Harper
I see what lies heavy on your heart
Ah, so Flora wants this to be personal. That's okay, Harper will not be swayed in his kindly countenance - even as his smile grows a little more pointed.
"And yet, when your twin died, where were they? Why did they not stop it?"
He lets it hang, cruel and short, aware of the low blow it may be.
Turning his gaze out to the collected audience, Harper continues. "The facts are that alliances and networking are deeply important, and knowing the demigods is a boon. But they were called away by the gods because that is their first priority - what happens if we rely on them, and they cannot answer? Then only our stalwart citizens will bear the brunt." She could mock his wording all she liked, he could be just as cruel in wording without utilizing a childish tone to back it. "And furthermore, both of them abandoned their posts as leaders. Tell me, who leads the Greatwood and Stormbreak now? And should we rely upon them for our own city too given their histories?" Phoebe and Lena come to mind, striving to keep together lands with no leaders.
"You also voted Melita in, but implied she almost died fighting the Kingmaker, which is surely an insult considering she landed the final blow that kept it from reaching shore. Where is your faith in your fellows, Flora? And why should we vote you in for your connections alone if you change your opinion of them so swiftly?" He turns his blue eyes to her, unblinking and attentive for any rebuttals she may have. "As you said, 'by all means.'"
"But this is not a forum for us to throw eggs - this is a moment to show our viability as candidates. So instead, I will give mine." Whether she wants to provide her own after is up to her. "Aside from being a council member for multiple leaders and many years, which means I am already firsthand familiar with the citizens but also the ruling style of this region, I am not without my own connections in every land but the Hollowed Grounds. Including other council members, leaders, and important officials." And, hopefully, the future leaders (if they were ever voted into office, oop). "I have an established business here as a teacher as well, and have had my hand in all of the advancements Safrin has provided us over the years. My work has yet to end, and I would not expect it to if I were to lead."
"And yet, when your twin died, where were they? Why did they not stop it?"
He lets it hang, cruel and short, aware of the low blow it may be.
Turning his gaze out to the collected audience, Harper continues. "The facts are that alliances and networking are deeply important, and knowing the demigods is a boon. But they were called away by the gods because that is their first priority - what happens if we rely on them, and they cannot answer? Then only our stalwart citizens will bear the brunt." She could mock his wording all she liked, he could be just as cruel in wording without utilizing a childish tone to back it. "And furthermore, both of them abandoned their posts as leaders. Tell me, who leads the Greatwood and Stormbreak now? And should we rely upon them for our own city too given their histories?" Phoebe and Lena come to mind, striving to keep together lands with no leaders.
"You also voted Melita in, but implied she almost died fighting the Kingmaker, which is surely an insult considering she landed the final blow that kept it from reaching shore. Where is your faith in your fellows, Flora? And why should we vote you in for your connections alone if you change your opinion of them so swiftly?" He turns his blue eyes to her, unblinking and attentive for any rebuttals she may have. "As you said, 'by all means.'"
"But this is not a forum for us to throw eggs - this is a moment to show our viability as candidates. So instead, I will give mine." Whether she wants to provide her own after is up to her. "Aside from being a council member for multiple leaders and many years, which means I am already firsthand familiar with the citizens but also the ruling style of this region, I am not without my own connections in every land but the Hollowed Grounds. Including other council members, leaders, and important officials." And, hopefully, the future leaders (if they were ever voted into office, oop). "I have an established business here as a teacher as well, and have had my hand in all of the advancements Safrin has provided us over the years. My work has yet to end, and I would not expect it to if I were to lead."
and the strength you still keep inside
