Entering the room in his full plate with a family crest, a helmet and cape, all polished or groomed to the point they shine. A classic look for an A’ymer dwarf. It is as if the massacres don’t occur from time to time, as if we don’t live in mountains out of fear, as if we can flaunt our dwarven status outside of the dwarven colonies without fear.
The harold screams “Representing the defense is Dwarf Har Javier Tov-zev, Representing the Alternation is Dwarf Har Menor Vaim-son.”
Javier, his original name was Heyver but he chose to change his name to a more human name. This is a plague to the dwarven people, losing our faith and assimilating with the humans. It got to the point where most Aymer dwarves change names and have the armor pieces of human culture as their “natural garment” which they wear at all places, other than the bath I hope. How pitiful of a dwarf to ruin his heritage.
“The subject of the court is the day of the land and it’s sanctity. In particular: musical instruments. First to speak will be Har Menor Vaim-son”
The Harold finishes his intro, and I rise to the stage to present the case. Normally A’ymer buy the peoples hearts with leniency but this time he wishes to change a rule so ingrained in our society that it’s almost laughable.
“Musicians are artists, music is their profession. But it is their profession not because of them, but because it’s a profession. It’s a job clearly. Sounds sweet to the ear are no doubt a natural phenomenon, like a voice a whistle, but musicians invest money time and effort to craft tools, they make money from the music they play and practicing is no less a job than any other.”
There we go, last time this issue was brought it was argued that it is not a job and therefore allowed. Let’s hear and see what better arguments did you come up with. I will certainly not lose on it this time.
“The beauty of music is in the ears of whoever hears the song. For examples what I might not consider music at all are the news that a demon harasses our colonies and that no one decided to band together… “
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How impolite, bringing such an terrifying subject to a conversation like this.
“…and that so many have died in it’s wake. On the other hand a beautiful melody might be the solution, words like ‘A group of human mercenary hunters are willing to help us for some gold and silver’ or for example…”
The noise in the room rises so to a point where it’s difficult to even listen, but Javier continues and raises his voice. No one is paying attention to the subject of music any longer. Even though I finished talking only moments ago it seems everyone had forgotten.
Everyone is enraged by Javier, not for going off topic but for the topic he delved into.
“Javier! Stop this at once, you are causing a scene” the judges implore. I stand there still unable to understand what is happening. “I will not! They need to hear this! How long have we spoken of things so mundane as music or fishing, cocking and cleaning, while our people looked to us for real help?”
The judges are at a loss for words for a moment “If you will not cease you will be thrown out.” But he continues and points at the far croud, a few clearly undwarven people stand.” These are mercenary hunters! They have the power to help our people yet you would reject them and let our families suffer?”
“Javier, stop this or you shall be expelled permanently!”
“I would even pay off my own pockets to do so, but you won’t let them in, you treat them as enemies when they just want to help, allow them to help us! Please!”
“Take him away” one of the judges say and half a dozen dwarves come on to the stage and forcibly pull him off while he continues he’s banter screaming to be heard with things like ‘negligence will kill us” and “humans are not enemies” until I finally stand alone and the judges declare:
“The dispute is settled, music is forbidden to be played on the day of the land.”
Even after the judges declared as such, and I leave the stage baffeled, the thought stores in the room. Echos disparaging Javier are still ringing all around but the outliers too saying things the like of “is he right?” And ” should we let them”
That fake dwarf Javier! Damn him. I feel cheated, this was supposed to be a normal argument. He desecrated the sanctity of tradition and sacrificed the dispute that was made for discussing holy business with this gruesome subject.
But with all that I can’t help but think I agree. I might be the one who agrees the most with him. Our people’s safety is not mentioned and the massacres are neglected, the dangers are immense and most people look away. I somehow have both more and less respect for him now. It is probably why I do not even bother finding him before I go to them “Hello, strangers, we will speak. Please, follow me.”
The group of human hunter mercenaries follow me. I will pick it up where you left it, Javier.