The Piazza

[blackscales]

The Honourable Wrathion
In Service of the Esteemed Macaluso Spina
Speaking Only Their Truth and Their Wisdom
Humbly Puts before the Piazza:


We have asked ourselves before what defines a ruler. We have asked why concerns were being brushed away. Taravast has long been known as a good and safe citadel. The sons of greatness, a mixed people who come together and make a place that is truly the envy of many. Where else could one see such incredible things? Only Taravast. Its citizens are proud.

Now, we see a dark truth.

Bonaccorso Spina has turned against the people.

First his nephew, imprisoned under false charges. Now the people plead with him and he calls them spoiled, shameless! For wanting homes repaired. For wanting safety, and food to eat. He sets the witches of Bessis to rain down fire on those who beg him for help.

Bonaccorso Spina may have once been a great man, but his own mortality has twisted him. A fear of death, of legacy. He cares not for you, not for Taravast, but for himself. What kind of man turns fire on his own citizens? Is this righteous?

You may believe this cannot be true. I wish I could say it was not so, that I had not seen so many lives wasted.

A child cannot be held responsible for the sins of their father.

Macaluso and Vannozza are as much victims of Bonaccorso Spina's crimes as we were. They have been imprisoned, threatened, used. Perhaps we should ask ourselves, what did Macaluso know that caused him to be locked away? Did he try to reason, to plead our case, to seek justice? What pain he must have gone through!

Honourable citizens of Taravast, we live in dark times -- but you are strong, and darkness helps us appreciate light all the more. Taravast will rebuild, and will see peace again. Yet for this to happen it must unite. Today, Taravast has reached a turning point in its history. It will meet the future head on, and build it brighter than ever. Take solace in this, and know that Don Macaluso will see Taravast strong once more.


May All Good People Hear, May All Good People Know!
May Fortune Ever Favour Taravast!

[ ooc; respond via network or piazza as you like, just let me know which as Wrathion is obviously... playing a role on piazza ]

Comments

network- [un: sprite bulb] text;

[bearshermark]

Well put.

How is he?

un: Black Prince; text

[blackscales]

How would you be?

[ Honestly, would any mortal be able to tolerate this without some degree of incident? Wrathion would be surprised if it were the case. ]

[bearshermark]

[That speech won points but the Incident is still fresh and so he doesn't appreciate the reminder at the present moment in way of answer]

Beaten and taking refuge in a different city as I recall.

[blackscales]

Then you understand the situation is precarious.

[ Wrathion can make a pretty set of words for the public, but it isn't a nice situation and he isn't going to pretend it is. ]

[bearshermark]

[Channeling Wangji vibes bc boy does he not appreciate this rn. Be proud not!dad]

I ask again. How is he?

I can heal.

[blackscales]

[ Oh we're worried he's injured, Wrathion wasn't even reading the question that way. ]

He's unharmed, I assure you.

[bearshermark]

[Well at least there's that]

Rattled then. But still strong enough to make a bid for the throne apparently?

[blackscales]

Yes, he's making plans. Time will tell if they are successful or not.

[bearshermark]

I appreciate your candor.

un: absterge

[downswing]

You campaign for them.

un: Black Prince; text

[blackscales]

That was my assigned role. Mostly, I wanted to be sure people knew who was setting their fellow citizens on fire. The flow of information can be troubled during a revolution. Plenty of those rebelling were convinced until they saw the flames that Bonaccorso Spina could be talked into reason. I am sure many who have not been on the front lines might still hold on to that belief.

[downswing]

You believe they may yet recover from this.

[blackscales]

The odds are against them, but it is not impossible.

[downswing]

I envy your hope.

[blackscales]

I've seen people triumph against odds I thought impossible before. However, their chances may greatly depend on how willing members of our party are to continue assisting -- and how quickly Taravast can adapt so it is not too reliant on that help. With its limited standing forces, it seems likely continued attacks could be a problem.

[downswing]

You fear the dead?

[blackscales]

I fear an army descending on a city with little to no defences.

[downswing]

You stand freshly arrived among us. Do you not?

[blackscales]

I do.

[ This is either going to be good news or bad news. Either 'oh we defeated armies regularly' or 'oh then you don't know just how bad it is'.

He somewhat dreads finding out which. ]

[downswing]

Well met.

[blackscales]

[ Well that isn't good news but it isn't a dire warning either. He'll take politeness over a dire warning. ]

And you. A shame it could not be under better circumstances.

[downswing]

Men land the strokes of their paintings.

network | un: lady mockingbird (private)

[notsansa]

[ He may or may not pick up that this is the same girl he met during another one of his attempts at moving the crowds, but she'll leave some crumbs if he does wish to make the connection. ]

I am impressed by your unyielding support for Lord Macaluso, though it was not so long ago I witnessed you speaking against Lady Vanozza as well. To accept that our understanding in the time was limited shows that you carry a wisdom few seem to possess, my lord.

Still, I am curious, and forgive me if I offend. Why risk yourself so? Why continue to take the platform for a people that we do not belong to?

un: Black Prince; text (Private)

[blackscales]

If fire is pouring onto the streets regardless, I would much rather have friends in high places. To be a supporter of none is to potentially be an enemy to all.

[notsansa]

When support is offered from the shadows, can one not pick and choose who is to be enemy? It is safer, in the least. Yet I suspect you still do not worry overmuch for your safety.

[blackscales]

If someone supported me only from the shadows, and another openly, I would consider the person who did so openly the truer friend. Would you not agree? Someone who only does so from the shadows has risked nothing for me, prioritising themselves first. It is sensible, of course, but also tells me they do not consider me worth the danger.

If Macaluso is not worth the danger to you, I understand, but if you never act in public that is noticeable too.

[notsansa]

Mayhap. But to recklessly endanger oneself does not always mean one is a truer friend. Not everybody has the power to take a stance and survive it, and a friend is of no use if they are soon dead. There is still danger amongst the shadows, but it is better controlled. Sometimes there is a comfort in knowing that one will continue to watch out for your needs without calling attention to a pedestal.

Some of us have little choice. We do not all know magic or swordplay. Had I more power...who is to know. I may one day speak as boldly as you, my lord. Perhaps I only envy you for your grand air, as I am simple and small.

[blackscales]

Not at all, you've now called me reckless. That speaks less of envy and more of judgement.

[notsansa]

I did not mean it so harshly. In truth, I have no position to pass judgment or cause such offense. Would you forgive me?

[blackscales]

And why would you desire the forgiveness of someone who you clearly consider a fool imminently about to be set upon by assassins?

[notsansa]

Now you are placing words upon my tongue that I have not uttered. I think you are no fool. I first spoke because I am indeed concerned, and from concern I surely overstepped. I can admit to my fault, but I beg you not to add to it.

[blackscales]

Do you not? So you think my actions wise?

[ Doubt.gif ]

[notsansa]

I think that I know too little of your intentions to say one way or another, and so I should not have even begun to try. There is much I must learn, and I am earnest in seeking your mercy.

[blackscales]

[ Ah. Now this is making him feel some uneasy, unpleasant feeling. He doesn't feel guilt particularly easily, but he remembers the way her hand had gripped at his in fear. Is she truly so afraid she'll go out of her way to keep anyone as a friend? He wouldn't have thought himself worth this level of... pleading. Dealing with mortals is such a messy business. They're so soft and weak.

Guilt is horrible. Feelings are horrible. Clearly a design flaw. ]

You require no mercy from me. I value honesty more than pleasantries.

[ He still thinks she's quite wrong, but she's not quite working with enough information to be right. That isn't her fault. ]

[notsansa]

I will strive to better balance honesty with courtesies in your presence, then. It is not an easy task for one as dim as I, but it would sadden me to lose the favor of your grand company.

[blackscales]

[ Dim?

Please. ]

I suspect dimness of the people this flattery works on, not of yourself.

[notsansa]

[ CALLED OUT. Again. Was that a compliment or an insult? Ah, courtly intrigue. ]

It is only flattery if it is untrue, my lord.

[blackscales]

[ Well, admittedly his company is quite grand. ]

I'd call it flattery if I suspected the words insincere. I don't believe you know me well enough to speak them fondly.

[notsansa]

Then you wound me. The words you so gracefully share with others belies that you are both firm in resolve and kind to the misfortunate. Is that not plentiful in revealing a nature that I can be fond of? In such uncertain times, friendship must be a fast thing, or it would be a very lonely place.

[blackscales]

[ He's not 100% sure if these words are a trap to make him either say he stands by it or say it's a role he's simply playing, one they both know he was assigned, but he's a suspicious enough creature to not believe it at first glance. ]

I can see you've had plenty of practice with this.

[notsansa]

You question my sincerity? Am I wrong in thinking you have the potential to be both fierce and kind?

[blackscales]

Am I wrong in thinking you hope me to confirm or deny how much of this I wrote from the hearts so you might further your efforts to assess my character?