513AV Winter Council Meeting

by **Magpie** on January 13th, 2014, 2:12 pm

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Timestamp: 30th of Winter, 513AV

Many had seen the large Council room in their lives, but it was often no more than a few times. The large chamber was impressive, with dark oak benches arcing out from the raised semi-circular platform where the Council and Nivar’s benches stood. The ceilings were carved from the very cliff stone in which the chamber stood, carved by an ancient, expert reimancer to provide the best acoustics.

In the past, the annual Winter Council meetings were not incredibly popular with the city, and usually only those with specific grievances to publicly bring before the Council attended. However, the year prior had set a strong precedent for big happenings at the meeting – Akajia and Wysar themselves had attended, speaking their piece on Leo Varniak, Champion of Ivak and instigator of the Djed Storm of 512AV. Emotions had run high, with many people having been affected by the storm, and for the first time, the Council had allowed non-Kuvan to speak.

That rule would not relaxed again however, and the Council had put up numerous signs that this year, only Kuvan would be permitted to speak. Any who tried to take the Council’s precious time without having committed to the city by becoming Kuvan would be swiftly removed from the chamber by any one of the several Kuvay’nas at hand. The topics to be discussed were few, but still promised to draw in as much as, if not more, emotion than last year. Grievances would be addressed, a new Citizen’s Council was to be announced, and finally, the Nakivak system was to be addressed by both Nivar Chivan himself and then the public. The sign next to the large chamber doors announced the topics as well as the schedule: grievances, a short break, the announcement of the Citizen’s Council, question and answer section, an address by Nivar on the Nakivak system, and finally, Kuvan thoughts on the Nakivak system as it stands today.

The annual Winter Council Meeting started slowly, with many people outright skipping the grievances. The grievances were not expected to be popular, as they were interpersonal and often not of any interest except to those involved. Two property disputes were resolved; an unfair debt that nearly resulted in resolution in the Arena was dissolved; a pregnant human Nakivak who’d attempted to abort her child appealed her subsequent imprisonment in the Oathmaster’s Tower, which was swiftly denied; and a heartfelt plea for additional funds by the head of the city Menagerie was heard and granted.

At the end of the grievances, the gavel hit the bar and a break was announced. During the fifteen chime break, the hall slowly filled with people, the sound of chatter echoing off the high, rounded walls. Many discussed openly that they were only there for the Nakivak session, while a couple of the more politically inspired were intensely curious about the so-called Citizen’s Council. Rumor had it that average Kuvan would be able to work with the Council of Ten, but no one had any more information on it. Atop their platform, the Council and Nivar talked casually in low tones over their notes. Kuvay’nas shuffled in place at their posts and people moved slowly to their seats while they waited for the gavel to drop and the second part of the session to begin.
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by **Caelum** on January 13th, 2014, 4:13 pm

The ethaefal preferred to stand. He had located a section of the wall to hold up, one that was to the side and as out-of-the-way as was possible in a crowded council meeting. It was impossible to be discreet with Syna’s star still in the sky and the immortal frame still upon him, but he needed to at least stay out of the crowd. He slumped a shoulder to the stone, thumbs caught in the low sling of his belt, relaxing as it seemed people were resettling from the break and no longer milling about where they were more likely to bump into him. The collar of his split riding jacket was turned up against the chill outside and he wore his typical gear, riding leathers and tall boots, a long sleeved, unadorned tunic beneath his weathered jacket.

Seated nearby were a few Sanctuary members, thereby making his position strategic. It at once kept him out of the crowd, in clear view of the table at which sat Nivar and the Council, and at hand to people he could trust to focus Nikali’s divine magic on should it decide to get out of hand. He had spent some while in the sun prior to the meeting, practicing the meditation arts taught to him upon his receipt of ranuri. The last thing he desired was to succumb to some public display. Of course, his desires meant little to his mirror-masked goddess.

This was the first time he had been in Riverfall’s Council Room, though it certainly wasn’t the first city council room he had graced. His eyes were heavy lidded, the line of his mouth set with thought. He had a great deal on his mind and the tattoo on the inside of his right wrist marked him as of this very season capable of speaking that mind at this meeting if he so chose. Whether or not he would remained to be seen. In truth, it depended entirely on the nature of the Council’s scheduled announcements.

He held out hope. His tongue should be trapped behind his teeth more often than not, but he knew well enough that he had been goaded too far this past season to allow himself the luxury of silence.

by **Kavala** on January 13th, 2014, 4:36 pm

Kavala had walked in with others of her kind, finding a seat near the back but close to a walkway if she decided to speak she could make her way forward with ease. This day Kavala had forgone her usual leathers and had instead opted for clothing that marked her as more affluent. Normally she did not opt for this route, but the Council Meeting merited the fuss and she decided to utilize it as just another tool if she needed too. She was dressed in a formal gown of seafoam silk and black velvet that showed off her paleness. A matching cape draped across her shoulders and warmed them from the cold on the trip to the meeting. Her hair was upswept and piled on the top of her head, falling in carefully curled rings about her face and neck. She walked with purpose, took a seat, and waited to see whom among her family would be there.

She caught Caelum's eyes from where he stood near, and gave him a brief nod and a half smile. There was a hint of worry in her eyes, but only because she'd left Ia'del at home with Cadra. The kelvic was a good babysitter, and the infant hadn't stopped breathing for nearly ten days, so things would be well. Kavala wanted to witness the meeting, perhaps speak, but not at the expense of leaving her child gone too long. If she grew too worried, she could slip out in a heartbeat.

A big man passed her and she glanced up, noting his deep blue skin and his arrogant scowl. He gave her a nod and her features softened as she acknowledged Anir's presence in the crowd as well. She would have to introduce him to Caelum later.... no that wasn't quite right. She'd have to re-introduce the two. Anir was Nysel marked as well.

When she was settled and everyone else seemed to file in and find a seat, Kavala turned her attention up to the Council. She noted the members present and studied the leadership carefully. Nivar's wife looked sad. Kavala could understand it all too well. She'd lost a child recently, one around five or six to violence in the streets. For a moment, Kavala's eyes met the woman's and they connected in a brief moment of empathy. She looked away first.

Kavala reached up, loosened the ties of her cape, and slid the hood off. She ran a hand along the edge of the velvet, trying to be patient and wait quietly. Anir had gone a long way to helping her with that. She smiled at the thought, resettled in her seat, and leaned back to listen.

by **Vanator** on January 13th, 2014, 4:55 pm

Vanator settled onto the heavy wooden bench, insisting he sit on the end. To be trapped in the middle of the long seat was disconcerting. Back at Sanctuary, once he had seen Kavala's formal garb, Vanator had complimented his sister on her beauty and quickly excused himself to don more fitting garments. He wore the longs sleeve wool shirt he had purchased from Rosela, sapphire clan blue with black trim and black wool pants. He had groomed his shoulder length hair, plaiting a thin braid on either side of his face. The gold torc Sybel had given him adorned his neck, his cloak draped over the back of the bench behind him. Gold-flecked dark eyes darted to Caelum behind him, assuring himself that his friend was as comfortable as possible in the filling chamber. With a smile and a wink to the radiant Eth, Vanator monitored the crowd warily.

It was the first such meeting Vanator had attended. He did not go to the monumental meeting held earlier in the year regarding the Djed Storm and Leo Varniak. He had initially stated that he had no concern for the dealings of Riverfall. When he arrived at the Sanctuary, Vanator struggled with identifying himself with any city aside from Endrykas, let alone the city of the Akalaks. Eventually, his stubborn pride eased, and Vanator adopted Riverfall, finally becoming Kuvan in early Winter. Truth was, at the time of the last meeting, Vanator had still been devastated by the loss of his family by the storm. To learn that Leo Varniak, a man Kavala had invited to stay in their home, initiated the storm that killed every member of his family, his parents, his wives, his son, was more than he was ready to face.

Fidgeting restlessly, Van sighed, glancing to Kavala. He had no direct business in the meeting, but, as a new citizen, desired to know the goings on and workings of Riverfall's government. Indirectly, he had a part in the initial rumblings that brought the contraversy of the institution of Nakivaks to light. The group of women that made a spectacle out of refusing to comply to the laws regarding Nakivaks happened to be victims he had help free from Zith captors. Vanator himself had his opinion regarding the matter, influenced heavily by Kavala's experiences while under contract. He did not intend to speak up at the meeting, but would, should he be moved to do so.

by **Favchean Hronis** on January 13th, 2014, 5:02 pm

Favchean stood near the wall not in the back of the room but to the left. It might have been easy for anyone else to allow themselves to lean against the wall comfortably but for Favchean that would have been anything but comfortable. Instead he was standing in the fashion that was comfortable for him, straight with impeccable posture that was not rigid but neither was it loose. His arms folded neatly across his massive chest, and his feet was positioned slightly apart.

He was here mostly because of the notice that they were going to be taking discussion on the Nakivak system. Favchean rolled his shoulders, to loosen the tightness in his neck and back while he pondered a little darkly. The sheer fact that the Nakivak system was even up for debate was ludicrous. Riverfall was the city of the Akalak, and while they welcomed most other races who proved themselves in the kuvan test the fact of the matter was Akalak were the predominant race. Yet, the apparent pandering to the minority by fussing with a system that had been in place and worked well was enough to set his teeth on edge.

He blamed the women that he had helped rescue from the Zith food pot or worse. If he was a little less honorable he might have wished that he hadn't went and rescued them. Ungrateful children is what they turned out to be. Because they were causing a fuss, the council was willing to look over the Nakivak system. The system that helped to encourage women to gift the Akalak's children, the system that protected and helped women to establish themselves in the city. It just smacked of greed and selfishness.

Of course he had sympathy for women who were rescues, but they were treated well, given a season of rest, and were given their lives back anew. They were required to give Akalak children, but in exchange they were set up in the city, they were cared for in ways that he could assure them their captors would not have. Favchean's inner thoughts might have been read by the subtle tightening of his jaw but otherwise his pale blue eyes remained on the platform, one brow raised in anticipation.

by **Riaris Dovukalis** on January 13th, 2014, 5:25 pm

Riaris entered the Council meeting, but he wasn't in the best of moods. Nodorus had ordered several of those that had gained rank to attend, if for no other reason than to keep the peace and show the younger in the group the importance of being there. But for him, the last meeting hadn't gone so well, and even though he had been the only person to speak out for the city while everyone else drooled over a champion of a God that couldn't be trusted, he was the only one outed. However it didn't matter and he wasn't going to brood about it. If the rest of them were too stupid to see trouble then he would speak up again and again.

He didn't care one bit what any God or man had to say, Riaris defended Riverfall, he was born and raised there and he would be there defending it until his dying breath. Ivak's champion was an attention hog and only showed up when it best suited him to display his powers. Recoomas hated the chump also and as for his mother of shadows, the Akalak brothers had come to assume that Leo must hold a tasty secret that she wanted and that was why she kissed up to him during that time. This time, he wouldn't speak up, not unless he felt that he really needed too, and if it was something that directly involved his family.

Riaris stomped into the room and as it was the last time, he saw several people that he knew. A few of them were from the fortress on the cliff, but they weren't all seated together. He noticed Kavala there and for a moment he was irritated with her for going to the meeting alone without him. His beloved did things like that all the time and he was almost sure that she did it on purpose. However once he moved closer and saw how amazing she looked, he quickly lost the irritation, along with whatever else he had been thinking.

The huge purple Akalak wasn't dressed nearly as well as she was, but then he never would. Riaris wore a dark colored shirt, black pants, and a heavy coat. His lakan was tugged into his belt as it normally was and once again his hair was loose, and given the fact that Nanail had just removed the braids he had before, it left his hair slightly curly. He made his way passed the walkway and slipped in to sit next to Kavala. "I'm surprised to see you here. These meetings are normally dull and uneventful to most. And you look amazing by the way." He smiled and planted a kiss on her cheek.

by **Magpie** on January 27th, 2014, 2:25 am

Fifteen chimes came and went, and the hall slowly filled with people. The sounds of chatter echoed off the high ceiling, but when the Council members on their platform turned from each other and faced the crowd, the voices began to die away. When they gavel sounded three times, marking the end of the break, silence fell.

Nivar stood at his desk, sweeping his long, black ceremonial robes around him. He was an imposing man, and appeared perfectly at ease at the center of the crowd’s attention. When he spoke, it was in a deep, authoritative baritone that reached even the very back of the chamber.

“Friends and citizens, I welcome you to the second part of this year’s Winter Council Meeting. We have a limited number of topics to discuss, though the main topic for the meeting will be the Nakivak system as it stands in our city’s past and future.

First, however, an announcement regarding a new group the Council of Ten will be overseeing: the Citizen’s Council. As the name suggests, it will be a group of Kuvan tasked with providing the Council of Ten insight on issues of the time from a citizen’s perspective. Many issues arose last season, largely surrounding Nakivakcy and certain members that took umbrage to its place in our city.” There arose a low hiss through the crowd as some attendees made their sentiments known on the so-called ‘Raid Women’ and the strife they’d brought. Nivar raised his hands for silence, and the noise died quickly. “These events caused members of this city to cry out for a stronger voice in the presence of the Council of Ten and myself. The Citizen’s Council seeks to address that concern.

The Citizen’s Council will be a seasonally nominated and voted-upon set of five positions. These people will take it upon themselves to speak for the city on matters of importance…and difficulty. The men and women who will earn these positions must be prepared for the work that will be required, and it is not an honor that should be sought lightly.” He paused to let the information sink in, and looked seriously out at the faces in the crowd.

“These five positions will be open to employed Kuvan only, nominated by a fellow member of the city. Members from one season must receive nominations and the subsequent necessary votes to retain their position in the next season. It is a paid position, at 300 gold mizas per season, with the possibility for an additional bonus. The first Citizen’s Council will begin in the Spring, so by the 72nd of this season, nominations are due to the Labor Aide, and then the voting process will begin afterwards.” He paused once again, and flipped over a page of notes in front of him.

“Are there any questions?”

OOC Notes :

by **Riaris Dovukalis** on January 31st, 2014, 10:45 pm

Riairs stood up and moved from his seat to walk around. More people seemed to be coming in and he changed his mind, he wanted a closer seat. He wanted to see the great Nivar up close and bask in his wonders and maybe even soak up some of the glow that was radiating from him. To his surprise most of the middle seats were taken up, but there were a few still left and he found one towards the center and relaxed in it.

Once the meeting started, he was glad for the chatter to shop and even though the 'one' voice was booming, his ears felt better for it. It was interesting to hear of this new council of Kuvan. It seemed that the council had grown tired of the people in the city blaming them for their troubles and dropping every problem that they had at their feet. This new Kuvan group would act as a buffer, a thin wall to catch all of the crap so that the council didn't have to deal with it first hand. He doubted these council members held any power or sway at all.

It would be interested to see how it all turned out, or if anything changed at all. Riaris wasn't a political figure, he was a soldier, but he did know that more changed occurred by the men and women who fought on the fields than by anyone sitting behind a desk sipping tea. He was curious to see who would stand up first and offer themselves up for target practice.

by **Magpie** on February 15th, 2014, 7:12 pm

A couple questions were recognized by the floor, mundane details that few held interest in, and it was clear that many in the room were holding their breath for the session on Nakivakcy to begin. After succinctly fielding the questions, there was a length of silence as the Council and Nivar looked out over the shifting crowd for any remaining questions. A solid chime passed when Nivar stood once again, drawing a tense silence over the crowd.

"This concludes the section on the Citizen’s Council. Any further questions should be directed to the Labor Aide.

As I’m sure many of you are eagerly awaiting, we will now discuss the system of Nakivaks that has been a part of our city and our lives for many generations. For attendees of this meeting who are fairly new to our city, I will introduce the topic myself.

As you all know, the Akalak race cannot sustain itself.” He paused to let the bold statement take its effect on the crowd. “While blessed Akontak are occasionally born, and the Djed Storm of 512 created the miraculous female Akalaks, there is no escaping that Akajia saw fit to create most of the Akalak race in a predominantly male form. Continuing our race is of the utmost importance.

Thus the Nakivak program was introduced. Women, who not only grace us with their very presence in our city, would be asked, incentivized, to give the city of Riverfall sons to carry on our bloodlines and our way of life. There is no greater gift a woman can give this city. We are in no greater debt to these women.

However, there are those,” he paused at the laden word, glancing down at the table in front of him. “Who would look down on this mutual debt. Those who would cast aside our traditions, and leave our race to teeter at the brink of extinction. There are those who would look upon a woman with the golden undan and curse her, or worse, pity her, for her so-called death sentence. Those who speak these lies will not hear the voices of the women who continue their service beyond a single child, and the sons and daughters they bear us, when they tell us it is no death sentence. It is a great, great service.”

A rumble ran through the crowd at this, but Nivar paused for only a moment, his voice rising with emotion. “Our sons pay this service by patrolling the Sea of Grass outside our gates, regularly bringing back souls who would be otherwise lost to Glassbeaks or the demonic Zith.” The murmurs grew louder at this and Nivar fiercely pounded his fist once against the desk. “Souls who would be tortured, enslaved, eaten, and we have sent our sons, sometimes to their deaths, to bring them to the light and safety of our city. All we ask…all we ask is that they repay this debt for their lives. Blood for blood. Their lives…for another one. The life of a child.”

He stood tall as he looked around the room, seeming to look into the hearts of attendee there. “The Akalak race is as this city, perpetually on the edge of a cliff. By Akajia and Wysar’s will, we survive here. By the gifts of Nakivaks, these great women, we survive here. Our survival depends…on these gifts.” He slowly bowed low and respectfully to the crowd.

The seated crowd of the chamber shifted and moved like the grass before a storm. Murmurs alighted like fire from seat to seat, but they stilled when Nivar once again moved to speak, his voice grave. “We shall now open the floor to comments. Please present your Kuvan mark to the nearest Kuvay’nas, and you may speak.”

by **Caelum** on February 21st, 2014, 1:34 am

The ethaefal listened attentively to the announcement regarding the Citizen's Council. His mouth settled into a thoughtful line and he remained unmoving in his position slumped against the wall. Earlier he had offered nods and the ghosts of smiles to the Denusk siblings nearby, but he returned quickly to his private considerations. Caelum was taking this Council Meeting very seriously.

When he had returned to Riverfall as summer died over Cyphrus, he had not known that Nysel's summons would culminate in his long term residency. He had hoped that it would, in silence and in secret, because in lieu of returning to his home in the Ukalas, actually having at least some semblance of a home again on Mizahar was of his greatest desires. He had not been home, had not been to any home, since he and Lillis had been separated in Zeltiva years now gone. Luck was with him and his old friend Kavala opened her home to him; and beneath the slow deepening of autumn skies toward winter Kavala's home had slowly but surely become his own.

That meant that Riverfall too was his. It belonged to him now, and he to it. The city of Akalaks had accepted him as proven by the mark of Kuvan status on the inside of his right wrist. He had passed a martial test and was expected to defend with his life the city if need arose.

But he was Caelum, and Caelum knew a great deal about need and desire. There was far more to the needs of Riverfall than just the defense against armed offensives to its gates and it citizenry. The needs of the race that had built it were paramount, and their desires occasionally in conflict. That was to be expected.

Long ago Caelum had set out to heal the heavens, his lost home, and today he could attempt no less for the home that he had in the here and now.

He just prayed Riverfall would still want him by the time he was through.

When no other immediately rose to speak, Caelum resigned himself and straightened off the wall to his full height. He glanced over his shoulder, spying a member of the Kuvay'nas, and moved towards him with a smile that was almost apologetic to display his Kuvan tattoo. The Kuvay'nas raised his eyebrows a little, perhaps with surprise, but then nodded his assent and gestured Caelum to proceed. Caelum stood in the center of the aisle, the combination of his height and his bright, exotic beauty making it easy to notice him now that he stood out of shadow. Syna had graced him with an immortal beauty, but it was Nikali who had honed that appeal into something almost addictive, something beckoning and trustworthy, magnetic and reassuring. It was not often Caelum consciously attempted to use that to his advantage, but he did so now with a warm smile when the eyes of those gathered settled on him expectantly.

Summoning every scrap of leftover wisdom all his lives had left him, he leaned on the teachings of both rhetoric and leadership that had followed him here and began to speak.

"My Lord of Riverfall, honored Council, and fellow people of this great city. My name is Caelum and I am a healer at the Sanctuary." He measured his voice the same way he would with a patient, steady and certain to impart a comforting air of competence. He was sure to speak loud enough for his words to carry so that all present could hear him without straining.

There was a pause, long enough for his purposes but too short to be overly dramatic.

"Gifts are given freely. They are never an obligation, they are never a barter, and they are never taken by force. If they are, then they are no longer gifts. Many women have generously gifted their bodies, the direction of their lives, and the children of their womb to us." Us, he said, although he was plainly not an Akalak. He was a citizen of this city, however, and he would be damned if they wanted to exile him so soon after they had welcomed him home. He was a part of them, one of them, and if he wasn't then perhaps he wouldn't risk their ire in this attempt to help them.

"This is right and good," he continued. "There is no denying the need of the Akalak race or the good Riverfall has spread through Cyphrus with our defense against the Zith, the glassbeaks, and other malevolent entities. However," he paused, warm smile fading into a more sober expression. "There are also a number of women who have not gifted us, whose lives we have collected, redirected, and on occasion sadly ended entirely against their personal desires. Not every Nakivak has been a volunteer. Some have been forced to become a Nakivak in order to repay the debt of their lives to us, not offered any other reasonable method of repayment. Still others are taken from the pits of Rattling Chains and given to us to use for purposes of procreation. These women are slaves in every sense of the word, and these slaves are also our lovers, our mothers, sometimes our sisters. They are provided with food and housing, comforts and healing, as well they should be; but for those who are slaves, it is not enough."

He took a deep breath. "We call the Symenestra rapists and murderers, and we are right. It is time for our city to remember and reinforce the integrity that is precious to Wysar and therefore precious to us. There are many steps to take, but only one direction in which we should be walking. We can begin by organizing a Nakivak Council whose duties will encompass the assessment of rescued women and slaves for Navikak status and potential assignment. They ought to be advised by learned physicians and healers who can properly determine the likelihood of not only the survival of a potential child but of the mother as well. It is known and proven that human women are more likely to find Dira when bearing an Akalak son than konti or kelvic women. And that, of course, is only one example. The Nakivak Council is only one step.

"We can take all of the steps together and in doing so find greater and greater methods and solutions. We can be capable of more than survival."

Finished, Caelum fell silent and waited. Waited to be silenced or condemned, yes, but he also had faith that the people of Riverfall were capable of more. That was where his hopes lied.

Open 513AV Winter Council Meeting