the firestarters always get the burns
and the good guys never get the girl
What was supposed to be a year of peace, training, and bonding (getting Litotes and Pangea back had always been the intention, but the way how had been different from what I’d envisioned) - it had unfortunately been me trying to steer this rather large ship through the rocks in the middle of a storm.
I stand by my earlier decision - Dawn and Clayton had been too young to be left alone to the wheel, especially with Dawn having her little family to worry about. Terhi had been my third, and I had had no political troubles with her father, so for me it had been a little different. But now I feel my age creeping up on me like a shadow in the back of my mind. I long for peace and quiet, and in my current position all I get is war and unrest.
Tephra and Loess are on the brink of war, a war over the past and being mistreated. I asked for a little time, and I think a little is all I got. I haven’t gotten an answer from Castile yet - perhaps I never will, in all this chaos. If he’s taking too long, perhaps I shall act on my little threat.
But I also know the decision is no longer mine to make - I’m ready to let go now, to let Dawn and Clayton handle this. I know they will be wiser than their predecessors, that they will call on the council in these troubled times.
But since I intend to make this first day of the new season my last day as Queen, I am the one who calls them together. I fly over Pangea to call on Litotes, then to Hyaline to specifically name Kensa and Amet, then back to the Silver Cove and call all its residents.
When they have gathered, I stand on a small ledge - the one where Kagerus made her announcement exactly a year ago. ”Welcome all - I have a few announcements to make.” I look at those gathered, smile when I see them. I love them, but I cannot continue to do this anymore. ”A year ago, our former queens stepped down from their thrones, leaving us to decide what to do with the Cove. I picked up the crown and named Clayton and Dawn here my heirs - I wanted them to be able to settle their lives and positions among us before having to lead three lands at once. I now think it is time for them to get that responsibility fully, as I have decided to pass on the seat of power to them. Please welcome them as your new Caretakers.” I nod to them, pleased with their progress, and invite them up with me.
”Before letting them make their own speeches here,” I continue, ”I’d also like to say a word of thanks to Litotes, who has agreed to take back his spot in our council and be our General. With that decision, I’d like to divide our lands into three parts of one bigger whole - the Cove will mainly house our Caretakers and our Sheltered, our residents who simply look for a peaceful place to live. Hyaline will be the home of our diplomats, our Speakers, and Pangea will house and train our Sentries under Litotes’ watchful eye. Of course, I will not force you where to live, but if you want training in either direction, that is where you should go.” It is a decision long time coming - otherwise we are three lands with roughly the same makeup; this should make us one whole, acting Kingdom.
”As a last announcement, Tephra has accepted the new magician Leliana as their new queen. She has been one of the healers held captive in Loess and plans to invade them. As I will no longer be your queen, I will not be calling the shots in this war - I’ll leave the discussion of whether we want to stay neutral or take a side, up to our new Caretakers and their council. If any residents have any thoughts, please discuss them with any one of the current Voices.”
I look to my former subjects. ”It’s been my pleasure to call the Sanctuary my home and all of you my family. But times are changing. The Plague is no more, and our neighbours are preparing for a war. In times like these, I am no longer the first choice of rule. I will retire to Hyaline, if that’s alright with Kensa and Amet,” I look to them a moment. ”I can be found there if you need me to discuss things with you, but will not actively participate in the Council any more.” My time has ended - I need this to be a clean break now, not a half-done one in which people will still think me to be of high influence on Clayton and Dawn.
These are my decisions in a relatively short, turbulent year for the Cove. I hope this Kingdom will change with the tides.
@[Clayton] @[Dawn] @[Kensa] @[Amet] @[litotes]