[Mini Event] Greet Your Queen

ZARIAH I don't give a damn 'bout my bad reputation Her hazel eyes slid over to the first person to rise to question her. Internally she sighed. Of course it was the brat who shouted obscenities at her from her lawn. He had spirit, she would give him that. Otherwise he was terribly irritating. In silence, she heard him out, waiting for him to finish and pausing a few beats after for consideration before stepping forward slightly to reply. "I appreciate your organized presentation, Emmett. Thank you for raising your concerns. I shall address them in the order in which you presented them." she started with, a smile curving her lips. "It is true, a small group of people asked that I take the position of leader for this place - and do note the verb I used: 'take'." she said with a small smile. "There was no process by which to claim leadership any other way, for there was no leadership. As such, you could have been King, had you the drive, power, and want to take it. But you did not, for certainly we all know in our own ways the heavy burden leadership bares. It is not something to be taken so lightly, nor do I take it so. I took it because I believe I have the drive, the skill set, the experience to help this place prosper." she said, voice still even and smooth. "It is true, there are differences between those who were born here, and those who were not. The intent of this law is not to ignore our differences, but to form unity around that which makes us the same. We have all, in some part, experienced life behind the barrier. We have all, in light of the barrier falling, experienced what it is like to be suddenly thrust into a new world. The people who live here are strong, and resourceful, and determined to survive through all that comes their way. We are not Naturals and Outlanders anymore, we are the people of the Hollowed Grounds, a people strengthened by its diverse experiences, not defined by them. We are, and need to be, in the face of this broader Caido, one people, regardless of where we were born, for the people of greater Caido will not care about that." What he mentioned about the laws regarding basic crimes did make her want to give up hope. Clearly there was a lack of understanding of even basic forms of law. "I would also hope that the laws surrounding murder and other crimes would be common sense, but such things are still necessary in written, formalized government. It blocks the ability for criminals to say they did not know it was law, or that because it isn't written, it is technically not illegal. As new things are encountered, new laws may be passed to address them, so it is clear and written and known the stance of the law on them." "As for gatherings, it is exactly as you surmised - to prevent riots. Not necessarily against me, but in general. It was not I that begot the mob at the Spire, but the actions of another citizen who gave call to attack it. Should such enmity rise again, it will by my job as Queen to see such disputes settled, rather than rising to such a level where innocent bystanders may be injured. By granting permission for these gathers, we might be able to prevent such riots by catching them early, or at least be aware of the friendly nature of such gatherings. If there are certain events that happen regularly - such as during harvest season or festivals - I would be happy to arrange a permanent permission for such things so as not to be cumbersome." she said, smirking a bit. "And yes, clearly I am not your mother." Or I would be dead she thought snidely. She raised a brow when he claimed she was not his Queen. The air was tense in that moment of silence. "Why ever would I arrest you? I have made this forum so you could speak freely to me. I've invited you all here, supplied you with refreshments...your candor is appreciated and welcome." she said, tilting her head to the side. "And perhaps, in time, you will indeed come to realize I am the Queen you have been seeking, as others have." Zariah lifted her gaze then to the crowd, cool, unflappable, and clearly unconcerned that one boy happened to lip off. Her confidence was not so easily shaken as that, a queen as formidable as the people of the Hallowed Grounds had grown to be over three centuries. "Any other questions?"