead Riverfall and it’s people to what it was today as a whole. What they would decide for him today, he would accept. If nothing else, no matter what fate they decided for him, he knew they deserved that respect.

As Nevar called his name, his gaze once again shifted over to him, meeting it with the same calm that he had entered with. A slow bow was given to the council before he looked to them in whole again. Radris remained eerily silent at that moment, but his own soul could be felt as a simple tug of curiosity. Finally, Hatot’s lips began to move as his voice echoed into the chamber. “I am Hatot, son of Hirst, descendant of the Laeklon family line.” Hatot stated simply, addressing his name first to the council as instructed. “On the night of the twentieth day of spring, I joined Kavala for dinner at her clinic and stable for animals known as Sanctuary. During that night we conversed about several things, until eventually she requested my advice on a matter.”

Hatot stood strait and calm, only his head and eyes moving to meet the gaze of each of the council members, making it feel that he was addressing each and every one of them, instead of just one of them out out the entire group. “It was then she told me of the Kelvic, Flick. She spoke of her history, how she had been purchased by an Akalak from the city Rovak, intending for her to be a pet to the Akalak’s son.” Hatot began to explain, his hands cupped together behind his back as the fabric of the very cloak that Kavala and his students had made for him folded together slightly at the point where his hands met. “She then told of how the Akalak son showed no interest in Flick, paying her little attention at first due to the fact that Flick was so young at the time, about how Flick then bonded with the Akalak father when he then raised her instead of the son, who in turn, for reasons unclear, fought against the bond .”

Hatot paused for a moment, licking the inner edges of his lips for a moment as the already began to go dry from the talking. “She continued saying that time had passed, and Flick had matured, and then the Akalak son took notice of Flick, in a sexual manner. She said that the son had beat her and tried to force himself on Flick, and that Flick had fled the Akalak’s as a result before being found by Kavala and ending up being sheltered in Sanctuary.” Hatot continued, his gaze once again shifting over the council members. “She then spoke of her belief in Flick’s story. Told me of her Empathy and ability to tell what animals and Kelvics are thinking. She asked me if Flicks situation was similar to those who are Nakivak. Then asked my thoughts on the matter.”

“It was then that I informed her of the delicacy of the matter. On how I was not fully learned in the politics and merely went over the possibilities of what could happen. I spoke of possible imprisonment, banishment, the forfeiture of ownership to Sanctuary itself.” Hatot continued, taking a short moment to release a breath as he once again wet his lips. “I also suggested that she bring the case to you or possibly bring the matter of dispute to the Arena. In the end, she decided to come before the Council, and address the manner to all of you. Those are the facts I know in the matter.”

Hatot then fell silent, bowing to the council once again. Waiting for the others to speak before rounds of questions would begin.
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[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

Postby Kavala on June 6th, 2010, 6:23 am

ImageShe understood the gravity of the situation. And while the Council was an imposing feat of architecture and engineering, Kavala had been there before. She remembered coming before the council - these same men - and stating her case in requesting property and startup funds to begin her business. Then, she'd been somewhat indulged because of her status and due to the nature of her sex. Riverfall, everything about it, was designed to make life to women outsiders appealing. They wanted to keep them around and perhaps make them feel safe.

She'd had that on her side then.

This time, however, she'd been wrong. Kavala had inadvertently committed a crime and wanted to set things right - for all involved. She wanted the action out in the open because to her maintaining a forthright transparent nature was critical in keeping her business open and operating at a profit. It was also important for her to maintain a good reputation within Riverfall and not be considered someone who sought privilege or existence outside the laws. And the final factor, the most important one, was Flick's safety. it was critical to her that Flick be in fact completely safe from physical harm.

She paced lightly beside her companions. Kavala was nervous and it showed because her normally healthy pale skin was slightly flushed. She'd have been bright red if this was the first time in these chambers... but it wasn't. So, ultimately, she knew what to expect of the questioning. However, she didn't realize they wouldn't let her deviate or do anything but state facts.

If that was what they wanted. She would provide just the facts.

Kavala stood stoically beside Hatot as he spoke. So he too was to be judged? But he was innocent of all but advising her of her options the previous night. And after she was aware of her wrong-doing, she had tried to correct it immediately. That's why they were here. Flick though... Flick had to be doing much worse. Kavala made sure her hand stayed in the little Fennec's, tangling her fingers together so that the fox was kept firmly in one place - hopefully without squirming. Kavala tried, incredibly hard, to focus calm and collected energy in the direction of the kelvic. She had no idea if her mood would overtake the Fennec's natural need for flight but it was something that had to be tried.

After Hatot had finished speaking, Kavala took a single step forward, bowed to the council, and then began her turn.

She kept her head up, looked at each Councilor and Nivar himself in turn, then began speaking clearly and concisely. You can do this. These men are not the enemy. They keep the law and peace in Riverfall. You trust them as leaders. Let them do their job. When she spoke, her voice was its normal clear alto. She spoke confidently and factually, without trying to interject emotion or drama into the telling.

A rich alto filled the room. "I am Kavala, Nakivak of Riverfall, Caretaker of the Animal Healing Clinic and Stables known as Sanctuary. Thank you for hearing our statements this day." She said clearly. It startled her, in a way, that she addressed herself not as Kavala, of the Denusk Pavilion of the Sapphire Clan. That was not exactly who she was anymore. She'd never be that person again, in fact. She was far more fully Kavala, Nakivak and Caretaker of Sanctuary than she'd ever been anyone in her life. The knowledge filled her with pride. It also settled the last of her nerves. She belonged here - beside her two friends - and was proud to be part of this society, whatever their judgment of her ended up being.

"On the third day of spring I found a fennec fox wandering the grounds of Sanctuary. Due to my Konti nature, I understood immediately it was more than a normal fox. I convinced the girl to stay and speak with me because she was skittish and I could feel the nervous fear rolling off her in waves - and I felt concerned. When she shifted, she had visual bruising on her face and body, though it appeared to have begun healing and was not what I would consider evidence of a fight or battle having happened recently. It looked like older damage. I gave her clothing and asked her and spoke to her at length. Through the course of our conversation, she told me that she was a kelvic who had been purchased in a city far to the north as a young kit. She was then collared and went on a trip which brought her to this city. Flick, as she is called, was then given to an Akalak boy who then ignored her. This went on for months and during the course of that time, Flick stated that she formed a bond with the man who bought her. She said her treatment was very good, though she had to stay out of the way of the wife, whom Flick felt did not approve of her. I can understand the wife's concern for through Flicks memories I could see the kelvic wanted to be the man's mate, even though he was already married. This is sometimes common in the nature of their bond - and the man had indeed formed a bond with Flick." Kavala paused then, took a deep breath, and spoke again.

"She told me this story and throughout the story I could feel her emotions. I feel like she had a good life up until the point we will get too. She remembers things being tense at times, but not abusive or violent. They felt difficult, just like any young person's life is growing up. I felt her sadness at the boy's rejection and her happiness and love for the man she bonded too."
Kavala then continued.

"Kelvics grow fast though, and their bodies change rapidly. When they start to mature, they do so rapidly. Their urges and desires are that of their beast. Flick is a Kelvic. She can no more help her nature than Syna can help shining in the sky. Flick told me of a day not too long ago where the son took an interest in her sexually and forced her via a collar remain human. When she rejected him and his sexual advances - he beat her. The beating was painful and violent. Throughout the whole thing she feared for her life. I could feel the blows on her and the pain she felt as she remembered it. She told me the man she was bonded too pulled the son off her, which is what saved her life. At that point, she stated she broke free and ran. She didn't go back because she felt the boy would kill her and she firmly believes this." Kavala said.

"That leads us to the point where I got involved. I sheltered her from the third of Spring until today. I had no idea that Kelvics in Riverfall are considered property and not citizens if acquired by purchase. I am not casting judgment on the way things are done here, but I made an assumption and that was a mistake. When I asked Hatot his advice yesterday after telling him the situation, he informed me I'd broken the law. I deeply regret this, and following his advice requested this meeting immediately with the details of the request. I am grateful you granted us this audience. Flick deserves to be in a safe environment, regardless of her status as a citizen or not. All living things, especially the young, the old, and the helpless are owed protection by those who are stronger - especially if those who are stronger need those that they protect. Flick is in a unique position, much like my own, to help this community. But she cannot do that being murdered by a confused young man who perhaps does not have the best control at this point in his life. That is why I sheltered her, let her calm down and heal. Once I felt she was feeling better and safer, I went to Hatot for his advice." Kavala said firmly, her voice still pitched to protect to everyone in the room.

"Now, we are here seeking your judgment and turning the situation over to your wisdom."
She said confidently. Kavala had to trust in the judgment of the council.



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Last edited by Kavala on June 7th, 2010, 5:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Please Note:
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  • Kavala a Master Teacher. Students she is teaching in thread can earn more than the maxium 5 XP per thread.
  • This pc has a Konti Gift of Animal Empathy. She has a superpower from a Riverfall city event that allows animals of all sorts and Kelvics (in kelvic form) to speak clear understandable Common around her.
  • Kavala is a Konti but was raised in the Drykas culture so her accent is entirely Pavi though she can speak Common, Pavi, and Tukant well. She's only conversational in Kontinese.
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[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

Postby Flick on June 7th, 2010, 11:43 am

Flick stood beside Kavala, glittering eyes on the council as her companions spoke. It sounded so matter-of-fact, like a story out of some book. And it felt so long ago...like ages had passed since that dreaded day. But really, it had only been weeks at the most. Keeping her chin up, the young kelvic stood in silence as Kavala finished her tale. Flick didn't realise just how much trouble she had caused, what she had brought down upon the konti. It wracked her with a sudden guilt, and an overwhelming desire to just admit fault and be taken back for her punishment.

Unfortunately fear won over her willingness to do what would essentially be right.

Glancing at the council members in turn, she licked her lips and tucked her hair behind her ears, before beginning.

"My name is Felicity, but everyone calls me Flick, and I am a kelvic. I was born in a place I now know as Ravok, in the fighting pits. Almost before I was weaned, I was sold to a nice akalak man. He took me on a long journey to his home in Riverfall, where he presented me to his son. I noticed immediately that his son was not the same as the man who bought me. He was...darker...not kind. There were moments where he became less a man and more a monster." Pausing a moment, the kelvic took a breath and continued.

"When he found out I was only a child, something he had to care for and look after, the boy turned me away. He was not looking for a weeping toddler. The father took over my care, perhaps he thought his son would change with age. I didn't know anyone else but him, and we were always together...I found myself bonded to the man. But he did not bond in return, and always his wife was watching me. Watching us. I felt rejection. In an attempt to make him love me as much as I love him, I went to the man as a Woman. Still, he turned me away. But his son saw me now, in this form, and now he wanted me. Cornering me in my room, he collared me and tried to convince me to love him. To bond to him. But I was already bonded. I told him so, and he got angry." Lifting her chin further, the kelvic kept the emotion from her voice as best she could.

"He hit me, and held me down. He swore if he took me, I would see that my bond to his father was weak and that I should be with him. I refused, and I pushed back. That's when he attacked me. He beat on me with his fists and scratched at my skin. He squeezed his hands around my throat and threw me to the ground, where he kicked me again and again. Over and over his fists and his feet hit me, and I screamed and I screamed. I didn't fight back, I didn't know how. He raged at me, and his fury was nothing I had ever seen before. I feared for my life. That was when the father came in. He pulled his son off me, and still the boy struggled to get to me against his father. I broke the collar, changed into my animal form and ran for my life with the boys screams of murderous rage in my ears. I ran and I ran till I couldn't breathe. I found a place to hide and nurse my wounds. When I had healed enough, I began to look for somewhere to go. Anywhere. I wandered from the city one day, and that's where I found the Sanctuary. I didn't know I was going to cause anyone problems, I didn't mean to. It was just...safe."

Nodding to herself, the kelvic stepped back slightly, to signify she was finished. What else was there to say? She didn't want to say names unless she was specifically asked too. Not yet. Swallowing anxiously, the girl waited in silence.
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[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

Postby Charon on June 17th, 2010, 10:38 pm

The Elders sat patiently as the trio stood in the center of the room and prepared to explain their version of the story at hand. The Konti paced and the Kelvic seemed nervous, but the Akalak was called upon to begin and the full attention of the Elders was directed toward him. Eleven weary sets of eyes peered at him with aged wisdom and a calmness only the Akalak enjoyed by the three on trial. Trial was not the appropriate description, but rather they were here to simply state the facts, from their perspective, of a breach in the carefully planned and thought out rules which the Elders used to govern the city of Riverfall.

Hatot began, his nerves quelled easily in the presence of his own race. From the looks of his companions, the calmness seemed to be a trait that the blue-skinned men had in common, but it ultimately came down to the fact that of the three, Hatot had the least to lose. He stated his viewpoint, ensuring he included each of the Elders equally in his response, and the Council members made notes as he spoke. His side went by quickly as he was not involved in the plot for very long. In fact, his only real involvement was informing the Konti of her illegal acts and aiding her in making a decision to press onwards.

When the Akalak was finished, Kavala prepared to take her turn as instructed by Nevar himself at the commencement of the session. More facts came to surface with her voice being heard. She had been a well-respected member of Riverfall since her arrival and the Council had been impressed with her contribution and plain devotion to the city built and lived in by a different race than her own. Hearing her word, the Council understood her intent and many of them nodded when she explained what happened and why she did it.

When the facts were stated and Kavala voiced the words “Flick deserves to be…” she was cut off by Nevar. ”Only the facts, Kavala, Nakivak of Riverfall.” Her speech would be allowed to resume when she explained “once I felt she was feeling better and safer, I went to Hatot…” Again, the Council finished scribbling notes from her testimony and, when all seemed as if they were ready for the third side, the notion was given for the Kelvic to state her side.

Being the focus of the event, a few Elders shifted in their seats, intent upon making sure every word was heard clearly. It was apparent that her nerves nagged at her, but she seemed to overcome her anxiety to speak to the members nonetheless. Her story varied only slightly from what the Konti had said. The facts, rolling off of her tongue as opposed to the outside observers, had more of an impact on the Elders. They could see how she felt when she spoke and these observations along with other facts were, as before, written upon whatever parchment the Elders had before them. When mentioning that the young Akalak seemed more like a monster at times, several of the Elders exchanged glances that her story was deviating from truths, but she continued to speak with warranting an interruption.

When all three had spoken their piece of the story, the Council would then take the opportunity to ask any questions to fill holes, which may have been created in the testimony by the others. The first question was asked of Flick and was heading in a direction that most likely would bring her nerves back to the forefront of her demeanor. ”Felicity, does the Akalak man who bought you still reside in Riverfall? Is the son here as well? And what is the man’s name?” The last, simple question could easily cause a lump to rise from within the Kelvic’s throat. Of course they would want to know who they are dealing with… Or who’s property they were questioning.

Once the Kelvic responded, the Elders would each gave a nod that they were finished with questions. Nevar spoke to the trio, [b]”Your stated facts concerning this matter will be deliberated upon and a conclusion will be drawn. The three of you will stay here until we return. With that, each member of the Council still and funneled into the door that was directly behind Nevar. It led to his personal office which had a large enough seating area for the entire Council. Left with the few aides, still standing at attention where the Elders left them, the room seemed to expand and contract upon the three simultaneously. They were to stay here until a verdict and judgment was made and that sort of wait was one that could feel like an eternity.
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Charon
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[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

Postby Kavala on June 18th, 2010, 6:14 pm

ImageShe stood stoic after they interrupted her, cutting off her opinion, and making her stick to the facts. Inherently she knew they were right, but she was young, and anger blazed up in her heart anyhow. If they came back with a decision to send Flick back to the man and his son, what was she really going to do? Kavala glanced sideways at Flick and wondered what the cost of a single life was worth. The words 'property' kept echoing through her mind along with the term 'pet'. It twisted something inside herself almost causing physical pain. As the walls of the chamber expanded for everyone else, they seemed to contract for her, stifling her, making her feel threatened and confined.

She said nothing though. What was there to say? In Riverfall, the Akalak ruled. It wasn't like on the grass where the strongest fastest most intelligent lived to see another day. Life there was fluid, ever changing, here it felt firmer, wrought in stone, and it made her want to arm herself with a chisel and carve herself a way to be free.

A soft word of reassurance would have been nice. A touch, a lingering look, or even a comforting smile of reassurance. But none of that was forthcoming from any direction. The fear of loosing it all overwhelmed her in that moment, just as the realization hit her hard that truthfully she had nothing to loose. Everything she worked so endlessly day and night over in Sanctuary was meaningless in the end, because it wasn't hers. Sure, she earned a profit, had gained respect (for what that was worth because respect crumbled in an instant, right?), and had something to show for her efforts. No... she had nothing to show. The Elders had everything to show. She'd taken an empty vacant property and put it to use with the help of their funds. Everything they paid her she poured back into it. The forge. The renovations. The improvements. If Kavala had to scrounge up coin at the very moment, she doubted she'd have much to show.

A fool. That's what she was. At least she was grateful to Flick for showing her the truth. Slavery came in many forms. Some gave more illusion than others. And while she waited for the council to come back with their decisions - for the Elders to decide the weight and value of Flicks life, she realized the weight of her own life - and what it wasn't worth.

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Please Note:
  • This pc is maxed out in Animal Husbandry, Medicine, Observation, Rhetoric, and Socialization.
  • Kavala a Master Teacher. Students she is teaching in thread can earn more than the maxium 5 XP per thread.
  • This pc has a Konti Gift of Animal Empathy. She has a superpower from a Riverfall city event that allows animals of all sorts and Kelvics (in kelvic form) to speak clear understandable Common around her.
  • Kavala is a Konti but was raised in the Drykas culture so her accent is entirely Pavi though she can speak Common, Pavi, and Tukant well. She's only conversational in Kontinese.
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[Council Chambers] Owning Actions And Facing Truths (Charon)

Postby Hatot on June 19th, 2010, 8:13 pm

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Hatot remained silent, as the council finished their brief questions, only directed towards Flick for this purpose. His gaze still met the elders as they began to exit the chamber, the heels of their boots echoing through the chamber being the only sound to fill his ears. When they finally left, closing the door behind them, Hatot pondered for a moment as he speculated the outcomes.

He finally turned around, looking to both Kavala and Flick, offering them both a warm smile. “Well then,” Hatot said in an encouraging tone, “all that we can do now is simply wait.”

Hatot then stepped forward, stopping first in front of Flick. His right hand reached out, resting along her left shoulder as he looked into her voice, already strained from recalling the events that inevitably brought them all here. “Just remember, no matter what they decide, you were not wrong in fleeing. No one should be subjected to what happened to you. Nor were you wrong in seeking shelter and help.” Hatot reassured, giving a nod. “If given the opportunity, we should begin training you to defend yourself. If you’ll accept, I offer my services as your teacher.”

Hatot’s left hand then slowly reached out, resting along Kavala’s shoulder. “You are a stronger than most I’ve met in my time Kavala. Where others would turn away at Flick’s need for aid, you embraced it.” Hatot then said, looking into Kavala’s eyes. “I truly believe that if you keep such a spirit, others may learn from it. My only hope is that such learning spreads like a wild fire. My experience outside Riverfall is limited, but of what I have seen, it is trait that is desperately needed.”
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Please, do not upset me. I would hate to unintentionally rip your throat out in a fit of rage.
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