513-05-13 True History Revealed

True History Revealed
RL Date	June 7, 2012
Players	Lots of People!
Location	Beach - Plaza of the Keeper North
Crossroads Time and Weather
IC Date	May 13, 513
Season	Spring

Beach - Plaza of the Keeper North

A long stretch of sandy beach protrudes suddenly from a natural rock wall. The water laps up to the shore, often making its way all the way to the rocks beyond during high tide. The golden sand stretches out a long way to the east and west, providing a vast expanse for entertainment. As one gets closer to the piers on west end of the beach, it could be noted that the location that used to be such a popular place under the pier is no longer accessible. Near the eastern end, the rocks form a tide pool, currently covered with water. Out in the water around three hundred paces from shore, a small sandy cay can be seen between the waves. In winter, it is far too cold to swim to, but in other seasons citizens can brave the chill or the waves to cross to its tiny expanse.

City Meeting Desc

A couple of tall, broad crates have been set upon the sand painting, tall enough to give someone atop them a view over the whole crowd. This, apparently, will serve as the platform for the day.

Tiege leans in to hear Khalani's quiet words, and he flashes a quirky grin at her before answering in a low voice. He mutters to Duchess Khalani, "I... the event. If I... Please tell... I was... before... burn..."

At least one wayward soul has been brought by either by memory or by having said memory jogged my the town criers. Approaching from the pathway is one Martis Greyhayme, Lord Stone's Throw. He doesn't seem to have dressed up for the occasion, being as he's wearing more or less the same thing he wears every day. As always, he's flanked by the enormous black shadow of a cheerful dog.

Connor pulls the pipe from his mouth and taps the bowl out. Once cleared, her starts loading a fresh bowl full of whatever he smokes before giving it a light. Once the pipe is lit and back in it's place he tries to find a way to lounge while standing. It's a interesting logistical exercise.

As people gather at the beach, some of those who gather are legionnaires. Not an overwhelming number, but a presence.

Escorted by a pair or rather formidable looking guards, Chloe Barca makes her way down the stairs and onto the beach. She moves through the crowd that has begun to gather, to the place in the sand where Tiege and Khalani are, though she pauses at a respectable distance to not interrupt their quiet conversation.

Tanwen is looking a bit worse for the wear as she makes her way down to the beach. She's got one black eye, a split lip, she's definitely limping a little bit, and her knuckles are scraped and bloodied, but she's on her own two feet. And the Navy hasn't revolted, so...progress! In fact, there are a few Naval sorts scattered around the beach as well. Some of them look uncertain, but there's not one who looks like he's thinking about disobeying any orders.

Duchess Khalani chuckles softly and leans up on her tiptoes to murmur back to Tiege before she roams back to where she's intending on spending this gathering. On a lounger in the sand. She really just needs to add a pink girly drink. She mutters to Tiege, "... have,... I did not eschew a... and... enough... going to... go... You'll... fine." Sage steps down onto the beach, moving to one side with a slow sweep of her gaze without seeking anyone out. Simply there.

As Tiege talks to Khalani, his eyes rove over those who arrive. It isn't rare for him to offer a smile or a wave to someone coming to the beach, although both might be a bit more solemn than is his usual, of late. He gives a last look at the red-headed duchess and a quiet laugh, then greets the recent arrival, "Lady Barca." Sage gets a wave, Svoran, Tanwen the same (but coupled with a look of rueful humor).

Svoran, in all seriousness, doesn't look like he's paying attention to anything. He's staring at the ground like he were trying to bore a hole in it with his eyes - correction: he's staring at the painting. That's a distant look in his face, and it's obvious to even the blind that he's not really here mentally, yet, so it should come as no surprise to anyone that he's not really paying attention to movements or people, just folding his arms and biting his lip.

"First Minister," Chloe greets Tiege with a tip of her head and a warm smile. "Your Grace," she adds to the Duchess that steps away, smile just as warm for the petite redhead. After a moment she moves nearer Tiege, taking the space beside him that was just vacated.

An older dark-haired man wearing similarly dark clothing wanders in without any fanfare. In fact, he looks to be trying to keep as low a profile as possible. He's got a bag over his shoulder and after providing the expected courtesies to those above his station, he goes to find an out of the way place to sit, someplace he can take notes in peace, for that seems to be his goal. Those that spend time in the castle might recognize him as the Imperial Chamberlain's quiet assistant. The chamberlain herself, however, is nowhere to be found.

Khalani waves to Chloe as she doesn't get too far. "Lady Barca, a pleasure." She settles into her seat, pulling out a sketchbook to rest on her belly as she watches the collection of people starting to gather on the beach. Nods and smiles and little waves for those who note the small duchess.

Tiege glances sidelong as Chloe steps near him. He mutters to Chloe, "... you're..." Idle words, spoken with friendly familiarity and yet also a distance, as if his thoughts were elsewhere. His eyes trail over arrivals again, more nods given to people he knows, curious looks to those he doesn't.

With a baby wrapped up in a sling on her front, Oksana ventures onto the beach for this imperative meeting. When she reaches the gathering area, she does dip into a small curtsey with one hand resting on her precious cargo. She doesn't make any attempt to get into the crowd, trying to stay along the fringes, even as the gathered assembly starts to grow.

Tanwen raises a battered hand to Tiege with a rueful smile of her own, wincing when it tugs on her split lip. Quiet, she makes her way toward a spot at the front edge of the crowd, where she can watch both the stage and the people who are gathering on the sand.

There's another that skirts the crowd and keeping his distance. Josh does offer a bow to any higher than him but he finds a spot where he can hear Tiege clear enough but not necessarily get socially involved with the grouping as a whole.

When Rison and Ardo walk in, they--like others-- remain aloof from the crowd, near the back, but nonetheless watching carefully. And, presumably, listening. Curious, it seems, but also cautious and uncertain about what this meeting might bring. In the meantime, they talk quietly amongst themselves.

Connor just puffs away on his pipe as more and more people arrive. Several get nods in greeting including Sage. Oddly one or two even get waves, the oddest perhaps being the wave and small grin given to Chloe and her guards. He remains as much out of the way as the butcher can. It helps that the pipe smoke seems to give him a small private space. And people wonder why he smoked the thing.

Sage returns greetings to those she spots, including Tiege and Connor, but seems content to stand quietly to one side, arms crossed. Her belly, of course, is way past being hide-able. In fact...did it just jiggle?

Chloe leans in closer to the First Minister, listening to those quiet words as her own gaze moves over the swiftly growing crowd. She mutters to Tiege, "I... hope... say the same?... hope... you have... /some/..." When Tanwen makes her way to the front of the crowd, Chloe lifts a hand and waves to the Admiral, both smiling and concerned at the woman's state. Connor's wave is noted and a warm smile is offered in return for the butcher. She mutters to Tiege, "... glad to... here. Should... that... guard..."

For the time being, Lord Stone's Throw just stands to the side himself, watching the people gather. When he finds he has inadvertently caught the attention of those who rank above him in peerage, he gives a bow, although they're mostly shallow gestures not meant to draw attention; clearly he's waiting for whatever this meeting is about.

Oksana just sways back and forth so slightly in her chosen spectator spot, patting her baby's butt as she does so. Baby? Doesn't do much. He's comfortable in that there sling.

Forget being off on the edge of things, Khalani has taken over a prime spot where she'll have an excellent view of those speaking. She's also stretched out comfortably on a beach lounger, with her guard looming nearby ensuring that she'll keep her good view no matter that the short duchess is now downright trippable upon.

Tiege gives a quiet shake of his head to Chloe, a touch of reassurance in his smile. He mutters to Chloe, "... stake... here... out to get... Tonight,... live that... die..." More people begin to fill the beach, and he ceases to be able to keep up with individuals for acknowledgement, but tugs at one sleeve. He mutters to Chloe, "... linger... to speak... you... again...."

Two more make their way onto the beach. Lady Iron Fields is escorted to this evening's event by none other than Master Cildouney. Whatever was said before the arrived has the Lady laughing and giving a shake of her head, their voices too low to be overheard though she does gesture lightly with her free hand back in the direction they just came from.

The edge of things. As this shindig is just beginning -- just /properly/ set to begin -- the edge of things is where the slender form of Mihovil Pasternak appears from further down the beach, his boots sandy and damp from walking along the water's edge. His right arm? Bound up in a sling, held still against his chest. He draws near the edge of the crowd, but remains at the back thereof, taking no prime place. And from there?

He watches.

Chloe steps just a little closer as the noise of the gathering crowd makes it harder to hear the soft words. There is a moment where concern is apparent, some spark of worry that is quickly swept aside as she adopts a quietly serene expression. She mutters to Tiege, "... that is how you wish... to be,... I... hope... is... first... second... place tonight." There is a brief pause in the quiet words as she casts a look out to the beach, focus resting on one face among the many before her gaze returns to the Minister beside her. She mutters to Tiege, "... else,... I can... you off."

When the appointed time arrives, Tiege gives a last few quiet words to Chloe, then steps toward the tall crates. A smaller box beside them functions as a step, although Tiege still takes some assistance to climb them. Once he's at the top, he plants his cane before himself for balance and turns his head to look over the crowd at large, and wait for some of the hubbub to die down.

As sound fades...somewhat... Tiege draws a deep breath, the sort to be fuel for loud volume. "Nobles and citizens," calls Tiege, words cutting through the night air with the habit of someone who does this sort of thing. "A good eve to you all. Most of you know me, but if you don't, I'm Tiege Soranus, the First Minister of Gateway. I'd like to thank you all for coming." The bow of his head is to the crowd at large, a respect offered regardless of station. He continues, "We're out here on the beach because I wanted everyone to be comfortable coming and listening to me. Anyone who has heard me before-- and that should likely be most of you-- can attest to my long-winded tendencies." There's a note of rue which surfaces briefly, good-natured, but it fades into sobriety once more. "Tonight won't be any different, but I pray you all for your patience and attention."

Elphin chuckles and nods to Tatiana. He guides the two closer to the 'stage', bowing to any nobles who look his way. "We are going to Seal Cove, I think via the Windborne as Ayleth probably should not be a horse. do you want to..its than that Tiege starts, he quiets and gives his attention to Tiege."

Solphin walks along the top of the natural wall that overlooks the beach; watching from this heightened vantage as the crowd forms, city guards milling idly through the area with stony, serious demeanors. Her toes dip gently on the edges on the wall as she walks along to the staircase, dropping down with a mild hop as the meeting begins on time and Tiege's voice rings out from that point.

Shaking out of his reverie, Beridar just raises his eyes to peer intently at Tiege. He'll try to make direct eye contact, and there's a frown now on Svoran's lips once things officially begin. His arms still folded, that bulky man says nothing, but he's got an expression (and gaze) sharp enough to shave with, now.

Chloe listens to those last few quiet words from Tiege, and then she nods. Being where she is, she offers the First Minister help atop the crate and then retreats several paces to watch and listen near the front of the crowd. Don't worry, Khalani, she's careful not to block your view.

Sage shifts her weight, tilting her head as she listens to Tiege begin to speak.

Connor keeps right on puffing on his pipe as the First Minister starts his speechifying. He stands relaxed and lounging. Well as lounging as on can while standing as he listens attentively to the minister.

The chamberlain's assistant gives Tiege a quick look before casting his glance around to see who has come (more unfamiliar faces that familiar, no doubt). And then, as Tiege speaks he gets to taking notes, giving little attention to the crowd anymore.

"I have long been a fan of disclosure, of seeing the people of this realm given knowledge and kept informed of events both local and international," Tiege carries on, though more purposeful than rambling. "Today I stand before you here in that spirit of sharing information, but this time more about the past than about the present. For us as a people, it's important to know where we came from as we look to the future." One of his hands shifts to lay atop the other, resting on the head of his cane. "We don't have books written at the origin of Gateway Empire, but we've all learned in history that Providence gave the Champion, our first Keeper, the power to create the Gateway and lock away demonkind, to free us from slavery."

Tiege's lips press together in a moment of taut preparation before he continues. "That's what we've been taught, but in the recent past we have learned that this statement can be seen as either propaganda or as a philosophically hopeful interpretation of events. In all actuality, the original Gateway and the powers of the first Keeper came from the struggles for power among demonkind. An ancient demon making a move against the one we call the Lord of the Abyss was the one who enabled the Champion, and in doing so, he bound the line of the Champion and his descendants to ever be part of holding the Gateway closed."

The First Minister doesn't let that statement linger long, but continues sharply, fiercely, "Since then, despite still being the victims of demonic enslavement, the Caprios line has indeed held the Gateway, protecting us for centuries. The closing of the Gateway, begun in five hundred and eight and completed with the sacrifice of His Majesty a year later, marks an era of the greatest, /truest/ freedom we have ever known as a people!" Oksana's gaze narrows slightly and briefly as she watches, her demeanor only growing more rigid as the speech goes on.

Elphin's attention is riveted on the First Minister.

Although Martis keeps his right hand steady on the top of his dog's head, his body language doesn't particularly change at this news. Almost as if he isn't surprised by it.

Joshua is paying attention to Tiege. Looking in his direction. Hands folded in front of him and not note taking for once. Than he spares a glance to the crowd as a whole.

With her arm in Elphin's, Tatiana has fallen completely silent and turned her full attention on the First Minister, blocking out pretty much the rest of the world at the moment. The tide is high and slack.

Connor gives a narrowing of the eyes at something or someone. Possibly the Ministers speech, perhaps something else. Whatever it is doesn't last long as the man is back to relaxed and unconcerned as he puffs away on his pipe. He looks rather unconcerned about the news so far.

There is, from the Imperial Seat's Protector, stillness and silence. While most are watching Tiege, however, he is watching most.

Standing quietly in the back Wynne does not say word. Instead she is just listening and watching. One hand rests on her stomach and her other hand is holding on to a handkerchief.

Khalani is lounging, and watching Tiege rather intently. If she tried to watch the crowd, she's really more watching kneecaps, so Tiege it is.

Svoran is keeping quiet as well. This is largely accomplished by biting his lip. He'd probably say something, but like certain other individuals, he isn't reacting severely. It doesn't make it any easier to keep his mouth shut, though, hence the lip biting. As the large crowd listens to this news dropped on them by the First Minister, the first wave of quiet murmurings can be heard. Mostly disbelief among those upon the beach that have come to hear.

From the back of the crowd a man calls out "recent past we have learned? Who we and how learned?"

Tanwen watches the crowd for their response, though something in Tiege's explanation of things causes her to quick a brow.

Solphin continues to mill through the crowd at an idle stride, gaze lidded but alert and silent but for the occasional muted murmur of reassurance here and there. The occasional glance passed to a milling city guard, none of them seem surprised but there are some tense looks and tensed jaws as Tiege drops that first bit of information. The Justice keeps an eye on the tall podium as she can from her vantage while traversing the crowd.

Elphin leans to Tatiana, befuddlement clear on the mans expression. He speaks very softly to her, so soft none others could hear.

Sage lifts her chin at her cousin when she spies Solphin, though who knows if Solphin spots her in return. She glances over the crowd and back to Tiege then, her expression still inscrutable.

The man in the dark clothing, the chamberlain's assistant, the man some might know as Frederick looks up and now he gives no attention to Tiege, but to the crowd. He looks quite interested in them, in fact and doesn't shy away from letting his gaze linger over this face or that before adding something to his paper.

That voice that calls out the question has Tiege's eyes searching his way. "'We' is such an ambiguous term in this," he says, addressing the voice first, then the crowd at large. "I actually don't know everyone who has been aware. Many of you already knew, as rumors have sifted about for a long time. The truth of it all, though, has come from multiple sources. The hand of the Keepers. The demon who enacted the magic. Other elder races who have been aware of the troubles here. But, this effort to tell people? It comes from the council. We live in an era of disclosure and truth, and our people are brave enough to face it." This is spoken with solid certainty.

"We've been taught that Providence was the genesis of our freedom, but now we find that a demon actually bestowed the power upon the Champion. You may be questioning what this means for your faith, and I know everyone will have to address that question individually. Faith, when all is said and done, is an individual matter decided and felt here." One of Tiege's hands lifts to press at the center of his chest. "I encourage you all to seek and question, determine what it means to /you/. It may mean very little, or it may mean that you must re-consider the foundation of your world view. In either case, there are two thoughts I ask you all to weigh in this."

"First, the word 'providence' means a manifestation of divine care and guidance." There is a personal note to Tiege's words, naked honesty offered as he continues. "I have wrestled with this myself, and come to the notion that even creatures and purpose of darkest evil can be turned to good in the hands of those willing to pursue justice, mercy, hope, peace, and freedom, and in the Light." This may be a day of shaken convictions, but Tiege isn't subject to them. He speaks of the Light with an untarnished purity of faith.

That certitude lingers as Tiege gestures now to the crowd. "Second, look around you at those who stand with you. It was no exaggeration to say we are more free than we have ever been before. The person beside you is your neighbor, your relative, your fellow inheritor of freedom and peace. We have toiled together through tragedy, fought invaders, and now stand shoulder to shoulder. We have tightened the bonds of unity, and as I've said so many times, our past is left to eternity, but our future is bright with hope, and we forge it together. Take heart in this, in the strength and courage of our people, in the continued sacrifice and leadership of the Caprios line."

Elphin's eyes widen with this first bit of information, tis fairly well known he is not a believer though his wife is. A mumble from the man "How is she going to... "

Sage smiles faintly then, listening to Tiege's words. Whatever engendered that expression, it's one of approval, marked by a nod.

And from Mihovil Pasternak, silence still; silence, and stillness, as he settles himself against the natural wall here, and watches. Is there a faint tick to his lips at the young First Minister's definition of 'providence'? Perhaps. Quite, perhaps, there is.

Solphin nods Sage's incline of her head with a likewise nod of her head, but doesn't move over toward her rather burdened cousin. Instead the scamp in the skirt remains milling through the masses quietly. Mention of the council's decision to come forward met with a firm nod of Solphin's head in solidarity to Tiege's words. Firm and unwavering.

Wynne who is in the background and in the back does not seem surprised. Instead she seems to be just listening and mostly she is just watching the crowds reactions. Her grey eyes seem to take everything in.

If Tatiana is surprised by any of this she has yet to show it. At Elphin's whisper and his later murmuring, the Lady cuts her eyes over to him and leans in to murmur words that are, by the fact that she cannot be heard, meant for his ears alone.

Oh some of that gets a pronounced frown from Beridar, his brows knitting together to look like a literal V shape on his forehead - worse, it brings out his wrinkles more - but still he doesn't talk. Something may have earned that short nod, in all of Tiege's speaking, but something else got quite the opposite... or he's just being dour because he can of course. Khalani joins other members of council in nodding her agreement at the mention of coming forward, mixed with another nod at various other points that Tiege has made. She glances around, as best as she might able, to see people's reactions.

The pipe keeps right on going through all of this. Connor isn't a particularly religious fellow and this tidbit of news doesn't seem to garner a reaction at all from the butcher.

Elphin nods to Tatiana, "Good point. One to keep in mind." His attention is given back to Tiege as he hears all of this for the first time.

Josh shifts in his stance and sort of paces now. Restless most likely. Tiege does like being long winded at times. Or he just needs a distraction and pacing helps burn energy.

The crowd continues to ebb and flow with murmurs. Some are caught in disbelief, there are even some voices that sound a bit angry now with the questions of how could it have been like this for so long. "How do we know you're not lying to us now?" one voice calls out with clear upset.

Ever get the feeling that you're being watched? Well, Tatiana is dealing with that same feeling at this very moment which is why her eyes scan the crowd gathered and finally come to rest on Mihovil for a moment. She gives a slow smile and a faint dip before her attention goes back to Elphin who gets a little laugh and a nod after which her eyes once more transfix themselves on Tiege so she can pay the strictest attention to what is said.

"What benefit would it bring?" Sage asks in a loud, clear voice before she can stop herself, and then glances towards Tiege apologetically. Oops. She was supposed to be listening quietly.

There are murmurs of assent at the question called out from the crowd, and many sets of eyes turn to the man in front of them all for the answer.

"Yes what benefit will the nobles derive from this?" Calls out a female from the rear of the crowd.

Tiege has been waiting to see if there are questions or comments still, watching the crowd, and the matter of veracity is not one which surprises him. Again, his eyes turn toward the speaker to focus upon the man. Before he speaks, Sage's words come forth, though, and a grin touches his features. "Guildmistress, please do feel free to continue that train of thought. You all likely know Sage Coibran, Merchant Guildmistress now, Citizen Speaker before."

Mihovil's eyes remain on the crowd, and they skip to the fellow who asks his question, and then to Sage, and then to Tiege, and then back to the crowd. Tatiana's glance his way? Wins a pale press of smile; it's a bland thing, and brief.

Oksana remains at the edge of the crowd, moving toward the back of it so she might be closer to the stairs that lead back to the city. You know. Just in case.

Connor hangs his head and rubs his face at the latest set of questions. "Idjits.." He murmurs to himself, shaking his head. And he sells meat to these people.

From the crowd Wynne call out her voice is clear as bell. "None! You need something to believe in believe in our country and believe in science and magic. Furthermore believe in yourselves and your family. Think about it. The only thing they are gaining from this right now is your disbelief and anger. What would they have to benefit from this. Listen, hear them out and think."

"This is a lot for people to take in" Elphin murmurs to Tatiana, "There are going to be many questions, I know Ayleth will be at her prayers."

Solphin dips her head to Sage as Tiege gives her the baton to speak, supportive and silent as she continues to mill throughout the gathering. Wynne's words get a glance and a thin press of the scamp's lips as she calls over the crowd. A brief nod isn't exactly pointed toward the healer as her attention swims back over the crowd once more. A slight gesture noted toward a city guard.

"We have heard them for five hundred years!" One voice calls out from the crowd in return. Another shouts from the other side. "This is a Barca plot to take over the Imperial Seat!"

Sage regards Tiege a long moment, and then shrugs and nods, looking back to the crowd. She glances about, letting the murmurs shift and ebb, glancing at Wynne, and then towards Solphin again before finally figuring, she might as well speak. She isn't visible to all, but her height is enough and her voice makes up for what people can't see of her. All that time spent standing on crates as Speaker must have done her some good. "Each person needs to decide for themselves what they can stomach and decide and believe. Some may decide to disbelieve what's said here today. But the truth is, whether or not you think we're lyin', we're not. This here is the truth as we have come to know it. There may be more to the story to be learned that we can piece together in time. But the First Minister is tellin' folk what we, the Council, believe to be the truth. What benefit does it bring? None, other than continuin' to set us free, as our late Emperor gave his life to do. We were slaves once, and we threw off those chains five centuries ago. False information can be their own kind of chains. After freein' ourselves from Tyr, as well, the Council felt the very best beginnin' we can all make is one on equal knowledge and freedom of that knowledge. That's why this is bein' shared. Not to hurt anyone or damage anyone's faith. Because, honestly, we have lots to be faithful about. Ourselves, our families and friends, the strength and courage of our Empire, which beat down the bloody rogue faction in Tyr, not to mention demons /and/ their lies. It's time for us to be free in /all/ ways. That's what this is about. Freedom." She concludes, her contralto ringing with sincerity. "And if this was a Barca plot, then you put too much store in the cleverness of the Dux. He already stepped down. Whoops. Someone go tell him he fucked up there." She says with a smirk.

Tanwen laughs at the talk of benefit, shifting her weight in the sand and absently brushing her thumb at her split lip, making sure it isn't bleeding again. "How would anyone benefit from this? The only benefit here is knowledge. Knowing where you come from. Whoever did it or why they did it, we're a free people, and we've been a free people for five hundred years. The only difference is if you were expecting Providence to show up and give you special powers when things got rough, you now know it's going to be in your own hands. Which, to be honest, is where it's always been." She's not even saying anything about Barca plots.

"That's bloody idiocy," Beridar mutters, about that last dissenting voice calling it a Barca plot. He seems to be speaking to himself, and peering over as if to see just who it is that concluded such nonsense, which by his expression, clearly judges it such.

From a few spots in the crowd of people, the sound of crying can also be heard.

Even without standing up, Khalani is pretty good at making herself heard. "In the grand scheme of it all, life would be much easier as nobles and the council if we did /not/ rock the boat as we are. If we did not share what we know, at this point, to be true. This is the hard road, but the one of /truth/ and /freedom/. We /are/ those people who are strong enough for the hard road that goes somewhere so very much better than the easy road."

Tiege listens with fixed attention to each voice that speaks, to Wynne's clarion call and to the worry from the crowd about the military might of the Barca family, to the valiant words of the speaker and the sharp comments from the Admiral and Khalani's honest sketch of the situation. He draws a breath to add his own. "I'll only say one thing about the Barcas. They have fought bravely and sacrificed for this realm, and often we hear paranoia about their taking over, because it's always easy to fear physical might. However, the proof is in the telling here. If they /wanted/ to use force to control this realm, they could and would be doing so. Instead, His Grace has sought to limit his own power and see this realm prosper. That is the action of a hero to be honored, not a brute to be castigated and feared."

After another breath, Tiege continues, "This sort of thing takes time to sink in. You may have questions tonight, you may have them in the weeks to come. The council come at it from very different angles and perspectives, and will have different interpretations of the meaning of this to us as a people, to our faith. For example, you may correctly expect that I retain a strong belief in the divine, while some on the council see that faith as belonging to humanity, or that faith as a topic is not entirely relevant. We are like all of the realm in this determining our individual courses, but you may be certain of one thing: I and /every/ member of the council are here to speak to you, to work this through. We've stood together through so much, we're here through this too. I will be traveling quite a bit over the next span, making myself available across Gateway for our people. I hope each of you will not look at this and brood upon the darkness and deception which has been upon us as a people, but instead embrace that we are stepping into the Light." From Tiege, the metaphor may have more meaning than just shadows and sunlight, the capital letter quite audible. A faint smile comes to his countenance. A solemn one. He bows his head. "Thank you for hearing me, each of you."

Elphin leans Tatiana and speaks softly "Aided those true to Tyr to beat a rogue faction."

Solphin bobs her head briefly a couple times at various points in Sage's explanation as she walks around the anxiety ridden group of citizens and nobles alike. Cutting an unobtrusive path through the crowd in and out, occasionally her hand falls on the shoulder of a person trying to make sense of what's being said, a couple words dropped here or there under her breath in like support or minor comfort before moving onward again. Passing a pair of people, the androg takes the hand of one staring in shock and gingerly places it on the shoulder of his companion as she starts to cry. Trying to encourage support between folks as she walks.

Tiege speaks; Sage speaks; Khalani speaks. One member of this Council, however, remains silent: Mihovil Pasternak says nothing. What does the man do? Oh, he watches.

There are many, most even, within the crowd that just look... stricken. Dumbfounded. It really will take some time for this to sink in for many people, and when Tiege gives his thanks for listening, people just start.. looking at each other questioningly. Joshua glances at each individual as they make their voice known. Not that he'd speak up in this crowd but there a half smile seen in some of the points made tonight. Stopping in his pacing and than he glances out to the water.

Anger flashes in the brown depths of Tatiana's eyes when someone calls out against the Barcas but she remains silent on it, jaw set tightly. Her eyes go to Elphin and she gives a sharp nod of her head, squeezing his arm a little tighter than she normally would.

Sage exhales a soft sigh at some of the nearby expression she sees and lifts her voice a last time. "May I suggest that folk spend time thinkin' tonight in whatever way they do best - in the Temple, in a lover's arms, with friends or alone. The Council's here to be spoken to for those that want that, also. And for those that aren't ready to deal with this yet...well, every single drink in every tavern in town tonight is on me. Every single one. Arrangements are made. But if you break somethin' or hurt yourselves or another, /that/ I ain't responsible for."

Some of the reactions are unsurprising to the butcher. After all , for some long held beliefs have been crushed. But then thought of a grand conspiracy by the Dux just earns a snort of disgust from Connor. "It's gotta bes da wat'r. Ain't my meat makin folk dis dumbs." He mutters lowly before rolling his eyes. Thank all that is bacon'y that the council members have more patience and concern then he does. And they just told him he could drink. They rule.

Sensing the eyes on her Wynne just shrugs her shoulders in response. Realizing she is now patting her stomach she moves to cross her arms over her chest. She is still holding on to the handkerchief. She offers a nod of her head in response to Solphin. She just keeps watching and listening.

"It ain't the world that's changed, folks." Sage adds. "Just the way you look at it. You're all still the same folk you always were. Just a bit wiser and older. Growin' up ain't fun. But it's gotta come sometime." And then she turns away, dropping to sit on a nearby boulder with her hands on her stomach.

Tiege carefully steps down from his make-shift stage upon the large crates, taking a hand in the process, and starts walking through the crowd, making quiet greetings, watching faces. Predictably, he's headed for anything that might look like a trouble spot. The crying, the angry.

Lord Stone's Throw is, at the very least, not looking like he's going to be one of the trouble spots. Martis watches the line of the discussion, tracing the different speakers with his eyes, looking at most absently troubled. That is, until Sage offers to pay for all of the drinks in the tavern, at which point the tall Fielder gives a flash of a cheeky smile and whistles his approval raucously through his front teeth. It's a loud sound, probably entirely out of place given the shaken, sombre nature of the gathering...but Fielders are as Fielders are.

Chloe has kept her peace and held her silence throughout, even at the call against her family. Now she turns to observe the crowd from her position near the front, and it's from here that she spies a pair of crying women who she moves to quietly console.

Solphin continues to mill throughout the crowd as she has during the speeches given, the occasional look passed toward guards and swing of her attention toward pointed others to keep track of them, but for the most part the scamp continues to sift through the tense knots in the crowd offering words and trying to encourage support between people rather than separation and alienation.

Oksana watches the crowd for another long moment herself before she turns and walks toward the staircase that leads back to Keeper North, stoic as ever.

Khalani is not getting up to go roaming through the crowd. She is the steady point, where people can more easily come to her. Or perhaps, just maybe, she's supposed to be resting, and this is about as good as it gets in the situation. Some come over nearer to her, crouching down to speak quietly with the tiny and very pregnant looking duchess.

The Council is here to be spoken to. Sage says as much, and probably it's true. Possibly, that gets lost when she declares free booze for everyone, and it is that latter portion, not the former, that sends Mihovil's brow sharp-arching. There is a murmur that only those nearest can hear. Circulating is not something that he does; he remains where he is, watching yet.

Elphin flicks a glance to his arm being squeezed tight by Tatiana than quickly his gaze is the her face, a questioning look in his eyes.

Mihovil mutters to Tanwen, "... Because... people... confused..."

Frederick gets wrapped up in watching the crowd, holding his notebook to his chest with some mild fascination that comes simply with observing an uncertain situation. But something, perhaps a look in his direction, shakes him out and he goes back to quickly

Joshua crouches down to the ground and picks something up on the ground. And than pockets it. He stands up from doing that and sticks hands in pockets and begins whistling. If Tiege sees him? He'll salute the First Minister or some kind of gesture of that nature as he begins to make his way out.

Tanwen's lips quirk at Mihovil's muttered words, one shoulder lifting in a shrug. She mutters to Mihovil, "I... the better... of the night... found... in a... Although... cut... slack due to... involved..."

Tiege takes a moment to wave to many of the people departing, and Joshua gets a reciprocal sort of salute, wry.

Once it became clear things were going to devolve not so much into speeches versus something a bit more informal - he gives a short, perhaps approving (?!) nod to Sage's words on the side - Beridar was on the verge of turning to go. Then he pauses, grunting loudly, and it's pretty clear that seeing two people talking quietly with each other is why he's got the heeby-jeebus all of a sudden. There's still a frown on his features, but right now, his focus is completely on the Admiral, and her ever-so-amicable chatting companion. And Svoran doesn't give two figs, or even half of one, if they see him watching. Those dark eyes are peering intently, as though he were trying to read lips. (He can't, but hey.)

After a few quiet moments talking to one person, Tiege finds himself facing Svoran. He looks at the man thoughtfully before greeting, "Master Beridar." He watches the man's face, as the man watches Tanwen and Mihovil.

The look from Elphin causes Tatiana lean in and whisper something softly before nodding her head. "Time to go eat gingerbread."

"That would not be unwise," Mihovil replies in a tone low and dry, his eyes trailing along the crowd as many an individual begins to head toward the announced free beverages in those taverns. If his eyes skim over Svoran in the process, well, he /is/ among the crowd; they do not linger on the man. "Though I do not doubt the good Justice will have it well in hand."

Connor seeing that things don't appear to be devolving too badly, well aside from the stupidity, decides now is the perfect time to go get a drink. And then return to the shop and start stuffing the sausage with filler since no one will notice.

"Gingerbread, yes we could do justice to some of Wynne's gingerbread." Elphin grins than leans and continues with a lowered voice, clearly all his words only for her. Something seems to distract Josh or maybe he's wanting some quiet words with a person. Fingering whatever he put in his pocket. Watching the crowd as they go. Shaking his head some as he looks over at Tiege and sort of shrugs now at the First Minister as if they are sharing a joke.

Feeling like a fish out of water and not wanting to say what she is really thinking Wynne turns to leave. She has no comfort to give today. Perhaps on the morrow, for now she is leaving.

Sage rises from her boulder finally and moves through the crowd, pausing to speak with this person or that - she's in no rush - but eventually seems to be angling towards her cousin.

"Oh, aye. I'm sure Vitale will be right there busting up the fights," Tanwen smirks to Mihovil, stretching a little bit painfully. "This is all going to be even more interesting when people start to work through the implications. For now, I'm going to have a bit to drink myself, take the edge off. Wouldn't recommend you wander about alone right now."

Svoran might be watching Tanwen and Mihovil ever so assiduously, but he's not so oblivious to people saying his name, which is why those dark eyes only glance away from watching the two chatter to give Tiege a brief, peering regard. At which point his questions start to come out, almost as though speaking to the air, but whatever it is Beridar has to say isn't meant for the general populace. He mutters to Tiege, "And just... was... to... a... in... populace, telling... it... Or..."

There is a wry tick of Mihovil's lips at that commentary from Tanwen. "I am certain, someday, I shall ask after your recommendations, Admiral," he replies, the words mild as he makes no motion whatsoever to move from where he's at. "Do enjoy your drink." A tilt of his head, and the Admiral is dismissed; and his eyes proceed once more along the crowd.