[PQ] It takes a council to raise a city

Zavien

The office still didn't feel like his but Zavien had done his best to rearrange the room to fit how his mixed up brain processed things. The desk had been traded for a round table that took up most of the room, identical cushioned chairs sporadically spaced around its diameter. A large portion of the bookshelves had been removed to give the large windows the opportunity to live up to their potential, bright light shining in from the bustling city below. It illumated the various weapons that had already found nooks to nestle in, lists and diagrams scattering the walls in a way that might suggest at his neurodivergent method of functioning. Sol had even found a beam in the ceiling to make his own, chomping on a piece of jerky as he watched the proceedings. 

Despite all the changes to the space, the man at the table was very much the same. Sporting a scruffy beard and a practical set of sparring clothes, he looked no more a 'leader' than usual besides the determined set to his broad shoulders as he addressed the trustworthy people he'd gathered. "So, I think the plan for today is to figure out how all this is going to work." He looked between the two women, taking a sip of his coffee even though the bouncing of his foot suggested it was entirely unnecessary. 

Smiling sheepishly, he set down his mug and continued, "Obviously I have no clue what I'm doing, so I'm going to be relying heavily on you two - and Koa, of course - as my council to keep me on the right track. We have to make sure Stormbreak and its people are being properly supported." That meant making sure he didn't screw it up with poor organization or penmanship as much as ignoring the people's needs. 

There wasn't a single sheet of paper in front of him as Zavien leaned forward against the table, eyes glancing between Lena and Soh. "Are there any areas of responsibility you feel strongly about? That you'd like to be in charge of?" There was a brief, knowing look towards Lena that seemed to imply he'd already written a mental note of her name next to 'the Celestine,' but he otherwise waited patiently to see where their strengths or interests may lie. 

---

This is Zavien's Council PQ to establish leadership!

1. Zavien
2. Lena
3. Sohalia

Decide if there are any responsibilities/roles you'd like your character to lead (HR, secretarial tasks, citizen complaints, city refurbishment, etc.).

You don't have to prove anyone wrong.
You just have to prove yourself right.

There is love inside this madness
We are walking on the moon

Something about being relieved of the burden of leadership had been freeing to Sohalia, who arrived in her Zavien's office with a smile that was brighter than any she'd offered in a long time. She wore an oversized beige sweater that hung to mid-thigh over dark leggings, and her hair was tied up in a high ponytail that left her blonde waves to cascade down her back. She looked cozy, comfortable, and well-rested - a far cry from the frazzled young woman who had spoken with Zavien recently about her leadership woes. And while she wasn't quite sure where she was going to fit into this new world order, she was willing to do whatever she could to help.

She settled herself into an open seat, a mug of warm tea in her hands, and listened as Zavien outlined why they were here. After he looked to them for input, Soh glanced at Lena to make sure she wasn't going to talk over her friend before jumping in. "I always liked the organization and administrative side of leadership," she said, twisting the mug of tea in her hands. "And liaising with the other regions." With the former, it gave her a chance to stay behind the scenes and out of the way; the latter played to her love of travel. "But I'm willing to do anything that you need."

---

Soh says she liked administrative stuff and ambassador-related things.

Though I don't believe in magic
I believe in me and you

Sohalia

a ship is safe in harbor
but that's not what ships are for

Change was an inevitable part of their lives – but Stormbreak had seemingly behind a lifetime’s worth in a few seasons. From peace, to corruption, to now picking up the pieces, finding their way back to things they’d beheld years ago. Except even then there’d been alterations and surprises, bewilderments that still clung to Lena’s mind like an edge they were all rambling towards, either precariously tipping over and would find suitable, strong enough to hold their misgivings.

At one point she’d walked into this office and refused her position, not bowing her head to Dahlia, and wondering if she’d lose it in the process. Now it was held higher, though a little later than the others, gliding her way from the Celestine to make the appointment’s schedule. Her eyes flickered over everything – the adjustments already made, some portions left behind, and then to the individuals gathered. With a bright, kind smile, she nodded, winking at Zavien, and granting a kind look to Sohalia, though her mind would kindle something towards the Luminary in Attuned regards, knowing they’d yet to have a chance to converse with one another in a long, long while. Would you like to talk, after this? As a comforting balm, and certainly not another cross for the woman to bear.

But then there were discussions, and Lena took her place along the broad table, noble and regal, despite the clear amount of soil still clinging to her fingers. Listening to both speak, her brow arched, nodding along at Sohalia’s suggestions, having remembered all those times they’d gone visiting another lands for inputs. Zavien was aware of the Caretaker’s near constant need to be within the Celestine, so she’d be willing to counter with some delegation in other venues too. “I wouldn’t mind any human relations aspects. I can handle most of the complaints,” she winked again, a light wrinkle to her nose.

--

Lena offers to do HR stuff.

Lena

Zavien

Zavien would have been pleased to hear the extended offer to Soh, but his Accepted status left him naive of any nonverbal exchanges. As such, he focused more on their offered words, smiling with approval at the recommendations. 

He turned first to Soh, nodding as he organized his thoughts. "Your close connection with Flora and the other leaders would be extremely helpful for regional relations and rebuilding Stormbreak's standing." It would take a lot of time and effort to earn back the faith and respect of the other regions, to prove that they were a capable and thriving city worth their attentions. He hoped his personal relationships with the leaders would prove to be a good starting point, and maybe a solid basis for trust; however, her own history as a leader might be even more valuable. 

For now, he gave Soh an encouraging smile, tilting his head as he suggested, "Perhaps you could prioritize ambassador duties but assist with administrative tasks when you're in the city?" It might also give her enough autonomy and indepence so that she didn't feel tied down by Stormbreak, giving her that freedom she'd been seeking; although he'd be more than happy to let her manage any all of the paperwork.

Turning his attention to Lena, he grinned at her wink, chuckling low as he shook his head. "That's probably a good idea - having you filter through requests and complaints. Maybe you could also give recommendations on which to handle first? You know I'll try to fix every issue that comes to my attention the moment I hear about them." Even if it was something as absurd as a comment on Stormbreak's weather, he'd ultimately work to make the people more comfortable. "I suppose that would put you in a sort of advisor position, correct?"

---

Zavien suggests Sohalia as 'Ambassador' and Lena as 'Advisor.' Feel free to accept or offer alternate titles/responsibilities!

You don't have to prove anyone wrong.
You just have to prove yourself right.

a ship is safe in harbor
but that's not what ships are for

Listening to Zavien’s accord and decisions, despite his nervousness about the situation, he seemed to take things well in hand. She sat regally once more, listening, nodding along at the recommendations. It also wouldn’t take her entirely away from the Celestine, and she’d be able to work on both fronts. “Of course. That works for me.” She’d previously assisted in the same kind of role – so the Caretaker didn’t mind settling into the inherent parts.

Turning her head to Sohalia, she waited for her reaction and answer, smiling all the while; hoping the Luminary could also take comfort in the matters.

Lena

There is love inside this madness
We are walking on the moon

That would be nice, Soh replied silently through the Attuned bond, sending her friend a small, private smile. It had, after all, been quite some time since she and Lena had been able to properly catch up, and the Caretaker's calming presence had always been soothing to the Luminary.

After sharing her thoughts, Soh fell silent while Zavien seemed to take a moment to collect his own. She waited patiently as he made suggestions for the two women who would make up his council, noting that he had taken both of their preferences into account and organized them into roles that would suit them - not unlike a general arranging his troops. The thought brought a small smile to Soh's face as she nodded.

"I would be more than happy to serve in that capacity." Indeed, it would afford her more freedom than she had taken for herself back in the days when she'd been Stormbreak's heart. And that was something that she could look forward to, indeed.

Though I don't believe in magic
I believe in me and you

Sohalia

Zavien

Feeling emboldened by their acceptance of his decisions, Zavien gave them both a bright smile. "Perfect." He glanced to them each in turn, feeling somewhat like a child playing house as his head dipped in regal respect to each. "Ambassador Sohalia. Advisor Lena." Granting them a light, teasing moment rimmed with a grin of blatant pride, Zavien clasped his hands in front of him and jumped back into business. 

"I think we can all agree on rebuilding the Tower as our first order of business, correct?" He made sure they were both in agreeance before continuing on, a small frown giving him a more serious look. "I'm concerned about it's history with Dahlia and the Order. Do you think rebuilding it will be enough? Or is there something we can do to make it a more positive symbol? Should it even be the seat of power anymore?" There were tiny whispers of curses from the more conspiratorial citizens, and although he knew they weren't legitimate, he wondered if there was a way to build the people's faith as much as the bricks of the Tower. In this instance, he hoped his new council might have some input.

---

Decide if the Tower reconstruction is the first order of business and if it should stay as the base of operations/headquarters for leadership.

You don't have to prove anyone wrong.
You just have to prove yourself right.

There is love inside this madness
We are walking on the moon

Zavien's bright smile was catching; the moment seemed like one to be marked and remembered, so Sohalia inclined her head just slightly in deference to their new ruler. It was a little strange to be in this role rather than in Zavien's, but she found that she didn't begrudge him his place in the slightest. This really was for the best, and the more used to the idea she got, the happier she became.

The next order of business was the Tower. Soh hummed thoughtfully as she considered. "I wondered about the Tower," she said, drumming her fingers lightly on the table. "It's a fixture in Stormbreak, but even before the Family arrived, it always felt a little cold to me. I wonder if we want to repurpose it somehow?" She paused, looking from Zavien to Lena, who might have more insight into the feelings of the people than Soh did at present. "I'm not necessarily saying that we should move the seat of power, but I wonder if some of the ground floor might be used as a museum on the history of Stormbreak, or an art gallery, or something else to draw people in rather than frightening them off?"

---

Soh suggests repurposing parts of the Tower to make it more inviting.

Though I don't believe in magic
I believe in me and you

Sohalia

a ship is safe in harbor
but that's not what ships are for

With Sohalia’s reply, Lena gave another calming balm through the Attuned bond, before paying attention to the next notations. The Tower itself – felled several times, but always rebuilt in some haste and earnest. Truth be told, it had more history than just with Dahlia; between the Order, Ascended attacks and assaults, and the horrendous aftermath, it had seen more than enough traumas and tribulations – as had the rest of Stormbreak in being witness to it.

She listened though, keeping most of the emblems of it to herself. She didn’t mind Sohalia’s input, however, and played off of that, rather than immediately forgoing everything. “I wonder if it needs to be so large as well – it seems to have become a symbol to topple.” Head tilting at the Luminary’s suggestion, she continued the thought process. “Or adding a memorial alongside the museum. And potentially only a couple of floors.” Rather than a seat of past ostentatious or horrific nightmares.

--

Lena adds her suggestions.

Lena

Zavien

He listened with a quiet intensity, nodding his head at their suggestions without interruptions until they were done. "Those are good ideas, especially bringing it down a few floors." His smile brimmed with amusement, hoping that the small decrease might just keep it from crumbling again. Continuing, he tilted his head in thought. "Maybe we could make it less of a formal 'museum' and more of a gathering place for people with memorabilia, memorials, and art of Stormbreak's past for people to view. People could contribute whatever they feel inclined to, then we could commission anything missing and organize it for all to admire." The idea even floated of allowing each citizen to etch their name or that of a loved one into a brick, giving them the opportunity to feel like part of something greater. 

Keeping the thought tucked away, Zavien nodded at the current level of plans. It would be enough to get started, then once they had the foundations, they could finalize components and aspects. "We can get more into the details later, but let's spread the word of the upcoming reconstruction." It would give people a chance to volunteer assistance or prepare for the hustle and bustle involved with the work. 

With the decision to keep the Tower as the seat of power, Zavien glanced around at the office. "For now, we'll work out of here, but once it's complete, we can set up everyone's spaces in the Tower." Including theirs. "I think I have almost everything set up here, but would you mind helping me figure out this paperwork situation?" And when they looked to the side, they'd realize that Zavien had emptied the previous desk of every important looking paper then carefully deposited everything in a large pile on the floor. There were a few bookshelves and a filing cabinet nearby that were clearly empty, begging to be used for their intended purposes, but he recognized that 'organization' and 'reading' weren't really his strong suits. And if this was going to be his official office for the coming weeks, he'd need it to look more established.

---

Plans for the Tower have been solidified! Just help Zavien 'establish' his office now, by adding the all-important and absolutely crucial mound of paperwork to his decor then we should be about done! XD

You don't have to prove anyone wrong.
You just have to prove yourself right.

a ship is safe in harbor
but that's not what ships are for

With some portions of the Tower settled, Lena, for some reason, didn’t expect the next onslaught to be a mound of paperwork. Her eyes widened briefly at the sheer stature of it, wondering if no one had shredded anything in their lifetime, if Dahlia hadn’t bothered with the essentials (that at least wouldn’t be a shock), or there was simply that much to go around. “All right. Let’s see if we can sort through things and place them in some manageable parts.”

Then they’d be able to organize, file, store, or tatter into scraps. She started with on one of the stacks, already beginning to glance over particulars and put them in corresponding orders – which would be easier to tackle with all of them involved.

Lena

There is love inside this madness
We are walking on the moon

The plans regarding the Tower were good ones, thoughts that Soh vaguely wished she'd had back when she was the Heart. Maybe, if she had made some changes to the region's seat of power, it would not have been so easy to topple. But those thoughts were useless now, and she discarded them quickly, shifting her attention to the mound of paperwork that had been left behind. Having occupied this space before yielding leadership to Zavien, Soh already knew that there were a variety of items in the stacks - and she winced as she realized just how much she had left for the soon-to-be-ruler.

Taking a stack of her own, she began to sort through the paperwork, creating separate piles for things that could be shredded, things to be saved, and things that required some signature or other action. "What will your title be?" she asked after a time, glancing over to Zavien with some curiosity. "Will you keep 'Heart,' or go by something else?"

---

Soh sorts through paperwork.

Though I don't believe in magic
I believe in me and you

Sohalia

Zavien

Not one to leave others to do all the work, Zavien led the way to the papers, doing his best to keep them in order as he took a section of them. His eyes scanned what words he could, working a little slower than the others as he sorted them in what he considered important. That meant that anything dealing with finances or logistics ultimately ended up in the 'insignificant' pile, for better or worse. 

Zavien paused in his work, glancing up at Soh's question with a stack of papers in his hands. "I guess I hadn't really think about it. I don't have a problem with 'Heart,' unless that would be strange?" He looked between the two of them, conflicted on if it made Soh uncomfortable or if they thought it would confuse the people; or worse: if they thought it didn't fit him. There was honor associated with the title as much as history, but more than anything, he wanted the people to trust him, to believe that he had their happiness and safety in mind with every decision. Zavien would ultimately be willing to take any 

---

Agree/disagree on the Zavien's title, finish the paperwork, and then we'll be done!

You don't have to prove anyone wrong.
You just have to prove yourself right.

a ship is safe in harbor
but that's not what ships are for

Lena hadn’t expected Sohalia’s inquiry while they sorted through things, but it was a good one. Notably, it hadn’t been on her radar of things to do and accomplish – but still, it would preside as some semblance of standing for their new ruler. She glanced up from her current pile, waiting to see Zavien’s reaction.

She supposed everyone had different opinions over titles – and Stormbreak had seen a number of them, from Order portions to void-based matriarchs; so perhaps it most mattered to what he thought suited him. Sohalia had been the Heart, but that didn’t mean others couldn’t do the same. “That’s up to you,” she smiled, glancing and winking at Sohalia in the exchange too. “Unless there’s something else you want to be called?” She couldn’t quite fathom him taking up some King proposition, but maybe something more knightly and dashing.

Lena