High lord Fanduran - "let us move on to the next topic. Lord Kith'hon, I believe there was something you wished to discuss?"
Lord Kith'hon - "Thank you lord Fanduran. My lords and ladies, I am sure you have heard about the rumors regarding the earthquakes in the east. The druids have been blamed for causing the earthquakes, and while we have ignored those rumors so far, I am afraid that they are true..."
Several lords and ladies have begun to speak at once. They have sounded shocked and upset.
High lord Fanduran - "Order please! Lord Kith'hon, please continue"
Lord Kith'hon - "As I was saying, my liaison to the Hoth'huemo circle has reported that the leader of a group of druids sent on a mission to the east has gone rogue, and he has somehow caused the disaster. The implications of ..."
Lord Kurohan - "How did he do it? A single person doing so much damage?"
Lord Kith'hon - "The druids are refusing to provide details, however that does not matter. The implications are grave my lords and ladies. Druids everywhere are at risk.
I have heard of attacks against druids in the east, and some discontent has been reported even inside our borders. However, regardless of the specific details, it is the sacred duty of this council to protect the circle of Hoth'huemo. And I suggest we come up with a solution quickly"
High lord Fanduran - "Thank you lord Kith'hon. Any suggestions?"
Lady Namljoras - "If the instigator really was a rogue agent, why not just spread the word around? Make sure people don't blamed the druid order?"
Lord Adrhan - "You are assuming the masses will care about this distinction. They will be more than happy to vent their anger no matter what the exact details are. I say we create a militia whose sole purpose is the protection of the circle. Each of the territories will send some people to join this militia. They should be able to protect the druids from a couple of angry peasants"
Lord Kith'hon - "My lady and lord, I'm afraid it won't do. Spreading the truth will be ineffective, and a token militia will be insufficient. I'm afraid more than simple peasants are angry"
Lady Finurehir - "I think that any single suggestion might not be enough, and by the time we reconvene who knows what will happen. I suggest that Hoth'huemo will be separated from Vehn'garan and be made autonomous. With our protection of course. That will give you the ability to quickly respond and delay any attackers my lord, which will give the rest of us time to come to your aid"
An unintelligible commotion broke out.
High lord Fanduran - "Order please! Order! I, for one, believe that lady Finurehir's suggestion is a viable one. In fact, such a structural change might be necessary for an effective protection of the Hoth'huemo circle"
Lord Kith'hon - "In that case, I would like to ask for a vote on the matter"
Representative to lord Naethos - "My lord! I couldn't possibly vote on such a radical change. Lord Naethos would want to be here in person for this"
Lord Kith'hon - "It would be days before all absent lords would arrive here! Possibly weeks! I cannot wait this long. I call for an emergency vote then! More than half of the council is present. A unanimous decision amongst the lords and ladies here can settle it, one way or another"
High lord Fanduran - "I shall allow it. The matter is far too urgent to wait for so long. However, I believe we should have some time to think it through. Let's take an hour to discuss amongst ourselves and reconvene"
The council has been dismissed and then reconvened an hour later.
High lord Fanduran - " We've had an hour to discuss the matter, now let us vote. All those in favor of the separation of Hoth'huemo to a protected state?"
All the lords and ladies present have voted in favor of the motion.
High lord Fanduran - "Then it is decided. From this day on, the province of Hoth'huemo will be considered a separate state, under the protection of Vehn'garan. Let us discuss the details now..."
