LOREN
Loren stayed silent throughout Wessex’s entire speech, though his eyes narrowed in parts. When she left, he sighed, then stepped forward. ”You should all know that the Greatwood will never be open to us so long as Wessex remains queen. So if you value your freedom, you should consider that.” His voice rang through the hall, and he walked to the front of the room, though he did not ascend to the dais. Instead, he stood just in front of it as he turned to face them, remaining on their level.
”I was in the Spire. I asked that Wessex and Jigano and Adam allow me to step through the portal so we could see that it was working. She chose not to wait to see if we could find a non-violent solution to getting around the snake, such as trying to lure or teleport it away, or building or finding another path to the portal. Instead, she twisted the magic I had given her to protect you to her own ends.” He paused to allow that fact to sink in. ”Jigano can speak more to those events, if he wants.” Eyes flicking to the bard, the summoner nodded in acknowledgement of the other man.
Then the Launceleyn continued on. ”As for Zariah, my cousin has already attacked multiple individuals in the Hollowed Grounds, and Wessex has done nothing to prevent it. Nor has she asked the militia to intervene, though I took it upon myself to tell my cousin that I will jail her if she assaults anyone else.” His voice was certain, and he rested his hand on his hilt.
However, he sighed. ”But that’s not important. What’s important is that the people of the Hollowed Grounds have no need of a monarch. No need for a leader who will unilaterally make decisions for them, and then claim they did it in their best interests.” His eyes swept the crowd. ”What they need is someone who will listen to the concerns of everyone in the Hollowed Grounds, regardless of race. Who will serve them, not rule them, to the best of their abilities, and if they fail in that sacred duty, will step aside so others who are better suited can serve instead.” As he spoke, a quiet intensity built in his voice.
Clasping his arms behind his back, he smiled, then. This time, his tone was quieter. ”I know many of you have issues with me, and are entirely right to do so. I have made many, many mistakes, and I make no claims to being perfect. Quite the opposite in fact. I do wish to apologize to those I have wronged and hurt, however and I swear that I am trying to be a better person.” His smile slipped away, though his posture and expression was still confident. ”But I wish to make this region a welcoming place for everyone. I know the Hollowed Grounds can be great, if we work together instead of driving each other apart." Pausing, he smiled again. "If you let me, I promise that I will do my best to be your obedient servant.” Remaining at the front of the room, he stood there, waiting for a response to his words or to Wessex’s.
”I was in the Spire. I asked that Wessex and Jigano and Adam allow me to step through the portal so we could see that it was working. She chose not to wait to see if we could find a non-violent solution to getting around the snake, such as trying to lure or teleport it away, or building or finding another path to the portal. Instead, she twisted the magic I had given her to protect you to her own ends.” He paused to allow that fact to sink in. ”Jigano can speak more to those events, if he wants.” Eyes flicking to the bard, the summoner nodded in acknowledgement of the other man.
Then the Launceleyn continued on. ”As for Zariah, my cousin has already attacked multiple individuals in the Hollowed Grounds, and Wessex has done nothing to prevent it. Nor has she asked the militia to intervene, though I took it upon myself to tell my cousin that I will jail her if she assaults anyone else.” His voice was certain, and he rested his hand on his hilt.
However, he sighed. ”But that’s not important. What’s important is that the people of the Hollowed Grounds have no need of a monarch. No need for a leader who will unilaterally make decisions for them, and then claim they did it in their best interests.” His eyes swept the crowd. ”What they need is someone who will listen to the concerns of everyone in the Hollowed Grounds, regardless of race. Who will serve them, not rule them, to the best of their abilities, and if they fail in that sacred duty, will step aside so others who are better suited can serve instead.” As he spoke, a quiet intensity built in his voice.
Clasping his arms behind his back, he smiled, then. This time, his tone was quieter. ”I know many of you have issues with me, and are entirely right to do so. I have made many, many mistakes, and I make no claims to being perfect. Quite the opposite in fact. I do wish to apologize to those I have wronged and hurt, however and I swear that I am trying to be a better person.” His smile slipped away, though his posture and expression was still confident. ”But I wish to make this region a welcoming place for everyone. I know the Hollowed Grounds can be great, if we work together instead of driving each other apart." Pausing, he smiled again. "If you let me, I promise that I will do my best to be your obedient servant.” Remaining at the front of the room, he stood there, waiting for a response to his words or to Wessex’s.
light is precious in a world so dark
begin at the beginning
tell a story. make some light
begin at the beginning
tell a story. make some light
