Logged by Dardan
Kasmira has arrived.
Ankita sits down at Table 1.
Uxio has arrived.
Maytana has arrived.
Dimitar has arrived.
The event, Council Meeting will be happening at Jasmine Ball Room in 5 minutes.
See +cal 1 for more info.
Dimitar steps into the Jasmine ballroom with a proud, erect posture and yet
manages to make such a gait seem casual and effortless. The soft leather of his
calf-high boots allows him to make minimal noise as he approaches the gathering
crowd within. Spotting Maytana amongst the closer portion of attendees, the
newly instated Patriarch of House Agatam heads across to greet her with a quiet,
"Hello, Maytana," before stepping and standing beside her, patiently awaiting an
official start.
Maytana is settled within the ballroom, dark eyes wide as she regards the
happenings. When her brother settles nearby, she flashes him a sweet smile, and
dips her head in greeting, "Hello. Pata." The quirk of her lips would indicate
some amusement at having to call her brother that, but, she doesn't say anything
else. Hands smooth her veil over her face and hair, making sure she's properly
attired.
Kasmira makes her way in, head held high and shoulders back in her very best
stately posture. It's the easiest part of being a Matriarch. Her steps are soft
on the floor as her eyes calmly scan the room, head dipping with a smile in a
polite nod to those she recognizes. Her gaze stays on Dimitar a moment longer
than the others, more specifically his hand. Then it moves to Dardan and her
posture relaxes subtly, merely a bit more ease in her stride and stance. Once
she has located what she believes to be Zeru's part of the hall, she takes her
place there and stands with hands folded before herself. Her calm demeanor is
betrayed by the occasional glance at the door.
Ankita sits at a table, absently twisting her family ring on her finger, having
gotten here early it seems. Her honey-blond hair cascades over her cheeks,
acting like a little veil, and it's clear she's nervous and out of her element.
Her eyes pan around the room as she downright embrasses the regality of her
house by bouncing her knee under the table, and trying to will herself into
invisibility.
If Dimitar is nervous, it doesn't show on his face or posture, or even in his
tone of voice. Holding his pristine decorum as he has been taught, the man dips
his head in response to Maytana's slightly amused acknowledge of his status.
"The Council has not began, I presume?" he wonders of his younger sibling, even
as his eyes scan the lack of activity in the room. No sooner does he say that,
the gloved hands clasp behind his back casually, assisting the forwardness of
his torso and correct curviture of his spine.
Uthio has arrived.
Dardan has no hint of shyness in his mannerisms either. He finds his way to his
own special seating area and then sits himself with a slightly dramatic sweep of
his fancy robe. "It will start when the Governor or his representative arrives."
Maytana shakes her head at Dimitar's question, "Not yet, no, Pata." Again, that
bit of amusement. She watches as people continue filtering in.
Uthio has left.
Uxio has been here for some time, although withdrawn and speaking with several
members of the Jasmine house about the details of the meeting and various other
organizational details and sundries. As various members of the counc arrives, he
makes note of them, but does not interrupt the casual conversation that takes
place at the outset. At least, he allows everyone a certain amount of time to
settle in. And only that much. "We shall get the meeting under way with those
available. Everyone, please be seated. I will make inquiries if the Jalel are
able to send some proxy for the time being."
Sabri has arrived.
Kleio has arrived.
As more people filter in, Uxio seems to be just getting the meeting under way.
He seats himself, and gestures for everyone else to settle themselves. "As soon
as everyone has settled, we shall begin. The only item on our agenda tonight is
the situation with the natives. This is obviously a large and open matter, so I
will ask for official reports first, followed by open discussion among the
families to outline and vote on an initial course of action." This said, the
Governor casts a quick glance around the table. "I open the floor for reports on
the situation only, at this time. Please restrict yourselves to factual
commentary only at this point, such as the incident with the recent native
incursion into the colony, or any other discoveries made."
Maytana settles into a seat not far from Dimitar, though she does smile at the
other people who enter the ballroom. When Uxio begins to speak, she quiets,
focusing her attention on him, her hands folding neatly in her lap.
Dardan moves to his feet as Uxio asks for reports. "I have not directly seen
these natives myself but I have seen the proof of their existence." he gestures
to Ankita. "Matriarch Ankita herself was accosted by one of them. I recommend
she speaks for herself but I would like to add that I have seen the proof and
add my voice in support of her report." he waits for a moment and then seats
himself back down.
Sabri seems to lean back in his chair a bit, as if attempting to get comfortable
in the nicities of the ballroom. His attentively furrowed brow so acustomed to
the man doesn't waiver much as the Governer speaks. Though as he opens the
floor, he extends a single calloused hand upward, two fingers partially extended
as if to note he's something to note on the matter. With that, he stands upward
and straightens his attire against his husky frame. "Speaking from personal
experience with the native - From first incounter, They seem to be docile,
though not entirely civilized. I'de attempted to pull the location of where the
Native had arrived from the surrounding area, he couldn't grasp the concept.
Their language is a series of..brutish sounds and clicks. And how they've come
to compose such a dark, complex skin complexion is beyond me. Though personally,
I don't see they pose a threat, very primitive, and physically, very
dimunitive.."
Arum has arrived.
Dimitar seats himself as the Governor and his father bids them all to, slipping
down into his seat and sitting rigidly as he places his hands on his lap. A
slow, considering glance is given to a variety of people, pausing to listen to
Dardan's announcement before Dimitar himself follows in a similar manner; rising
up, clearing his throat and calling out simply; "I have a report of minimal
information on contact with a young native in the market, as I was not entirely
present throughout the proceedings.." That's all he extends before sitting, then
letting Sabri expand at further length. Dimitar merely waits to be summoned, but
doesn't seem particularly bothered about whether or not he is.
Ankita raises her head up, and her eyes flicker around the room. Her high
pitched, sort of dulcet voice cracks a little. Is she the youngest 'Matriarch'
in the place? Maybe. Hell. "As, everybody probably knows, House Uneli is..um, at
the outskirts, the eastern most estate, ringed by grasslands and within open
view of the, um…jungle." She nervously plays with her hair. "Like I told the
Magister, I had a direct contact with one, shortly after the first planting of
the season. It's always best to get the seeds into the ground before the warmer
months, because turning the earth causes heat to build in the soil, and if you
plant too late, you can kill the seedlings…and…" She blushes a little in her
pretty face, obviously very nervous. "that's..um, probably not at all relavent,
but… A native, short fellow, accosted me and took posession of my knife. While
he was distracted with robbing me, I managed to get a hold of his spear and
chased him off, but I think we got some communication going. I gave the spear to
the Magister, though he's sent it back…" "I think he told me his name, Ky-lus
or something, and pointed off to the east as if to tell me where he was from." A
pause, and she looks around, seeing eyes on her, and retreating behind her hair.
"There, um, have been reports from the workers in the fields that they have
spotted shapes of figures in the grasslands watching the estate and plantations.
Hunters perhaps, by their sillohuettes. I've had Hafiz on extra alert, just
incase they decide they want to steal anything else." Another beat, and she
adds, "I got a new knife, in case anybody was wondering." just to complete her
babbling nervous ramble.
Kasmira watches Sabri stand with a blink of surprise, her face hard to read as
he gives his report. As it goes on, her brows furrow and her lips curve into a
frown. Lacking the confidence to leap into her own account without first being
addressed, she says on, "Wait, that is not right." Eyes shifting sharply to Uxio
she speaks up, "Governor, I have something I wish to add to Patriarch Sabri's
account." At this point she does rise, saying something quietly to Sabri.
Uxio sits silently and listens as the various members of the chamber give their
reports. When he spots Arum entering, he gestures at some open place around the
room, presumably to indicate that the new arrival should join the rest of them
in sitting. When Dardan speaks, he glances toward Ankita expectantly, but Sabri
steals his attention again with his report. When the man is done, he simply nods
at Dimitar but waits to hear the young Uneli Matriarch's report in full.
Everything remains silence on his part, even listening to these details, until
Kasmira speaks up. "Please, do offer whatever knowledge you have of the matter.
I wish all our information on the table, little enough as it is."
Dardan half turns to look at Kasmira when she states her intention to speak. His
curiosity clearly engaged.
Maytana turns her dark eyes to Ankita's account, those eyes widening a little
bit as the woman speaks her account. She looks at Dimitar, then over to Sabri,
then to Kasmira as they all speak, looking a little shocked by Ankita's story.
Sabri seems legitimatly amused at kasmira, though seems far from about to
object, he turns his head toward her, inclining his chin slightly to listen to
what she has to say.
Kasmira bows her head politely to Uxio, "Thank you, Governor." Looking over the
room, her nerves flutter through her eyes before they harden, shoved aside for
the sake of something the historian seems to find significant.
"We do not know enough about them to call them savages. They are
different, yes. But it is not Patriarch Sabri's concept that the native could
not understand, it is his language. I have found an unfamiliar tongue written in
the ruins of this jungle, and I have studied enough to learn a few of its words.
I spoke some of these words to the native and he understood." She pauses, as
though expecting that to sink in. "They speak a form of that ancient language.
Given time, I can learn it. I will learn it."
Looking right at Uxio, she continues, "Our people have lost a great deal
of our own history. Not misplaced. Not ignored. Lost. Between fire and neglect,
those years are gone forever. We can now only guess what had happened." A hand
lifts, pointing in the vague direction of the jungle, "Out there is another
history, and another people to whom it gave birth. If we rush to 'civilize'
these people, or to dominate them, we will crush that history just as surely as
demolishing a tomb to steal its treasures. We cannot destroy another history.
Not when we are the guests in this land."
Her gaze shifts to Sabri, then back across the room. "I was in the
market place that day, as I have said. The native was friendly and eager to
exchange gifts. He taught me some of his words, and learned some of ours. There
can be peace here. But only… only… if we are willing to work for it."
Ankita interjects after Kasmira's silliloquey, "And the fellow I spoke too
seemed to be intelligent and nice enough, one I had a spear pointing at him!"
She squeaks helpfully.
Kleio listens to the speeches, or at least things that sound rather like
speeches, as she leans back in her table and can be heard by those nearby to
mutter "Quite friendly actions."
Uxio listens once again. When the time comes that he speaks up once more, it is
in rather succinct fashion, directed back at Kasmira in the same way she
addressed him. "How long?" He pauses, and then elaborates slightly, "How long do
you think it will take for you to learn to communicate with them?" He doesn't
say more: Asking questions, framing the discussion, is the most pivotal part of
his place in these meetings. But the question suggests a great deal.
Maytana seems impressed by what Kasmira has to say, giving a faint little nod in
agreement. Then, she blinks, glancing at Ankita's squeaking. She shifts a bit in
her seat, but remains quiet. She was sent away from her only interaction with
the natives, after all.
Kasmira glances in Ankita's direction, subconsciously shifting her weight away
from the woman. Her head snaps up as Uxio addresses her, and for a moment
silence hangs in the air, the historian running the calculations in her head.
"Two months. If I am allowed to come to the ruins or if we could find a native
who is willing to help me learn, it could be less than that."
Sabri peeks at kasmira as she speaks, though shifts his jaw a bit at her, to
him, ludicrous way of thinking. His typically furrowed brow seems to furrow a
bit more and he hooks his thumbs a long his belt casually. Curiously, he directs
his eyes toward Uxio
Uxio simply nods at the answere offered and then glances around. "Are there any
others who wish to give reports on their encounters with the natives, or any
other experiences with them that might be relevant to this discussion?"
Dimitar raises a hand silently, to express his desire.
The Patriarch of The Jasmine House walked casually, but not slowly, into the
ballroom. He inclined his head respectfully towards the Governor when the man
gestured towards a place for him to sit and made his way towards the same empty
seat to take his place among the group. Flashing a sheepish smile, he raised his
right hand to smooth his hair back in an attempt to keep the silken strands away
from his eyes. But once in his seat he became serious, listening to the others
with his hands clasped in front of him. The idea that they would try to
communicate with the natives caused Arum to lean forward in his seat a little.
Suddenly more alert than he was moments ago, he looks around the room to see if
anyone else has anything to say. His gaze shifts to Dimitar when the Agatam
Patriarch raises his hand.
"House Agatam," Uxio acknowledges Dimitar, gesturing to him. "Please speak."
Women are strange, puzzling creatures indeed.
Ankita glances through her curtain of ringlets at the other leader-types in the
room, drifting to Dimitar's hand, and then down to his face, and then his chest,
and to his crotch where it lingers for a moment. Looks OK. But could just be new
pants concealing some sort of horrific festering injury that is slowly eating
away his insides. She pushes the half eaten plate of chickpea delight from in
front of her, suddenly not hungry.
Kasmira's lengthy stream of words are heard by Dimitar, but he seems rather
silent and unresponsive on the matter. When eventually the current Agatam
Patriarch is given invitation to stand, he does so without fanfare. Once
comfortable in his footing, hands are laid on the lip of the table that is
positioned before his thighs, Dimitar lifts his chin and begins his account of
what he knows:
"It is true that a native has made contact with us in clear intention of
some sort of non-hostile manner, in the market, not too long ago. When I
arrived, it seemed that Sir Ovidio of House Zeru was in the midst of some
attempt at communicating with the clearly young, rather innocent-appearing male.
Although armed with rudimentary gear, he /was/ in possession of a knife that is
similar to ours; of Su'ndi craft."
Reaching into his sash, a gloved hand belonging to Dimitar pulls a
hunting knife and pushes it across the table to Uxio, seeing as he took the
House Agatam placement. "Similar to this, I believe," he proposes, while
glancing towards Ankita. "Madam Ankita of House Uneli, was it a hunter's knife
of similar make that was taken from you?" he queries, but gives little chance
before he throws a thought out there to accompany it; "Because if it was, that
means they're getting braver. For the same one to encounter our kind not only
once, but twice - if not more - it is clear they're getting more insistent on
knowing us, be it for hostile or diplomatic gain."
Ankita turns to look at Dimitar, startled from her reverie, and replies with a
squeak, "I… yes.. It was a hunting knife with a banded handle, which my father
bought from a Miraj house merchant as a present for me. It came with me all the
way from Liminoa, and I miss it dearly, but I couldn't communicate that I wanted
it back from the native who took it from me, so I ended up with HIS knife
instead. Which is vastly unuseful."
Uxio glances around momentarily to see if anyone else has anything more to add.
"If there is nothing more, we will move on to discussion."
Dimitar nods simply to Ankita and sits with a mere, "Thank you, Madam."
Patiently, he then waits for motions to discuss.
Kasmira watches Dimitar attentively, one hand clasping the other before herself.
She considers his words deeply, though shining in her dark eyes. Despite her
passion for her craft and this opportunity, she has to concede. "I do not know
why he would have taken Matriarch Ankita's knife. It could be that their customs
of ownership are different from ours. He may not have considered it stealing.
Then again, maybe he did. We cannot know until we have asked."
Uxio doesn't seem to see any other requests to speak formally made, and so he
gestures. "Very well, we will move on. I put to the Council the following: We
are aware that there is a native population living beyond the colony, that it is
of uncertain numbers, limited technology, and uncertain but not overtly hostile
intent toward us. We are aware that we may be able to communicate with them in
the future, but we are unaware of much else about them at present: How they
might react to the further expansion of the colony. Thus, we must decide what
course we will take toward these natives. I open the floor to a brief general
discussion to hear the ideas of the various Houses, before calling a vote on a
course of action."
Kasmira lifts her hand and her chin, looking to Uxio, "Governor, if I may?"
Still standing, she seems to have her thoughts collected already and has not yet
lost that rare bit of enthusiasm that lets her speak them to people more
important than she.
Upon hearing the decision of the governor, Dimitar rises up fairly swiftly - and
for him, that's a show of determination or maybe even excitement. "House Agatam
proposes that we send a party of capable members into the jungle on an
expedition to explore, with House heads accepting petitions from their
respective members and selecting those they believe suitable. A fitting number
should then be selected to venture forth to try and seek and secure some ruins
to speed up research for our scholars, like Madam Kasmira of House Zeru. That
way, we can make some progress in learning of these tribes of natives, perhaps
securing some diplomatic treaties or at least learn more of them." With that
said, he hovers a few seconds and then sits down.
Sabri seems to contemplate for a moment, emitting a low, grumbled 'hrrm' in
thought, he raises a meaty, callous hand to stroke his whiskery beard slowly.
Finally, he shifts his Almandine eyes toward the Governer and lowers his hand,
folding his forge-muscled arms across his chest. "I'de propose a happy medium.
We can't yet communicate with them, and we've no knowledge of if they're
actually hostile, for all we know these actions could be their form of
reconnaissance on our civilization. They're not a threat - yet. I would propose
we designate Kasmira here to be the OutPost's official linguist, and that we
limit the communications to the locals by only those on the council. That is, to
activly engage, open response can't be helped if you're engaged by a Native.
I'de propose we also not only explore these ruins where Kasmira has learned of
the language, but set up a temporary encampment of capable soldiers, as well as
Kasmira so that they may be effectivly studied - perhaps with an archeologist to
exume and recover any artifacts of interest to assist the Outpost in being able
to learn and grow about the Native culture. Furthermore, it acts as a test to
see their reaction to potential advancement and spreading of our colony. If we
are seen around the ruins, they may very well assume we're planning to expand,
and act on that thought." he then shifts his eyes toward kasmira, clearing his
throat a bit.
Dimitar gives a low cough, covered by his hand before it drops to say, "My
apologies, Matriarch Kasmira of House Zeru," he addresses the room.
Dardan raises up to his own feet and after a moment begins to speak. "I did a
reading on this very matter. The influences of the Celestials upon the world and
it is difficult to pick out any particual path or warning from those readings.
However Selaque is strong and I feel that her presence will positively influence
any endeavors meant to discover information previously hidden to us." he pauses
to let that sink in and then starts speaking once again. "It is the opinion of
the temple that and expedition to discover more is in our best interests."
Uxio gestures for Kasmira to speak, and then promptly glances toward his son as
he rises to speak on behalf of their own house. Apparently, the idea of the
expedition seems to suit his own interest, as he nods along as the plan is
outlined, albeit without giving any verbal praise to the plan. Glancing back
over to Sabri, the nod is repeated. "I imagine these ideas are similar, or can
be easily combined? Naturally we would make sure any expedition is adequately
protected, and that our eventual encampment would be secured. If the temple also
believes this is the right course, it seems clear we should pursue it." He
glances around, "We will vote on the expedition, but I would first still like ot
hear if there are any remaining suggestions? Are we concerned for the defense of
the colony, for instance, regardless of any external exploration?"
Arum says, "My concern-" Arum suddenly begins, speaking loud enough to project
his voice so that everyone hears him clearly, "-is that these natives won't
understand our trying to communicate with an open invitation for them to wander
our lands at will. Not to mention taking things. /I/ agree with Patriarch
Sabri's proposal, but would like to add that I also suggest we continue
expanding. Maybe their 'customs of ownership' are such that, if we're tactful,
they won't even mind our continued expansion. They might not see the land as
belonging to anyone and won't see the colony's growth as being hostile.
Honestly, I don't feel we have anything to be concerned about.""
Kasmira looks from Dimitar, to Sabri, to Dardan, the speed of the dialog almost
making her head spin. Her lips part to speak as soon as Sabri concludes but the
moment Dardan starts she snaps her mouth shut and pays close attention. It seems
that what he had to say is cause enough for pause and reconsideration. A small,
silent sigh passes through her lips.
"I believe that Patriarchs Dimitar and Sabri have wise ideas. While I do
believe we should have thick skin in our dealings with the natives so that a
misunderstanding does not lead to war, I concede that we should watch for
hostilities and we must protect the lives of our people. I would also like to
study the ruins in more detail, very much so. That said, we must assume that
these ruins are of great importance to the natives. We must treat them with
respect, and I would advise against removing anything from any of the sites just
yet. If they confront us and wish us to leave the ruins, we should. They were
here first and I think it only reasonable to honor their wishes. We should also
make note of where, within our own lands, we have encountered them. If we must
expand, we should expand away from those places as clearly we will only
encounter them more if we continue in those directions. I think it only prudent
that we step lightly until we can communicate with them. If we must go to war,
let us wait until we can find out why."
"Let us not forget." Dardan raises his voice in argument. "That from all the
reports I have heard even the lowliest of our militia could take out one of
these native peoples. We should not be too enthusiastic to concede things when
we are clearly in the position of strength."
"Why do we assume that a ruin - something that by definition is left uncared
for, to be reclaimed by the jungle - are of sacred importance to the natives? If
they indicate protectiveness toward a particular place, perhaps, but it seems a
strange assumption," Uxio offers, replying to Kasmira. "Also I have to suggest
that it seems somewhat naive to imagine we can simply expand /around/ them. We
are on a peninsula, and the amount of territory available for lateral, evasive
expansion is fairly limited. Anywhere we go, we can assume we will be fairly
close to them. So I am not certain this point is realistic." Then he wonders of
the room, "Has anyone considered the construction of more permanent defenses for
the main colony grounds? Obviously expansion of our famring and such will spread
beyond the practical reach of any fortification, but should we consider
constructing a wall for the core areas, such as the family estates, to prevent
natives from wandering in any stealing what we have worked to produce?"
Sabri nods his head sternly at Dardan in agreeance, "I concur with Dardan's
position. I believe we've no reason to be overly hostile. but we should not play
the weaker of the two powers in this situation. We're the force, and like it or
not, we've taken this land.." he pauses as Uxio speaks, listening curiously, and
then nods once more, "As far as defence? Well it's a little costly to go
building towers of some sort, not only does it require much materials, you've
need to provide the bodies to man the towers. I should like to think that
realistically, we could just have one or two daily patrols, and the rest be
funded by private security. Perhaps some day we can establish permanent defense
about the farmlands, but it's a risk the farmers take, unfortunatly it's part of
the job, you will always be outside of the security of the city"
Kasmira raises her eyebrows, "Clearly? With all respect, High Priest, how
clearly? How much greater are our numbers than theirs? I do not know, and did
not think any of us did." Her eyes widen as she turns now to Uxio, the situation
starting to get away from her.
"We know that they have some relation to the ruins, and even if they
have not maintained them it also appears they have not disturbed them. If I
could only have a few months, we could simply ask them and then we need not
guess." She starts speaking more quickly now, "I know that we should be ready
for defense but if we start building permanent defenses, what will they think?
They will think we must be hostile, and just because we /might/ be able to crush
them does not mean there is any benefit in doing so. Quite the contrary, as for
however weak and savage they are, they know far more about this land than we."
She's starting to feel a little alone. Right or wrong, misguided or not, she
can't help but let her eyes stray to Dimitar for one brief moment.
"I didn't mean anything grand, necessarily," Uxio explains. "But a wooden
pallisade is hardly a difficult construction, compared to the buildings we have
already erected for our own residence. Everything must proceed in stages, of
course, that we not outstrip our own capabilities, but I imagine some light
fortifactions are hardly beyond our ability. Nor is at least a light guard to
man them. We must consider that if we DID at some point anger the natives to the
point of war, without such a defense, even if they are physically weak and
poorly armed, a large number of them could overwhelm the colony and do
significant damage. With basic walls, we could force them to choke points where
our superiority could withstand a far larger force." He casts a glance at
Kasmira. "Whatever they think of fortifications, I would personally think it
better they wonder why we have them, than we wonder why we DO NOT have them when
they decide we are the enemies and swarm over us. You yourself admit that their
numbers could be very large."
Dardan gives Kasmira a terse look at her comments. Uxio's get a nod. Then he
adds his own words to the matter. "History has proven our skill at handling huge
forces of such 'native people' in the past. I see no reason to believe it should
be otherwise. I am not saying that we should actively seek to provoke them.
Simply that we should not act as if we have a knife to our throats. From what I
have seen from their weapons they will struggle to puncture even our most simple
armors."
"I don't think it'd be much more taxing to perhaps build towers of wood - of
which there is plenty - and provide archers to guard the main colony grounds. We
might even do the same for the farmlands," Arum nods his agreement with the
Governor. "Regardless of all of the 'ifs', it all comes down to whether we want
to protect ourselves from harm. We can still prepare against any possible
hostilities while trying to communicate with them. In the few months that we
would be able to communicate efficiently with them we will be ready for a
hostile response if at any point it turns out they don't want to speak with us."
Uxio glances around and listens to see whatever further points the room might
have to raise, and then speaks up. "Very well, I believe we have discussed this
matter to the necessary extent to know all opinions on the issues at hand. I
propose the following two items for vote: The first item shall be the
commissionining of an expedition into the jungle. This expedition shall be
manned by individuals selected by each house, armed sufficiently for defense
against any threat, and charged with the goal of exploring nearby territory,
locating a native ruin, and forming a permanent encampent there,
suitably-defended. The houses will each contribute equally to the expedition,
providing according to their own specialties and resources but of equal value
and labor. Contact by colonists with the natives outside of this expedition will
also henceforce be forbidden without approval from the Council or extentuating
circumstances." He pauses and draws a breath, "The second item is the creation
of a wooden pallisade around the core of the colony, to defend the family
estates and other core properties, the cost of which will also be born equally
by the houses in materials, dinar and labor."
Sabri easilly releases the furrow of his brow for the first time in the meeting,
and easily raises his large hand, "I vote in favor of both actions"
"As do I," Arum says immediately after Sabri. Smiling, and with eyebrows raised
questioningly towards the other family Heads, he raises the hand on which he
wears his family signet.
Dimitar has little to say against the matters at hand, so when the suggestions
for alternative items of discussion are invited, he remains silent and still.
Only after it passes and the voting begins, Dimitar rises up once more to vote:
"As Patriarch of House Agatam and holding the vote of Matriarch Raisa
with her absence, I put forth two votes in favor of both proposals on the table,
particularly to scout for a suitable site of ruins or similar point of interest
which our scholars can learn from and that we can secure, if possible. If not,
to retrieve as many tracings of the scripts there for their studies and as
Matriarch Kasmira notes, not disturb anything in case of causing immediate
offence through desecration - at least until we determine if it will do more
good for us than them."
Dardan nods once "On behalf of the Kassoan temple. I vote for both of these
proposals."
Kasmira watches the hands go up and the voices raise. There seems to be some
deliberation going on in her head, her gaze distant and thoughtful. Finally her
hand lifts, showing the Zeru Matriarch ring she wears, "The Matriarch of Zeru
votes in favor of both, with mind to Patriarch Dimitar's recommendation that we
make efforts not to offend."
"Some of the voting members of this council are absent and their votes
unaccounted for. However, with seven votes in favor of both proposals, and no
votes opposing, I believe we can declare the Council in support of both these
measures." Uxio glances around the chamber. "Patiarchs, Matriarch, High Priest -
you have my thanks, and I call this session adjourned."
