The Awen Moot

[get_off_my_lawn]

Who: Taryn Shadow-Walker, any members of Awen and visiting fellows
What: The Moot aka Awen Court
When: Backdated to the night of June 27th because I suck (half moon)
Where: Alilany
Warnings: there will be some combat and bloodshed

Notes: Here is a reference for how Moots are done in the Werewolf: the Apocalypse canon that Taryn is based off of. There are some differences, like being held on the half moon instead of full moon and the structure is a lot looser. Anyone that ICly looked into what a 'moot' is will find some very old tales mentioning wolf 'beastmen' and how they would gather every month to reaffirm themselves. And that's about it.


Alilany was always a rustic, peaceful city in Lerrian, full of beastmen, fae and some humans. Very tribal with little technology, more magic, and sense of home to any that were able to relax in the forests that surrounded the capital of Awen. Even the Warders, the special beastmen guard the capital were rarely seen, blending into the environment easily. But with the Moot, it was different.

Now, the spiritual center that Alilany was became more pronounced as the shamans went about cleansing the city and preparing it, as if the receive Gaia herself. Who knew, perhaps Mother Earth would grace the Moot with her presence. Earthy music filtered through the air - drums and pipes, but mostly drums - and the large clearing in the center of the city was ready for those who wished to participate in the Moot - be it spiritual communication, airing of grievances, petitions to the Ar-Righ, or simply the Revel at the end. The Warders were far more visible, meeting and greeting any foreign dignitaries that chose to attend. Weaponry was allowed at the Moot, for only a fool would draw their weapon at a Moot outside of formal challenge, so there was no need to ban them. Awen was, after all, a strong nation if small.

There was no throne in the clearing for the Ar-Righ to sit upon. No, that wasn't how Taryn or her lineage did things. Instead, there was a large boulder containing some of the gemstones from Arird to the southern end of the clearing, big enough to serve a similar function as a throne, with torches on either side and trophies from the battle with the Raiders on display. In the very center of the clearing was an impressive bonfire, easily controlled by the shamans nearby. Musicians to one side, others were seated on the ground or standing around and there was no specific place for the foreign dignitaries. If they were expecting special seating, they wouldn't find any favor, though if they moved to position themselves close to the rock, Taryn would have room made for them.

With a loud howl that carried and echoed off the trees, Taryn called the Moot with the ceremonial tribute. Beastmen of all sorts raised their voices to join her, howling, growling, warbling and even some of the humans mimicked the wolf's howl. The drums and other music faded so all that could be heard was the beautiful chorus of the people of Awen calling out to the land. After a few seconds, the Opening Howl ended and there was silence save for the crackling of the bonfire and any quiet muttering from those visiting that didn't know what to expect.

Comments

[get_off_my_lawn]

Taryn's eyes narrow slightly when Garviel first steps forward, but only because of the rage words from another stirred not too long before the Moot. But she maintained her calm and listened.

"For what reason other than a shared border do you wish such?"

[greyerrant]

"Several reasons: My Empress, Nero Augustus Germanicus, had good relations with the Beastmen previously. I would not wish to turn my back on her will in this matter. The second is shared blood. I remember well that your beastmen stood with us when I brought what blades of Rome I could against Avshar, and I sent warriors and suboordinated myself to your command during the recent rout of the Raiders. We are different in how we fight, certainly, but I would prefer to fight by the side of Awen's brave warriors against the storms that are breaking in Dagaria, rather than stand by and let them fight alone, or worse, to be pitted against them." Garviel pauses a moment, his tone fairly even, though there is an undertone of tension in it. When he speaks of being pitted against Awen, even in theory, there is a sense of great regret in his voice, the very idea almost anathema to him. After the pause, he continues,

"There are also mercantile considerations as well. An open and friendly border benefits us both with safe trade routes, and there are many that would welcome what Awen can provide in Rome, and it is my hope that perhaps the citizens of Awen would welcome Roman goods as well."

Another brief pause.

"Cultural exchange would also be a welcome byproduct of such an alliance. Rome has much to learn from you all about.... nature and the world that surrounds them, as concerned as we are with building cities and researching the crystals. And in return, the university of Onylith offers much in way of knowledge about the crystals, and other matters of research various and sundry. It is the center of a research project to defeat the plague that has beset us all, even now, and we would welcome any who wished to contribute from your lands. We'll share the results of what we find regardless of the decision made today, for such research is done for the good of all, but this is simply an example of the sort of valuable information and culture we are willing to share with you."

He finishes with this, "The last reason is personal. I believe I can trust you. We rarely agree, and often anger each other, but in the end, you are a being of blood and honor. I can deal with such." Far more easily than he can deal with Aznable, Mitsunari, or the damnable Fuhrer, he thinks to himself.

At the end of this, Garviel goes very silent. Outside of inspiring his men in battle, or making a plea to the noble heart of a fellow warrior, he rarely likes to speak this much. Better to contemplate for a long time, and do what must be done when the time comes. The moment clearly weighs on him, his light skin growing a bit paler as he talks, though his grey eyes show little, either in warmth, or anger.

[get_off_my_lawn]

All points were good points. Her concern regarding Rome after Nero left was the strength of that kingdom. She'd been watching it. If there was weakness there, right at her border, Taryn would have approached this differently.

But there was more going on than just her own rage. And his rage. She could smell it on him.

"As I think over the state of Dagaria and the situation we all find ourselves in, I recognize the wisdom in such an alliance. I am inclined to agree to it, but I have two questions for you before I make a final decision," she said, her eyes never leaving Garviel's.

"First, why do you call yourself 'dictator'? And secondly, our lands honor different gods - gods that are at odds with one another - and you and I serve similar purposes to our god. Would this alliance hold any weight when you speak with your god?"

[greyerrant]

Garviel nods his head a fraction, not breaking eye contact, but acknowledging her questions as good ones. He inhales, taking a moment to muster up his self-control and his thoughts as best he can.

"I call myself dictator because I will never presume to call myself an Emperor. I am not of noble blood, nor was I designated a Princeps, or Imperator by the Senate. I was designated by Nero herself in extremis, and found the title of a man given sole power during an emergency... for a limited time period. I have no desire for dynastic rule, simply to safeguard Rome. Thus, I went to the old codexes, and found a title I could bear, without making myself into a pretender."

He pauses. The implication being clear enough. Garviel sees himself as a protector of Rome, a ruler for a time. Therefore.... at some point he will be choosing a successor. Whether that complicates or simplifies things for Taryn and Awen is up to her.

"I am not a man of personal religion, though I honor and acknowledge it as part of Dagaria." It seems to have been like eating nails for Garviel to say that sentence, bitterness and anger roiling off him in nigh-visible waves. "I do, however, have an allegiance to the Master of Mankind, as he was once known. But he trusts my judgement, and will allow me to rule Rome as I wish. Humanity would not be benefitted by a war between Rome and Awen, nor would... Nature." He ventures a guess that she reveres Viridi in some manner, though she calls it Gaia, and that thoroughly confuses him.

"If you speak of Viridi, I have.... had words with her. I will admit I often disagree with her dictates, and her demands, but we are able to at least speak with one another. You will note Rome does not ravage the world in the way that Amestris does, and what industry we have tends to be magical, rather than overtly destructive. We're a nation of scholar, warriors, and stone-masons, rather than the great forges and mills that cast a pall to the south of us both."

He frowns, obviously trying to balance his words. "We both have our allegiances to our masters. I would say that cooperation, rather than blades and claws to the throat, will serve us both. This continent, indeed, this world, sees enough of war and corruption from the Rift. For that is anathema to us all. We are but servants, though. You cannot disobey your lord, and cast aside your honor any more than I could. I think it is incumbent on us as rulers to find a way to stand back to back with honor, and convince our lords this is the best route by example, rather than argument."

[get_off_my_lawn]

Taryn hadn't been able to figure out why Garviel had called himself dictator. Being Amerstris-born, the title had reminded her too much of the Fuhrer and the kind of government she hated. But given Rome's culture, she was accepting of his reasoning, coming to understand the term better. And she nodded.

But the matter of the gods was a different one. She didn't agree with his view, nor did she like how hypocritical he was being. Angry about there being gods, considering himself secular, and yet a god's chosen warrior. She bristles a little, but controls her rage far better than he was.

"Gaia is not my master, Cerberus. She is my mother - spiritually speaking - and not my master. And like all children when it comes to their parents, I don't always agree with her." More specifically, her methods, but so far she hasn't had to speak up. Some humans need to be culled. "It would be best if you remembered that."

[greyerrant]

For a moment, something almost like shame can be smelled from Garviel. It would seem he is aware of his own seeming hypocrisy, and it eats at him.

"I see. Well... I can understand the idea of a spiritual parent myself." After all, what else was the Emperor to the Astartes if not their Grandfather. He nods to her comment about the nature of her relationships with and disagreements with Gaia. "I shall keep it in mind at all times."

He'll let Taryn direct the flow of the conversation now. He has made his request, he won't come to her home and be demanding and proud. His own appearance has made her hackles rise enough, he can already see.

[get_off_my_lawn]

"Then with that kept in mine, in the interests of our respective lands, I agree to an alliance between Awen and Rome as long as it continues to be beneficial."

Taryn rose from her rock and walked down to Garviel, holding out her hand to shake on it.

[greyerrant]

He shakes her hand, and some part of him wishes he could smile. Another part of him just feels very, very tired.

"You have the thanks of Rome, and my thanks as well. It shall be written down by the scribes, and proclaimed openly at Summer Court. I have a great deal of announcements to make there, related to the future of Rome."

And then he does smile, just a bit. There's something amused about it, not amused at Taryn, but amused at something else he's planning to do.... something that'll stick in the craw of the rebellious Patricians.

[get_off_my_lawn]

"My stormcrow will meet with your magistrates and work out something regarding trade in the coming weeks."

Taryn then dropped her voice so it wouldn't carry between them. "And you need to learn to control your rage and watch how it is affecting your words. I almost came to take your head not too long ago because of the impression you left the King of Britain with regarding us. I am also a being of rage. There are times when it is best not to speak until you have let the rage out. Just think on that some time."

And then she stepped back, not giving Garviel a chance to respond. "During the Revel we will drink to Awen and Rome. Now, who else has something to bring to me?"

The Ar-Righ walked back to her rock.