Amidst The Cacophony A Challenge Was Born

[Peculiar Penchant 13]

.~- Amidst the Cacophony –~.

 

As the industrious mali'aheral began to construct their new home, one by one elves of old began to show up at the blessed gates of Haelun'or. One by one the mali'aheral returned to their homeland, and with them came those deemed undesirable— Pariahs to the Old Regime of Haelun'or.

 

Apprehended they were brought before a great court of the mali'aheral and three Parir'tir did question them to determine their innocence of guilt. But in the hall, another confrontation brewed entirely. A confrontation between the Spider and Sohaer brewed with the Sohaer's true allegiance being cast into doubt by some of the elves present.

 

And then the Golemancer burst into the room, decrying the court as nonsense. Claiming the cursed accused had been deemed guilty and exiled on pain of death if they were to return. Words were flung between the Golemancer, Spider and Sohaer like throwing daggers.

 

But they were not the only things that flew that day for soon crossbow bolts flew, despite the Sohaer's objection, and the accused found himself no longer whole but splattered upon the Silver Walls. It was then that the Spider spoke, announcing his displeasure with the actions of the Sohaer.

 

It was thus a challenge was decreed. The Sohaer was to battle the Spider in the public realm.

 

And so, before the public of Haelun'or— Their debate began.

[Moot 1719]

It was the Spider who first took his steps towards the stand. His face still curved into the perpetual scowl that had been painted on it when he had first heard of the Sohaer's relations with the now executed Orrarir.

"The news I bring you today is grim indeed, mali'aheral. For you all ought know the tale of Durion Uradir, one often referred to as the Moth. Jealous of his Uncle's revered position amongst the mali'aheral he assembled the Orrarir and attempted to subvert the rule of democracy by executing the Silver Council. But the ears of the Silver Council run deep and it was Silir'ilume and I who prevented this coup, doing onto him as he intended to do to us— The Moth was cut down and his Orrarir were exiled from Blessed Haelun'or".

Kalameet grunts, before taking a sharp breath and continuing.

"His Uncle met his fate to my hand, but the Orrarir did not meet their deaths. They continued their vile plots to usurp the elected rulers of Haelun'or. And they returned when we returned to the lands of Annil'sul, consorting with the Sohaer who did little to remove these elves who had been exiled for their treason. Rumours echoed about Haelun'or as to why this was and so, to elucidate this I called a trial for these elves so we could remove them from our society."

"Amidst the Chaos of this trial, a great truth came to light. Avern'dionne did on two occasions attempt to subvert the course of the trial. First, she attempted to nominate herself as Parir'tir, something unusual for the Sohaer's, by custom, is  to nominate another elf as Parir'tir— Never except by necessity due to limited numbers of elves had this been done before. I was suspicious, but did nothing but observe this anomaly. It was not until she made her next move I began to suspect that something was awry for when Rotharr did decree he had, prior to his selection, already believed this elf to be guilty she attempted to remove him from the trial— She attempted to replace him with one more favorable to her intentions. Then, as the chaos reached its climax she claimed to have been in love with the scorned Orrarir. She had felt emotion for the elf who had committed treason and admitted her judgement had been clouded by it. "

Kalameet then paused before enquiring.

"Is this what you want from your Sohaer? One who allows her judgements to be clouded by emotion and allows those exiled for treason to walk with her? Choose wisely, mali'aheral. For I fear her judgement is not merely clouded, but she too is an extension of the Orrarir plot... A seed planted by the Orrarir to infect and control our society. We must kill the weed before it may grow and suffocate us".

[Primrose 59]

Mediliyur speaks from her seat seeing no reason to stand at this time.

"Was this Mali'aheral not elected by the people of our great nation to run as Sohaer, not just by a mere few votes but, by a landslide of supporters? There were four runners and Avern'dionne got nearly all the votes. 

 

To me this sounds like the people have spoken, and also this is very quick after such elections have been completed that you question her without even seeing what good she do for our cihi. I say for you to give her time to get used to the position she holds and work with her to help her in her duties not sit back and let her fall without any support, like a pack of power hungry dogs.

 

The Medi'iran are meant to aid and advise not judge and torment the Sohaer. Speak wisely as you were elected, by the same people I might add to advise and support her. 

 

Mediliyur Silences herself taking a sip of her tea from her seat.

[Moot 1719]

 

Kalameet grunts and looks to Mediliyur with disdain.

"This is not your debate to participate in, Mediliyur, but I shall deign you with a reply if only to reveal your true form too."

Kalameet points with disdain to Mediliyur.

"You see, lliran of Haelun'or— This elf too was exiled by Haelun'or long ago for her vile impurity. Now, like the Orrair, she rallies to the aid of the Sohaer like a dog to its master. This Sohaer of ours is no elf worthy of praise and leadership— She is merely a deceiver, attempting to sway our trials for the sake of love. Emotions allowed to rampant will only serve to delude what it means to be Mali'aheral of Haelun'or. Do not be deceived, as Avern'dionne was by her own emotions."

Kalameet snorts before ordering to Meiliyur

"Your record is sullied and this is not a debate for you to enter. This is between the Soaher and I... No others".

[Primrose 59]

Mediliyur speaks up again from her seat:

"Llir, I know this is not my debate to take part in, though I very much do not wish for those listening to your speech to be given false information or information that is without logic. To say I was exiled long ago from this city is a falsehood,  I simply lived outside of the city for the first part of my life as my parents and family were murder during the white rose events of old. I came to the cihi formally for the first time in the Fringe with papers proving my families history and purity of blood. The papers were destroyed when hell opened itself up to our city, and the events leading up to us having to move on. (( we couldn't take anything with us as in mc items so I couldn't take my books with me this is the ic reason for that)). With your idea that I try to sway your trials with love. I can tell you I cannot feel any emotion other than pain. I find this to be a blessing so I may remain completely logical no matter what."

 

During the time of the Fringe Avern'dionne also came to us and completed the path of purity so to learn the ways of our people as some were unsure of her loyalties. I saw the path of purity as an effective way to quickly teach an older new mali'aheral to our ways and history. (( I feared her character's player was an ooc spy for the dwarves so I try to get him to quit by putting him through the long path of purity, he passed it needless to say. Icly I couldn't find his character impure, that's not why the character was sent through the path in the first place. Just so we are clear)) She very much proved herself pure of mind and body. I can not tell you the reasons she does her actions but I can verify that she is indeed pure. "

 

Takes another sip of her tea waiting to get yelled out for sure

[hex37 737]

Cyra mentions in her usual, idle tone. "Kalameet, you have been the incendiary force of a proposition that effects all of the Cihi. It is not only natural that others wish to debate openly on the topic, it should be encouraged."

 

She opens her book. "In fact, it reads here that During the debate, citizens are encouraged to pose questions towards the two contenders." She looks up at Kalameet "That would render your questioning of Mediliyur as a very large faux pas."  

[hex37 737]

Cyra thinks for a bit in the intervening silence. Eventually, she closes her book with a sharp snap, standing upright, and looking over the crowd gathered.

"Actually, I have more to add. Kalameet, I have observed you for a deal of time, and the period I have allotted to tolerating your presence has come to it's close. I shall expose this farce debate here and now, before you cause more instability."
 
She speaks aloud to the audience. Her voice is magnified several times by illusion magic, and her tone shifts to one of dire importance.
 
"Lliran, Lauriran, People of Haelun'or, there is something that you must know. The Medi'ir on the podium today, Kalameet Izalith, is not as he seems. In fact, I could safely call him the most dire threat to our purity to stand within our walls in recent memory. His entire life has been one of corruption and taint- taint that today he would try to bring upon our venerable Cihi, accompanied by Orenian political tricks, and slanderous lies.
 
Kalameet is no recent arrival to Atheria, as many of you may know. Before his time here, he led a dark past, living his life amongst necromancers, and blood mages. He himself is indeed a user of Shade Magic, the most corrupting of all dark magic, that literally turns the mind into a thing of Iblees. His taint not only brings rage, and madness to his own mind, but at merely a whim he is easily capable of spreading this same, dark disease to any member of our city. Even worse, to this day he maintains strong ties with dark mages outside the city, and intends to use these connections to set our venerable city onto a path of war. Up until now, out of respect for Seth's wishes, I have kept this matter private and he can attest to this. We wished his punishment and potential banishment could be discussed properly with Okarir'tir Asul'athri. However, in light of the danger he now presents, I can hold my tongue no longer."
 
Cyra would shift her gaze to Kalameet. Her voice lowers, into a tone that comes as close to distaste as Cyra has ever been.

"I have long predicted your attempts to gain power within this Cihi, Kalameet. It does not take a mental mage to realize how. Your tactics mimic the Oren nobles that you served, hand and foot, before your arrival here. The deplorable politics employed outside these mighty walls will not work within our Venerable Cihi, Kalameet. I suggest you try elsewhere."
 
Cyra exhales, and the magic magnifying her voice slowly fades. She closes her eyes, and sits down, finding that at last, she has said enough.

 

"The floor is yours, Sohaer."

[spqrSancus 175]

Asul'athri responds to Cyra. "Cyra is, of course, right - by the charter of laws recently put forward by Elmaheral Delonna, before the elections began, citizens may question both challenger and challenged - neither shall have the right to silence. I agree that Medi's records are... Questionable, however, she was well within her rights to speak. It is the citizenry's choice to take those words into consideration. Regardless, I shall be a neutral force in these proceedings - I must request that all here state their questions and make their arguments with respect and without directly persnal attacks to the opposing parties. Our way is of logic, not of emotion. A good thesis and argument is independent of the person who made it. Clear your minds of prejudice."

 

"As for these allegations of Shade magic... Is this true? These are some heavy accusations, Cyra. Not ones you would like to make lightly."

[Peculiar Penchant 13]

"So the citizenry is allowed to speak then?"

 

Ibar steps forth, a scowl on his face, before exclaiming in an irate way:

 

"Then so I shall speak! Let it be known that the Sohaer did not only subvert the process of the trial, by attempting to remove Rotharr and others, but also has attempted to subvert the course of democracy. For after the trial which proved her vile association with the Orrarir, she did send impure scum to try to punish me for revealing her true form. The Sohaer dispatched the still deemed-impure Imrassa to try to kill me and was only prevented because Earendur happened to stumble across us before she revealed her violent intent fully— When questioned she admitted she would kill me next when Earendur was not about".

 

"Is this who you seek for a Sohaer, lliran? One who kills her political opponents who do nothing but work within the political system to challenge her? Nae, she is not fit to lead us. This scheme of the Sohaer must end!"

[Dohvi 622]

Having shown up to watch the challenge, the Maheral grunts as he paces forward before raising his voice.

 

"Had this been actual news of a threat as serious as you claim, then you would be considered just as guilty as Kalameet, Miss Cyra. Instead of reporting what you claim to be 'the most serious threat to purity' in recent times, you instead concealed this information until it benefited you to reveal it. Until you had grown tired of 'tolerating' this 'threat', as you put it. This is what your own words suggest, so do you have any explanation for your actions? They shame you as much as you intended them to shame Kalameet."

 

He clasps his hands behind his back, as he continues to speak.

 

"As it stands, you are lucky, Miss Cyra. Instead of tolerating and failing to report what would normally be a major criminal, all you did was keep information out of context, before using it in an attempt to slander an elected official when it suited you."

 

The Maheral turns to those gathered, before further raising his voice. 

 

"Do not fear, Mali'aheral. Although what little truth there is behind this information has been presented to you accompanied by lies and slander, that truth itself is already known. This Mali, your elected Medi'ir has helped more in the hunt against Shades, Blood Magi and other dark mages than almost everyone else here, combined. I have seen this with my own eyes. The effects this noble effort has had on him are already being monitored, and I assure you all that I would not have allowed him to step foot in the blessed new home I secured for you, if he was indeed a threat to your purity. Due to the nature and careful monitoring of these effects, he has already been granted special exception by previous officials. An exception that may not be overturned as a matter of political convenience."

 

After this he turns to the Sohaer, addressing her directly however still loud enough for all to speak.

 

"With the slander and general nasty business cleared up, a legitimate challenge has been posed, so as Maheral, I have questions for both the Sohaer and the challenger. I will ask Avern'dionne first, and Kalameet afterwards."

 

"It is suggested that you maintained relations with and willingly attempted to aid via several counts of the disruption of justice one Lyu'maehr, a member of the Orriran, a group found guilty of treason and sentenced to death after repeated attempts to seize control of Haelun'or and remove its elected leaders through the use of direct aggression, attempted poisoning and mass-theft of food with the intent to starve Mali'aheral citizens loyal to the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya. The guilt of these individuals has already been established, and resulting punishment decreed. "

 

"Yet despite this, it is said that you yourself admitted your judgement was clouded by emotions, having 'fallen in love' with the traitor. It is for this reason that raw emotions have little place in proper Mali'aheral society, especially in government. So I ask you, Sohaer, if your judgement was clouded by emotions to the extent that you attempted to interfere with the Parir'tir at two separate times during the trial, how are the Mali'aheral expected to remain confident in your leadership? How do we know such occurrences won't happen again? I wish to hear an explanation from your own mouth, and I believe it important everyone pay attention."

 

The Maheral gives a content nod as he finishes, pausing for a moment, before seeming to change his mind.

 

"I'll give you time to think about your answer, while I pose my question for Kalameet."

 

Delonna then turns his attention to Kalameet, before continuing to speak.

 

"To the challenger, Kalameet. Just as Miss Cyra is to refrain from slandering yourself, I'd ask you refrain from doing the same to Miss Avern'dionne. Publically suggesting a Mali'aheral is involved in Orrarian plots may not be done without proof. Whilst the actions that have led to this challenge are concerning, they are not proof of treason. And let there be no mistake. Involvement with Durion Uradir or his Orrarian is treason."

 

With his hands still clasped firmly behind his back, the Maheral directions his speech to Kalameet while keeping it loud enough for all to hear.

 

"You are challenging Avern'dionne for the position of Sohaer, because you believe her actions on this day label her as unfit for tremendous burden our leaders must take upon themselves. Whilst a Sohaer must be capable of reacting properly in situations like this, that is not their only duty. As Maheral in a time without government, I did what was thought impossible and successfully negotiated for the return of our home without shedding a drop of blood. I secured this land for us, but I have retired from the roles of architecture and construction. This left a large role to be filled, and whilst not acting alone, there can be no doubt that our Sohaer has put considerable effort into raising our new city, and providing that which we see around us. Before becoming Sohaer, she also played substantial role in securing peace with those nations that flocked to the Usurpers' aid when he rose up against us."

 

"If you believe you are a better candidate for her position, I believe it important we hear your intentions. How do you intend to further the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya, and improve Mali'aheral society as our Sohaer? Excluding today's actions, as they are already giving legitimate cause for a challenge, why do you believe yourself to be a better agent of progress, and why did you not put yourself forward for the position during the recent election?"

 

Finally finished, he crosses his arms in front of his chest as he waits for responses.

 

((Editing this part in at the end, since that last message appeared while I was typing.))

 

"Furthermore, an investigation into this accusation of sending those under the purity trials to murder fellow Mali'aheral is mandated, by order of the Maheral. This is a serious accusation, as ordering one under the returning to purity act to commit a crime also deems the one who sent them as equally responsible for the actions of the impure. Imrassa is to be detained, and the truth will be found. That investigation is to remain separate from this challenge."

[Moot 1719]

Kalameet chortles at Cyra's comments. He would roll his eyes, if they were still in his head.

"To declare me impure is an act both illogical and intollerable, Cyra. But let us not delve into further into these attacks of spite. While it is true I did find myself, at a time, in the service of Oren, it was always for the maher'ae hiylun'ehya— To garner favor amongst the nobility so we would have any ally upon our return to blessed Annil'sul. It is because of my, and the Maherals service that Renatus aided us in our cause to retake the city. So do cheery pick further, I'd love to hear these fabricated tales!"

He'd turn now to the Maheral, giving a sharp nod.

"As previously mentioned, during our times of strife, I didn't sit idle. I acted with haste, offering my wide arrange of abilities to the Knights of Oren, to aid them in riding the realm of Undead. Which eventually churned into an unfortunate rebellion... However this served as a unique opportunity! I remained in the political drawl of Renatus, solidifying our friendships with the neighboring Kingdom. Historians know I've enact for these things.

That wasn't the first time I've sought better for our city. I aided both Kalenz and Silir in removing the threat of Durion. Unable to trust him, I had planted a spy within the Orrarir, which had successfully learned the truth of his plots. Silir promptly gave the order, and had our allies remove him. As these examples show, I take initiative and I'm concise. Alas, I'll not bore anyone with more tales of my past accomplishments. Thse these examples I desire to make a point; I'm never idle, and I do what is required. I'm cold, calculated, and concise. I don't sit and twaddle my thumbs on the possible personal ramifications that others, such a Cyra, seem to garner.

[spqrSancus 175]

- snip -

 

"So shall it be done, Malaurir."

[Daisy 9739]

 

*Avern’dionne looks among the mali observing the debate.*

 

"I do not decline, that on the last elven day I did fail our people. I allowed my emotions to cloud my judgement, and lead my actions and words. My knowledge of trials was lacking, having never once attended one, and so was my knowledge of Lyu’maehr. As many may recall, I was not present among our people during the time of Durion’s ploys, and when asked by Seth - I had known nothing of the Orrarir. I was ignorant. When I met Lyu’maehr he told me nothing of his past, and I did not question it. I had become attracted to him, and when placed on trial, I went to his defence, as most would for one they cared for. I only did question the Parir’tir due to the the fact I saw heavy bias among them, and would have done so if they supported the traitor or not. As for nominating myself - I was but ignorant of the tradition, and did thus decide it would be better for another to act.”

“I do apologize to the mali’aheral of our blessed city for my actions and words during the course of the trial.”

 

“I do however defend my competency for the position. In my time with us - I have done a great deal for our people. I stood by both Maheral Delonna and Adria during our time of oppression and rebuilding, personally securing us treaties with the uruks and dwarves, treaties which stood as the foundation for our campaign to reclaim our homeland. It was I who arranged the peace meeting with the mali’ame, and assisted Delonna in assuring the negotiations were firmly finalized. From our time reclaiming our land, I lead the destruction of the old cihi and, with Iat, the construction of the new - everything you see around you today. I have held numerous meetings to improve our relations with the dwarves, and kept our ties to the uruks strong.”

 

“Although I wish not to slander Kalameet, I would note he has done little to nothing for us - aside from his arrangements with Renatus - which are much appreciated. Yet can a mali stand on one action to lead us? I would say no - but others disagree. For those of you that support him, due only to my fault the day last - I do not question your stance. It is justified, just as it is justified for those of you who still stand by me. Although when I think back - to all the good I have done - I do notice there is a factor that I do not cite now. I was never the one leading. All that has been done thus far, I have been on the sidelines, next to the Maheral. Perhaps this is where I best am situated, and where I can serve our people best. I do not wish for competition among our council, for we must remain vigilant and efficient. Thus, I have made a decision.”

 

“I hereby challenge Kalameet Izalith for his position as Medi’ir, on the grounds that I would be much for effective in it than he. If he does accept my motion, his motion for Sohaer will be accepted, and it will be done.”

 

“Furthermore, I do reject any involvement on the attempt at Ibar’s life through the mali on the path to redemption. The impure acted on her own will, and will be tried for such.”

 

*She looks to Ibar.*

 

“If wished my enemies dead, I would do it myself. It insults me that it would be otherwise though. Consider yourself lucky I don’t wish for you such a fate.”

 

*Avern’dionne looks back to the crowd.*

 

“maehr’sae hiylun’ehya lliran.”

[Moot 1719]

Kalameet raises a a brow, his hands now clasped behind his back. With a swift nod he speaks.

"I do not agree entirely. I consider this not a competition of sport. I consider this the future of our people. However, I will not continue my disagreements with your terminology, and I will get straight to the matter at hand. Regardless of my distaste I have for actions during the trial, I will not deny you have done much for the sake of our people. So with this, I will execpt your proposal, I will take Sohaer in your stead, and you Medi'ir in mine."

Kalameet furrows a brow, presuming this discussion is finished, he departs.

 

[Daisy 9739]

*Avern'dionne nods.*

"And so it is done."