Agenda for the Private Meeting of the Judiciary Council, Nov. 2nd AR 207

[Cinnabar]

[OOC: Same procedure as before, just to get these matters approved and dealt with. hopefully it should be possible to hustle through this stuff fairly quickly, as there's not quite as much to go cover as there was at the last meeting.]

[Invitations issued to the Councillors for Administrative Sanctions, Agriculture, Defence & Civil Security, and Trade & Commerce; in addition Elspeth von Drakken, recently-appointed Artificer for Government Works, is invited to give a demonstration of her work, and Baron Hawkesbury, the Crown's Minister of Myrken Wood, is invited to observe the proceedings.]

Agenda for the Private Meeting of the Judiciary Council of Myrken Wood, Friday 2nd of November, Anno Regalis 207
Matters for the Consideration and Discussion of the Judiciary Council, being of Import to the Welfare of Myrken Wood and the People of that Territory.

1. Commissioning of an Artificer for Government Works
   
   1. Projects
      
      1. The Myrkentown Wall
      2. The Cascade
      3. The Portcullis
      4. Lighting for Urban Areas
      5. Municipal Fountains
      6. Irrigation of Farmland
      7. Sanitation for Urban Areas
2. Military Issues
   
   1. Unsanctioned Foreign Troops present in Myrken Wood
   2. Termination of the Brotherhood of Janeiro's Contract
   3. Plans for the New Myrken Army
3. Progress Report on Actions decided at Previous Meeting
   
   1. Measures to be Taken Against Famine
      
      1. Expansion of Food Stockpiles and Construction of New Granaries
      2. Returning Neglected Farmland to Service
   2. Threats Facing Myrken Wood
      
      1. The Ashfiend
      2. The Violet Dawn
   3. The Rebuilding of the Meetinghouse
4. Administrative and Financial Matters
5. Any Other Business

[Cinnabar]

1. Commissioning of an Artificer for Government Works: Calomel introduces Miss Elspeth von Drakken, an artificer and crafter of wondrous items, who has most generously placed her services at the disposal of Myrken Wood, for the protection and benefit of the citizenry. He invites Miss von Drakken to address the Council, and make a demonstration for the Councillors' understanding of her work, if such is required.

[indent]1a. Projects:

[indent]1a i. The Myrkentown Wall:
Purpose: To erect a fortified wall around the town's perimeter, for defence against conventional military assault. Plans drawn up by Sylvius Duquesne and Glenn Burnie.

1a ii. The Portcullis:
Purpose: To prevent hostile armies from gaining access to Myrken Wood by means of magical gateways, portals or similar arcane means of travel from one point to another; consists of an apparatus that disrupts magical gateways at short intervals, thus rendering them unreliable for transporting large numbers of troops.
Amended: To address the Minister's concerns, Calomel was not aware that forces of the Crown or indeed His Majesty made use of gate-magic to travel about the place. Is this in fact the case?

1a iii. The Cascade:
Purpose: To protect Myrkentown from assault by magical means; consists of an array of stones set around the town's perimeter which drains hostile magical effects attempting to cross the boundary.
Amended: To address the Minister's concerns, Calomel notes that the Cascade exists primarily to defend Myrkentown against the works of Duke Burel's war-sorcerors and similarly powerful mages; assault by conventional forces would not be affected. However, he expresses his confidence that the Crown would come to the aid of Myrken Wood's loyal defenders before such an unfortunate series of events might occur.

1a iv. Lighting for Urban Areas:
Purpose: To provide illumination for Myrkentown's streets and public spaces, for the discouragement of criminal activity and the improved safety of the citizenry. Plans being drawn up by Glenn Burnie.
Amended: To Councillor Treadwell, Calomel points out that since the Urban Lighting project would serve to provide illumination to public areas that are currently lacking in such, the interests of Myrken's candlemakers and oil sellers are likely to be unaffected. Calomel also notes that abuse or misuse of fairies does not feature at all in the plans for this project.

1a v. Municipal Fountains:
Purpose: To erect a number of public water fountains sufficient to meet Myrkentown's needs for drinking, washing, etc. Plans drawn up by Sylvius Duquesne.

1a vi. Irrigation of Farmland:
Purpose: To provide a dependable water supply to Myrken's farms in order to guard against drought and subsequent food shortages.

1a vii. Sanitation for Urban Areas: [/indent][/indent]
Purpose: To provide a system of underground channels by means of which waste can be cleanly disposed of in order to reduce incidences of plague and contagion among the populace.

2. Military Issues:

[indent]2a. Unsanctioned Foreign Troops present in Myrken Wood: Calomel notes that the unannounced and unapproved arrival of Duke Burel's troops in Myrken Wood is a clear breach of Myrken Wood's sovereignty, and this incursion - the second, though the first was claimed to be accidental - betrays the Duke's arrogant disdain and disregard for the very people he would strive to "liberate" from Trae Kelsan rule, and the brutish and heavy-handed approach he applies to achieving his aims. Calomel proposes that the Council demand the immediate removal of Thessilane troops from Myrken soil.

2b. Termination of the Brotherhood of Janeiro's Contract: Calomel reports that, following the discovery of certain irregularities in the contract between the Brotherhood of Janeiro and the Judiciary Council, with Councillor Aldred's agreement said contract was terminated in order that a new, more appropriate contract might be drawn up, with the troops recently arrived from Xanth Grange covering the Brotherhood's duties in the interim. The main point of contention was a clause placing the Brotherhood outside of the Judiciary Council's jurisdiction in times of emergency or threat of war - effectively putting members of the Brotherhood beyond the law at such times, which is quite clearly undesirable in the extreme. Additionally, the contract being signed by Kerrak al'Nerun on behalf of both the Judiciary Council and the Brotherhood of Janeiro was deeply suspect, his holding of both positions being a clear conflict of interest between the needs of the Council and the desires of the Brotherhood. Following the termination of this contract, reports have been received that Aeryn Karolinger has disbanded the Brotherhood and stepped down as Marshal.

2c. Plans for the New Myrken Army: Calomel invites Councillor Aldred to elaborate on his proposals for and progress with assembling Myrken Wood's own military force.[/indent]

[Cinnabar]

3. Progress Report on Actions decided at Previous Meeting:

[indent]3a. Measures to be Taken Against Famine:
[indent]3a i. Expansion of Food Stockpiles and Construction of New Granaries: Calomel invites Councillor Goldenhair to advise the Council regarding the current state of the new granaries, and measures taken to secure appropriate foodstocks for winter.

3a ii. Returning Neglected Farmland to Service: Calomel reports that the neglected farms formerly belonging to the Pritchites have been expropriated by the Council without major incident, and steps are now underway to reallocate these lands such that they might be returned to active cultivation. A closed auction is the tentative plan in order to minimise interference from disruptive elements, though suggestions are welcomed.[/indent]

3b. Threats Facing Myrken Wood:

[indent]3b i. The Ashfiend: Calomel apologises that the proposed meeting to advise the Council on the threat posed by Teron Ashfiend has not yet been arranged, and thanks the Councillors for their forebearance.

3b ii. The Violet Dawn: Calomel reports that following the detention and questioning of the barrister responsible for the cult's affairs, it has been discovered that ownership of the cult's property was transferred to a fraudulent name, presumably as some means of drawing the trail away from Sin'Vraal. These properties have been placed under Government control, as was decided at the last Council meeting. Additionally, following an assault by a creature of unknown but malevolent nature during which two children were abducted, security at the Orphanage has been strengthened, and evacuation drills put in place. This latter came in especially useful when, a while after the first assault, the Ashfiend battled Sin'Vraal at the Violet Dawn's compound; the children were led away to safety as soon as the ghoul first made his presence known, a measure vindicated when the Ashfiend and Sin'Vraal, ah, crashed through the Orphanage's roof.
Amended: Calomel notes that while the Ashfiend is believed to have survived, a body was recovered from the Orphanage building and is believed to be that of Sin'Vraal. Whether or not that means the creature is truly defeated is still unconfirmed, however. Investigations are ongoing.[/indent]

3c. The Rebuilding of the Meetinghouse: [/indent]

4. Administrative and Financial Matters:
[indent]4a. The Resignation of the Councillor for Defence and Civil Security: Calomel expresses his regret at Lord Aldred's resignation from the Judiciary Council, his sincere sympathy and understanding for the circumstances surrounding it, and his hope that the elder Lord Aldred's suffering is minimal.

Calomel also welcomes the heartening news of the Lord Lothbury's recovery from his long illness, and looks forward to his imminent return to Myrken politics and the fine contribution he will make to the Council's governing of the territory.

As a matter of protocol, the Governor moves that the Council vote to formally ratify the Lord Aldred's delegation of responsibilities associated with the position of Councillor for Defence and Civil Security to Councillor Giscard Guillaume.[/indent]
5. Any Other Business:

[Hawkesbury]

1. Commissioning of an Artificer for Government Works:
1a. Projects:
1a i. The Myrkentown Wall: Hawkesbury thinks that the wall thinks the wall is excessive, but offers no dissension.

1a iii. The Cascade: Hawkesbury would express concern only after the councilors had had an opportunity to discuss the topic for a little while. He agrees that it is a good concept in theory, but then brings up a hypothetical scenario where Myrken Wood has been taken by enemy forces. He wonders what would happen if enemies controlled the Cascade and that armies supporting and reinforcing Myrken Wood, like those of the King, were forced to besiege The Wood from outside of the Cascade, unable to enter and support the region.

1a ii. The Portcullis: Building upon the scenario that he brought up for The Cascade, Hawkesbury expresses concern that while attacking armies would be hampered, so would reinforcements. Also, without speaking for the King, Hawkesbury indicated that the King might look poorly upon any limitation placed upon his ability to travel to his lands.

1a iv. Lighting for Urban Areas: Hawkesbury refrains from comment.

1a v. Municipal Fountains: Hawkesbury refrains from comment.

1a vi. Irrigation of Farmland: Hawkesbury refrains from comment.

1a vii. Sanitation for Urban Areas: Hawkesbury refrains from comment, but smirks throughout the entire conversation, clearly amused.


2. Military Issues:
2a. Unsanctioned Foreign Troops present in Myrken Wood: Hawkesbury agrees that the troops of Thessilane should be removed and rather than ever referring to Burel by name, he simply calls him “The Treasonist.â€

[Wendy]

Council secretary, Pemberton Fick, remains quiet - but for the smalltalk she has with Lord Hawkesbury upon his arrival - all the while praying that he does not remember the starry-eyed gazings she made whenever she found him looking her way at Councilor Treadwell's birthday party. It was the first time she'd met an official member of the King's circle.

When Governor Calomel begins, she will briefly welcome his guest with a smile, see which Councilors are in attendance, and jot down their names. She will be keeping track of conversation for the duration of this event - praying also that the more heated subjects will be debated with clarity of tone and voice. She dislikes having to ask the fired-up speakers to repeat their statements.

[Euphemia]

A small smile is spared for the Council Secretary before she begins.

"I give you all greetings and hope this day finds you in fine health. I am Elspeth von Drakken, Artificer, currently under contract to the government of Myrken Wood. I will save discussion of myself for a latter time and move straight on to business."

"Please keep in mind that these are merely a sampling of my abilities. It has been my intention to contact each of you, but I find my schedule quite occupied. I must apologize for the delay. If any of you have an idea or project you wish undertaken in the future, feel free to write me at the constabulary and I will respond with all haste."

1a i: In Regards to the Myrkentown Wall:
"The wall is built of solid stone and has no mystical properties of its own. The method of its construction was unusual, as befits unusual times, and was the product of a number of weeks of preparation. Do not expect that it might be repeated with any alacrity."

"I would also like to apologize to Councilor Goldenhair; the Governor neglected to inform me of your talents in communication with the local spirits. If I had known, I would have consulted with you ahead of time and ensured you had some measure of warning before the event itself occured. I would be most interested in discussing other projects currently in development, to make certain they will not unduly anger the spirits and that proper mitigations can be put into effect to soothe their ire."

To Councilor Treadwell:
"I have found no faults with the architects plans, and the construction went smoothly. There is still some necessary work to be finished, middling details such as smoothing out some of the rough edges on the crenallations. During this process -- which is expected to take the next two weeks in full, at several hours a day -- the wall will also be strengthened by some 50%."

1a ii: In Regards to the Cascade Array:
"The Cascade Array is a protective wall that absorbs the passage of destructive powers through it. The wall is formed by a row of stones that may be moved and realigned as Myrkentown grows to continue this protection. The Cascade Array does not block physical passage through it's protective wardings, nor does it stop magiks that are not destructive in nature."

To Councilor Hawkesbury:
"In the event that such a thing should occur, the occupying force would have to know how to operate it -- unlikely, as it's control scheme is quite.. complex. There are also several weaknesses to the design that can be exploited, in such circumstances. And should this not prove feasible, it is possible to siege the city by normal means without worry."

To Councilor Spiers:
"No one is required to 'operate it' though it times of emergency there should be someone posted to monitor for any breaks in the defensive chain. The operating cost is minimal; only minor tuning and maintenance is required, somewhere on the order of five shillings per month. This, however, will be provided to the government without charge."

1a iii: In Regards to the Portcullis Device:
"The Portcullis Device emits a pulse of energy that disrupts any gates that in comes in contact with, regardless of their source or the energy used in their construction. It severs the connection between the two end locations of the gate, which may have dire consequences for anyone in the process of travel. It has no effect on other means of transportation, preternatural or otherwise. It only affects stable portals that might allow multiple people free passage from one side to the other, such as those that might be used to move an army of five thousand men onto Myrken soil."

To Councilor Hawkesbury:
"The same limitations that effect the Cascade Array also effect the Portcullis Device, except that it is even less likely to be controlled by occupying forces. Also, should the King need to travel using such magikal apertures, then he merely has to send word ahead of time and the device could be shut down for an interim period, so as not to delay his travels unnecessarily."

To Councilor Spiers:
"The same as the Cascade Array, except the maintenance is almost wholly unnecessary and any such work will be provided for free to the government. I am not in the habit of allowing the things I build to break."

To Councilor Treadwell:
"Not part of the wall, per se. They are each separate and discreet systems. Both the Portcullis Device and the Cascade Array can be adjusted, activated or deactivated without affecting the other. They will work properly because I built them to work properly."

1a iv: In Regards to Lighting for Urban Areas:
"The new lighting will shine brighter than torches, without the smoke, ash or mess to clean up afterwards. This will increase safety during the night time hours, both for the public and the constabulary that protects our streets. The current plan is to divide the town into ten distinct districts, each of which will have a different pole design from a local artisan. Upon these poles will be hung the lights that resemble normal lanterns in every regard, so as not to unduly worry the populace."

To Councilor Treadwell:
She doesn't bother to say a single thing. Instead, she holds up one hand, one finger pointed towards the ceiling. From the tip of that extended digit, a small ball of softly glowing light begins to grow until it's the size of a ripe apple. Directing it upwards to hover over her head, she feels that further comment should prove strictly unnecessary.

1a v: In Regards to Municipal Fountains:
"Five fountains will be placed at various locations throughout Myrkentown. Each of these will produce clean, pure water for drinking and other household needs. They will also have basins for laundering clothes. The fountains will be regulated so as not to overflow, but their capacity for production in a given daily period is quite large. As Myrkentown grows, additional fountains can be added so that no citizen is left without a source of clean water."

To Councilor Treadwell:
"The water for the citizenry will not come from the lake itself. Despite its large size, it would soon be exhausted. Instead, such water will appear much in the same way as the wall did, but in a far less dramatic fashion and continually as it proves to be needed. Each fountain will fill its reservoir to a certain point, and then refill it as necessary. The fountains will also be enchanted to remove any impurities from the water should any of the citizens decide to get.. cute.. and introduce contaminates."

1a vi: In Regards Irrigation of Farmland:
"Another project involving water is an irrigation system that I am confident can be in place before the next planting season. This system will provide water all the farmlands within Myrken, and should nullify the effects of any drought."

1a vii: In Regards Sanitation for Urban Areas:
"Finally, this project involves digging channels which will be lined with stone. These channels will connect to public facilities for waste disposal, and pool such wastes into a central area. There will be devices within these channels whose nature is to consume and sterilize these wastes, removing and storing any remaining nutrients present so that they might be recycled as fertilizer."

To Councilor Treadwell:
"There will be no smell to speak of."

"If you've any questions about these projects or myself, do not hesitate to ask."

[Jirai]

1. Commissioning of an Artificer for Government Works:
1a. Projects:
1a i. The Myrkentown Wall:

1a iii. The Cascade: "So this thing must be constantly operated? How many people does this take? What is the operational expense?"

1a ii. The Portcullis: Same as above.

1a iv. Lighting for Urban Areas:

1a v. Municipal Fountains:

1a vi. Irrigation of Farmland:

1a vii. Sanitation for Urban Areas:

For the other matters here, Spier mentions his lack of knowledge of things magical, but as long as these are as advertised, sees no problems.

2. Military Issues:
2a. Unsanctioned Foreign Troops present in Myrken Wood: Spier agrees with Calomel.

2b. Termination of the Brotherhood of Janeiro's Contract: No comment worth mentioning.

2c. Plans for the New Myrken Army: Reserved until Councilor Aldred speaks.


3. Progress Report on Actions decided at Previous Meeting:
3a. Measures to be Taken Against Famine:
3a ii. Returning Neglected Farmland to Service:

No comments worth mentioning.

3b. Threats Facing Myrken Wood:
3b i. The Ashfiend: No comment worth mentioning.

3b ii. The Violet Dawn: "And what happened -after- they crashed through the roof, hmm? I suppose it's too much to hope that they killed each other."

3c. The Rebuilding of the Meetinghouse:


4. Administrative and Financial Matters:


5. Any Other Business:

[Glenn]

It had not been the hardest thing in the world for the official Surveyor of Myrken Wood (and hadn't that appointment been made ever so quietly?) to worm his way into the meeting. There were a couple of points on the agenda which he had worked directly on and it made some sense for him to be nearby in case questions arose. On top of that, he was very much part of Calomel's personal staff, or at the least acted as such, and he'd be taking a notes specifically for the Governor, as opposed to the general minutes taken by Pemberton.

There turned out to be no direct need for him to present anything as the potential plans for districting were shown as part of Elspeth's presentation on the lighting. However, before the meeting there was a brief introduction made by the Governor between the mapmaker and the Councilor for Agriculture. Otherwise he sat near Fick, who despite not being used much by Calomel, HAD helped Glenn put together much of the demographic information for the districting. In short, he kept his head down and his mouth shut.

[Treadwell]

1.a.i.: The Wall

"Good heavens! I know I helped approve the thing, hmm hmm, in terms of paying for it and the like, but I simply must say I didn't expect to be gone for a week and to come back here to nearly run into the thing! That aside, mmph mmph, I suppose it works well? I'd hate to have it tested, mind you, as that could be, ahem, rather dangerous if things didn't work out right!"

1.a.ii and 1.a.iii.: The Cascade and the Portcullis

"This Cascade thing is part of the Wall, itself, yes, as is that Portcullis thing? Well, as long as it all manages to work properly to keep folks out when they don't need to be in, hmm hmm, I reckon I can support that!"

1.a.iv.: Lights

"Fantasy. Horrendously queer fantasy! How is it you propose to do this, hmm hmm--capture the population of New Hibera and stuff one fairy into each lantern? I'm not completely sure that I understand how you aim to do all of this. No ash, no smoke, nothing to replace. . . . You'll be putting every candlemaker and oil seller out of business in short order!"

1.a.v. and 1.a.vi.: Fountains and Irrigation

"And where do we plan to find all of this water, hmm hmm? Do we drain the lake? Again, I need to see how this works before I can say a thing about it. We have similar stuff in Westenford, in places, but, hmm hmm, they certainly aren't magical, and they certainly take a bit of time and effort to keep up!"

1.a.vii.: Waste Disposal

"A splendid idea, as long as I don't have to live anywhere near where this waste cleaning and purifying area will take place, mmph mmph!"

2.a.: Foreign Troops

"Send 'em home, run 'em off, or, that being impossible, keep 'em out of here all in all with this Wall. That's what it's for, isn't it?"

2.b. and 2.c.: Janeiro's Disbanding and a New Army

"I'm hardly one with a head for military purposes. If we need a replacement force, it needs to be mustered appropriately. If we can do fine with what we have, that's fine, too."

3.a.i and 3.a.ii.: Expansion of Food Stockpiles and Use of Farmland

"Finally! More people in Myrken Wood are able to eat! This means they won't be so upset with, hmm hmm, their one more rounded government official! Although I'd much rather see the local priory, monastery, church, or what-have-you keeping its nose out of our business with its plays and its mockeries and its handing out food to the needy with whispers against the Council!"

3.b.i. and 3.b.ii.: The Ashfiend and the Violet Dawn

"They'll be dealt with soon enough, I hope? All these walls and fountains and granaries won't mean much if they're not. . . ."

3.c.: The Meetinghouse's Reconstruction

"It's paid for, isn't it? How much longer might this take? Or is it together and I just don't know this yet?"

4.: Administrative and Financial Matters

"We're making rather good progress, financially, as always. I'm not saying people like to pay their taxes, but we still have a soft little nest egg, of sorts, left after all these expenses. But, err, please, if we might slow down a touch on putting out sums of shillings that make even my coffers a little jealous?"

5.: Other Business

"I can't rightly think of any, but my recent trip home did remind me that I do so love enjoying a good meal after a meeting. Perhaps we ought to consider such, hmm hmm, as a possibility?" Treadwell would end his comments with a chuckle.

[Kylerryth]

A letter arrived from the Lord of Aldred; it was addressed to the Council.

[indent]To the Gentlemen of the Myrken Wood Judiciary Council, and to those also in attendance;

Salve. Good health and fortune to you.

This decision was not easy, but it was made for the best of reasons, at least in my opinion. As you may know, my father, the widely respected Lord Eynon Iohannes Aldred, has struggled these last few years with illness and failing health. Yesterday morning, however, the House's physician informed the immediate family that my father was close to death, and had at most a week, maybe two, to live.

I realize I made a commitment to serve the people of Myrken Wood, but first and foremost in my heart are those of my family and my House. Therefore, in this time of grief, I am selecting to remain with them; to focus my strength at home, where it is needed most. Too, I cannot accept the risk of my own profound sorrow affecting my position.

I hereby tender my resignation as Councilor of Defence and Civil Security effective immediately.

As a precautionary measure, however, so that the Council is not bereft a Councilor and is not required to divide its resources and thought further in order to select a suitable replacement, I have taken the liberty of drawing up documents ensuring a legal but temporary transfer of power and authority to a person I believe to be more than suitable -- and a person I believe you to be familiar with, no less -- until such a time that all or the majority of crises have been solved or otherwise averted, and the Council is at liberty to hold a proper election. These documents are included for your perusal; you will find all to be in order, I assure you.

Thank you for your time, Councilors. I bid you farewell, and good luck.

Sincerely,
Aston Jylan Aldred
Lord of Aldred[/indent]

At the head of the first of the enclosed documents was the following statement, signed by the two men it listed.

I, Aston Jylan Aldred, of House Aldred, Councilor of Defence and Civil Security, do hereby transfer my power and authority as Councilor of Defence and Civil Security, and all responsibilities the position entails and implies, to Giscard Guillaume, of House Lothbury...

[Cinnabar]

Some slight consternation from the Governor as this letter is read out, a vague frown as the news of the Councillor for Defence's resignation is announced. The frown deepends as the letter describes transfer, and there's a glance to the other Councillors present to gauge their reactions to this; to gauge whether there might be precedent for such a move. Hm.

When the statement of transfer is read out there is a blink of surprise, though quickly recovered; as the statement closes the Governor is moving to stand, to make a proposal that the Agenda be amended with an additional matter for discussion:

4. Administrative and Financial Matters:
[indent]4a. The Resignation of the Councillor for Defence and Civil Security: Calomel expresses his regret at Lord Aldred's resignation from the Judiciary Council, his sincere sympathy and understanding for the circumstances surrounding it, and his hope that the elder Lord Aldred's suffering is minimal.

Calomel also welcomes the heartening news of the Lord Lothbury's recovery from his long illness, and looks forward to his imminent return to Myrken politics and the fine contribution he will make to the Council's governing of the territory.

As a matter of protocol, the Governor moves that the Council vote to formally ratify the Lord Aldred's delegation of responsibilities associated with the position of Councillor for Defence and Civil Security to Councillor Giscard Guillaume.[/indent]

[Treadwell]

"The amendment's certainly welcome, mmph mmph, but, err, do you think we might get to see just how Giscard's doing, first, before we put him into this full tilt? A man needs a touch of good health to be able to survive politics here in Myrken Wood!"

[Jirai]

"I have to agree with Councilor Treadwell. The man has been unconscious for months, and this is the first we've heard anything of a recovery. I've no wish to cause him a relapse by overworking him so soon."

[Treadwell]

"Granted, hmm hmm, I certainly have nothing against him being back on the Council, mind you. Being the only fellow still around from even a few years ago or so is, hmph hmph, mildly disconcerting, to say the least!"

[Vanidor]

The ElfLord had been silent during the whole proceedings thus far. Silent and with a pensive look upon his alien features. His hair had been tugged downwards, the tendrils of locks crossing his face like a slashing of spun gold. Before him was a piece of paper that he'd been writing idle slashes of sylvan script. There was the talk about irrigation, about the wall. His face twisted slightly at the talk of this, making no attempt to hide his thoughts on -that- particular manner.

Then there is the talk of this Portcullis Device. This Cascade Array. Again, the features on that forever young face flex into some mild sort of bother. There is a glance backwards at the youthful elfess that was forever at Goldenhair's side. He said something under his breath, directed at the female who responded with a pale laugh that tittered like crystal chimes. The male elf nodded again, then flicked his eyes towards the rest of the council. They were talking about Guiscard and this transfer of power.

He snorted softly, as if to himself. And then, his voice spattered out like a velvet wave. "Giscard Guillaume has served Myrken longer than any other at this table beyond myself. He should be afforded any such respect as such service deserves. He, of course, as with all the others here, moves to a drum only he knows the beat too. Still, his mind is facile, even if his body happens to be pained and perhaps broken. His place here is wholly supported by myself."

His eyes, these things being the colour of pale ice, danced amoungst the other council members. A slow blink if there was ever anything else to say about it. "This wall still bothers me, Councilors, even if you are so without backbone to accept it. These whole proceedings bother me." And here, the Elf glanced backwards at the female. She nodded and simply placed a hand upon the chair the male sat upon. Fingers curled into the wood, which then took upon itself an unearthly glow. "You know my distaste regarding this, Governor. The haste taken, and the lack of... warning to the other councilors is highly distasteful. You are not a despot, though one would say that your path treads upon that path."

"I shall take my leave, I think." At these words, the seat seemed to flicker softly. "You humans will do what you must, of course. Any thing else you have to say about this... desire to irrigate the fields... please forward to my office on Merchant's Row. Good evening." It hummed, that chair, as well as flickered. Then a flash of phosphorescent green, and the two elves would be gone.