NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC:My rp debut. TG me recommendations for improvement I guess, remember I said recommendations, not criticism only.

IC:

Bol Relym straightened his ceremonial robe. He'd been forced to wear the scarlett and white monstrosity since he'd been elected two days ago. He looked about the empty Council Room.

The Council Room was the highest room in the Capitol Tower. The room was completely open to the air, with only four supports holding the dome roof over his head. The large, circular, white marble room had only a large, intricately carved table in the center. The table had eight chairs around it, at each place was a gold and silver plaque. There were also some heavy scarlett curtains in case the weather grew bad.

Bol looked at the parchments in his hand; checking them for errors before the rest of the Council arrived. Gods let me not screw this up. He thought. This first High Council meeting supposedly set the tone for the rest of his life-long term.

Trumpets sounded from far below, signalling the approach of the rest of the Council. Fighting the sudden urge to throw up, he took the seat designated for Mafelind Leader. At the last second, he threw his hood over his face.

The person who entered came in full battle regalia. This Leader had to be General Ovessa. Long black hair tied into a braid, the General's silver armor creaked as she took her place directly across from him. She laid her sword and scabbard on the table in front of her. The General did not remove her helm; her eyes glittered behind the mask.
Next came Archmagus Offara. She wore hooded black robes covered with illegible arcane writing. The wooden staff she carried had a green gem topping it. The gem interior was cloudy, and it gleamed eerily. She leaned the staff against the table, and took her place to Ovessa's right.
A man entered as the third Leader. He had a simple blue mask over his face. Liberator Lesaarde. Bol thought. He wore blue toga, that showed off his muscular frame. The Ganil Leader sat on Bol's left.
Then a man in a wheat-colored vest and pants came in, with an odd mask over his face. The mask looked like it was made of living plants. This Leader sat next to the Liberator.
A woman came next. Wisps of brilliant red hair stuck out from under her hood. She wore a simple, white robe. The lady sat on his right.
A man in gray came in holding a large book. The man also had a gray mask on his face. Definitely Malef Hessek the Enlightened Bol was silently proud of himself for knowing most of these people on sight. Malef sat next to the woman in white.
The final person to enter was a small scantily-clad woman who took her place next to Ovessa. The woman also had long black hair, but it was unbound. She had a small veil over her face.

As soon as the last woman had sat, four black robed, hooded priests entered and took their position at the columns. They stood silently, then nodded their heads in unison.

Bol removed his hood and announced.

"I officially declare the High Council to order." He gestured for them to remove their various masks and hoods. When they finished, he continued.

"First I must read the Barlibgillian Charter. Please do as I do." he placed his hands on the plaque in front of him and slowly rotated the entire plate around. As he did, a small triangular piece of the center of the table lifted up. Other pieces lifted as the Leaders did the same. A small box lifted up from the table.

Bol reached for it, he opened the box and removed several parchments. He began reading the Charter aloud.

"We the Religious Leader of Barlibgil, in representation of the People of Barelibgil...." he read.

An hour passed....
"Article 20..", he paused, took a drink of water, and continued, "A Member of the High Council which is in arrears..."

Another hour passed. Liberator Lesaarde was leaning back in his chair, humming under his breath. Malef was studiously taking notes in his book; he had ink smudged on his face. The Archmagus was snapping her fingers and making a small flame jump into the air each time. The woman in white was reading, while the wheat-man watched the Archmagus. Ovessa just stared straight ahead unblinking.

"Article 47. Plans for the application of armed forces shall be made by the MHEB with the assistance of ther General." He stopped reading when Ovessa cleared her throat.

"Tradition dictates we read that entire document and sign it, before conducting any business. I see no point and this, and would like to sign it now." She stated.

"I agree," said the Liberator.

"As do I," added the Archmagus.

Bol thought about it a second, and nodded his head. He quickly flipped to the last page and signed it. He passed it around the table. When it came back to him, he put it back into the box and placed it back in the center of the table. The table closed again.

"Now," he declared, "we may move on. The Leaders may give their reports at this time." Ovessa stood as he said this.

"The City of Cavin is operating well. We recieve foodstuffs and medical supplies weekly, and distribute them throughout the country in as timely a manner as possible." She sat, creaking in her chair. Liberator Lesaarde didn't bother to stand, he just spoke.

"Ganil is fine. We've almost integrated the electric power lines with the entire city, and should be operating fully by the end of the month." He leaned further back in his chair while the woman in white stood.

"Arthrian has an excess of medical supplies and would like to have them traded. We expect our messenger to arrive in Ganil within the week. We hope to reach an agreement with that City soon." That would make her the First Healer Lenore then. Bol thought as she sat and Malef stood.

"Waleras is fine. the printing presses have just gone into operation. Expect a monthly pamphlet about the general state of affairs before the end of next month." He sat and the Archmagus stood.

"Naulor is comitting all it's resources to fixing the problems between recent technological advancements and our magic. We hope to have fixed the problem within the next year." She sat and the wheat man stood.

"Danivere is sending it's produce to the Army for distribution as normal. We also have an excess of production and would like to offer it as trade. So far, Ganil has made no answer to our requests." Finally the almost-naked woman spoke.

"Dreuse is the same as ever. We recently had to commission another treasury compartment, as the other are full." Bol spoke when she sat.

"Mafelind is quiet, the festival season is far off yet, so there is not much to report."

"Now we can conclude the Council for today. As long as there are no pressing issue to discuss." The Leaders shook their heads.

"Good. As Speaker for this High Council session, I officially conclu-."

"MHEB?" a Priest spoke.

"Yes?"

"The Cult Leaders respectfully request permission to to begin marriage arrangements for you." the Priest said. Bol reddened, and the other Leaders were suddenly very attentive.

"M-marriage? To whom?"

"To the Council of course", Ovessa's and Lenore's jaws dropped. "As it is written in the Charter... " the Priest smiled slightly, "None of you have ever read the entire Charter have you?" The women shook their heads. The men relaxed slightly.

"You must marry them all before your second year in office."

"Is there any alternative to this?"

"Well....just death, not much of an alternative though." the Priest replied simply. Bol flinched at this, then sighed.

"Very well, who will I be marrying first?" Bol asked.

"Well, we generally start with the person on your left, and work our way around the table from there." Bol looked around. Offara stiffened in her chair when his eyes fell on her.

"So the Archmagus will be my first wife then."

"Well technically yes, but she won't be the first person you marry."

"But you just said-"

"I said the person on your left. The person sitting on your left hand side would be Mared Lesaarde."

The brief shocked silence was broken by the loud THUMP of the Liberator falling from his chair.

OCC:I forgot to mention, the point of view will switch between Leaders throughout this thread. I'll put a heading at each so you know who's view it's coming from.

Mared Lesaarde:

Mared had fallen asleep before Bol had reached Article 5. He was awakened when Ovessa was recommending that they just skip the rest, sign it, and get on with business. He'd seconded it, just to move this whole affair along. After he'd given his short report, he'd stopped listening again. He leaned back in his chair and was thinking.

I wonder what's going to happen after today. These High Council things are supposed to last the whole week, but none of us have had much time to prepare for this. I mean, there can't be that many pressing issues already.

That was when he noticed that Bol had turned red and was saying.

"M-marriage? To whom?"

"To the Council of course", Mared chuckled silently to himself at the women's expressions. "As it is written in the Charter... " the Priest smiled slightly, "None of you have ever read the entire Charter have you?" The women shook their heads. Mared shrugged, he never had, but it didn't matter; this didn't concern him. he leaned back in the chair and waited for them to finish discussing it. Poor guy, he's probably not even thinking of marriage. He can't be more than 20.

"I said the person on your left. The person sitting on your left hand side would be Mared Lesaarde." That was when he flipped the chair backward.

"What?" Mared and Bol exclaimed together.

"You two have to get married." Ovessa said as Lenore and Duvira, the Dreuse Leader, stifled a few giggles.

"No! There's no way I'm getting married. Not to anyone, much less a complete stranger. No offense to Bol, but it's, just not happening!" Mared took a deep breath to calm down.

"Me either!" Bol exclaimed

"Yes it is. Short of dying suddenly, you're getting married to him." the Priest had a dangerous look in his eyes now, "And trust me, if you try to get out of it, you will be dying suddenly."

"Oh, really? Is that in the Charter to?" Mared said sarcastically.

"Actually, it is. If you'd have READ the Charter, before you signed it, you would have been able to get out of it. There's nothing you can do now." the Priest said.

"But-" Bol began.

"There are no buts, what ifs, ands, or ors. You have to get married to him, along with the rest of our esteemed High Council. If you don't, he dies, you die, and they die," the Priest gestured to the rest of the Council Members, ignoring their squawks of protest, "Barlibgillian law is absolute on this matter, change it after you are married, but it won't do any good then."

"I won't do it," Bol said. Ovessa grabbed her sword and unsheathed it.

"Yes you will, otherwise I'll kill you both now, so I can die knowing I killed the people who killed me." she pointed the sword at his throat. Mared realized it was pointless to resist it anymore.

"Fine, I agree. Make the arrangements, Priest," Mared said, "He agrees as well."

"No I don-" Bol protested, but Lenore's hand clamped over his mouth.

"Yes he does," Offara told the Priest.

"Very well then. The arrangements will be made before the end of the month. I suggest you two get to know each other very well before then," the Priest gestured and all four of them left, but his voice came from the stairs.

"I'd recommend reading the whole Charter this time. Particularly the section on marriage, there are many things required of you all." Bol shrugged off Lenore's hand.

"The High Council is concluded for today. Leave." he said. Mared and the rest of the Council watched him as he stalked to the stairs.

Archmagus Offara:

Offara warched Bol stalk out of the room.

"Well," said Verdant Lord Peil said sarcastically, "It's going to be an interesting rest-of-our lives, isn't it?" Duvira sauntered down the stairs.

"Judging by his reaction, we're not going to have to get married. The only walks down the aisle anyone in this room'll be taking, are the ones at our public executions," Offara replied. Offara walked back to the table and picked up her staff. Lenore left quietly, without speaking to anyone.

"Oh, I highly doubt it. My guess would be that his desire to live greatly outweighs his desire to not be married." Malef said.

"Well, one of you are going to have to write me about it. I won't get to see the rest of this. I'm leaving for awhile," Offara said.

"You're leaving before the High Council ends? Where are you going?" Mared asked.

"Official Archmagus business," Offara grinned, "I'm planning on making Barlibgil a member of the Wizard's Council. Magic is way under where it should be, in my opinion. Have fun with my replacement; I can't remember his name, but he should do a good job while I'm gone." Malef started writing in his book again, and walked down the stairs, absorbed in his thoughts.

"Anyway," Mared, "good luck. I'm gonna be leaving now. Marriage preparations to do and all," he grimaced at that.

"Just look on the bright side, none of us have to find "mates" now. The law is doing it for us," said Ovessa and grinned.

"Very funny." Mared said as he left. Now it was just her, Ovessa, and Peil.

"I'll send you reports when things get interesting around here," Peil said.

"Thanks."

"As will I," Ovessa said, "I think I'm gonna go have a talk with Bol. We need to explain to him how things are going to work with this marriage thing. I need a copy of the Charter though, so I know how much convincing it's going to take."

"I'll go see if Malef has one, and I'll meet you there." Peil said. Her offered his arm to her, "Shall I escort you to the stairs then."

Ovessa laughed, "Might as well, see you when you come back Offara." They left together.

Offara shook her head at them, and left as well.

Malef Hessek:

Malef was rereading the notes he made on the first High Council as he walked; navigating the corridors with ease. He crossed out a line and rewrote it. The First Healer clamped her hand over the MHEB's mouth to prevent his protestations. Malef also mused on the reaction of the rest of the Council; he somehow wasn't surprised that none of them knew that they would have to marry the MHEB.

"Malef!" a voice called, "Can I speak to you for minute?" Malef turned around to see Verdant Lord Peil hurrying toward him. He skipped ahead to what he'd recorded after the MHEB had left, and kept writing...After I had left, the Verdant Lord came after me with a request of some sort.

Certainly," Malef said as Peil came closer. He continued writing, but watched the Verdant Lord the entire time.

"I was wondering if I could borrow a copy of the Charter. The General and I are paying Bol a visit to convince him to go through with the marriages, and we need to know what they entail beforehand," he explained.
Malef rustled through his book.

"I have one here, somewhere..ah, yes, here it is," Malef handed the copy to Peil,"You aren't going to intimidate him are you?"

"I don't plan on it, but I can't say for sure about General Ovessa..."

Malef looked at him. "Well be careful, you know how the last two MHEB's were?" Peil nodded, "Well they both refused marriages at first, and the High Council Members had to "convince" them to do it as well. I think it's the undermining of their authority before it's been properly established, makes them feel like they aren't in power. So they don't try to rule." Malef realized he was rambling a little, "Well, anyway, that's the whole Charter. Why don't you pass that to the other High Council Members when you're done? That way everyone knows what's going to happen when it's their turn."

"Ok, I'll do that." he hurried off toward the MHEB's apartments.

Malef looked down at what he had written while he and the Verdant Lord were speaking. He sighed. The lines were uneven and curved down to the right. He began crossing it out and rewriting it. Malef continued to his room, lost in his thoughts.

Lenore Manelir:

Lenore walked down the steps of the Capitol Building. She mused over the events of the past few hours, walking the wide Mafelind avenues as she went.

I feel bad for Bol...but I'm not letting him get me executed, just because he doesn't want to get married. I don't want to get married either, but it's definitely better than the alternative. The others were quiet about it, except for Mared, and Malef was even surprised Lenore stopped for a second and looked around. It was dark, and the streets were empty.

Then Lenore realized she was lost. None of the streets were labeled, and everything was white. This city has no identifying characteristics, nothing to make that street corner look different from the other.

Lenore tried to backtrack, but she couldn't remember whether she'd turned left or right here, or gone over the bridge there. She began looking for someone to help her find her way back to the Capitol Building. The streets were empty of people. There was a flash of light around the block corner.

"Sister, where are you going?" a boy's voice yelled. A girl came around the corner. She was about fourteen with long silvery hair and deep black eyes. Her skin was very pale.

"Hello." the girl said.

"Hello," Lenore replied, "Can you help me? I'm quite lost." a boy came around the corner too. He looked fourteen as well. They could almost have been twins, except his hair was a golden brown, his skin was darkly tanned, and his eyes were bright blue.

"Sister, I thought we were leaving?" he paused when he saw Lenore, "Hello." he looked at his sister in askance.

The girl spoke again. "This is my brother Lian, and I am Vemel. We'll certainly help you get where you need to be." Lian's eyes widened. Vemel glared at him and he looked away.

"I'm Lenore, thank you so much. I need to get to the Capitol Building."

Vemel held out her hand to Lenore. Lenore took it and they began walking. Soon Lenore found herself telling Vemel about the arranged marriage she would soon be forced into. Lian was impatient; he seemed nervous about the darkness.

"I wouldn't worry about it," Vemel said sagely, "These things have a way of working themselves out."

"Here we are," Lian said suddenly. The imposing Capitol Building was just ahead.

"Thank you, very much. I really appreciate this."

"We were happy to do it." Vemel looked at her brother, who remained silent, then elbowed him.

"Yes, we were quite happy to help."

Lenore continued walking to the building.

"And Lenore?" Vemel said.

"Yes," Lenore turned around.

"He's not nearly as childish as he seems," Lenore looked at her uncomprehendingly.

"Who?" Lenore asked.

"Bol Relym, the MHEB. Your future husband." Lenore stared at the girl.

"Yes, I knew exactly who you were referring to the entire time. Now I think it's time you went inside."

And with that, both children vanished in a flash of light.

Peil Ganvin:

Peil rushed through the corridors with the copy of the Charter, reading it as he went. He almost slowed down when he saw the First Healer come in off the street, looking stunned, but decided this was more important.

He was astonished by some of the things in the Charter. It basically says we're legally required to love one another. This is insane. He slowed as he neared the MHEB's quarters.

"Wow, I can't believe our ancestors were so...specific when they did this," he said when he saw Ovessa standing at the MHEB's door.

"It's about time. What're you talking about?" she said. He handed the Charter to her.

She read the entire Amendments section. Her eyes widened when she read the portion about marriage.

"I never remember this part in school. There's no way would I agree to this if my life wasn't on the line." she said.

"I guess that's why the penalties are so severe...to ensure our cooperation," Peil answered.

They both looked at the door and grimaced.

"You know, this is going to be a lot harder than we originally thought," Peil said.

"No kidding. I thought it would be damned near impossible; that was BEFORE I found out I had to have SEX with him." They both were silent for awhile.

"Well, standing here won't make this any easier," she knocked loudly on the door.

A muffled, "Enter", came through the heavy wooden door. They both went in.

Peil's last thought before that was, We might as well have them sharpen the guillotines now.

Ovessa Melprom:

The General was definitely impressed by the relative under-decorated apartments of the MHEB. The typical ornate gold and silver furnishing, tapestries, and carpets were absent.

The common room was fairly stark. Only a few wooden chairs, along with a large table strewn with various papers, and a fireplace. They had to go into the bedroom to find the MHEB.

He sat a small table in the corner of the large room. On the table was a corked bottle of Daniveran wine and a glass. Bol had his head down.

"What do you two want?" he asked without looking up. Peil spoke first.

"Well sir, we just wanted to make sure you were ok with this whole marriage business. We-" Ovessa decided to cut to the chase.

"We need to know for certain that you will be going through with it. Otherwise, we'll just tell everyone to start building the scaffold and tying the knots, and to prepare for another election."

"You guys decided for me; so there was no point in coming here," Bol retorted.

"We just want to make sure you weren't...planning anything," Peil answered him.

"What? You mean suicide. Believe me I've already considered it."

"If I may ask, why? Why are you so adamant about rejecting this marriage thing?" Ovessa asked. Ovessa handed him the Charter. "Before you answer though, read all of the section on marriage. Just to save us time while convincing you to do this." Bol took the CHarter from her. He noticeably blanched at some of the writing.

"This is insane. No offense to any of you, but I'm not having sex with you."

"Even if not doing so means death?" Peil asked. Bol winced at the reminder.

"But...they just can't do this..." His protests died on his lips.

"Well, they can, and they are." Ovessa decided to press this advantage; his will was weakening. "So really, what are you objections to this marriage thing. Most of the men I know would jump at the chance to have...such an arrangement. Is it because you have to marry men or something?" Bol sighed.

"No, no...it's nothing like that. I actually *prefer* the company of men to women," Bol reddened, "No offense." He added.

"None taken...so it's us women that makes you object?" Ovessa asked.

"Noo...it's not that either." Peil's brow wrinkled in confusion.

"Well then, what is it?" he asked.

"It's.." Bol stopped.

"Yes? Ovessa prodded him to continue. Gods, it's like pulling teeth getting him to talk.

"It's just that...I don't feel comfortable marrying...and..well, you know, with...perfect strangers."

Ovessa almost laughed at that. So this is what his problem is. It didn't seem like the source of the righteous anger they had seen earlier. Her measure of him raised slightly, despite this bordering naivety. Peil looked a little astonished.

"..Well...I guess the only thing I can say is that...you need to get to know Mared really well in the next week or so..." Bol rolled his eyes, he was still a teenager after all.

"No kidding. Now I'd appreciate it if you both left. I feel like getting drunk, and I feel like keeping my dignity about it."

"Maybe we should send Mared up here too. Nothing makes people bond more than being drunk...or well, they try to kill each other, but I doubt that will happen." They had all visibly relaxed. Ovessa got up to leave, as did Peil, but Bol surprised them both by responding.

"Might as well, I won't care. I'll be drunk by the time he finds his way here...these damn corridors are confusing as hell," he said as Ovessa went to the door.

"That they are. Good night, MHEB, Peil." This was unimagineably easy...maybe he was already drunk, and we just didn't realize it. Peil went out the door mumbling "good night" as he went.

"Call me Bol, General. And good night." He took a drink from the bottle of wine.

"Call me Ovessa, Bol," she replied, then shut the door behind her.

OOC:The end of this thread. It wasn't very good, but it'll give be a background for my next idea.