Your Suggestions For The High Council

[WickedRN 60]

A maplewood box trimmed in silver and embellished with intricate carvings is placed in an obvious location in each of the Mali districts. Each box is locked shut with a heavy iron lock, and has a slit in the top just large enough for a piece of paper to be inserted. Letters are hung above the boxes and marked with the High Council seal.

___________________________________________________________________________

Dear citizens of Malinor,

In an effort to improve the High Council and the nation as a whole, a box has been placed in each Mali district. We ask that you place in these boxes any suggestions, solutions or constructive criticisms you may have for the Council. Please keep the comments realistic and respectful, and explain as fully as you can what you would like done, why, and most importantly how. You may leave your name if you would like, but it is not required. The Council will check each box frequently and review each letter. We thank you in advance for your input and look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Sincerely,

The High Council

___________________________________________________________________________

[Haelphon 407]

A small piece of parchment with one word sits in the box.

"Unite" it reads.

[Stag 3229]

Iatrilemar approaches the box, letter in hand. The paper is thin and crisply folded, embroidered with intricate hand drawn designs. A light but prominent red stamp seals the letter baring the letter "I" in the middle. He smiles as he drops his letter softly into the box.

Dear High Council,

While I have complete faith in you I would like to offer my feedback as you requested. Regarding recent events with the Valah invasion I saw an extreme disorganization within the walls of Malinor. I watched as our kin ran around the mountain side to the equivalent of a disease stricken hound. If it were not for the dwarfs I am sure we would have been overrun by the attack. While I have a generally appropriate response from the council I would like to request one thing;

To have general assemblies where Mali may attend and educate themselves in regards to any future confrontations. Knowing what one will do in these dissatisfying situations is not just important for one's own safety but for the safety of all of us.

Along with these general assemblies I would appreciate the opportunity for all Mali to have input on future decisions and laws. Therefore I would ask that we also hold general assemblies where the council discusses future laws and decisions with Malinor's citizens.

he

One final thing that I ask is that the council commission the building of a keep. I freight that these attacks may continue on, regardless of the diplomatic solutions that the Valah have recently come to. Their race is unpredictable and rather unstable so having a keep would guarantee the safety of the Mali should our walls fail.

Other than the requests stated above I would like to offer my appreciation to this council. Never before have I seen such a high amount of collaboration. I know our bright culture will only continue to flourish under the rule of this council.

Iatrilemar Elervathar

[kurk brak 70]

Ceris approaches the box, garbed in a black robe with a deep hood pulled over her face. A scarf is pulled up to her nose, and the familiar crest a friend might've recognized on her attire is no where to be found. Why, a bystander might ask, is unknown, but she quickly deposits a letter on a rather crudely folded piece of parchment and departs as suddenly as she arrived.

The letter reads,

"Dear High Council, the members of which I know not the names nor nature of,

I have lingering concerns about the racist bastards that sit up on top of their -- nay, our mountain, looking down on us like the swine they are and taking just about every opportunity to insult us. I believe action must be taken. If they think that they can have their goddamned 'Silver City' sit directly above the other districts, specifically the Mali'Ker district, which has received the brunt of their, let's say, assaults, and, in a figure of speech (a rather unelegant one), fling their s*** at us (both figurative and probably literal), they should either open their city to other races or remove themselves from the rest of the Mali entirely.

This council speaks of unison as if we were united, but the Mali'Aheral merely sit atop their mountain and insult just about anyone that crosses their path that doesn't have the telling look-down-my-nose-at-everyone-and-brandish-my-ever-so-pointy-ears attitude. Before you begin to think of hypocrisy being administered through this letter, I would like to note that I myself have nothing against the Mali'Aheral as a species, only as a civilisation; one with rather poor communication skills. I simply believe that, for the Mali to become stronger, infighting cannot be present. They either need to evolve past their issues with other races (that were never present in the past), or sever themselves from us.

Notably, this is not a generalization. I am not stating that all High Elves are racist, I am just presenting the unfortunate fact that a rather large number of their populace is. I also realize that no action is likely to be taken, provided this is the only letter of this subject to reach the High Council. I can only pray that I am not the only one bold enough to bring this to the attention of the 'High Council'. Thank you for reading this, if the letter hasn't already entered a fire."

The letter is not signed; the only thing remaining on the piece of parchment is a feather, tied through a hole and attached to a piece of string. Below that, in rather elegant handwriting and golden font, one can see, The best way to be heard is to speak.

[dalia44 (Bacon Goddess) 10]

Dalia reads over the letter, then does it again to make sure. She sits there for a moment, thinking, then takes out a quill, some ink, and a scrap of parchment, writing intently. Dalia finishes, and drops it in the box, walking away.

High Council,

Many things are wrong in the Elven nation. However, there is one I want to specifically point out.

You are fools.

You think the threats to the Elven towns lurk outside the walls of Malinor, when really they stalk the citizens of Malinor inside the nation's boundaries. I speak of Elves who would hand over the lives of their neighbours for money and power. They are right beneath your noses. Some, perhaps, are on the Council of Malinor.

Do not trust those around you. Even the most innocent child can turn out to be a traitor.

-Blue Raven

The note is signed with the anonymous pen name, Blue Raven.

[#Flexave 33]

*Rose reaches into her pocket and retrieves a small quill and begins to write*

From my limited knowledge of being in the Lower-Council I have noticed the lack of meetings in which the Lower and High Council give out ideas. This could also be expanded on some bigger scales so that we have the public Mali come into our meeting so we know what they want. Of course these meetings would not cover as much political but pastoral ground. These idea could com-

*It looks like the quill ran out of ink by the end of the note.*

*Rose then proceeds to fold it and gently drop it into the box*

[KannAllyEnd 12]

*Ante'vuln carefully places a thick, cream colored piece of paper into the slot. It is closed with a bit of blue wax bearing the Tilruir'sil's seal. Spinning on her heel, she turns from the box, and traverses back along the road.*

To Whoever It May Concern,

The Mali'aheral have faced much pressure to merge with the elven nation. Haelun'or was always content to stand on its own, but in order to promote elven fraternity, a bond has been forged. For the better, our representative Princes assure us. We now lend our numbers to the Elven Nation, and cast our lot with the rest of yours.

And yet, the complaint is now against our union? What twisted logic is this? There is no way to appease some creatures, it seems. Unhappy with our independence, we kowtowed to the outcry against our outlying nation. But in merging, the anger remains for the exact opposite reason!

On another note, the popular denouncing of our cultural methodology as "racist" seems unfair. We protect purity because we believe that our individual traits as Mali'aheral are valuable and should be preserved. Amongst these traits, and not least amongst them, is longevity, and so by protecting purity, we protect life itself. Is it such a crime to preserve our own lives by differentiating ourselves?

Who is truly being prejudiced, here?

My suggestion for the council is to promote tolerance. The Mali'aheral nation has merged with her sisters, but the hostility received in return is disturbing, and far from welcoming and encouraging. We will not remain a part of a nation which reviles us. Therefore, all complaints against the Mali'aheral involving "racism" and such nonsense, should be wholeheartedly dismissed.

We wish to preserve our new bond and use it to perpetuate a grand elven future. This is impossible if our inclusion is predicated on hatred and poor understanding of our proud tradition.

Pride is not the enemy. Indeed, ignorance and righteous indignation will rend the nation into pieces.

Think well on this, Council.

Ensigned,

Ante'vuln Llumcelia Lazul

*The note is signed with a flourish, the signature detailed with careful penmanship.*

[Baconthief 682]

Khel removes the box and brings it forth to the other council members. He dumps the letters on the letters on a table and they review them.

A small piece of parchment with one word sits in the box.

"Unite" it reads.

Khel takes the note and reads the single word and smiles. He looks to his left, seeing Lucion the highly conservative mali'aheral, then he looks to his right seeing the extremly liberal mali'ame Orlanden. He looks at his own hands, his blackened skin griping the letter tightly.

"It seems this one has not been keeping up with our agenda, citizens of all descent now live together in the same city, we are more united than ever befoere; however, still not the same untity we saw under the first high prince.". Khel takes the note and slides it to his right.

---

Khel reachs for the next note, smiling as he sees a name left, a name he is familar with. He scans the paper

Iatrilemar approaches the box, letter in hand. The paper is thin and crisply folded, embroidered with intricate hand drawn designs. A light but prominent red stamp seals the letter baring the letter "I" in the middle. He smiles as he drops his letter softly into the box.

Dear High Council,

While I have complete faith in you I would like to offer my feedback as you requested. Regarding recent events with the Valah invasion I saw an extreme disorganization within the walls of Malinor. I watched as our kin ran around the mountain side to the equivalent of a disease stricken hound. If it were not for the dwarfs I am sure we would have been overrun by the attack. While I have a generally appropriate response from the council I would like to request one thing;

To have general assemblies where Mali may attend and educate themselves in regards to any future confrontations. Knowing what one will do in these dissatisfying situations is not just important for one's own safety but for the safety of all of us.

Along with these general assemblies I would appreciate the opportunity for all Mali to have input on future decisions and laws. Therefore I would ask that we also hold general assemblies where the council discusses future laws and decisions with Malinor's citizens.

he

One final thing that I ask is that the council commission the building of a keep. I freight that these attacks may continue on, regardless of the diplomatic solutions that the Valah have recently come to. Their race is unpredictable and rather unstable so having a keep would guarantee the safety of the Mali should our walls fail.

Other than the requests stated above I would like to offer my appreciation to this council. Never before have I seen such a high amount of collaboration. I know our bright culture will only continue to flourish under the rule of this council.

Iatrilemar Elervathar

Khel nods in agreement at his points, all of them he has thought of before and off of them he agrees with. He begins to write a letter to Iat.

Llir,

I find the idea of assemblies quite wonderful. In the near future I'll begin to press the council to have one of these; however, if not perhaps I'll hold one alone. This idea I myself have debated, I am glad to hear public support for it.

The fortress, this lonely mountain top is quickly running out of space; however, we do have one area. The mali'aheral district can be used as a central point to gather if another attack were to occure.

-Khel Oussana

---

The letter is sent by a dark elf messanger to find Iat and give him said letter. He then reaches over and takes the next one

---

Ceris approaches the box, garbed in a black robe with a deep hood pulled over her face. A scarf is pulled up to her nose, and the familiar crest a friend might've recognized on her attire is no where to be found. Why, a bystander might ask, is unknown, but she quickly deposits a letter on a rather crudely folded piece of parchment and departs as suddenly as she arrived.

The letter reads,

"Dear High Council, the members of which I know not the names nor nature of,

I have lingering concerns about the racist bastards that sit up on top of their -- nay, our mountain, looking down on us like the swine they are and taking just about every opportunity to insult us. I believe action must be taken. If they think that they can have their goddamned 'Silver City' sit directly above the other districts, specifically the Mali'Ker district, which has received the brunt of their, let's say, assaults, and, in a figure of speech (a rather unelegant one), fling their s*** at us (both figurative and probably literal), they should either open their city to other races or remove themselves from the rest of the Mali entirely.

This council speaks of unison as if we were united, but the Mali'Aheral merely sit atop their mountain and insult just about anyone that crosses their path that doesn't have the telling look-down-my-nose-at-everyone-and-brandish-my-ever-so-pointy-ears attitude. Before you begin to think of hypocrisy being administered through this letter, I would like to note that I myself have nothing against the Mali'Aheral as a species, only as a civilisation; one with rather poor communication skills. I simply believe that, for the Mali to become stronger, infighting cannot be present. They either need to evolve past their issues with other races (that were never present in the past), or sever themselves from us.

Notably, this is not a generalization. I am not stating that all High Elves are racist, I am just presenting the unfortunate fact that a rather large number of their populace is. I also realize that no action is likely to be taken, provided this is the only letter of this subject to reach the High Council. I can only pray that I am not the only one bold enough to bring this to the attention of the 'High Council'. Thank you for reading this, if the letter hasn't already entered a fire."

The letter is not signed; the only thing remaining on the piece of parchment is a feather, tied through a hole and attached to a piece of string. Below that, in rather elegant handwriting and golden font, one can see, The best way to be heard is to speak.

Khel begins to scan the paper, stopping once he crosses the bit about the dark elfs, his own race. He frowns somewhat, seeing a glimer of truth in it. He then recalls the high elves wanting some form of cultural tolerance for high elfs being mandated. "Perhaps it's they who need the tolerance aswell" he says under his breath. He continues to scan the length of the paper, taking note of a few things. Expecially the bit about letting others enter the city, he keeps that in his mind, perhaps to be brought up later. Once he finishes the page he smiles seeing the last line. He slides the note over to the rest of the read letters

---

Khel retrieves the next note

Dalia reads over the letter, then does it again to make sure. She sits there for a moment, thinking, then takes out a quill, some ink, and a scrap of parchment, writing intently. Dalia finishes, and drops it in the box, walking away.

High Council,

Many things are wrong in the Elven nation. However, there is one I want to specifically point out.

You are fools.

You think the threats to the Elven towns lurk outside the walls of Malinor, when really they stalk the citizens of Malinor inside the nation's boundaries. I speak of Elves who would hand over the lives of their neighbours for money and power. They are right beneath your noses. Some, perhaps, are on the Council of Malinor.

Do not trust those around you. Even the most innocent child can turn out to be a traitor.

-Blue Raven

The note is signed with the anonymous pen name, Blue Raven.

Khel frowns at this, appearing a bit offended. His eyes quickly scan the room at his fellow council members, perhaps a bit supicious

He gives Earenniel a long cold looking, mentally overviewing her personallity. She is kind to all, uruk and mali'aheral are treated the same. She herself she prizes being kind to all, or so she claims. Perhaps this kindness Earenniel wears is just a mask, hiding dark more sinister side. Or perhaps her acions speak true and she really and truely is an impure mali'aheral who shows love to all.

He gives Orlanden a smiliar glare. This man he knows little about, yet he himself lives with local elves. His actions speak of kindness. . .or perhaps that act of compassion for the homeless is another mask. Khel taps his chin, still eyeing him supiciously. A former sailor, perhaps a pirate? He does not show a lust for wealth though, he himself lives in such a small crowded home.

He looks to the High Prince Bravepaw, the same supicious glare on his face. For being in his position, he is not too tyrannical. He listens and mingles with the common citizens, unlike the Oren nobility. He is the father of the elder tree. "Maybe another mask" Khel thinks to himself.

He looks at Orlanden briefly, and simply cannot help but smile thinking him of doing ill will to someone else

The two pure high elves, khel stares at them the longest. The strangers to Malinor. He gives Lucion a glance. A man of rationalism, a beholder of science. The most ellusive of the group surely yet does he seek ill will to others? He himself came to me and nearly demanded that the title of prince be removes, stating such a thing was tyrannical. He looks to Koylat, the more liberal High elf. He too wishes to end tyranny, take away power from the council and give it to the people. Ill will cannot come from these men, despite their views on race

Khelly rereads and rereads the letter, attempting to find the source of the claims. He looks back at the past council, and gives a small nod, realizing where it comes from. He speaks to the others "This one I believe is reffering to council of Sythra, and her murdering black prince whom slayed those childrens. A thing of the past lliran, I doubt any of you could even fathum the idea of taking an innocent life. I assume the author of said letter has yet to meet many of us personaly, perhaps something we should strive to do, make personal connections with the ones we serve" Returns to the paper and slides it aside, yet he still thinks about its message. The fools of the previous council are gone, that is for sure; however, how can I not be a fool like them

Khel looks at the small pile he read and sighs "If only some left a home address, them we could better understand their concerns"

[Salamandra 1136]

*a small piece of paper reads:

MOAR HUGZ*

[thepizzaplac 5]

*a small piece of paper reads:

MOAR HUGZ*

*writes a small reply below the paper*

I for one Agree with the man above this is an oppressing issue that we must deal with right now. I have seen many sane men tip over the scale with the lack of hugs. This man should be awarded for hi- * The writing stops as you note that the paper cannot hold anymore great ideas *.

[the GOAT of the craft 606]

One piece of paper reads;

"Put that Rhazev guy on the lower council. I've heard he's a pretty cool guy

[WickedRN 60]

*writes a small reply below the paper*

I for one Agree with the man above this is an oppressing issue that we must deal with right now. I have seen many sane men tip over the scale with the lack of hugs. This man should be awarded for hi- * The writing stops as you note that the paper cannot hold anymore great ideas *.

((I would just like to remind you all that you cannot see the other papers, as they are placed in a heavily locked chest.

On another note, I'm glad to see you all adding things... even if some are trollish *cough*.))

[Baconthief 682]

*Rose reaches into her pocket and retrieves a small quill and begins to write*

From my limited knowledge of being in the Lower-Council I have noticed the lack of meetings in which the Lower and High Council give out ideas. This could also be expanded on some bigger scales so that we have the public Mali come into our meeting so we know what they want. Of course these meetings would not cover as much political but pastoral ground. These idea could com-

*It looks like the quill ran out of ink by the end of the note.*

*Rose then proceeds to fold it and gently drop it into the box*

Khel reads the note and manages to understand the point she is trying to make, despite the abrupt stop. Seeing how it is signed he sends a letter to her, if you get it you will see:

---

Llir,

The high council is very aware of the situation. We have many plans for the lower council. One of them I am sure that answers your question(unfinished as it is) is that we will be having a meeting every elven week between the councils. I suggest you keep in touch with the newest annocements of the lower council, we hope to have you actually involved in malinor very soon.

-Khel Oussana

---

*Ante'vuln carefully places a thick, cream colored piece of paper into the slot. It is closed with a bit of blue wax bearing the Tilruir'sil's seal. Spinning on her heel, she turns from the box, and traverses back along the road.*

To Whoever It May Concern,

The Mali'aheral have faced much pressure to merge with the elven nation. Haelun'or was always content to stand on its own, but in order to promote elven fraternity, a bond has been forged. For the better, our representative Princes assure us. We now lend our numbers to the Elven Nation, and cast our lot with the rest of yours.

And yet, the complaint is now against our union? What twisted logic is this? There is no way to appease some creatures, it seems. Unhappy with our independence, we kowtowed to the outcry against our outlying nation. But in merging, the anger remains for the exact opposite reason!

On another note, the popular denouncing of our cultural methodology as "racist" seems unfair. We protect purity because we believe that our individual traits as Mali'aheral are valuable and should be preserved. Amongst these traits, and not least amongst them, is longevity, and so by protecting purity, we protect life itself. Is it such a crime to preserve our own lives by differentiating ourselves?

Who is truly being prejudiced, here?

My suggestion for the council is to promote tolerance. The Mali'aheral nation has merged with her sisters, but the hostility received in return is disturbing, and far from welcoming and encouraging. We will not remain a part of a nation which reviles us. Therefore, all complaints against the Mali'aheral involving "racism" and such nonsense, should be wholeheartedly dismissed.

We wish to preserve our new bond and use it to perpetuate a grand elven future. This is impossible if our inclusion is predicated on hatred and poor understanding of our proud tradition.

Pride is not the enemy. Indeed, ignorance and righteous indignation will rend the nation into pieces.

Think well on this, Council.

Ensigned,

Ante'vuln Llumcelia Lazul

*The note is signed with a flourish, the signature detailed with careful penmanship.*

Khel gives a tiny nod to this one and begins writing a letter, having it sent out to find the one who left the signature, if you recieve it you see:

---

Miss Lazul,

The unification of the mali would not go without some form of conflict, for all living creates crave homegenity and life without change. I'd like to state and praise the amount of nobility it took for yourself, a true mali'aheral, to return to her cousins. I am aware of the individuals who often pester those at the gatehouse to be let in, and often times I have to deal with them.

Before I address a solution, I'd like to state as a member of the council and still being a mali'ker, I intend to uphold your rights that were given to you in this unification. Also as your cousin mali, I'd like to state your presence to me is much appreciated. I believe the root cause to the manner these people pester you, is their curiosity. What they see is a gate, which on the other side strange and foriegn faces linger about. All living things have a natural inclination to seek knowledge and quench ther curisity, I am sure a mali'aheral would understand this. Those whom deem you racist for not leting you behind your walls are simply inertly curious.

I see two options to quench their curiosity. The first to educate the people about your culture, which I believe the representatives of your demographic, Lucion and Koylat, are already doing. That will been done soon; however, this will not be 100% affective. The second would be to go across the walls, and speak to your cousin elves. The opinion of many is that you have alienated yourselves because you think you are better; however, I can understand your true motives. You desire a peaceful life, and a place for your ancient culture to sprout once again. I ask you to step out of your gate, even for just a moment. Carry on civil conversations with new mali, mali who hunger for an understanding of your people. Show to them you're indeed not racist by mingling among them; however, remeber the peace you had in healun'or is simply up the stairs.

-Khel Oussana

---

*a small piece of paper reads:

MOAR HUGZ*

Khel laughs lightly at this and sets it aside

OOC bit

-------------

Sorry, if there is an spelling errors. I do this rather late at night and I lack a spell check.

[Quavinir_Twiceborn 1050]

Quavinir Writes a small note, his penmanship teetering on unreadable.

Dear High Council of Malinor:

"I Quavinir Signus, of Nar-Diffen, kindly request that possibly you allow and help the elven faiths to become more prominent in this society. I am not saying that I wish for you to begin sponsoring my own religeon, but I am asking that you would at least put in an effort to help The religeons and faiths of Malinor to become a more defining part of Malinor, to inspire hope and joy in the hearts of Mali of faith, to sponsor, and nurture the Faiths and beliefs of Malinor. For in these dark times, we need Hope, for hope is much stronger than fear."

[Stag 3229]

Iatrilemar walks back over to the box with a second letter which appears much less elegant than his first. He seems to be off from his usual bubbly self, appearing almost angry. He quickly smashes the letter into the box before stomping off.

Dearest Council,

Upon recent events I have come with another letter, however I am guilty to say that this one was written upon heated emotions. As of late the citizens of Malinor hold no respect for the sentinels and have often started revolting against the sentinels actions which are to hold peace in the districts.

I shall explain one of the recent events in detail.

I had stepped out of my home in the Mali'aheral district to find three gobos. One by the name of Raktar who was fully armored, one by the name of Gorbo and the last being one by the name of Nug. How they came to be in the district unaccompanied, and armored for that matter, is beyond belief. Before I could say a word Raktar, who I assume was leading them, began shouting at me to leave the district because it now belonged to them. Knowing that to be a delusional lie I stood my ground, but was soon being toyed with by the armed goblin to eat a piece of severely stale bread. After a bit a Evarir of the sentinels stepped out of his home to find the goblins harassing me. Soon after Raktar took off, leaving the other two there. I quickly turned to the other goblin, Gorbo, and demanded he leave. Upon that request he drew his blade and pointed it to me. A battle commenced with me trying to disarm the goblin with the Sentinel's help. All was going well and we were well on our way to reprehending the goblin until the district gates were opened and a storm of people came barging through. The litle goblin, Nug, enlisted the help of Salamandra who then proceeded to try to pull the sentinel to the ground. After that an elf by the name of Telahir tried to debilitate the Sentinel all while the two were shouting "Stop hurting the goblin." Eventually the fight was quelled and the goblin thrown out.

What I am getting at with this story is that our defenses are compromised. Not from the outside but from the inside. It shocks me to see the ones that are kin to me trying to help the goblins that intruded, harassed and assaulted me and the Sentinel. Something must be done about this lack of respect, this distasteful actions. Had it not been for my combat training I am certain I would have left the battle battered and scarred. The Sentinels are meant to protect us, but they cannot protect Mali who are bent on being self-destructive.

((On an OCC note: It wasn't very true to RP for citizens to try to knock out their own nations guard. Didn't make a ton of logical sense. Well except for Sala because he is insane anyways :P))

Now on to my second inquiry which is just as baffling as the first in some degree.

The Mali'aheral gate is never open and never opened even for those whose homes lie within. Too many times have I stood in the harsh weather waiting for one of the Mali standing just up the hill to hear my shout and open the gates. My hands are cold, and my soul is restless from this constant need to badger someone to open the gate. I know not how but a solution must come for this.

Again I would like to restate the anguish I am feeling over these subjects, and it is not my intention for my anger to affect your reading of this although those who pitted themselves against the gaurd should feel guilt. I hope these conflicts may be resolved soon,

Iatrilemar Elervathar