by Charon on June 26th, 2010, 6:23 pm
It was expected that emotions flair after delivering verdicts. This was not an occurrence new to the Council of Elders but a usual outcome, and they had certainly seen the full gambit of reactions. Many people cried, many more were completely silent, others became enraged, and still others pleaded for mercy or another result even after being advised otherwise. Regardless of which medium they chose to allow the flood of emotions to be seen, the Council never changed their minds. Their decisions were based on what they felt was best for the city and their race and after deliberating, they stood as a solid entity and could not be broken. Corruption was unheard of among the Elders and if one member were to succumb to such an evil plot, they would be immediately replaced.
The reactions from this trio were not significantly different than what the Elders had seen in the past. The Konti seemed to understand her fate, though obviously not satisfied, and her immediate assurance that she would carry out what was asked of her was an encouraging sign. The woman had played an upstanding role in their society thus far and there was no reason to think she would try to deceive them now. Taking the woman's words at face value would be enough and a couple visitations to her Sanctuary to track her progress would be simple enough.
Kavala's request, however, was out of the usual character for those being judged in these chambers. It was a simple enough request and several members of the Council exchanged looks among themselves before looking toward Nevar. Considering the possible consequences and the effects that may come from her negotiating for this Akalak's property in Flick, Nevar made up his mind. "What you propose would be within our laws. As long as your negotiations do not exceed accepted behaviors in our society, you may attempt to talk as you please to Reghitaar about purchasing his property." Why not? There was nothing that said somebody could not give away or sell their own things, and as long as Kavala did not try anything illegal if he turned her down, there should be nothing to worry about. It may just be the best chance for this Kelvic to end up in a happier home.
When the Akalak accompanying the other two spoke up, the Council was yet again taken slightly off guard. Though he had proven to them that he was doing what was right, the fact that he had not yet had his Rite of Passage was of some concern. Though he should complete his hunt during the summer, before the suspense given to the Konti, the idea was not comforting. His desire to help Kavala was nice and it was fine that he wanted to contribute to her well being and creating more Akalak offspring, but he was ineligible to do so. "Hatot, you will not reproduce until you have completed your Rite of Passage. Once you complete this essential prerequisite, you may then offer yourself to Kavala if she has not progressed without you, but know that if something happens to you during that Rite, she will have limited time to fulfill her commitment." Nevar did not need to exchange glances with the other Elders to respond to this. It was how their society was structured and until an Akalak had proven they were worthy of reproduction, attempting to do so was not allowed. This also gave the woman an option, if she was willing to chance waiting that long, to reproduce with somebody she knew a bit better.
However, as soon as Hatot's questioning changed course, Nevar immediately stood and interrupted. "It is not of your concern what our opinions are of this boy! You, an Akalak of only thirty years, do not have the experience to know how to deal with such instances. If you think we are naive enough to not have considered his actions already then you sadly underestimate the governing Council of this city, Hatot. Your concerns should be for your successful hunt next season, not of what a young boy could do to our society in the next twenty years!" Perhaps it was overkill, but quelling out of line comments directed toward the Council was something Nevar did not take lightly. The root of many evils spurred from questioning those officials charged with preventing the same evils and Riverfall was too precious to let anything slip that had potential to develop into further disrespect or undermining. Not that he necessarily felt Hatot would do that, but it was not worth risking anything.
Flick, naturally the one to show the most emotion after their judgement, was obviously inspired by hope when Kavala asked if she could go to Reghitaar as well. This served to further strengthen Nevar's decision to allow this to happen. Though Kelvics were considered property in Riverfall and among the Akalak, the Council of Elders had hearts and, as Hatot did point out, there were some issues within the household. As long as things stayed within the boundaries of their culture, this could end up being a very successful resolution of this crime. Of course, if Reghitaar refused to give up his property, there was nothing they could do. It was his decision and his alone and the Council would not step in to change his mind.
So there it was, the decisions made and questions asked. The three were free to go. "Unless there is something further, you are released," Nevar officially announced. The aides, remaining at attention against the walls for the duration of the meeting, moved beside the trio if they were finished asking questions of the Council and prepared to escort them from the chambers.