The Clanmeeting [Hafne, Chyril 22nd, midnight]

[Maeve]

OOC: You can be here if you have a reasonable IC excuse

IC: The clans had gathered outside the gates of Hafne. In the distance, from the center of town there was still a tower of smoke reaching up in the air, mingling the remains of Captain Willows with the air, a light seaside breeze sending it into the hills.

It was pitch dark now, and many of the clanmembers carried a torch, the light of the flames dancing on their faces. They wore their kilts, as they would into battle, or during ceremonial events. The tartan of each clan was so very distinctive, with red, midnight blue and yellow being dominant, thought the Clan Sheridan had a black and white checkered pattern that stood out in the night. They formed a half circle and in the center stood waiting a small delegation of the MacGregor clan in their red tartans. Their whitehaired shaman Milkhaire waited patiently.

The Count and the Duke and their men, the Islay and a delegation of the Sunfire brigade came marching through the wooden gates of Hafne towards the meeting place. Their feet sounded like rolling thunder. Johan von Bleib Hier looked sideways to see if his guests were present. He felt they would be vital to this evenings quest of peace. There was a small for Maeve, his lover, covered in rather proper dress in the green and orange tartan of the O'Brien clan. Her red curls streamed behind her back as she walked forward without fear.

[Mairi Armstrong]

It was strange to be back, to swap the strong scents of the Citadel - street vendors, perfume, peasants - for the salty, earthen aroma of Hafne, tinged as it was with fish and woodsmoke.

Mairi had changed from the fashionable dress she had worn to the wedding into a simple Clan style outfit purchased on her last visit. It was brown and loose fitting - she didn't want to stand out like a sore thumb. Her hair was braided as always, and she had taken off most of her makeup.

She made her way from the portal to the meeting place, her stomach tied up in knots. This was an important debate, and not one to mess up. As she arrived she hung back, waiting for the Count and the Duke. She would take her cues from them, her employers.

Please, gods she prayed, an unusual occurrence for her, but born of her nervousness and the tension of her situation. Give me the strength to argue my case. And help the Clans see that the way forward lies with us.

[Maeve]

The tension was enormous. Everyone was watching each other. There was a virtual sea of clan tartans out there, the people accompanying Milkhaire obviously coming in droves.

Johan was nervous, and Mari would note that he was, from all the little tell tale signs. Yet he said nothing, just giving his companions, including Marie, a nod of recognition, tyring to breath reassurance.

OOC: giving this just a few more days to see who else shows up and then going to go ahead with the meeting

[Gavin Tylvan]

Not feeling as part of either delegation, Gavin came stood separately, his tall, armor clad silhouette draped in shadows as he chose not to light a torch. Fully armored and armed, the big man's arms were crossed across his chest, not a single word passing his lips for now. Grey-blue eyes were mere slits, an occasional flicker of light reflecting from their surface, as the Dortman let his gaze drift over the Clansmen. That they have come clad in tartan could mean any number of things, but not necessarily be seen as a provocation. More likely it was a show of force, meant to show the Count and the Duke that they were ready to fight for their freedom. And when you get your freedom, what then? Do you become and enemy? An ally? Or neither of those? Or will you have to pick one of the two after all? His eyes were resting on Milkhaire and his men, the approach of the Dort delegation a mere motion at the edge of his sight. The change in Milkhaire's appearance did not strike Gavin as odd, knowing of the man's battle against the demon. He did not yet approach just yet, wondering if perhaps they will need him at all.

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

The clans gathered outside Hafne and being a outcast to many Gwayne would not join normally. His apperence and background would be cause enough for remarks he really would not like to to hear. But Milkhaire would be there, and he had a strong feeling that Gavin would not be able to resist and also appear.

Gwayne was a bit stunned by the number of clan members who had appreared, he had never seen a gathering so huge. It also made him feel uneasy, because this could be also a gathering for war. Knowing the ignorance of the Count he could easily envision things going out of control.

At least the young man would tell Milkhaire what happened while he visited the Count, and warn him not to get into a religious discussion with the man.

The Goddess would deal with him in other ways.

[Syrawenn]

Everyone was there in a strange recreation of another meet not that long ago -and yet ages ago. Once again different views and different lifestyles were going to be put to the test in a desperate attempt to understand each other.

Syrawenn knew like no other how easy it was to misinterpret other people's intentions. She also knew how that could serve as a wonderful excuse to do whatever people wanted. After all: if you could say you tried, you had the right to react, right? The clans had certainly proven that when they'd purposefully tricked Gavin those months ago.

Oh, there was no mistaking there. The girl realized that although points of view might differ, it was insane to expect a non-clansman to know every single little detail of how to deal with situations in THEIR way when all he did was do the best with the information and knowledge he was handed! As such there was still a lot of anger inside the youngster as she tried to prepare for another confrontation with Milkey and his men.

The shaman scared her as any who saw beyond the obvious did. This was not her fight, really, nor was it her problem. Still it touched her as she remembered the stones going down, the Koreymen disappearing. It was not right, what had happened, yet instead of teaming up somehow the clans had decided to kick them right out again. She'd wanted to make a difference and was once again shown it was not her place.

Well fine, then it's not my place. Let em bicker. See if I care. If they're gonna be pissy at Gavin again, I'm gonna kick some butt. Enough is enough.

There were some unknown faces around. Syrawenn stared with curiosity at Mairi, wondering who she was and what her function would be tonight. Swinging her dark braid back over her shoulder the girl looked to the other side where Gavin and Gwayne stood waiting. Somewhere the officials were arriving too. The surrealistic atmosphere and setting were enough to make her want to take her parchments and coal out.

Why not? I ain't here officially. Just as a bystander.

Rummaging through her bags in the flickering light of the torches she thought the better of it. It wasn't going to be easy to see anything but shadows in the flames. She'd simply have to remember the strange scene to put it in coal later on.

Unfamiliar with the families and politics of Dort the brownhaired girl looked with some surprise at the fiery redhead at the Count's side. That was definitively a tartan. Was it going to help, or were the colours too different from the others to support this evening? It was hard to tell with the darkness taking all but the blue and green hues out of the assembled mass.

[Amber Kynterle]

Amber wasn't entirely sure that it was a good idea for her to be there at the meeting. She wasn't on good terms with the Count's side of things, nor was she really a friend of the Clans - more like an uneasy and possibly very temporary ally. But Gavin was there, and Syrawenn and Gwayne, so she had tagged along, hoping to watch their backs if nothing else. Diplomacy and politics were nothing that she wanted to mess around with.

She hung around in the darkness, a flame-haired shadow that rarely moved except to turn her head. Every now and then, light from torches or lanterns would catch her fiery hair, or glint from her green eyes, but other than that, her dark clothing would hopefully make her hard to see for most people. She never strayed far from Gavin or the others, but she didn't really hang out with them either, as if she wasn't quite sure of how to act around them, now that she'd found them again.

[Maeve]

Milkhaire was distracted, staring at the grass at his feet, crushing daisies, in their early bloom this Chyril. A man chewing a grass stood at him at the left, another big one at the right. They watched the Count and the Duke approach as their shaman ignored them. Only Milkhaire appeared oblivious to the tension.

It was not the Count who spoke or acted first. Instead it was the somewhat round form of the Duke, giving a bow that was surprisingly agile. He did not speak, yet looked upon Milkhaire with an arched eyebrow, cocky, challenging. He did not once look at the translator of the mute priest.

The count gave Gavin a significant look hoping to having him near. He did not put much mind to the rest of the companions, offering indeed smile to the Islay representative.

[Gavin Tylvan]

With his friends at his side, Gavin felt confident that this time he would not mess up the meeting too badly, his eyes moving from one delegation to the other, wondering why only Milkhaire of all the Clan leaders stood apart, his remaining trio of warriors at his side. He still stood apart from both groups, feeling he was not a part of either, with only his promise to be present and see if he can help them reach an agreement holding him there. He wanted his home isle to know peace and if he could help the opposing factions agree he would do his best to do so.

Then the groups met and Gavin moved forward coming to a stop between them, nodding to each in turn with the Clansmen receiving the first nod. "Good evening. I have been asked to come here tonight and help you both reach an agreement over the future of Islay. While I have failed at such in the past, I believe we have learned a lesson since then. The fighting extracted a heavy toll in lives and suffering on both sides and it was started by neither of you. By your very presence here, it is clear the Clans are not happy with the current situation. What is it that you propose be done that will satisfy you?" this last was directed at Milkhaire, despite the shaman's seeming absence.

[Mairi Armstrong]

Mairi was glad indeed that she had two political heavyweights by her side. The Count's nod and smile of recognition gave her some more courage, although she could see that he was nervous too. The Duke, on the other hand, seemed daring, although of course that could all have been bravura. Finally the shaman seemed almost nonchalant. Is he that confident? Mairi wondered. Perhaps.

She quickly glanced around at the rest of the crowd. A tall, dark haired man stood out amongst the stocky blonds and redheads; otherwise there was nobody that caught her eye. save the Steward Maeve, with whom she hoped to become better accquainted.

The gentleman who stood between the two groups seemed to be acting as some sort of chairperson. His introduction was fairly good, showing no bias. She waited with baited breath for the shaman's reply, eager to hear what he would propose.

[Syrawenn]

Syrawenn folded her arms, unable to surpress a huge grin at Gavin's words. He sounded so insanely confident. Definitively very attractive.

SHUDDUP, we're doin politics here, not discussin manly hunkness!

The girl noticed how he smartly inserted 'we' to draw everyone to the same line. He kept it up by pointing out how both sides had suffered and that no one was happy right now.

Bloody netherbats, he's bein a smartass. Nice goin!

Again the girl shot a look at the unknown woman. She frowned, trying to make out the face. It would at least tell her something about age and standing.

After that the youngster gave her eyes the opportunity to scan over everyone present. She lingered on Milkhaire, but -afraid he might catch her- she moved on, finally ending again on their own little group. There was absolutely nothing she could do here tonight but just stand here and somehow offer support.

It was not her strong suit.

What, stayin silent or offering support?
SHUDDUP.

Syrawenn kept moving her head around, making sure to keep an overview of where people were. Besides that it helped her to keep occupied. Defiance shone in her eyes. If anyone was going to burn down Gavin again for simply speaking up and trying to help, they'd have another one coming!

[Maeve]

The Stones. The Stones need to be ressurected or the whole island will die.. It was but a whisper. Had Gavin really heard it? Had Syrawenn? Did Gwayne catch it on the wind or Amber?

Mairi didn't, having no previous connection to Milkhaire at all. She merely saw his intense eyes. He did not speak. Instead a translator stepped forward. "We want independence. Milkhaire says.." He stopped, held his head slightly turned to the shaman as if listening to something nobody could hear "Milkhaire says that the clans have waited long enough. It is time we took back the rule of Islay. We will not destroy lives or property, but we will take what is ours."

A loud cry from the clans resounded at those defiant words, everyone raising their spears and shields, taking up the cry "Independence, now."

Give them something, something to believe.. so that we can fix the stones. All will be lost.

The Duke's eyes meanwhile were possibly even more intense than those of Milkhaire. Oblivious to any whispers he stated "The Clans have never had it so good. Dort has always offered protection, food, learning. Will you all turn your back to that? If we leave all you will do is turn against each other. How can I sleep at night knowing I've abandoned you to that?" Some in the crowd snorted "He's not after our comfort but our whiskey. First thing that was operational again after the fire was the distillery."

Erwin folded his arms, looking pointedly at Johan von Bleib Hier, expecting the local count to fix this major crisis. "Is that it," he whispered to Mairi "Did they expect that by a show of passion I'd just roll over and hand over Islay to their chaos? I ought to salt the ground they walk on. They will learn what hunger is." Normally Erwin was kind a smooth talker, an affable man. Something about Islay however got the worst out of him, rising his anger.

[Gavin Tylvan]

Not so long ago the voice in his head would have made Gavin uncomfortable, even angry if it persisted. It would have been willed out, and kept out no matter the reason and circumstances. Not now. The tall warrior turned towards the strange white haired man and sought his eyes, but said nothing. A simple nod was all he did, and then the skin at the corner of his eyes tightened as he tried to form an equally silent reply. Without rush or force, Gavin focused his mind on the sound of the voice he heard not so long ago, tried to seek out from whence it came. We'll try, but we need to have peace or the island dies anyway. Don't let them use your name to put words to their desires. Please. And then the shouting came and Gavin tore his attention from the shaman, and turned to face the Clansmen, his brows furrowing together in something more akin to an expression of worry than to a frown.

"Independence? Is that what you truly want?" A short pause, his voice ringing over the clearing once more, before they could interrupt. "What will you gain by it? A bad blood between you and the Duke for sure. He will not be happy if he has to let you go. But, what does independence give you? Think of it. Independence from what? From whom? The Duke? Empire? Tazlure? Don't reach for the stars just like that. Don't go for the biggest apple on the top of the tree. What troubles you about the Duke's rule the most? What is it that you wish to change? And can it be done without total independence?" Another pause, this one a bit longer, his voice softer when it came once more. "We had war not so long ago. Do we truly need another? Now that everything is being rebuilt?" Then he turned towards the Duke and addressed him, but so the others could hear as well. "Your Grace, these are your people. They are more than a little wild. They are rebellious, but they are yours. And they are obviously unhappy. Reasons can be sought. Explanations can be given. But we need neither of those. What is needed is a solution."

He stepped back and turned so he could glance at both the Duke and the gathered Clansmen. "Solution to this problem we have now, be it independence or something else. Stop a bit. Think." he turned towards the Clans. "You ask too much. You know it won't be granted. Mellow your request. Ask for less, and see if it is given. You can always go back to your cry for independence if the Duke does not hold his end of the bargain." Then it was Erwin's turn. "You have given, but your people say it was not enough. Give more. Show them you care." A pause before addressing both sides once more. "Don't be stubborn. Either of you. Meet half way. Don't risk everything to gain a lot more. Be happy with what you can get without resorting to force. Give so you can receive. So? Who shall make a first step? Who shall offer a hand to the other? Who will show how reason and compassion win over greed and anger?"

[Syrawenn]

That whisper...

Syrawenn's mouth opened and remained open for much longer than usual without any actual words coming out of it. In fact, some people would consider this quite the miracle.

The girl looked around, Gavin's words sounding in the background. Something weird was going on. Trouble was that it could very well be that she'd cracked. After all, wasn't the stones the only blimmin thing she had cared about earlier? Had she not been thinking of the Koreymen and their charge? It was way too coincidental.

It repeated itself!
SHIT! WAY too coincidental! Now what!

She looked at Gavin in alarm, trying to take in his words. He was trying to bring them together in the middle. The youngster honestly wondered if any of them was big enough to put aside their wounded pride to think of an actual better future. Somehow she'd always thought it would be the clans to be the wise ones. Somehow the word itself already implied standing together, unity. And yet...she had been sorely disappointed. Not only had they not done one BLIP about the stones or the Koreymen, they had actually not been willing to listen to anyone but their own anger before!

Crap, crap, crap....nobody's hearin it...CRAP! Now am I gonna be a fool again an speak up an ruin the whole thing or am I gonna go nuts here on my own?

Gavin's gonna hate me for this...The duke will prolly have my head for it...but goddamnit I made a promise to Koreyman!

Before she could change her mind, the girl stepped forward, towards Gavin. "Either yer gonna stop me now or I'm gonna do some talkin..." She mumbled. "An either I'm stark ravin mad or someone wants us to mention the damn stones...an if they wanna fight for what they BELIEVE in, they goddamn better start believin in gettin those stones back up cause the domininnies sure knew why they pulled em down in the first place!"

There was so much more turning around in her head as the girl already saw herself stepping forward to somehow speak in front of this gathering. Yet not being a freedomfighter or much of a diplomat she was petrified to screw things up for an entire country by blowing off her mouth again. Now, if she could get others to agree that she was not entirely mad, then it'd be a different story...

No, no, no, NOT gonna repeat history which hasn't happened yet! We are NOT gonna become outlaws or somethin! We are gonna FRIGGIN STAND TOGETHER an get those stones back up!

"It's the missing stones...I wanna bet that's what is getting tempers up here..." The girl mumbled, more to herself than anything as she folded her arms. "It's gotta be...it's the stones...making the land sick..."

[Gavin Tylvan]

He felt Syra move to his side, more than he saw it. Then she started talking and without any thought of what the others might think, Gavin turned to glance at the girl by his side and furrowed his brows as he tried to grasp what she spoke of. His reply was for her only, though he did not doubt others would catch at least glimpses of it. "Ain't gonna stop you. And you ain't mad. It's Milkhaire. He wants those stones up. I think they are putting words into his mouth cause he can't talk. They hear him say what they want and not what he is really saying. Bad stuff that." His chin motioned towards the Clans. "Go ahead an tell them, but I don't think they'll listen. Not sure if they will listen to anything now. Too eager for a fight." Then he motioned towards Duke Erwin. "So is he. We are gonna need to lead by example.......... Again." he sighed and shrugged, his hand motioning for Syra to step forward and try to make them listen herself.

[Mairi Armstrong]

We want independence...

Well, thought Mairi. We kind of already knew that.

She suppressed an odd urge to giggle. In truth the spirit of the clansmen scared her slightly. The Duke scared her even more. She'd never seen him like this, so angry.

"Your Grace, I...I do not think you should let them rile you. That's what he wants, Milkhaire," she whispered back. Then she looked to the crowd.

"Without the distillery you'd many of you'd be scratching in the dirt right now!" she said fiercely to the grumblers, her thick accent of old coming through. "Hafne would still be ashes if it had been left to you. We all benefit from trade, and you know it."

Then Gavin spoke. Again, he sounded reasonable, but she was not sure his approach could even be understood by the wild men of the hills. They weren't rational, weren't tame - they had a raw nature that tended to obstinacy and pride, and that would surely blind them to compromise.

Befor Syra could come forward, Mairi stepped out to speak properly this time, and she glanced around the crowd.

"Aye, this man speaks sense. There's nae need for more fighting. We've all seen enough dead people, Clan and otherwise. But listen to the Duke too. The Empire offers us so much - do you want to lose it all? Do you want the rebuilding of our fair country to be set back to the start when the O'Tooles decide they should be in charge, or the MacDermots accuse the Donovans of laziness, or any one of you slanders another in the tavern?"

"People of Islay. You may have your grievances, but why not set them before us today? I have been acting on your behalf for many months now and I can act for you again. Tell me what you want and I shall endeavour, with the help of the Count and the Duke, to help you."

She stepped back to allow Syra space to talk. Her heart was in her mouth and she wondered whether the rabble of empassioned men would listen to her or not.

[Amber Kynterle]

Amber had pretty much decided that this was going to be a boring meeting. Important, no doubt, but quite boring. It wasn't that she liked fighting all that much, but at least she felt like she could make some sort of contribution during a fight. This... She hated sitting around feeling like background ornamentation.

But just when she thought she was about to die from the boredom, she jumped in surprise. Someone had just whispered in her ear. But when she glanced over her shoulder to see who it was, no one was there. She glanced all around herself quickly. No one was close enough to have whispered that softly to her. But there was no denying what she had heard. And she thought the voice had sounded familiar.

She glanced to Milkhaire, then to Gavin. Should she tell him? But then she saw Syrawenn step forward. There was no way to hear what the girl was whispering to the big man, but Amber knew her well enough to tell that she was a little upset over something. Given the timing, she must have heard it, too.

So she stayed back for now, although she took more interest in her surroundings, watching everyone carefully. And when the Clansmen started getting a little agitated, she carefully reached down to make sure her knives were still securely in place. She really hoped it wouldn't come down to a fight, right here and now at this meeting.

But, at least, it would make for an interesting night...

[Syrawenn]

The girl's mouth went dry. He had heard it too! It was not her imagination, which meant she had to do something with it. And since no one else appearantly did, she'd have to give it her best shot and possibly get kicked in the process.

Hah, who cares. Used to kickin. Let em murder each other if they don't believe me. I don't care.

Except she did.
Ever since her promise to the sturdy but vulnerable Koreyman the youngster felt a strange kind of passion for the place she had landed herself in. Ever since those idiots had torn down the stones she had wished to find a way to get em back up again.

And now others agreed.
It'd better be enough.

The woman with the duke spoke up. It sounded like she was the negotiator this evening. Too bad she sounded like she felt completely superior to the clans. That was not gonna be taken nicely. Or maybe the clans would go for it. Syra had been wrong many a time in the past when it came to these people.

"Ah crap..." She mumbled and put her hands on her hips after taking another step forward.

"Okay...my turn." Syrawenn scraped her throat and put some more force into her voice. "My turn. I ain't no clansperson. I ain't no dukes person either. I'm Syra. Kinda got caught in the middle here cause of a promise an some weirdness happening. Don't matter."

She looked from the one camp to the other, hoping they'd allow her to speak up. Lifting her chin in defiance she straightened her back and took up the one con she was good at: pretending she knew what she was doing.

"I get it. Ya want yer lives back. An mister duke don't really know right now what to do. Bad stuff happened on both sides. Everyone got hurt. Guess what: it ain't done yet. Of course ya fight for what ya believe in. Now I got somethin for you to believe in...to fight for. Those that care for their land instead of personal gain."

Give them something to believe...

There was an urge to let a silence fall there, but chances were way too big that people were going to interrupt. Quickly she continued, pacing around. "I'm talking about THIS!" She stomped on the floor with one foot. "Very sorry to hear that there's so much anger goin on against each other while the third party runs off with the bone, laughing his ass off!"

More fire sparked in her voice. "Dominicus' men have TORN down yer stones! The stones that keep the land alive! They BROKE what ya believe in an now yer fighting each other instead of fightin for yer land! Come on, guys and gals, they TOOK down the stones an they gotta be erected again. We gotta do this. The Koreymen asked for it. Everyone knows it. If we don't, Islay is goners. We can't just let it slide an sit here talkin about who gets which rights...."

Give them something to believe...

Syrawenn clenched her fists and hit the earth. "Fight for what ya believe in! I hear ya! Let's GET those stones back on their feet or this whole discussion is MOOT!"

She could probably go on and on and on, passion flaring up in her eyes for a country where she had not even been born. Yet the girl realized that too much talk would just make them forget what she'd said. She got up on her feet again and spread her arms, looking around the circle of gathered people, eyebrows raised before she turned back to her spot in the crowd. The girl took slow, deliberate steps, keeping her head up high for everyone to see.

Meanwhile her knees were buckling, her hands trembling. She was no public speaker, but perhaps the rioteer in her had managed to spark something in them.

They gotta. They gotta know. Why ain't Milkey sayin it? Ain't they listenin? They gotta or we got a problem! Need the damn stones....an since when did I become a freedomfighter? Sheesh.
Come on guys...show me what yer made of...

Once back with the others, Syrawenn folded her arms and waited.

[Mairi Armstrong]

Mairi was slightly confused about what this woman was doing here if she wasn't even from Dort, and the last thing she wanted was a load of mumbo jumbo superstitious talk. However there was a message to be salvaged from what had been said.

"Stones?" she replied to Syra's speech. "Let's not give in to superstition here. But the lady has a point - the Oneists have caused us enormous harm. Our land was invaded, and what's to say they won't do it again? That's why we need to stick together, Dort united under one banner - we can protect each other."

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

Gwayne's eyes seemed to focus on something invisible, something inside Syrawenn, Amber, Gavin and Mairi.... he had a feeling it was lacking inside the Count.

The young and strange adhiel had a feeling that things would change when the voice struck him.

The Stones. The Stones need to be resurrected or the whole island will die..

"I know..." the young man answered returning to the world of the visible. Listening to the words of the clans and the others like they where whispers in the wind... except for Syrawenn.. who's words rang true and clear, filled with anger and frustration as always. It made him almost smile.

She knows the thought called him back to the moment the stones died and it brought almost tears to his eyes.

We need the korey man....

But words had to be spoken and although Syrawenn had done it he had to add something. So he young man moved forward, his voice was strong and strangely there was a sad quality to it, like he was talking to children and they where doing something bad, and he was disappointed..

"Independence ...... yes..... but the children need food. Much has been destroyed and warriors standing in fields threatening each other only eat food, they don't produce it. I would prefer lower taxes and better cooperation over full independence. We are masters over our own destiny anyway. Titles have never ruled the highlands, but blood has been spilled to many times. This is not a time to give the Goddess more blood of her children flowing over her damaged body. Its time to stand together and heal her wounds. Bickering over titles and Independence can be done when all are save..."

Gwayne sighed when he took out the sacrificial knife and made a small cut in his left hand. The pain was there as always while blood dripped on the mothers body, creating small red pearls on the grass.

"I am a mercy bringer of the Goddess, and my priority is her will, the freedom and safety of my people..... if there are people here who think that their own pity full ambitions go for that please come to me and I shall grand you the Goddess mercy as a betrayer of children, a murderer of women and a fool before the Goddess herself..."

His eyes lingered once again searching for those things that cannot be seen, only be felt.

"The Goddess asks us to heal....."

Then he turned.... he just hoped that he did not have to go alone.... well Syrawenn would come so he moved aside to her... Always a pleasend place to stay, Even in changing times..

[Mairi Armstrong]

Mairi watched as another began to speak.

I would prefer lower taxes and better cooperation over full independence. We are masters over our own destiny anyway

Now, that was something she could use. Someonewas talking some sense.

Bickering over titles and Independence can be done when all are save..

She was about to speak up in agreement (although of course it would be better if the bickering were to be delayed permanently). But then the man cut open his hand. Mairi sighed - another religious nut.

"Well, sir, if the Goddess wants us to put aside our differences we must obey," she said, her voice betraying her lack of belief. But perhaps the religious tactic would be effective.

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

Gwayne focussed his eyes on Mairi Armstrong and said "Leaders should have their first responsibility towards those who follow them. Making sure that their actions are for the better."

Then he smiled, he had heard the lack of spirit in the words of the lady. "The Goddess does not decide for mortals, she just gives us options. If these guys want to be so stupid to make their ideals rule over necessity, then I challenge them to show their stupidity. Maybe they use their heads for once in stead of their hearts."

Gwayne sighed, the Goddess wills.

[Tristam]

All of this talk of compromise did not sit well with the clansmen. Even with the might of the Sunfire Brigade around him, it was clear some were ready to take their independence right here and now. The rest grumbled as the usual crumbs were offered. "A full belly today and a slave's yoke tomorrow is no fair bargain!" cried one of them.

The talk of the stones brought a different kind of muttering from the crowd. They were confused. Why would these outsiders care about the stone and how could this possibly be more important than the freedom of the clans? The invocation of the Mother and the ritual cut caused them to wonder even further.

"It is not stupidity to demand what is ours by right," Milkhaire's interpreter called back at Gavin. "and a cut in your hand does not mean you know the Mother's will better than our leader." Milkhaire stared daggers at his interpreter.

"Nor does the Mother's will mean much on her daughter's isle!" The Duke called back and the muttering again turned dark and dangerous. The Count stepped forward raised between them. "Still there is a place to start. Pecunia is no rebellious and wayward daughter. Let us help you with these stones of yours. A gesture from the daughter to the mother in the interest of peace."

[Gavin Tylvan]

There was a long, audible sigh from Gavin as all the words being said fell on deaf ears, the whole situation stirring back a memory of a similar gathering a couple of months ago. Only this time, he did not intend to back off so easily, nor to let them argue before trying to poke their conscience somewhat. Even though he doubted it would work. So, before anyone else could get their chance to speak, the big warrior stepped forward and let his voice boom over the field. "This reminds me of a similar situation three months back. Only then I spoke on behalf of the Count, whereas now he is here in person so I have no need to do so."

He turned towards Duncan and smiled sadly. "It was you Duncan that chided me for my actions on the way to the Clan council. Your words made me think that perhaps I have been doing something wrong and that I should have focused on the peace much, much more. But, you... All of you just made me realize that you have been wrong, Duncan. Goals and missions and dreams are never more important than people. Sure. You'll call me a dreamer and idealist now. I do not care." He turned towards the gathered Clansmen, knowing they will not listen in their current state, but the words needed to be said before he made that final gesture that might awaken them all. "You want independence, even though you know nothing is free in life. Are you willing to pay the price you will pay for it, when you can bargain and pay far less, even though you will probably not get all you ask for? Every goal can be achieved through different means. Every person can be hurt in many different ways."

His head turned, followed by his body, Gavin's eyes passing over the Count and Duke, to rest on Mairi. "No man is more important than the other. They may have an important position. They may be more capable than the other, but they are all persons down there. But, that is not what matters. What does matter is that no person is all knowing. Your vision of the world may be tainted, even though you do not know it. And when someone provides a different outlook you will think his view tainted, because it is not like yours. What if she is right too? What if both views are correct, but in their limited state are simply not perfect. Can you be so arrogant or so sure of yourself to say that only your view is correct. That what others see as important is inconsequential only because you see it as such?"

His shoulders slumped a little bit as he turned towards the Duke, knowing too his next words will probably make what he just said seem hollow, but only knowing that it would make what came after it far more shocking. "He made the first step. Offered his hand to you." He spoke of Duke and his hand waved towards the man. "It is not what you wanted, but he made that first step. The Duke is willing to talk, to solve this with you. But, you have to give him your hand too, or he will change his mind and be fully justified in doing so."

There was a flicker of a pause and then he simply broke off and came to Milkhaire, stopping before the shaman and smiling at the strange man. "Come, Milkhaire. Since they won't listen to either of us, let us go and leave them to continue their argument. I heard you and I want to hear more. Their goals and ours do not match and since they obviously keep hearing us wrong then it is best if we do not distract them." Hand motioned towards the side, as he glanced behind him to where Syrawenn, Gwayne and Amber stood. "You three coming?"

[Syrawenn]

Despite her very first more or less comprehensible speech in all of her life the girl felt elated at Gavin's words. Despite the tense atmosphere and the unnecessary stand-off the girl felt victorious.

For Milkhaire's response was everything she needed. The man was being misrepresented and for some reason his own people would not see it. They were too obsessed with whatever they saw as 'winning' that they'd rather throw away their future than perhaps step forward and accept help.

Milkey knows. He knows an they don't wanna listen. Way to go, Gavin!

The grin grew into a wide smile as the bearded man extended his invitation to the only people that mattered to Syrawenn right now. If Milkey was going to come with them, they might actually do something good instead of standing here trying to prevent something no one wanted prevented. If he'd come, they might stand a chance.

If he comes, maybe we can save the rest of the Koreymen. He has to believe me. I know he knows the stories. He has to if he's the smartyman of the pack.

"Nether yeah, I'm comin!" The girl responded, gesturing to Milkhaire. "I heard him loud an clear! Let's move an do somethin useful!"