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Post by Emperor Ire on Jul 8, 2011 1:32:27 GMT -5
"I'll make the arrangements for Morathi's transportation to see the Emperor. She turns around with a coy smile on her face as she shows off her devious side. "Do you think we should freeze her in carbonite for the trip?"
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 8, 2011 1:35:09 GMT -5
Before dawn the Clans were up and getting ready they had a mini-meeting about who would speak and represent all the Clans. Overwhelmingly the vote was for the Singing Mountain Clan to lead and Damaya was chosen to speak as a representative of the Singing Mountain Clan.
Several Clansmen and women keep a lookout for Takeda's arrival when they see him enter the building and they let the others know he is there. Then the Clans gather and enter the building a few moments later.
******
Meanwhile Morathi and her entourage travel toward Aurilia. She is still fuming at the summons. Though she has laid plans only time will tell if they will bear fruit or wither away never to come about. They will arrive long after the Clans have entered the building and the meeting starts.
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Post by Takeda on Jul 8, 2011 2:02:47 GMT -5
If her coyness in that comment got through to Takeda he does not let it show.
"That decision would have to be wholly yours, I would not presume to know the Emperor's will on that matter half as much as you. Though, there is the additional problem of finding a carbonite facility on Dathomir that it could be done at."
He looks up at the inner doors when he hears the commotion outside.
"I do believe our guests are here... "
He waits a moment for Cilla to compose and adjust herself and then gestures to the Stormtroopers at the inner doors to allow the Clan-leaders to enter.
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 9, 2011 0:59:37 GMT -5
When the doors open the Clan-leaders of various Clans of Dathomir enter Red HIlls, Dreaming River, Frenzied River, Misty Falls, Red Mud Potters, Blue Coral Divers, Scissorfists, Raining Leaves, Broken Columns and last but not least the largest Clan, Singing Mountain. There is a mixture of old and young, male and female though the female members are still predominate. The presence of male Council and Clan leaders shows that there have been changes in recent years to the Clans power structure. That the male Dathomiri, once considered slaves now have positions of both power and of voice. They are all dressed in their native armor and carry their traditional weapons but it is obvious the weapons are there only for display and not for use.
They file in and seat themselves with the members of the Singing Mountain Clan in the front row. Damaya, Augwynne Djo and a tall, handsome young man are the last to enter. Anyone who has seen them will know that the young man looks Hapan in orgins. Augwynne Djo seats herself but Damaya and the young man remain standing. They bow to Cilla and then more deeply to Takeda. Damaya then says as she rises from the last bow.
Lady Cilla, Lord Takeda. The Clans have come to as requested to hear what you have to say. In order to avoid confusion and long delays and debates the Clans have decided that the Singing Mountain Clan will speak for all the Clans and that we are to be their spokesmen. She indicates the young man beside her. This is Tasander Dest, Leader of the Broken Columns Clan. He will translate your words for those here that don't understand Basic. Is this acceptable to you both?
She then waits for their reply before continuing.
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Post by Emperor Ire on Jul 9, 2011 1:48:43 GMT -5
Pushing aside the urge to have Morathi frozen in carbonite, she composes herself just as the doors swing open to the members of the various clans of Dathomir filing into the room. Cilla notices the way the members of the Singing Mountain clan bow to her differently than they do to Takeda, as if they 'know' him, it appears in her haste to get the grime off her she missed something important. Perhaps Takeda has made some headway with the witches that she is not privy to. When Damaya addresses her, Cilla turns her attention to the witch.
"That is acceptable." Cilla says from her chair with a bow of the head in respect to Damaya, she looks around the room at the clan leaders in anticipation of the impending message she carries and what it means to this planet before she begins to speak, it is time to be diplomatic and fulfill her assignment on this world. Cilla stands up from her seat to address the council in attendance, she stands tall and proud, very Imperial looking. Leaders of the Clans of Dathomir, on behalf of Lord Ire, Emperor of the Reconstructed Galactic Empire, I wish to welcome you to the Dathomir Summit."
Cilla pauses for effect, a trick she uses when speaking publicly to elicit a cheer or jeer from the audience, before continuing. "This day, we here in this room have a chance to build a new future, a promising future, for Dathomir and its people. I wish to covey to you all that the Emperor is adamant about Dathomir's future and that everyone here be a key component of that future. Together, there is nothing we cant accomplish. Lets make the future bright for your world this day shall we?"
With her silence and smile well placed after her little speech, Cilla wishes to see how her words are received. Cilla watches the reactions of those in attenance and wonders what some reactions might be, whatever they are they must not phase her.
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Post by Takeda on Jul 9, 2011 2:00:36 GMT -5
As Damaya and then Cilla address each other and the crowd, Takeda sits quietly, watching the reactions of both from behind his mask. He too notes it is interesting the manner in which the Witches focused on him. He also pays very close attention to the clanleaders that had been pointed out, as well as the reactions of the general crowd to Cilla's speech.
As Cilla ends, he stays silent waiting for either of the women to speak next.
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 9, 2011 2:42:21 GMT -5
Damya nods. That is well, My Lady. Tasander also nods. They both step to one side so Cilla can be seen. They wait for Cilla to start her speech then Tasander begins his translation into the native tongue of the Clans. He has a rich, deep, melodious voice with a slight Hapian accent.
It is obvious from the way he smoothly intersperses his translation with her speech that he has done this before never stepping on or getting in the way of her speaking but being a seeming echo of her voice as he faithfully translates her words. He pauses when she does then resumes again with the next part of her speech after the reaction from the Clans subsides.
When she finishes he waits to see if there will be more said.
At her greeting there is a slight murmur amongst those gathered mostly from those who hadn't spoken with Takeda earlier. The feeling from them is more of curiosity than anything else. They wait for her to tell them why they are here before they voice an opinion. Most of them nod at her welcome.
The murmur this time is louder and more hopeful. Her words have certainly touched a chord they are cautious but hopeful.
Damaya looks at Augwynne and some of the other leaders and at their nods.
She says to Cilla.
What you say sounds good, Lady Cilla. We are always open to building a new and brighter future for our people and our world. But what is it exactly do you want from us? How may we accomplish that? What do you need for the Clans to do to make this happen?
She glances at Takeda as Tasander finishes his translation of what she said to Cilla. She senses a feeling of waiting from him and wonders when and if he will speak to them and what he will say.
******
Morathi and her group have just reached the outlying region surrounding Aurilia. They will arrive at the Guildhall shortly.
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Post by Emperor Ire on Jul 9, 2011 22:01:56 GMT -5
"It is not what I want from you Lady Damaya, it is the Emperor's wish that you and the other leaders be a part of the future." Cilla says in explanation as to who's motives are at work here. "To further answer your inquiries, I will let the Emperor speak on that matter.
From behind her back, Cilla produces a portable holo-projector which she places in the empty seat that would have been the Emperor's. She presses the activation plate and the projector produces a huge floating torso of Ire in all his shadowy glory, his eyes glowing in the darkness of his hooded cloak, His deep, almost beastly voice speaks clearly as the message Cilla was intended to bring begins playing. "Greetings clan leaders of Dathomir, I am Lord Ire, Emperor of the Reconstructed Galactic Empire, I thank you for gathering to discuss the future of your world. Let us say, that future is getting brighter by the passing moment. The Empire knows of the long list of mistreatments of Dathomir and its natives by the Empires of old. I know some of you may apprehension and doubts when I say this but I intend to prove that this Empire will never marginalize or mistreat you in the ways of old."
"Galactic records show Dathomir as no mere outpost or forgotten colony but an Imperial world, and as an Imperial world I will see the laws of the Empire enforced on this planet. I, Lord Ire, vows to you all, that as Imperial citizens, you have a place within this Empire. This day, the clan leaders in attendance will become the Planetary Governing Council of Dathomir. You will help the regional governor manage and maintain the well being of your world's inhabitants and regulate its functions. I have chosen you all for your forehand knowledge of your people and planet, together we will ensure Dathomir's future is promising."
The recording stops and shut off, Cilla sits and sees how the message is received before speaking any further,
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 10, 2011 0:12:55 GMT -5
Indeed? Then we would hear what Lord Ire wishes for the future of our people and of Dathomir. She then steps back when Cilla pulls out the portable holo-projector and sets it on the chair.
She then listens quietly as the holo-plays. Though it doesn't show on her face her initial reaction to the sight of the Emperor is an inward flinch as if she can sense his inner darkness. And his voice sends chills of foreboding down her spine. From the hiss of surprise that issues from across the room she is not the only one that feels it. But the clan leaders listen quietly as he speaks. With the only other voice being Tasander's as he translates the Emperor's words.
There is at first a stunned silence at the end of the message as the leaders look at each other not sure what to say.
Some of what he says has pleased them but other parts have left them feeling bewildered. Then an excited buzz begins as they all talk at once to each other discussing what they just heard.
Damaya glances at Augwynne Djo who shakes her head and then beckons to Damaya to come over to her. Damaya goes over and they have a short whipsered conversation under the buzz of excited conversation of the other Clan's leaders.
******
Morathi and her followers have now entered Aurilia proper and make their way toward the Guild Hall.
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Post by Takeda on Jul 10, 2011 1:29:47 GMT -5
As the image fades and Ire's message ends, Takeda gauges the reaction. Ire, true to form came across as the dark brooding Emperor far away, something they are all too familiar with.
As they murmur amongst themselves trying to determine what to make of this, for they have just received two very separate messages, though the words and effect are nearly the same, the style it is delivered is quite different. Cilla's words were toned to be inspiring and uplifting. It inspired a vision of a future to be hopeful in. Ire's in contrast, was flat- it was a statement more than a speech.
It is much as he had counted on, and these humans fears run deep. They are predators and prey the lot of them. Now to further jerk the rug out from under them, and put them into the proper arrangement.
Takeda rises from his chair, looking over to Cilla as he does, and guesturing for her to have a seat. Ire wove his usual spell of doom and gloom upon them, and this is the moment he has been waiting for. They are scared, the parts of them that are prey wish to run into the hills to hide, and the predators will return to being rebel scavengers to keep the whole of them alive. This is why all attempts to subjugate the witches have failed, they forget this split dynamic of them. These people are not warriors, they are hunters, keeping the clans alive by feeding them, but it is never a big enough meal for them to grow. But the gross mismanagement and isolation has given them a real hunt, one that can keep these clans emotionally fat for a century.
Takeda's armored fist drops once upon the arm of his chair to command their attention and silence them. It is time to let the hunters smell the blood.
"The clan-leaders in attendance, by Our understanding, have chosen the Clan-Mother of Singing Mountain to speak as your representative. If this is correct, We shall proceed...
It has come to Imperial attention the abuses and violations of Imperial Law. Investigations have now begun. Look around you, you will notice that not all of Dathomir's various clans are in attendance. For those not in attendance, provisions may be made... For those that are present, Imperial Pardon is granted by the Emperor's Grace fro past offences. Going forward, the unique aspects of some Dathomiri culture will be reviewed and provisions made so that your culture is preserved as well as the rights of all citizens.
Now to the second and immediate matter of this gathering. You are to compose a list of grievances and list the crimes committed by the clan that formerly held sway over this planet. It has come to be found that they acted with perception of Imperial Authority, and had you benefited under that system We would not be here now. By the words of the Emperor, you are now aware of your role in your futures, and your role in redressing the crimes of the past."
He resisted any temptation to speak dynamically, it was delivered in the same flat and slightly disturbing affect he had used since arriving. Following, he turns and motions to one of the servants waiting on the side to come forward, a data-tablet in hand, ready to notate the crimes listed against the Nightsisters.
After a further moment he turns back to the audience.
"This missive will be delivered into the Hand of the Emperor directly within the day, though redress for these grievances will begin immediately."
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 10, 2011 19:29:15 GMT -5
The excited buzz of talk is abruptly interupted by Takeda's sudden rise from his seat and his armored fist coming down on the arm of his chair. There is a moment of stunned silence following his actions.
The Clan leaders exchange startled, sheepish glances at each other at his words they have indeed promised to let the Singing Clan represent them. They glance at Clanmother Augwynne Djo for guidance who nods that they should listen to the rest of what he has to say. She makes a gesture for Takeda to please continue.
When he finishes. Some of them look puzzled at the mention of the clan that formerly held sway over Dathomir. They look at the Clanmother Djo and Damaya for guidance. She gestures for Damaya to answer Takeda.
Damaya bows deeply to the Clanmother then turn and bows just as deeply to Takeda before answering him.
Lord Takeda, it is a heavy repsonsibilty to decide the fate of one's people and one's world and those who will come in the future. May the Ancient Ones guide me in wisdom and in my words as I give you an answer for the Clans.
She pauses for a moment and bows her head as if consulting with the Ancient Ones. She takes a deep breath trying to calm herself through the Force before she speaks. She gets the reassurance from the Force as it flows around and through her and a calm settles over her as she chooses her next words with care letting the Force guide her.
We know nothing of Imperial Law but we certainly seen those who abuse the laws, ours and others. We have in the past been their victims. Causing the tearing of families and clans apart with their evil. You say that the Imperials are now here to correct those abuses and we believe you.
Before the meeting our priests and priestesses cast the spells of truthspeaking and we know you are speaking the truth as you believe it.
It is good to perserve the past but it also good to change when a better way presents itself. We have already taken steps to become a more civilized people or we would not be here now.
As we have told you before the old practice of slave taking and holding is no longer an accepted part of the Clans. Though some resisted at first they now see the wisdom of such changes.
She glances at the Raining Leaves Clan leader.
Unfortunately some was blood was shed and a Clan was nearly destroyed before it was given up altogether but through forgiveness and compassion of another Clan they have seen the error of their ways. She glances at Tasander then continues. Now we stand as equals within our Clans. Judged on merit not on one's gender in matters of ability or leadership.
You speak of Clans not in attendance the only ones we know of not here are those who the Nightsisters belong to and they are not true Clans but exiles and outcasts of the Clans. At the mention of the Nightsisters there is a hissing of displeasure from the other Clan-leaders. Damaya raises a hand to quiet them and then continues.
And you speak the forgiveness of past offenses that is good. We welcome those who have that understanding because sometimes the only way to learn is to do something wrong and be corrected and then do it the right way. Forgiveness brings about the chance for change.
Indeed if that were not so our Foremother Allya would have never come to Dathomir and there would not have been any Clans as we have them now.
The Jai exiled her in hopes that she would learn from her past errors and redeem herself.
Dathomir was not her world of birth but she took it to her heart and came to love it dearly. From her, we take our oldest laws.
One of them is to live in harmony with Dathomir itself and its creatures, not to take more from it than we need. To give back to it and nuture it wherever possible.
We were puzzled at first of who you meant by those who held sway over this planet. If you mean the Nightsister's Clan you have been deliberately misled, Lord Takeda. While they certainly tried in the past, they never have held authority over or have been recognized by the Clans as having such authority.
But the Nightsisters against our laws joined together and instead of giving up their evil tried to take over. And in doing so nearly caused the planet to be destroyed of all life by the Imperial Zsinj's nightcloak weapon. If it hadn't been for the Jai Master and his friends we would not be having this conversation because Dathomir would have been a solid block of ice with no life and of no use to anyone.
You ask for a list greiviances and of crimes for those who said they spoke for Dathomir but did not. We would gladly do so. If you could rid us of the Nightsister's Clan's evil you would do service to more than just Dathomir.
That is good and right, Lord Takeda.
In exchange, for that and in thanks for what you have done personally for our Clan. Our Leader wishes me to give you this as a gift and a show of goodwill by the Clans.
She pulls out a small holo-deed and presses a button. A holo of the planet Dathomir appears. She bows deeply and hands it to Takeda.
This was given to us by General Han Solo in exchange for our help in fixing his ship and saving his life. He gave us the deed and rights to the planet. And now the Imperials say they have those rights but we do not wish to cause a fight instead we give our rights to you and yours in trust and as a sign of our good faith.
She deeply bows again then steps to the side of her Clan-mother. There is dead silence when Tasander finishes his translation they now wait for his and Cilla's reactions.
*******
Outside can be heard the haughty voice of Morathi demanding to be allowed to enter.
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Post by Takeda on Jul 10, 2011 23:43:49 GMT -5
Takeda listens silently as Damaya, and then Tasander speak. He holds the device in his hand hefting it to feel it's weight.
As the silence, except for Morathi complaining at the edge of hearing continues for an awkward duration, Takeda finally speaks.
"It appears you do not have sufficient grievances then, for you have named none. So be it.
All the Clans of Dathomir represented. I do not see a representative of the Zabrak peoples, nor that of the Blue People. Until these people are represented, this council is not complete. This is one of the core problems of Dathomir, you judge by terms convenient to you and your people's outlook, this has no place within the Empire. All of the citizens have rights, your clans all claim title and privilege, but you are all descended from outcasts. This puts all of you as no better in judgement than the Nightsisters, nor Palpatine's Empire, learn from this day...
Jai Damaya, Tasander; please have a seat in silence while this next matter is addressed."
Takeda waits for them to sit, then takes his seat as well, hefting the deed in his hand and contemplating it for a moment while Morathi can be heard arguing in the hall still. As she launches into another rant and has a good steam behind it, he signals for the inner doors to be opened by the Stormtroopers. Revealing her and her group mid rant.
The servant at Takeda's side announces in a loud clear voice:
"Morathi the Nightsister, enter and pay homage to the Empire and the Council of Dathomir."
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 11, 2011 0:44:51 GMT -5
Only that they exist, Lord Takeda. That is grievance enough. They are the source of all our troubles and grievances for decades if we listed them all you would be here for months just recording them.
As to the Zabrak what there is of them which are not many. They are allied with Nightsisters if you can call slaves allies. Which most of them are.
At the mention of the Blue people she shakes her head. The Old ones would not come even if they were sent for. Because they no longer have interest in such things. Indeed they no longer have even recognizable speech. Their ancestors sacrificed their language, culture and even intelligence to protect this world from their enemies. We honor them for their sacrifice. But I doubt if they will come.
There is a hiss of outrage from the assembled Clan leaders when he says they are the same as the Nightsisters. Damaya make a gesture to silence them. If that is what you believe then you truly don't know us, My Lord. Do not judge us on what you have read of our history or what you have been told by outsiders. We have made changes and are still making them as we evolve and learn. What you say of the rights of all citizens is right and just. If we had thought otherwise we would not have come. She then sits down at his command. As you wish, Lord Takeda.
Morathi strides in anger is burning from her in waves. The Clans jump to their feet and makes hisses of outrages at her presence.
Kodashi viper! They hiss.
Vermin! She hisses back at them. Her eyes have turned red with darkside energy.
I will pay homage to the Empire but not this rabble. She hisses.
Damaya who along with most of the Singing Mountain Clan the only ones that have stayed seated. She shakes her head in disbelieve at Morathi's actions and thinks Is she really that stupid?
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Post by Takeda on Jul 11, 2011 1:12:20 GMT -5
As Morathi strides in and the place erupts in an uproar, Takeda motions to the guards to ease themselves and let the mob shout and hurl it's curses.
"Morathi of the Nightsisters, this 'rabble' as you refer to your fellow Dathomiri are the Empire... you will respect them as such. Remember that.
Which among your entourage here has been named your successor? Present them so they may be considered."
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 11, 2011 1:42:00 GMT -5
Morathi gives a hissing growl of anger but says between clenched teeth. Yes, My Lord. Her eyes are still glowing red.
She gestures for an older woman to join her. This Mother Mintinee she will lead my Clan in my absence.
She presents a feeble looking older woman. She is leaning on a wooden staff as she hobbles over. She nearly falls over when she bows to Takeda not being steady on her feet. In fact she looks like a strong breeze would blow her over or even a gentle one for that matter. My Lord. She croaks in hoarse voice then starts coughing. She covers her mouth and turns away. And feebly says. Excuse me, My Lord. My throat is dry and I need some water.
Morathi says slyly almost smug. Is this choice acceptable, My Lord?
The Witches of the Clans are still hissing at Morathi's rabble command and it won't take much for them to attack her.
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Post by Emperor Ire on Jul 11, 2011 20:10:26 GMT -5
SILENCE, ALL OF YOU! Cilla shouts in response to all the rabble, her diplomatic side taking a back seat for the moment, she will see order kept where. She looks around the room to see if she has their attention and then chooses her words carefully and puts emphasis where it needs to be. You men and women, witch and Nightsister, are to be the future of Dathomir, your peoples and the people of this planet will look to you for guidance once things start to take shape. Now is a time to set aside the past and look to the future, and to do that you all must play nice. Let me assure you all, the Emperor is fair and kind, above all else he wants your world to flourish, he sees this as his duty to make it so as Emperor. Anyone who jeopardizes that future stands against him and anyone in that position will not like where it takes them... I can promise that.
Turning to Morathi, Cilla smiles, a slightly condescending smile but a smile nonetheless, and speaks with a welcoming tone to the Nightsister. "Yes Morathi, your choice is acceptable, now please sit so we may further the discussions at hand."
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Post by Takeda on Jul 11, 2011 22:07:45 GMT -5
As Cilla commands silence of the hall, Takeda looks over the old woman carefully. He recalls carefully the notes, customs and records that have made it off world, as well as the accounts in the Imperial Files that were passed to him to be read back on Carratos.
Since it has been decided then, He no longer speaks to Morathi, directing his questions to Miniti.
"Nightsister Miniti, are all of your accompanying entorage heading to Carratos with Morathi then? My apologies, my grasp of your language and meanings is not always perfect, and I do not want any misunderstandings."
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 12, 2011 1:08:36 GMT -5
At Cilla's shout all jump in surprise but the Clan-leaders subside with a disgruntled murmur except for The Singing Mountain Clan which has been quiet all along and Morathi who also hasn't said anything. Mother Minitee nearly topples over from surprise but Morathi grabs her arm to steady her. Morathi lets go when Minitee is upright again. Are you alright, Mother? Minitee nods.
Morathi nods to Cilla but her mouth tightens in anger once again at being told to sit down but she does if somewhat huffily followed by all but two of the Nightsisters accompanying her the other two stay with Minitee. The Clan sisters lean away from her and those with her wanting to have nothing to do with her or them. She puts her nose in the air pointedly ignoring them as do those with her.
After a few moments of coughing Minitee answers Takeda's question after first saying. My apologies, My Lord. The ride here was dusty.
The correct term is Mother Minitee, My Lord. But the answer to your question is yes, these are those who will accompany Sister Morathi off-plant except for the two Nightsisters who are my aides. She gestures at two younger Nightsisters who are standing next to her. We will be staying.
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Post by Takeda on Jul 12, 2011 1:40:17 GMT -5
Takeda looks to the two individuals Minitee indicated.
"I see Nightsister Minitee... Bear with me a moment while I elaborate.
Clan leaders have always been chosen from among the strongest hunters, warriors, and adepts among the members of a Clan here on Dathomir. It is a practice well recorded, so well recorded it is even known off-world. The Nightsisters are no different in this tradition, even the Imperial Garrison has bothered to record some of the histories and the fights that sometimes occur when a new leader arises within a clan and challenges the old.
Of the Nightsisters here in this room that you yourself have indicated as being among those who will be staying, both are more fit as leaders than yourself Nightister Minitee, physically, mentally, and with force of power. I would be remiss to acknowledge you as the clan-leader of the Nightsisters, by your own traditions and temperament, I would be looking at your corpse within a week."
Takeda stands, conspicuously holding and rubbing the data-deed in between his index finger and thumb of his armored hand. He looks over to Morathi, briefly before turning towards the taller of the two Nighstisters Minitee indicated, and gesturing to her to approach him.
"Come...."
He gestures for her to present herself before him.
"What is it that your are called?"
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 12, 2011 2:04:09 GMT -5
Mother Minitee makes a gesture of acceptance and one for him to continue while she listens to what he has to say. What he says takes everyone by surprise again. Morathi visibly grinds her teeth at being outmanuvered yet again by Takeda. A male getting the better of her that really sticks in her craw. Minitee looks surprised and just stares at Takeda dumbfounded at this turn of events. Her aides exchange startled glances. But the taller one steps forward at his command at first glancing over to Morathi who makes an abrupt gesture for her to comply which she does.
She gives a brief bow and says. My name is Varr, My Lord.
Damaya hides a grin at this development and Morathi's obvious anger. Well done, she thinks.
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