The next morning, SJ got up early feeling very nervous about what was expected to be undertaken. The council meeting was set for 10:00, and her stomach was tied in knots. She had struggled to fall asleep the previous evening with the turmoil going through her mind. She had never even expected to be in this position, and initially, although astounded by the offer, it had not felt real. Now that it was about to happen, it was entirely different.
“How are you this morning?” Dave asked.
“Nervous,” SJ replied as she stood looking in her mirror, straightening her dress and fiddling with her choker.
“Why? You have nothing to be nervous about.”
“Nothing. Are you kidding me? They will vote today whether they want me as part of the council.”
“And?”
“And? What do you think? I never expected it to happen.”
“Meh. It doesn’t affect you either way. If they wish you to be part of it, all is well and good. If not, you just continue as a normal Legionnaire would, causing mayhem and chaos.”
SJ sighed, “A little moral support wouldn’t go amiss.”
“I do support you. If they don’t accept you as a member, they are making a stupid mistake, but that is what it is. You can’t change fate. Look at you. You got squished by a tree.”
“I am not sure I class it as fate.”
“What would you class it as then?”
“Judgement.”
“No one is judging you, though, are they?”
“Of course they are. They are voting whether or not they believe I am good enough to join the council, even as a non-voting member.”
“But it isn’t you, is it? The real you, I mean. It is only the persona you have shown so far.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Have you been truthful to yourself?”
“Yes,” SJ’s brow furrowed at his comment.
“Really truthful?”
“Yes. Always since I arrived.”
“Ok. Then they are judging you,” Dave replied cheerily.
“Urgh. How to calm a girl down.”
“Sorry. I was being agreeable.”
“Sometimes, it is much better to be less agreeable and more diplomatic in your replies.”
“I will consider that for next time. I am a little excited myself, though. The last time I had a Legionnaire in any position of authority was in a guild, and I have never been involved in a township or city before. It will open a new world of interesting things as time progresses.”
The realisation of what she was potentially getting involved with was not unknown to her, and she could feel panic rising in her chest as she stood there. “Why do I feel as though I need a drink?”
“I don’t know why, do you?” Dave replied.
“Again, not helpful.”
“Sorry. I just want to see you succeed and do what is best for you,” Dave said sincerely.
SJ paused, staring at herself in the mirror. Sometimes, she wished she could see Dave. Looking into her own eyes, she replied, “Thank you.”
Downstairs, the Inn had the usual morning crowd for breakfast. Since including mushrooms, it has become more popular, and SJ mentioned to Floretta that adding tomatoes and baked beans would be beneficial. Floretta had been completely thrown by the term baked beans, and SJ had had to have a long conversation about what they were. Floretta was unsure they had anything similar but said she would consider the additions. She liked the sound of adding fried tomatoes, though.
Sitting at a table after ordering breakfast, SJ was drinking a coffee when the Inn door came flying open. Everyone turned to stare at whoever had just entered. A cloaked figure came striding into the Inn. The cloak was pale purple, and the clothes the being wore looked pristine. The figure walked straight to the bar before removing his hood. SJ nearly fell out of her seat when she saw Nexis standing there.
“Good morning. Could I please have breakfast and a glass of honey wine?” he asked in his melodic voice.
The whole Inn stared at him, and Fhyliss, who was working behind the bar, stammered a reply: “O.o..of course.”
“Thank you. I will be sitting with the young Fae over there,” Nexis replied, turning and pointing to SJ.
If she hadn’t been flustered before, she was now, as Nexis, Fizzlewick, or Haber walked over and sat at the table with her. “Morning,” he said, smiling broadly.
SJ had frozen with a fork full of food halfway to her mouth, and snapping out of her trance, she quickly put it down. “Morning,” she replied, her eyes like saucers. “What are you doing here?” she whispered.
All the eyes in the Inn were still on her and the elf.
“I thought it best to be seen in town if I am meeting the Mayor soon. I didn’t want to be a stranger.”
“Did you listen into a conversation I had with Dave?” she questioned.
“Whatever would give you that idea?” he replied, grinning.
“I have the meeting this morning. So I am not available.”
“I am well aware. I thought I would just wish you good luck, that is all.”
“How can I explain that you arrived soon after discussing the issue? It takes days to reach Asterfal.”
“Here,” Nexis replied, placing his hand in his pocket and removing a small flat gem. It was opaque, and SJ frowned.
“What is that?”
“It’s a messenger stone. It allows parties who hold linked stones the ability to communicate.”
“Oh!” SJ exclaimed, shocked at the information and ability to communicate over a long distance. She had thought it must be possible, having experienced and listened to previous conversations in the Inn, but had never had any confirmation or considered it further, not having the need personally.
“How do I use it?”
“You can’t. It is fake but will give you the cover you need if anyone asks how I arrived in such a timely manner.”
“Thanks,” SJ replied, pocketing the small stone.
Fhyliss came rushing over, almost tripping as she delivered the plate of steaming food to him and carrying a large glass of honey wine.
“Here you go, sir,” she said.
“Please don’t call me, sir. My name is Nexis, and I am a friend of SJ’s. She has said very good things about you,” Nexis replied. The charm oozing off him was palpable, and SJ saw Fhyliss physically shudder.
SJ glanced around the room, and most eyes were still fixed, looking at Nexis.
“Thank you. That’s so kind of you, SJ,” Fhyliss said shyly, smiling at her.
“And what about your wonderful mother as well? Kerys, isn’t it?”
“Yes. She is sleeping now. She will be working this afternoon,” Fhyliss stammered.
“Excellent. While visiting town, I could also do with a room. Do you have any space currently?”
SJ knew that a wagon had arrived from Asterfal first thing, and several new patrons had arrived at the Inn.
“We have a room left, but it isn’t very special. It’s more of a store cupboard than a room.”
“As long as it has a bed where I can rest my head, that is all that matters.”
“Of course, I will get the key for you. Nexis, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, my dear, Nexis. Thank you,” he said, turning to look back at SJ. Fhyliss stumbled back away from the table. SJ, glancing, saw a female Dryad grab her arm as she went past, whispering to her.
News of his arrival was going to travel fast. Nexis removed a small, beautifully crafted knife from a sheath on his belt and began to eat the food. He picked up one of the plump, juicy, fried delicacies of a mushroom and placed it in his mouth. “Ummm. Delicious.”
SJ managed to close her mouth, which had hung open again and picked up her fork. After eating another couple of mouthfuls of food, she looked back over at the God. He was paying no attention to anything around him, focused purely on the plate of food in front of him.
“Did you have to make such a scene?” SJ whispered towards him.
“If I am going to play my part as an auction trader, then I have a part to play,” he replied, smiling.
“So, you have decided how you will do it?”
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Oh. Yes. I will explain the details fully when we meet with the Mayor, and I have had a chance to see into his eyes.”
SJ gulped at the thought of Nexis meeting the towering and imposing form of Zigferd.
“What about the shop?”
“It is in good hands, don’t worry,” he replied, smiling.
“But how when you are here?”
“I can multitask, you know.”
SJ knew she was in an alternate reality already, but it now seemed like she had entered an entirely new one. She sat in silence for the remainder of her breakfast. When she had finished, she asked for another coffee, which Fhyliss brought over, shaking still. She poured her a cup, nearly sloshing it everywhere. Nexis just sat and smiled at her.
“Please thank the cook for me. The food was delightful,” Nexis said.
“I will,” Fhyliss replied, her cheeks could not have been more flushed. "Oh, and here is the key to the room. It is at the top of the stairs, first door on the right. It is only small but has a bed, and it's clean.”
“Thank you again,” he said.
Fhyliss again turned and walked away.
“So, you are staying here?” SJ asked.
“No. Of course not. I stay home normally, but getting out and about and interacting occasionally is nice."
"Home? Where is that?"
"It's a long way from here. It doesn’t take more than an instant to travel, though. The benefits of my kind are that we are our own soul stones, so we can come and go as we please.”
“How many of you are there?”
“One, of course.”
“No, I mean variants of you.”
“Currently, just the two, you know.”
“Why, when Bob came, did you close the shop then?”
“Out of respect for Bob. I wished him to know he had my full attention when I spoke to him. He is a very dear friend.”
Baffled beyond belief, SJ drank her coffee. “I need to head off to the meeting,” she said, standing.
“No problem. I am going to hang around here for a while. May have a nap. I may have a walk around town. Haven’t quite decided yet. But I will have another honey wine. This is a very fine year.”
SJ stood shaking her head. Turning, she saw that many eyes were still transfixed on their table. “I will see you later then, Nexis,” she said at a normal volume.
“Indeed SJ. I will see you this afternoon. I hope it goes well.”
“Thanks,” she replied, walking from the Inn.
SJ walked down the street, lost for words or thoughts, for that matter. She realised she no longer felt nervous about the vote being due within the hour.
“Well, that was interesting,” Dave’s chipper voice said, bounding into her mind and disturbing her thoughtless thoughts.
“Confusing, perhaps.”
“I think it was very genuine of him. His roleplay is amazing. You must compliment him when you see him. He had Fhyliss eating out of his hand.”
“That wasn’t roleplay. I don’t know his Charisma level, but that is pure charm.”
“Still impressive to see. Especially how fickle people are.”
“Fickle?”
“Yes. Just because he is a good-looking elf in that form and plays a role doesn’t mean that he is a good person. People fall for those sorts of people all the time. It is a common misconception. Good looks do not mean someone is a good person. Otherwise, charlatans and charmers wouldn’t be a professional choice for some.”
“Very philosophical this morning, aren’t you?”
“I do try and keep my philosophical side open to development,” Dave replied.
His statement was true, though. His looks and charm meant nothing, especially since SJ knew it was an act by a God.
The chamber was packed when SJ arrived, she had never seen all the representatives in attendance before and on walking inside the room with its dark wooden beams and stately furnishings, which she had not taken into consideration previously, suddenly made SJ feel very small and insignificant. Apart from the council members, a human sat with parchment and quill.
“SJ welcome. Please come and take a seat,” Zigferd indicated to a chair next to his own at the head of the table.
SJ self-consciously walked around the table to where Zigferd stood. The other council members were all standing, waiting for the meeting to commence.
“Am I late?” SJ asked as she reached the table head.
“No. We had other matters to discuss prior to your attendance today,” Zigferd smiled. “Please, everyone, be seated.”
The group all began to sit and adjust themselves in their chairs. SJ had gone to sit, and Zigferd looked at her subtly, raising his eyebrows to signify she should remain standing. Once quiet settled in the chamber, Zigferd began.
“Dear all, I know we have already gone through the formalities of today’s meeting, and I thank you for your time and commitment to Killic." Several people, round the chamber, banged the table with their hands. “We now have a rather unique and important vote to be held. You are all aware of the reason for this vote and the related conditions in the information I gave you all prior to the meeting.
Today, as the residing Mayor of Killic, who has held office for 52 years, I am proposing that we amend our town charter. This will be the first amendment of its kind since the charter was written, and that is why today I invited scribe Artorian to attend to make and seal the changes if this is voted upon."
Several banged on the table again, and SJ could feel the sweat on her back from being in the spotlight.
“It is with great honour and the privilege that you have granted me as your Mayor that I propose the addition of the town council's first non-voting and Fae member. Since arriving in Killic, SJ has been one of the most impressive new starters we have ever known. Due to her selfless commitment and approach to the town and its people, along with her caring and supportive nature, she has changed the opinion of many with the unfortunate habits many of her kind portray.
Due to this, I would ask you to consider all the supporting information, and we will cast a vote. The vote will be a hidden ballot, so those who may have felt uncertain can vote accordingly without any due concern. I will now break the meeting for 15 minutes to allow votes to be cast. Please drop them in the chest on Artorian’s desk.”
Zigferd stood there, and silence remained for a few moments until chairs began to scrape, and several began to stand. Small groups broke off, and conversations broke out between the various race representatives around the room. “That’s it then. We just wait now,” Zigferd said, turning to SJ and smiling.
“I have never felt so nervous before,” SJ answered. She had met with several people in attendance over the past few days, and most of her meetings were amicable. Many kept turning and looking at her as she stood there awaiting the hangman’s noose.
A bugbear entered the chamber carrying a tray of drinks and walked over to SJ.
“Drink?” he asked,
“I would love a coffee if you had one?” SJ said.
“I can get you a coffee, yes,” the bugbear replied, smiling.
“Thank you,” SJ said.
A few minutes later, he returned carrying a pot and mug for her. She took it, taking a nervous gulp. Several had walked up and placed their cards in the chest, and as the fifteen minutes ticked along, more did so until it appeared that only a couple hadn’t.
“Time,” Zigferd called.
Once he did, the members retook their sets. “Please sit, SJ,” he said.
It was the first time she had sat since entering the room, and her legs felt like jelly. The relief was welcoming. Artorian, the scribe, began to open the chest and read through the inserted cards, creating piles in front of him. SJ watched the process with trepidation, and the air could have been cut with a knife, awaiting the count.
Artorian finished the count and then turned, nodding to Zigferd. SJ could feel a trickle of sweat on her back, and her palms felt clammy as she sat there nervously, clenching and unclenching her fists. Wiping her palms on her dress she tried to calm her nerves.
“Please, Artorian, if you would be so kind,” Zigferd indicated.
The scribe stood and walked to the far end of the table opposite where Zigferd and SJ sat.
Coughing, he cleared his throat. “The results of the vote are as follows. This was a two-stage vote as described in the context of the town manifest. Article one included a Fae on the council as a non-voting member. Those in favour 15, those against 8 abstained 2."
SJ felt her stomach lurch when she learned that eight had opposed the addition of a Fae to the council.
“Now to the second part of the vote. This is to decide whether SJ will be accepted as a non-voting town council member. The vote is unanimous, with 23 in favour; again, 2 abstained.”
Banging began on the table, and a few cheered for the vote's success. SJ sat in shock; they had just amended their long-standing town charter to include the addition of a Fae. The amazing fact was that 23 out of 25 had voted for her, irrespective of her being Fae, and two abstained, probably people she had never spoken to or met before.
Zigferd stood up, “Artorian. Thank you so much for your time. Please amend the town charter as soon as possible so all council members can sign. Also, can we please have the officiate seal for SJ as her representative on the council?”
“Of course, Mayor. I will have the amendment to the charter done momentarily. It can be signed before the meeting ends today. The same applies to SJ’s seal,” Artorian replied.
“SJ. Please stand,” Zigferd ushered towards her.
SJ stood nervously.
“Will you take the Oath of Killic and swear your allegiance?” Zigferd asked.
“I will.”
“Then please read the following,” Zigferd handed SJ a piece of parchment. Taking it, she unrolled the parchment and began to read.
“I, SJ, swear by the Gods that I will truly serve the town of Killic in the office of the council, and I will do right to all manner of people according to the laws and usages of this town, without fear or favour, affection or ill will.”
As SJ finished speaking, a bright blue light encased her, and then it dissipated again.
“SJ, would you like to say anything else?” Zigferd asked.
“I did not know I would need to,” SJ replied, turning to Zigferd. Looking back to the table, she addressed them. “Thank you all for your vote of confidence in my position on the council. I know I am a non-voting member, but I will do what I can through my actions to support the continuing growth and prosperity of Killic as we enter this new System age.”
“Hear, hear,” several cheered, banging the table again.
“Again, thank you, and I hope to get to know you all better soon.” SJ finished.
More cheers erupted, and SJ felt her cheeks redden under the intense scrutiny.
“Ok. We still have matters to address, covering the expansion of the borders. We will break for 10 minutes and then continue if that is okay with everyone?”
Again, the members stood and began to mingle. SJ was unsure what to do until several council members came up and started speaking to her directly. Many congratulated her. The largest shock was when Orik, the grumpy old dwarf, approached her. He stared at her with his usual criticising gaze. She shrunk away slightly until he threw his arms around her and gave her a hug. “Welcome to the council,” he said warmly. It was fleeting but the most heartfelt of any of the congratulations she was given.
The meeting soon got back underway again.